Expat Mum | ExpatWoman.com
 

Expat Mum

Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 09:27
I would bring it all. Supplies here are extremely basic, at best. If you are picky about your thread then bring that as well - I haven't seen Guetermann here, though I haven't looked very hard either. You can find plenty of sequins, hoops, beads, trims and crystals. . .but definitely bring anything that you wouldn't want to do without + refills/extras.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 09:12
They're at least 30% in the U.S. - more depending on the city. In Houston I've heard it's close to 35%. . .don't get me started. . . But yes, the rate is very high here. It takes a fair bit of convincing for your doctor to "allow" you to go past your due date and the number of "emergencies" is unbelievable. (Mouth is rezipped now. . .)
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 07:27
Home births are illegal, but I know someone who "accidentally" had hers at home. (wink, wink) I know women who have had natural births here, but from what I can tell the c-section rate is even higher than it is back home in Texas.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 07:25
Definitely bring your machine! You won't find Janomes here, and if you have a Janome already then you may have opinions on the brands that are available here. I brought mine from the U.S. and it works fine on a transformer (in case that's an issue for you).
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 22:45
I dream of such, mariav. . . :D
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 17:46
Not at all Rachel! We were both engrossed :) I totally agree with you regarding the charge of all the fingerprint stuff - it's absurd.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 15:07
Mariav - I just saw Rachel out and about so I thought I'd put your mind at ease :) NO you don't have to pay for fingerprinting - at least I didn't have to when I had it done. Rox
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 00:17
Sorry to disappear on you! I'm incredibly picky about my needlework, so I always prefer to meet at someone's house. What we did in DM was to have the hostess provide tea/coffee after dinner and one of the guests bring a dessert (e.g. cake/pie) for everyone. In "my" Melbourne group each of the ladies would bring their own lunch and the hostess would provide the dessert; this wouldn't work as well for a DM + EW event since the DM ladies are doing the school run. . .so something in the 9-noon slot or the evening slot would need to work. When DM has hosted the needlework evenings the crowd varied quite a bit. . .never more than six ladies but different ones more often than not. Maybe organize something for late July or August? My hands are sorta full right now, but by then things should settle down :) roxanne at dohamums dot com
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 08:17
We might be accepting adult books for the twice-monthly book swap once it resumes, but otherwise we'll need to stick to kids' books. Depending on the age of your kids we might be interested - just send the organizers an email to library at dohamums dot com and they'll let you know.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 11:36
It's that time of year. . .expats are moving on and moving out! If you are leaving Qatar and have some kids books that you would like to donate to the Doha Mums Children's Library then please let us know! We accept books from age birth to ~9 years old - in all languages. We also accept books & magazines that are parenting-related - e.g. topics like pregnancy, discipline, baby signing, activities with kids, br@@stfeeding, kids' parties, etc. If you have anything to donate please contact us at [b'>library at doha mums.com[/b'> For those of you who don't know about the library, we currently have over 2,000 books for ages birth to ~9 years old. Google "children's library doha" and it will pop right up.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 11:22
If you happen to have unlimited room in your shipment then be sure to stock up on the perfume/dye-free laundry detergent powder. Based on our discussion in April I know it's on your "must have" list, so if you bring 10 boxes you'll be glad you did. It is TOTALLY hit-or-miss with that stuff. You can get it for QR12 (US$3.30) at Carrefour once in a blue moon, but otherwise you are paying QR75 (US$20.60) for a small bottle of Tide Free at MegaMart. Definitely don't bring the liquid. . .when we moved from Argentina to Australia the packers (unbeknownst to me) included some liquid detergent [i'>and[/i'> packed it upside-down. The detergent leaked onto my oiled (natural) cherry dining room table and it left a permanent stain :( Oh, the battle scars on our furniture from all our moves!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 10:22
Swim diapers are available but it wouldn't hurt to bring a package in the appropriate size(s) just in case. This is Doha, and availability can be so random here.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 11:16
