Doodlemum | ExpatWoman.com
 

Doodlemum

Doodlemum
124
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Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 11:49
What is a school fair? The JESS Night Market has lots of craft stalls, DJ (Catboy & Geordie Bird), tombola, Santa's Grotto, mega draw, plus lots of carnival type fair games, also bouncy castles for the little ones amongst other things. Also usually there are a few performances put on by the various groups within the school, such as music, gymnastics, that type of thing. There are also food stalls. Its well worth a visit, the prizes that can be won are fantastic, and the fairy lights that are strung up everywhere look beautiful and really festive.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 15:09
khatoon I really don't think you have anything to worry about. Let her carry through on her threats, I doubt she'll get anywhere. Like previously mentioned, buyer beware!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 15:06
I have bought furniture from both Marina and Pinky's, and have been disappointed the last few times I have been out to the Sharjah warehouse, as Pinky's seem to have the same old stock, no new stuff in for ages. I found Heritage Touch on Al Quoz very reasonable with a good choice of stock and they are very helpful and will make furniture to your requirements. There is a showroom opposite the Subaru Garage on Street 4, and a bigger warehouse further down the same street. Well worth a visit imho.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 13:04
Quite honestly if someone was so disrespectful I wouldn't have them back, and I'd let them know why!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 12:36
JESS Jumeirah's Night Market is on 25 November
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 10:42
Hi Pupa I don't have a live in maid, but use an agency maid a couple of times a week. It depends what you want/need. If you want a live in maid then you have to sponsor them yourself. If you do a search on here there are lots of threads covering the costs of sponsoring a maid. As a newbie you will no doubt be approached by plenty of maids asking if you want part time help... run for the hills! It is illegal and can land you in very hot water with the authorities. The only legal way to employ a maid is through sponsoring one yourself or using an agency. For agency recommendations, there are also plenty of threads on here if you do a search. Good luck.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 October 2011 - 10:31
Mine doesn't have a bar code or anything on it and works fine. Instructions are there when you get to the gates and there is also a man on the desk who will tell you if you're doing anything wrong. Sorry can't remember, but last time I went through the machines were down and so not in use. Also, if you have kids don't forget to get the man to stamp their passports as they can't go through the e-gate.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 12:56
I always take mine to the little barbers out the back near the elephant at Ibn Battuta, not sure what its called, something like Speedy Cuts. They always cut it how I ask.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 22:42
We have recently done this for my son's passport, the old passport came back first, followed about 2-3 days later by the new passport. I was impressed actually as to how quickly everything came back.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 08:45
When I was pregnant, I didn't have to go through any x-ray machines. I told the security that I was pregnant and they allowed me to walk through the side of the x-ray machine and patted me down to check for anything dodgy. Just tell security you are pregnant.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 17:27
http://www.7days.ae/letter-detail/arrested-work-over-illegal-maid-bit-harsh
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 15:43
I wipe mine with a slightly damp cloth and then shine up with an e cloth. http://www.e-cloth.com/news/
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 20:54
Personally not for 100% more! Really do not fancy Saudi at all, the idea of not being able to drive would freak me. Maybe someone who has lived there could come on and give you a balanced view.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 19:29
Borders at Mirdiff City Centre will have them (Playnation end next to Caribou)
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 17:26
It should be made clear to the person paying for the lessons/test(s) that the language used will be Arabic, as the OP obviously didn't expect this to be the case when she paid for the test. And no, I don't think you can expect it to be in Arabic when everything else here is in English unless it suits to confuse (such as traffic/police notices).
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 12:48
I think you are well within your rights to complain if you can't understand the language that the instructor is speaking to you in! ****** ridiculous!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 12:47
Have a google muurtje, there are quite a few places that only use leather sourced from animals that have died naturally. Also there are firms that only use animal free products, google "Vegetarian Shoes".
