HorizonMum2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

HorizonMum2

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2016 - 13:03
the most popular choice at that time of the year for parents with children staying back are the summer camps... unfortunately due to the fact that schools here run till the end of June most of these camps wouldn't start till 3rd July and would then have a few days off again during the Eid break. the camps are multi sport or multi activity and tend to keep the children entertained for half day (normally 8 to 2 or 9 to 3)... other than that some other activities you can engage in are as follows: - play areas in malls - indoor pools @ health clubs - movies at the theatre for your younger one the camps would be at the nurseries... so the easiest would be to pick one closest to your residence as their hours might be shorter than the ones for your older child...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2016 - 12:35
a lot of good recommendations on here and i strongly believe you should take the opinions of the doctors: if you are young (less than 35) and prepared to wait for a few more years for your cysts to naturally disappear then it's fine to keep waiting and trying out various herbal and homeopathic treatments... but if you're older than 35, and starting to get impatient to start a family soon then you need to do the following: - identify the type of cyst you have (Functional cysts, cystadenomas, and dermoid cysts do not affect fertility) - if the doctor can verify that the cyst is affecting your chances of getting pregnant then you will need to get it removed... methods for this depend on the type and size of the cyst (laparoscopy or laparotomy) - then start trying naturally for 6 months to a year to get pregnant and if that fails visit a fertility specialist to start on your assisted pregnancy route... this does not mean you will straught away have to go for IVF... the doctor may also suggest less expensive solutions such as fertility monitoring using follicle studies and a booster shot in time for ovulation... or then IUI where clean and washed sperm is inserted directly into you... and finally if nothing else works and you are a good candidate for IVF then the more expensive IVF procedure... keep in mind though that fertility treatments can increase the number of recurring cysts due to the additional hormones that is being pumped into your system FAKIH IVF have a well established centre in Abu Dhabi so you might want to visit them... perhaps if you have insurance get all your earlier tests etc done at your gynaec and only go for fertility consultations to FAKIH. Also in addition to blood and hormonal tests it is important in your pursuit of fertility to do an HSG test (this would tell you if your fallopian tubes are blocked or not... if they are then even if you are ovulating the egg doesn't actually travel into your uterus to meet the sperm). Keep in mind though that Ovarian cysts can’t be prevented. However, routine gynecologic examinations can detect ovarian cysts early. It’s important to visit a doctor (or two) and receive a correct diagnosis.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2016 - 10:35
unfortunately the school is on the right side of the law here... nearly all the schools I know of here ask for minimum one term's notice if you don't intend on renewing registration for next year... that would mean they would need to know prior to the new term starting... I completely understand that it's only 24hrs into the term but that doesn't make it any less relevant... the only way would be to take a calmer stance and appeal to the good will of the school's senior leadership team or management to make an exception in your case... no point getting all fussed and bothered about it as they are legally within their rights here... if you do decide to pay the term's fees minus the deposit they are also in their right to deny your child access to class and/or may withhold the end of term results and/or may not issue a leaving certificate... so, to be honest, it would be in your best interest to try and appeal to them to make an exception
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2016 - 08:52
just saw this link on Gulf News (our local daily)... it also comes with a map so might help you place the locations of these places... [url=http://gulfnews.com/guides/life/property/cheapest-areas-to-rent-in-dubai-in-2016-1.1708644'>link[/url'>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2016 - 08:50
try Takaful Emarat... the premium is around 3500... i recently found out about it when looking for an insurance to cover my 60plus mum who lives with us here... i believe this insurance is designed specifically for dependents and non-working residents.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 13:18
the visa processing fee is definitely 5000dhs... deposit is 2000dhs (as far as i know this is only refundable when you cancel or transfer the maid's sponsorship from your name)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 11:47
if you're open to indian ayurvedic scrub then i would recommend Dr Shyam's Ayurvedic Centre in Jumeirah... they have a number of scrub therapies/massages... not sure if they do an only back one... the ones I've had done have all been full body... it's not a fancy place... very basic but clean and cost effective
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 11:24
