emmsie | ExpatWoman.com
 

emmsie

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 08:08
Hi, I am an Interior Designer based in Dubai. If you need any advice please do let me know. Ellie Are you still working as an interior designer?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 18:45
Have you read Bad Science? If not, take a look at the website (www.badscience.net......I think). Made me re-think everything I thought I knew about homeopathy. Interestingly; there is a placebo effect on animals. Read it and amaze yourself and save some money! There have been some interesting uses of homeopathy on animals and placebo effect can't work with them. Vibrational energy is something that very little is currently known about but I feel there is loads that we currently don't know or understand. A hundred years ago if someone had said we could talk into a small piece of plastic and speak to someone on the other side of the world we would have thought them bonkers.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 18:36
Barclays may be able to help.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 19:37
Good grief, the world has finally gone mad I agree entirely!
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 18:58
I agree about the mass panic. I'd stay put and probably open a very good bottle of red as long as it hadn't been broken! (note to self... secure the drinks cabinet) I have also taken note artyfarty.............cheers:) Wine sounds like an excellent idea. Not keen on the nuclear aspect...
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 18:47
Repton is off tomorrow so they can check the integrity of the building.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 11:57
Does anyone have experience of buying a house using a company? Does anyone have any experience of buying a house as an expat woman? Is there anyone who can advise me. Every lawyer or company I speak to gives me a different answer from the last! TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 11:54
Be aware that the AED is pegged to the US dollar and sterling has depreciated against the dollar a great deal recently. This means that sterling assets are now cheaper in dollar (and, therefore, AED) terms than they were four months ago. This is good news in some ways but if the pound appreciates again at some point and you are relying on AED earnings to pay a sterling liability, it will cost you more AEDs. You probably know all this but just in case you didn't...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 13:57
That's really kind of you; thanks so much.
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Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 13:55
I'm so sorry you're in that position. My heart goes out to you. I had to tell my DD that her father had died when she was 9 and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. I did talk to a counsellor over the phone but that was in England. I will try and find you the details as they have an internet site that was very useful. I encouraged her to talk to me as much as she could and to talk to her friends. Also, I told her friends' parents what had happened very quickly so that they could help and prepare their kids. Some advice the counsellor gave me was not to use euphemisms when talking about death with kids this age as it leads to confusion and to say relatively little and to listen a lot. I'll take a look on the internet and see if I can find that internet site and I'll report back if I do. Good luck x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 09:49
New cats and grumpy old boys can work. Before I met my husband, I had two beautiful cats and when they were well into their teens, my girl died and I decided to get two kittens. I thought my old boy would not take kindly to this at all but I went very slowly and kept the kittens in a room away from my old boy for about a week. He would sit outside the room and could smell and hear them. Eventually the kittens were allowed out and, after hissing and spitting, they all accepted each other. In the end, one of the kittens and the old boy fell in (platonic) love and would cuddle up together. When he died, my kitten, who was around 3 by then, was terribly upset. I do hope things work out well for your older cat and for William.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 09:40
Can you email ? Thanks so much! <em>edited by emmsie on 10/03/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 16:35
Thanks so much x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 16:22
My DH is allergic and I already have one cat. I can't have any more although i'd have 10 if I could and I'd certainly take your chap. I hope William finds a wonderful home soon.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 20:04
I know that Bucks is (still) a grammar school area, i went to two many years ago. I don't believe Surrey is, someone please correct if I'm wrong....something to take into consideration, if grammar schools are important to you. Many people move house just to be in grammar school catchments. Surrey does have excellent grammar schools. The Tiffin schools (girls and boys) in Kingston are amongst the best in the country. Esher is lovely. I haven't lived there but I know people that have and they really liked it. Oxshott is full of bankers and footballers and the houses are huge; they tend to be walled in so one wouldn't get to know one's neighbours but you would get a ready made social life via the schools. In order to get your children into the right senior schools may well necessitate either private schooling at prep/junior age or lots of private tutors. Competition for places at the best schools (private and grammar) is intense! <em>edited by emmsie on 24/02/2013</em>
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Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 19:47
Avoiding sugar may be helpful (it encourages bacteria that causes spots). A very good product is Mario Badescue's Drying Lotion and their Drying Cream is good too and not as smelly. This helps my daughter but they come straight back if she doesn't use it every night. BeautyBay.com sells it although I haven't used them to ship to the UAE although they claim to ship anywhere. <em>edited by emmsie on 24/02/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 16:32
Thanks for that
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 16:30
H&M do some lovely, fluffy and cheap socks that are gorgeous. In the lingerie section in Dubai mall.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 15:20
What about Jane Seymour? She's 62 and looks awesome as does her hair. Sorry but all of you saying no long hair after 40 are talking complete nonsense. Too right! I couldn't agree more
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 09:35
Thanks for all your very helpful replies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 09:33
Thanks for all your replies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 10:45
A lot of people seem very nervous about having money in an account here. What are you nervous of? TIA!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 16:35
Thanks Touimi, I think I do need to speak to a relationship manager; that's a good idea. I have no income but plenty of capital so when I get asked the standard questions about income; I'm not sure what to say. As a bank you may have different experience with different people. I guess your question is pertaining to not having a source of income to show to the bank. Are you having it in another bank? As long as it is transferred through legal channel, there should not be a problem. Specially speak to relationship manager of a bank and they can guide you on this. I had wonderful experience with Emirates NBD DAFZA branch. They are amazing people.
