loube49445 | ExpatWoman.com
 

loube49445

loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 10:18
I do think it depends on the child's age. Mine is almost 13 as with the OP. We have just increased her pocket money to 80 Dirhams a month and she is able to supplement that by doing jobs around the house. We have a list of jobs and their 'value' - only between 1 - 5 dirhams each (except cleaning the car which is 15). If she wants or needs extra money she can make more of an effort to do more jobs - this has particularly worked in the months leading up to Christmas and she feels so proud that she is able to use the money she has earned to buy everyone presents. We buy all her 'necessaries'. If she wants magazines, sweets, extra clothes and the like she must use her own money or save for them. It's not set in stone but we are hoping that it will help her to learn the value of money and that you can't always have what you want when you want it. What value of pocket money did you begin with? thanks
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 10:17
I do think it depends on the child's age. Mine is almost 13 as with the OP. We have just increased her pocket money to 80 Dirhams a month and she is able to supplement that by doing jobs around the house. We have a list of jobs and their 'value' - only between 1 - 5 dirhams each (except cleaning the car which is 15). If she wants or needs extra money she can make more of an effort to do more jobs - this has particularly worked in the months leading up to Christmas and she feels so proud that she is able to use the money she has earned to buy everyone presents. We buy all her 'necessaries'. If she wants magazines, sweets, extra clothes and the like she must use her own money or save for them. It's not set in stone but we are hoping that it will help her to learn the value of money and that you can't always have what you want when you want it. Now this is a good idea, I like the idea of list of jobs and the prices to earn extra. I pay 20 dhs for cleaning out the guinea *** cage...but not sure they could do the car....is this 15 dhs for cleaning inside and outside the car? I have told my kids I will not pay for bed making, curtain opening, hanging up clothes and putting dirty laundry in the right place! However I have 3 children and I am concerned that I will not have enough 'jobs' to go around..lol <em>edited by loube on 27/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 06:49
hello all. we have seen a fabulous Bungalow in GCW to buy to make it our home. How is the place to live? How is the traffic to and out of DIP at peak hours? [b'>Traffic is annoying...bottlenecks to get in and out but this is the case with most gated communities. I have seen crazy lines at Gardens, JLT, JBR areas at peak time. Similarly it takes ages to just come out of Ranches[/b'>.[b'> Have to get used to it and allow 7-8 extra minutes.[/b'> My child is in Chubby Cheeks nursery behind Ibn Battuta Mall and husband works at DSO. Are there activities for children - do they go out to play or do they keep to themselves. [b'>Its lovely in the evenings. They all play together at the community parks...under 10 year olds that is. Older ones ride their bikes around or take lessons. Teenagers, poor things, dont like it I am sure. Loads of pets. [/b'> How safe is it? Does it get too dark in the evenings? [b'>Pretty safe (so far :(..... I have been driving alone at midnight sometimes. [/b'> Do friends not want to visit you because you are too far? [b'> If they are coming from downtown it is a trek but from Jumeirah/marina or Emirtaes Rd area...its perfectly fine.[/b'> It is LEASEHOLD - is that worrying? [b'>no idea. we rent.[/b'> Do you think the property will give good return on investment?[b'> ditto. sorry [/b'> BTW...there are two Green Communities. GC Motor City and GC DIP. Latter has two "wings" East and West. (to further complicate things, each wing has 2 gates (east and west or old and new!!). Our take-away deliveries often end up in the wrong place. Sigh...but thats another story. HTH. PS. consider high utility bills....sp Emicool for coolling. Imperative you do your research on this as some new surcharge just added a few months ago. Its crazy. edited by Homeward Bound on 26/02/2012 that would be the price increase from DEWA being passed on by Emicool to its customers, it is consumption based, not had my cooling on much since Oct, and I still pay 1200 dhs per month for loading charge, I am in a 5 bed family villa at DIP GCEast, beautiful place, do not want to live anywhere else, traffic is a pain if you work, school run okay, love it that IBN is close, ad Dubai marina only 20 mins drive away, you are as close to abu dhabi airport from DIP as you are to Dubai airport....
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 06:38
Aed3500-4000 per month plus food allowance.....this is insane...... It's not actually. We have a temp Maid from Howdra at the moment and she is worth every penny. It is all above board and is far cheaper than paying someone to come in hourly. Anyway, it is your only legal option. It is cheaper than hourly paid, however.... If you amortise the actual costs of a maid including all the sponsorship it would not cost 3500 - 4000 per month, more like 2500. I had a quote from this company and I thought it was a rip off, plus all the 'admin' fees' they wanted upfront. I also noted that they are not a domestic maid company, they offer maids for live in who have status of office cleaner on their labour cards. but hey the company is not owned by Brits (as per the law here), but it is run and managed by Brits, there is a local sponsoring company and of course they need their cut, so I expect that is how you can account for the remaining unaccountable out of the 3500 - 4000 dhs per month. edited for terrible spelling Good Luck! These kind of fees still push expats to do the illegal, esp. when they only need short term help edited by loube on 27/02/2012 <em>edited by loube on 27/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 15:30
Ok, so I have self diagnosed my self and I think my eyes are getting swollen and sore due to the glare from my computer screen. As I don't wear glasses has anybody seen any lovely computer glare proof glasses anywhere in town? TIA x I am sure you can buy a screen cover which reduces glare and flicker, but no idea where from
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 15:22
be wary of the Ebay purchases... I was considering buying on ebay as well until i heard that there was quite a market for fakes... I ended up buying in France, claiming the VAT back which was well worth it. the rep there gave me a travel bag specifically for it which was perfect It is heavy so uses a bit of your luggage allowance but I haven't looked back. okay, good advice....where did you purchase it from, en France, and I guess the instructions are in French only ??
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 15:20
I cannot comment about Dubai for other costs but the food costs seem similar to Singapore, and I gave my helper 450 dhs equiv per month for food, and 1500 dhs per month equivalent for salary..plus I paid for her medical, prescriptions etc as the medical policy only covered hospitalisation...anyway just a view for comparison...she paid for her own phone, credit etc
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 15:02
what ages did you start to give pocket money? I just give the money when they want something, they do odd jobs, vacuum car interior, clean guinea *** cage....some other random jobs I can think of....only offered in school holidays. I guess cause my eldest is 12, nearly 13 I am starting out with the idea to give money per week, but not sure if the timing is good yet, he does not have a phone
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 08:40
thx to both of you.....my son is nearly 13, and he has the 15 dhs a day for school snack, but it is useful to read about the rest, so I suppose without phone, it would be okay to give about 50 -75 dhs,....I was thinking 50 dhs to start with, also does anyone give kids a clothing allowance, or is it less expensive to keep buying as and when, due to growth and irrational choices a teen may make when choosing their own clothes
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 08:35
they are for sale on ebay, from Spain - going for around 750 euro at auction, nearly bagged one yesterday but missed out by 5 Euro!! Can deliver to Aramex , then shop n ship
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 08:32
No GPS will be 100% spot on - especially in this town where new streets and building pop up overnight. Our map on Carmin (the Garmin) is about 2 years out of date and we still find all the places easily enough. Check when buying if what sort of map update packages are available. Garmin does not allow you to transfer map sets between devices. So if yours breaks or gets stolen you cannot install the map sets you already own onto the new (Garmin) GPS. You have to buy a new licence for a new mapset - and it is not cheap. Personally we will not be buying another Garmin GPS after this one breaks. there is an updated map for garmin (Oct 2011) which is available online for download, not sure if Sharaf have the latest chip, ours is 2009...it is £120 for the upgraded download - we have the nuvi 1350 <em>edited by loube on 26/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 08:31
woke up to find our wooden sun lounger floating in the swimming pool, cushions all over the lawn and various other things collapsed in the garden, still raging here at Green Comm
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 21:48
lol, I'm sure they talk about those as well! ;) thanks Swiss Sandy...glad you got my drift! :)
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 21:47
Why typo....? Its every monday and alternate MOE and DM. 5th March is a Monday! doh! bums should be bumps babes should be babies....altho babes is okay for an abbreviation of babies I admit check out the events listing
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 21:30
Our maid is from the Phillippines and has been with us eight months. She is going home for three weeks on March 12th. We have just given her her monthly salary and a voluntary bonus of another months salary for her holiday. She is now telling us that she wants March's salary in advance before she goes as well. She is telling us it is the law to pay her holiday pay in advance but I cannot find any reference to this, only that she should be paid her salary during her holiday. Does anyone know if she is right ? your offer of an extra month is very generous, I would not advance March salary, she may not come back.....and going home with 3 months pay looks pretty good to her family
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 21:19
I know 2 people living there now, one family with kids, one kids have left home,....the lady with kids got her car windscreen whipped whilst overtaking a guy on a horse n cart....she loves living there tho' despite everything, but I would say it is not safe or stable place to be living...Good Luck tho' I think it is like any city, the trouble is always contained in certain areas <em>edited by loube on 24/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 22:06
next time, do not encash the prescription, I assume you have to take it to the hospital pharmacy?
