Daza | ExpatWoman.com
 

Daza

4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 10:06
I agree. I often get asked how I shed the baby weight quickly after 3 kids. The answer is simple: bfing and not having a maid. Then keep off the booze, brunches and late night snacks and you should be at your ideal weight in no time. Unfortunately, there really are no secrets. I wish I was one of those women that loses weight bfeeding! I can't get a decent supply following my normal diet so have to eat more and can never shift the last 2 kgs until I've stopped.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 23:40
The two older maids we've had have been disasters! One of them was prostituting herself out from our maids room! Eeeeeeeeeew!
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 23:26
My husband makes a great beans on toast if needs be but that's about the extent of it! I prefer that he keeps out of the kitchen and luckily, he'd rather do pretty much anything rather than cook. My kitchen is my temple and it would drive me nuts if he were in there messing things up. So no, I don't think you are insane at all.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 23:18
Hi Daza, I know where you are coming from. The priority is the babycare to be honest and having someone reliable for when I go back to work. I completely get the energy thing though which is why i was wondering what others thought... On one hand I would like someone energetic around the house but Im wondering if reliability and honesty is more important. For info, this would be for a live out position too.... If you are happy with it on other levels then I'd say energy levels shouldn't be a problem if you've only got one baby. As long as she won't be doing the nights of course! But as The Dangerous Blonde says, things can get trickier once bubs is more active or you have another child. It really depends on the maid too, I'm sure some would cope fine. It also depends on other duties. It might be harder (energy wise) for an older woman to keep on top of the housework if she has a lot of child care duties too. But if child care is your priority then that might not be an issue for you.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 23:09
If it were me doing the ironing then no way! Their clothes get creased pretty quickly anyway with all the cuddling of their baby gorgeousness.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 16:56
I think the age of your maid is a personal preference thing. Personally, I wouldn't employ and older maid as I'm more comfortable having someone younger in my home. More energy and I feel more comfortable having them scrub my floor and giving instructions to them than I would an older maid. I also have young (loud!) children which for me works better with a younger maid. However, I have friends that only employ older ladies as they find them more steady and less likely to personal/boyfriend issues than younger maids.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 14:48
I buy the brown rice from the Organic Shop which is nice. I also keep a pack of Tilda ready made brown rice in the cupboard, ready in 2 minutes. Great if I don't have time to cook fresh.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 14:44
They can go to any doctor they want but they'll have to pay. There are no free doctors here (not for expats anyway, not sure about locals) you can go to a government clinic but there will still be a charge. Here is a list of government hospitals and healthcare clinics: http://www.dha.gov.ae/en/Facilities/Pages/index.aspx
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 12:37
Unless you have repairs/paint etc written in the contract then you should expect to buy 'as is'. I wouldn't get your hopes up about it being spotlessly clean either....
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 15:56
True - and I would understand if it was a children's activity. However, it is for telecommunications business development. You can't tell me all their clients will be female? Maybe the men in management just want some totty to look at in the office. Whatever their reasons, it's perfectly normal here to be very specific in job adverts.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 15:41
Nope, not strange at all. If they want a female for a job then being able to say it at least doesn't waste the time of any men who might apply who aren't going to be considered anyway.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 13:43
Completely agree JoyceB. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with taking your maid to the park, if it works for you and makes life easier then great, do it. However I just don't think it's right to say that you can't watch two small children at once. Of course you can. I also think that unless you only have one child who you watch like a hawk or you plan on having an adult accompany each child wherever you go for a long time then it's also useful for your children to learn at some point that they can't just run off and do whatever they please. Aside from that, the OP has come on here and admitted the problem lies with her and asked for advice on how she can improve things so I'm not sure why she is being criticised.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 10:36
Thanks ladies, Sorry I should have stated that we would be hiring her directly and will be sponsoring her so all will of course be above board. I know what you mean Dubai 1990 about the visa not actually belonging to us as it technically belongs to the embassy... it's not an easy decision so was hoping for some opinions of those who are in a similar situation.... Daza, is it common practise for sponsoring families to hold the passports of live in help? Amongst people I know, yes. I learnt my lesson about not holding the passport when I had a maid abscond. Nightmare. Our maid's passport is of course available to her should she need it for legitimate reasons or if she wanted to leave.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 10:07
I don't have live out help but I'd say that if you are legally sponsoring your live out help then it would be the same as asking for their passport if they were live it. I'd do it. If not legally sponsoring then...no.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 10:04
Referring to the first part of your post Irooni......From another point of view, it's infuriating when you spend your life exercising and being disciplined with food and people tell you you are 'lucky' to be slim. Er no, it's not luck, it's really hard work.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 09:53
