Laura_C | ExpatWoman.com
 

Laura_C

Laura_C
214
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 16:37
Yes I am biking now. It's just ridiculous
Laura_C
214
Posts
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 16:33
This is why I am so glad I no longer live in an area that has Palm District Cooling. I used to live on the Palm and used to get ridiculous cooling bills. I now get my cooling covered for free!
Laura_C
214
Posts
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 17:49
If you've got nice clothes that you don't want to sell for 1 AED, try My Ex Wardrobe. They host used item exchange/sales events and all of the items are vetted so they have to be good quality/genuine. People who go there are expecting to pay more but they're also looking for good quality, good condition items. http://www.myexwardrobe.com/
Laura_C
214
Posts
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 17:04
We used Arabian Adventures. Had a really good time. We also had some friends who used Bedoiun Adventures. Bedoiun something....I forgot the exact name, but I think they're all the same. We got really lucky though because we got upgraded to the hummer so it made the experience a bit better.
Laura_C
214
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 18:06
I've used Blue Planet Green People before in the JLT and also Organic Cafe. http://www.organicfoodsandcafe.com/ http://www.blueplanetgreenpeople.com/store.html I found that organic foods and cafe has a better selection. the selection was quite limited at blue planet green people, but both had good organic produce.
Laura_C
214
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 18:03
Hi Yes I recommend GPP as well. Their teachers are really good. I took one from the Lotus learning center in Knowledge village once on a groupon voucher and it was sort of a joke. I then took a GPP one. Much more professional.
Laura_C
214
Posts
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 18:20
http://www.skyworldcourier.com/ not skynet
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 16:49
So sorry to hear that! I really hope you feel better, but congrats! I am sure your doctor will remember what you did from the first pregnancy.
Laura_C
214
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 16:47
Sky Ex or Sky World is what my company uses. They are not the Aramex brand name, but never had a problem with them. Very reliable.
Laura_C
214
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 15:02
Hi Feebo, I recommended my friend to my broker. I am not sure exactly which plan she bought in the end, but you can speak to the broker we used. You can email her at Aurora at Pacificprime dot com She was really helpful and explained everything quite clearly. edited by Laura_C on 03/09/2013 <em>edited by Laura_C on 03/09/2013</em>
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 14:11
Try using the sensitive brush on the lowest setting. I just bought one and I am veyr happy with it. I read up on it a lot though and I heard you do have to get your skin used to it by gradually increasing the speed. Also, I heard Sephora will be carrying it soon if you want to wait.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 14:07
I heard Cooper Clinic is suppose to have good doctors, but again it really depends on what type of surgeon you need. It's such a broad question.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 11:17
Molly Maids! They're fast, efficient, and don't lie to you and tell you they need 4 hours when it only takes two. (we have a small apartment)
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 11:16
My friend in New York has and he says it's not that exciting. People just like to get their hands on something new. I heard Heidi Klum took her private jet to get them. We are such a consumerist culture.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 11:14
Yes, as long as it is a PO Box it is fine. I've had to learn that the hard way a few times.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 11:13
I've also heard that it has to do with the air conditioning here in Dubai. Make sure you get yours cleaned regularly because a lot of bacteria and dust builds up. My friend had chronic bronchitis on and off until he cleaned his and he's a lot better now.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 11:10
My advice is to at least get an insurance to cover premature birth, NICU, complications, etc... My friend at least got those things covered when she was pregnant without insurance, and it was really worth it. The baby was born only a few weeks premature and only spent a few days in the incubator, but that alone cost nearly 15,000 AED extra on top of everything. I'd hate to think how much she'd have to pay if the baby needed more treatment or more days in the incubator.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 13:31
OOOh where is this? I've never heard of this before? Is this the one at SATWA? What's DWTC?
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:48
Just be careful. You don't want your dog to bite the maid or attack her!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:41
Molly Maid! They are the best. I've tried a few. Although they send someone different everytime, they always seem to be polite, reliable, and do a good job. http://www.mollymaidme.com/ I think they're a UK agency thats expenaded here.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:38
If you're not sure you can always contact a specialist, I used a broker to help find mine. Even if you don't use one, you will still learn a lot and get a lot more done than if you were to go through them all and do the research yourself. Definitely worth it even if just for information gathering. I used aurora at pacific prime.She was quite good.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:36
I thought if you're outside the UK, you have to go back and prove your residency before going back on the NHS? I am American but DH is English, so that's what he seems to think from his research.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:33
You're not going to get bagels as good as New York or the states here, but http://www.bagelsandmore.com/ are pretty good. I always get the smoked salmon one.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:30
Hard to find!! I've had two bad experiences so far, but my friend uses Exclusive Links and she's quite happy. They fought for her when the landlord tried to unfairly increase her rent at renewals.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:28
Yes, anyone else with a place? My friend just moved here from the US. She's signed up for a temporary 3 month location in the JBR, but she works in the JLT, so that would be perfect. If anyone else knows any place in the JBR or JLT or Marina, please let me know!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:24
Yes, I've many friends who did the Dubai marathon as their first marathon. There is a big running community out here and many running clubs, so I am sure if you train properly beforehand you will be fine. The running club is really good and they do a good job of getting you ready for it and you will be motivated with lots of other people. And as many people said, the marathon is in the winter and very early in the morning so really not extreme heat at all.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 15:51
Neutrogena Ultrasheer Sunscreen Line- It feels like nothing at on. My skins get a lot of bumps on it when it gets the wrong kind of sunscreen especially with the sun and sweat. The Neutrogena Ultrasheer one is really light and has a high SPF as well. I use the Liquid one of their line. http://www.neutrogena.com/category/sun/ultra+sheer.do
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 15:39
No, but I will now! Thanks for the help!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 17:15
Just a word of warning, be careful and make sure your current insurance will cover you in Abu Dhabi as well for the delivery and things.Abu Dhabi has very different rules for health insurance so best check in advance. Last thing you'd want is when you're ready to give birth in Abu Dhabi just to find out your current insurance doesn't cover Abu Dhabi or something!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 15:56
Does anyone know of any herbal like ethnobotanical herb shop in Dubai? My mom used to make me this tea that helps with my sleep called Calea Zacatechichi. Back at home, you can buy it at any herb shop, but wouldn't know the first place to find this in Dubai. Anyone has any ideas? Thanks in advance!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 15:37
oh dear i don't get why people get dogs, get bored, and just get rid of them. I know a good organization that's helping to place dogs in families if you need help too.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 14:31
There's a really cheap place in the Ibn Battuta mall near Geant. I think it's right next to it. We get ours printed there for all of our T-shirts there. I forget the name, but they're literally right next to Geant and I think they are next to a place that copies keys as well. It's not a shop that u walk into, just a counter.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 14:25
Yes, it is a very weird situation in Dubai. I think he will have to take out his own insurance because the only short term ones are like travel ones and he can't be "traveling" in Dubai if he's lived here for many years, can he. I recommend Aurora as well. I used her for my health insurance and she was very helpful.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 14:21
I spend about 13% of my income, but I work and so does DH, so that's just 13% of my income. I think it's less for his because he earns more than I do. Maybe like 7% or 8%
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 14:20
I thought by law, they have to give you at least one per contract period?
