emmsie | ExpatWoman.com
 

emmsie

emmsie
256
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2012 - 22:24
Thanks so much for your advice!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 18:32
Went to Deepa's today and was told it would take a month to tailor some tops. Good for Deepa - not so good for me :( Any suggestions other than those below? edited by daisydai on 18/11/2012 Go to Royal Style Tailoring & Embroidery L.L.C Satwa or if u have any pics just send them they will reply u back. Contact: Nitin 0559703285,043880466 visit: www.royalstylellc.com email: [email protected] This poster has only posted about this tailor. Is this an advert rather than a recommendation?
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 15:45
Hello! I don't know Satwa very well. Where is Plant Street? I know where the Emirates ID office is and that's about it.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 09:39
Groupon and other daily deal sites are in deep doo doo right now, scratching around to get deals in. No reputable companies will touch them. Another daily deal site (a biggie) recently had 2 of its founding partners leave as well as several directors. Literally out the door. Living Social also packed up. The days of these sites are numbered and thank God. In the beginning they were good and had great deals (eg Talise Spa, Jumeirah restaurants), but now sadly they are all about cheap Musandam trips, nasty kebab shops and classes that change their Ts and Cs as soon as you have paid. Avoid avoid avoid - thanks for the heads up OP. I am sure you're right but I did a cheap Mussandam trip with a Groupon company. My husband, daughter and I had a wonderful day out and it far exceeded our expectations. I often get beauty offers through Groupon and although one company never answered the phone, all the others have turned out to be wonderful. As long as you don't expect too much, you can have a nice suprise. It does sound as though the poster has had a bad experience and this should not be expected. Money has been paid, a contract made and a certain level of service is expected. I would make a huge fuss with Groupon about this.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 09:33
I've interviewed lots of maids and nannies and au-pairs before. I have a list of questions to ask the maid and I write notes of their answers. Firstly, I explain the role and what is expected of them and ask them if they have any questions. Then I ask them questions about their previous relevant work experience. I ask them what they like and what they don't like. If I am interviewing for a childcare position, I ask them some first aid questions (e.g. what would you do if a child was choking? What would you do if a child had a fever?). I also ask common sense questions like What would you do if there was a fire in the house. I ask them about their interests and their families. I also ask them if they suffer from any medical problems. I am then more specific and ask about epilepsy (only really relevant if you need a driver), migraines, allergies, depression and anxiety, cataracts (if they're older). This may seem personal, but it is perfectly aceptable to ask these questions and you need to know the answers since it may affect your choice. Get them to talk as much as you can. Ask them to tell you about whether they like animals, are they sporty. Try and build up a picture of their personality and their reliability. If you can't understand them on the phone, you porbably won't understand them in reality but the phone can distort language ability so do take that into account. If you have a little difficulty understanding them on the phone from time to time; they'll probably be fine face to face. Finally, nearly every nanny or maid I have interviewed over the phone has turned out to be a disaster. I have, however, successfully interviewed plenty of au-pairs (young European girls who come to England to help a family out and do a little cleaning and childcare). I strongly advise you to try and find a maid through the classified on this forum rahter than finding someone in the P'pines through an agency. That way you get to meet them face to face (and you don't have to pay agency fees!). Make sure you follow up references and don't just leave it to the agency. Also, don't employ anyone who doesn't have experience of this type of job unless they have a family member here who you can meet and make sure that they will help train them. Good luck!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 09:22
Just to let you know that I found someone (from a thread here) who came to my house and sorted everything out. His name is Roshid and his details are www.gr3t.com or 050-3848748. I thought he was very resonably priced and most knowledgable.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 09:15
I've hired a Ford Edge before and was very impressed.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 09:14
I've been in quite a few taxis which have done this continual soft breaking. At first I thought it was poor driving, but when it was many I started to wonder if the speed up/soft break technique was effecting the meter in some way, as it was so many doing the exact same thing. hum...think you may be on to something there AA! Yes... hadn't thought of that! You might be onto something there I thought exactly the same thing AA! I drives me nuts! I'm afraid one day I will throw up because of it! I always get the pink taxis from the airport as I need the space (2 kids, luggage and occasionally the hubby!) and I don't mind them at all. The drivers are strong little ladies and always insist on loading the bags while I sort out the kids and there's always another driver running over to help. Their driving skills are similar to those who drive the normal taxis but the cabs are always clean and smell nice - BONUS!!! I haven't experienced the soft breaking too often here but I have come across it in Thailand quite a few times. I don't know if it affects the meter but in Thailand I was using unmetered chauffeurs so they're not doing it for a meter. It's a horrible feeling and I can't work out why they think it's a good idea. As for the pink taxis; I love them! I take them from the airport and think they are wonderful. Safe driving, no stupid speeds and I've been lucky enough to avoid any unnecessary breaking or any bad driving with them at all. As for the normal taxis; I loathe them and avoid them like the plague. I have experienced terrible, unsafe driving far too many times and am amazed that they ever make it through a day's driving here.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 07:18