Just pick an oil ( like olive, almond....whatever) mix with salt or sugar, mix some essential oils for the scent. The homemade ones are just as effective. edited by Irooni on 01/11/2012 I second that! I never buy body scrubs as I love homemade ones. One of my favourites is coconut oil mixed with brown sugar. Stir it together, stand in the bath, rub it in all over or where needed then shower as normal.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 20:16
Sometimes you can't win being a mummy! You'll either have short term guilt now or long term guilt later if you give it back then think it has affected her teeth/jaw. If it were me I'd just tough it out now, 5 days is great progress, well done to both of you.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 12:52
There is something happening in one of the Palmera parks, I can't remember the details but boards are up advertising it at most security gates.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 20:48
Everyone has different expectations of what they want. I suggest sitting down with your husband and writing a list of what you expect and how you want things done then you can be very clear with her what you expect. Your home your rules. Is she a proper nanny or a maid/nanny? If she's a maid then there is an action list somewhere on here that might help.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 19:50
Not sure when they will be out but Ikea does cheap Christmas decorations.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 19:31
Maybe try asking them on Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/DoneEvents
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 15:13
Allow plenty of time for finding your way around Yas Island and in to the venue. The concerts I've been to there haven't had the way signposted and it can be a bit confusing if you don't know where you are going. There's lots of parking.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 13:43
I emailed last Wednesday and someone from Emaar pest control came around yesterday. I wasn't here but he left a number to call him back. I'm not going to bother getting my garden sprayed as we have no standing water in it so the mossies aren't breeding in our garden. However, I am going to call and ask how they are managing the problem in the community areas, specifically the lakes.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 12:20
My children go to Dr Keith Nicholl. He's fantastic.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:37
Frazzle, I'd also say that with 3 little ones, if you are getting a new car make sure you get one with easy access to the seats in the boot. I often have more than 3 children in my car (children's friends, car pooling etc) and find the Pajero a bit of a pain clambering in and out of the boot sorting out seats and belts. It's certainly doable, just a bit of a pain. Some other cars are just a bit easier for boot access. I've got another baby on the way so will need more seats for permanent use. I've checked out loads of cars and the Honda Odyssey seems great for lots of children. Easy access to all the seats, auto sliding doors and still decent boot space. I'm loathe to get a people carrier but it does seem the most practical.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:23
We've got a Pajero and a Audi Q7. Both fit three seats across. Obviously it depends on what car seats you've got too. It's worked for both our cars with a combinations of 2 full car seats and 1 capsule then 3 three full car seats then 2 full car seat and 1 booster then 1 full car seat and 2 boosters. We have a mixture of Maxi Cosi and Mothercare seats. I have a Pajero and there is no way that 3 full size carseats can fit on the back seat unless you have narrow models of carseats. At the mo, we have Safety 1st full carseat and Mothercare booster and there is just a bit of space left in the middle. I'm not making it up, honest! We didn't buy narrow seats specifically, they are just standard Maxi Cosi and Mothercare ones. Maybe it depends on the model of Pajero, mine is 2007 midline. It was actually easier when we had 3 full seats in the back rather than a combination of full seats and boosters. With the boosters it's a bit of a squeeze to get your hand in to fasten the belt. All our boosters have full backs, not just the base. We've also had no problem fitting two full seats and an adult passenger. A slim adult mind you, no way a large one would fit.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 07:08
I understand that it is a cultural thing and in my culture there is no expectation to pay for visiting family or friends. When I have friends visiting there is no way they'd let me pay for everything and vice versa for when I visit them. Just wondering what happens if culturally it is expected and you can't afford to pay for people? Do you simply not have guests? Or is it ok for them to contribute in those circumstances?
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 07:02
We've got a Pajero and a Audi Q7. Both fit three seats across. Obviously it depends on what car seats you've got too. It's worked for both our cars with a combinations of 2 full car seats and 1 capsule then 3 three full car seats then 2 full car seat and 1 booster then 1 full car seat and 2 boosters. We have a mixture of Maxi Cosi and Mothercare seats.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 16:49
How much is the Westin Blue Orange buffet? TIA I think it was 169 or 189 dirhams.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 10:44
My husband took his parents and our children to Blue Orange for the lunch buffet last week. He said it was really good.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 21:46
Based on what you've said Nana1234, it does just sound like your son needs to get used to not always being the center of attention. Has he had play dates with other children from his class? If not, it might be useful for you to organise some to help him settle in and also so you can see how he relates to the other children.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 21:36
With regards to your questions about food, obviously I don't have a Zimbabwean maid but our maid organises all her own food. She buys it herself, cooks it in my kitchen then eats it in her room. I did give her the option of eating in the kitchen if she preferred but she wasn't comfortable doing so. She often cooks her food during the day when I'm out then reheats it in the microwave at meal times. She has a rice cooker in her room.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 20:52
Hi Stardust Have you checked you are allowed to sponsor a Zimbabwean maid? I might be wrong but as far as I'm aware maids are only allowed from certain countries, those being India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Maybe call immigration to check or hopefully one of the ladies on here can advise further.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 20:44