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 20:08
bangkok 3 nights, phuket 10 nights.....at this point cash will run out, and I will spend the rest of the 7 weeks or so wondering what it is like 'somewhere else'
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 16:50
MMI at Green Comm let my husband in with one of my kids...kid was given a mini rugby ball as part of their brucey bonus for spending our monthly allowance however, I expect it was something to do with no alcohol under 21 in UAE, and the fact that you brought them to the entrance of the pop shop.. Well its not like they were buying it. I have frequently told them that if they want to drink they have to buy it themselves of course, they should always 'get their own in'.....just pointing out why I think he was trying to show you his disgust, altho' it is a bit annoying as they did not cross the threshold. Maybe ps..they are 5 and 3 :D I guessed as much by the fact that you would not leave them in the car! :) <em>edited by loube on 22/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 16:43
MMI at Green Comm let my husband in with one of my kids...kid was given a mini rugby ball as part of their brucey bonus for spending our monthly allowance however, I expect it was something to do with no alcohol under 21 in UAE, and the fact that you brought them to the entrance of the pop shop.. Well its not like they were buying it. I have frequently told them that if they want to drink they have to buy it themselves of course, they should always 'get their own in'.....just pointing out why I think he was trying to show you his disgust, altho' it is a bit annoying as they did not cross the threshold. Maybe
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 16:38
I did the damon 2 system on my teeth, in Bangkok...results were great and are holding well 3 years down the line....not seen it advertised in Dubai tho'
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 16:36
MMI at Green Comm let my husband in with one of my kids...kid was given a mini rugby ball as part of their brucey bonus for spending our monthly allowance however, I expect it was something to do with no alcohol under 21 in UAE, and the fact that you brought them to the entrance of the pop shop..
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 16:32
i was beginning to think i was the only one on it now! i started Jan 5th with about 15 pounds to lose. ive lost 11 so far and im really struggling-one day up one day down im also going on annual leave on friday and have mixed feelings about what step to take next!!! it dfinately works but requires a lot of patience! Hi Zaku I am on it, phase 2, I have lost 19.2 kg since Oct 1st, and have 6kg or so left. I only do the walking part of the exercise, but follow the diet closely. I plan to up the exercise more as I near my true weight, and then enter phase 3. Good Luck! it is not easy but then no pain no gain!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:08
I hate asking everyone here, but I've noticed a lot of people are very helpful on here.... How long do you think it would take a man to get over an eleven year relationship??? Let's say it didn't end ideally.... If it's a guy in the UAE, he will have moved in with his new girlfriend before the month is over. edited by Monkey Face on 20/02/2012 lol
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:06
Soft openings....hate them, they are a lame excuse for restaurants not being open on time and in full, I would not go to a soft opening ever...even avoid other tourist attractions just opened, as things are never operating well edited because I just cannot type well this morning <em>edited by loube on 21/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:04
I think 'devastated' is a strong word to use... 'disappointed' perhaps, but devasatated? If not having sticky rice is the worst hting to happen in your kids' lives, then they're pretty lucky.... some kids don't even *have* food.... ha, ha! We lived in Thailand for 5 years.....to go to a Thai rest and not be able to have sticky rice, when you are a craving is just terrible..but then you only understand how sticky rice makes you feel if you have eaten it often, it is pure comfort food
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 16:47
shocking, enough to make one walk out of the restaurant.....we went to a Thai restaurant last weekend, and guess what was 'off the menu'...sticky rice....of all things, no mango and sticky rice, no sticky rice & satay for the kids...we were devastated.....
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 16:42
You have already sent her home in August and she agreed to wait until December to go home again. Now she is complaining about the airline???? OMG... Just tell her she can't go home in August as you need her in Europe and that she can go home in December. When she does, cancel and ban her. Basta! I agree totally, back track - OP is entitled not to give her maid vacation until 12 months has passed, so the need to have maid working in UAE or anywhere is with no debate. I would do as derien suggests, anything less and you are showing yourself as vulnerable and easy to sway (if you have not already done that) <em>edited by loube on 20/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 21:02
I am in a dark place right now.....i was so excited to go on holiday but then realised I dont know where to go now....lol. Thing is, we have a one year old baby so it's tricky. And he loves taking his morning and afternoon naps, but i can skip one in the day.... My options for July is Seyshelles, Rome or actually anywhere I suppose....lol....but dont really want to break the bank. Has anyone been to Koh SoH Moi in Thailand in July?? I know lots of the expats in Dubai travel a lot so I am hoping I can get some advice! do you mean koh Samui? it is rainy season in July/August, you can expect downpour for a couple hours daily but samui often escapes the worst of this weather
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 18:02
is anyone really seriously worried about this???
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 18:01
my DS2 was convinced he got bitten by a scorpion...of course it was not SCORPION!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 13:46
teach yourself acoustic and electric guitar He's already driving her crazy working at home - can you imagine the pain if he starts doing that at home too??? :) so what would be your intelligent suggestion, then?
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 12:21
teach yourself acoustic and electric guitar
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 10:43
would recommend the Hard Rock Hotel on Sentosa Island
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 10:18
Michael Jackson
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 11:21
with weight training you can build up muscles too.....I would loose as much fat as you can first, then exercise for toning and general fitness only, do not exercise for weightloss it needs to be combined with an eating plan which encourages fat expulsion
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 11:18
i think the soya products are hindering my weight loss on Ducan- finding low fat soya apart from milk is not easy! correct...soya products are on the daily permitted foods list....they are restricted. TOFU is not restricted
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:25
just got an email from Emirates saying their 3 day sale starts tomorrow...so maybe the prices will be less
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:23
my Mum recently came out from UK and she booked with www.holidaygenie.com, and got about £150 off Royal Brunei return flights...not sure if it would work out less from here return, but no harm in trying
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 09:08
Oh my! Towels should be washed daily....yukkers. This is the attitude that makes Dubai the disaster that it is.. While I know what you're saying.... this attitude is not exclusive to Dubai - 633 post bunfight at: http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1350992-to-only-wash-bath-towels-once-a-month oh my !!! kitchen hand towel every week or two ??? now that IS ewwww !!! (love the way they say it 'isn't afight club' lolol) kitchen hand towels, and dish drying towels - now in my household they go in the laundry bin every 2 days MAX....and all washed once a week, but then I do have 7 of each
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 09:03
Oh my! Towels should be washed daily....yukkers. are you joking? This may come down to 'Maid or No Maid'!! lol :\: Ha, ha cannot believe this thread is on its 3rd page. I am no maid, but have never washed towels more often than once a week, unless accidentally soiled!! Try getting 3 boys into the shower...it is no mean feat
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 16:41
Magrudy's are expensive, and I was not impressed with the lack of customer service on my last trip to the Beach Rd store. I second Kinokuniya
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 16:38
Oh my! Towels should be washed daily....yukkers. are you joking?
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 16:37
3, 5 and 6 months ooo, so been there, know how you feel
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 12:55
I have 2 sets of 'guest towels' and 6 beach towels for anyone's use for swimming/beach. Swim towels go in the wash after each use or two and then tumble dry, and everyone else gets theirs washed once a week! regardless....if they want more frequent wash they need to request. Guest towel set has one bath towel, one hand towel and flannel I have family of 5 and we usually have 2 guests staying and it is not a problem....
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 22:26
JW Marriott is very nice....also the Phuket Laguna resort - choice of hotels there, Banyan Tree and Sheraton are good, but if you want a Thai style hotel try the Dusit things to do, hire a speedboat and crew for the day and take in the Phi phi islands...absolutely beautiful, you can also do canoeing around the mangroves, the usual elephant rides and a visit to Phuket town. You may want to consider car hire as taxi's can add up when you are travelling around the island.... <em>edited by loube on 03/02/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 15:43
FB Scrabble is the US version. This word must be new because the actual expression is French "gardez l'eau" which means watch out for the water....in olden times when there was no sewage system or drains in houses, waste water was thrown from upstairs windows into the street below, and to warn the passersby before throwing people would shout "gardez l'eau"
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 23:07
what do you feel is missing? that is the first step to being able to help yourself.....it is tough, I remember that time well, but there are small things you can do at home, write a list, identify what you have let slide (for very good reasons) and then make a plan
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 23:01
having lived in Uk and Singapore (daily rain, at least 1-2 hours) I am rejoicing in the lack of rain here in Dubai
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 22:53
it beats other places hands down for ludicrosity:\:
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing