fefi75 | ExpatWoman.com
 

fefi75

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Latest post on 23 October 2016 - 16:33
Hi, no, not me. My husband. Has anyone had support that worked? This is about his stressful lifestyle and his surely high metabolism, as he does eat (with the exception of Lunch, where he is not under my radar....). Thank you so much for your suggestions. F
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Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 10:09
Hi Sw3, we live in Splendour Villas too, since February. We also really like it. The location is away from major Canal construction, very close to shops/services/schools and so forth. Access to Sheikh Zayed is super easy going South, a bit of a maze going North, but still easy! The villas are nice and spacious, agree with Expatsam1 on all points she mentioned. DEWA bill. We are currently on the 5K mark/month. Inclusive of Housing Fee, Water and Electricity. We hope winter will give us a bit of a break on the electricity side... Pool and garden maintenance is included, as well as villa maintenance, but this refers to manpower and spare parts. So water/electricity for pool and garden are to be paid. My only negative comment is not on the landlord but on the guys who manage the compound... we found responsiveness was not exactly a strength. So we did not have many issues, but for some, we had to chase and chase and chase. On the flip side, the maintenance team is made of hardworking men, who really try their best to help. We have 3 kids, aged 1,7, 9 but there are many kids in the compound, who hang out in the park especially in cooler days. And I love being in such a central location, yet having a gated community feel where the kids can bike, scoot, run around in a safe environment. Hope to see you soon then. Get in touch when you arrive and we can have a coffee to welcome you x
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 10:47
Thanks. Black Hats are always good advisors, but now I think I have the rights to do my research and explore my options. Thanks Lolacat
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 08:16
Thanks Ladies. I will get in touch with a lawyer, seems the best option of all. Mum2girls, thanks for understanding that our nanny is part of my family after such a long time together, and this is the main drive to explore all options. Off me go to look for a lawyer. S
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Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 22:16
Thanks mumof2!! Lolacat, I do understand thanks a lot for your advice and for sharing your perspective. S
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Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 17:36
Thanks so much. She has been with us for 5.5 years, so we shall be ok in terms of Years with us. Might look at a lawyer to support, as would be really hard to go, and after 6 months she has to leave. It is tru that the legislation changed in 2012 as mum2 says. Just so difficult to find answers online and to get through someone to help. So a lawyer might be a good recommendation! THanks
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Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 14:57
Thanks Polly! I also tried to search, but with no luck.. S
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Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 14:41
Moving to the UK in December. My husband is already in the UK, with a permanent address. Both Italian passport holders. Has any of you got some experience or knows someone who moved with their nanny (employed in their Dubai times) from Dubai to the UK? She is Sri Lankan and we would live together in our UK Home, for as long as we stay in the UK. Trying to understand what is the starting point. Got confused information from website/phone calls to the relevant organisations. Thanks in advance S <em>edited by fefi75 on 08/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 12:08
Hi Ranches Gal. We were on a safari right there in Dec 2010. It was awesome. We had all organized by Tel : +27 21 481 4900 E-mail : [email protected] Web : www.go2africa.com who was superb. He really knew his stuff, and asked lots of questions before recommending us the best solution. It is magic. Enjoy F
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 11:18
I wish I could give you recommendations... it seems that the tremors could continue for months or years... for whatever that means. The news are giving fragmented information as it is not easy to predict what will happen. On the other hand, this is not the first earthquake that has afflicted Italy, yet it has been safe to travel to it. You can find seismic maps, that highlight the areas with the highest risk, but again, I am no one to tell you go or not go, I am afraid.
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 23:22
Hi Muskiet. I am Italian and used to live in Milan. The area afflicted by the earthquake has always been considered non-seismic, based on historical data. Seems like the last earthquake in the area were in 1500-1600. Clearly something is changing under the surface. The Appennini mountains are moving and generating the tremors. Your question is the big question on every debate on the Italian TV as I type. Very hard to forecast what will happen. Where exactly are you going to go?
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Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 15:05
That's disappointing to hear about thelack of light in the kitchen - And the prices seem to be too high. I've seen nice 3 bedroom villas in Jumerah going for 140k these days! Still what a great location for the kids to play! I don't feel the same about the kitchen having not enough light. The kitchen has big windows, and even today when I visited I though it was great (DEWA not connected so no light yet).
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Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 08:40
Moving into a 4 BR townhouse in 2 weeks, we feel the place is not perfect but the location pays back for us. It definitely could benefit of some trees and grass.... it all looks a bit too grey but we'll make it green around us The compound has 1-2 BR Apartments and 3-4 BR Townhouses. The Apartments are above the retail area, so the ones you can see from Wasl/Safa, surely suffering from traffic noise. The Townhouses are instead in the back rows, and they are nice an quiet in my opinion. There is a pool - kids pool - play area - gym 3BR - 185K 4BR - 195K 4BR + Study 205K (but I think they are all gone) No clue about the price of the apartments.
