Daza | ExpatWoman.com
 

Daza

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 14:32
I haven't been for years but Omaha Beach, about an hour north of Auckland is gorgeous. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omaha,_New_Zealand The Coromandel is a couple of hours drive from Auckland and has quite a few towns and resorts, some quieter than others depending on what you are looking for. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coromandel_Peninsula Over the Christmas period everything gets booked up early so I'd get booking if I were you!
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Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 14:23
Well said Meagle... Could'nt even bring myself to comment on the negative posts about it.. Some people have been 'Dubaied' and can't cope with anything less than a shiny mall with shiney toilets... with the sheer amount of people there, you can't expect it to be perfect. edited by roysie on 17/11/2012 Nothing to do with being 'Dubaied' for me. I couldn't stand dirty smelly tat filled markets long before moving here...
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 14:04
Hi Gorobattie Sorry you are going through this, it's not a nice feeling as I well know - we had a maid abscond a few years ago and it was awful. Don't wait any longer to call Immigration to report her, do it now. Once you have reported her as absconded it will be out of your hands and no longer your responsibility. I'm assuming our maid was not found or if she was we weren't told. Once we had reported it to Immigration we didn't hear from them again. Whilst it was a very big deal for us, they are used to dealing with it and it wasn't a big thing. They did ask us why our maid had her passport but we didn't get in any trouble and didn't get any fines - although losing the deposit was bad enough! I was really worried about our maid coming back too and didn't sleep easy for a few nights. She had left all of her things and whilst my first instinct was to throw it all out I didn't want her breaking in to my house to try and find everything so I packed it all up and dropped it at her friends house who lived a few streets away. Are you able to do that? Aside from that, all you can really do is change the locks.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 18:17
If it's just Immigration that you are worried about then it should be ok.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 18:12
I agree with bubbly, compromise is the way to go. If it's going out in the evening that's he's not keen on, just make it worth his while when you get home ;) .
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 18:05
Since it was your housekeeper who brought them in, could you send her back to Satwa with them to return? If they were in a secure box a taxi might not even notice....
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 13:12
It's worth a visit if you haven't been so you can at least make up your own mind about it. Personally, I can't stand it, it feels dirty and full of tat. I wouldn't eat any of the food there, yuck. But some people love it, you might too.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 13:07
Thanks Daza. Is your issue with eggs because of animal cruelty reasons or something else? I think if chickens are happy and wandering around and are not injected with things to make them lay more eggs, then i don't have a problem with them. And if there was milk here from happy cows then i'd prob drink that too. Issues with cheese are mainly around rennet and the same milk production... I do have issues with irresponsible farming practices and animal cruelty is among those issues. My husband and children eat everything and I only buy eggs/meat from from farms that have good levels of animal husbandry. Eggs I get from Greenheart, before they were producing eggs I got them from the Organic Shop. I don't eat them myself no matter how happy the chickens are, my reasons for being vegan aren't ethical, just the thought of eating flesh/ovaries is enough!
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Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 08:44
Hi BettysHotpot I'll bullet point! *I don't eat eggs. Yuck yuck yuck, the thought of eating eggs really grosses me out. *I do eat honey. It's the only non vegan thing I eat. I have no issue with the production of honey. *Most dried pasta has no egg in eat, I do eat this. I don't eat fresh pasta (which has egg) or any dried pasta which has egg. *There are cheese substitutes which you can buy at the Organic Shop. I find them minging and never eat them. The resemble cheese about as much as a brick does although some people must like it or there wouldn't be any. *I try not to eat too much soya because too. You can still get protein from plenty of other sources. The link I gave below will help. *I spend my life reading labels.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 21:00
Have you seen an obstetrician here yet jenskye? If you do require any emergency treatment and you are pregnant and unmarried, the hospital will have to report you to the police. I'm not trying to scary you but being pregnant and unmarried here is not a safe position to be in. I don't know your situation but I personally wouldn't risk it. Are you able to leave until you are married?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 19:14
