jellymum | ExpatWoman.com
 

jellymum

jellymum
196
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Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 08:37
Sorry to crash this post, but Wizlyric what was your experience of Aetna other than with maternity? We are thinking to change companies as our health insurer has just proposed an increase of more than 70% on my husband's annual premium as he has turned 60. Whilst one philosophically accepts premiums will increase as one ages this is ludicrous. We were looking at the Major Medical cover at RSA/Aetna and any input would be welcome.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 12:58
There is also a facility upstairs at Union Coop on Al Wasl Road.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 12:04
How can anyone babysit using a walkie talkie / baby monitor - and how could you as a parent ever think this was safe? Baby monitors might be OK to alert someone if a baby starts crying but the person must be in the house and should also check the child at frequent intervals. Please stop this immediately it is so dangerous. I totally agree with Mrsb, get rid of this person as soon as possible. You have been overgenerous and she is taking advantage of you and may get you into trouble with the authorities. I suggest you get hold of a copy of the handbook for domestic staff discussed on this forum recently and next time refer to it and decide which parts apply in your case, then give your new maid a written copy so she knows exactly what is expected in terms of her duties and behaviour and make sure she follows it by watching her closely by nannycam or whatever means possible.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 22:46
Last April when I asked you could get from Jumeirah Post Office. Documents Required: • Fill the application form available from the post office • Passport Copy • 2 Passport Size Photograph • Copy Of Valid UAE Driving License • Fee will be AED 140.00 • Validity for the International Driving License is 1 year from date of issue. <em>edited by jellymum on 15/02/2013</em>
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 15:04
Speaking as someone at the ''other end'' of the saving chain - ie retirement within 5-7 years - I can honestly advise save what you can when you can - and bear in mind that unless you are extremely luckly there may be times in your life whenever no matter how thrifty you are you won't be able to save anything and you have to just accept it, but do start again as soon as you can. If you can bring your children up with this philosophy, you will be doing them a big favour.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 17:15
We have just started to leave our 13 year old alone for short periods in the house but we have a full time housekeeper who is usually somewhere on the premises as well. He likes to cook for himself which I think is highly commendable but has strict instructions not to when alone. I never left older siblings in charge of younger ones as I didn't think it was fair and the younger ones would never listen to the older ones anyway. I have also never encouraged my kids to babysit for anybody else. It always worries me because accidents can and do happen and often here I have observed the person on the scene gets arrested and questions asked later and I wouldn't want that to happen to my kids.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 12:12
To get back to the Arabic, I think the challenge here is the way it is taught in most non Arab schools. In our case, every school our children went to had Arabic teachers using primary school books from govt schools and teaching, as they themselves were taught, to learn by rote - everything off by heart whether it was understood it or not with emphasis more on the written word, not spoken. And, because it is a difficult subject and these teaching methods are so different from methods used for other subjects, children get bored and switch off, and treat the subject and teachers as a joke. What a waste all round - from an educational point of view in that many children are losing out on an opportunity to gain an extra skill, particularly useful if they want to continue to live here as adults, as many of them do - and from a broader cultural view in that if non-Arabs kids grew up at least able to speak to their Arab counterparts they might begin to understand each other better.