I've been going to Becci at Stylist's Salon in Al Barsha (Coral Hotel) for a while. She cuts and colours and is English and she doesn't charge a fortune. She colours my mid blonde hair really well; certainly as well as anyone I ever found in England (I used to go to an Aveda salon and then Toni and Guy before that). I can post her number later as I don't have it to hand but I think she is very good so it's worth looking them up on the internet.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 16:58
Our landscaper organised our pool water. It is very expensive but I think it would cost more to fill it from DEWA and that's illegal (I'm told).
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:58
Thanks everyone
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 16:38
RuthM, if you have any ideas (or, indeed, if anyone can help), please let me know! Thanks
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 16:36
I went into the Dubai Mall store and the promotion there is on everything (but they don't sell clothes). It's on until the end of November. Hurrah!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 11:01
RuthM - Thanks for all of this info. I love Langkawi and have stayed in many places but have been put off the Four Sesons because of the views of the cement works and my belief that it was very expensive for what you got. I think I was wrong from what your photos show; it looks amazing. I hope to go for the Feb half term. If you get the chance, go over to Bon Ton Resort over near the airport for an evening. Totally different from the Four Seasons; nowhere near as plush. It's part hotel, part rennovation programme for old Kampung houses (and Chinese shop houses in the area next door) and part cat sanctuary. The food is lovely and if you feel like a change from the Four Seasons, I'd really recommend it despite the distance from there.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 10:55
Thanks for letting me know
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 10:21
Thanks so much for this I have an imac (a G4 or G5, not sure which) OSX - 10.6 Can only boot onto OSX from install disk Error message - No hard disc shown in disk utility Disk utility - no hard disk shown (!!!) Yes - bootable DVD (original install disk) No second mac but I do have an ipad if that helps. Lots of second PCs and laptops though Thanks!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 10:09
Thanks for telling us about this. Do you know when the promotion ends?
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 16:48
Prime Gourmet is not organic but it is fantastic and really tasty.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 09:07
Is cake flour the same as self-raising flour? I would think it is and if that's the case, Spinneys has it.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 09:03
I'm sitting here, reading this, whilst eating my breakfast which has fresh, organic milk. This is from the Organic Shop in Dubai Mall (they deliver, btw, and their fresh chickens are fantastic; I really recommend them). The fresh milk isn't local, however, and my assumption is that they would sell local fresh milk if they could as it would be far cheaper and I'm sure it would encourage people to come into the shop more often. I will ask them about it and post on here if I find out any information.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 17:33
This is all really interesting and useful, although I am still not clear as to whether freehold means freehold. I heard that all property court cases are now heard in DIFC and under international law so as to avoid Dubai being accused of being opaque, old fashioned and corrupt. Does anyone know any more about that? Thanks to everyone for your opinions, advice and good wishes.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 16:47
Thank you everyone for all your help and advice. Never has caveat emptor been so true, I suspect. If anyone can recommend a good property lawyer, I'd be most grateful as I think there is a lot I need to understand before making any decisions.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:31
Summer Breeze; thanks for your information and lucky you! I'm pleased you're getting such good yields. Mine is a detached, four bedroomed house in a London suburb. Superb location, wrap-around garden and I was assured that it was the sort of house tenants dream of but then the EuroZone crisis deepened and ex-pats stopped coming to London. I'm getting a gross yield of 4.85%. Where are your properties? I absolutely agree with you about build quality here. I've been shocked by how badly the houses are constructed. I guess that many of the labourers are not trained brickies or carpenters and I presume that has some impact. I'm a bit of a dunce when it comes to these things and I need to have people advising me about issues like construction quality. Are there any developments that have impressed you in terms of quality and do you know anyone who could advise me on building quality out here?