It's just the normal restaurant bookings number - 366 3000.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 16:12
I'd definitely recommend the brand Eli, the installation was quick and easy too. Because they don't have the exposed springs they are really durable too. I've heard that trampolines are terrible for neck and spine injuries too but I guess it's just one one of those things that you have to decide whether you take the risk or not. My children love their trampoline, they spend a lot of time on it and it's great exercise so I think it's worth it.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 14:21
I've got no idea on safety comparisons with trampolines and bouncy castles but I've got a springless trampoline which is brilliant and meant to be the safest design you can get. No springs to slip through and you can't fall down the side of the net. No doubt there is the same possibility of neck and spine injuries as with any bouncing thing but my kids haven't hurt themselves yet. Plenty of injuries falling off bikes and scooters though, you can't wrap them in cotton wool. http://www.springfreetrampoline.com/ As far as I'm aware the only Dubai stockist is The Toy Store.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 09:17
Thanks ladies - I have looked on mall of emirates website but couldn't see a play area in there for little ones? Would be great if there is! Will check out the park and cheeky monkeys this week too :-) There is a two soft play areas in the Magic Planet area of the mall - it's down the same end as Ski Dubai. Peek-a-boo would be most suitable for a 14 month old.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 08:27
You just need to set google.com as your home page. Here's the instructions: http://www.google.com/intl/en/services/hp/index.html
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 08:22
Barsha Park is probably about a 20 minute walk from you. It's great, two playgrounds, lots of grass, plenty of shade. http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1C1SKPC_enAE340AE340&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=al+barsha+park+dubai&fb=1&hq=al+barsha+park&hnear=0x3e5f43496ad9c645:0xbde66e5084295162,Dubai+-+United+Arab+Emirates&cid=0,0,15819531172100131571&ei=BmrkTovDKoiChQeLpYzYAQ&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&ved=0CA8Q_BI
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2012 - 09:22
It's utterly disgusting. I don't understand what is going through these people's heads. What's the thought process that lets you think that it's ok to leave your filth lying around? I suppose there is none, it's just a total lack of caring about the effect you have on others and the environment.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2012 - 09:17
I know Beebers! Another top tip from EW.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2012 - 09:15
You're right Purple, I've gotten confused (just for a change)! I forgot judges homes was in two parts. Yep, the final 16 results was on Thursday night, a repeat of judges homes part 2 was on Friday night. I was annoyed about sitting down for x-factor on Friday night and having yet ANOTHER random repeat with no explanation. I know the schedule has gotten messed up because it was changed in the States but I just wish they would tell us exactly what is going to be on when. How hard can it be? The online schedule is about as clear as mud. I find OSN so frustrating, the schedule is wrong a LOT and they don't make voice over announcements about schedule changes so you have no idea when the show you were expecting might actually air. Very small problem is the grand scheme of things but still arrrrrggghhhhh!
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2012 - 07:54
I read on here about using banana skins. I was totally sceptical but decided to give it a try. You cut a small square of ripe banana skin, put it inside side down over the verruca and cover with a sticking plaster or strapping tape. Leave on overnight and do this every night until the verruca is gone. It took a week for me. All gone, not returned. I was gobsmacked.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 October 2012 - 07:49
last night was the results show, the tv guide was wrong. Good job we sat and waited to see which episode it was incase they had messed it up, lol. Not on my TV! I had judges homes part 1. I taped it and sat down to watch at 9.30pm so I could fast forward the ads. It was an episode that first played 2 weeks ago. Thursday night was judges homes part two when we found out who the final 16 were.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 October 2012 - 21:25
So ticked off! What is the point in screening judges homes part 1 when they played judges homes part 2 last night! If there is scheduling issues, fine but why don't they have an announcement as the show starts so at least we know what is going on and when we might see the episode we were expecting. Grrrrr.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 23:14
Is this the one? http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=190165
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 16:06
Ask that baby is to stay with you at all times and is not to be taken from the room without being accompanied by yourself. Have it written in their chart and put a note on their cot. When I had my last baby here in 2010 I had explained my wishes and it was in his chart. Despite that, I woke up one night to find a nurse quietly taking my son out. She said that he needed a check up and she didn't want to wake me. I hit the roof and put a large note on the side of his cot. It seemed to work although they may have thought I was nuts!
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 15:48
I agree with kiwispiers, there's no need to give cereals if you are hesitant. Lightly steamed pureed ripe pears are very easy to digest. Butternut squash is good too. If you would like to give cereal, The Organic Shops in Dubai Mall and The Greens stock some good brands. As for the whole waiting for six months thing, that's outdated advice now anyway. Babies are ready when they are ready, you are the best judge of that and there is no magic age.
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 15:13
Have fun!
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 12:44
Hi, bigsue, this is what a friend advised me to do as well. Lets all write to emaar - email them on [email protected] and complain. I think we need them to do some serious fogging and ensure there is no stagnant water left from the lake draining. Its really annoying, we have been here over 4 years and never had this!! Great idea Jules, I didn't think of doing that.