Hi jenskye I've never heard of anyone being questioned at Immigration in your situation so as far as I'm aware you should be fine. Regarding the hospital, a friend here got married when she was five months pregnant. When she showed the marriage certificate to the hospital (you have to provide one to register) they noted that she was unmarried when she became pregnant and they reported it - they are legally obliged to do this. A few weeks later her husband had to appear before someone and say he was very sorry then it was over. It sounds like a big deal and they were a worried about it at the time but it really wasn't a big issue. Over with very quickly and no lasting problems. This was in 2006, not sure if anything has changed since then. Good luck with your wedding and your baby.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 09:01
Hi Hassli I did antenatal classes for my first baby and whilst I didn't learn anything new about the birth itself I did make a great group of friends. It was wonderful in those first scary months to have people around who were going through the same things. We spent a lot of time together and I would have been lost without them. We are now spread all over the world but I love hearing how their children are growing up. I also found it useful to do a hospital visit before the birth. It's just useful to know to the procedure, where to park, where to go, what you need to do on arrival etc. Easier to work it out beforehand than when you are in labour!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 08:40
I really really wouldn't recommend having a baby with no insurance here, you just never know what is going to happen. I had three complication free pregnancies and had no reason to think that my fourth would be any different. However, an accident in early pregnancy changed everything and the resulting complications have been very expensive. Luckily, our insurance has covered things so far and thankfully we are also covered for a premature birth which is more likely due to the complications. When things go wrong in pregnancy it's stressful enough without worrying about money on top of that.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 11:48
Thanks so much for the replies. Well there are few recipes that I have been wanting to make but they all ask for cake flour And unforuntely the substitutes so not work. :) Many thanks Really? I've done a LOT of baking, never used proper cake flour and they've all worked out good...
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 11:21
sadly, it is a common thing here. write to 7 days. maybe someone can help you there. Unfortunately it's not just here that it's common, people here can just be more honest about it.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 11:14
I'm sorry DB, that absolutely sucks. I don't have any advice sorry, just sympathy.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 11:06
I called Prime Gourmet once and they said they don't stock any organic meat. Free range and organic are not the same thing. I've never tried their meat so I'm not saying it's not good, I'm just saying it's not organic. <em>edited by Daza on 14/11/2012</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 18:24
The first appointment is with your gynae who will do a blood test to check your BhCG and confirm the pregnancy at around 5 - 6 weeks so calculate 10 months prior to that. I've never understood the need to do a blood test to confirm pregnancy, surely that is what a pregnancy test is for? A whole lot less invasive and cheaper...although that's probably the point, it's another Dubai money spinner. It's not done in standard pregnancies in either the UK or NZ.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 15:02
Hi pmd Yes, I'm vegan. I became vegetarian 25 years ago (when I was 10) and have been vegan on/off in that time, this time it's been over 10 years. I don't find it hard as the thought of eating animal products repulses me. I've got no problem cooking meat or anything else though, none of my children are vegetarian let alone vegan. Where I'm from the meat and dairy industries are huge too so I'm used to all sorts of comments from people. To be honest, I couldn't care less and don't see the point in trying to justify myself, I just tell people I don't like eating it. It's not for everyone but I find vegan eating really suits me and I never find myself short of delicious things to eat. Good luck!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 13:28
I absolutely love cooking Christmas dinner. I especially love all the Christmas baking and look forward to December when I'll be happily making lots of biscuits, pies and cakes.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 13:24
Spinneys sometimes stocks Rachel's Organic milk which is fresh. Milk freezes well so you can buy a few when they have it in stock. I've never heard of a local organic milk, I'd definitely buy it if it were available.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 12:10
I sometimes use egg replacer in baking. You don't always need it but it can give a better texture for some things. I get it at Le Marche in Arabian Ranches and the Organic Shop. The brand is Orgran. This is a fabulous website for vegan baking and other things: http://parsleysoup.co.uk/ For dairy free margarine, Nuttelex is available at Spinneys and is great as is Pure from Lulu. I'd advise that you buy soy/rice etc milks that are enriched with calcium etc. Also take a supplement with B12 in it or eat foods enriched with B12 - it's the only vitamin you can't get from food as a vegan. There is a gold mine of nutritional information about being a vegan here: http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 11:59
Airy Fairy is in the Ranches and does beautiful cakes and other treats: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airy-Fairy-Dubai/153527461423443?fref=ts
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 07:08
I get mine done at Desco. I've never gotten borders etc but I think they can do pretty much whatever you ask. It's about a tenth of the price of my local photo shop. http://www.descoonline.com/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 22:02
Hi Baslaefx1 I go to Dr Tazyeen Faisal, currently on my third pregnancy with her and I've always been happy with her care. My last two babies have been c-sections and this one will be too. She has clinics at Motor City and Jumeirah. http://www.drtazyeenobgyn.com/ I've only delivered at the American Hospital here (best for my insurance) and have never had to deal with the booking process as Dr Tazyeen does the booking. I think she does it around the 20 week mark although I could be wrong on that. My husband has stayed overnight, I think there might be an extra charge although it's a drop in the ocean compared to the overall cost! I don't think we've always been charged for it though. I've always had bubs in the room which on my last stay they encouraged although they do have a nursery if you want to send bubs off and get some rest. I'm sure if you look through some old threads you'll get some more views on hospitals and obstetricians. Lots of my friends have been happy with City Hospital although it's never been an option for me as it's only partial cover with my insurance and Dr Tazyeen doesn't deliver there. There are lots of factors that might influence your choice, where you live (I don't like driving for miles for appointments) and where your insurance covers (if you have insurance) are important. If you have a high risk pregnancy Latifa Hospital is the best equipped to deal with any issues. It's a government hospital but expats still pay. I hope some of that helps, good luck with the move.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 17:18
The Polo Club next to Arabian Ranches is doing Christmas dinners to pick up. They are also doing a Christmas Day Brunch. http://www.poloclubdubai.com/en/restaurant-specials/unwrap-the-very-best-festive-offers-this-year.html The Golf Club in the Ranches is also doing a Christmas Day Brunch. Their festive brunches are fabulous. And you could probably walk from Savannah. (ph) 04 366 3000 http://www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com/default.aspx <em>edited by Daza on 12/11/2012</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 17:13
For food delivery, the Organic Shop delivers. Alternatively, a lot of the hotels you can pre order a full cooked Christmas dinner which you pick up on the day. If you know what area you are going to be in maybe someone can advise any hotels that are doing it close to you. The link might help! http://organicfoodsandcafe.com/ <em>edited by Daza on 12/11/2012</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 17:07
Sandy Pants is fantastic. I've just gotten a delivery from them of Christmas presents and stocking fillers. www.sandypants.com
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 14:45
According to another website: Housing fees for expat tenants is calculated on 5% of the unit’s annual rent, while expat owners must pay 0.5% of the value of the property as determined by RERA’s (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) rental index. These amounts are divided by 12 months and each month invoiced in instalments. We own our house and I remember it being calculated on a % of the value of property. It used to be a percentage of the price you paid for it but was changed to reflect the current value a while back.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 09:57
Do I detect a slight note of sarcasm, here, Kakariki? ([b'>Your very name sounds rude in French, somehow[/b'>.) But it sounds beautiful in Maori!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 20:19
I always keep the dressing separate from the salad and put it all in an insulated bag with a cool pack.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 17:57
Lego used to be good, cheap fun ... what happened? I remember my parents complaining about the cost of lego 30 years ago! Even with the prices you pay here I still think it's worth it. Lasts forever and with the amount of use it gets in our house the cost per use ratio must be very very low.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 17:02
I'm sorry about your accident Bird and I'm glad the driver got punished. Back2Blonde, the paths in the Ranches aren't dedicated cycle paths hence there are also walkers/runners on them. If someone is going for a serious exercise/training ride then there is simply to much foot traffic on the paths to achieve this. Cyclists can't go too fast on the paths without risking hitting a pedestrian. So they are fine for casual slow biking and great for children but that's about it. For my own stance, I hate biking (hat hair, yuck) and find cyclists on the roads a pain in the butt and yet another hazard to watch out for. BUT, I do respect that they have as much right to be on the road as me in my car and treat them accordingly.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 14:40
I just use rice bubbles and melted dark chocolate. The hardest part is leaving them for the children....
