Icedqueen | ExpatWoman.com
 

Icedqueen

Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:23
But then she would have a ban. So instead of informing her agency, she should just ask to be released and she should return home. Her new employer should then go through an agency to bring her back because it would be impossible to come back without all that POLO red tape.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:12
Off with her head! No seriously if that is the attitude before the visa is stamped, imagine after? I don't believe in giving second chances anymore! I did it with 2 maids because I felt sorry for them but I am the one out of pocket now.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:11
Presumably it was being thrown out because it was past its use by date. If this is the case the maid should not have given it to the dog as it may have been off and made the dog sick-in which case her employer had every reason to be annoyed I had the same issue with my dof Nepali maid. The reason why I told her to toss the old food was because it did not smell right. She took it to her room and started scoffing it up the greedy thing. I am surprised that she did not get sick after that.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:09
Is this market not saturated already Iced queen? How many of you ladies are loyal to any one company? Why are you not loyal to that company? There must be a reason as to why you don't use the same company again. And I am sure you all have gone through that at some point or another. My opinion is that you do not get any customer service with any of the cleaning companies hence you are not loyal to them. Half the time you speak to people who do not even understand you or you don't get any call backs or responses to any queries. I am just stating the obvious here. Simple - If you have the right formula + the right attitude toward your clients then even if a market is saturated, you will be successful in whatever you do. Have you ever walked through the streets of Deira or Bur Dubai or Satwa. Is the market saturated with almost every possible item available? Are the stores still surviving after so many years of being there? Anyway, this is just a thought nothing serious. Since I have become a SAHM I have had MANY entrepreneurial thoughts in my head. Just love thinking about these things! Since maids and housecleaning seems to be quite a hot topic here it might just work out. And you will never know if you don't try. :D
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 14:23
Thats a great idea, except they are not issuing labour supply/cleaning company licenses anymore.... So you have also thought about it if you know that info?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 11:02
Try Home Maids. They were not too bad a few months ago... haven't tried them in about 4 months though. 04 339 7757
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 08:25
I have one.. And it doesn't involve pre -cooking the chicken. Let me know if you want it.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 08:22
You should seriously try Dragon Mart. They use the exact fabric as many guys from Satwa and Karama. They all get it from textile city in any case. The only difference is that they won't measure and give you that personal service. We did the main bedroom embroidered voil + crushed taffeta with blackouts and that cost 1600 for 2m+2m width in Karama. We did DD's room in a lovely fabric 2.4m with blackouts for 300 and a black extending rod from ikea. Big difference!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 17:54
bumpity bump
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 17:01
Feels nice to be the poachee :d I was poached once!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 16:59
i cannot understand the fixation with a Nepali maid, and ditto what Sanddy said. As for agency problems, I do not understand the difficulty. i have used Al Ahliya for 10 years now. Just out of curiosity, how many maids have you had in 10 years?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 16:41
I have never used any special potatoes but have always used the below method. Scrub and prick potatoes with a fork. Place in a kitchen papertowels and place in microwave oven for xx time (based on size of potatos). Wrap in aluminium foil and finish off "baking" in conventional oven for approx 15 minutes to get the skins crispy. Saves you the 2 hours of baking.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 16:36
There is something called Foursquare (or 4square). I have seen friends on fb checking in using that app. Cannot confirm if it was through BB though.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 16:32
Did it ever go beyond episode 12? Still shows as pending so I think its not yet finalised if there will be any more episodes. Its a pity though because it was a good one so don't get too engrossed in it as you will be disappointed waiting for the elusive episode 13.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 16:04
Hi, which section of EG-IT would you be working in? The expert raises her head.... ;O)..close call home, eh! How have u been CM.... not meaning to hijack the thread!!! Hey Bubble, I'm good thanks, busy with Little Miss! How about you? I will no doubt get shot down again by a certain poster and this is only [b'>my[/b'> humble opinion, but if you are going to work for EG-IT you need really thick skin, like being yelled at, you need to be willing to answer your phone / email at all hours, be in work early, stay late for no extra pay / time off or thanks, happy not to be able to have your holiday necessarily when you want it and be willing to take the blame for things that aren't your fault. Having said that, if you have good work colleagues (that don't stab you in the back to get up the ladder) you will have some good times! All the best! So it happens in IT as well? Seems to be a trend in Emirates.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 16:03
