littleone | ExpatWoman.com
 

littleone

littleone
1050
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 June 2015 - 09:38
DH is off surfing in Oman this weekend with a friend. He is so excited he has taken a "mental health day" on Thursday so he can get there early and surf. Best of all I get a day with my girlfriends and a bottle of bubbles! Just hope it rains here and wash away the dust from the last few days. But then again the balcony will be a mess.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 15:35
Thanks for clarifying Ozbubu, your post sounded like you hadnt been. Unfortunately I cant recommend schools as I dont have any children but there are some very good schools that my friends children go to at Ascot and also the GPS private schools are very good, but you havent clarified if you wanted private or public schools. Good luck with your move!:)
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 14:04
Ozbubu, I dont mean to be rude, but have you been to Brisbane to do some research and see for yourself. Have you got jobs to go to? DH and I would love to go home but the property market is booming at the moment all up and down the eastern seaboard and the jobs market is quite scarce. Plus the cost of living is high. Even the property rental market out of control, I know that there are many people queing up to see rental properties and paying above market prices to secure the property. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are quite beachy lifestyles and your choice would be made on what type of lifestyle would suit your family. Brisbane is a large city with a population just over 2 million, and the city is sprawling, there are many great suburbs on the north and south side of the river and out to moreton bay or even out towards Ipswich way.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 13:13
Re schools - it depends if you want private or public and whether its primary or high school. I dont have kids so I really cant make a recommendation but there are good and bad in both public and private sectors. If you are going public then you will need to live in the catchment area for the children to be eligible to go your preferred school. There is a big difference between Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. If you are working in Brisbane, I really wouldnt look at the Sunshine Coast, its a fair hike and the Gold Coast is an hours drive from Brisbane minimum. My brother is commuting from the Gold Coast to Brisbane and it takes him at least an hour and if there is an accident sometimes up to 2 hours. I guess to give you more information you would be good to know where you or DH will be working and what kind of lifestyle you would like. There are a few other ladies on the forum who are from Brisbane as well and they will be able to help out more with schools.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 13:36
Also the vitamin store at Dubai Mall (its nearly opposite West Elm) has one, I have been using it as a moisturiser, make up remover and absolutely love it.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 11:10
Waitrose Al Thanya has it, right near the olive oils, its in a blue bottle.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2015 - 22:55
Tiger lady thread ;) which one was that? <topping up glass> the lady who got a Toyger for Valentine's Day & was bragging about her rich husband Oh I loved that one, she got so p!ssy about the replies and threatened never to invite anyone to one of her parties! Then went to another forum to complain about EW.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2015 - 08:02
It's been a while since we went to Bali but I was researching recently as we were thinking of going later this year but have canned it. We did know that we wouldn't stay at Kuta, we were looking at Legian, ululated or Canggu but mainly because of the surfing for my DH. We also had a look at self contained villas, check out airbnb they have some really good options with large villas. But do a google search for reviews as they do remove the bad ones. We looked at hotels and Legian and our preference was Anantara or the Oberoi, Peppers also has a hotel there it's a bit away from the beach and they aren't a well know international brand but they are good operators. I did work for their parent company at home, so I am disclosing that, and we stayed at one of their hotels in Australia at Christmas. If you are after a beach holiday, don't look at Ubud, whilst its beautiful it's not brachytherapy at all. Bali is known as a bit of a party place and it's a very cheap holiday from Australia, so there are a lot of Aussie's there and the young ones stay in Kuta where they party hard!
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 13:49
OMG littleone, that's a really good one! I love it :) Wish we had security guards like yours to remind DH! Our guards are awesome, we always stop to say good morning or afternoon and ask after them and families, we are always welcomed home with a big smile and hello's and waved too every morning on our way to work. Unfortunately we dont know their names (its completely lost in translation) and we have tried very hard to learn them, DH and I have knicknamed for all the guys so when we talk so we know who we are talking about. We have Octember, because he said he was going home in Octember, we bring him back the newspapers when we go to Sri Lanka. And "glasses dude" as his glasses are enormous and highlight his rather bushy eyebrows we thought glasses dude was better than hairy eyebrow dude, he is retiring soon as he has a heart condition, he is the most senior. And there our two favourites "welcome back", which he says in a powerful and happy way with the biggest smile, he is Ugandan and despite how many times I ask his name I just cant say it right, it must be my Aussie twang. And there is "god bless you", he is incredibly sweet and polite, plus we talk about the cricket so there were long stops when the World Cup was on. I bake and take down muffins and biscuits for holidays and they share it with the other guys on the other shifts.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 13:12
Yesterday our security guard: where is sir Me: he is at work Security Guard: Oh we thought you divorce him Me: I might if he keeps working late Security Guard: I make a good husband! The best thing was that he was completely joking and when my DH came home he asked me if I was trying to get rid of him because the security guard said to him on the way in, "you look after maam otherwise we will find her another husband...no more working this late sir!" Bless our guards, they are all so lovely.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 09:05
when you turn off the water heater and use the cold as hot, hot as cold.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 09:12
What is the occasion for the dry night? I dont know if I have the right name but I believe its called Isra, for the ascension of the Prophet.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 09:12
I have a celebration too this weekend and we booked Thursday evening. That should be safe? Friday at 6.30 is the start, so you should be right for Thursday night.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 08:49
Madinat just announced from 6.30pm there will be no alcohol served.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 13:11
Just googled it, from what I can tell its an unedible banana, you learn something new everyday! [i'>Plantains are a member of the banana family. They are a starchy, low in sugar variety that is cooked before serving as it is unsuitable raw. It is used in many savory dishes somewhat like a potato would be used and is very popular in Western Africa and the Caribbean countries. It is usually fried or baked.[/i'>
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 13:09
Its a banana... [url=http://www.google.ae/imgres?imgurl=http://www.powercakes.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/plantains_thumb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.powercakes.net/3-ingredient-plantain-flatbread/&h=271&w=377&tbnid=jcgIvY82lBifWM:&zoom=1&tbnh=144&tbnw=200&usg=__Sr3ru_gM6gpwWstaQ1ueYsceuzo=&docid=jbWl4ELEIa9KPM&itg=1'>link[/url'> It may resemble one but it doesn't taste anything like a banana Fried it is amazing to eat :biggrin: Really??? How odd...when is a banana not a banana? :confused:
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 13:03
Its a banana... [url=http://www.google.ae/imgres?imgurl=http://www.powercakes.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/plantains_thumb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.powercakes.net/3-ingredient-plantain-flatbread/&h=271&w=377&tbnid=jcgIvY82lBifWM:&zoom=1&tbnh=144&tbnw=200&usg=__Sr3ru_gM6gpwWstaQ1ueYsceuzo=&docid=jbWl4ELEIa9KPM&itg=1'>link[/url'>
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 16:01
My learning to drive here came as a result of the driver having a panic attack in the middle of Deira when a fire engine came by. It was a matter of taking the bull by the horns and just getting over the fear, I never looked back. I wish I had done what Sarahlou did and went out early to navigate my way around. I had a post it note GPS haha. Directions on a post it note stuck to the steering wheel I had to navigate JAFZA on a daily basis which helped I'm lucky I have an innate sense of direction which drives my hubby nuts because he has a degree in map making. I also have a sixth sense for locating shopping centres and finding car parks, also drives my DH nuts.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 14:59
My learning to drive here came as a result of the driver having a panic attack in the middle of Deira when a fire engine came by. It was a matter of taking the bull by the horns and just getting over the fear, I never looked back. I wish I had done what Sarahlou did and went out early to navigate my way around.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 11:08
I reported the damages to SnS and they were pretty good in replying, actually it was within minutes and they asked for photo's of the damage. I had never had anything like this before, so I was a little surprised although thankful that my purchases werent damaged. GB, fingers are crossed for your next shipment.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 16:50
A mammogram and an ultrasound are different types of x-rays, I have both due to the composition of my breast tissue and this was also at the recommendation of my boss (the radiologist) after my Mum's diagnosis, so I have always stuck to it. I dont chose one over the other as being better, I take it as being a much more comprehensive screening. If you have an unusual lump get it checked.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 16:16
