JHM | ExpatWoman.com
 

JHM

JHM
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Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 19:52
The kids at our school aren't allowed out once the ambient heat reaches 40, even if the temperature doesn't hit 40.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 20:32
I'm not saying it's for good or bad but one of the principle reasons that DESS, JESS and JAPS are often seen as being the best is that they are the only primary schools run on a not for profit basis. They have also been around for a long time so you know what you're going to get. If people are sceptical about new schools it's because over the years there have been some amazing visions for new schools which haven't quite lived up to the hype. It's also worth considering that all schools here raise their fees on a pretty much annual basis!
JHM
287
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Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 22:32
Thank you FairyDust. He's trying Linked In, etc. this came rather out of the blue and time is not on our side so thought I'd ask in case anyone 'in the know' could help. Thanks
JHM
287
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Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 21:35
Hi FairyDust, He's looking in Audio Visual and Production but has years of local experience in training for radio and video production, video and audio editing, sound and lighting and live events. So is open to suggestion! Thanks
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 02 February 2015 - 19:02
Would recommend both Dr Yin Rundell and Dr Sue Norton at Dubai Physiotherapy Clinic in Town Centre on Beach Rd, next to Mercato.
JHM
287
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Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 18:44
I've had root canal at Nicholas and Asp and with Dr Madhu over the years. The last was with Dr Madhu 2 years ago and he had to sort out a tooth which had been broken and then bodged several times (not by him!). I ended up having 3+ hours of treatment over 3 sessions before he was the first person to see that one of the roots had a hairline crack which was why it was still uncomfortable - I was only charged for the first appointment! He also advised me to go for the cheaper crown on another tooth as the bone had been affected by a series of temporary fillings done by several dentists on another root canal - he said to get the more expensive one if this one hadn't moved in 5 years. His prices are reasonable, I can't remember what I paid N&A for the original root canal 10+ years ago but I'm sure it was more than Dr Madhu's quoting now. I'm not saying that I wouldn't go to N&A but I trust that Dr Madhu wouldn't do anything unnecessary. My children both see him too and he's been great with them.
JHM
287
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Latest post on 27 December 2014 - 09:50
Congratulations! We got married in the Guildhall in Windsor. You could possibly have the meal there or there are other options in Windsor. The Guildhall is the local registry office for Windsor but is a pretty special venue. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the room we got married in is the council chamber. No idea of cost, I'm afraid, it's 15 years since we got married. You have to go to Maidenhead to do the registering bit though. http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/meetings_publichalls_guildhall.htm <em>edited by JHM on 27/12/2014</em>
JHM
287
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Latest post on 13 December 2014 - 14:15
I've not used it but there's a shop in the mall next to Magrudy's on Beach Road. The shop is at the petrol station end, opposite Tim Hortons.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 22:31
There's a shop at the 7s, year round, which I'm pretty sure sells them. It's open on a Friday morning, not sure when else.
JHM
287
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Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 20:08
Rachel or Kim at Dubai Physiotherapy Clinic, both are great. If you need a massage, Alma at DPC is also excellent.
JHM
287
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Latest post on 31 October 2014 - 22:48
Thanks RT. I will make an appointment with one of the specialists but I need something in the interim.
JHM
287
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Latest post on 31 October 2014 - 12:48
Hi all, Can anyone recommend an optician in one of the shops? It's for an adult but would rather not go to Moorfields or one of the specialist places. Thanks
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 29 October 2014 - 10:00
You can buy them in Carrefour too, in the same area as the disposable plates, etc.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 25 October 2014 - 19:44
We're just back from a last sunset walk on the beach. The metal barriers go all the way from Dubai Marine to about 1700m and then cuts down to the sea at an angle. They will lose all of the cycle track and a good bit of the newly laid track. It also means that all the markers on the track are wrong! Very sad!
JHM
287
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Latest post on 03 October 2014 - 18:33
They usually have it in Park n Shop or the Organic Shop.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 03 August 2014 - 16:11
I went to buy uniform two weeks ago before my daughter went on vacation . The new uniform definitely comes up small for the trousers and big for the skirts . I am now having mine made to measure but it costs a little more , 10 aed extra per item which I'm not happy with as they should have uniform to fit all students . My daughter is yr 9 and the largest trousers didn't fit both too short and too tight and I'm sure she is not the biggest girl in school . So I would suggest getting to uniform shop ASAP as I would imagine they will have to make a few with whole school uniform change this year Mine are at DESS but I buy their uniform in Magrudy's. Both of my girls are tall and the older one felt like a freak when we tried to buy her uniform in Stitches - not good for a growing child! When we tried Magrudy's she was 3 sizes below the biggest, their sizes are far more realistic. Now if there was somewhere in Dubai that sold school shoes in a decent range of sizes I'd be happy!
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 18:57
I've not used them but http://www.speedcleaningcompany.com/Once%20Off%20Cleaning.html helped out one of the dog rescue centres a couple months ago when they had a nasty outbreak. I'm always more worried about the animals than the children in these cases as the children are easier to move out of the house!
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 14:39
There's a UK company: www.bakerross.co.uk which sells art and craft supplies and kits for children. Their prices are reasonable and they now do international delivery. I pick bits up for my kids from Tchibo/Brands for Less. ETA: just had an email from Baker Ross, they've got a sale on. <em>edited by JHM on 14/07/2014</em>
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 23:21
Depending on the age of the child, Gap have backpacks with matching lunch bags, as do Pottery Barn Kids. For older children, Rip Curl, Oakley and Quicksilver.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 20:48
I think it's also worth remembering that there's a good chance that the child who is new to a school here has moved into a space created by another child leaving. The children here see fairly high movement within their classes which can be unsettling for them. Some of these children have been to nursery together so although initially welcoming to new starts, may be going through their own period of adjustment. Having 2 children born and raised here, I have another observation from their experiences at school. The children here tend not to be as worldly wise as their counterparts elsewhere and can seem young to children coming in. Again, they seem to be very welcoming of new children arriving but, understandably, get a bit fed up of being told that the games they play babyish, or that things were better in their old school - children can be very defensive of their school! I'm not suggesting that this has happened in your daughter's case, it is a general observation. It seems to take a few months for new children to settle into the different rhythm of school life here. I think there is more expected of them in certain areas of PE. In the UK, children are expected to be able to swim 25m by the time they leave Year 6, here many can do it by the end of Year 1. There will always be more and less sporty children, mine do the sports they enjoy to keep them active but neither is particularly competitive. One of the advantages of Dubai is that there is far more than sport on offer. I agree with Wondermum, the only ones concerned with culture or ethnicity are the adults. There are children from all over the world in both my kids' classes and they see each other as children, they don't differentiate. As adults it takes us time to settle in when we move somewhere new and there are often a few false starts when it comes to friendships. I would give your daughter more of a chance to settle in. The chances are that come September she won't be the new girl!
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 20:55
Having seen your expenses breakdown, education will realistically be around 3,000 + if you break it down over 12 months but school fees are paid in advance at the start of the term, add to that bus fees if you want to save and have one car but that could add 800 per month. Your food bills are also likely be rather more than Dhs 2,000 per month for a family. You also need to allow for having to pay a year's rent up front. It is more common now for landlords to take 4 cheques but not sure that any will take 12 payments.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 20:44
Speaking, unfortunately, from first hand experience, you will struggle to live here on that salary for a family. The more reasonable British curriculum schools will be from around Dhs. 40,000 pa from September, add to that the cost of living rising at an alarming rate and rents spiralling (we live in a cheaper area and our landlord has just given us notice that they want a 20% increase this year!), and you're not going to be left with much, if anything at the end of the month. You will also have to add flights, transport, health insurance, etc. I'm sure someone will be on to say that it's possible, maybe it is, but it certainly isn't much fun! Unless you're sure that your husband's salary and package are going to improve in the near future, I would keep looking for something else. It is increasingly common for companies and organisations to only hire single people or people on single person packages because the cost of housing and schooling is rising so fast. Sorry to not be more upbeat but it's a bit late to find out when you've signed the contract!
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 12 April 2014 - 19:24
I don't have the Bubble Bum as I was concerned about it slipping. I bought the Trunki Boostapak three years ago and it's been great. It can be worn as a rucksack with storage inside, isn't heavy, has arms which flip up to direct the seat belt and a strap with a clip thing to direct the seat belt away from the child's neck. We've travelled with it as the child's carry on and it worked very well.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 22:21
I can still see some flashes of lightning but the rain's stopped and I can see stars. The kids will be gutted they missed the rain again.
JHM
287
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 22:02
Mostly lightning in Al Bada'a, rain starting. I can hear the constant thunder in the distance.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 21:59
No rain yet and only the odd rumble but lots and lots of lightning, quite a show!
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 18:42
You're a fairly short cab ride from Jumeira Open Beach (Russian Beach) and there are lots of cafés near it on Beach Road. There's a walking and cycling track on the beach which is great if your wee one has a scooter which will fit in the taxi. There's a new indoor play area at Wafi (near school) which has good opening reviews though we've not been yet. As the others have said, the museum is good, it's fairly interactive and doesn't take long to walk round. The Bastakia is good for a wander and my children love to take the abra across the Creek, even if we just cross and come straight back.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2014 - 13:58
Thanks, I've tried the one in Dubai mall with no luck, will try other branches :)
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 07 February 2014 - 11:17
Hi, Has anyone seen party food boxes on their travels? I've just realised they would be the most practicle option for my daughter's party at the park next week. I've got the lurgy that's going round so really don't want to traipse round looking if they're not available here! Thanks
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 11:41
They have some in Decathlon, in the rugby section, but they are only small sizes, I think to around a 31 at the moment. I have a Year 2 child with fairly big feet and couldn't find white Velcro trainers here in the summer in the right size. I use elastic laces in the trainers and will get another set for the rugby boots - not ideal for rugby or football boots later on but fine for this age group. I've not seen them here but they are available from amazon and would be light to post, search for 'elastic laces'. HTH
JHM
287
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Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 21:07
Thank you singdub, always good to have a recommendation :)
JHM
287
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Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 11:55
Thank you Sage&Onion, they look great but as the girls are just starting out I was hoping to find one that wasn't so expensive! I'll head over today to see if they have any second hand ones. Thanks :)
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 December 2013 - 18:59
Hi, Both my DDs (7 & 10) have asked for piano lessons for Christmas. The lessons are sorted but I need to get them a keyboard to practise on. I've been advised that it should have weighted keys so it feels more like a piano but after that I've no idea. I'm also not looking to spend too much as they really don't need anything spectacular when they're just starting out. All advice gratefully received! Thank you
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 23:48
It depends a bit on whether you're buying for a child in Year 5 or Year 6 (UK), so started the academic year as 9 and has turned 10 or started it as 10 and will turn 11 before June. The White Giraffe series (4 books) by Lauren St John Sky Hawk and White Dolphin by Gill Lewis (if she's the older age group, I'd recommend Moon Bear too, but the subject matter isn't for the overly sensitive) Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, if she's not too girly, it mixes magic/fantasy/fairly gentle horror Road to London by Barbara Mitchelhill The Considine Curse and The Thornthwaite Inheritance by Gareth P Jones Ingo and the rest of the series by Helen Dunmore, if she's at the older end. If you post what she does like, I can narrow it down a bit for you! It might be worth asking her parents before buying Jacqueline Wilson. I know that her books are popular but they cover topics that not all parents want their children to know about. They are also pretty relentless. I have a 10 year old and I'm not keen on her reading them for the content and the style of writing. If she likes those kinds of books, maybe try Ellen Caldecott as she has a lighter touch.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 19:25
I've just asked the Oracle(!) who said the BBC shop is the cheapest but they won't ship internationally. He's looked into this but couldn't find a company who do ship internationally - he's going to have a look at Forbidden Planet. Shop and Ship may be the best option.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 21:02
I definitely think they should sort out some of the grey alcohol laws. At the moment, you can't get a license without a visa, yet many tourists drink and there's bars in every hotel. You can drink, but woe betide you if you have any alcohol in your system! Tourists are on a visit visa, so don't need a license Unless the laws have changed, tourists are only technically allowed to drink in the hotel in which they are staying. If visitors are staying with you, they are covered by your licence. You would have to be pretty unlucky to be picked up for contravening this unless you'd attracted the attention of police for something else!
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 19:21
My two have been swimming with them since September and have both made great progress (they aren't at Kings). My wee one has learnt more in a term than she had in 2 years at school. My older one swims with the squad for an hour and a half which pushes her but she is learning a lot too.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 19:55
This is an awful situation for you and your daughter to be in. Children of 6 are more than capable of bullying, and it's not just girls. My oldest was bullied at this age and it's had a long reaching and fairly profound effect on her. If you don't think that the situation has improved after speaking to the teacher, speak with the head of year or the person who over sees that stage of the school, if you're not satisfied by that, speak to the Head teacher. In retrospect, I wish that I had gone higher with my concerns so that they were dealt with and the situation resolved. I know that the main bully's parents were never told what was going on and that the same child bullied her through more than one school year. Good luck! Coaching my child at home didn't help and ultimately, it's not them with the problem, they should be able to go to school without having to put up with abuse of any form.
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 18:09
Some still have DESS bags, especially the backpacks, and other bags, trolley bags are banned though. The children should also have a school hat. There is second hand uniform at the school, you could ask if they'd let you know when the next sale is on. There's also a DESS mums Facebook page, someone may have uniform they're getting rid of.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 19:36
I take my kids to Dubai Physiotherapy Clinic in Town Centre, next to Mercato.
JHM
287
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Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 20:44
Thank you Catawba KSE. In the end I called the breakdown service for my insurance company who came out and put the car on the back of a truck and took us to a small shop down the road in Satwa. I got Bridgestone but 850 a tyre but it's an Expedition so they're pretty big. Will call Dial-a-Tyre next time, thank you.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2013 - 19:37
Thank you Apricot. I tried Barsha yesterday, will head to Karama tomorrow :)
JHM
287
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Latest post on 05 July 2013 - 09:36
Thanks SalsB! I've tried Mercato, which didn't have them, so I'll try the others. I'm happy to travel to find them for him but Doha seems a bit far ;)
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 21:29
Most of the stories say the tooth fairy leaves a silver coin but Dhs1 seemed a bit pointless so in our house it's 5 silver Dhs1 coins - may seem a bit mean compared to others but my 2 are more excited by the visit, and the little note they get, than what's left!
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 06:04
A few flashes of lightning, thunder and some spots of rain in Al Bada'a so far this morning :)
JHM
287
Posts
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 21:07
Aqua Sports are running camps, it's lesson every day at King's School. www.aquaswim.ae I was thinking of it for my girls but we've now got visitors.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 13:26
Have you tried the padded tape that's used for tennis racquet or hockey stick grips? It's adhesive so stays put and usually works quite well. HTH
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 11:27
I've just done this. You need to go to an Etisalat counter (I went to the one at Mall of the Emirates) with ID card or passport and they can swap your number to a micro sim. It's Dhs 25 for one sim or Dhs 100 for 2.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2012 - 19:42
The stall that sells the Eco stuff in Mercato (on the left opposite where Jack Wills is going in) has the soft turtles that are linked to WWF or the Dubai TurtleProject.
JHM
287
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Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 19:48
Thank you nath, will email.
 
 
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