Laura_C | ExpatWoman.com
 

Laura_C

214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 18:56
Hi ladies Need some help on this on. Our cars brakes just stopped working. Thank god we were only around th corner from home. Obviously can't drive it anywhere for someone to fix it. Can anyone recommend a mechanic who will come to you? I live in the dubai marina area. Thanks a lot in advance. <em>edited by Laura_C on 12/11/2012</em>
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 17:05
Love my rice cooker. Can steam veggies with it and cook loads of other things besides rice and the rice always comes out perfect. Bought mine for 100 AED? at Carrefour
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 17:04
It really depends on how fast your employer gets going on this. It can take anywhere from 3 weeks to months! I did something similar when I first came here. Best to ask your employer. Depending on your nationality, you will have to do a few visa runs.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 17:03
We did three weeks in Columbia and Miami for 3000 USD each including airfare, travel in the countries, and accommodation. Really not bad for 3 weeks.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 16:15
This makes me very hesitant to call someone then. Don't want the poor dogs to be euthanized especially since all I could see was that their living area was very dirty.... Really hard position. I will take your advice and try to call someone. At least be better having reported it and I will ask my friend to keep an eye on them from her balcony. Thanks all.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:41
Do you mind me asking how much was their quote? If it is not that much cheaper than AXA Gulf or RSA, maybe better to go with a reputed company. I looked at their website and they look like a small company. Not sure though.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 13:37
Yes, exactly I heard pretty much no one will do a normal birth after one c-section. I think it's even difficult back home, but here, it is very similar to the US, they are very risk adverse and afraid of any liability if something were to go wrong, so they always go with a C-section
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 15:55
Well I can't say much about the pixie but we just bought the Nespresso and love it. The coffee always come out so tasty and perfectly foamy. You also get so many different flavors of coffee. All our guests are quite impressed by it. Also, the capsules are not too expensive when you compare them to other coffee machine makers. In fact sometimes it is cheaper because some coffee makers require that you buy two (one for the coffee and one for the foam) so you end up getting a better price for the capsules anyway. Overall, love the Nespresso, but it was quite pricy for a coffee machine.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 15:53
So was it a fire? Do we know for sure? Because I was driving to Abu Dhabi and it was smoggy all the way.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 17:04
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.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 14:31
When we moved house, we just gave it all to my maid. She probably knows people who can use it or she will bring it back home even if she can't use it. I think it will be a lot less of a hassle than using dubizzle. People CAN be so rude. Had a few bad experiences with dubizzle myself.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 11:12
I am a democrat myself and happy that President Obama was re-elected, but just out of curiosity, where are all the republicans? Seems like every thread I've read so far have been overwhelmingly pro-Obama. Seems like anyone who lives outside the US sees how ridiculous Romney appears to anyone not brainwashed by the advertisements and propaganda. I've a friend who lives in Alabama and is a democrat, but she said she's too afraid to even voice her views/opinion because there will definitely be backlash and bullying.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 11:07
Hi I can't say from personal experience whether they are any good, but I know that the dry cleaner at the EuroStar supermarket in Al Fattan Tower can shorten hems. We use them for dry cleaning, but I saw that they also offer this service. If you do use them, please let us know. Want to know if they are any good. Also, can you give me the details for your Satwa tailor.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 11:00
Yes, I can also recommend Dr. Oksuz at Healthbay Polyclinic. I was seen pretty much right away after I made an appointment. No long lines and she was very good I thought. Let me know if you need more details.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:26
How old is your maid? If she is not too old, prices are not too bad. maybe it makes sense to take out a very basic insurance for major things like operations/car accidents, etc... Smaller things, you can just pay out of pocket at cheaper hospitals/clinics.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:11
On the same note, I know they are looking for female dancers for the opening ceremony. If anyone is interested, it's quite an easy routine. Just PM me.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 16:56
Good thing I read this...almost sent our two guests who are here at the moment there...Thanks for the tip
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 15:24
Dr. Oksuz at HealthBay Polyclinic. She is from Germany, very friendly, and good. Highly recommend anyone from that clinic actually.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 14:36
There is a huge party shop near MOE. It's right by PanEmirates on that same road. Not sure about Winnie the Pooh, but I know they have a lot of stuff.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 14:32
I'd recommend putting on sunscreen. I know way too many people who have gotten questionable moles or even skin cancer to dare not to. I am religious about it. I wear SPF 30 on my face and neck everyday and be sure to put it all over if I am sunbathing. Make sure DH does it too. He has so many moles! Been trying to track them but hard. On that note, can anyone recommend a good place for a mole check?
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 16:22
Maybe get a filter. I noticed a lot more hair fall in Dubai too. I hear it's because the water pH level is a bit lower than what it should be....
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 15:42
Thanks all for the help. Sounds like Georgia would be good. I have a few other friends who had very good things to say about it too. Will let you all know after the trip!
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 15:40
Yes you have to be careful though. I found out when learning about all this insurance stuff that AXA does cover pre-existing conditions, but only after 9 months and only up to a few thousand dirhams which doesn't seem enough to me. Like SweetSugar 123 said, I think you should use a broker because they know the market better than you do. Of course, still read the fine print for yourself and ask all the questions so you don't get a plan that is not what you want. I was very happy with my broker and will be willing to pass on the details to anyone who needs it. Just send me a message.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 14:25
Hi Emur, I've sent it to your yahoo. Hope it all works out!
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 17:55
There are better ways than just arriving before you are ready to deliver. Next time try taking out a medical insurance that covers the USA. It will be cheaper and much safer for you and the baby.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 17:23
Yes in Dubai, there is a big difference between prices at hospitals, so be sure to do your homework. There are ones like Iranian that charge 90 AED a consultation, but there are also the ones with western doctors that charge 450 AED for a consultation. Have you thought about taking out your own insurance? There are private ones. It is quite dangerous in Dubai because even if something relatively small happens to you, it can stil be very expensive. If you want the contact details of a broker I used, let me know. I used them and they were quite helpful. They will give you a few options to choose from and go over all the differences with you.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 16:36
We use one that is about 3 or 4 AED per shirt for pressing only. You have to be careful though. Had a few shirts ruined by poor laundry people. I'd advise going to a proper one like Champions. I see a lot of those around in the Marina. the one we use is in the EuroStar Supermarket behind Al Fattan Towers.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 13:46
I am in Bay Central. Just moved in and got an amazing deal! 70K for marina view on the 12th floor. One bedroom. Assuming it's the same one, I had a look at your apartment in August. Very nice. When did you move in? I hope you didn't get it through FHS, because it was them that showed it to us and they've since done a runner along with Marks Falcon. edited by HereComesTheSun on 01/11/2012 Hi HereComesThe Sun I moved in late July. It wasn't with FHS. I wasn't too impressed with the agent but at least I met the landlord. The cheques were written to the landlord, so should be fine. I have a friend who was a victim of the Marks Falcon Scam. She said her cheques were made out to Marks Falcon. Probably something to watch out for. Always make cheques out to the landlord. Bay Central is great. I think you get a great deal for where you are in the Marina. Originally, we really wanted to be in Al Majara because of the facilities and the view, but in the end we got a better view with decent facilities still ( not as nice as Al Mujara) for about 20,000 AED less, so can't complain!
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 12:17
I am in Bay Central. Just moved in and got an amazing deal! 70K for marina view on the 12th floor. One bedroom.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 12:16
I swear by a soup diet. Things like chicken soups. not creamy ones. Combined with exercise, really help me tone up.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 12:16
Just take birth control pills and don't stop. I use Mavelon
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 10:38
Hi Does anyone have a recommendation for a tailor? I have this beautiful fabric I bought in India and really wanted to make it into a dress. I heard there's a bunch in Satwa? Any specific recommendations? Thanks
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 18:29
The same thing happened to us! You can demand that they issue you a temporary pass. That is what we did until they were able to give us our official passes. However, that was back in February. Since then, I've moved off of the Palm. Best of Luck. Nakheel is a joke...
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 18:11
Thanks all for the help!
