fluffyfrank | ExpatWoman.com
 

fluffyfrank

fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2017 - 13:31
Hi daffers, I'm sorry but I've sold them now. Hope you manage to get some.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 14:12
Thanks all for the replies and giving a different angle on things. I must admit it would be very unlike my boss to put herself on the wrong side of the law. I'm hoping I don't need a consultant's licence as this is purely a part-time flexible role that I work around my family. My husband earns more in a month than I do in a year so 20k for a licence is not worth my while and I don't need employee rights. My research online gives conflicting advice but most seems to suggest I need a labour card and to have an employment contract, which I don't have. I'm being employed by an individual not a company so don't know if that's an issue.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2017 - 12:32
Thanks for replying sarahlou. The contract has a clause saying: "The relationship of the Consultant to the Client will be that of an independent contractor. The Client and the Consultant acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement shall render the Consultant an employee, worker, agent or officer of the Client, and the Consultant shall not hold herself out as such." As far as I know they did not obtain a Labour Card. What if, hypothetically, I have already been working for this individual for a year? I only work for her and work 15 hours a week part-time from home. The job was advertised on this website and I also went through a reputable recruitment consultant. I had no reason to suspect I was doing anything wrong. Getting cold feet now and want out but my employer wants 12 weeks' notice and for me to recruit my own replacement (!) as stipulated in the contract. I've got a feeling the contract isn't worth the paper it's written on and I could/should quit immediately.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2017 - 10:05
Hi yankeedoodle, I am selling 2 tickets for Thursday night, men's quarter-finals. They are AED 400 each. I bought 4 but only need two. Let me know if you are interested. Should be a good night with Federer, Murray, Wawrinka all likely to be playing.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 22:30
Thanks jessp. There are still kids out at 10.30pm - seems particularly bad tonight. I'm at the point of whether to stay here another year - we've been here for 3, or move. I'm worried if I move, it is expensive and it'll be no better. Also Sunday to Wednesday people are generally quiet and my daughter has a good friend in the compound so would be sad to leave. What to do...
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 21:53
OK, it's been an hour since my original post and the garden is as noisy as ever. Ideally I'd be in bed reading my book but my bedroom overlooks the garden and there's a riot going on! I'd love to hear some positive feedback about Mirdif - please tell me your compound isn't like this.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 16:19
We lived in Germany a few years ago and spent a couple of weeks driving around Bavaria and the Black Forest. We made use of the network of farm stays they have. You get spacious, clean, family-friendly accommodation at a very good price. I think we paid less than 60 euros per night for two-bed apartments. Can't remember the website I used but I've found this one... http://www.bauernhofurlaub.de/ If you click through you can get to farms' individual websites which often have English options. <em>edited by fluffyfrank on 25/06/2013</em>
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 17:05
Hello, got my auditor and grammar pedant hat on here! My understanding is that there are 128 open purchase orders on that date that have been open for more than one year. "As of" is ok as the others have said but I think "as at" is more accountancy speak. I'd also put "had been open" rather than "were open"... "Our analysis revealed 128 purchase orders had been open for more than one year as at 20 May 2013." Hope that helps. If not feel free to ignore! ETA: I think 'as at' specifies the date better, 'as of' implies that the number would still be the same on the 21 May but that isn't necessarily true. You could always put 'on' instead. <em>edited by fluffyfrank on 04/06/2013</em>
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 08:21
Hi Ladies, I feel your pain! I've suffered with horrible under-skin acne around the jawline since moving to Dubai. I found this website really helpful... www.acne.org. It's a bit American-teenager but there are lots of useful reviews of products and natural remedies. I'm having a lot of success with lemon juice. I rub a slither of lemon over my face in the morning after washing and leave it for half an hour or so and then rinse off. Seems to be keeping the spots at bay and it helps with scarring. Hope that helps, but do look at the website and see what might work for you.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 12:11
It's funny, this is bringing back all my memories of our holiday! Yes, the roads are fine and there is some stunning scenery on the way but signposting is not the best. Having an Arabic speaker to ask for directions and a sense of humour will definitely make things easier for you! Jerash was about an hour's drive from Amman, possibly more. You could head out there in the morning, see the site then head back to Amman and spend the evening in the old part. Rainbow Street looked quite atmospheric for restaurants etc but it was Ramadan when we went and everything was shut. Car hire, we used montecar.com. They dropped it off at the hotel in Amman for us and we dropped it at the airport when we left.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 11:39