BEDH - Come on by an event and join up - much easier now than when the baby arrives :) We have New Arrivals Coffees on Sunday & Tuesday plus the New & Expectant Mums Coffee on Thursday. You're not due 'til 1st August, and there are plenty of events between now and then ;) It will make your life easier, trust me. (Full disclosure: I'm the founder and director of Doha Mums but I would say this even if I weren't!) Roxanne
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 18:20
Doha Mums has had a "needlework group" (meaning anything with any type of needle) from time to time, but we've had trouble keeping it going. Would be happy to join forces with EW to do it together if you'd like.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 17:12
Oh cool - so you are coming! It seems like ages ago when we chatted, but I guess it wasn't that long ago :) You wouldn't believe the amount of stuff I bring in my suitcases. Off the top of my head. . .Costco-sized jugs of maple syrup (double ziploc'd), cold meds from Target/Costco, kids' books/shoes/clothes/toys, my favorite sunscreen, extra Rx from home, toner for my laser printer (available here, but I spent an hour trying to find parking today to buy it). . .gosh, tons of stuff. Anything that you are picky about at home you should bring here - e.g. natural food/products, brands, etc. Don't assume they have it here if it's something you really like.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 08:05
Jessica Monteiro is awesome - she took some gorgeous photos of 6-day old twins recently. http://www.jmonteirophotography.com/index2.php
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 20:59
It's in the main ballroom. The shoppers' entrance will be through the "old" Ramada, which is the building on the right. Go through the entrance to the right of the waterfall/waterfountain and into the lobby. Almost immediately to the left you'll see a set of stairs - go down those and the Summer Market will be down there. Very excited for all the shopping adventures. . .must admit I'm excited to have the first peek at it all :)
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 12:19
When I visited the Lovelinks table a few weeks ago I had to make a bank withdrawl that was high enough for my husband to call me and ask what on earth I was buying :D Bring plenty of cash for this market!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 10:20
You can see it here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEJaOPD3TTg&feature=youtu.be
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 09:28
Oh noooo! That's awful news! Hubby won't be home until July (and he's been away since April), so the kids won't get to see him for a long time :( I hope it gets fixed soon. . .
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 09:20
Oh - there are 110 tables, only four of which are promo tables - so come armed to shop, shop, shop - and bring cash because they don't take credit cards!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 16:17
I agree with Blini. ILQ is a motivated bunch and always seems to be up for spreading the word about a good project if you are willing to take the lead. :)
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 15:36
If I were you I would organize care packages for them and ask people to purchase/donate the package or components thereof. For example, each guy needs a towel, a small TV, an electric kettle, a box of laundry detergent, a bar or two of soap, three bags of snack food, etc. Keep it simple and keep it specific or you'll end up having loads of junk dumped on you :(
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 17:58
Picklz - send me an email roxanne at dohamums . com Might be able to help you with your date selection (sorry to be so cloak-and-dagger - can't say more than that on a public forum until something is finalized!)
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 14:55
Are you here now?
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 13:30
Picklz - Don't lose hope yet! There is a well-established (in the UK) school that will be opening up here in Doha. You can visit their website here: http://www.acs-schools.com/ I've met with several of the ACS folks and have been very impressed - definitely worth a look. Here's a quip from their website: nitially we will be offering our prestigious Early Years and Lower School programmes, based on recognised American and international standards, while seeking authorisation to run the highly respected IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) - a process that will take us up to three years. As the campus develops a High School we will also seek authorisation to offer the IB Diploma and prestigious US College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses. ACS Doha will also offer an American High School Honours Diploma. The school will shortly be a member of the Council of International Schools. Tuition starts at QR40k for the preschoolers and goes up from there, plus a 4k capital fee. Good luck!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 01:11
With a few exceptions (those businesses with storefronts), I don't think that the vendors at any of the fairs tend to be legal. I'd love to talk to you more about the vendor who was approached by the CID - would you mind getting in touch with me at roxanne at dohamums dot com?