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Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 15:19
Bump
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Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 10:04
Hi, is it possible to share the rent the owner is expecting to get? Thanks! Edited the original message. F
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 00:24
I only understood why people put kids to bed so early when my son started school and our wake up call had to be set at 6am. In Italy no one that I know would ever even think about putting their kids to bed at 6:30 or 7:30. So in the same way you think it is crazy of us to put our kids to bed at 9 pm we think you are strange in putting the kids to bed when we have not even thought about what to cook! If you know what I mean, and with some humor please :) My kids go to bed at 8pm now, and I am trying to actually put them to bed earlier. Waking up at 6 am is just too hard otherwise. However, back in Italy, with school starting at 8:30, and just around the corner (2 minutes walk) they would go to bed at 9pm - 930pm as I used to do and survived nicely. Afternoon nap was welcome and dinner was religiously with mum and dad at around 7:30 - 8 pm I was one of those who would have given you the look probably, as when I first moved out of Italy I honestly thought it was absolutely unimaginable to have kids down to sleep so early! I always used to go to the park when many other mums were taking the kids home for a bath.... and I wondered wondered wondered why Took me time, but I understood eventually. Would not give the look today. But try to understand that in other places in the world things work differently (this does not mean that bedtime should be at midnight.....). So they are probably not judging, just a bit confused
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Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 16:59
Is 500g = to 500 ml??? Not sure if this is what you mean, so I try to answer. I measure water and oil on the scale. 250gr of water is for sure 250ml, however I doubt the same conversion can be made for Olive Oil.
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Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 22:56
Here is a popular Italian recipe, from a popular Italian forum: 500g Flour 250g Water 50g Extra Virgin Olive Oil 25g dry Yeast 10g Salt The way the ingredients should be mixed is similar to Jamie Oliver's recipe. The only Nonna's recommendations would be to only add the salt after the flour-yeast-water-oil have mixed well together. Yeast and salt should never touch, in order to allow yeast to work properly. Another tip is, after you have made the pizza dough, throw it on the table 2-3 times, with energy! Besides being a great stress-reliever, it helps the rising process. And last... after the dough has rested for 2 hours, don't knead the dough at all, but just shape it and if you have time, after placing it in the right tray, leave it to rise for another hour, then prepare it for the oven! I am hungry now...
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 08:24
Completely agree with Dubai Squirrel!! Love my Murano too. Stylish, not too big not too small, and ours is now 6 years old, and has been very reliable. Edited to add: with kids, make sure you get leather seats :) Otherwise, my two kids really seem to enjoy it too. <em>edited by fefi75 on 05/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 14:28
Hi Nutty, we did take a taxi and it came with a car seat. I was not in the taxi, but my nanny was so I did not see the car seat myself to tell you how it was. But it definitely was there. It was a pink lady driven taxi. No additional cost. HTH <em>edited by fefi75 on 21/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 13:29
Nessa, it does look nice, does it? Would anyone know if and who will be managing the gym? That would be awesome if they actually had classes we could join!! F
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 20:24
My DD had the same. We would wash with just water, and pat dry. Then apply Extra Virgin olive oil to the area and use a cotton napkin (like old fashioned ones for nose) between bottom and nappy. That always helped in our case. Hope she feels better soon and you too. DON'T pat dry - hairdryer in the cold setting, or warm, from far away, BE EXTRA CAREFUL and it does work. The less you touch it the better. As you said we were extra careful. Absolutely right, had never thought of a hairdryer.
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 19:22
My DD had the same. We would wash with just water, and pat dry. Then apply Extra Virgin olive oil to the area and use a cotton napkin (like old fashioned ones for nose) between bottom and nappy. That always helped in our case. Hope she feels better soon and you too.
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 19:31
My little piece of advise is wear comfortable shoes. I had heels on and had to walk so so so long that I felt just so stupid, and realized I was about the only one with heels :)
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Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 10:39
Arent they the same ones. I know when i went to the plant souk i drove past Dragon Mart and ended up getting lost near Academic City. It was around that area... :-) Agree with Louise. I also think it is the same one. Past DragonMart, at the roundabout turn right, then at the following roundabout turn left. Drive 500 mt and you will see the nurseries on your left. A great place for indoor and outdoor plants, pots, all you need!
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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 22:48
800 Pizza is ok for delivery, although I always feel that the pizza tastes a bit like the box it is delivered in.... Best Pizza Restaurant is La Bussola at Mina Seyahi. It is the closest in my opinion to the real Italian Pizza. Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi though has the first certified Italian Pizza Margherita... a bit far for just a quick dinner, and a bit expensive when you have to pay the entrance to the Park too.... but that is the REaL STUFF
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 11:22
SO HAPPY!!! Just walked into Spinneys!!! They are going to open on Thursday this coming week!!!! We walked through it - not very big, and with small pork section (not manned I believe). However this is one of the best gifts of this summer for us!!! Enjoy!!
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 21:47
Try CAS - www.casdubai.com The Collegiate American School opens its doors in September, so it might still be easy to find spots. It is located in Umm Sequim, not far from Choitrams. Also, the Children Garden in Jumeirah offers FS2. I know for sure, since a friend has a 4.5 years old and he will go there next year for FS2. Not sure whether they still have space, but worth a call. Good luck!
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Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 15:53
Lynn, I believe she was being very racist about her ad. You can ask for a skill, not a nationality, nor ***, nor age, nor religion, nor street name.... at least not in a mature business environment. I could live in Bur Dubai, but be excellent with my time management, and be the best fit for her position.... honestly I have never read such a Job Ad in my career...... And when I worked in Recruitment, I would have never accepted an ad like this to be published on our company website! I am not sure why her ad was removed (I felt the advertiser was a woman)... might have to do with this. Seen the great feedback, I am going to try again then to respond to job ads :) Thanks girls
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Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 21:43
Thanks for your replies girls :) and for your wishes CP! Luckily have a job, but always look out for new opportunities, that can allow me to have more time with kids Speed Queen, good luck with your search
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 20:47
Hi ! I have seen the school from the outside, as it is still not completed, therefore we cannot really visit it. However, the Registrar offered a Tour as soon as it will be accessible. It is big, and brand new, and when I saw it last week they were painting the outside and doing the landscaping. Will you be relocating to Dubai for the first time? Umm Sequim 1-2-or 3 would be a perfect location, housing wise. Just in case you are also looking at where to live. Good luck!
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 08:45
Hi Mere, my son will also join KG1. Location for me is not as ideal unfortunately (I am in Business Bay)... but I cannot rely on the waiting lists with the schools he is enrolled. Plus, I also like what I read about it online, sounds promising.
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Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 09:02
@ Nessa72 We had all our balcony windows fixed from IDAMA, so that if we by accident close the window from the outside, the window won't close to the end and we can still get in... unless your husband locks you out by mistake, takes the kids to bed and falls asleep with them...... and you are stuck for 20 mins :)
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Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 12:00
Done! And included as well a request to create a safe path for pedestrian to reach the metro station.
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 15:02
So we have a new roundabout..... Has any of you understood how the roads will be? How will the access to the metro station be for pedestrians, once the road is done? It is so freaking dangerous to walk there.... especially with a pram!
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 15:00
Thanks Malibu! I will certainly email them. It is so annoying and EXPENSIVE! F
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Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 15:09
I really like living in a Podium villa. Used to live in Jumeira too, and believe it would be really hard to find a brand new villa there at the same price. We were ok to give up the garden (high maintenance anyway) in favor of this. Hopefully we will have shops and facilities soon .... when it will be all done, I am sure ET will be a great place to live. On another subject, does anyone know if there are SWIMMING classes organized by the pools? I have a 4 and 2 years old, and would love to take them for swimming lessons. TIA
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Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 12:25
But until your child is not turning 5 you can still look into nurseries and there would be cheaper options. Not free, I am afraid, but around 25k and above. Then at school age, fees willl be higher for sure, with some starting at 35k+. However, I believe most american schools would be on the expensive side. Have you checked whether your dh company would cover schooling at all?
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 12:06
Ladies, so see you in the afternoon? F
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Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 11:12
Juzzrach! Absolutely me :) You saved me with that wipe, tx :) Looking forward to seeing you there then. 4:30 and a snack Enjoy your week end
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 23:16
Nessa and Juzzrach, what if we met on Sunday 30th at the K-Maid-Zone? Say at 4:30pm? Have two kids too, and live in Villa L nickym1d, I also dealt with FAM and they were fine.
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 14:08
Hi ladies! As i was living in italy for a while and hubby is italian,so i might give you some tips.. For a 10 day trip, manubhadauria, you'll be' very busy seeing all those cities.. I would suggest you fly into Rome, stay there 2-3 days and then head to toscany by train.. If you like the countryside i can give you the address of a very unique "agriturismo", its located close to florence, pisa, lucca, vinci and other beautiful places (but you would need to rent a car).. Then head towards padova, which is just in between venice and verona. You can easily go to venice and verona by train. There's a very lovely hotel just in the historical centre of padova. You also spend less for the hotel than in venice. Emirates is flying from/to venice.. If you want/need more information you can write me on alexa _ vanessa (at) web (dot) de Completely agree! The agriturismo is the best solution for Italy, especially in Tuscany & Umbria! There are amazing villas, reasonably prices too, where the kids can enjoy running around in the garden and swimming, when you are not busy visiting places and eating good food. Good website I always recommend are: www.homeaway.com and www.cuendet.com You will be fine both choosing train, or renting a car. And July is also a very clever choice, as Italy will be busy, but not like August, I would say. It really depends if you prefer to see as many cities as possible, or if you prefer to chill out and concentrate on an area of Italy. Have fun! Done it twice and loved it.