Encore | ExpatWoman.com
 

Encore

Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 13:51
He is at Regent International School, Dubai EditedToAdd (Disclosure: they were the only school accepting students when we arrived in Dubai) FS-1 ends at 12:30pm FS-2 ends at 1:00pm <em>edited by Encore on 02/06/2013</em>
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 21:05
There is also the GEMS American Academy, which is also very new. I am very interested in personal accounts or reviews of each of the American Schools. We are moving to Abu Dhabi from Dubai very soon. RoseLAC My youngest child started Foundation Stage 1 at a UK curriculum school because he was very excited to join his "bigger" siblings. I was very apprehensive about this, as my other children did not start school so young. I have been absolutely happy that he has been so successful and excited to attend school everyday. Albeit, he comes home daily at 12:30pm (not a full day like the others), he is delighted from the moment I drop him and the smile remains until I pick him up. Just a thought.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 20:55
We have been searching in the Raha Beach area so far; Al Zeina and Al Muneera. I would love to hear some opinions on the other living areas. Does someone have a nice summary they care to share about a standard list of areas? Here is what I am interested in so far: Khalifa A Raha Beach and near these areas that I may not know about. Thank you to anyone who shares.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 19:22
I bought my first magicbullet initially to make baby food and have used it for the last two years ALOT...mostly for smoothies and sauces. I don't think it's as strong as it advertises to be...but it's very useful. Mine first one broke six months ago and I did replace it. Same story here. I have owned two in 9 years and when this second dies, I will absolutely buy a third.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 21:05
I have taken classes with Gulf Photo Plus Instructor Tonya Colson, she is really great and teaches class at times in Abu Dhabi ( I have taken her classes in Dubai). Not sure of the schedule, check their website for class offerings.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 21:01
We will be relocating to Abu Dhabi soon and have a talented 7 year old about to take her Level 1 exams. Does anyone have a recommendation for an excellent Instructor near Khalifa A? Or anywhere, in the event we find ourselves ready to travel for instruction. We have a Piano at home also, if someone is willing to come to the home. Female preferred but, not necessary.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 20:43
Bump
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 10:38
I thought the Principal, Ian Deakin was delightful, inspirational and extremely optimistic. However, it answered a very basic question for me, the facilities are not ready and they "hope" that the classrooms will be ready at the bare minimum. If not, they plan to use/ borrow another GEMS school (The Millennium campus) classroom until they are complete. GEMS International Al Khail IB, is moving forward with their registration process and fee collection for the 2013/2014 School, regardless of the campus construction and/or completion. While I am certain this will be a great school in its future, I feel very insecure about it right now as an option for my family. Those are my thoughts. Perhaps others may have felt different.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 08:25
Did anyone else attend the, "Meet the Principal," orientation for GEMS International Al Khail held at DAA? I did and I am curious what others thought?
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 08:04
You have already identified the top two American curriculum schools here in Dubai. Of the schools in Dubai, they are also at the top for highest fees in the Region. Schools and education are our absolute most challenging concerns for our family here in the UAE. There are few options for this curriculum. We have struggled most with this out of all the new challenges being an expat presents. I wish you the best of luck and if those top American schools are affordable to your Family, they are the best options for the American curriculum in Dubai. Please do your research before you give any money to a school. Here is an article done fairly recently for reference. http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education/most-us-curriculums-unaccredited
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 21:10
Oops... edited to add that the "negative bashing" goes on silently inside my head. I am ALWAYS respectful but sometimes through gritted teeth I repetitively say things like these; "PLEASE dont splash bleach on my bright blue rugs, these are the second set I have purchased. They leave terrible bleach spots, see them?" "NO! You can not wash them out." "Please wash-n-rinse the coffee pot before you add new water and dump it into the coffee maker." Blah, blah, blah... you get the idea.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 17:11
