Littlefox | ExpatWoman.com
 

Littlefox

Littlefox
42
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Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 15:55
I was under the impression the plant souk just has plants, no furniture or anything, have I got that wrong? Will try the garden centre tomorrow, thanks.
Littlefox
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Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 21:37
Personally I wouldn't. It might make the maid/nanny resentful, and you cant watch her all the time. What about when she goes to the shops with the LO or is in a room un-censored by camera? And how would you feel if your boss watched your every move? Not great I think. It's just a yukky way to start a meaningful and important relationship with someone who is so close to your family. If you can't trust her enough to leave your baby without spying on her, you can't trust her enough full stop. On a separate note, if I were an employer I wouldn't look to kindly on my employee (you!) sitting watching baby tv all day! You could get yourself into a heap of trouble there. As a compromise, you could have a baby monitor over her cot/crib that has an app you can watch from your phone, and check on her at nap-time or whatever. I would worry about your own sanity, I'm thinking of that friends episode where Ross and Rachel are out to dinner and have his mum and their baby over by the bar - they cant concentrate on anything and are stressed and critical of their babysitter. I hope you find resolution. Good luck OP
Littlefox
42
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 16:41
IMHO she should go to prison. Recently found a toddler alone in a carpark with the ignition still running. It was 12 minutes until the mother came out, and I don't know how long the kid had been left before that. I was so tempted to get in the car and drive to the other side of the car park and watch the mother when she came out and realised that her car and child were missing. I didn't though because I figured the police here wouldn't see my point! Along with the seatbelt thing, it's what really really makes my blood boil living here.
Littlefox
42
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Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 09:15
You'll need to stay with your IVF doctor until 12 weeks. Keep taking any supplements eg progesterone and book an appointment with the doctor for a scan. Six weeks is normal for an IVF pregnancy unlike normal pregnancies. Don't stress out about waiting lines and stuff for hospitals now, just get through to 12 weeks, and worry about it then. Speaking from personal experience, there's not much worse than calling to cancel appointments. Your IVF clinic will help you with finding a hospital when you need it. Congratulations and good luck!
Littlefox
42
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 22:46
Not to mention marine life when they end up in the sea. They look pretty for about a minute, but probably not worth it for the negative impact they have.
Littlefox
42
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 22:42
You must have a very understanding boss... ;)
Littlefox
42
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 14:27
Used to work in this field in Dubai. Only paid/hired performers need to be on the license. There is no charge for an entertainment permission from DTCM for weddings. If guests at an event choose to get up and sing a song, they do not require DTCM permission. They have to be your guests though. Any paid performer eg a DJ would need DTCM permission. Try the Address Montgomerie or Arabian Ranches?
Littlefox
42
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Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 23:28
Did it recently at the police station near Al Mulla Plaza. No appointment required, took 5 minutes. There is lots of parking right outside where you need to be, and it is next to a metro station. We sent the company driver to pick the reports up 2 days later. It cost AED 220 each. DH didn't have an Emirate ID so they fingerprinted him there, but no need if you have EID.
Littlefox
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 23:28
Did it recently at the police station near Al Mulla Plaza. No appointment required, took 5 minutes. There is lots of parking right outside where you need to be, and it is next to a metro station. We sent the company driver to pick the reports up 2 days later. It cost AED 220 each. DH didn't have an Emirate ID so they fingerprinted him there, but no need if you have EID.
Littlefox
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 23:21
Suggest you consider going to the doctor. Often these things are a sign of something going on, for example weakening nails can be a sign of an underactive thyroid, which is a problem which comes on slowly, and is hard to identify but can cause absolute havoc with your longer term health. Things in your body don't just change for no reason, and if it's not obviously dietary then there's something else causing it.
Littlefox
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2013 - 10:16
Thanks DT, I've heard they're good. Will see if I can get more info about Oasis. MisFit, that sounds lovely, but isn't imported water really expensive? Cost would be an issue... Anyone else...?!