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 17:55
A prospective vendor for the Summer Market sells sterling silver jewelry with stone, flat stone, enamel, charms, Murano glass, etc. Will she have trouble bringing in her jewelry over from Dubai to sell here at the market? Thanks! Roxanne
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 21:03
It will be in the ballroom of the Ramada Plaza Doha on 28th May from noon to 4. Visit the Doha Mums website for all the details and the link for vendor applications. :)
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 19:31
No, no plans for secondhand goods this year - we'll keep the secondhand option for the (hopefully annual) Doha Mums Yard sale :)
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 17:11
cagirlintexas - I am in Houston right now! Feel free to call me if you have any questions :) Send me an email to roxanne **at** dohamums **dot** com and I'll send you my phone number.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 23:25
"Allotment", from an American perspective, would mean "what you are given/granted". So you might be allotted a 20ft container or you might have a larger/smaller allotment (or no allotment). :) Agree with GinaM - your son will be fine. . .in my opinion it's usually the adults who chose not to adapt and be happy :) <em>edited by Expat Mum on 04/04/2011</em>
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 22:16
Thanks Dan Lou! Please contact Wendy at [email protected] to see if they still need help. One thing they need help with is the shipping of the boxes. . .the intent was to ship them via the military base but unfortunately that didn't pan out. . .and now poor Wendy has more than 300 large boxes stacked in (what used to be) her dining room. The photos are shocking and she's in a bit of a tight place, if you'll pardon the pun. Anyone have really good connections with Red Crescent, Reach Out to Asia, a shipping/freight company or any other business that might be willing to help?
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 22:13
Some of the larger companies will pay for nursery - ours started when our kids turned three years old, but we were required to foot the bill before that. I'm pretty sure you can find Nesquick over here but hopefully someone will know for sure. The logo may be so ingrained in my head that I remember seeing it back in the US rather than here!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 20:41
I agree with GinaM and amy77 - I would recommend that you negotiate an allotment, and bring as much as your allotment will allow. I stocked up BIG TIME before I came over and I'm so glad I did. If you don't have a huge allotment then think about the things that are important to you - perhaps on a room-by-room basis - to help you decide what to bring and what to leave behind. Don't assume that something will be available, readily available, semi-reasonably priced or affordable here because it may not be (ask on EW). If high-quality kitchen knives are your thing then don't leave them behind because they're pricey here. If a specific brand of tampon (or tampons other than OB) are important, then stock up because they're not always available and are $$. Certain things may be available here but it will take one heck of a search to find that overpriced item. Both of our pepper-grinders finally failed, for example, and we still can't find one to replace them. Lakeland doesn't have them (or didn't last week) and I'm scared to check the prices in Tavola or Table Arts for what would be a US$10 (or less) purchase at Target. You'll find lots of good info here - don't be afraid to ask! Roxanne
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 16:24
Hi all - Wendy and Carrie have been working on the backpacks for hours and hours today and yesterday and are desperately seeking help with them today as they must be packed up and out of the clubhouse this evening. They also need to find volunteers to help transport the backpacks. THERE ARE AT LEAST 200 MORE BACKPACKS TO GO THROUGH TODAY - HELP! If you are able to lend a hand for a couple of hours please come on down! Directions to Champs Elysees Gardens 1 Straight over Decoration Roundabout, heading away from the Ramada. Go right at the next roundabout (Wholesale Market Rd.) Go left at the next roundabout (Al Azizya area) Go to the end of the road and continue along the dirt track - you should have the Al Faisaliya Compound on your left and the Al Zuhoor Complex on your right. Keep going along the dirt track, past Palm City Gardens on your left, until you come to the Champs Elysees Gardens 1 compound on your right. Tell the guards you are there for the backpacks for Japan. Come into the compound and the clubhouse is in front of you. Thanks!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 08:16
Thanks Masha! I'll pass your info to Wendy - maybe someone can swing by to get you!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 20:15
Phokoje - I spoke with Ciara and she said she'd sent you several emails - maybe check your spam/junk folder or give her a call? She doesn't have an EW account, else she would respond.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 10:01
bump!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 07:36
We've just received word that there an additional 400 backpacks that need to be picked up and stored somewhere. We seriously need help, folks. . .the generosity of so many people in Doha has morphed into a logistical horror! Can you spare a couple of hours today? Can you spare some boxes? Please??