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 14:19
I'd recommend Friends Provident too. My broker is Aurora at [email protected] Could try asking around for some options? But Friends Provident has a good reputation for paying out.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 17:46
I know a cheaper one. priceusa.com.au
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 17:46
I used them once for a exercise pole that I shipped over. Service was good and rates were very reasonable as well compared to some others that I saw.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 17:41
Yea, I can't believe you need an NOC from your husband to drive here. I guess just need to accept the culture, but I still find that one so difficult to get used to. My friend's situation was even worse. She moved to Oman, and your father OR husband had to be physically present to give their no objection in order for you to get your license.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 17:37
Yes, I think with something like this, contact a broker. They are the specialist and will be able to answer the question for you for 10 or 20 insurers (however many they work with) all at once instead of you running around to each insurer and asking. Also, be careful! I've heard of insurers who SAY they will cover it, but then in the fine print, it says that they only cover up to 500 AED or something ridiculously low and it's only after 1 year or something. Ask a broker. it's their job to know this. I used Aurora at Pacific Prime. you can email her at aurora AT pacificprime dot com if you want. She may be able to help you.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 17:35
Yes, I use SkyEx too! Apparently they branched out from like Aramex or another bigger courier. An employee left and started SkyEx. At least that's the gossip. They do seem to be the cheapest and their customer service is very reliable. Their tracking system is good and fast.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 17:34
I try to use the smaller clinics for smaller things. I use Healthbay Polyclinic but I have also used Medcare Orthopedic before. Both were very good.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 17:31
Yes, I've bought camera equipment from them and it was fine. No problems at all.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 15:50
I've also been to Dr. Rolef. She is so good. I didn't have a colonoscopy with her so I wouldn't know but I can comment on her general service level. She didn't want to give me a colonoscopy unless it was absolutely necessary so she's also good to go for for a second opinion. Previously, I went to Iranian Hospital, and they gave me two colonoscopies. They were so painful and I was so weak, I fainted afterwards. With Dr. Rolef, at least you'd be asleep, and she won't prescribe a colonoscopy unless it was necessary.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:20
Hope everything is okay!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 11:12
Mrsb, where did you get the Korean one? Is that available here in the UAE? Online: Hanskin But I have not ordered from here. I order up big when there visiting friends and keep it in the fridge. I assume they will deliver here, however, the website in only in Korean. http://www.hanskin.com/products/product_view.asp?PID=CLP20100722001 This is the one I use. Interesting! I also use a lot of Korean/Japanese products, but find it impossible to get it here. Just better for my skin. I used to use a lot of Laneige and Ipsa too. Will try finding a korean friend to read through that. Thanks!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 11:10
Actually I think she does have some type of agency sponsorship. We never deal with her agency. I think she freelances and finds her own work but she does have an agency for her visa Just wondering, so is it illegal to call up the numbers of people who leave a slip of paper under your door saying they are looking for work as a maid? edited by Laura_C on 05/03/2013 It is only legal if you are hiring her through the Agency and have receipts from the Agency that sponsors her. If you don't have these receipts then you could face a fine of 50k++ Freelancing for maids is illegal. Ok thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to ask my maid for a receipt next time. Who knows what her arrangement is? I know she has an agency for her visa, maybe she isn't freelancing and when we were referred to her, she added us to her agency or something and she handled it all which is why we've never dealt with her agency. I suppose if she can supply me with a receipt from whoever is sponsoring her visa, should be legit then regardless.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 17:18
I know a lot of my friends do. They don't want to be held responsible if the maid is ill or in an accident. But they just get quite a cheap basic plan.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 17:16
Hi My maid still charges 25 AED an hour. She is not with any agency, but she is amazing and we love her. We've had her over 2 years now and all our friends use her. If you want, you can PM me, I can give you her details. If she's not with any agency then she can charge what she likes - if you are not sponsoring her then you run the risk of a huge fine and her hourly rate will not seem so cheap! I am assuming you do not know about the law regarding employing housemaids....... edited by Clairehdp on 08/11/2012 Actually I think she does have some type of agency sponsorship. We never deal with her agency. I think she freelances and finds her own work but she does have an agency for her visa Just wondering, so is it illegal to call up the numbers of people who leave a slip of paper under your door saying they are looking for work as a maid? <em>edited by Laura_C on 05/03/2013</em>
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 17:14
Have you tried the Dubai Garden Center already?
 
 
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