Icedqueen | ExpatWoman.com
 

Icedqueen

Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:16
Or how about: "People who are paid a pittance to clean your house, raise your children, tutor them, house sit, water your plans, & cook your meals (and steal your meat)". Just kidding. :cool: Tutor the kids? Water plants? Cook meals? I am definitely missing something here! I never allow a helper to cook for me. Ok i wash my meat so it does tell you a little about my OCD tendencies :D Watering plants? Then don't have them if you not planning on looking after them. They need care and attention. And about the tutoring... i can like my dorter (:)) to at least say she wants to go pee not fee.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:09
Brilliant!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:36
FYR = For your Reference alternate meaning Flash your Rack http://www.all-acronyms.com/FYR/flashyourrack/165459 FYA = For your Action alternate meaning For your Amusement http://www.all-acronyms.com/FYA/For_Your_Amusement/32109 FYI - For your Information Alternate meaning F%^& you Idiot on the acronym site but search yourself :D I like FYA now :D
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:12
You can email me at xxx Not comfortable sharing ideas on an open forum :D Edited to remove email address. <em>edited by Icedqueen on 16/02/2011</em>
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:11
FYA drives me crazy! We use FYI but FYA in email communication? It took some time for me to figure out when I first received an email stating FYA!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:02
I want to start a business as well. I wake up every morning with a new idea. There are so many gaps in this market and they are so easy to identify. Only problem is that there is just so much of red tape when you want to start something.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 09:53
First birthdays are more for the parents as the LO's don't even know. We invited a few friends over to our place. Bought a few balloons and some pretty cups, plates and napkins. I baked a cake and covered it in fondant. We all sang happy birthday and took lots of pics. I would suggest that you make it small and don't go all out. You will have lots of parties to worry about in future. Try to keep it as simple as possible.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 08:52
It may be ok to consume foods that are gone off in other parts of the world but I would be wary in Dubai simply because the weather is a little... warmer and there is humidity which does make the shelf life shorter. http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/two-children-die-of-suspected-food-poisoning-after-takeaway I think there was another incident before this in Sharjah as well? If food is past its due date, it should not be consumed. One poster mentioned that her mom consumes old food. Well she is lucky then. Does not mean the rest of the world has such a great immune system. If my maid had gotten sick after consuming that old food or even worse, died, I am sure the media and the human rights activists would have been banging down on my door claiming that I was giving her old food! Oh horrible employer how dare you feed the maid old food. So either way.... you do not win!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 17:45
Thanks! I have sent a message to the kind lady and am waiting for a reply. What would we do without EW?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 16:12
Thanks a mil! I will send an email now :D. Don't know how to describe it but I have found a pic with me wearing it so hopefully that will help. I really do hope that they found my necklace!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 14:24
Maybe the thread should have been titled differently. Already the OP has said that the maid has stolen the meat then goes on to defend her. I seem to have missed the memo that stated it was fine to be a thief. <em>edited by Icedqueen on 15/02/2011</em>
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 13:59
Whenever I see the word saloon it reminds me of a western movie with a guy in boots with those star things at the heels and then kicking his way into a dusty saloon - the one with the wooden doors that swing both ways.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 11:18
Try G2000 they have suits in those sizes and are reasonably priced.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 11:15
I don't mind gifts! As long as the gift contains diamonds :)
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 11:13
If the right side of the body is controlled by the left side of the brain and the left side of the body by the right side of the brain then we are the only ones that are in our right minds.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 23:32
Yep I checked my clothing hoping that I will find it in my top or even in my jeans but no luck. I first backtracked my steps to the car, checked the car, the car seat (took DD in and out) and the elevators etc.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 15:37
I have outlined the process to be done for the medical in the below link: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=136964 No you don't have to be with the maid but make sure you go in very early. This process is for Satwa. I don't know about the other centers.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 15:42
