Frazzled | ExpatWoman.com
 

Frazzled

Frazzled
260
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 10:54
I'm not sure the previous information about the NBAD Ladies Account is still accurate. According to the NBAD website, the minimum opening deposit for the Ladies Account is AED 500 for salaried and AED 1000 for non-salaried, with a minimum monthly balance of AED 3000. I don't understand how the holder is supposed to have a higher minimum monthly balance than the opening deposit in the first few months though. Does anyone know of any bank accounts suitable for housemaids with no minimum balance requirement?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 17:43
bump
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 17:41
I bought white chocolate fingers in Spinneys Motor City last week but don't know if they have any now.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 16:56
I haven't heard of Chill Salon, Mwashington. Where is that?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 13:09
Any other suggestions, as these are a bit old?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 11:44
We have some smelly formica drawers, despite washing them with Fairy and using disinfectant. I could get drawer liners but even then, the sides of the drawers and base of the drawers above will continue to smell. They've only had toys in them but I reckon there's not been much air circulating which has caused it. Any suggestions on how to get rid of the pong? Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 11:37
I've been looking into the Noor Takaful Domestic Aid Plan (health insurance specifically for maids and gardeners, etc) but the medical providers they approve in Dubai mostly seem to be in Bur Dubai/Deira/Satwa area or Jebel Ali, while we need something closer to Ranches/Motor City. Does anyone know of any other companies doing maid heath insurance with better geographical coverage? Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2013 - 11:36
My son aged 9 has mild dyspraxia, has had OT to make his handwriting legible (amongst other things) but can only write clearly if he writes slowly. He's very bright and produces much better work for assessment with a scribe. This is manageable in primary school but will hold him back in secondary when he has to take lots of notes or if he goes to a school which does not allow scribes for assessment or use of a laptop (and I've checked, some of them don't). Does anyone have any suggestions how we can help him speed up legible writing? Learning Support at his current school weren't able to recommend anything or anyone who might help. We're happy to work with him at home or consider further therapy but it seems that most OT concentrates on getting legibility but not on gaining speed. Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2013 - 11:23
We went to Rome for a few weeks in August 3 years ago and most of the shops and stores were open in the centre but you might want to phone ahead if there is a special restaurant you plan to eat in, rather than turn up, as some do shut for all of August. We've been there a few times and done most sites on our own with a guidebook. For harder to see things outside the centre we used Rome in Limo (Google it) company who were excellent. We used them in Naples as well and again, great service. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 18:31
Debenhams MOE has biggest collection. I think Debenhams is the only place that stocks them here and there is no standalone store. I stock up when I go back to the UK. I'd buy the dress here now and try not to think about how much cheaper it would be in the UK!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:20
Our last maid was with us for 6 years and her husband for 2. We were very happy with them and we paid a gratuity of 1 month's salary for each year worked. We had planned for it on the basis that they are poor but hardworking people, who have no social security, pension or anything except what they earned from their work with us, which went to support an extended family in Sri Lanka, and we wanted them to have some money to support themselves. They didn't ask but we had planned to do this anyway, so it wouldn't have made a difference to us if they had. We plan to do the same with our current maid when she leaves.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:03
Thanks for your suggestions, everyone. Emmess - have you been able to find out your guy's number? I'll probably try to get a quote from him and from Naeem and take it from there.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 12:19
Are Emaar allowing extensions to Ranches now? For ages they refused to approve any applications, so I'm interested to hear whether they've said they would consider new applications again.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 09:23
I got it for my son several years ago at DMC near Magrudys, given by Dr Michel Loubser. I don't know whether you can still get it now.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 09:21
Is there anyone out there???