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 14:03
My husband's suits fit well on the wooden hangers from Ikea.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 14:01
I went to a Diwali party at one of my husband's colleagues a couple of years ago and took a box of nice chocolates. I'd also say not to turn up on time. We did and found the hosts still getting organised and slightly flustered by our appearance. The rest of the guests started arriving about an hour later and I found out that it's not the done thing to arrive on time. Oops.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:53
Decathlon at Mirdiff City Center has a large bike section.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:51
I've got thick wavy hair and go to Juan in JLT. He's great, the first hairdresser I've been to that actually works with my hair rather than to just wants to thin it or layer it. http://www.juansalon.com/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:42
Hi anemon I'm in mid thirties and generally very fit and healthy but I was waking up in the mornings feeling creaky and old. I just put it down to getting older until my back froze one day when I was gardening and I hobbled to an osteopath. I was all out of line from an old injury that hadn't healed properly and from my hips being uneven after years carrying small children around. After four sessions with him a honestly felt like a new person, light on my feet and creak free, yay! I can't believe I left it so long to do something about it when it's made such a difference to me. I've maintained it by doing 10 minutes of yoga stretches morning and evening and getting a new mattress which suits me much better. <em>edited by Daza on 11/11/2012</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:32
Of course they are wide enough. If the road is wide enough for a car how can it not be wide enough for a bike?! Cars should give as wide a berth to bikes as they do cars. Cars do not own the roads despite what many think. Stop blaming the cyclists. If cars don't stop at junctions/roundabouts and LOOK before they fly out you could be wearing a neon pink outfit it won't make any difference. Im talking abut broad daylight!! I'm afraid cars and bikes do not coexist peacefully around the world. Look at Bradley Wiggins and his coach both in accidents last week. I didn't say they co-exist peacefully but they do co-exist. Cars and other cars don't manage to co-exist peacefully on the roads let alone cars and bikes. My point was that I disagree with the knee jerk reaction to an accident being that people should not cycle on the roads in the Ranches. What if a pedestrian gets hit, ban pedestrians? Or two cars have an accident, ban cars? When I was at school a friend was killed whilst out on his bike. It was his fault and a moment's inattention cost him his life. It was a tragic, tragic accident but no one, not even the driver who hit him suggested for a moment that bikes should be banned from the roads. As unfortunate as they are, accidents are going to happen and the answer is not banning anything.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:10
We stayed at the Swissotel Clarke Quay a couple of years ago and it was perfect with young children. Not sure on their room policy as we booked an adjoining room for the children but you could check. http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-merchant-court/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:03
We own our home here, I hated going back to renting when we moved here and am much happier in our own home. I really disliked being at the mercy of a landlord and not wanting to waste money on making changes around the house. I just feel much more settled in our own home. In saying that, I do think it is a bit of a risk. Rules and regulations are not the same as in my home country and things can change in the blink of an eye with no say and no recourse allowed. Changes have been made to our mortgage contract that would never have been allowed in my home country.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 09:55
The roads in the Ranches are plenty big enough for cars and cyclists if everyone would just show a bit more consideration for other road users. Cyclists need to make sure they are visible and follow the road rules and cars need to slow down and take more care. To ban bikes from the roads is ridiculous, having an active community is a good thing and one of the things I love about the Ranches. Cars and bikes manage to co-exist on much smaller roads the world over, are Ranches residents really so inconsiderate that it's not possible here? I hope all involved in the accident this morning are ok.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 12:37
I second lego, my nearly 5 year old boy loves it.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 12:36
Irish Village is great, definitely worth the trip from the Springs. Shady outdoor tables, nice big grassy area to run around on, pond with ducks and turtles. There is always loads of children there at the weekend.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 23:02
There's a big carpark down the Sandance end. I've always gotten a space, the only time it was super busy was the night they completely oversold it. ETA - I never get there until about 8pm either. <em>edited by Daza on 08/11/2012</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 19:46
I have a large order in my trolley already and might just hold off for the sale now :). Can anyone clarify do I give them my apartment address here or my PO Box address? I have read conflicting things. Thanks They use local postal systems rather than courier so use your PO Box address. The was a thread a week or so back where the poster had used her street address, some books made it to her, some didn't.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 18:43
Do have a preference for school curriculum? Where to live would be highly dependent on budget, any idea what it's likely to be?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 18:39
Non stop one stop might have some, I've seen some at their parties. Second time I've recommended them tonight, I don't work for them I promise! https://www.facebook.com/nonstoponestop
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 18:12
I've used Jotun since I've been here. The paint is good, there is outlets everywhere and they have a great range of colours. http://me.jotun.com/