LovelyLilies | ExpatWoman.com
 

LovelyLilies

LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 12:24
Only been to The Thai Kitchen which was really good: yummy food, good service, not too expensive wines. We did their 'all you can eat' offer, used to be on Wednesdays not sure if it's still there - always packed.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 12:19
They have a deal on groupon today, Always a sign somewhere isnt doing very well!!!! Not necessary, the deal is a good way to attract people when the place first opens, nobody knows about it, etc.
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 12:13
The deal does look good.. perhaps this place is better for drinks rather than food I guess I will have to wait until they improve. Pollydxb1, thanks for sharing other options
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 11:59
That sounds horrible, Lewis36. Hope you managed to cancel the mains in the end. Thanks for sharing your experience
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 11:17
I totally agree with you, however, too many times I've heard a story when a doctor offers this because she is 'going on holidays' Just last week I was in the clinic waiting for an appointment with my Dr when I overheard two other ladies discussing this. One of them was offered to be induced because our Dr will be on hols when she is due to give birth, and the other lady was telling her that this Dr had induced her for the very same reason.
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 12:02
Wow@LovelyLillies I suppose FeefMick is just enjoying her vacation right now, and cannot be bothered with the other issues. That is the best thing for her girls to see. She can deal with the rest at the end of August. She is strong, she is coping and she took the girls on their planned trip. Actually, as she is in the UK it would be the perfect timing to get in touch with some charities and solicitor to speak about her problems, too. I am just trying to give some constructive advise what feels right to me. I'm sorry, life isn't just about holidays especially when you need to think about your and your kids Better future. I don't think you can say she can't be bothered. She's posting on here, obviously bothered. I praise her for coping with the issues on an emotional level but some action needs to be taken for her life to change to a brighter side.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 11:07
I'm very sorry to say but.. I do not feel you are behaving as a strong woman everyone says you are. Mum, yes, but a woman - no. You let your husband step on you and treat you this way. Do you think kids don't understand what's happening? You just seem to accept everything and share your sorrow on the forum. Enough is enough! I pity you, really, I can see you need help or advise or support from other ladies. But please, DO something! You are in the UK now, with your girls. Well why not start divorce proceedings??? That way the sale of the house can be enforced. You will be a single parent which will put you on a priority list to get accommodation and other benefits. Stop paying the mortgage - you will need the savings to live on no matter where you decide to stay. You only say your solicitor sent a letter 2 years ago - well that's long time ago. You tried to talk to him a year ago - you need to do it again. You cannot be silent and suck it up. He knows this and that's why is treating you this way. Time to put a stop to it. Contact one of the charities recommended by the EW ladies, they surely can help you with legal advice (not to mention everything else they can help you with). Get a new solicitor who would help you. You are safe in the UK with your girls and it would be wiser to stay there so that your husband won't decide to take them with him to Malaysia (you never know what a reckless man can decide to do) Be strong for your daughters and finally do something. Enough is enough. Call your husband and tell him that you will not be moving to Malaysia and that there are 2 options: you either stay in the UK for those 6 months, or you stay in Dubai. You must tell him you are not going to Malaysia. NO. Don't argue, don't shout, just tell him his options. If your rent is paid upfront then you can stay in Dubai and complete your course. You said you are British so it means you can do visa runs. You just need to ensure the school is paid, too. Tell him this on the phone. Don't plead with him. Don't beg. Don't cry. Just tell him YOU have made up your mind and he now has to decide which option he prefers. That's it. I also though that maybe by taking all these jobs he's trying to prove something, maybe he had some failure in his life?? Or, maybe he is trying to get rid of you - maybe he thinks that you will leave him at some point when you finally get tired of moving??? maybe he has no b@@lls to tell you he wants a divorce? so many questions but it is obvious the man won't tell you anything. Take it all into your hands and be that strong woman everyone tells you are. The sooner you do it, the better for you and your girls' future. I wish you strength and good luck in whatever you decide to do. Please remember, the kids can always feel when there is something wrong in the marriage, when the parents aren't happy. They see more than we think they do. Better be a single parent and keep them happy than live in this misery.
LovelyLilies
230
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 14:46
My Tag is being serviced at the moment: AED800 to change movement, oil, etc. The funny thing is, I took it to Tag shop 9months ago as it had stopped working. They sent it for servicing where the battery was changed (AED100). 6months down the line the watch is running behind by 30min. I take it back to the shop as the warranty is for 1 year. The guy re-adjusts my watch and tells me to come back if the problem persists. 9months on and my watch stops. Then works again. Then stops. I take it back to the shop where they send it for servicing again. I wonder then: how is it possible for the oil to dry out if the watch is water proof? Last time the movement was fine, now it has to be replaced? I am not a cynical person but Dubai makes me be one.
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:27
How about King fish? easy to just season it and pan fry, or make with some nice sauce. Also suitable for curry. (don't know about the sustainability, sorry!) I'd check the prices in the shops before going to a fish market. My DH got some hammour there last year, he was so proud of his successful bargain ;) in the end it was more expensive than Carrefour or Lulu's!!! Anyways, we do not buy it anymore. I like buying seabass and sea bream, Nile perch, or cream dory. King fish sometimes (not my fav one) The eyes must be clear not cloudy, also should have a fresh smell of sea rather than fishy smell.
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 11:16
I'm 30 and also started having bad palpitations recently. I used to get them when I was a teenager, then they stopped and I totally forgot about them until recently. I get them every day, I wake up to 'feel' my heart beat in my arms, in my back etc.. I might watch telly or read a book, or be in a taxi when it hits me suddently...it drives me crazy! I went to see a GP who did the blood tests (all were 'excellent') But good thing she also sent me to get ECG done which showed something to her (she did not tell me) so she then ordered Holter heart monitor for 24hr. I just got my report back which, like others have also mentioned, showed irregular beats, some arythmia, some tachycardia. As my GP said, nothing to worry about, but she has now referred me to a cardiologist who can explain the report results in detail and do more tests if needed. I would like only to advise you to seek further help (tests, ECG, maybe a heart scan, monitor) If your doctor is not wiling to do anything, find another one! Also, seems that you may need to look into your low blood pressure separately? Now I might be wrong because I have not done any research about this but doesn't coffee actually help to increase blood pressure? I'd try to read non the internet which food can help you increase your blood pressure (if you say you have a low one) Have they checked your Iron levels, too? I have read that some drugs prescribed to ease the palpitations cannot be used when pregnant so I would suggest getting to the bottom of this before you get pregnant. That is exactly what I am trying to do at least :) Good luck
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 21:20
I wouldn't go to City Hospital even if they paid me! I had my pap smear done there last year which came back as normal. I had a history of abnormal results prior to that but they did not care. I have just had my pap smear done elsewhere and it came back as abnormal :( I remember somebody recommending Medcare on JBR and it was AED200 (do a search)
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 11:19
[url=http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_manws8653c1rv0z0oo1_500.jpg'>link[/url'> 'Like'
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 10:58
I don't understand how any religion can convert anyone. There is only one God or Creator (or something Higher) so why do many religions try to convert you to one or another? I am a catholic as I was baptised, etc. But I have never practised it so I am not sure I can even call myself a catholic. I believe in God though. I always say a prayer whenever I visit a church, a mosque or a temple. For all the stated, I prefer Buddhism or Hinduism which are not even religions but a way of life, a philosophy. You do not need to convert to follow them.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2013 - 08:57
Hi there I was recommended Dr. Britt Clausson at The City Hospital for delivery, but just found out that she has left City Hospital. This is my first pregnancy so feel nervous. Don't know any other good gynaecologists. Does any one know about Dr. Anne Phillips at City Hospital? what is she like? Any recommendations.... I didn't like either of them. Both were friendly enough, or liked to talk about their hard life in Dubai... however, I did not feel I was attended properly, nor advised on stuff. They were quick enough to prescribe me Yasmin without even checking mine or my family medical history. When I told dr.Phillips I was not keen on taking it, she just laughed and said 'all pills are the same with same side effects'.... that was it for me.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 16:08
Egate card is valid for 2yrs from issue date
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 15:36
You need your passport/ID. They take your picture there and then (incl in the price of aed 200) There is a desk as soon as you get to the airport (departures), however, when we got there we were told that the person who deals with Egate cards wasn't there. No more info given, very unhelpful and rude staff. There is another place where you can get it done - just go through the passport control, and take a turn right straight after.. towards gates F or so... you will see some security checks there for business class I think, ask them to let you out again as the Egate office is just next to them (you will be able to see it on the side, you will have to go through the scanner again). It sounds silly but that's how it is set up, I think it's very hard to find them as there are no signs, and none of the airport security staff knew where it was or were able to advise us (only a cleaner knew it!!) There is only one guy doing the cards so make sure you arrive earlier (he is also very lonely there so likes to talk to each customer A LOT :) ) He advised we get a separate Egate card. Also, if you have Emirates Airmiles card you get Egate card for free, according to him.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 14:17
Firstly at al rostamani where they were having a couple of problems and took the trouble to call me when all was sorted their end. Secondly at khiels in Harvey nics, lovely helpful sales assistant who did everything she could to get me what I needed . edited by sarassister on 04/07/2013 I can second experience at Kiehls. I was getting some items for my DH and she stood there with me for good 20mins, going through each item, explaining what they were for, etc. She wasn't pushy just so helpful.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 09:25
Coast surely have dresses size 18. Phase Eight also do this size, as most of the other 'designers' at Debenhams. Last night I went to Monsoon at Marina mall and most of the sale items were only size 18+ actually
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 09:07
Grape seed oil is good, too They sell maple syrup (as some other nice stuff) at Marks.. Like fruit musli which contains loads of fruit which is natural sugar not added (% written on the bag) I use agave syrup a lot or simply honey. I used to buy date syrup as well but then it's overly sweet, not too sure if they add extra sugar into it, so I make my own - just blend pitted dates in a blender with some water depending on what texture you want. Keeps nicely in a fridge too. I've read you can do same with prunes, or why not make an apple sauce where you can control the sugar content (or add honey/agave syrup) Also strawberry sauce - just blend fresh/frozen strawberries with a bit of sugar/agave syrup/honey. You can then divide it into smaller portions and freeze. <em>edited by LovelyLilies on 02/07/2013</em>
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 08:53
There is al Nasma shop in Dubai Marina Mall
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 15:31
Pierchic or an Indian restaurant at Madinat (sorry can't recall the name)
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:23
Next time just get in a taxi (both of you) and tell him where to go. When he drops you off, your colleague can tell where he/she needs to go. For them it's a one way trip, so the more customers are there waiting, the more likely they will get another round.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:15
Thanks for the feedback ladies. I don't work so don't really have to be anywhere at a specific time, so no biggie if taxi is late etc. I can't really justify having a car here as I only spend about 400-500 AED a month on taxi ( maybe I am being penny pinching ;) ) DB I find it relatively easy getting around Dubai without a car. Apart from making the error of waiting in the queue at MOE at 4pm when I first arrived in Dubai two years ago, I have never had to stand and wait for one. Forgot to mention in my first post that DH has a car so if I need to do a big shop etc we go in the evening or weekends. I suppose it is all in your perspective as I find it a lot easier without a car here than other places I have lived in the world. I second that. I used to spend around AED 1400 on taxis a month when I was working which was still cheaper than renting/owing a car. Plus, the taxi driver gets the stress of driving while I read my book / catch up on emails / day dream ;)
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 19:25
You can use the card with the minimum trip fare on it, which i think is 1.40 or 2.10, to be accepted on a bus. It can go into minus, happened to me once when i had enough money to get onto the bus but not enough to cover the total.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 19:19
You can see any GP, any hospital or clinic. If your insurance offers direct billing with some places, might be easier to find a doctor in one of those places as then you wont need to think about claiming back. Maybe other ladies here could suggest a good GP
LovelyLilies
230
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 19:14
Try skipping a dinner one night. You may have a pot of yogurt instead (natural low fat, add couple of berries if you need a bit of sweetness)
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 19:04
Depends on your insurance. You may need a referral to see a specialist. If not, i'd suggest simply getting an appointment with a specialist ( you say you know what it could be). You could go to a GP and ask for a referral.. They should also do at least some basic stuff like blood test to check if everything is in order
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 12:11
I do not use the milk frother, have a stand alone one... It was cool at the beginning but now...I'm just too lazy to clean it afterwards. Oh and the froth is not the same as you get in the coffee shops. I think it was very expensive...too expensive really. Perhaps you can go to their store and ask for a demo and taste it (cappuccino one). As for the machine - I love it. Their coffee is good, and much cheaper than getting one at the coffee shop (AED3 per pod, I often make double) Plus they bring some special flavours time to time; last Xmas it was nutty flavours, now they have caramel/vanilla/choco pods in store. Ours has a water tank at the back which can be rotated to either side for a better fit. In this one you don't need to remove the used pod which is quick and easy use, it can also memorise the coffee you like (too complicated for me, I just want a coffee that's it), and it's very automated - if you want to run more water through the same pod you need to be quick to press the button before the machine removes it - for this reason I think we should have bought the basic model but too late now :) Anyways, it's pretty, works well and I don't regret buying it
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 10:42
I remember that our contract states we must inform our LL when on holidays. He has never asked about it, we never tell him anything. There is nothing written about the spare key. I wouldn't give it (unless it was decided upon moving in and both arties agreed about it). BTW, why would he need to access the villa esp when you are not around? Maybe you could leave a spare key with a friend you trust and tell your LL that you'd arrange for your friend to open it for him if he ever needs to get in.
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 13:00
Thanks both. I felt it wasn't right but...I guess I did not dare questioning the Dr. I will go and have it re done
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 10:45
We always use columbusdirect.com 26 days worldwide is us$52.50 or us$91.35 for a couple & they also offer family policies and annual policies which are sometimes worth purchasing even if you are only travelling twice a year. Thanks for sharing GG, seems to be cheaper than others
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 09:51
Can't wait! :)
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 10:54
Seminiak or Nusa Dua are great. Check Jimbaran bay as well - great long beach, beach restaurants for good seafood. Bali isn't that big, you can always do daily excursions no matter where you stay (easiest would be to get a driver for a day, can get one for $40-50 a day and they take you whereever you want, stop on the way, advise you where to go really good) I'd also suggest you look into Ubud for couple of days, you can walk in the rice paddies, loads of cycling tours, also can do white water rafting(not scary, saw kids doing it), elephant tours, cooking classes, there is a monkey forest, etc etc. oh it's and great for shopping, too I'd say have a look at these hotels: westin, W hotel, Grand hyatt, intercon, all on the beach. Kuta is not a nice place. Even the locals can tell you there are better places to go first
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 12:02
Do you need to rinse your hair after using bicarb & water wash if you do not use the conditioner afterwards? Also, do you use bottled water to make the shampoo & rinse? Thanks ladies, can't wait to try these
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 18:36
Thanks. Do you know how much it was? also if one could request specific tests there (ie fasting glucose or cholesterol)
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 16:31
This man needs help not to be kicked out. They are a family and you don't kick your OH out just because he's an alcoholic (do you?) unless she's staying with him for some other reasons than love (pity? home help? 'nanny')
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 15:59
You can even buy flights on their website now. Go and explore it
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 11:18
I can second M&S. I use their very high impact sport bras, have a collection in all colours :D
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 16:27
You can order on their website, they ship globally
LovelyLilies
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Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 11:42
You cannot get everything here...in 5 years I have yet to find dry roasted peanuts or simple eye make up remover. I struggle on without them :) I'll remember to pack lots of eye make up remover then! I think I can live without dry roasted peanuts! edited by LemonyLime on 04/05/2013 Perhaps Kelly means a specific brand of eye make up remover? I have had no problem finding it here. I use Clarins and at least Debenhams stock it. Sephora also has eye make up removers?? Maybe Kelly refers to a brand Simple
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 11:33
Looking back I wish I'd brough my kitchen utensils, and some of the nicer pots.. I still buy these things online in the UK and pick it up on my visits to bring back with me (ie nice stuff from House of Fraser, Debs or John Lewis) If you like/have Le Creuset, definitely bring it with you as it's double the price here. I agree about the bed linen, worth bringing it with you. I think as long as you are not getting the Ikea beds, the sizes will fit. We got the Ikea duvet and pillows not really thinking it was of a different size.. we were in a hurry and went to Ikea for a one stop shopping. I no longer use it as it means I would be limited to buying their duvet covers only (not a great selection either) We did not ship any furniture simply because we did not have any. We thought it was rather cheap to furnish our house (Homecentre, Pan Emirates etc) They have a lot of bling or cheesey stuff but you can find really nice pieces of good quality. Our plan is to stay here for 5yrs or so hence we were not bothered buying furniture for life. If one day we decide that we want to stay here, I will 'upgrade' our furniture to the one from Marina or The One or Pottery Barn or similar. TVs are cheaper over here.I think all the white goods are cheaper, I wouldn't bother bringing it over. I would bring perfume! Loads ;) Lats time I bought it here has cost me nearly £100 Also, if you use any special creams or cosmetics.. They have all the big brands, however, if you like some smaller or organic or local brand you may not find it here. I still bring some organic lotions and creams from the UK. Also vitamins and supplements. Omega 3, fish oil, multivitamins.. They never have any promotions for these like you get in the UK (3for2 or buy 1 get 1 free)
LovelyLilies
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 12:05
I went through it as well. It started with a potential buyer coming the first week, and then the next week we had 4 agents turning up at the same time with different people. They opened the windows, wardrobes, plus sand and dust everywhere (and as SEY has mentioned below, I'd clean up the house before each visit) After all this we'd set one evening every two weeks for 1-2hrs only. I would then follow them room to room not allowing to open the wardrobes (my stuff in it!) Thinking back when I was renting in London, I'd never ever even thought of opening anyone's wardrobes or cupboards when viewing the place for let, so why do people here think they can do whatever they want to? My understanding is that you don't need to move out if the LL is selling the place (hence shouldn't the new LL give you 12months notice to vacate the place if they want it for themselves?) The apartment gets sold with the tenants. Also, they would need to prove they'd live there themselves (notarised letter). Please can someone correct me if I'm wrong?
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 12:06
I went there last year and consider it one of the best brunches in Dubai. It's not too big but the venue is beautiful, the food was delicious and good quality. They had huge seafood counter which my DH loved, I liked their foie gras counter, the cheese room was great, too. Afterwards you can go to Voda bar (I think that's the name) where they have buy one get one free deals (at least that was a year ago). :) Oh and our visitors loved the fact that Mission Impossible was filmed there ;)
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 14:40
I would keep the villa, 17% or 22% isn't much. If your rent is low (do a search for rent prices to compare), then I would say stay where you are. If your villa is 5/6 beds and you could save by downgrading to 2/3/4 beds then definitely look into it. My DH would love to move to a villa but we have calculated we'd then pay 35% of our income which is too much especially that it's just the two of us. We will consider villa once we have kids, but if you are already thinking of having a baby it might be another reason to stay in the villa.
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 23:37
20% currently but if our rent goes up when renewing, that number will change... We think we are quite ok with this percentage. I think one should not spend more than 1/3 of the income on rent.
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 13:51
Hi :) Sorry i have been on study leave only got back to work today. Plum- Must say if its 50 AED to get an eye test then its even cheaper than what i pay there in SA for an consultation. LovelyLilies- How long do you wear n pair?or is yours daily disposable lenses?must say the lenses are not cheap, little bit more expensive than what i pay now. Hope you had a wondeful weekend, no news yet from this side if we are going or not, hopefully in 2 months time we will know :) Sorry, was meant to mention it was the disposable ones. With Dubai weather & A/C I prefer the disposables.
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 11:26
ladies, I have to go to labour court tomorrow, as I have never done this before, Im clueless and really would like to hear from someone who knows about the proceedure / has been through this before? My CEO is the company owner, he takes money out of the account as he pleases! and have seen him in his new car and new boat, so I have no problem taking people like this to court, I just want JUSTICE ....... :) You so realise that just the threat of taking him to court may make him pay you your dues. Have you tried that route yet? I agree with the above, as soon as they realise you are seriously considering taking them to court they may reconsider. Do not cancel the hearing tomorrow, go there, present your case and take it from there.
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 11:22
I have not done this but I would think you need to get all your papers ready, proof of no payments, get several copies, also your contract, any additional letters or agreements you might have signed. Any correspondence regarding the non-payments or asking you to wait or telling you they have no money. They court would obviously order the company to provide them with prooff they have no money to pay salaries. Be calm and prepared tomorrow. Write down the main points what you want to tell them tomorrow. Be sure to mention how you loved your job, that you were dedicated hence stayed workng for them without any pay. Good luck
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 19:05
Thanks so much for everyone's reply :) Feefmick: Is there a few diffrent medical aids that you can choose from or are they very limited?we will probably have to see which fits best, does anyone know how much a box of lenses cost there?and eye test?these are mainly my biggest expense. I do work about a 10 hour day most days at my job now, just hoping it wont be longer than that, otherwise you have nothing of your day left. Busybee: Most of the medical plans here also exclude dental and eyes, but we do have a little bit of savings built in, that you can use for GP checkups etc, if that runs out you pay yourself.Thanks so much for the advice, its all these kind of things you need to consider :) RSAgirl: That is the best news, i think your post will make him very exited :), how long have you been living over there? if you buy glasses from the shop they will do the eye test for free, but i always go to the hospital to get it done properly, it only costs what you would pay ie 50dhs. If you buy contacts they also do the eye test for free, but these are not full tests (does not include eye pressure, or retina scan) HTH TruEye 90 lenses 395 per box.. I need two boxes so that's AED790 in one go :D hey, but they do have deals sometimes when you buy 3 boxes and get the 4th free.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 12:28
Your OH can negotiate on a lot of things, that's for sure. Relocation allowance (we did ship a lot of our stuff), flight tickets for both of you (we did not get yearly tickets home, however, got it when relocating), also visa paid by the company for both. Re: medical insurance, we got everything covered the first year, incl dental and eye care where I was able to get one eye test a year, also contacts or glasses, however, the company have now changed the insurer and we do not have either anylonger. The insurance can cover as little as one yearly check up, but it's better than nothing really. What I want to say is that you may want to have a full eye check up before you move here as it costs around AED500-600, and then get it done when you go back home for hols. The contact lenses are not cheap here, either, so you may want to stock up on it if you wear them daily. If you do a search on the forum, there were threads about the contacts' prices. In regard to furnishing the house I think the furniture is not expensive here. There are places like homecentre, homes r us, and pan emirates which sell quite cheap furniture (all stuff we got from them is good quality, too). Plus bear in mind there is always somebody leaving the country, hence there is loads of second hand stuff you can get. We did not like the idea of second hand beds or sofas, so in the end we bought everything new. I think electronics are cheaper than in europe, too. We got some allowance which we used for shipping some stuff, and the rest for furnishing the place. It worked out well in the end. I found it really hard to find a job so please do try to get some contacts, at least you can go out and meet them when you arrive, or they might be able to introduce you to others. as Feefmick said, networking is very important here. People often get jobs through their contacts. And why not start adding bank people and recruiters to your Linkedin network ;)
 
 
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