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 15:19
Go to Daiso and buy some of those little pads things you can stick to the bottom of chair legs, they work like a dream to stop the dragging sound. Take them upstairs and ask her nicely to put them on the chairs. When I first lived in an apartment I really didn't realise how loud I was being when I was getting ready for a night out, clattering back and forth in heels, until my neighbour came and asked me to stop. I was MORTIFIED and have been super conscious of it ever since. Give her the benefit of the doubt, she may genuinely not realise how much she disturbs you be polite and reasonable and try and offer solutions (eg the chair pad thingys, would it be possible to take heels off at the door?) not just a problem. Good luck OP.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 17:04
My dad uses an analogy about human behaviour which I find applies surprisingly often in life: If you gave an employee a candy bar on Monday he'd say "oh great thanks so much!" If you then also gave him a candy bar on Tuesday he'd say "cool, I like candy bars" If you gave him one on Wednesday he'd say "thanks" If you didn't give him one on Thursday he'd say "Hey! where's my candy bar?" The point is that people have an amazing capacity to develop a sense of entitlement very quickly. It sounds to me that this maid views the extra bits and bobs she's taking as a legitimate perk of the job. You have to explain to her that this is not the case, and do it unequivocally and do not wait. It IS stealing, but a very mild form of it, and one which when flagged up will probably stop.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 15:23
maybe malt vinegar?
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 15:16
My husband wasn't ready to start a family in his early 30's either, but now he's really excited about it. This woman's husband may well change his mind in a year or two. If it's HIS OWN kids he doesn't want but adopted or donor sperm would be tolerable it makes me wonder if there is something from his past that is unresolved, in which case counselling could be beneficial. Either way, spending some time with a neutral professional like a counsellor to discuss his real feelings (and fears?) and where she might be able to compromise (eg waiting 3 years say) would probably be very beneficial before writing the marriage off completely. Very difficult and sad situation for them to be in.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2013 - 10:52
M&S have a version, Bloomingdales have the original Spanx but they're expensive.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 00:17
Perhaps I missed it but from what I've read on this thread no one has mentioned the obvious - setting an example to our children. Surely the most important thing is not what their parents or teachers think, but what we are teaching our young men and women, particularly the girls, about what is and isn't appropriate in terms of dress, what will and won't garner respect and how we are viewed (especially considering cultural sensibilities etc)? Before I get jumped on, yes the naked human body is a beautiful thing and our children should learn that, but they also need to understand time and place etc etc. I wouldn't wear a bikini in a government office, or an Abaya to play volleyball in. On a slightly different note, I make it a rule never to leave the house in something that I would be embarrassed to be wearing if I had a car crash and had to wait by the side of the road for the police in. My personal dress barometer if you will!
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 20:41
Sorry for your troubles. I assume the previous tenant is vacating early as you'd agreed and that the problem is not with them but the property management, is that right? I would request a sit down with your real estate rep and his manager. Arm yourself with all previous correspondence proof of payments made etc etc. In a case like this I would be as pleasant as possible, and avoid any kind of anger as I have found with some of the people in the Middle east (not necessarily locals, but those working here) that anger and blame get you no where fast. I would ask as though I know they're doing me a favour but at the same time be insistent that there's no good reason not to let you do things the way you want to. If they can't find a good reason not to (other than this isn't how it's done) it'll be easier for them to say yes, as long as they can make out that they're making a huge exception and you show how 'grateful' you are. Otherwise, I guess you have to find a hotel for the interim :( Good luck.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 01:50
If it was issued by a financial institution here I would go into the bank or whatever and have someone who is registered with the central bank stamp it. This stamp will bear their name and an identifying number on it. You can then take it to the central bank who will stamp it on the back free of charge. Thus it is effectively attested. If it was issued outside of the UAE (eg UK bank statement) and your embassy won't help you, it might need to be done in your home country, and then stamped at the UAE consulate in that country. For example, a UK document would go to a notary for stamping, (not applicable for originals, only copies need a notary) then the foreign office in Milton Keynes for stamping, and then the UAE consulate in London, then to be sent back to you here. Without a better idea of what it is and what it's being attested for it's difficult to advise you. Perhaps you could ping a quick email to a major legal firm like Clyde & Co or similar and see if they have any advice? Good luck.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 17:59
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/asgdubai/info
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 16:40