My husband recently bought me a Fitbit pedometer thing. For our anniversary. Three weeks after I had a baby. He gave it to me with the words 'now don't take this the wrong way'. The fool. Not surprisingly, I very much took it the wrong way. Is he now undergoing surgery to have it removed ?? Hahahahahahahahaha!!!! This is one of the best comical bits I have read here in a while! Thanks ladies, I nearly choked on my coffee.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 17:08
Whether it is, "just a curtain" or "crumpling" a plastic bag, the simple fact is that is bothersome and annoying. Minimizing it by one's own standards doesn't make it any less irritating. Having help in the home should be helpful, not a whole list of negative adjectives. When I find myself negatively bashing (inside my head...silently shouting) my maid for things happening around my house, I simply ask myself one question, "Am I better off without her?" And until I can answer that question with a rock solid, "Yes", I will continue to grind my teeth and tolerate things I find frustrating. Many of us can empathize (me included). Sharing our home is very difficult but, obviously not difficult enough YET for me to do it alone again. Someday soon though for CERTAIN. <em>edited by Encore on 15/04/2013</em>
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 11:12
Noted and thank you for the reply.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 17:38
Where is this good Dentist in Karama? (Sorry for the repeat ladies, I thought this post was in the Maids section) <em>edited by Encore on 13/04/2013</em>
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 18:41
Thank you. That is what I have been hearing but, thought I would seek others actual experience
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 17:31
Do any of you lovely ladies know the details, steps or advice on obtaining proper Dubai "work permits", if I am currently on Husbands Abu Dhabi visa as a housewife. Must I be re-sponsored or may I be employed with "permission" from Hubby and some kind of enormous FEE for a labor card? Anyone have any ideas?
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 13:40
Just curious about the Live-out helper salary...Not including visa fees/ID or health insurance (Abu Dhabi Visa cost us Approx. 7,200dhs per year) or One month paid vacation/Ticket home per year. Currently, we have a live-in. We pay/cover everything, food, toiletries (soap, shampoo, girly things, toilet paper, lotion, all meds, full access to household STUFF), etc. Her salary goes in her pocket or home or whatever she does with it. Does the 2,200-3,000 dhs cover all living expenses, including their living space, utilities, food, toiletries....?
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 13:35
HI Ladies, Just curious about the Live-out helper salary... Currently, I have a live-in. We pay/cover everything, food, toiletries (soap, shampoo, girly things, toilet paper, lotion, all meds, full access to household STUFF), etc. Her salary goes in her pocket or home or whatever she does with it. Does the 2,200-3,000 dhs cover all living expenses, including their living space, utilities, food, toiletries....?
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 06:44
Having a dress made is an experience. *Fabric 3+ Meters (for a long gown) @ whatever the price might be, Cheap Fabric? maybe 25-40dhs per meter *Tailors @ 200-500dhs for a formal type dress. {Prices vary by day and by Tailor and their schedule *Time and Fuel@ ? (I am sure ExpatWomEn will have lots of varied prices from experience) But, saying she designed and had her Prom dress custom made is an experience she will never get bored of sharing. That is all part of Prom fun. Sometimes, it is much cheaper to buy ready-made clothing but, certainly not the same reward! I designed my own Prom dress and had it made by a design student ( as her class project ;0) long ago. I still remember that as the highlight to my Prom. No one had the same dress or had even seen anything like it and I was prideful sharing it was my design and the fit was perfectly for me. The smile is my Prom photos is the real deal, ear-to-ear in every one. And it was dress. HTH
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 09:16
Ah ha! Is this the same in Abu Dhabi? Sounds like a perfect "Trial" to me.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 06:38
Absolutely what I think. My running visa total for this years hiring was 7,200dhs; including Emirates ID, Healthcare Insurance and all Abu Dhabi visa fees. We plan to hire a new Housemaid in September and a Dubai fiend explained to me that she was about to pay her new Maids 1 year visa, after she had her 3month trial visa. ???? I want to do that. That is my biggest concern, paying out 7,200 and having issues in a couple months. Three months is the perfect amount of time to see clearly before investing the entire expense. Anyone with recent information on this?