Hi, we went to Jordan last year. Spent 12 nights, hired a car did Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana, Dead Sea. My pointers re your questions are... Jerash - really enjoyed it, kids loved it too. Can be done as a day-trip from Amman, definitely do it before Petra or it might seem less impressive! Ignore people who tell you to avoid Amman, I really liked it and the Citadel was lovely. Might want to use taxis to get about the city though. It's a very long drive from Petra to the Dead Sea hotels so you might want to break up the trip with a night at the Dana Nature reserve - amazing views. You can drive to the airport pretty easily from the Dead Sea so no need to return to Amman at the end. For a week's trip I'd do 2 nights Amman, see the citadel and drive up to Jerash. 2 nights Petra - one day to drive down, one day in the site. Drive up to Dana 1 night, 2 nights Dead Sea. Hope that helps.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 14:55
My 7yo son is a bookworm too! He goes mad for Captain Underpants and enjoys the Geronimo Stilton books too. Geronimo Stilton are part of a series of over 40 books and are cheap and easy to find so I especially recommend them. Roald Dahl is good too - Fantastic Mr Fox, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory etc. Hope that helps!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 12:13
This happened to me 16 months ago. I wanted places starting January and the school asked for fees from November. The school wasn't even full so it wasn't as if I was depriving other children of places. In the end I offered to pay Spring term's fees in advance to secure the places, plus I ran a thread like yours on here naming and shaming them (naively not realising that the schools read everything on here!) and I pointed out that they weren't the only ones with places! I got my way in the end but it left a bad taste in my mouth - my kids will start at a different school this September. If you have the funds offer to pay term 1 fees now - they will probably go with that but don't pay fees when you're not even in the country!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 12:21
I think it is to do with the hardback price. People pay a premium for hardback books not just because they are more durable but also because they can read a book as soon as it is released. The Kindle price reflects this in order to maintain hardback sales and also because some people are prepared to pay more for a new release even in Kindle format. You will find that the Kindle price will drop suddenly when the book is released in paperback.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 13:19
Chef's House at the Radisson Blu Dubai Media City does a good Saturday brunch with kids' play room. We've been a couple of times and enjoyed it. They accept Entertainer vouchers from the family book too, so it can be a bargain.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 11:11
OK - got your email address so I'll drop you a line. Would be good to meet other DESS mums & kids too.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 13:27
Hi, my two have DESS places starting September too (from another Dubai school also). My DS goes into year 4 and DD year 2. We are British and live in Mirdif so not far from you. Would be good to meet for a play sometime. <em>edited by fluffyfrank on 14/03/2012</em>
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 15:12
I would be interested in something like this though I probably wouldn't pay more than a token amount (10dh?) for a used paperback. I can get some great deals on my kindle and the annual sales at Borders etc can give some great bargains. In the UK I used the website readitswapit dot co dot uk where you can swap books with people in the post. Now something similar here would be very interesting...
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 11:20
There you go then, 3 of us recommending the same place within a minute of each other! <em>edited by fluffyfrank on 26/01/2012</em>
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 11:17
Hi, I've been using the Osteopathic Health Centre in Uptown Mirdif - google it, they have a very good website with good advice on sleeping positions etc. I could barely move at New Year and they've got me straightened out and up and about again. In the meantime I definitely recommend getting yourself up and about walking. I found if I went walking in the morning my back was much better in the evenings. Hope you get better soon.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 11:02
Yes, my five year old does that. She wakes me up just for me to put her back into bed again. It goes in phases. She'll do it every night for a week and then not at all for a week. My solution? When I'm putting her to bed in the evening I have a little chat and ask her not to wake me up in the middle of the night. I tell her it makes me tired. And it works, that night she won't come and wake me!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 14:13