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 12:46
Thanks for your reply, JShepherd. Has anyone else tried to get planning permission more recently? If so, how did you get on?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 13:26
I've been told there is a (scandinavian?) chap based somewhere in Al Quoz who overhauls/reconditions musical instruments. Apparently JESS Jumeirah has used him as part of their instrument rent to buy scheme. Does anyone know who he is, have contact details for him and/or which instruments he restores? Thanks
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 13:07
Someone told me there has been a recent change in the age limit for shooting - raised to 16 (for locals, presumably) and to 21 for expats. Has anyone else heard about this or is it just a rumour?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 09:42
Oreo, you have my sympathy. I have 3 boys (ages 12-9) and in defence of the second child, he is the best behaved of the three! Of course, they all sometimes try to play off against each other by pointing out a brother's bad behaviour but unless it's dangerous or offensive, we tell them not to tell tales or just ignore it. At different times each one tries to tell off the others or suggest punishments for them and is told very clearly that we are the parents and are responsible for disciplining their brothers, not them. We try hard to get them to see themselves as a team and have strong friendships with each other and praise them for being kind to their brothers. It's very much a work in progress - there is a lot of noise in our house and they argue as you would expect lively boys to. You haven't mentioned how your youngest is getting on in school. You might find it helpful to talk to his teacher and see whether there are issues there as well as at home. If everything is fine at school, it's probably family dynamics. If not, then there may be other causes to consider. Some children find school particularly stressful for various reasons and are overly boisterous when they get home and can let the stress out. My youngest had some behaviour issues in school for the first few years and was considered as being naughty but nobody realised he actually had dyspraxia and was struggling with an undiagnosed condition. I am NOT suggesting your situation is the same but in my experience, a child's self-esteem can go through the floor if people treat him or her as being deliberately naughty when that's not actually the case. Does your son have playdates at your or other people's houses? Or other social activities? Are there any noise and behaviour issues then? If not, perhaps he needs the stimulation of other kids after school. You have been very lucky in having a quiet and well-behaved older child and possibly thought any others would be the same. If so, having a lively younger child could easily be a shock to the senses. My stress levels and tolerance for noise levels have taken a real battering over the years and I am now more noise-sensitive, to the extent that I sometimes leave the room when they are being extremely noisy or send them to different rooms where they can't argue. We used reward charts at school and home to encourage good behaviour and did get some good results. So perhaps that might work for you, as well as all the good things you and the other posters have said about focussing on the positives and giving praise. If your little boy has a perfect older brother, then he may think there's no way he could ever be like that and have no motivation to try. Your challenge is to make him feel appreciated for the many wonderful qualities he does have and realise that his place in the family is just as special. Good luck!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 09:02
Has anyone seen any updates on this? Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 08:57
Some of these recommendations look a bit low to me. My doctor said people get 80% of their Vit D from sunlight and 20% from diet. I have light skin and was advised to spend 40 minutes a day with 60% of my body exposed to sunlight. Previously I was easily totalling 20 minutes a day without sunscreen on school runs and ended up with severe Vit D deficiency.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 08:40
Kids clubs are fabulous and give them lots to do when you're on board, although if it's at a time of year when there are only a handful of kids on board some have been known not to operate the kids club, so suggest you check with the operator. Some cruise operators will only look after kids in port if a member of their family remains on the ship in case of an emergency, which hinders parents who would like to go off and explore ashore whilst leaving their kids behind. Can't recommend cruises enough!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 18:59
Has anyone seen angelica in the shops recently? I've tried Spinneys but no luck. previously we've had to ask people to bring it over from the UK but I'd rather get some here if possible. Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 11:24
Where can you buy your Miele HEPA machine? When I got one 5 years ago they didn't have them in the malls, just at their showroom somewhere near the creek with no parking. I need to get another one and don't fancy that journey again! <em>edited by Frazzled on 08/09/2012</em>
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 11:45
Thanks LoopyLoo, my mouth is watering! Now I'm looking for anywhere that sells a poffertjes pan in Dubai too!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 11:37
Thanks for the suggestions, ladies. I looked at these brands but they don't have all day coverage, so I need something that will last for 8 hours or so without repeat applications, if anyone knows of any?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 12:47
You're right kelly1814, they are good if you can get an appointment! That's my regular osteopath and they've only got 2 osteos working today, and 3 people in extreme pain on the waiting list apparently, so no hope for me there.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 12:30
Just found this old thread I'd forgotten about. When I spoke to California chiropractic clinic that day, they told me to rest my back and make an appointment during regular working hours, so despite being in great pain, I didn't get a housecall. Not impressed.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 12:18
My regular osteopath has just gone on holiday and I need to see someone urgently, as my troublesome back has just gone again. Nobody is available at either branch of Dubai Osteopathic Health Centre. I desperately need recommendations for osteos who might be free today, ideally who can gently manipulate? Thanks
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 10:50
I'm trying to track down the only size & style of jean that seems to fit my teenage son after a sudden growth spurt, so I need to find the GAP stores with the biggest selection for boys. I've had no luck in Dubai Mall or MOE (tiny kids section) and the Wafi store has closed down. I think there are other stores in Mercato, Deira City Centre and Bur Juman, although I don't know how big their boys' sections are. Can anyone suggest where else is worth a try? Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 13:03
I'm off to Paris and want to get some stripy Breton t-shirts or sweatshirts for boys. I'm not looking for anything designer just the kind of good quality traditional clothing you can pick up at little shops all over Brittany. There must be some traditional Breton shops in Paris but I just don't know where to look. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 12:01
There's no John Lewis here, so I always visit and stock up every time I go back to UK. It's hard to get shoes here for wider feet too, so if that's you, do it now, bearing in mind that feet swell here in the heat. Although there are lots of lingerie shops here nobody seems to be able to measure for bras properly either, so you might want to get a bra fitting done in the UK and stock up on those too.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 08:26
I'm looking for a hotel which is fairly central and safe with interconnecting rooms for us and 3 children (8-12) , away from the Red Light District. I know all Amsterdam hotels are expensive but hopefully there will be something that doesn't break the bank for a few days. Any recommendations? I need to book with KLM to fit in with our other holiday plans- can anyone recommend sites giving cheaper flights than their website? There have been some great recommendations for things to do with kids on other threads. One poster said to search out canal trips that avoid the Red Light District - wise advice - do you know any lines that do this? Thanks for your help. <em>edited by Frazzled on 08/06/2012</em>
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 16:42
I did look at the list but it seems mostly aimed at younger children. I'm sure he'd love to be packed off to Switzerland, Basil, but I think he's still a bit young.... although I'm not..... Hopefully something will turn up a bit closer to home!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 12:04
Yoga Om at Green Community has kids' karate classes Sundays and Thursdays. <em>edited by Frazzled on 16/05/2012</em>
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 16:27
As a sponsor, if you change your job or employment status here do you have to renew family and maid's visas as well as your own? Or can they just continue until the renewal time stated on their current visas? Thanks for your help.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 11:13
I'm hoping expatwoman can help where others have failed! I've looked at the DED website and been to their Dubai Mall office (where the man I spoke to couldn't answer any of my questions) and desperately need help from anyone who has been through the process of trying to work as an independent management consultant in Dubai. From previous threads on expatwoman, it seems that you still have to apply for a trade licence from DED to practice in Dubai even if you are set up in a Freezone. So, I need to find out as a UK national: 1. Can you get a trade licence as a consultant either with a local partner or a service agent without being set up in a Freezone? 2. Can you get a trade licence as a management consultant without a degree in management if your university degrees are in other subjects but you also have chartered institute membership and 10+ years' management experience? The chap in DED told me you can only practise in the subject of your university degree but I'm not wholly convinced. 3. To get a trade licence do you have to rent physical office space in Dubai if you work from home? If so, can it be in a Freezone either in or outside Dubai? 4. If you have a trade licence, can you automatically get a Dubai residence visa? 5. If you have a trade licence, can you get Dubai residence visas for spouse/ children/maid? Can you sponsor them yourself once you have your own residence visa? 6. Any idea what the costs of licence and visas would be? 7. Any idea how long it takes to get a trade licence and visas? 8. Can you recommend anyone at the DED or elsewhere who could help? Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 09:25
Can you still hire PO Boxes at the Ranches Shopping Centre? I need to get one organised but I think someone told me a few months ago that the service was being discontinued... or I could just be imagining it. Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 18:14
We have just received an email from my son's secondary school advising of an incident near Park n Shop on Al Wasl Road at 7am this morning. A student was approached by a driver of an open topped work van. The driver invited the student to get into the van so that he could be given a lift. The student refused. It might be innocent, or it might not, so please make sure your children know what action to take in that situation.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 12:09
Can anyone recommend somewhere for food allergy testing in Dubai? I think it's one or a particular combination of spices that's causing the reaction, so I need a very detailed analysis to pinpoint which one(s) to avoid. Most of the allergy testing I've heard about seems to deal in more general categories, and I don't want to waste time and money on testing for things I definitely don't have, like grasses or pets. I'm not interested in food intolerance testing either, just allergy testing. Thanks for your help.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 10:27
My sister is visiting and I need some recommendations for a posh weekday birthday breakfast. She used to live here, so if possible I'd like to take her somewhere she hasn't been before. She's stayed at Bab al Shams, so that's not an option, and we've been to the Armani Hotel too. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 15:35
I'm planning a big trip but always suffer quite badly with jetlag for several days, whatever I do. The advice about adopting the hours of the country I'm flying to doesn't seem to work for me. Which do you think is better for minimising jetlag - a direct longhaul flight or 2 shorter flights with a few days' stopover and 2 sets of timezones to adapt to? Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 09:57
Congratulations! My older 2 were with me and very excited. I don't know how your children are but if they feel they've been "sent away" to Gran's because of the new baby, even for a short while, there could be some resentment. If they're young they'll need reassurance that mum and dad love them just as much as before and that baby wants to be with them too. Mine both remember coming to see their baby brother and me in hospital the day he was born and playing with the presents he brought them. It's hard work with 3 but so wonderful. Enjoy!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 13:07
Hi Special I'm reading with interest, as I'm thinking about a first trip to Australia with the kids myself. I'm struggling to work out flights though. Who are you flying with?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 13:47
What other airlines would you use for Oz from here?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 13:43
We get ours repaired and replaced by Tool Time, who we have a contract with. They might be happy to supply you. Helpdesk number is 80088.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 13:40
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Australia sounds the most appealing to me. I like the idea of Sydney, Cairns and Ayres Rock although that might be a lot to fit in. Most of the travel companies online seem to do flights only from the UK, not Dubai. Are there any companies which organise trips from Dubai or do people generally organise flights and accommodation separately?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 13:17
My son was diagnosed with dyspraxia, sensory processing issues and low muscle tone at age 6 and had almost 2 years OT at the British Institute In Umm Suqueim. I don't know about the IM program, so we didn't use it, but they did lots of work with building up his strength on various specialist equipment and there were huge improvements in his stamina, although he isn't up to the same level as the other boys at sports he's not particularly bothered by it. We also worked with a play therapist there to help with his self-esteem and social skills. Handwriting has improved but is still an issue and Learning Support at school is working hard to help him. I can't comment on the IM but OT has made a huge difference to my son. I hope your son soon finds the help he needs.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 12:11
I'm looking for an easy to use, light camera which takes good photos with minimum fuss. I've tried various expensive digital options but they never really seem to get particularly good shots. My current one can take good landscape shots but doesn't zoom in, so I've no idea whether people are even looking in the right direction until I download! I think I'm looking for a manual camera this time. I don't want something which needs loads of lenses or a porter to cart it round for me. I also need to be able to understand the instruction manual without an interpreter, as I'm not a techie by any stretch of the imagination. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 15:51
Thanks for the suggestion. It doesn't say anything about archery on their website though - unless anyone knows different?
 
 
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