clothes are always a little dodgy to find in the asian countries as the people there are generally more petite... however at the touristy night markets they always seem to have sizes for stuff since they're targeting the visiting tourists... i've always bought lovely scented oils, incense sticks, unique thai spices, lanterns/lighting, wood artefacts and knock-off bags/scarves/wallets as gifts for relatives... not sure how long you will be staying in each location but another popular tourist thing to do there is to get outfits tailored... the tailors there claim to stitch suits, dresses etc in 24hrs... i haven't tried it myself so can't recommend a particular person happy to recommend a farm stay in Chiang Mai that is run by a dear British uncle of mine... it's the first name that pops up when u google 'chiang mai farm stay'... the owner's name is Warren... if u do decide to stay on the property just tell him u were recommended by Tina from Dubai have a lovely holiday
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 11:17
it's not mandatory yet (we just processed my mum's visa)... mandatory only from 1st June... however, the current cheapest one in the market (and a newly opened offer) is from Takaful Emarat, the premium is 3500 AED... which is great when compared to other quotes I was getting at almost 12000 AED due to the age factor. Thank you so much HorizonMum2 for your response. My parents visa is set for renewal after August Sept. We were very concerned as the insurance amount was exorbitant. in that case i would recommend the Takaful Emarat option... 3500 per policy is quite decent in comparison to the earlier quotes... happy to send u details of the agent we use... you can reach me on horizonmum2 at gmail dot com i have the forms with me that he sent me but we have decided not to take up the policy this time round as it's not mandatory yet... my mum lives with us here but does all her health checkups/medicines/etc back at home as she travels back almost four to five times a year
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 11:09
the public transport system here is fairly efficient though only challenge is that it is fairly sketchy for areas that offer cheaper accommodation... studio apartments (both furnished and unfurnished) are available in relatively cheaper areas such as: - international city (costs roughly around 24K a year which is roughly 2K per month) - deira/alnahda (here the costs are cheaper but the buildings are a lot older and may not be as well maintained) - international media production zone IMPZ (costs roughly around 30K a year which is roughly 2.5K per month) - discovery gardens (not sure of current rentals but check on dubizzle) - silicon oasis (not sure of current rentals but check on dubizzle) - remraam (not sure of current rentals but check on dubizzle) all these developments are based in dubai... some people who opt for cheaper housing would decide to move to sharjah (the neighbouring emirate) but traffic between the emirate is an absolute nightmare at peak times... though keeping in mind that as a ski instructor you may not be subject to those normal working hours you might be able to consider this as an option other living expenses such as food, entertainment, etc is subject to your individual lifestyle... every city has relatively cheaper restaurants to eat at, relatively cheaper supermarkets to shop in, relatively cheaper places to get your clothes laundered, etc. as an example, i get my work clothes pressed at a laundry in Karama for AED 1.5 each piece where as the same in the area I live in (Jumeirah) costs me twice that amount at the least!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 10:54
it's not mandatory yet (we just processed my mum's visa)... mandatory only from 1st June... however, the current cheapest one in the market (and a newly opened offer) is from Takaful Emarat, the premium is 3500 AED... which is great when compared to other quotes I was getting at almost 12000 AED due to the age factor.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2016 - 15:26
Your employer is not entitled to pay you any end of service benefits unfortunately... some do (and it is upon their discretion as to the amount, type, etc.) Domestic helper contracts/labour laws are not the same as other employees so they don't follow the standard labour laws that our employees (in companies, for example) would be eligible for
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2016 - 13:57
where are you located ? and what sort of dress are you looking to get made ? i've used the following two for outfits before and have always been pleased with the outcomes : Suzanna & Sophie's Design Studio in JLT Buttons & Bows in Dxb Marina hope it helps...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 April 2016 - 10:08
If you're based in Sharjah and looking for a government hospital to deliver in the best option would be Al Qassimi hospital... it's the second busiest after Latifa with very experienced doctors, nurses and midwives... would strongly recommend it as my sister in law has also delivered there (albeit it was 8 years ago). Dubai Hospital is also very good for maternity and child care but you might not find many posters on here who can vouch for it as they stay at the other end of town and if choosing a government hospital would automatically be referred to Latifa. My aunt is a nurse at the maternity ward in Dubai Hospital and her daughter has gone for checkups and deliveries there.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 April 2016 - 08:10