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 15:35
The Madinat had a Halloween party on (was on for 3 days actually) and it was great fun, fancy dress competitions, music, pumpkin painting etc. Keep an eye out nearer the time, if its on again, it will be advertised.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 15:30
Thanks so much, have printed these out and will have a go!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 13:12
Hi I have an appointment there for 8.45am, so definitely open earlyish! Can anyone give me directions coming from Umm Suqeim area please. Thanks.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 22:53
Sorry Frizzy, I don't have children there, but I know someone who has and they seem happy with it.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 17:20
You can get a decent villa in Al Barsha for that money.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 16:56
Pastels in on Al Wasl Road... the first service road after Al Manara junction heading towards Dubai ...parking can be a bit of a pain
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 16:49
At Deira City Centre there is a feng shui shop opposite Carrefour. It is located opposite the shopping trolley area near the toilets. You will see the beads,frogs with coin in mouth among other things. Sorry but that did make me laugh, the positioning of the shop doesn't really seem in keeping with Feng Shui does it?
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 16:47
I get mine done at Pastels... ask for Lakshmi
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 16:20
http://www.ductac.org/courses_drama.php
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 15:19
I had my third at nearly 37 and I don't regret it one bit. Had to get a bigger car, holidays take a bit of organising (although DD1 is stil in a cot, so makes things easier for now). Flying isn't great, but its once in a while, not something you do every week.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 12:35
Haven't been during Ramadan sorry, but went a couple of weeks ago. We had a lovely time, it seemed so much cooler than here. Only downside, and we did mention this to the hotel, who decided not to do anything about it, was the number of fully dressed people in the children's pool and a few children without swim nappies on (or any nappy whatsoever). Bleurgh!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 16:02
Ooh forgot about Balance Cafe, they do a lovely omlette! Hi Exile, I've just emailed you!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 13:01
I heard an advert on the radio for a hotel in the Marina that does a special low fat/healthy menu. It sounded great and I would have given it a go myself but my husband has just started an exclusion diet!!! I am pretty sure it was the Sofitel.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 12:57
Mine are at JPS with E-Sports. I pay 450dhs for 3 days (8.15am until 2pm). They seem to have the registration table set up all the time, so you can just turn up on the morning (now it is quieter) and organise things from there. http://www.esportsdubai.com
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 14:28
I am bumping this back up. It would be great if we could have a sticky of newspaper articles like this to help newbies. The wound/bag scam has been mentioned on here countless times!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 21:37
Just bought a load of stuff from Heritage Touch and love it all! I have previously bought a lot of stuff from Pinkys, but the last few times I have been there, I have been very disappointed to find that they haven't any new stock in, and the stuff they have is a bit shabby. I love Marina furniture, but its a bit pricey, and they haven't had the items in that I've wanted. I think Heritage Touch is on Street 4, the street which has the back of Dubai Garden Centre on it. Anyhow, the showroom is opposite the Subaru Garage, and the warehouse is further down the same street, but I couldn't tell you what they are opposite, sorry, ask at the showroom. They are open until 9pm in the week (not sure about weekends). I found them really helpful and they can make furniture for you and will give you a decent discount. I sound like an advert for them!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 15:54
You would have to pay a personal debenture to JESS if you were to take a place. Everyone has to unless you have a Company Debentures available through your/your husband's company. JESS Jumeirah Debentures are currently 10000 per child, and you get this back once your child leaves the school.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 13:15
I got some from Debenhams some time ago.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:41
Little photo shop next to Park n Shop on Al Wasl Road does them, and is usually pretty quiet. (Spinneys Al Wasl is the one on Umm Al Sheif Street.)