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 18:28
I once belonged to a close group of friends who doubled up on their meals, packaged one for sharing and then traded once or twice a week. Saves everyone from a night or two of cooking and also brings new things into the home. Sometimes causes interesting discussions at the dinner table. Examples include but not limited to; children dislike something, Husbands prefer a dish another lady's way, someone uses too much salt or not enough...blah, blah. But, makes for an opportunity to giggle at times. Also dessert trading and sharing. Just an idea for some of you ladies who are well acquainted.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 20:31
I made the "Teenager who cleans" comment. It was a colloquialism, not meant to be an indicator of how mistreated my home-help might be. Which she is not, by the way. You know, it is interesting this business of employing live-in help. Interesting and complicated. On one hand, our helper is here to be helpful. In matters of house keeping and organizing. She helps prepare snacks at times and always helps clean while I cook, assists me with the clean up after meals, playtime and showers with the kids, when she is here. Now, where things get complicated is we want for her to be happy and welcome so, we make provisions for her to feel this way. Monday evening off for Bible study, Thursday evening off to Saturday morning for visits with her friends and church and whatever else she does while out. But, in the event I need her on one of those evenings, we must contend with the pouting and sulking. Abrupt attitudes with my small children and hiding her in her room. Sometimes, this goes on for days. Now, my term "teenager" was in direct reference to these types of behaviors. Behavior that most mature employees can not display while on a real job in a proper workplace. These behaviors may be displayed once someone reaches their home and they can properly air out their frustration and then return to their job in the morning with better attitude. We find ourselves measuring how important an event may be against contending with her passive aggressive display of discontent. Maybe I am handling this all wrong. Perhaps, I should tell her she is needed and hand her a bottle of vino ;0) oh and on leaving her alone for the summer.... what happens when she has an emergency toothache, with screaming and hysteria, resulting in an emergency extraction and we are in another Country? No thank you. It was hard enough while I was here. All in all, I am very happy that I have never found her walking on pile of meat in my kitchen or never found photos of her in my clothing. My kids like her and my house is clean. The rest... well, we just deal.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 16:54
Lulu Al Barsha is out, hear Safest Way has some but, I am hoping someone can give a location closer to JBR?
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 16:18
DR, I understand your point. There is a another way of stating such; sometimes our own inexperience in employing and managing home-help is cause for many if not most of our issues with housemaids. I am guilty for sure. It is a different state of mind from a traditionally different life experience. I have grown and will definitely do things different the next time around. In fact, I have referenced expatwoman many times for advice and can recall yours being very good at times on this matter. Helpful assistance is always better than criticism.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 13:43
I swear, sometimes I wonder why we even bothered with this whole maid thing. I feel like I have another child...! This is exactly how I describe the arrangement to others. Albeit, I say a "teenager who cleans".
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 13:06
Hurray! This is great news!
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 13:04
I learned a valuable lesson my first year with a housemaid (lots of them actually, this is just one). She asked to take her vacation in the month of March, 6 months into her contract and we agreed from the beginning (because we didnt know better at the time). It became a bad decision when we realized that meant, we were on our own for one Month during her contract and then she thought she would be hanging out in our apartment for the two months of summer when we were gone. To her disappointment, we decided to stay home that summer and save money. From that point forward, we learned that our housemaid is on our schedule and takes vacation when we are taking vacation. We are responsible for them while they are in the UAE under our sponsorship. What if there were an emergency here and she was alone? It is as much for her safety as it is ours. We need to protect them and ourselves.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 17:52
Some Dubai Schools seem to be doing whatever they want without any consequences. Splitting a class and over filling others is absolutely ridiculous. So now, there are several classes full of children who wont learn for the day and over worked, unhappy teachers I would imagine. Everyday lately, I experience or hear about something new and more unbelievable. Thanks for sharing. At the very least, I dont feel alone.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 19:00
From the US, prefer US Curriculum, IB then British... but, desperate at this point. age 11 age 12 age 15
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 16:33
Who can we call to help? KHDA?
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 16:32
It has been stated by this school that no matter when any Student starts in the School year, they are required to pay the Largest terms payment in full, which is the first term because it is the longest. There seems to be no interest from the School to start this student. They delayed his assessment by two weeks because of the KHDA Inspection and then spent over a week after the assessment waiting to respond.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 15:19
Ha, thats cute. I think that is a great small example of the differences in Children eyes versus Grown up eyes. I think they look the same too ;0)
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 15:17
I took a drive out to Al Khail today in search of this new school. I have an idea of it's location however, was not able navigate the exits to the School. After two loops around, up and back, we gave up and headed back home. We will study Google Earth maps better for next time. Has anyone visited the campus or made it to the location?
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 17:43
I picked up a dozen at the Childrens play-place in Dubai Marina mall, same floor as the as the food court, right across from the movie theater. Sorry, I cant recall the name or the price for them. But, I do remember feeling relieved that I didnt have to drive all over Dubai asking and searching. If you go this route; park near an elevator entrance and just travel into the elevator and directly to your car from the exit. Or else.... you will have to travel through the mall with a bunch of balloons and field through all the children yelling, "Mommy, Daddy, I want one!" And desperate Parents asking to purchase them. Makes for awkward times ;0)
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 20:15
We end up in Schools that no one else wants to attend and then spend the duration of our time there figuring out why no one wants to attend these particular schools. Then, we watch Teachers run away, our kids new friends leave as soon as they find a place somewhere else, school heads get terminated with vile written letters sent out to every parent (obviously written to scare-monger other Teachers), senior leadership staff lash out and scream at Parents daily (an obvious reason why no one wants to attend this particular school).... and this list could go on and on and on.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 17:48
Grab a Subway, pour some "grape juice" in a water bottle with cups (because wine is illegal and Expat woman patrol would never allow an endorsement to do something illegal;0) and head to the beach for a Romantic sunset picnic and some giggles.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 17:24
Ghostbusters? I wish. If given the choice to walk to my car in wet, human filth or green slime, I would choose Ghostbusters for certain. I know there are others here.... at least 30 vehicles in my immediate sight were parked in the flood.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 12:52
I have seen it in Waitrose in Dubai Marina, recently.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 19:25
This blog is intimately written from one Mom of two autistic children. It is informative, supportive and heartwarming... http://lifewithgreyson.blogspot.com/ HTH
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 08:43
My nearly two-year-old Maytag Condenser dryer just stopped working yesterday. JUst turned off entirely, no power, nothing. After many calls, with no solution.... I am buying a new one. It has been said to me, that Dubai appliances have about a 1-2 year expiry and then it is cheaper to purchase new than to continue to invest in ridiculous repairs. Is this true? <em>edited by Encore on 02/02/2013</em>
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 14:10
After many questions, I have found that Dubai Sports Authority has made some new rules for fitness clubs and the Company Managing these Fitness clubs is Infinity Sports Management. The rules are new and an original deadline was Dec 31,2012. I will be inquiring and hope for some positive changes.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 13:25
Me, many Instructors and countless others.... to the Management (which has changed too many times to count in the last year, currently held now by one of the "Instructors" in question) and the Owner. We should definitely be moving to another level for complaints.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 07:07
Our gym has recently started "training" the Filipino front desk staff to teach Group Fitness class. Then letting them take over. I would like to know, as a person who has paid for a year membership in advance (before this change), what my rights are as a consumer who has paid for professional services. One must take these "new" classes to understand what I am sharing. But, I would liken it to putting my housemaid in scrubs and giving her a stethoscope, then calling her a nurse.
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 06:06
Thank you Norak. Do you have any contact for Mastafawi?
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 13:54
Thanks Ayzzy. Report them to whom? Who is the "governing" body?
Encore
160
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 13:46
I sure read a lot about what is legal and not legal on Expat Woman in regards to services.... but who actually regulates these things? This "Fitness and Yoga" thread is a perfect example. I question the credibility of new Instructors at the gym I attend almost daily. In a matter of months, qualified, skilled and experienced Instructors have been replaced by full time Filipino staff (after paying for a year of membership in advance). I would like to see their qualifications and/or have their "Certificates" checked. But, how? And if working outside one's visa or skills is illegal, then why is it happening so frequently?
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 18:09
Taking a couple photography classes made my "List of things to do in 2013." Thank you for the Gulf Photo Plus recommendation. Just checked into their class times and plan to sign up for their perfect "Mommy" timed class, 9am-11am! Thank you to them BIG TIME for making it easier on us with School-aged children. I am thrilled so far and look forward to a new challenge.
Encore
160
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 17:02
Sometimes I think the best thing we can teach our children is a general understanding that people, both young and grown can be very mean and sometimes for no reason at all. I tell my children that meanness is UGLY and KINDNESS is beautiful. This seems to be very helpful... especially with my Daughter. ;0)
 
 
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