No unfortunately not... I'm a party planner so regularly scout the stores for supplies so can guarantee you that all the popular ones like Party Centre, Party City, Creative Minds, etc. don't. For party themes that are not readily available it's still quite easy to recreate the look/feel of the theme in some simple ways: - buy solid coloured supplies related to that theme (black or red or orange) - purchase a printable decor pack off ETSY [url=https://www.etsy.com/search?q=game%20of%20thrones%20printables'>link[/url'> and get the items printed onto card stock paper at a DESCO close to you - search on google images for high res large Game of Thrones wallpaper and get it printed onto A0 size at a local DESCO and then use that as the backdrop - buy solid coloured balloons and just stick some of the printables onto it to fit with the theme Pintrest is full of lovely ideas... have fun with this theme... can't wait for the next season to start... just a couple of more weeks to go!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2016 - 10:11
Just a brief "look up" for Uber in Dubai - seems they are those luxury black limos. one sees at the airport that are more expensive than taxis? Uber is not always more expensive than taxis... i use them all the time (also Careem) and find they are just as competitively priced... in fact they almost always have a cash back or special offer going on... they only tend to be more expensive when used at peak times (post midnight on weekends, etc)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2016 - 08:03
How exciting to see this thread! i am coming to visit Dubai from Florida & California and explore expat life for my near future plans. Arriving May 5th, 2016. Would love to have tea with some local women expats since I am by myself this time.... AFTERNOON TEA is my thing every time I travel somewhere. And lingering over a cuppa with marina views would be more memorable with NEW friends, I hope! I looked up the suggestions here and I sure would love to go to both tea rooms during my one week visit. If there are other suggestions and places that any one would like to join me to try/or enjoy, I welcome the company! Please, pretty please?! :-) I'm not 'local' per se... though I've lived here all my life... but I would recommend you try out the breakfast at the SMCCU (Shk Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding)... it's a very traditional Emirati breakfast and a lovely place to learn more about the region
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2016 - 08:01
congratulations on your upcoming marriage! hope you find the dream dress you're looking for... plenty of choices available... also look through some high street brands as they often have simpler flowy white dresses that could pass off as a wedding dress... ideally go through some pictures online and take these with you when you go to the bridal stores so that the hostesses can narrow down the items they show you... it can be quite overwhelming otherwise if u need any help with the planning for the event (florists, decor, gifts, photographers, etc.) give me a shout out here... would love to help
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 15:57
high tea at The Farm Al Barari is quite nice too as it's a lovely little oasis in the middle of this concrete jungle
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 15:31
thank you will go have a look!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 10:38
HI, I am new to Expat woman so not sure if there has been threads previously on wedding hair and make up. I am looking for someone reliable (and not expensive:;) to do hair and make up for my wedding in March in Dubai. I want to look natural on the day so would like someone experienced working with Irish/UK skin tones (pale)- Any suggestions appreciated:) Congratulations :) i know a fantastic make up artist that doesnt cost an arm and a leg.. what is your email address, i will give you her details Hello fullymine could you please send me the make up artists details asap as i need her for this weekend my email is [email protected] thank you nadine if you don't get through to her and need another option then I'd like to recommend a lady i use regularly... she's always done a fab job on me and my clients and her fb page is [url=https://m.facebook.com/PriyankaMakeupArtist/'>link[/url'>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 10:03
I'd recommend the following having used both of them for western formal outfits and ballgowns before... you can see their work on their facebook and instagram pages [url=https://www.facebook.com/Novakrishnan/info/?tab=page_info'>link[/url'> or [url= http://designsbysns.com/'>link[/url'>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2016 - 15:25
we live in a villa compound in jumeirah 2... the villas have been around for 20 years but they're in immaculate condition thanks to an amazing in house maintainance crew who are always at our beck and call... we have 100 villas in our compound and the only drawback is that we don't have any shared facilities (like pool, gym, etc.) all the villas in our compound are 3 bedroom with a decent garden (i can send u a floor plan and the brochure if u'd like to consider it)... we do have a long waiting list but like u said there are likely to be some movement as some Emirates crew have been pulled out of our area and also some people may be leaving at the end of the school year... the current rental is 174K our neighbouring compound also run by the same real estate management team have bigger four bedroom villas each with their own pool but i think they are in a higher bracket (around 230 or 240K)... and they have their own clubhouse facilities, etc.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 15:27
also try G2000... they're quite reasonable on the prices too Do you not find to be able to wear their trousers you need to be really tall and slim I tried to buy work suits in there and I am a comfortable size 12. Even the equivalent of a UK 16 wouldn't go anywhere near me i'm fairly tall but definitely not slim... i've found their sizes ok... but i think i tend to buy more skirts and tops and dresses there than pant suits...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 14:52
Unfortunately Dr Jennifer is leaving City, there will be a new British Doctor joining soon as well as a South African Doctor.... I hope that helps :) yikes really??? leaving City? like when??? I'm registered with her and she never mentioned this to me... just told me that she and Dr. Brit will be sharing cases to take on some reduced work load
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 12:33
also try G2000... they're quite reasonable on the prices too
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 11:40
Thank you everyone. So, next question is two or three schools (American Curriculum) that I should be looking into. I feel I might be leaving it too late, but being new to Dubai it's hard to find honest information about schools. American Curriculum schools are generally more expensive than British curriculum for example. The more established American Curriculum schools include: - GEMS Dubai American Academy (KG1 fees is AED 20467, KG2 fees is 53752, Grade 1-12 fees is 75775) - American School of Dubai (KG1 fees is 54839, KG2 fees is 58978, Grade 1-12 fees is 75297) - Collegiate American School (KG1 fees is 38230, KG2 fees is 44603, Grade 1-12 fees is 69028) hope this helps...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 11:15
hey check desert cart.ae .i just googled and found some i need them quite soon (next week)... desertcart would not be an option as they have longer delivery times
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 11:12
We have 1 TA in my son's class too. I do see a point that if Arabic class gets an arabic speaking TA too. can u advise which school this is
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 08:29
any mums out there from the following schools? - DESS - JESS - DBS - DIA - Safa - WPS - WIS pls let me know how it works in your school class sizes (FS1/FS2 and Yr 1/Yr2) number of TAs per class (FS1/FS2 and Yr1/YR2) thanks! :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 16:10
Thank you both! I will check other posts as well in this forum. I have other options as well, but since we are late in applying, we have fewer options than usual. I will also have a look at Horizon - thanks for the tip! pretty sure Horizon has a long waiting list as well... if ur ok with new schools and are willing to pay the higher fees then I would suggest the new Safa Community School... it leans on the heritage gained from the old Safa school and a lot of shared ethos as well... but added advantage of fancy new campus, etc. not sure if it's location would suit you but i hear they are actively advertising for spaces
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 16:07
are you looking for the same design and colour? or white is good? I am looking for them in golden color. Do you know where i can get them ? definitely Dragonmart... but if ur looking to fill them with flowers (as in the link you've sent) then ur better off contacting local florists... they would supply this to you along with the flowers... all this on a rental basis per centrepiece... hope that makes sense... feel free to get in touch with more questions if required... i'm a wedding planner so happy to help with some free advice
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 14:36
1 TA per class for years 1 to 6, 20 students 2 TA per class FS1 and 2, 18 students NAS How does it work with year groups sharing a TA? That seems odd? I thought it was normal to have a teacher and a TA in every class? the TA for the older classes (Yrs 3 and above) are shared between 2-3 classes... they just rotate as required in class... the older children are much more independent... we only have one TA per class but that's for the lower class (early years FS1 FS 2 and Years 1 and 2)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 14:13
What are the prices? i just saw this offer up on our school's fb page as a holiday meal box for AED 475/- 1 x beef rib eye or 1.3kg side of salmon 1 x 2.5kg chicken breast 2 packets of chicken drums 1 x 1kg of chicken nuggets 6 x baby back racks of pork ribs 3 x packs of bacon 1 x 1kg beef mince 1 x 1kg pork mince
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 14:03
i'll vouch for Martins Meats too... there's a mum at our school that supplies it and they always have great deals on
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 12:02
there is a shop in Dragonmart that sells all sorts of bags (paper, plastic, gift, etc.) and even favor bags of all shapes and sizes... here are the details: Zhongdi trading (Shop No. FAAA22 or Shop No. GBB 10,11)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 11:34
