Frazzle | ExpatWoman.com
 

Frazzle

Frazzle
102
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Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 16:18
Hi It's probably too late, but for what it's worth, my children go there and we're really happy with it (and so are they!) It's expensive but it is worth it IMO Hope that helps
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 16:15
This is the first time in a long time that I have come on here and I'm surprised at how quiet it is. There is another group on Facebook called Abu Dhabi Q&A. There are over 22k members so I'm sure you'll get answers on there. Hope you get your answers :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 16:08
My children go there and we are very happy with it (and so are the kids which is important too). Yes, it is expensive, but I do think it is a great school and wouldn't consider moving elsewhere.
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 16:06
Hi We moved a long time ago and used Sterling Relocations, who were good. I know others have used Crown (expensive but good) and Pickfords. I can't think of any others but I'm sure there are quite a few. With regards to areas to live, I have a few friends the have kids at Brighton and they live all over - Khalifa City (takes about 20 mins apparently), Sas Al Nakhl, Mangrove Village, Bloom Gardens (I believe this is the closest). There is a Brighton College Facebook group so perhaps you could try joining that and asking the question there. People may know of houses coming up in their compounds etc. Hope that helps :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 16:01
Hi! The only one I can think of that is close to the Airport is the Staybridge Suites on Yas Island https://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/reservation I know a few people who have stayed there on their arrive in AD and have found them ok. Hope that helps :)
Frazzle
102
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2014 - 19:42
I understand what you are saying but as I said, I was posting on behalf of his mother who is looking for these groups. I would think she knows her son better than any of us and if those are the types of groups she is looking for, then so is he probably. Anyway, I appreciate your replies and Belinda, that is a great suggestion and I'll pass it on to her. If anyone else has any ideas, I'm sure his mother would love to hear them. Many thanks
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 09:22
We are in Doha and are possibly moving to AD. We would really like to bring our maid with us but before I speak to her about it, I wanted to know if it was possible and what the best way to do it was? Thanks!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 09:10
Thanks for your replies. Really helpful! :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 08:16
Thank you for that, but its a number for Doha I'm looking for. Do you know of there is a similar department here or is that wishful thinking?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 14:54
Hi We used Dr Fischer at Cooper Health Clinic on Al Wasel Road (next to Choithram) and he is brilliant. He is great with kids and my husband & I were also very happy with him. If we couldn't get an appointment with him, we'd book with his colleague Dr Riani (spelling?!) (both from South Africa) and she was great too It's all down to personal opinions but I know a lot of people who have very happy with him HTH
Frazzle
102
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 14:45
Hi BEDH I was just thinking the same (as in my son won't know anyone) so a playdate is a great idea. Where are you living? We're in West Bay Lagon but I'm happy to travel. Drop me an email on emmalinauk @ yahoo . com and we can arrange something. Thanks!
Frazzle
102
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 19:08
This is what I'm thinking - I do like where we are but the commute was the issue. I think you're right though. It's going to be just as bad going the other way.. He'll be starting pre school so probably too young for the bus. Thanks for your help!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 16:58
I got mine from Galleries Lafayette and got loads of extra attachments and a cook book for free. They have loads of funky colours too (I got a lovely ice blue one) I love it!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 21:32
Hi Jem I'm glad to hear your visit went well. Fingers crossed for you that the villa you like is still available when you come over. Which gate was it at? My email is emmalinauk at yahoo dot com. Drop me a line when you're over and we'll meet up for coffee. Let me know when you've got my address so I can take it down.. Thanks!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 21:29
Hi Laura Welcome to Doha! I arrived at the end of September and have 2 little ones (18 months & 3). If you'd like to meet up, drop me a line on (removed). Let me know when you've taken my address so I can remove it I'm not working, but I've met a couple of ladies who are also working so we could get a few of us together sometime. <em>edited by Frazzle on 16/11/2012</em>
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 22:23
Hello again. Just wanted to give you the contact details of the agent we used. She was really good and was one of the only ones that lined up lots of properties to see in one go. Mel - 3348 2322 (Nelson Park Property) Good luck! Let me know if you want to meet for coffe when you arrive. My children are roughly the same age as yours btw
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 00:04
Thanks for your replies. Looks like we have a lot of research to do now!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 22:37
Hi I've just moved over from Dubai and we're moving into our villa in West Bay Lagoon on Friday! We looked at quite a few places and did find that stand alone villas seem to be cheaper than compounds and you get more outside space as well (no gardens as such in the lagoons) A friend has got a 4 bed villa for 18k but it seems that prices are increasing s maybe she was lucky. Anyway, we did get a discount by paying with one cheque (1k a month) so it's worth a try! One thing I did notice was that a lot of places were advertised as a 5 bed villa (for example) but they were actually a 4 bed + maids so bear that in mind. I looked at a lot of places and only 2 had outside maids rooms. All others were in the house as an actual bedroom. From a privacy perspective (yours & the the maids) this isn't always ideal. Re: the 6 month wait there are ways to get around this but it is down to your husbands company and the seniority of your position (or so I've been told). We arrived a month ago and have our RP's already and the ok to sponsor a maid, so you might have to wait until you get here to figure out what you can do. As marycatherine said, you might be better off just getting an agency maid to start with & go from there Good luck anyway. If you have an more questions, just shout!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 10:22
Hi AC105 Please can you give the details of the man you used for your curtains? Thanks!
Frazzle
102
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 10:40
LuLu sells Aussie stuff.
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 10:21
Thanks for your replies. I'll have a look at the souk, PAN & Home Centre and if you could email me photos, that would be great, thank. Please let me know when you have got the address. Thanks! <em>edited by Frazzle on 08/10/2012</em>
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 11:51
I'm moving into a villa soon that doesn't have any wardrobes so need to get some. Please can you recommend somewhere that does reasonably priced wardrobes, or if you are selling some, let me know. Preferably white or light wood, but will consider anything at this point Thanks!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 11:49
We've just come over from Dubai & brought our entire villa with us. We only looked for semi furnished and there is a lot out there so if you want to bring your stuff, do. It's probably easier in the long run and it would feel more like home Good luck!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 11:40
Thanks for the recommendation!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 20:06
Hi Sphinx Please don't worry too much. It really will fall into place and you'll be absolutely fine! It's the not knowing that was the worst for me but now that I'm here, the children have started nursery & we've found a villa (I think) I'm feeling really positive about the whole thing. This time last week I was so sad. I'd just said goodbye to my dear friends, my children had said their goodbyes and I was worried that I had far too much luggage and I couldn't stop crying (not about the luggage though), but it has been fine so far. We're in temp accommodation which is in a good location and I hired a driver for a few weeks to get me about. I would definitely recommend that as, if you're like me and worried about driving here, you aren't stuck inside and it's a good way to explore without getting lost ;) From the replies below, it looks like you're sorted on the pet front so it's just your maid you need to worry about now. A friend is going through the same so will let you know how she gets on x
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 18:24
Hi Sphinx! Yes, we actually arrived today! I was very sad to leave Dubai but I actually surprised myself and didn't have a hysterical breakdown at the airport like I thought I would ;) We left everything to the last minute but everything worked out fine in the end. Managed to sell one car and have the other one brought over. Our 4 bed villa, along with the worlds supply of toy cars fitted into a 40ft container (we used Sterling's partner, Writer Relocations btw) It's all pretty straight forward really so don't worry to much. It will all come good in the end! If you need any info on anything, give us a shout and if you want to meet for coffee when you get here, just let me know :) x
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 13:50
I'm in the same boat as you SalsB, but I go next week! Am so settled here in Dubai and I'm so sad to be leaving but now it's actually happening, I'm feeling a [i'>bit[/i'> more positive about it (although I'm dreading the actual leaving part - I'm not a pretty crier so am hoping I can keep my dignity at the airport!) Once you know where you'll be living and start looking into it more, hopefully you'll be ok. I'm planning on coming back now & then for visits and shopping so thatll be something to look forward to whilst I'm settling in. If you like, we can stay in touch & I'll fill you in on how things are going and hopefully, you'll feel a bit better about it all soon X
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 14:52
It seems that a lot of people are moving from the UAE to Doha at the moment. There must be something in the water... Catberry - good luck with your move & I hope you get settled quickly. It must be a scary thought moving when heavily pregnant! I hope you settle quickly :) We're also arriving next week so we'll see you there! Sphynx - I hear you. We're also moving a 4 bed villa, a car and 2 young children so it's going to be hard work! I suppose it doesn't help that I've not actually started doing anything (packing, house hunting etc..) so I think I need to get my self into gear & start doing something! Momoyum - thanks for the info. It's tempting to buy up the whole prk deli of Spinneys but nothing would last & it would probably get taken off me anyway. Never mind... I might sneak a few packs of his favourites in though :D Is traffic really as bad as I hear then? I'm totally comfortable driving in Dubai (have only ever driven here actually) but I know it's crazy. Is it a lot worse than here? This is one thing about moving that fills me with dread the most! I'm planning to go to a Doha mums event ASAP, so thanks for that. Thanks again for all your replies :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 18:04