Are these agencies all capable of bringing a Nepali maid? Spare yourself the hassle and just get another nationality.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 15:24
Try Al Adil in Barsha. They definitely have it.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 15:00
Don't renew her visa. Just not worth it at the end.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 14:56
the thread was about a mother having doubt that her son and the maid are having something, kind of romance and she wanted to be sure before talking to her husband so she was looking for a nanny cam to put it at home. I really want to know what happened. The OP put a camera outside the son's room over a weekend and noticed son and maid go into his room a few times, once holding hands. Maid got booted and sent packing, son threw a massive teenage strop, maid then contacted to say she pregnant. Don't know what happened after that. Pregnant? Ah I missed that part. Did the one that told her ma'am that she has a big behind also claim to be pregnant with the DH's child? Seems to be quite a trend. Quite a fertile bunch these gals are.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 14:46
it prevents wind and can be left out. while soaking dhal, you can also add a pinch of baking soda and it will do the trick as well. i don't like the smell of it.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 14:40
Icedqueen- yikes! try the ones mentioned. i am waiting for someone to call back with the number than i will post I don't like Al Ahliya. I found them completely unprofessional. I have been chasing them for a long time. So far Al Farsan, Al Muhandes and Falcon have been ok and have sent CV's with contact details. I really do hope something positive comes out of all this stress.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 14:36
i will try and find the number for you how this thread has not shifted to another section boggles No its not mind boggling or brain surgery... It started on 18 Jan which was long before the EW site makeover. Recent threads were manually pushed into the respective sections.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 14:33
I dont understand why people dont use agencies?! 77 Labour Supply Companies listed in the Dubai Yellowpages online directory. At least 30 numbers don't go anywhere when you call, 10 only speak Arabee not Englisssss, 25 go to a fax line, 5 promise to email CV's but don't bother, 4 that do send CV's will not give you contact numbers... so weight and height and complexion colour are good indicators when hiring a domestic helper??? 3 have sent me CV's with contact details. Getting through to the potential employee... well that's a completely different story. Welcome to competent and professional business ideologies that exist in this lovely city....hooray! And they come up with ridiculous figures ranging from 6200 to 8000. I started with Sharjah companies... so far so good the cost is 6000 :D I am so glad. Now let me go back to trying the 47 numbers listed in Sharjah.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 13:29
All major supermarkets like C4, Geant, Lulu etc have basic sewing machines under Dhs1000 on their shelves.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 13:27
I would seriously re-think how you hire a maid. If you go through a labour supply company in Dubai, they have branches in these countries and do extensive background checks and interviews. If something goes wrong, you can get a replacement. Just drop the lousy, smelly thieving maid at their office and they will bring you a new one. Easy peasy. Nepalese maids are notoriously bad with kids. Not all, I am sure (maybe), but everyone that I know who has had one has said. They are also dirty, in a lot of ways. I guess there must be exceptions, but I would not bring one with my fingers crossed. Ahh... is SQ back? Wish I had known this before I wasted all my time, effort and money on a Nepali maid.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 13:17
Be prepared for any so-called Brother to call her up at 2 in the morning... Somehow long-lost brothers, neighboring village brothers etc keep on calling them (even from Saudi..) I tried to call back and turns out it was a Labor Camp where they had a common sim between 4-5 men. ahh... so you know about that one as well? lol... out of a population of almost 29 million people, they seem to have quite a few bro's!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 13:14
Sorry to scare you. I have just had such an awful time with the one that I hired and I will never hire one from Nepal again. I am still scarred from the horrible experience :(
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 12:50
Nooooo... please please whatever you do, do NOT hire a Nepalese maid. Long long story but I just sent the one I had packing! Too many issues with her which included stealing, lying, calls from unknown men all day long, not the brightest crayon in the box, flooding my house, very filthy (i am still disinfecting her room and the awful smell still lingers), etc etc etc. The list goes on oh and I forgot to include that I apparently "beat" her. And whatever you do, do NOT deal with an agent based in Nepal - initials BL. He will dictate terms including making sure she "meets" her so called bro in MoE C4 (I would presume to give money as they have to pay their way to come here!). It got so bad in the end and she even "arranged" a new sim card 2 days before I sent her packing as I had taken her sim away - how did she get it I still have no clue. Long long story but horrible ending! And thousands of dirhams down the drain with the lying conniving b!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 12:38
I've never ordered cucumber sticks but I know that they have a perinaise (sp?) which is a mayo mixed with peri peri. Maybe they serve that with the cucumber?