jellymum
196
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 11:40
His contact details are as follows (contacted him and got his permission): Manuel Furtado Mobile : +971 567248868 [email protected]
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 11:37
First did it mid 1990s when we went to live there. I was on my own, husband already there, with two children, two dogs and a cat. Takes about 4 hours to get to Muscat and on the whole pretty boring driving so lots of snacks, games, etc needed for kids - and of course a couple of walks for the dogs along the way. After that did it regularly with 3 kids either coming back through Hatta or Al Ain with no great hassle. For pets you need to talk with the vet to sort paperwork. At one time you could cross the border quite easily but think it's more regulated now.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 09:01
First did it mid 1990s when we went to live there. I was on my own, husband already there, with two children, two dogs and a cat. Takes about 4 hours to get to Muscat and on the whole pretty boring driving so lots of snacks, games, etc needed for kids - and of course a couple of walks for the dogs along the way. After that did it regularly with 3 kids either coming back through Hatta or Al Ain with no great hassle. For pets you need to talk with the vet to sort paperwork. At one time you could cross the border quite easily but think it's more regulated now.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 08:24
This is the person I used and he is Portuguese. Where he works is however rather difficult to find despite his excellent location map. He had all kinds of instruments in his workshop and he also makes them himself. A true craftsman.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 17:54
Agreed - but then I wouldn't want anyone putting up my contact details without my permission so I won't do it to anyone else, whether they're in business or not
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 16:30
No don't think I should without his permission. but am willing to pass on as I already said
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 16:24
Sorry just catching up with back pages - could I have a copy of your MIL list please. jalilimb at eim dot ae Thanks
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 15:41
I have his contact details - he fixed my son's saxophone recently. Send me an email at jalilimbateim.ae and I will forward
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 14:38
Hi I'd also love to copy some of them if at all possible
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 16:04
We did 5 days last time we went. 4 nights in Governor's Lodge on the Masai Mara which was glorious - food brilliant, beds comfortable, animals right outside the tent every night, early morning wake up drink and biscuits, breakfast watching the mongeese eating eggs next to our table - I would never go anywhere else. We had an open ex-Army vehicle which could go anywhere and luckily our driver was brilliant and took us everywhere we wanted to go and shouldn't - off the main tracks, through rivers, etc, etc. We flew down - driving is great and interesting if you have the time and don't mind getting coated from head to foot in red dust. We also ''did'' the hot air balloon - good if you've never done it before but expensive and certainly not the best way to safari as you pass over animals far too quickly. What I notice most is how the behaviour of the animals has changed since I first visited in the 1980s. Before they were truly wild, now on the MM, even the most timid animals just ignore the droves of people watching them - they have become true film stars. We also had one night near Nakuru because we wanted to see the rhino - you won't always see rhino, black or white, as they are so secretive but in Nakuru which is relatively small we saw 6 white rhino in one day. We also had a lake trip up there to see the hippos and there were several eagles that were swooping down for fish thrown by our boatman.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 09:38
I spent ages looking for this place a couple of years back. It's off Kuwait Street, down a turning opposite the Dhow Palace Hotel.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 20:53
Many thanks ladies for your helpful replies. I had a lucky break in that our maintenance plumbers were round fixing something else and one of them noticed the gaping hole in the ceiling - hard to miss really - and said they had some spare tiles which they promptly fetched and fitted and didn't charge me anything. Will keep all the info though as it will come in useful for next time.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 17:15
evelyn2000 you've got mail
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 16:19
Hi I'm happy to help - I'm a British national, CELTA qualified and an HR specialist - what more could you ask for? If you give me your email I will contact you.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 19:21
Took CELTA at Intl House last year. And it was OK. Was originally going to Woollogong but they kept cancelling - am sure both would be fine.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 14:23
Should have added that we got ours done in Liverpool because it was closest to where we were staying at the time, and yes had to make an appointment beforehand, and persons renewing passports had to be in the country.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 12:31
In answer to the question about how do books fit into the PO Box - well of course they don't - the PO put a slip in your box asking you to collect the package from them.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 12:26
Back to the fog issue - when I was out and about earlier this morning, I was totally amazed at how many drivers had not put on their headlights. I was always taught this was the first thing you did when driving in fog - obviously the authorities here need to get the message across - headlights on (not emergency flashers - though have to say I didn't see any of those this morning for a change).
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 11:30
We used the IPS Office in Liverpool to renew 3 chidlren's passports last year when we were in the UK rather than sending them to Germany and they went out of their way to help so if the route were changed to that office it might not be such a bad thing.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 16:56
Am encouraged by the positive comments on ''wearing'' ''grey highlights rather than colouring. I used to highlight my light brown hair but have to say these days my hair is totally highlighted grey/white to a streaky ash blonde colour which I always wanted anyway and it provides a soft frame to my less than wrinkle free face. Why not give your grey lights a chance to show - you might like the result??