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:22
I lived in Wassenaar as a teenager (some time ago!). I was at uni in England so I was only there in the holidays. I remember it as being really very lovely and green with lots of cycle paths. Wassenaar is certainly where many Shell and diplomatic families live. I can't advise any further than that since it was so long ago but it was really nice. You are very close to The Hague and the train service is great and I used to go to Leiden and Amsterdam all the time. It won't be as warm as Dubai but go for the art and culture as there's loads of that. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your time there.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:15
Ikea sells a few products online.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:12
You poor thing; sounds like a horrible experience. Try and find an EMDR specialist. i think it would really help you. It is like hypnotherapy but better! It uses eye movement to help "re-wire" the brain regarding traumatic experiences. It has been used very successfully on children caught up in war horrors. It has been written about extensively in the bestseller Freud not Prozac. I had it for a few events similar to yours and it was very helpful. I don't know who practices it here in Dubai but look it up and see if you can find someone to help you. If you're interested and you struggle to find anyone to help, let me know and I'll contact my old practitioner in the UK to see if they can recommend anyone here.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:51
Thanks! Be wary of UK property investment. Prices are still quite high. I own there but I think it's overvalued. Furthermore, rents have been coming down. My house was rented out for almost half of what Foxtons originally put it on for. They typically overcharge by 25% since tenants there tend to offer 25% less but I was quite shocked by how my house (which had been featured as a property of the month and I'd spent a fortune doing it up) had to take such a discount on the asking rental price to get tenants in. Rental yields are down and I am not convinced that the property market offers a good short or medium term outlook.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:41
Thanks for those thoughts. I hear what you say about conflict in other countries although Dubai is considered a safe haven by many from neighbouring trouble spots and that seems to enhance Dubai's desirability. I also hear what's being said about protracted legal cases and that does bother me. What are the legal issues regarding property that seem to cause the most problems? Any insights or thoughts would be really appreciated. I just don't know where to start digging for information and the EW women always to be a mine of useful information. Thanks again!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 08:49
Funny article but it's a load of nonsense. I used to live near where this woman lives and whilst it wasn't desperately easy to find a decent school for my DD, it certainly wasn't as hard as this woman suggests. As for there only being two universities in the UK worth bothering about; this is utterly absurd. I went to one of the two she suggests are the only two worth considering, so I haven't got a massive chip on my shoulder. I know, however, that whilst I would love my DD to go to Oxbridge (mainly to carry on a family tradition), there are at least 20 or 30 other universities where she would get a fantastic education. I suspect that because this woman is not British, she doesn't really know very much about British education. For those going to the UK at any point; fear not! It isn't that hard to find a decent school (private or state), although it isn't easy and in case your precious LOs don't get into Oxbridge; there are plenty of excellent alternatives.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:44
Most Americans I know are happy with the outcome. Obama is charismatic but that's not the only reason why people vote for him. It would be tremendously patronising to assume that Americans weren't intelligent enough to see though such things. I don't agree with all his economic policies and I suspect that many who voted for him do not agree with him on all points but voters don't only vote on financial issues. I think one of the main reasons why the electorate voted for him is that the social policies of the his opponent are so vile and oppressive. Sure, a very vocal minority of Americans are socially far to the right but most are not. Until the Republicans realise this, they will struggle. <em>edited by emmsie on 08/11/2012</em>
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:37
I really recommend the Greenheart Organics Box; the quality is very good. It's good for you too; I've never eaten so much salad in my life to try and use up all the peppers and radishes. I often make a really nice dip with the aubergines. A sort of Baba Ganoosh, I think. Roast the aubergines in the oven with a little olive oil (how much is up to you and your preference) until they're soft. Whizz them in a food processor with garlic (which you can also roast, but not for as long as the aubergine, I throw them in half way through, after about half an hour). Then add some tahini (sesame seed paste) (anywhere from a teaspoon to two tablespoons, again depending on taste) and yogurt until you get the consistency you like. It's really delicious and very easy. You can peel the aubergine if you like and you can fry them rather than roasting them but I'm trying to diet so I roast them with v little oil.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 09:08
Thanks!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 08:59
I'd love 2 or 3 if anyone has any spares....please!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 08:25
Thanks! That sounds really useful.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 17:19
Put an advert on the Classifieds here maybe? I have seen one or two maids drive their charges to school but that's out of hundreds if not thousands that don't. What about a maid/driver couple?
