kitten67 | ExpatWoman.com
 

kitten67

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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 11:10
Last time I was at Wild Wadi I saw lots of ladies wearing burkinis and actually thought they looked really cool. Some of them had black ones with coloured stripe donw the side and they looked really funky. Best of all they could relax without worryingq bout wedgies or tops riding up etc. Go for it - you will look better than most of us! And you will have an amazing time :) ENJOY
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 09:39
Michelle is great. Her site is eyebrows dubai - link attached with details She does lovely work - really natural looking HD brows - not those mad black tattoos! http://eyebrowsdubai.com/contact.html
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Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 14:44
TO go back to the IUD..... I recommend Dr Skorski at HealthBay You can take a painkiller before you go and it is over and done in 2 minutes. Remember you need to go to get it fitted when you have your period :)
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Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 12:09
I agree that many govt depts are not the early finishes they used to be. Also education allowance is not standard at all (even at a fairly senior level). I think you are focusing on what your ideal scenario would be rather than what skills you can offer prospective employers. You need to change your approach and tailor your CV to fit the skills of each specific role you are targeting so you appear to be the best fit. The market is very very competitive. If I were you I would widen the net from government roles and look at big local groups - EMAAR, Jumeirah etc as well as multinationals. A 9 to 5 job in one of these would still be much better than your current timings. If you are adamant you want a job with shorter hours why not consider working in education sector doing something financial/compliance based? Overall I think you need to be less rigid in your search criteria. Also, from reading your posts below, you MUST get a native English speaker to check your CV with you, as even 1 or 2 grammatical mistakes will put potential employers off. I wish you the best of luck :)
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Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 11:07
Hi I am going to KoL on Wed night at Atlantis. I have never been to concert there before and just wondered about logistics..... Is it usually really busy to pick up tickets if you booked online? How early would you get there? Does anyone have any insight on when band would be on stage and when concert would likely wrap up? I want to book a car to take me home afterwards.... Thanks so much :)
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 15:55
I work full time and basically just use my lunch hour to pick my daughter from school, drop her home and head back to office. (I eat my actual lunch on my desk!) On days when I have a meeting at this time,my husband takes a turn or I book a car through careem.com with booster seat. They pick up my nanny from home, go to school for the pick up and then drop daughter and nanny back home. Its always a bit of a rush but my husband and I have managed our schedules and meetings around school drop off and pick up for the last 3 years. I prefer this to the school bus and alos enjoy seeing the teacher and other parents and kids every day so I know whats going on at school. Hope you find a good solution :)
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 15:48
The bookshop next to Park & Shop usually has them in their gift section. Usually little wicker basket with cups, saucers and teapot inside. They are mini sized and very cute
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Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 17:33
Very funny :)
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:19
There are high end men's tailors for corporate suits but as a professional woman I would not recommend anyone for ladies. The quality of finishing is not what you would need. Most of the decent stores have in house tailors who will adjust suit to fit and for real off the peg stuff (M&S etc) there are some good tailors for simple alterations. I would recommend: Boss Sacoor Reiss Zara (sometimes, depends on season) Massimo Dutti
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:15
Fanfan - did you try the efinancialgulf website? There were lots of vacancies on that. I strongly advise you to try to get to some networking events and meet some people - jobs here often come up through referrals The online application to recrutiment agencies doesnt usually get much of a response unless you are perfect fit for the role. While you are looking - try to keep busy and get some hobbies and social activities going to keep you sane! All the best!
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:40
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/40-000-recycling-bins-to-be-distributed-to-20-000-villas-in-dubai-1.1293728
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:38
I got them today too. There was a leaflet with them. The black bin will be collected/emptied every day. So you leave it outside the villa/compound gate each evening. The green bin is for all recyclables - so plastic, paper etc. This will be collected 3 times a week. It starts from 15 May in my area (Al Safa) I think its great - so impressed with Municipality for sorting this out :)
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:29
They will turn up - guaranteed! DONT WORRY. It is good they will send you sms once driver on the way and it will tell you type of car and driver's mobile. It will be fine. You can also request a car seat or booster seat in the comments to driver section on the app.
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:17
Another big thumbs up for Careem - use them regularly. NEVER let us down. Always on time nice clean cars and drvier and well worth the money
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:14
Has anyone successfully found a job in finance and banking industry after relocating to Dubai? I have UK experience and qualification, but am looking for finance and accounting roles in banking or other financial industries, but struggling at the moment, so just wondering if there's been any success from anyone who could offer tips? I'm registered with Michael Page, Robert Half and have applied through LinkedIn, but haven't got any interviews after a month of active looking. I work in Finance and have moved jobs around 3 times in the Dubai market. Each time I spent many months looking for the right opportunity which was a good fit for me. The interview process can also be fairly drawn out here for more senior roles. Is your linked in profile REALLY good? You should spend time on it and make sure it has all the key terms that recruiters will look for. Also join the relevant networks on linkedin and you will be able to attend networking events and see other vacancy adverts. Recruiters will not meet you unless your profile fits one of their current vacancies. They have hundreds of applicants for every position so make sure you are tailoring your CV for each role so it stands out. I dont want to be negative but a month in Dubai job hunting is nothing. If you found something in this period it would be exceptional - competition is fierce and the market is now full of highly qualified experienced people due to the economic downturn elsewhere in the world. Realistically you need to make a big push on the job hunting and networking over next 2 months. Once Ramadan and school holidays hit end of June recrutiment will pretty much dry up until Sep/October. Good luck.
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 13:32
You can buy Makeup Forever in most of the big stores. They have a big counter in Sephora MOE
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 13:24
I would use careem whenever you can. You can order a car with the correct car seat. Its a little bit more expensive than a normal cab but well worth it
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 09:43
As we all know, for some reason Dubai does not stock the Tampax plastic applicator tampons, but the Boots own brand plastic applicator tampons are exactly the same. Problem is, they're sold out at MOE, Marina Mall and IBN Battuta, and it's been like this for literally 3 weeks. All they keep saying is they've ordered them, but they've just not arrived yet. Anyone know of another branch of Boots that have got them in stock? The cardboard applicator ones just don't really do it for me. Not enough grip... PARK AND SHOP and Choitrams usually have good selection. I have bought Tampax Pearl plastic applicator tampons in P&S and both stock the Playtex brand which are equally good <em>edited by kitten67 on 06/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 10:53
If you think your marriage can stand it - I would go.
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Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 10:52
Is he registered with Michael Page, Robert Half and Swisslinx - they seem to have most of these types of jobs in DIFC. A really good linkedin profile will help too
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Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 10:50
I think both are good schools - you have to go with your gut feel on the environment which is best for your child. We are at Safa for last 3 years and LOVE the school. Wouldnt consider moving anywhere else - even for the "outstanding" schools. It has the balance just right for us and gives a well rounded education <em>edited by kitten67 on 05/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 10:47
Also really happy with Jeep Grand Cherokee Great handling - high quality finish inside Excellent servicing from Jeep garage
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 11:09
We are at Safa and I was happy with the report. I thought it was very fair and balanced and highlighted all the good points about our school :) Interesting that JAPS not there anymore - that surprised me.
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Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 15:46
Honour by Elif Shafak is a great read. If you like the Khalid Hosseini type novels you would enjoy this.
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Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 15:45
If you want a more authentic Japanese experience Kisaku in Al Khallej Palace Hotel in Deira is really popular with my Japanese contacts..... Its not so fancy but food is really fresh and high quality The others mentioned below are all good too - my favourites are Okku for a trendy night out or Kiku for a nice quiet meal.
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Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 11:23
I dont think it exists. Pay for 2 hours and get some ironing done too!
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Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 11:21
ADCB - very happy Excellent online banking - I can do almost everything online. Responsive customer service in branches - i.e staff are accountable and resolve issues on the spot. Collected loads of skywards miles for using online banking and debit cards etc I left HSBC a few years ago as online banking was cumbersome, main branch in Bur Dubai was painful and staff completely bureaucratic and clueless and they were charging me a monthly account fee for the pleasure!
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 11:45
Post your query on the Bin Kitty FB page A number of people there had really good enclosures done fairly cheaply through small companies in Al Quoz/Satwa. Worth checking..........they looked great! edited by kitten67 on 14/04/2014 <em>edited by kitten67 on 14/04/2014</em>
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Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 16:51
I was told it gets released on 16 April for our region as I asked in the DVD shop I think it was released in March in Europe
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Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 14:50
Veela - I get it now! The Sharjah offer sounds best for sure and there are some good schools up that way Hope all goes well :)
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Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 10:57
I would be more concerned about being able to survice on that salary - it is really really low. I couldnt agree more. To come out here and work long hours and be away from your usual support network - it has to be worth your while. You could "survive" on 15k for sure but is that good enough to relocate for? About half of your salary would go on rent alone. Then you would need 2k a month for a nanny or nursery, then perhaps around 1- 2k for a car. Then there are all the one-off start up costs/deposits which would leave you out of pocket too. Wouldnt leave much even for groceries....... Could be very risky........
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Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 10:44
Sunlight - the actual Radisson hotel is fine it is just that in the evenings there is not much to do and food is bad. Daytime - it is great. If you want to have a nice glass of grape etc then having to drive out for dinner is not really an option I think Meridien is best all round option Hope you have a lovely time
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Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 10:07
Has anyone tried the Royal Island Beach Club on the World? They keep plugging it on Dubai 92 this week. I think they pick you up from Jumeira and take you over to the island. Its AED250.
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Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 10:02
There are lots of investors around in UAE. You could try some of the venture capital firms in DIFC. However, while there are lots of people with money you want to find a good fit for your brand. If you go with a big group they will just swallow you up. Too small and they will not be able to fund your expansion or provide you with any back up support/infrastructure. The best way to find is probably through networking. If you have any influential customers ask them to help you. You want to work with someone who understands where you want to go etc... Good luck!
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Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 09:47
We stayed at Radisson Blu 2 weeks ago. It has a great beach and large pool area, nice spacious rooms with great showers etc Good pool bar with decent food for lunch BUT In the evenings it is beyond awful! There are only 2 restaurants - an awful arabic restaurant which tastes like no arabic food you have ever tasted - weird flavours and spices more like Asian food and totally deserted! There is a buffet restaurant which is quite grim too. (Its okay at breakfast) Entertainment is very bad - bored belly dancers etc. The hotel caters a lot for cheap package tours from Russia and India and I think they dont invest a lot in the evening facilities to keep their cost low. Our second night we drove over to Meridien and had a gorgeous dinner at the grill bar on the beach with great live music etc. If I was going to Fujeirah - I would stay at Meridien next time or stay at Radisson but dine outside hotel at night
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 16:36
Take cupcakes in for the class - they get 1 each. this is easy for teacher to manage. We normally have birthday party at weekend before or after
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 16:34
Hi Veela - a bit confused. You initially said you were moving to Dubai but thinking of living in Sharjah. Now you are saying you have a job in AD? These are 3 different Emirates/cities and all very different. The commute can be 1- 1.5 hours from Dubai to AD or Dubai to Sharjah (They are in opposite directions - Dubai in middle) Dubai is most westernised and family friendly and has more major facilities. Abu Dhabi is developing fast but is a bit more conservative than Dubai but still some nice neighbourhoods but also expensive. Sharjah is more conservative (dry too) and traditional but less expensive. I wouldnt live there but some people dont mind the commute for the cheaper rent. Personally I wouldnt leave Croatia for Sharjah..... Dubai and AD - depends on your circumstances. Life here is nice but expensive so you need to budget carefully before you decide. School and rent are very costly.... The slary you mentioned wont go far with 3 kids unless school and/or accommodation are provided by company. If you have to pay 3 sets of school fees and accomodation that will probably eat up around 20k of your salary each month before cars/groceries/bills going out etc The best advice I can give you is to come over for a few days and look around before you decide anything.
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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 10:38
I know what you mean!! I tried everything and found that the better ones for covering grey are the more boring natural colours in brands like Recital and Nice and Easy. If you are going for a more fashion colour or reddish tint dont attempt it at home as it will fade out to a yukky cheap colour. (I had pink hair at one bad stage!) My hair grows very fast - I do my roots at the hairdressers every 2 weeks! I feel the quality of the colour and the blending is worth it. It is not so expensive. Sometimes I just get my parting done. Next time half head of roots and next time full head of roots. I only do fullk head colour once every 2 months with a cut and blow dry. The rest of the touch up visits, I dont bother with a blow dry - just let one of the juniors dry my hair. This keeps the cost low and I can get the colour I want. In UK you can buy Clairol root touch up kits from Boots which are great and cost effective. I dont know if they have them here but that could be a good option.
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Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 16:52
Another vote for Circuit Factory! I had done all the classes you mentioned below for years on and off. They are good but really dont push you to any intensity that would change the shape of your body. CF is seriously life changing - check it out one time and see what you think. <em>edited by kitten67 on 24/03/2014</em>
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Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 13:17
TDB advice is spot on! You have to think what kind of message you are sending to your kids long term. They deserve to see a happy mummy not one who is insecure and unhappy. Best option is definitely to get some space - kick him out for a while and give each of you some time to reflect about what you REALLY WANT. Not "doing the right thing for the kids". How can you be genuinely happy and trusting in your life? You have to find a solution where you can be truly happy in the future. If you cant really trust him and he doesnt show signs of changing.... then I think you know what you will have to do. Get some space and make your plans.... Good luck!
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Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 13:07
Have a look at Holistic Healing in Jumeira. They do great health screening with natural medicines, homeopathy etc They have a website which gives details I found them very professional..........
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Latest post on 18 March 2014 - 13:05
The store next to Magrudy's is Eve Michele. They have another branch in the centre where Waitrose is - Al Thanya Street in Umm Suqeim - good selection
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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 14:22
My daughter has been at Safa for 3 years. We are very happy with the school. It has a lovely community atmosphere, very multicultural and great facilities. She is progressing really well both academically and also in terms of confidence and being independent and responsible. Staff are very approachable and responsive. Highly recommended in terms of a good all round education. I believe the atmosphere and approach is very similar at Horizon too Both are really good schools - tour both and see where you feel most comfortable and what makes most sense for you location wise :)
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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 10:38
It didnt last - it wore off in around 3- 4 days
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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 09:41
I did ZOOM once. Results were good but I found it made my teeth very sensitive. Didnt damage teeth or anything but found the process uncomfortable and the sensitivity for a few days afterwards was annoying.
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Latest post on 04 March 2014 - 15:02
Go to NAZIH on Shk Zayed Road - they have all the hair products there. It is like a salon supply store. Prices are good. They are located same side as Crowne Plaza/City Tower etc
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Latest post on 04 March 2014 - 14:58
Pastels is great! I have lovely Irish hairdresser there Trish who I would highly recommend! She is on Al Wasl Road branch but generally all of the stylists are really good! <em>edited by kitten67 on 04/03/2014</em>
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Latest post on 04 March 2014 - 09:33
Circle cafe oppostie the Beach Park has amazing salads. There is also Saladicious around the corner from The One Lime Tree Cafe sometimes has good salad options....
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Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 10:20
Check the party shops in Beach Centre downstairs - i am sure they had them a couple of weeks ago
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Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 10:47
Eton Institute in Knowledge Village is very good for arabic :)