I did the Trinity qualification in the UK a couple of years ago. I am a native English speaker with a strong academic history, and I found it TOUGH. It was five or six (can't remember) weeks long and very intense. If any course seems to easy to be true it is, I would say that the only qual's worth having are the 2 main internationally recognised ones, and that spending the money and going through all of the course only to find that your qualification is not recognised in most places would be very disappointing. Re working at a certain well-known language school in Dubai, when I was briefly there a couple of years ago it was AED 100 per hour with some travel expenses as applicable. No additional pay for hours spent preparing, marking etc. Not great money at all. Advantages are that it is very flexible, good for part time, and was cash in hand, they didn't provide a visa or anything though and I don't know how legal that is.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 16:33
Adoption Support group of Dubai, there is a yahoo group. Have a look on there (google it?). There's a newcomers meeting tomorrow evening (Saturday 31st) and you can find details on the yahoo group, it's free and anyone is welcome to attend. It's run by adoptive parents for other people hoping to adopt and is not professional advice, just sharing experiences, and is an excellent place to start. Good luck.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 20:52
So help me if I don't run over one of those car washing guys at the mall soon. EVERYtime I park anywhere they try and "help" me to park, invariably getting in my way. It makes me want to scream. It's the single most annoying thing in my daily life - first world problem or what?! <em>edited by Littlefox on 29/08/2013</em>
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 23:49
Try Dr Hafeez Rahman at International Modern Hospital. He pretty much saved my friends life and he is literally one of the best surgeons in the world for this surgery. He has a HORRIBLE bedside manner though! Good luck
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 20:10
Carmex lip balm Slimming World group meetings
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 02:15
Hello ladies, Has anyone seen fry-lite or an equivalent cooking oil spray anywhere in Dubai? TIA
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:45
Personally speaking, I would rather go to jail than know I had watched someone die when I could have helped them. Having said that, I don't have any dependents, and I can totally understand other people who would be reluctant. It's a tough call you would have to make depending on the situation. Obviously, attempting CPR on someone who was merely unconscious and cracking their ribs wouldn't be the best idea!!
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 10:32
It's not all bad though, I recently posted a problem about mail to Dubai and got a really helpful answer from a fellow user after only a few minutes. No-one ridiculed me and it was just an exchange of information and advice. I guess the trick is to just not engage in silliness and laugh at it.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 July 2013 - 11:30
How hurtful, I'm sorry this happened to you. If I were you, I would pick one of the ladies I felt most comfortable and ask her why I'd been excluded. It will be a slightly awkward confrontation perhaps, but you will never know otherwise. It may be that you inadvertently offended someone, or that someone has spread a malicious untrue rumour about you or whatever. Is it possible there was a limit on the number of places available for some reason and you didn't make the cut and they all feel bad about it? I would definitely want to know so I could move on and get new friends or try and make amends if I'd upset someone, or defend myself if there were lies being spread about me or my husband. Good luck.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2013 - 19:23
Thanks all for your responses, I'll just wait and see if it arrives then, hopefully it will.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2013 - 00:42
Thank you Quikchange, I feel very reassured. Hopefully now I'll be able to sleep and not have a restless night thinking about my blinking birth certificate! I'll give it a week in case it turns up and then head down there, thanks again.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 10:20
We got ours through a bank in Hong Kong. There were some funny rules because we're expats and we had to have a much larger deposit than usual. Good luck
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 12:14
If you're a really nervous flier it's a great idea to let the flight attendants know. They can reassure you, explain calmly and rationally what's going on and distract you. Sometimes they will sit with a nervous passenger during take off and landing and they will be really sympathetic. It's not in their interest to have you freak out mid flight and try and get out or whatever! Also, always sit as far forward as you possibly can, because the turbulence is always worst at the back. That's why first class is where it is.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 11:59
My parents got a bit confused with what they were supposed to do for the tooth fairy as opposed to Santa or the local cats(!) and we used to leave a saucer of milk on the back doorstep with the tooth, which would be replaced with a 20p piece. Something to do with them being our milk teeth? A bit odd, but I remember being terribly excited to check if the fairy had drunk her milk! When we had teeth removed when we had braces we got a full pound for each of those teeth to make up for the trauma of the dentist. I love the idea of fairy dust glitter, I would have been beside myself with excitement to think the fairy had actually been in my room!
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 15:02
Craftland is very expensive if all you want is a good beginning sewing machine. I bought mine for AED 500 (approx.) in Carrefour, and it's a Singer. I think Craftland is the place to go if you want lessons though.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 11:39
Hi Kash, I was on a very very low dose of Gonal F, and I only had one mature follicle when we triggered this time, and at Bourn Hall they're really strict about not going ahead with more than 2. At a different clinic I triggered with 5 and a half mature follicles! So if you voice your concerns I'm sure they'll be on board with that. Masses of luck to you
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 09:51
How bizarre! There's some Latin in there about art and wood but it makes no sense at all.
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 09:47
Hi Kash and Lovingwife, I have recently had an IUI procedure at Bourn Hall, and am currently waiting to find out the result. I have met with both Dr Robertson (who referred me for surgery) and Dr Diana who performed my IUI procedure. This is my 3rd IUI in Dubai. I have found both of the Drs there to be excellent, and my experience so far has been overwhelmingly positive. As the clinic is still quite small they are kind of interchangeable, and they both know all about each other's patients, so it doesn't matter too much who you see (unless you have a preference). One of the things I particularly liked compared to the other fertility clinic I have been with in Dubai is that the Dr themselves conduct all scans and procedures. There are 2 lovely midwives you will meet too, Susannah and (? Just forgotten her name) who are super supportive and kind. Your first appointment you will go through all your medical histories, have blood tests probably and a an internal scan, also blood pressure weight etc. DH might have to give a sample. I'm afraid I don't know exactly what tests they run because I had already had treatment elsewhere and had lots of test results etc to give to the doctor and discuss. IUI itself is relatively easy and straight forward. You need to go in on the 2nd or 3rd day or so of your period, and they will do an internal scan to check your uterus lining etc. You will then be started on a course of follicle stimulating drugs. In my case this was Gonal F, which is a very easy to use injector pen. You'll come back in for a scan after a week or so of injections to check your follicles t see if they're mature enough to go yet. Once you have appropriate sized follicles, you will have a trigger shot (you administer this yourself at home) and then come in for the IUI procedure itself. Please do get in touch if you have other questions, and good luck to both of you!! Baby dust xxxx
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 16:15
I only skim read the replies already posted so forgive me if I'm repeating... But what about business bay? It would be between DIFC and Umm Suqeim, and rents are lots lower than other areas. It's still very new though, so maybe not much community feel compared to say, the greens but location is great near downtown, and easy for the metro to commute to DIFC. You're very unlikely to get a 2 bed for less than 100k in JBR or the Marina. Good luck!!
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 16:06
This happened to me today when the bank received my final settlement. They called me and informed me that I needed to pay my credit card off today and they then froze/blocked my card. My current account is unaffected. I bank with NBD and am in the process of moving onto husbands visa. I used to bank with Lloyds and changed jobs several times, went for long periods without a visa and they never noticed or cared, ditto with my husband and HSBC. It depends on the bank. Make sure you have plenty of cash at home just in case!
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 20:44
I just got a return to LHR for AED 2480 with Emirates in May-June. It appeared intermittently on the EK website, but when I tried to book it online I couldn't. I phoned them and reserved it, and then went into the Emirates travel hub on Jum Beach Rd to pay for it. Turns out the flight is a code share with Qantas, and so it's a Qantas A380 I'll be travelling on, but I'll still get Skywards miles. In my experience, Royal Brunei and Virgin have always been the cheapest to get to the UK. Good luck!
Littlefox
42
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 22:05
I was also going to recommend Cara, I have had silver jewellery repaired there before and was very happy. They were also good enough to clean my wedding ring set for free too!
 
 
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