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:41
I use my friend Denisa who works at Bellissima in Tecom. She is really good. I've recommended her to a few people since and we all go back now.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:26
Maybe it's just me but I also feel like I hear more about these sort of sexual attacks more so in Dubai than in other places I've lived....
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:22
Congratulations!! Wish you and your family the best!
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:04
Love Belgian Beer Cafe! I had the baked salmon ( I think it was baked) it was delicious. Also, the choice of beers there is unmatched anywhere else in Dubai. Also, their steaks are pretty good.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:02
What about contact lens? Would these recommendations also apply?
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 09:59
Hi I also used Aurora from Pacific Prime. She was very helpful and explained all the pros and cons of each insurer to me. As I always say, just make sure you understand what you are buying. The cheapest isn't always the best because you may not be covered for some major things or they dont pay you back and when you need it, that's when you may have wished you spent a bit more for the one with better coverage.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 09:54
haha oh no the xrays cant be good for the poor falcons
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 09:44
Did all of mine from Home Center not the best looking tree but the decorations were really nice and reasonably priced.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 09:39
One of my friends who had a bad knee had it done and said it really helped and swears by it!
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 09:09
I think whoever you go with just make sure you understand what you are buying. all the pros and cons of that company and plan. Normally you should get a handbook or a list of your benefits. Make sure you go through that yourself or with your broker and ask all the questions you have.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 09:03
Theres a 2 for 1 voucher in the Entertainer too. Definitely use that.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 15:49
Hi Thanks for the help, but they are a bit different. I think they have a different coating and are a bit rounder. https://www.google.com/search?q=microbead&sugexp=chrome,mod%3D0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=CW2OUPH-HNDOrQezj4GoCw&biw=1088&bih=499&sei=DG2OUL_qINDJrAevzYDgCA No problem thanks for the help. I will check it out anyway maybe they have it there!
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 14:55
Hi Aryanwynn, In that case, I am afraid there really isn't a "shortcut" to get all the math theory. However, what I'd do if you can't find an SAT dedicated tutor to at least find a math teacher to go through the SAT math with him. The theory is not too hard. It goes from obviously basic arithmetic, geometry (memorize the basic theories here!), and basic algebra. The best strategy if he is not great at math is to take his time to go through each answer, and plug it in to see if it makes sense and work backwards. Because of the way the SAT is designed, he is better off making sure he gets the majority of easy questions right and leaving blank the tough ones than to speed through it and get most of them wrong. Review basic math theory with him. Any SAT book has a small section that goes through it. Employ a strategy of going through easy questions first. They are all worth the same number of points on the multiple choice section, so might as well. Then go back to medium level ones (they are also almost always in order as well by section). Try to categorize what kind of problem it is. Worst case scenario, slow down, take the time to plug each answer in and work backward to eliminate choice by choice. Hope that helps.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 14:46
Big hugs and my condolences for your lost. I can't say I've been there before but send all my love across the web.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 14:39
If you want to do a restaurant gift voucher, I've just been to the Ivy at the DIFC with a voucher that someone got for me as a gift. Really good food and nice atmosphere. Recommend that but I am sure there are a lot of really nice restaurants in Dubai.
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 14:34
Hi Aryanwynn, Sorry not sure if this is much help but this is coming from someone who used to be a SAT tutor and I personally scored quite high on it, but my recommendation is to just make him drill tests over and over again. I know it sounds a bit intense, but it really works. When I took my test, I spent the last month before it doing at the very least one test a day, 5 times a week. It's all about practice and building up stamina and all books have explanations. Sooner or later, it all becomes the same questions in different formats ESPECIALLY for the grammar section if that is his biggest weakness. Also, it'd help to go through the top 15 most common grammar questions. They always repeat. Math and verbal, I'd offer different advice, but grammar can be improved by doing tests over and over again and checking answers in the back. of course, having a tutor to explain the answers to him and push him is better, but a worst case scenario if you cant find anyone. You can sit with him and make sure he does the test, time him, and go through the explanations with him. That's what we used to do in our one to one tutoring and larger classes. Again sorry if this isnt what you wanted to hear, but hope it helps anyway. If you do need more advice, be happy to help.