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 18:25
I'm from the UK so this is a British definition of shrimp/prawn. Sitting chatting to my Grandad, taking the shells off shrimps and then eating them with bread and butter for afternoon tea is one of my favourite childhood memories. This was in East Anglia and the shrimps were very small and always cooked by the fishmonger at the market. I've never seen them here apart from in jars of shrimp paste. Prawns are bigger and come in many sizes and here you can buy them cooked or uncooked. If you buy they cooked they are pink and only need heating through otherwise they will be very rubbery. Uncooked they are a grey colour and only need cooking until they just turn pink. If you buy either frozen it's best to de-frost and drain off the water before cooking.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 12:30
Agree with the licence bit - but how could you enforce it?? And whilst in this instance it's obvious the couple were totally unsuitable, how could you judge in most cases??
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 13:14
If you had an airmiles card surely you received statements by email. That might be a good place to start looking for the number of the lost card. Redeeming miles for travel can then be done by ringing the number on the airmiles site.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:32
http://www.lanavilla-oman.com/ - we were in touch with them recently but have not used them yet. They are in al Gubrah and are a good basic B&B (bed and breakfast) not a hotel but rates are very reasonable.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 09:06
M&S had some - think they were selling them as pyjamas but my daughter is wearing them for outside and they look good.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 20:31
Our GP recommended RSA AETNA to cover the big stuff, not the GP visits. Apparently they are cost effective and user friendly.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 16:43
Thanks Sweetsugar123 your suggestion works.
jellymum
196
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 13:41
Where do you live?? My daughter may be able to help.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 18:45
Hi. Yes they are a brilliant place to live especially if you need space as the gardens are enormous. There are 3 and 4 beds but over the years a lot of tenants have added extensions. There is a club with pools, tennis, squash and gyms and a park and big football pitch. The villas and club are old, but at a good rent for their location, and they are pretty well maintained. Demolition? Obviously at some point but people are still moving in at present. They are managed by Dubai Real Estate Company - there always used to be a waiting list but you can but ask.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 15:39
Thanks for your responses. Nice to know I'm not alone. Seem to remember they did the same last year but good to know they will be up and running in the next week or so. Tried the email addresses last year but, although they responded, they didn't give me any answers so haven't bothered this year. Would suggest Fairfield that you tell your landlord that you are checking with RERA and awaiting response.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 11:42
kakakiri - thanks for SMS response <em>edited by jellymum on 31/12/2012</em>
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 10:36
Been there and got the T-shirt for this one. Don't think you need a permit for a one-off sale. What you do need is: effective marketing - lots of notices all over the place - supermarkets, schools, etc; somewhere secure to keep stuff until it's time for the sale; people to help you as there are always those who will casually walk off with stuff; prices clearly indicated on everything or better a Dh5 box, Dh10 box, etc, etc; lots of change and plastic bags as people tend not to bring any; and above all realistic expectations - everyone who comes will expect to pay next to nothing even for good stuff. In fact I would second the advice to sell anything worthwhile on Dubizzle.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 10:25
We tried Burj Khalifa two years back and gave up as it was chaos, and sounds like more may come tonight. Try the beach at Burj al Arab instead and watch their fireworks, and see BK and Atlantis in the distance, but don't park on or near Jumeirah Beach Road, it's always gridlocked before and after.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 10:13
Think you should also look at the post ''when is a good time to talk to your child about....'' as it's about the same thing more or less
jellymum
196
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 10:10
That was here - all my kids have been brought up in Dubai so no idea of how it's handled in the UK. I agree with you totally - see my previous posts on this - think they all know, or think they know, all about it way before year 7. As I said earlier, I think it's better to include it in every day discussions and answer questions as and when they come up and not make a big deal about it, in the hope that when they're older and it affects them directly, and believe me it does, often before they are teenagers, the lines of communication will be maintained and you as a parent have some inkling about what's going on.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 09:30
Good luck in your discussions. With regard to s-- education, all I know is that in year 7 (British Curriculum) we had to give written consent to our children being present in sessions where it was discussed. PS My daughter, now 22 years, came home from nursery at the age of 4 using the f--- word to describe people she didn't like. Told her that if she really wanted a naughty name to call people she should try ''crazy kangaroo'' instead. 3 children and 18 years later, it still gets used in our house.... Happy New Year!