Interesting question Kylie. The instruction was to toss the meat - to me that means the end of RB's "ownership" of the meat and the CL was free to do what she wished with it. Funny how people are quick to moan about the lack of initiative shown by their domestic staff - doesn't look like they have much incentive!! Initiative would have come from CL suggesting to RB that instead of tossing the meat why does she not give it to the dogs not from going behind her back and doing it. Shows that CL is not to be trusted. IcedQueen, you sound very familiar... Your moniker also suits you. Why would you say i sound familiar? And Thanks! I take it as a compliment :d
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 14:15
Old landlord took Dhs300 off the deposit amount for painting costs when we moved out :/:. I hope the 300 took him a long way.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 13:04
So when you cook a steak to medium rare do you wash the meat? Does the temp go up to the recommended right through the slice of steak so as to eliminate all the bacteria that cooking normally does?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 12:33
Middle Eastern mother in law washes hers to death-I never have lol... don't worry... the animal has already been slaughtered so I don't think it would be dying again. Just having a bath of its life!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 12:29
always run meat under the tap (except mince) - it doesn't splash and if you see what comes off....ewww.. Yep! Exactly my point. Chicken specifically has some nasties with all that gooey stuff that comes just under the skin (let me not start on the skin on/off thing as that is another thread :)). I guess its "how" you wash it. You really don't need to be splashing all over the counter when washing and making sure you have separate chopping boards for meat/fish/veg.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 11:29
Sorry if this is a silly question but what does GHD stand for and where can I buy one? Good Hair Days (I think???) lol I have no clue but it definitely gives you good hair days! I bought mine online through the UK official site. Not sure if you can find it in Dubai because when I asked the popular salons here about it 5 years ago they had no clue about its existence.. Also beware of sites claiming to sell original GHD's at half the price! They are GBP90 upwards. If you find it for 40 then its not real.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 08:10
looking to buy one but a rookie at all this. ceramic? steam? ionic? baByliss any good? any one who can help. many thanks. already have straight hair. will not be using all the time. I second LuckyTiger... go with the GHD classic. Its the best investment you will ever make. I also have straight hair but do use it to tame the ends a little. 5 minutes and it looks like you had a salon blowdry. I had a T3 and was never happy with it. Don't waste your time and money on other brands. There is a reason why the GHD is so popular.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 08:07
Interesting question Kylie. The instruction was to toss the meat - to me that means the end of RB's "ownership" of the meat and the CL was free to do what she wished with it. Funny how people are quick to moan about the lack of initiative shown by their domestic staff - doesn't look like they have much incentive!! Initiative would have come from CL suggesting to RB that instead of tossing the meat why does she not give it to the dogs not from going behind her back and doing it. Shows that CL is not to be trusted.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 07:57
Weight is deceiving. The one I had weighed 40kg but could eat a horse. She ate 2 chickens in 1 sitting and still complained that I was not giving her enough food :\:
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 07:54
I usually use the Activia Laban (comes in 250ml, 500ml and 1l bottles). Its less salty and thinner.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 00:37
Having little to zero belief in the government of my home country (the so-called UK) I hesitate to post this but here it is: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/Outrage-at-Zumas-promise-of-heaven-20110207 I find this quite bizarre ... Lol... Not bizarre at all! We are, after all taking about Zuma here. He has said some strange things before. We are used to it now.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 00:28
icequeen, your directions could not have been more perfect!!!! that has got to be the longest one way road in the world!!! I thought it would never get to Cluster C :)...got in, dropped cat, got out :) again, thanks :) Did u love all the bumps and the crazy formula one wanna be's racing around? Glad you found your way :) Sorry I forgot to give you directions to get out though!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 08:03
If you are coming from Dubai, take the Al Naseem offramp. This is after Internet city and the boards leading up to AUD. Follow the signage for JLT - i think one says Emirates hills and the other is JLT. Its pretty obvious as there are massive towers in the development. Once in JLT, pass Damas on your left. Keep left and follow the boards for JLT. jLT is a one way system so once you are in just follow the road. When the road splits (you will see Indigo Icon in front of you) turn left. Just drive straight down that section. Pass Bonnington on your right and keep right where you see the makeshift split at Icon 2. Follow the boards back into JLT by turning right (straight and you will go to marina and the highway). Cluster C will be on your right in this section. It's where the Carrefour Express is located. Hope that is not too confusing!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 23:25
Did you stop for just a few seconds? Were you not blocking the traffic maybe? Just trying to understand as to why the policemen would single you out in the midst of all the chaos and traffic. It would take more than a few seconds to stop, remove luggage and leave the car. Maybe they were there for 1 or 2 minutes. Thats what I am trying to understand. And why would he single you out? There must have been a reason. Maybe he motioned you to move on and you chose to ignore him? It is real chaos at times at the airport and they really try hard to control the traffic. To me it seems as though there is a little more to this story which is not being told on the forum. The police here are not horrible. I parked in the Marina once on the road near Chin Chin and while I was placing my order, saw a police officer in his car starting to write a ticket. I quickly grabbed DD and ran to the car. I put her in the car seat, jumped in and started the car. The police officer motioned to me to roll down my window and I just said I am so sorry as there was no parking and I wanted to order my food. He just said that the next time I should put my hazards on if I am going somewhere. I was just very apologetic and he did not write the ticket although he had every right to do so.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 23:13
Did you stop for just a few seconds? Were you not blocking the traffic maybe? Just trying to understand as to why the policemen would single you out in the midst of all the chaos and traffic.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 22:35
I have it and love it! Yes you can fry samoosas and spring rolls - basically anything you don't wish to deep fry. Just don't use the thing that turns it because I find it crushes the samoosas and they come out skew triangles. Besides that, I don't think I can go back to deep frying anything now that I have the actifry. Such a pleasure to clean up as well.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 20:53
I have a little stock left but its quickly diminishing! Am going to ask a friend to bring some from home in about 2 weeks. Do you want a few as well?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 16:34
Personally, I think RB is more a woman with too much money and time on her hands who needs to get a life! But I will be sure to pass the comments on to my pal though, maybe over a lamb roast from Rb's freezer ;) Sounds more like you have a personal grudge against RB.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 16:31
Same thing happened to me yesterday. The guy just stood there and took a pic of DD (who btw is neither blond nor blue eyed). Really irritated me and I picked her up and walked away.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 16:20
I really think you would be very lucky to be making 20k pm. I was just sick of dealing with the maid situation here and I had selfish motives :) Me too... my motives are purely selfish! (I could just get one of the ladies to clean up my home as well :D)
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 16:19
The instruction was to clean out the freezer. She did. I just thought it was a bit of an overreaction to demand it all back after instruction had been given to throw it out! Who cares where the contents were disposed of when asked to throw them out. Its not like medical waste or confidential documents! If I told a maid to throw a bag of old clothes or magazines in the bin I wouldnt be bothered if she took some for herself. I probably would do the same if anything I fancied! Obviously I am inclined to take it personally as the cleaner in question is someone I know well. In saying that, it’s probably personal to those who chose to comment as many will use their own experiences as a guide and their own personal maid frustrations will be reflected in their response. All I am saying is that it is interesting to observe how people react to different situations - how some think an act is punishable by death and other isnt really bothered!:) But the instruction was to clean out the freezer and throw the meat in the bin was it not? There was no clear instruction to feed the meat to the dogs? What if the dogs were on a special diet? You see we could go in circles with this conversation but lets leave it at this point because you clearly feel it is fine for employees not to follow instructions fully and I am of the opinion that if told to do something, one should just do it. I would see this so many times in corporate as well! People just don't follow instructions/briefs? If the maid had an issue with throwing it away, she should have kept it aside and told the employer that she wishes to give it to the dogs instead. Don't you think that would have been more responsible instead of just doing what she pleased?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 16:04
Well Im in Abu Dhabi where everyone is screaming for maids so costs here would be different. As I said we already have women here in accommodation, cleaning commercial properties. We also have a fleet of minivans. So it would not be too big a jump to put some into a domestic cleaning agency. But after doing the sums, it just is not worth it. What kind of gross/net margin are you looking at? Maybe 20k p/m is worth it for me but 100k p/m is worth it for you?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 16:00
I follow instructions. I just don't have a lot of respect for those who throw their 'authority' around just to make a show of how important they are. I see it a lot here. It bugs me. You answered the question. She did not follow the instruction which was clear. Don't understand what you mean by throwing authority? Is she not the employer paying the employee for a service? Should the employee not follow instructions given to her and not decide otherwise?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:56
Its way more complicated than start up money, I could start with minimal costs as we already have the licence and the staff in accomodation. Each cleaner costs about 2,700 per month to maintain, not including visa. You also need a driver, a supervisor for each ten or so women. Costed that out as well. Did you take the cost of hiring a minivan or buying one outright? Seems to be approx 3,600 p/m to hire and 50-60k to buy. Accommodation - how many girls would you place in one room? Did you work on accommodation in a place like International City or closer to the New Dubai suburbs? As you can see... my mind has been working overtime since this morning! Are your costs based on a freezone or not? That also makes a difference at the end.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:52
Funny, I ran this story past some friends back home (none of who have a maid) who thought it wasnt a big deal since she didnt want the stuff in her freezer anymore anyway, but those in Dubai (a lot who do have maids) sided with the unreasonable woman more and were more about instructions and order. Interesting observations ;) Do you deliberately not follow any instructions given by your boss?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:49
I did not know that it was optional and took DD for it. She was EBF and stopped pooping regularly after that silly vaccine, sometimes going 10 days without any poops. Was terrible and I wish I hadn't given it to her. It was recalled the same week that it was given to her.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:44
To open up a domestic helper cleaning agency!!!! I am sure these guys are making a pretty packet every month with their ridiculous minimum hours + high costs + paying the helpers a pittance every month! Definitely worth a shot to do that don't you think? I have just finished a business plan for this and believe me they cannot be making much money at all. We have the trade licences and staff already in accomodation but the logistics are a nightmare. I just did a quick cost analysis and it looks like it would be around 400k to start up with! No easy task I agree with you but then you have to work hard if you want to succeed in anything that you do.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:39
Go to the gym, get a makeover, have your hair and nails done. Make sure ex sees you somewhere with your fab new look after a few months. Let his jaw drop and look at him like he is dirt and so not worthy of you!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:36
Why don't you start calling them at 6am Dubai time? And persist... call and call until they answer the phone. And then say that the reason you called was to make sure that everyone is okay and you were missing them so much. That should put a stop to it (hopefully!).
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:34
Hey Bajaz, whilst you are "at it" also visit the new JLT Communty Market tomorrow between 11 am - 6 pm; location: on the lake just below Carrefour, Pentium Tower, Cluster C.... Don't you mean Palladium Tower?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:33
Meat was fine, just had been in freezer for a while and RB need freezer for other things I guess (bodies?!) Dogs are fine! does it make a difference when I say this did not happen here in dxb and the cleaner is well educated western woman with a husband earning a nice living who only does a bit of cleaning on the side for extra cash for herself. Just thought the treatment from RB a little out of line! was curious to hear opinions of others (as random as it is!):) edited by Kylie2810 on 10/02/2011 CL was an employee and RB gave specific instructions for her to follow. Why did she not follow it? I would also be mad because the instructions were to throw the meat out and not to give to the dogs. Sounds to me like CL does not like being given any instructions so she should not work for RB then.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:29
Sounds like she is unhappy-perhaps homesick-have a chat with her before doing anything So what? We were all sad and unhappy when we moved away from our families! Get over it! Its a choice we made and we lived with it. We did not decide to have attitudes with our bosses and neither would our bosses have pulled us aside to console us. They are not kids and should understand that they are leaving their homes for better prospects. Stop treating them as though they are cottonwool.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:24
Why dont you open a decent sandwich shop (not subway). Thats one thing we seem to need more of here! I was thinking of a cupcake shop. Home made pure butter made with love non commercial cupcakes... yum! Food... not too confident in that side of things unfortunately. I do have lots of ideas!
 
 
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