Thanks for the suggestions - much appreciated! Outdoor venues might be out as it'll be in a few weeks and maybe still too warm, but handy to know for the future Thanks again
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 13:27
Hi AliN I'm also arriving in Doha at the end of September with my 3 yr old & 16 month old. We're planning on living in West Bay, so not too far from the Pearl I believe. I looked at the Pearl on my 'look-see' back in march & the apartments seemed really nice & there were a lot of families around. Obviously I don't know of they actually lived there, but I wouldn't see why not. I'm in Dubai right now and lots of families live in apartments with children (we did until my son was 2 & baby #2 came along). And as Jonners mentioned, Doha Mums looks like its the place to meet mums. I'm going to a meeting a soon as I touch down! When do you arrive?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 13:20
Ha ha - no problem, I was just teasing ;) At least now you know you're not the last person to see everything. I am! I'm just half way through - they've just had their engagement dinner so shhhhh! :D
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2012 - 22:07
I found this on google: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_get_the_morning_after_pill_in_Dubai
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2012 - 22:05
I've used Sky City Maid before and was pretty happy. They do a minimum of 4 hrs though @ 35aed p/h. HTH
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2012 - 22:02
"Revenge" is an AWESOME show. I love it!!!! I DVR it because I can't stay awake! Nolan is my favorite character. :-) Oh I do love Nolan, and more of the cold nerves Emily ( or the real Amanda ) I was hooked on S1, and keep waiting for it...last month OSN did air the show daily (S1).. now I am waiting for S2 to start....by the way S1 ended with the surprise that Amanda's Mum still alive? right? or as usual I did miss it? Gorobattie - most people posting here haven't seen it & I'm half way through watching S1 and you've gone & ruined the end! :O Please add a spoiler alert to youR post ;) Has anyone else noticed that Victoria blinks with one eye? She scares me! <em>edited by Frazzle on 07/09/2012</em>
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 20:03
Thanks for your reply Gail - it was very helpful! I didn't know there was a Festival City website so I'm going to check it out now. MissFortune & Sphynx - are you both moving over from Dubai as well? How is it going? I hope you find school places soon MissFortune. If you are having trouble getting an FS2 place, I know there is a kindergarten called Kid'n Around that only does FS1&2 so maybe that could be a back up? You could go there until you find a place in a school as that would definitely take the pressure off. I don't know much about it but from what I've seen, it's new and is a British curriculum Good luck to you both & see you on the other side! :D
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 17:33
Thanks for your replies. I think we'll shop around a bit more before making a decision Swissroll - thanks for the link to the other thread. I have to admit, I hadn't searched the topics before posting as it didn't occur to me!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 14:40
Al Barsha is a pretty good area to live in. Access to SZR is good, it's central and there are load so low rise apartment blocks around. I live in a villa so honestly don't know about apartment living in the area, but it cold be worth a look?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 21:49
Nigella's Singapore noodles are really yum! http://www.cookstr.com/recipes/seared-salmon-with-singapore-noodles
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 14:35
Thanks for that. I have bad skin so have been looking for something light but with good coverage and this sounds like it might work. I'll give it a go!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 22:57
I'm not sure if you still need this, but Choithrams sell almond milk. It's in the UHT milk aisle..
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 22:41
JBR_Mummy, where did you get the Make Up Forever foundation from? I've been hearing a lot about this lately & fancy giving it a try. Is it any good? edited by Frazzle on 07/08/2012 <em>edited by Frazzle on 07/08/2012</em>
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 22:37
I downloaded one on Sunday and it was fine?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 21:39
I'm using one by Maybelline called Illegal Length - http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara/Illegal-Length-Fiber-Extensions-Mascara.aspx?shadeId=867 I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for but I got it I Spinneys. Having just looked at the above link, I'd just like to point out that my lashes DO NOT resemble the photo in any way :D
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 09:37
I'm taking my 2 & 1 year old & think it'll be fine. I called the hotel & there's no problem taking children and they're free too! Have a nice time
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 09:23
Hi AliN I'm not in Doha yet (am in Dubai) but we also have OSN here and the BBC channels don't show ITNG on the CBeebies segment. So if your little ones loves it, I would definitely bring your DVDs. I think you can sometimes stream it on the PC / iPad if you have BBC Iplayer & a VPN but that depends on the Internet connection I guess. We have good speeds here but someone mentioned below that perhaps the speeds aren't quite fast enough yet? We do have Disney Jnr & JimJam though so its not all lost ;) Good luck with the move! We arrive in September with our 3 & 1 year old so maybe we'll bump into each other sometime :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 19:56
Wow - that is a big difference! Do you know where Al Jelaiah is in relation to West Bay? I'm wondering how long it'll take me to do the nursery runs. I'm glad I decided to put both of mine in the same nursery now! ;) Maybe I'll decide on an area once we get there. Thankfully we'll have a serviced apt for 6 weeks so this will hopefully give us plenty of time to get our bearings
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 14:49
Hi Ali How are you finding Doha so far? We're not moving over till September & spending summer & Ramadan here rather than Doha as I figured it would be harder to meet people if they've all gone home for the summer :) Have you settled into your villa now? I keep hearing a lot of good things about Y Village - where is it?. I haven't figured out where the areas are yet so we were just going to look for a villa in West Bay as that's where DH works (he's there already). Do any of the villas have 5 bedrooms? We also live in Al Barsha btw. I have a 14 month old girl & my ds is 3 in september so hoping to make lots of little friends for them as they love playing with other children Good luck anyway & I hope all is good!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 21:12
Well good luck with it all. I hope they do wait until after Ramadan as yes, I imagine it would be tricky getting stuff arranged. We're going at the end of september for that reason as we've been told that a lot of Qatar basically stops over Ramadan (ie malls closed during the day, government offices on a few hours a day etc. pls correct me if I'm wrong of course) Perhaps we'll bump into each other at a mum's meeting sometime :) Northernstar - thanks for your reply. I have heard Doha is a lot friendlier than Dubai and as I've never really experienced any "unfriendly-ness" here, people in Doha must be REALLY nice ;) I've registered my 2 cherubs at Starfish Lane 2 and am quite excited about it as it seems lovely and have read a lot of positive reviews about it. Are you a teacher there?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 23:13
Oh no - so its possible that my LO's might not be able to start school when we get there? DH is under strict orders to find out ASAP because if that's the case, we're going to have to stay here until he can sponsor us. Is there a way a company can sponsor the family? I'm shocked that we have to find this out via the Internet rather than his HR dept filling us in?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 23:06
That is a very good question Norah - I do love the telly! ;) Shells - thank you for your replies. It's good to know that you're happy over there. I know we will be too but I'm just so sad to be leaving the great friends I have made here and my DS will be leaving his little mates too :( I'm lucky that I've met lovely, geniuine people here who if I had known them back home, would have been friends there too no doubt. I am looking forward to meeting more lovely people in Doha too though as you all seem very nice! :) I know that Doha is not like Dubai at all so luckily, I'm not going to be expecting something different when I get there. I've heard that living in the right place is key so now that my children are registered in nurseries, that is my next task. Where is Y village in relation to West Bay (where DH is working)? I did hear about the dreadful fire in Villagio - it broke my heart. Those poor people :( Although I imagine that it is an inconvenience having so many malls close down at one, it's a big relief to hear that something is being done to try to improve safety there. It's scary however that you say there are a lot of fires on the pearl etc Norah - I am also not a 'blingy' kind of girl (if I had it might be though lol ;) ) and live in jeans (even in this heat!). I used to live in The marina too btw - we could have been neighbours! ;) Re nurseries;, I've got my two (3 in sept and 14 months) into Starfish Lane 2. I've heard nothing but good about it and heard the waiting lists were huge so was happy when I got them in. Do you know what area you'll be living in? Once you know that, you can find a nursery close by otherwise the commute can be huge (or so I've heard) Fees are about 7k a term from memory We only went for the day so didn't book a hotel so can't help there I'm afraid When are you likely to move if you go? (pls excuse any typos - I'm on an iPhone & it autocorrects everything!!)
 
 
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