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 17:17
I would love to do that too. Anyone any ideas?
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 17:11
Spinneys in Silicon Oasis definitely has ducks and sometimes has duck legs. Worth phoning them. They're French, possibly organic and jolly expensive!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 17:08
Thank you Zimbomum for being lovely and fostering them. I really hope you find a fantastic home for them. They are my DD's favourite dog and I would have them right now if it weren't for a husband with a dog allergy. Best of luck.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 17:05
I lived in Marina for a little while and I have to say I wouldn't recommend it for children. There is nowhere for kids to play, the traffic is horrendous and you'll have nightmares imagining them sleepwalking out onto and then off the balcony and falling 65 floors (or was that just my overactive, anxious mind?). It is a great area for going out, however. I'd live somewhere like the Greens, the Palm or the Springs and then have a maid so that you have a live-in babysitter and can go out to places like Marina and enjoy them whilst the kids are tucked up safely and happily in bed.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 16:59
[b'> i've started exercising for 2 weeks, about 3 times a week focusing on leg exercises. I am still however frustrated, it seems that nothings happening.. [/b'> it's only been two weeks. Don't give up because you're frustrated, or it will never reduce. [b'>I'm thinking of cellulite massages.. do they work?[/b'> You would not see much of a difference; it's money down the drain. Plus, the tissue is essentially damaged. The last thing you want to do is get a vigorous massage. Just try and be patient. I know it's aggravating; I had a ton of cellulite in my teens. How did you get rid of it? What changed?
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 15:00
You poor thing; thanks for all the information. Which beaches here in Dubai and up in RAK should one avoid because of stingrays?
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 11:34
Thanks for this and I will see if I can sign up.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 10:39
I was told by the insurance broker that, by law, all medical insurance here must cover you for pre-existings. Don't rely on that, but he seemed to really know his stuff. If he was wrong, the medical insurance backed by Aviva in the UK definitely does cover pre-exisiting conditions. I can't remember the name of the local company that the insurance is branded as. Whether any of this covers you from day 1, I'm not sure. <em>edited by emmsie on 05/11/2012</em>
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 10:19
I have a husband who is allergic to dogs so we can only have hypo-allergenics. Wish I could help. Very best of luck finding homes x
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 10:12
The best time is the driest time and that will be from November to April. The rains can come early or stop late so to ensure the very driest time December to beginning of April. It has the same rainfall pattern as Phuket or Penang (and is in between those two islands). Even in the driest time, you can get rain, but it is short and sweet.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 13:15
Thanks!
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 11:46
Thanks, I have taken your number.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 11:44
I have been told that Arabian Ranches do fireworks for the English Guy Fawkes Night. Does anyone know if this is true and where I can find more details. If anyone knows of firework displays elsewhere tomorrow night, please let me know! TIA
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 11:32
Thanks for that. We are interested so let me know how to get in touch. A large part of the pool has timber decking around it which is about 5cm above the ground. Would a tortoise be able to climb up onto that? We can fence the rest of the area.
emmsie
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 11:30
I have had to have botox administered by a neurosurgeon for bruxism. I read this thread with concern so I sent the original post to my neurosurgeon (she is French, but lives and works in the UK). Her reply was "sorry to say but for me it's total nonsense; pseudo scientific and misleading.". Thought it was worth adding to this thread for balance.
 
 
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