At that price I suggest you look elsewhere - it's more than the Y12 fees in many other schools! If you have younger children or plan to have more while you are here, you'll be paying more than one set of fees. 84K for KG1 in a brand new school with shiny facilities but no track record (and presumably with the teething troubles which all new schools have) is probably not the best value for money. Be aware that school fees here always go up, never down. i wouldn't consider it worth it either... especially since your KG1 child won't be using a lot of the wow facilities that the school offers such as - 50m olympic pool - 400m running track - theater - music & art studios - science labs
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 11:20
How many children per class? We have 1 TA for FS2, 24 students. we have 25 children per class... and currently only 1 TA... farthestpoint (if u don't mind) can you please share the name of the school you are referring to
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 09:57
have you checked home box or daiso in oasis mall? yes i did... they have normal frames ... but not the distressed wood types
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 09:56
Usually one per class. On the odd occasion you may see an extra assistant in a class. She could be assigned to a specific child that may require extra learning help. Or infact trainees. :) and which school is this seasand (if u don't mind me asking)... we're at Horizon English and we currently have one TA per class for FS1 - Year 2 and then a shared year group TA for the older children... just wanted to see if this is similar in other schools... some parents have suggested that our earlier years need extra TAs and I was just wondering if this is the norm at other schools or just wishful thinking
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 09:12
just out of curiosity how many TAs does your school have in Yrs 1-3 per class?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 12:50
i live in jumeirah... so would prefer meeting somewhere in and around there... like Mercato or Box Park
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 11:52
hi there... congratulations on getting in to the school! i'm a horizon mum with two children at the school... one in FS level and the other in year 4... due to the limited bus services, majority of the parents pick and drop their children to and from school... those that are working, like me, use one of the following options: - bus transport one way (if not using the school bus service some actually work out a deal with STS to collect their kids using an alternate school's bus going the same route) - car pooling with other parents from the same locality - having the nanny collect children using Uber, Careem or the RTA In Safe Hands taxi service - private drivers (this option is illegal but some people do take this risk) there are some parents that use their lunch break to collect their children but to be honest most of them work/live within a 5km radius to school. Getting to school from Media City during that lunch time traffic is going to prove quite manic and so will the drive into Bur dubai and the drive back to Media City... i would think you would easily be out for around 1.5-2hrs... the traffic and parking around the school area is absolutely manic at lunch time pick ups and it will only get worse as the RTA further clogs the road with all the canal work diversions... for FS levels school finishes at 1pm Sun-Wed and 12:40pm on Thursdays... the school has a facebook group that you can join to ask around for other parents/carpool options in your area... but there aren't that many from Bur Dubai I'm afraid (unless those dynamics change come September)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 08:33
hi there... i'm 21 weeks preggers with my third... (got two older girls 9 and 4)... working full time so happy to meet up on fridays or saturdays (or post 6pm on weekdays!)... just let me know... and a HUGE congratulations on ur twins!! how awesome!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 11:46
we have one from Noor Takaful... they have one specifically for domestic help... i'm not quite sure what all it covers as we've never had any major issues with her health and have only ever taken her to clinics for common colds, fever, etc. the one we took for her costs around 1200/- dhs
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 09:17
May would be perfect for a water based event more than a park based event... my suggestions depending on your location would be - Splash & Party in Jumeirah (close to Kangaroo Kids) - Splash Pad @ THE BEACH (JBR) - Falcon Club @ Kempinski Palm
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 09:14
Park Hyatt?? The Farm Al Barari?? Ritz Carlton?? Fortnum & Mason??
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2016 - 16:00
take a look at the Marina Mums facebook page... they will have some children's nurseries and activity centres in the area posting up spring camp offers
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2016 - 15:31
sorry not sure of their numbers as i haven't used them before... why not try Cash Converters on SZR...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2016 - 15:30
regular scalp massages also help a lot as it improves circulation and promotes hair growth! i remember my hair growing much thicker and stronger post delivery when i had a full month of daily head and body massages using herbal oils...