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 17:17
Hi sorry for the delay in reply. You may have to park some way from the beach and walk but the advantage of that is that if you leave your car in the back streets you won't get stuck in the inevitable traffic jams.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 17:05
Not sure there is a ''right age''. You might find your 10 year old knows a lot more than you think, I know all my kids did and I was quite shocked at the time. I personally never went through the sit-them-down-and-tell-them process. What I found is that from a very early age they talked with their friends about all these things and when they were at home we just continued these conversations. I always answered any questions they had honestly and in terms appropriate to their age at the time, in matter of fact tones without any embarassment. I also tried never to overload them with information. For example, when they ask where babies come from, they weren't necessarily interested in how they got there, that would be asked another time. If you manage to have meaningful conversations on everything under the sun including these sensitive issues from an early age, you may even find that when they reach adolescence, your teenagers actually continue to talk to you, and may even confide in you, ask for and listen to your advice. This is when communication becomes really critical as it's so important to know what's going on with them, and so many parents have no idea, or so it seems to me.
jellymum
196
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 10:50
I second what catzfly says. We have 2 18-year olds and a 22-year old all educated here and have travelled this road. Start with what she wants to do / what interests her, then move on to what she's good at and what's achievable. Hopefully the way forward will become obvious. I think whilst they may make a brave attempt, a lot of the schools here seem to lack skilled counsellors in this field and are geared mainly towards children going to university and have limited knowledge about other options particularly for the less academic. Don't rely on them, but do your own research and obviously encourage your daughter to join you in this. With the internet it's relatively easy and it also helps to find kids and their parents who have followed a particular route. There are so many paths to further education and qualifications after school and they all need to be considered to see what suits best.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 10:22
Our older kids tend to do their own thing with their friends so we always stay available to taxi them about. Those of us who don't have plans or, like me, find ''canned'' entertainment too much, have a nice meal, watch a film and then about 1100 oclock go down to the beach near Burj Al Arab and watch the fireworks. From there you can also see those at Burj Khalifa and Atlantis in the distance. Then we go home and open a bottle of something appropriate to finish off the celebration. May be boring for some but it suits us and costs are minimal. Another economical alternative would be to ask a few friends round and get them to bring a bottle and some food and we've done that as well a couple of times.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 19:00
My daughter has a spare ticket for sale. If interested please let me know.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 08:46
Have just read all this. Wow. With one DD in her 20s and two 18 year olds have had a lot of exposure, and believe me best to deal with it quietly and firmly and NOW as it will not go away as your child gets older and you have a long way to go until 21. Remember even after that if in a public place and found to have consumed alcohol you could be in trouble. You will be surprised how many of parents feel outraged at others supplying alcohol to their kids but never make a fuss mainly because of pressure from their own offspring. Pity, if we all do it, our kids will realize they're not alone and the offending parents might start to reform. |My advice - develop a check list of questions to ask your kids before allowing them to go to set foot outside your house including the alcohol issue, who will be there, who is in charge, name and contact of an adult who will be in the house at the time of party, location, etc etc. Also make it clear to your kids if they decide to go on somewhere else even if not planned the same checklist applies and you need to know. If you don't get convincing answers, say no. We still do. As someone said early on, you are a parent to your child not their friend - although it's good to be both of course but difficult at times.
jellymum
196
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 13:07
Hi have sent you email so you can remove your contact details.
 
 
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