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:37
Sparky got there before me, just seen the advert on Facebook!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:15
Hi all, Can you give me your input on this package offer please? We are a family of four, one child at primary school and one child at nursery. Accomodation 120 000 Salary 22500 Car Allowance 1400 Medical cover, life cover, schools and uniforms 80% paid for 5 year olds and upwards. One flight home per year for the family Thanks! Accommodation allowances is very much on the low side, you are a family of 4 and will need some space, so I would try and get that upped, or have a good look at what you can get for your money. You really don't want to be topping up, as that will eat into any savings. School fees are a massive drain on any savings. I would really push for fees to be paid from Foundation 1 age (ie 3.5), as my son's school has fees of over 27000 per annum, and you would have to stump this up yourself. Not sure about the car allowance, you will have to do your homework on this and look into renting one or finance. It is difficult to save if your cash is going on housing/school fees, and also the set up costs for living over here mean that you don't really save much in the first year. It isn't cheap to live over here, and although when converted to pounds the cash might look like a decent amount, it is amazing how quickly you can spend it over here, especially with children! Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 17:35
Dr Bahgat... details below http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=127350
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 12:43
Mine are at JESS and don't break up until the 7th July... am quite relieved to have another "free" week!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 08:37
I've not long been driving in Dubai and I am wondering if I will ever get past the fear which is kind of persistently nagging at me before every journey and stopping me from going places beyond my comfort zone if you can call it that. I seem to witness or experience near misses everyday and whilst I'm starting to predict getting cut up or undertaken on SZR for example, I am also finding the risk taking of pedestrians really difficult to handle. I always slow down and stop at zebra crossings, but often find pedestrians walk out in front of you on the open road without looking, and when you least expect it - and when I slam on the brakes to keep them safe, the people behind get really irritated with me. Don't get me wrong, I would do anything in my power to avoid an accident and I will always respect pedestrian's rights and I know there's a lack of crossings etc - but has anyone else experienced this type of mad risk taking and if so how best to handle? The main thing is that you are driving in Dubai, and believe me it does get easier. I used to be like you and panic before every journey, I could feel the bile rising in my throat at the very thought of going somewhere new! Now I just jump in the car and get on with it. Best advice I was given was to just imagine that the car in front and the car behind and the car to the side is being driven by a total muppet (as quite often is the case) and just keep your wits about you. Try not to be intimidated, there really are some Grade A ***holes out there!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 16:35
Not acceptable then! If the oldest had been about 14 or 15 with the mum nearby with mobile, then I don't see a problem, but I don't think that a 7 year old should be in a cinema alone let alone a 3 year old!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 16:28
How old was the eldest?
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 17:53
I've always used them and I have never had any complaints, great service, they are always on time. I get a mani/pedi every so often (although not as often as I would like).
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 00:03
Encounter Zone at Wafi is great value for money and you can sit and have brew and watch the gate! I think you pay about 45 dhs for 3 hours play, you can take food in and stay there for the afternoon. Also there is a loyalty card, so after about 5 plays, you get one free, also its in the Entertainer Book for a buy one get one free offer. My kids love it there (6, 4 and 1.5)
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 14:34
I haven't been for a while, as to be honest, I thought it was too busy, and I have three children to try and keep an eye on. Have to say, after reading this thread and the disappointing response you got from MM that I will no longer be taking my children there, so that's another three paying customers they've lost! (I asked my DH, who works near to MM, if he would ever consider going in there for a coffee/business meeting and he said "Not a chance" and I won't repeat what he said to being told that groups of men go in there without children for coffee!)
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 13:03
We recently had our 85 year old relative staying with us for a few days and she will be back with us in a couple of weeks. We struck MOE off our places to visit due to the lack of seating, as she needs to sit down every so often just to get her breath back. We visited Ibn, as there are plenty of seats. You don't always want to buy a brew in order to sit down, and at 85 she really doesn't need to be "running" to the loo every 5 minutes either. If security did their jobs properly, then men sat staring needn't be a problem!
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2011 - 23:08
Oh that is awful, can't really give any advice, as I have never been in that situation, I have known adults who have taken their own life but never a child. I think you just need to be there for her, no matter how difficult it may seem. Awful situation to be in especially if there is no note and the parents are just left guessing. I honestly don't think you could say anything to make them feel any better and its probably just best to be a shoulder to cry on. I really don't envy you. x
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2011 - 22:42
Wind up right?!!!! :\: Has to be. Anyone assuming that a doubtless ill-educated person with little to no English from a poor, desperate background will be "the right nanny/housemaid to take care of our children and home" is dumber than a box of hammers. Step away from the thread, people. Nothing to see here. :D **LIKE** Also, in fairness, if you are going down this route, I really think there ought to be a "My Madam makes me run after her in Spinneys with a basket whilst haughtily pointing out things from the shelves" thread....
Doodlemum
124
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 00:32
There are programmes that you can buy online that will retrieve lost or deleted files. If you google retrieving lost files you should get a few that come up, I think Paretologic is one, although I am unsure as to how good it is. You will go through a sort of wizard and it will retrieve what it can and then if you want to download it, it will ask you to buy the programme, but at least you will see what it has managed to bring back.
 
 
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