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 09:19
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but this one ain't coming back to work for you. She might just make up a new passport and come back to dupe another unsuspecting madam but you have to cut your losses and move on now. If not successful in Dubai, then another ME country... simply because its so easy to get away with this sort of thing! Rule one - when employing a domestic never ever give them advances or any money for emergencies and to top it off, send them off on a plane home. Just sympathise with them if they come up with these sad stories and then continue by saying, have you done the ironing as yet? That will make her realise that you are not there to listen to the sob story.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 09:11
I would do the medical immediately simply because you never know "where" they come from or what diseases they may be carrying. If the maid is here as a babysitter to your LO, then go ahead and do the medical immediately. It costs Dhs340 for a normal servant medical in Satwa (290 + 50 for the pregnancy test). Go very early in the morning @ 7am as they are giving out numbers now and the numbers are finished by 8am. Or go at 3pm as they open the numbers then. Go at least 30 minutes earlier then the above times to get the form typed up first. 1. When you enter, go straight to the typing center to the right (don't enter the main building as nobody has any clue whats going on there). 2. Have a copy of the sponsors passport and visa page and original. 3. Original maids passport as well as a copy and 2 passport sized photographs. 4. Once form is typed, go straight to the Zajel counter, pay Dhs20 for the courier slip. Fill it in. 5. For ladies, go to counter 5 - located past the doors in the ladies section. 6. Push your way to get a number (you will see many who will merrily stand right in front of you so be armed!) 7. Once you get a number, wait, wait, wait, wait until your number is called on the screen and drop off your form at the counter. 8. Wait, wait, wait... They will call your maid's name after they have had their tea break, lunch break, salaah etc... depending on the time that you do get to them. 9. She will have to take a blood test and the Hep vaccination (forgot the order but both have to be done). 10. She will then have to take a urine sample for the pregnancy test. This is to be done outside by the typing center - there are dirty looking toilets there. 11. X-ray is done (this is normally much quicker as there are no ques in that section. 12. Go home, make a pot of tea and put your feet up.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 08:56
If they question her at the airport, she has to be smart enough to say that she is working for xyz company and not an individual so that they would let her go freely. I don't think that they would bother as much with citizens that are on company visas. They know that the big money is with the domestic staff.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 08:53
I would get rid of her asap. She has already lied and broken the trust between the two of you. I went through something similar and could never trust her after that. Needless to say, 3 months later (and thousands of dirhams!!!) I am the one that has suffered the most. She just went back home to her little life in a farm. If she was so quick to lie to you on such a simple matter, then imagine what she would do to cover up when she steals anything of value? Once long fingers, always long fingers so go with your instinct and stop feeling sorry for her. We all feel sorry for them and end up the losers in the end.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 23:31
Off with her head! (i've always wanted to say that on a maid thread :))
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 09:19
Waitrose and Spinneys have a ready made muffin mix. The brand is Snowflake and you can find it in the baking aisle or near the flour. I always add a few dates and nuts and it gives it a nice taste. You can substitute Labaan for the buttermilk.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 09:17
I used Helping Hands last week. They charged me Dhs30 p/h and sent a maid that did not follow any instructions that I typed up. Look for a more professional agency. Also the maid did not give me a receipt - very unprofessional.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 19:15
Best burgers that we have tasted so far is Burger Fuel in JBR. Was amazing (and loaded!) Sadly they don't deliver.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 11:16
Not a hospital but the Ibn Batuta medical center is also a few minutes away. Its near the Fitness First on the ground floor. Another one is the Cedars Jebel Ali hospital - about 10 min drive near JAF gate 3 (if i remember correctly). <em>edited by Icedqueen on 05/02/2011</em>
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 11:08
Have you tried Mamas n Papas? They normally keep pregnancy swimwear.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 01:07
What does it say in her contract? Am pretty sure that i have read it in my old boss's maids contract.... If it's not included then you don't have to provide it. I've already sacked her. She was useless!