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 00:36
OH - and no more backpacks please unless you have already coordinated with the organizers!! The focus right now is on getting these shipped out!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 17:32
My husband (love him!) is a one-feature guy. If the perfect place has one "bad" feature then it's out of the question. If a not-so-optimal place has one highly desirable feature (e.g. across the street from a soccer pitch) then it's a top contender. Drives me bananas. . .
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 17:14
More than welcome! I totally understand the agony of having a husband choose. . .good luck!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 16:50
Phokoje - Contact Ciara at [email protected] or call 7722-0896 or 6656-4282 - you'll definitely receive a response. Riviera Gardens is a more established compound near Landmark - great location. Creative Child is a terrific nursery, too, though I don't know about their waiting list.
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 10:58
I spoke with someone at Al-Futtaim a couple of months ago and he confirmed that it would be at Doha Festival City. Apparently it's being built fairly far out of Doha. . .sure hope they build a ****** freeway instead of a roundabout-ridden road!
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 18:02
Technically you need to be properly employed or have a Qatari partner and be set up as a business for pretty much anything that generates income - dog walking, tutoring, mending clothes, etc. Realistically, however, there are LOADS of people operating illegally and for the most part the Qatari gov't seems to look the other way. They also seem to largely ignore the "contract" employees, though I'm not sure why/how. The exception seems to be when you are sponsored to work and are doing the same sort of work on the side. For example, if you are sponsored to work in a marketing firm and decide to do some freelance marketing on the side then you may get in big trouble for it - and you can't really blame the employer for doing it since they've spent a lot of money to employ you. Until recently there was a woman living here in Doha who seemed to take enormous joy in terrifying other expats out of having their own businesses. I know of at least three people that she contacted to let them know that the gov't was "really cracking down on illegal businesses" - all three of which shut their doors for fear of deportation - despite every word being a big load of BS. Sadly, though, the stories that she was spreading persist and I'm sure you'll hear about them in time (with no idea that they're false). Ironically, her business was totally illegal as well. . . I am holding out hope that the gov't will finally let go of the silly "sponsorship" idea. The difficulty/impossibility for small businesses to start up here is holding Qatar back as a whole more than anything else (in my opinion). Good luck! Roxanne
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:28
You can find more info about the Doha Mums Yard Sale here: http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/qatar_events_whats_on.aspx In short, you need to book in advance to reserve a space. It's 50QR per seller, and BYO blanket/table/rack etc. Priority for the shaded places will be given to pregnant women and mums who have to bring their bubs. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL SELLER'S FEES MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE. ALSO, THIS SALE IS FOR PRE-OWNED GOODS OF ANY KIND - NO BUSINESS TABLES. The entry is QR5 per adult - all proceeds from sellers and shoppers fees go to support the Doha Mums Children's Library. The sale is on April 1st at the Gharaffa campus of Compass International School - this is the original campus. If you are leaving Landmark Mall and driving toward Villaggio on Al Markhiya you will go under D-ring road and up the hill to the next light. At that light you will turn RIGHT toward Windmill Bakery. After 500m or so you will reach a light that is in front of a shopping strip. Turn LEFT at that light. Compass will be about 500m down on your left. <em>edited by Expat Mum on 19/03/2011</em>
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 18:43
No idea on the answer, but let us know how it goes :)
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 07:22
I don't know that this article meets the "statistically sound" criteria, but it's a good read: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1028578553586958760.html
Expat Mum
112
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 07:15
I read a article (want to say it was a statistically-sound research article) stating that eye-rolling was one of the first signs of a marriage going bad. I'll see if I can resurrect it. . .
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing