KH | ExpatWoman.com
 

KH

KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 13:49
NewbieD, we are at the same school. Agree that masterchef doesnt provide best quality, but there were certain dishes my children enjoyed so we chose those on an ad hoc basis, as a nice break from our packed lunch optins. However most of the time at least one of them did not have time to eat all of it, let alone half! So personally am not convinced they will have time to eat 3 courses, and nor do I necessarily want to commit to every day, i liked the option of selecting! DItto Jules. we had mastercook 2 days a week for a bit of variety and something more substantial than a packed sandwich on days DS did sport or was staying late for clubs. I am happy to see better quality food, also wouldn't mind paying a bit more if we had the option of doing only a few days a week rather than all or nothing. ETA: so glad I am not the only one who calls them masterchef :biggrin: <em>edited by KH on 09/12/2014</em>
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 14:14
I think marks and sparks do the extra deep sheets, I bought mine in the UK but you might get them here as well. worth checking.
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 14:06
Gosh GE - if your rent is only 25% of your income, even with DEWA of say another 5% (2k per month), that still leaves you with 28k for food, entertainment, travel, clothes and saving. that should go very far with no small children (school fees would take at least another 10k per month for two or more in primary school/ nursery). are you sure you're keeping track of all your discretionary spend? I have a family of 6 (including 2 kids a baby and my maid), and we spend less than that every month.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 13:13
does anyone remember/ know how much this chalkboard paint costs (approximately)? do you just paint over the existing paint or does it require sanding/ prep/ primer before?
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 12:09
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2847555/He-crawling-parasites-Sportsman-adopted-stray-dog-followed-Ecuadorian-jungle-wait-four-months-reunited-pet-recovers.html I'm having second thoughts about the pet ban in my house.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 10:52
But you all are missing the point. The RTA has announced big increases in most of its services in the past month - what does that say about the state of its finances? edited by Guinness2 on 25/11/2014 RTA is paying for all the road works in Dubai, plus the tram and metro construction. Taxis here are still far, far cheaper than most countries with a similar road infrastructure (or dare I say it, poorer road infrastructure such as the UK). As with all other fees here, I just consider higher transport costs (eg salik/ taxi fees) as in lieu of income tax. Usually major road construction/ infrastructure projects are funded through the government budget, which in turn is funded (partly) by income/ sales/ corporate and other taxes.
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 14:04
on the phone to medical insurance helpline (and I use the word 'helpline' in the loosest possible way) me: hello I'd like to query claim number 1234, I don't understand the deduction and remarks. helpline (after much toing and froing trying to read the remarks I've queried): can you please send me a scanned copy of the claim? me: but I've just received it from you, so you must already have it. helpline: yes but we need you to send a copy again, so that it's come from you me: can I not just send you an email with the claim number? helpline: I can see your claim because it is on our system, but I still need you to scan the same and email it back to me.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 13:50
My DD had her 6th at my gym in jumeirah. was a couple of years ago now, but I don't remember any issues. kids enjoyed it, and made a nice change to someone shrieking on a mic to be heard over insanely loud pop music that seems to be the norm at many other venues.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 12:12
everywhere has plateaued...6m should buy you substantially more than a small villa in JP.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 13:51
Hi Sophia2012 - this is very forward thinking of you! I would put a little money aside every month, perhaps into a high interest (or as high as you can find) savings account or fixed deposit. the earlier you start, the more you will have once your child turns 18. If you have a fixed sum that you would like you have saved by the time your child turns 18, there are calculators online that will work out how much you should be saving every month. As with retirement saving, saving more in the early years is much better than saving in the later years. you could speak to a financial advisor but I would say be careful about signing up for the life insurance savings products offered by most companies here, as the fees are really high and the funds can be quite risky. Good luck! Yes KH, do you have any reference financial advisor? I come across that ADCB Bank has this program as well. Is it bank more reliable then any financial advisor? It depends on what product the bank is selling you - a high interest savings account or term deposit should be fine. just check the small print for fees and penalties before you sign up.
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 13:42
It has been a proven fact that children who are the eldest in a class whether it be class or sport excel much faster and do a lot better than younger ones. DS was the youngest in class as cut off was end of year. We are Australian. Mid way thru his school years they changed it to end of year to 31st Oct. Hence he became one the oldest. The change in his grades, personality etc was incredible. He came out of his shell, excelled in numerous things and was so much better for it. So YES keep them back a year. Let them be the eldest in the class. Both yourself and child will appreciate it in the long term edited by basil on 21/11/2014 totally agree with this strategy and have also seen this first hand when my DD changed school curriculum and ended up being the oldest in her class from being the youngest previously...Malcolm Gladwell wrote a great book about this (well not exactly just about this, but the whole issue of how older children in the year group do better at school was covered in some detail). great read but I forget the name :thinking:
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 13:31
I saw some at Arteco on SZR the other day, they were expecting delivery quite soon I think. RAK do similar sized tiles in their junior range but not exactly the same, they don't have the beveled edges you might be looking for.
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 13:28
There is an agent selling these hoovers in Sharjah, they should have parts and be able to service. unfortunately cant remember the name but am sure if you google you will find something.
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 13:56
why'd you have to tell everyone?! :)
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 13:48
Hi Sophia2012 - this is very forward thinking of you! I would put a little money aside every month, perhaps into a high interest (or as high as you can find) savings account or fixed deposit. the earlier you start, the more you will have once your child turns 18. If you have a fixed sum that you would like you have saved by the time your child turns 18, there are calculators online that will work out how much you should be saving every month. As with retirement saving, saving more in the early years is much better than saving in the later years. you could speak to a financial advisor but I would say be careful about signing up for the life insurance savings products offered by most companies here, as the fees are really high and the funds can be quite risky. Good luck!
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 13:58
am not sure local markets are the best place to start investing as a beginner unless it is through a professionally managed local fund. but I think you need a large-ish amount to invest if you want to go this route. might be best to see if your bank offers a scheme where you can invest a certain amount each month in a fund that they run/ manage. or set up an online trading account in your home country - these often have a 'fund supermarket' page where you can choose to invest in a particular fund rather than individual stocks.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 10:44
what exactly do you want to learn more about? if it's investment strategy or how to pick stocks, there are loads of beginners' guides on amazon. have a browse and see what takes your fancy. the mechanics of it are really simple - if more people buy a stock than sell it, the price goes up, and vice versa :biggrin:
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 November 2014 - 11:56
Try Reiss, not sure about prices but should be in the ballpark. saw some lovely party frocks on a promo email. pity I have nowhere to wear one to :)
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 10:38
got it, many thanks! will show my contractor.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 10:31
does it take 3 months for a fiberglass pool to be installed as well? it seems a very long time.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 10:25
siemens is what i'm looking at getting! I don't think IKEA actually sell appliances in the UAE although they make the cabinets to fit their own appliances. could you send a photo please? edited by KH on 03/11/2014 <em>edited by KH on 03/11/2014</em>
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 10:04
Thanks Rowellian, what is the height of your dishwasher? the problem I think we will have is that the door might be too small rather than too big. what brand of dishwasher do you have that you've managed to fit?
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 October 2014 - 16:15
Hi 2ndBaby your best option would be to ask the doctor who delivered you to fit one at or after your 6 week check. City hospital obgyns charge around AED1000 for the mirena i think (if you delivered with them), plus consultation fee (which would be covered by insurance if it was at your regular post-natal check up). I went to a different doctor because it was more convenient and she charged extra for a scan before putting it in (I didn't know about this until it was time to pay!), and her cost of the IUD was a little higher as well. HTH <em>edited by KH on 25/10/2014</em>
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 October 2014 - 16:06
if it's on here it won't be off the beaten path for much longer :)
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 October 2014 - 16:04
As a 17yr old, I gate-crashed a very expensive luncheon (as it was winding down), held in honour of Muhammad Ali. I was the last person he signed an autograph for before being ushered out by his minders, and the only one he personalised by asking my name and writing it to me...even though he already had parkinsons and struggled to speak clearly (or even write), he had an unmistakable twinkle in his eye :) will never forget that meeting, and I'm not even into boxing. Also met Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis (on separate occasions) when they toured my home country to play. I think my mum still has all the autographs somewhere. I hope she does! <em>edited by KH on 25/10/2014</em>
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 12:59
I would also wait, and encourage your child to wiggle the loose milk teeth in front to get them to fall out. this is what our dentist recommended, and it worked.
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 23:14
i'm in the same position as OP - have been handed vacating letter to leave in Feb after 5 years in the same apartment with the same landlord. of course i know she won't be moving in here and will put it back on the market for a substantially higher rent. but Asti is right - 12 months is a long time to make alternative arrangements. I don't know any other country where this would be the case. The owner has the right to ask tenants to leave when their contracts expire, especially when they have been given 12 months notice. The alternative is of course, to offer to pay the market rent (or close to it). Good luck OP!
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 15:04
Part-time work is illegal here and carries huge fines for both the employee and the person employing them. Also, illegal employees may face difficult questions if your child needs medical attention and obviously if you're unlucky enough to hire a dishonest one and your property gets damaged or stolen you won't be able to report to the police or claim on insurance...But, on the other hand it never ceases to amaze me how much of this goes on !! lol it's not illegal if you do it through an agency or you provide a visa/ labour card.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 12:53
Hi Cupcakes I may be able to help you out - can you put your email addy up here so I can send you the details? Also, Muffinbarty - if you are still interested could we arrange to speak?
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 21:29
thanks for all the feedback, on balance it seems there is no major reason to worry, except for the tree issue and plumbing/ ac (which I would expect as I live in an Emaar apartment of similar age and have experienced these issues as well). We have seen a couple of nice houses but all would require updating and that doesn't seem to be reflected in the price at all. one had cracks floor to ceiling in a couple of areas. i would have to get it checked out by a chartered surveyor to make sure there were no major issues. now just to find the right house at the right price - no mean feat!
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 20:39
if it's the 24-7-365 call out service, i used them recently when i found myself with a dead car battery. the service was great, and the fees were reasonable; well under 1000 dhm for both the battery & the fitting. it must have been a mistake on their part - have you tried just calling them to query the claim they sent to your insurance? I paid by c/c so there was no insurance to deal with.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 20:34
A traditional Hamam. i've heard the zabeel sarai one is very good, i love the one&only.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 20:32
We have a daughter who is like this all year. At parent-teacher meetings, more than once my husband and I cast sideways glances at each other wondering if they are talking about our little devil. This is EXACTLY the same with us. I have to make sure the teachers haven't confused my son with another child...am glad it is this way round though - at least he's attentive and focused in class!
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 20:25
I'd vote for the Greens, at least until you are a bit more settled. It's easier access for media city/ knowledge village; easier access for SZR and it really helps that your rent includes costs for a/c. we went for dinner last night at the one&only on the palm with friends from Australia, it took us about 12 minutes to get there, and most of that time was driving around the crescent. you can still enjoy the hotels and spas there very easily from the Greens, while saving quite a bit on accommodation. the low rise Greens apartments are really spacious as well - really good value for money in the current climate, and as TB said, the new towers have nice finishes and floor to ceiling glass overlooking the golf course if that's the look you're after. Good luck.
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 20:17
I totally agree with LT - from an economic perspective there is absolutely NO benefit for an independent Scotland. The oil will run out sooner rather than later - even quicker if the companies like BP and Shell decide to pull out. If Scotland leaves the UK, there is no way they will get all the oil revenue anyway, so from Day 1 they lose the transfers from London and a substantial chunk of oil revenues. Demographics are against them. Who will pay taxes? What about the NHS - it is the UK's NHS - does Mr Salmon think the doctors will stay in Scotland or move south? if financial services firms leave (and they will because of regulatory and tax issues), they take tens of thousands of jobs with them, and i'll bet my scottish pounds that young Scots will follow them south, leaving even fewer tax payers in the north to fund an ever growing pension and welfare bill. Don't even get me started on the currency issue. And yet, when I ask the few young educated Scots that I know here in Dubai, they all say 'Scotland will be better off on its own'. but don't have answers for any of the above questions!!
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 11:51
I guess no issues then :) am only asking as debating whether to buy and if so, do i go for old villa in good location or new villa further out. any feedback on meadows houses would be helpful.
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 11:24
it's astonishing that the average 3/4 bed villa is being sold for over a million dollars, and you don't even really own it...
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 20:05
would love to know the answer to this!
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 20:02
thanks for this - v useful! are the shorts available in dubai or only in the UK? <em>edited by KH on 20/08/2014</em>
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 20:01
Ta very much!
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 15:31
thanks ladies. Guinness would you say door-to-door in 15 mins in the morning?
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 10:34
Hoping one of you lovely ladies can help...am considering moving to VH but this is a lot further away from school (Kings Dubai) than we currently are. how long is the drive under normal morning traffic conditions and later in the afternoon? what is the best route - Umm Suqeim road or Hessa Street? TIA.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 18:56
Scribs - From the FCO travel advisory website (UK). As we'll be back before Oct 1, I don't think we need them. DH winging about taking them in case they get lost/ damaged. 'don't they know you have to submit original birth certificates in order to get a passport? so it's redundant to ask to see both?' With effect from 1 October 2014, parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa may be asked to show the child’s full birth certificate, and where only one parent is accompanying, proof of parental or legal authority to travel with the child. See Entry requirements
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 16:56
When are you travelling? I'm flying with mine on Monday and have their birth certificates at the ready. I can let you know afterwards unless you're flying before me! we're flying tomorrow morning...i guess we'll have to take them.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 13:45
So sorry for your loss and your terrible ordeal. Wishing you a speedy recovery, both physical and emotional.
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 13:13
Nice one - good to know for next time! thx as always :)
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 12:43
KH..no need to pay for visas to Oz. They are free if done through government site. There are some unscrupulous sites about which charge you for getting the visa but def free through the government site. are you sure? I thought I was using the official govt site and every time have had to pay a small processing fee, maybe $20 or something. last time was a couple of years ago now, so cant remember the exact amount. the eta link below (which I think is what I used before) also says $20...
KH
345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 10:58
but they would not be in need in another place I disagree with this. many of the blue collar workers here are still better off financially and able to provide for families back home despite the restrictions and other issues they face. if they were not working here, they almost certainly would not be 'comfortable' in their home countries. My maid is paying off her home mortgage 'back home', paying school fees and supporting not only her children but extended family as well. As someone who didn't finish high school, there is no way she would be able to do all this in her home country and would almost certainly be 'in need' of financial assistance of some kind. the system is by no means perfect, but people choose to come here to work because they are still better off, and this doesn't just apply to western expats. I agree that by choosing to live here, we are accepting the system and working within it. <em>edited by KH on 22/07/2014</em>
KH
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 10:45
it's super easy - my DH and kids all have Aussie passports, I don't. last visit 'home' I totally forgot to apply for the my visa. DH asked me about 30 mins before we left for the airport if I'd sorted my visa out - panic stations! I filled out the form and paid online, by the time we got to check-in, the visa had been emailed to me. I wouldn't advise leaving it so late though - they say to allow a couple of days at least for turnaround after the application is submitted online.
KH
345
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 13:33
my pet peeve is the radio advert with the line 'but the apartment just got vacant this morning mam' . Grrr.
 
 
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