First off, dont believe everything you read on the internet but if you are really concerned about radiation then I would suggest you discuss with your doctor other options. Ultrasound is also an alternative. If you have a lump get it checked. I worked in an x-ray department when I was much younger and the technicians would always explain to me that a mammogram was a challenging x-ray because you were making something round into a flat shape. It doesnt hurt, it is just uncomfortable. If the lump is high up nearer your neck then they may have to do an ultrasound if they cant get enough tissue to do the x-ray. I have a mammogram and ultrasound annually and have since my early 30's because my Mum had breast cancer. I would rather put up with the few minutes of uncomfortableness than go through the treatment my Mum went through. <em>edited by littleone on 12/04/2015</em>
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2015 - 13:13
Wow, ML, never knew that and I have lived on the palm for years.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2015 - 11:55
I dont think there are any.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2015 - 11:10
We had the same issue and for months I poured more than an industrial amount of cleaners, unblockers and hot water down the drain, nothing worked. I got maintenance around and there was a thingie (yes thats their technical term) that was missing from the drain. It stops the smell from coming up, so get them out. In the interim, pour some cooking oil down the drain and that apparently traps the odours but its only a quick fix because as soon as water flushes out the drain the smell will return. We did this at night until it was fixed otherwise the smell kept us awake.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2015 - 12:52
We have had luck with a Sony clock radio from Virgin, every other clock in our house runs fast as well and it drives me bonkers.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 12:42
In the article this morning Gulf News recommened driving with your hazard lights on, I'm glad to see its been removed from the article.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 09:39
Its orange now....its like the mission impossible movie!
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 15:34
Your instead of You're ... your welcome, hope your going ..... aarrggghhhhhh, it's just lazy! Din dins is a bit strange from a grown man!!!! He thinks it's cute. I think it's stupid. I wouldnt say it to a child either, drives me up the wall. I also agree with the your/you're as well.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 15:11
"please do the needful" - you will get the exact opposite from me...goes right to the bottom of the pile of what needs to be done. And my DH has been dropping "din dins" for dinner lately. Where he got it from I have no idea and we dont have children so I am slightly stumped why the baby talk from a grown middle aged man. I have warned him the next time he uses it he will get strained mushy (insert vegetable) for "din dins". Ace - such a cringe worthy word and in Australia a sure sign you are a bogan from Victoria.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 08:59
I dont believe it for one moment, but I wish it was true. I'm sick of the dust, as are my sinuses.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2015 - 22:44
Google search for online application, there are a few that will process the visa online but you need to make sure they aren't dodgy. You can google that as well. We used this company,www.vietnamvisapro.com or www.vietnamvisapro.net, they were quick and managed to sort out the visa quickly. Even if you have arranged an on line visa you will still have a wait when you arrive, we had about 30 minutes at the customs desk but we ran from the plane to get our passports in first. Its a push and shove battle and there is no line, its actually quite chaotic. Depending on how many aircrafts arrive at the same time the wait can be hours, apparently. We met a guy who travels regularly to Vietnam and he said that he has seen a 3 hour wait to get your passport back. You also need AUD or USD to make another payment of around $20 per person for the visa when you actually arrive and there are no atm's in the airport arrivals section. The best way to avoid the queues and the additional payment at customs is to get your visa from the Embassy in Abu Dhabi before you go,if you have the time. Our friends arranged their visa from Oz, and they sailed straight through but had to wait for us! But it cost them $90 per visa application. Also check the travel forum on tripadvisor as there are regular updates on the process to get through customs and if the charges have gone up. <em>edited by littleone on 16/03/2015</em>
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 10:44
DCC- Would you LO and you be happier if she was in a more nuturing environment, would the heartache of her adjusting to a new environment in the long run be better for you both. I know that change is challenging but maybe this has happened for a reason and that your daughter may have better success at a different nursery.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2015 - 10:00
Try The Cobbler, they are in the DIFC and Dubai Mall. I believe they do bag repairs. I have used Loving My Bag before for a repair of a bag and honestly they made absolutely no difference, I wasnt happy with the service.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 13:37
Yes, I got the email this morning to say it had been registered. I used this company: http://www.ejari.me/ They refund you if it doesnt go through. It was painless and really quick. All I provided was the affection plan as our landlord doesnt have title yet.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 16:56
I am using the affection plan to do our registration with Ejari, DH said that the titles havent been issued for any of them yet. What a shambles for you. Let me speak with DH tonight and see if he has any other alternatives for you.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 16:33
Just spoken with DH as he is involved in strata titling and is aware of GM buildings. The Oqood registration is done in predevelopment stage and is lodged with the land department by the developer, in this case IFA. Contact IFA and see if they can help you out. The landlord wont have it. Do you have a copy of the affection plan?
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 14:58
Building 10 also has the housing fee, I just checked with a friend. Like us they are paying well over the 5% housing fee, so I gather you guys must be as well, our dewa for a 2 bed is based on a rent nearly aed 50k more than we are paying!
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 14:08
We arent in the buildings mentioned and we had our housing fee included in dewa from December. Are you being charged the housing fee? This might explain why they cant register at ejari.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 09:53
Yep sure, I have just sent my paperwork off to the company that does the registration. I cant be bothered going down there and doing it myself! They said it takes 24 hours so I should know shortly. Seeing as we are being charged the 5% housing fee on DEWA I think it should be able to be registered, fingers crossed though. I will let you know in a few days.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 08:42
We are in the process of registering now, but we have been advised that the titles havent been issued yet and that we should be able register with Ejari with a copy of the affection plan. Your agent/landlord should be able to provide it for you.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 15:44
Thanks mrsmoo, that would explain it and I was in the slowest lane (well what would normally be) and didnt see anything. Hope that everyone involved is ok.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 15:09
Not today, Im miserable and full of the flu. But I will relish in it and pass my cheer and joy on to my DH, seeing as he shared his cold with me. ;) <em>edited by littleone on 01/03/2015</em>
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 09:39
What a mess,50 minutes from Tecom to the DIFC. Its been years since its been this bad and there wasnt even an accident. Although once you got to Business Bay exit it cleared up. I'm sure its people who were cutting in that made the lanes go from 5 to 3 that contributed to the backlog. "Cutter in's" drive me to distraction, although I get much pleasure when the police sit at the Rotana at the DIFC/Dubai Mall exit booking those who cut the line. Wish they did it more often.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 09:30
If the compound is owned by several people, rather than one company and there are common areas clearly defined in the strata plan then these would be the community rules and the owners association (OA) would mange and enforce them. To make changes to the owners association rules the board of the said association would have to agree to them, how they disseminate this information to the residents is another matter, ours go up in the lift. If you have an issue with the new rules, then maybe go directly to your landlord and voice your concerns and then get him to raise it with the OA. If its one owner of the compound, go directly to them I would say most (ok some) of them are reasonable and possible someone else in their team on a power trip who is sick of people whinging has gone to them directly. Although I agree with many comments that people generally ignore the rules here anyway!
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 12:10
We had 10 days in Vietnam, started in HoChiMinh City and then went to Hanoi for a few days, we flew internally, then flew to DaNang and spent 7 days at the Hyatt Regency DaNang. You can also get their shuttle to DaNang City and also to Hoi An, which is a not to miss place. Sorry yes, flew in and out of Ho Chi Minh City with Emirates. <em>edited by littleone on 19/02/2015</em>
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 11:02
DaNang on the beach, amazing. Halong Bay for a night, awesome. Hanoi is manic but fun and Ho Chi Minh City was awesome. We went in July last year and it was hot and sticky but nothing that a swim and some beverages didnt fix, plus it was a little rainy but didnt worry us at all. Absolutely loved the food, the culture and the people were really nice. Loved it.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2015 - 18:28
A fool and their money are easily parted. [b'>THATS IT![/b'> Oops! I must have hit a nerve. bye:
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2015 - 14:23
[url=http://www.liquidoflife.net/LiquidofLife_FAQ_Filter.html'>link[/url'> here is a link to the questions for liquid of life under sink water filters. Unfortunately there isnt a picture but there are two filters which are about 30cm long and as round as a decent coffee cup. The filters are replaced annually there are no big tanks and they dont take up a huge amount of room.
littleone
1050
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2015 - 09:35
Yes Appletiser, the Liquid of Life ones are. They will come and transfer them to your new apartment if you move. In ours there are a few holes where the two filters are attached to the wall, we will "plug them up" when we leave. I am really impressed with the filter and the water tastes good and the service was excellent.
 
 
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