Hi sweetcorn, Your post rings so many bells with me! I had similar problems when my son was at pre-school in the UK. At the age of 3 he used to throw tantrums and didn't get on with other children. He wouldn't share toys, he'd stand in the playhouse and refuse to let other children in, he'd go beserk during 'Twinkle, twinkle' as it was 'his' song and no else should sing it. The head called me in to discuss his behaviour and wanted to have him assessed. He liked to play on his own - if another child tried to join in he'd get very angry. I could go on... My son was (is) very bright - knew his colours and shapes at 18 months, could name all 46 Mr Men at 22 months, spoke early with very good grammar etc. When he started big school he used to get very disruptive in class, yet at the same time he picked up reading so easily that he was ahead of the rest of the class. In year one he wouldn't do any school work and needed a teacher practically standing over him all the time! What's my point? Well, my son is now 7 and a lovely, sociable, well-behaved little boy. He is doing well at school and has made some lovely friendships. He is very laidback and prefers his own company and is so completely different to the angry toddler that I can't believe it's the same child. I didn't do anything to change him, it has happened naturally over time as he has grown up. My advice to you is to trust your instincts. You know you have a fabulous little boy but the school needs children to fit in and go with the norm. If you are not working and doesn't need to be at nursery, pull him out for a year. He may respond much better to one-to-one attention. My son loved stories and jigsaws and spending time on his own, going for walks and just chatting to me about all the things that interest him. As your son gets older he will make friends but 2 is still very, very young. I have been very frustrated over the years that education establishments don't seem to acknowledge the difficulties of bright little ones - they seem very keen to label them and attach a syndrome to them. Can't a kid just be bright? Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster but also have faith in your parenting and your child. You say you are strict with his behaviour - that's great, he will turn out fine! I know it's hard now but they don't call it the terrible 2s for nothing!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 17:40
Any luck? Husband and son are going tomorrow from Mirdif and there's space in the car. They'll be leaving GP straight after qualifying and not staying for concerts as little boy is 7 and has school the next day. Post your email address if you still need lift and we'll be in touch.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:13
From memory roughly Dh225 for 500ml of face wash but you only need a tiny amount. The others were about Dh 170 each. I bought mine at Boots in the Arabian Centre but I've noticed a chemist in Mirdif City Centre sells it too (though not the MCC Boots). Given the amount I've spent on supermarket ranges over the years and the good results I think it's money well spent and it doesn't muck about with my hormones either.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 12:05
Just posted this on another thread this morning and it seems to apply here too. No, I'm not on commission but am so impressed (and relieved) that I want to spread the word... Hi, I've always suffered with bad skin but it's got really bad since moving here in December. I've just switched to Dermalogica Medibac products and my skin has cleared up within days. I bought the face wash first but it didn't seem to be effective on its own but combined with the overnight treatmeant and mattifier in the morning the difference was immediate. I don't seem to need a moisturiser either. It is v expensive but I wish I'd discovered it years ago. Hope that helps.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 16:36
Go on then. I'll go first. My two started in Y2 and FS2 in January. They have settled in well and love going to school each day. The teachers are great and the kids have made good progress this year. The other parents are nice and friendly too. Hope that gets the ball rolling. Did you have any specific questions?
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 17:09
I think my son was under two when his granny bought him some Thomas Aquadraw mats (he's 7 now) and they were an instant hit. With the mini mats there is no skill involved and the water reveals the picture underneath. Good luck - mine just put on their headphones and play with the in-flight entertainment now. So much easier!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 15:03
I swear by Aquadraw mini mats, I used to take them on planes, to restaurants, weddings etc. You can use them again and again and they make no mess.
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 14:58
We did a family holiday in Germany a few years ago. Stayed at a couple of farms in Bavaria and the Black Forest. Very reasonable prices and immaculate spacious accommodation. The website we used was http://en.bauernhofurlaub-deutschland.de/ Hope that inspires you!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 16:49
I have no hesitation recommending the school so good luck! Regarding fees, I think paying 50% upfront to secure place is fine. As long as the fees relate to time the kids will actually be at school. There's another thread about my predicament somewhere but it all worked out in the end! We live in Mirdif - great location, easy to get around, nice malls and plenty of supermarkets. Can be noisy at night with planes but we sleep through it now. Others live in Silicon Oasis and Arabian Ranches and have a bit more of a drive. I like being close to school - am back home without kids by 8.15am!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 14:04
Another happy Star mum. Mine started in January (Y2 and FS2) and I couldn't be more happy. Both children love it there and the teachers are lovely and very good too. Don't take any nonsense over fees though - they tried to get us to start paying from November! Hope it all goes well. P.S. hi minxy!
fluffyfrank
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:10
Have you tried Star International in Mirdif? Mine are new there and very happy. The school is quite new and building up numbers. Having the older child sometimes helps to get the younger one in!
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

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