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Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 18:28
It seems as though the local banks are preferred to the western banks. Thanks for your opinions.
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Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 17:08
Gentle bump - TIA Also, does anyone live there and what do you think of it?
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Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 09:35
SoyLatte, I am so sorry to hear of your horrible situation. I think you're absolutely right to do nothing and to say nothing for now. This allows you time to think of the emotional situation and it gives you time to sort out the practical side of things. I don't know where you're from, but I advise you to find out about the divorce laws int hat country. be careful about leaving any tracks on your computer. Your husband sounds as if he is the sort of person to check computers. Even if he doesn't check internet history now, he may well do so in the future. Don't forget that key stroke history programmes can be put on your computer with you knowing nothing about it. If I were you, I'd buy an ipad mini and keep it hidden so all your browsing can be done in private. If divorce goes ahead; things will get nasty and you want to be protected as far as possible. It's not my place to advise you on whether to divorce or not to. i wouldn't bother telling the mistress that her fling is married. It may or not make a difference but it is a waste of your emotions and energy. You've far more important things to worry about. Ignore the advice to get a job, btw. Most western courts will award maintenance according to the lifestyle you've been used to whilst married. If you go and get a job; you'll get far less maintenance in the long run. You are right to protect the children from knowing what their father is doing for now. At some point, if you divorce, you'll be asked why. It's easy to say that Daddy fell in love with someone else and leave it at that. He is half your children's DNA and they don't need to hear how awful their father is. Let them figure that out as time goes on. One area where you need to protect yourself is financial. I would start to save money and, if you can, transfer it to a bank account in the country you're from. If he is feeling guilty; now may be the time to ask for more money. The more money you get from him now; the more money you'll be awarded as a settlement. Also, you may well need all this money to finance a divorce so save, save, save (but secretly). I hope it all works out for you. No one else can tell you what is best to do emotionally. Time and reflection will tell you that. Where you need all the help and support you can is on the practical side. Divorce is a nasty, horrible thing and leaves one with the feeling that all marriage ever was is a business contract. Be prepared for that. Also, if your husband is wealthy; he may well have hidden assets. Start to look through all his documents and find out what is where and get evidence. Doing this under the pretence of sorting out the office or something like that might be smart. Lastly, if the mistress gets pregnant; you might find yourself dumped very fast here so that he can marry her. Get things sorted quickly.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 14:21
I don't know where you're from and that could make a difference as to where to start divorce proceedings. My best advice, however, would be to protect yourself and your son first. Secondly, UK courts treat mothers extremely well in divorce cases and financial settlements are very generous to the mother if she does not work. My understanding, however, is that if your husband is in the UAE, the rulings of a UK court will not be applied to him by a UAE court when it comes to divorce cases. If you are in the UK, however, he needs to abide by the rulings of the UK court if he wants to see his son, even if he is resident in the UAE. Divorce is a horrible situation for anyone and your situation sounds nastier than most. I hope everything gets sorted out quickly and that you and your little one stay safe and well. Good luck x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 23:01
Thanks for that. Useful and worrying!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:27
Lorax, can you remember what format the exam takes? I haven't been able to find out whether the Composition and Maths papers will be multi-choice or standard answers. Whilst it's not vital, I'd love to be able to help my DD and tell her a little of what to expect. Also, with the Writing paper; is there just one story/composition or a number that need to be written? TIA!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 16:24
Have tried one EW recommended repairer but the bossman is away for a month. Anyone any ideas for a great fridge repair person before all our food goes off?! TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 10:10
The plant souq is brilliant; loads of choice and good prices. Drive past Dragonmart, past Desert Palm and then take the right just before the roundabout. Carry on until the next roundabout and turn left and there's about 20 or 30 different garden centres. You can haggle a lot!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 08:23
What would you like to know and for what age group?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 13:15
Thanks!
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Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 13:12
I got two real trees using the offer in Groupon (which is still ongoing, I think). I'm thrilled with the trees; they're lovely. They come from a florist opposite LuLu in Al Barsha. It's called The Garden Centre but the sign is in Arabic, not English so I drove past it a few times, not realising where it was. If you go, it's next to a party shop. I got a really tall one (8 foot if not more) for AED449 and a 6 foot one for AED349.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 13:06
Where in the supermarket did you find it? Which supermarket did you use? Do you know if there is a difference between Pakistani and Indian safi? Is it safe for teenagers? TIA and sorry for so many questions!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 14:43
I thought it was great. A really lovely idea.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 10:31
Desert Palm does a brunch that is lovely and very civilised. Very different from the normal crowds of people and far too much boozing. I've never seen anyone look inebriated despite plenty of very good bevvies on offer. It's not quite what you asked for but it doesn't have that typical atmosphere so you might like it. We love it!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 10:07
The pet shops in Arabian ranches, the Green Community and Motor City all sell hamsters.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 19:09
Desi Girl - so sorry to bother you but do you know what Safi is? What it's made out of? I'd love to get this for my DD but she has quite a few allergies so I need to check what it is. Thanks so much!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 19:03
I don't think there is any way of getting in directly from the Al Ain Road or from the Bypass Road. I think the only entrance is from the Emirates Road. You can get to The Villa from the Al Ain Road and then go through The Villa and out onto the road leading to the Emirate Road. That would take you to Falcon City but I think it would be faster and less hassle to come off the Al Ain Road, drive to Global Village and then go under the Emirates Road there and come out onto the Emirates Road going in the direction of Sharjah and then turn into FalconCity just a minute or so late.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 17:43
Thanks you for your ideas; very helpful.
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Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 17:40
There is a little stall (possibly called Laughing Buddha) outside Ikea. They sell incense sticks. I buy frankincense there at a reasonable price so I would imagine the incense sticks aren't too expensive. <em>edited by emmsie on 01/12/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 16:25
Thanks
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 14:45
OP don't book any of the Cobone "deals" or anything from daily deal sites. I saw what I thought was a great deal on Cobone a few months back, but when I contacted the hotel directly (in Langkawi) I got a better rate! Dnata holidays often has special offers but there is a huge shortfall of travel sites here - best to use Expedia or just book your flights and hotel separately. There are a few airline sales on right now (Etihad for example). I have stayed at the Avista in Phuket - 4* and really nice, very close to beach and family friendly, was about 400 or 500dhs per night. Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the Avista. I need somewhere that has lots of kids so that my DD isn't lonely.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 14:37
Does anyone know if there is a disabled section at Meydan?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 14:29
I'm on my 3rd Fine Dining Entertainer this year already. The book covers places like Bab Al Shams and the aquarium restaurant at Atlantis. Perfect places to take visitors and you save more in one voucher than the book costs you. I'm a big fan. I'm always looking for suggestions for great restaurants in the book so if anyone has a recommendation, please let me know! TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 14:14
Thanks, I will speak to them too. Anyone any suggestions for hotels in Phuket?
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 13:23
My situation is slightly different from yours but I came over this year with my daughter, having never been married to her father. I am, however, married to a UAE resident (from UK) and my daughter's father is dead. I thought this would prove to be a very difficult situation and that i would have to get a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from a male member of her father's family but this was never requested, thank goodness! I did, however, prepare a certificate, notarised in the UK, outlining my situation and stating that I had always been the sole financial provider for my daughter. If you want more details, let me know your email address and we can make contact and I can help further. My situation is different from yours and, thus, my experiences here will not necessarily be the same, but I may be able to help you and will happily do so if i can!
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 16:11
I'm in exactly the same position. I know that Phuket is perfect in Feb (having been there many times). As Emirates are flying direct to Phuket now, I was considering it but the hotel I used to stay at has closed down so has anyone any good ideas for hotels in Phuket, I'd love to hear. It will be me and my DH and DD. My DH and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary so I'd like it to be romantic as well as perfect for kids. Also, any great suggestions for Sri Lanka?
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 16:06
That's good to hear; I will definitely take my bag to their shop in the MoE. I do think their products are brilliant. I've got three of their bags and I used to have one of their briefcases for when I worked. American clients always asked me what brand they were since Mulberry wasn't big there at the time. I think it's huge now and it's well deserved success!