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 11:52
Me too. My back feels awful now! Just my luck the week I fire the maid and we have horrible sandstorms. :\:
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 11:44
Maybe try one of those curtain shops in Karama? There are quite a few of them behind the furniture market. The guys normally come out to your house with a whole lot of sample books and measure. They can probably help you with the rods as well. HTH
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 11:41
I am not sure about letters but I went through this whole USPS thing a few weeks ago but with a package which had partial address details and an incorrect cell number. Do you have a tracking number? If so, key it into the USPS website and you will get updates. When the letter is at Karama post office, call the central post office number (toll free number listed on the EmPost website) to find out where the letter is. They will be able to access the information using your USPS tracking number and will be able to give you a status update as to where the letter is. Good luck! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=133929
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:53
Thanks :)!!! Icedqueen I can't really do without breastpads at all - I literally just have to dry off after a shower and I'm leaking! So it's a 24/7 thing for me. I've been using the Mothercare one's and they're ok- was just hoping maybe someone had a magic cure! It doesn't seem to be so much an engorgement thing as just a really strong let-down. It doesn't seem to bother DS at all. (and yep, def know I'm lucky to be able to bf - it is reassuring to know there is milk there). Thanks Plumie! I'll check out DM for the lilypadz :) Oh you just reminded me! I used to struggle after a shower as well... Sometimes even before I jump into the shower it would leak. And nobody that I spoke to seemed to have this issue. DD would sometimes even choke when feeding as the milk would flow too fast. It did get better at around 6 months. And you do forget about it eventually. I remember trying all the brands on the shelves and settled with the Cool & Cool one. They were cheap and did the job better than most of the others. I have the washable ones but they did not work at all. I just lived with the issue taking solace in the fact that at least DD had plenty of milk in 1 feed (from one b00b at a time) so I would have to express the other side. I froze quite a bit of milk this way and it came in handy when I started weaning. <em>edited by Icedqueen on 01/02/2011</em>
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:58
You can get the medela ones here. I used to pump directly in the avent bottle and then transfer to a bag. Found them at babyshop.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:19
Mine was painful and had this strange kind of feeling and lots of leaking all the time. I used the disposable ones... thousands of them and spent a small fortune on them. Try using a dry washcloth on the side you are not feeding on as I am sure you must be getting a letdown while feeding. It soaks up all the excess. Sleep with a towel on the bed to avoid having to change the sheets daily. Unfortunately I don't have any remedies on how to stop the letdown. Its so irritating but at least have comfort in the fact that you have b/milk. Not all mothers can b/feed or some just don't produce enough milk.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 15:32
I bought one of those gas gun lighters. They sort of blast the flame out and hard enough to light up the coals - but you have to place it directly on the coal. Once the coal is hot enough (you will see the red inside the coal) then place the bukhoor or oud sticks on it. If using bukhoor you need to break it up and carefully place it on top of the hot coal. I used to use a lighter but noticed that it takes really long to light up the coal and you stand there with a hot lighter and not much joy with the coal. You can get those gas guns from any smokers shop. I have also seen them at Lulu in Al Barsha. Enjoy... it makes the house smell great! HTH
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 17:01
Found a few tops and jeans in H&M. Woolworths have really nice comfy pants. Indulged in some outfits from the expensive shop in MoE - cannot remember the name but the one next to Obaibi and opposite Carters. Generally found it so difficult to find really nice clothing. I have seen destination maternity opened up since so they are worth a shot! I lived in my black pants and just swopped different tops but I was working so needed more corporate wear.
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 16:38
Nx - no excuse
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 23:32
I was looking for hard wax for years and finally found it in C4 at MOE a few weeks ago. It's the byly (sp) one and you can find it where all the wax, veet, bleach is kept.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing