lulubaker | ExpatWoman.com
 

lulubaker

309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 13:55
Best and most effective one is Driclor. You can buy it in the pharmacy. You have to apply it at night, leave to dry and wash it off in the mornings, twice a week to start with I think. Be sure to wash it off, as it will stain your clothes. Really works.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 13:52
My youngest daughter was out of daytime nappies by the time she was 18 months, but just could NOT stay dry at night. I tried everything, and she was so embarrassed about it, couldn't go for sleepovers, etc. Eventually got the 'gadget' that flydiver11 mentioned and voila! out of nighttime nappies and dry within a week. From memory, I think I got it from Boots online. Worked like a charm, thoroughly recommend it.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 12:19
Totally agree Noddy2! It's a big investment, so you want to get it right. There are so many options. I HATE to see guys in kilts that are too long, it's just awful. My father spent a small fortune many years ago (he's now dead) buying his kilt, jackets. sporrans, etc and it seemed like quite an extravagance at the time. However, it's still good as new, and fits my eldest son as if it were custom made for him, and he's so so proud to wear it. Worth spending time and money to get it right.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 07:00
Bon Voyage - and welcome to Abu Dhabi! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 10:56
On a similar note, we paid to store furniture for about 10 years, bought a house, took it out of storage, and promptly threw about 90% of it in a skip!! Be very selective. Good luck!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 10:45
If you're unhappy about it and it bothers you then, yes, definitely let them know.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 10:32
That particular comment has been deleted from that thread...
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 10:29
Isn't that THE most annoying thing ever?? Don't try and take it off at home, some of these tags are filled with dye and if removed incorrectly they will ruin the item. I would try a shop closer to home and see if they have the same system, I'm sure they will do it if they can. I once bought underwear from Victoria's Secret in MoE, got back to Doha, and realised they'd left the tag on. Managed to get it removed in 'Warehouse' thankfully. Phew!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 10:25
If you're paying for shipping yourself, then I would suggest you sell. If the company's paying, you might want to take some stuff. I've been in the Middle East for 8 years, will probably be here for another 2, and I don't intend taking any furniture back to Scotland when we eventually move back. Fed up of it now, and it doesn't owe me anything! I'm going to have open house and let the workers/maids come and take what they want. Really!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 09:43
I've only been using the Dubai board for a few months now, I was in Qatar before and the board there was fairly quiet and to be honest, boring! My 'expatwoman' friends and I often used to comment that the Dubai forum was more forthright, fast-moving and, dare I say it, b*tchy?! People seem to be more willing to say what they really think, rather than pussyfoot around the issue, and I find that quite refreshing. I'm actually in AD, but the forum there is DEAD!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 09:27
Have to agree Quinn10 - the French seem to have the right attitude. In my experience (personal and friends) there is NO SUCH THING as an amicable divorce. It always gets bitter & nasty, always. My own ex deducted £10 from my monthly allowance when he found out I had sold a microwave we received as a wedding present!! (long time ago) Yes, really. They seem to become obsessed with hurting you any which way they can, and financially is usually their most potent weapon. Seen it happen so many times. If the OP can sit it out, live the life, spend her husband's money and be oblivious to her husband's 'indiscretions' then good luck to her. I tried to hold my first marriage together in a similar situation (I was young, financially dependent, 2 young kids, scared) and couldn't tolerate it for more than a couple of weeks. It was a half-life and I felt worthless and insulted.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 08:38
Although I think Quinn10 is somewhat harsh in her delivery, in essence she's right. If my husband was cheating on me, I'd go back to my home country in a flash and file for divorce there, absolutely no question. I've seen so many friends clinging on to their lifestyle here, using excuses like 'the children are in good schools, they live in a lovely apartment, they'll miss their friends' etc etc. The reality is that they want to continue to enjoy the Dubai life, and for what? When it boils down to it, family is much more important than a flash car or fancy apartment. If you want to prostitute yourself for what you perceive to be a better quality of life then that's your choice, but think carefully. Many of my divorced friends are finding life as a single parent in the Middle East anything but easy, and their children are also going through very troubled times. <em>edited by lulubaker on 25/08/2013</em>
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 08:30
Hi jojojo! You might get more responses if you post this on the maids forum. I have 2 little dogs and have been really lucky in having had 2 housekeepers (here & in Qatar) who love them as much as I do! In my opinion, most Phillipinas are good with animals, Muslim maids will not want to work in a home with dogs. Good luck in finding someone.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 08:25
sasha.p - PLEASE don't be terrified about life in Doha! It really isn't that bad, in fact it's a great place to live. I was there for seven years (now in Abu Dhabi) and loved it. Of course there are frustrations, things wIll annoy you, people will p*ss you off, traffic is horrible, etc etc BUT just remember that nowhere is perfect, even your home country. I firmly believe that a place is what you make it. If you come to Doha with a positive attitude, you'll be fine. If you come to Doha terrified and worried, you'll find it much harder. Look on it as an adventure, use this forum to get advice & make contacts. There's plenty to do in Doha, you just have to sometimes look a bit harder to find it. I made some of my best ever friends in Doha, some through expatwoman, and having been an ex-pat for nearly 20 years, that says a lot. Good luck!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 21:39
Lol @ TDB! Steak bake? Tattie & bean pie?
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 August 2013 - 02:09
He doesn't want you to leave the house - why on earth not? You're a responsible adult. Protective or controlling? You're never going to meet people and make friends if that's how he is. Take Ginnee up on her kind offer, she could be a lifeline. Friends are so very important when you're an expat.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 12:20
I wouldn't buy cosmetics online - you need to try them out first. I always buy MAC and there are several stores in the malls here. The sales assistants will give you advice & help you choose. If your husband can't take you shopping, why don't you get a taxi? You can't sit home alone Jennifer13! Come to the expat woman coffee mornings when they start up again in al wadha mall on Wednesday mornings and make some new friends. Then shopping will be fun!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 23:12
I hate it too! It's over familiar at best & patronising at worst.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 21:57
Livelytrish - my Mum warned me not to eat green or 'blighted' potatoes when I was pregnant! Is this a Scottish thing? All four of my children were induced (clearly I have the gestation period of an elephant!) and none of them is autistic.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 01:49
PLEASE don't buy from a breeder - they are only interested in making money and not the dog's well-being. I acquired 2 fabulous little dogs when I lived in Doha, both throwaways. I got in touch with the rescue charities and let them know that I wanted to adopt a small dog, and I ended up with 2 gorgeous pure breeds - a Miniature Pinscher and a Pomeranian. Both dumped but so so sweet and full of love. I adore them. If you're patient, you will get the dog you want, and you'll be giving a home to an animal who really needs it. Good luck.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 16:45
Hi Scrappy! You'll love living in Abu Dhabi, it's really a very easy place to live. Where will you be living and which school are your kids going to? My kids are older and now left home, but most of my friends have school-age kids and there seems to be LOTS of activities for them to do. You'll make friends very quickly - come along to the coffee mornings in Al Wadha Mall on Wednesdays, it's a great way to meet people. Good luck with the move!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 00:07
Lol @ Asti! Have to agree......NASTY!! Havaianas all the way for me.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 20:21
Goodness Gorobattie - calm down!! I wasn't quoting or getting at you directly..........I said 'so many ladies' and indeed, someone had suggested banning the maid. I am more than capable of READING what you wrote and even UNDERSTANDING what you wrote. ;) Above all else, I hope PoV sorts out the problem. End of.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 15:56
PoV - so sorry you're feeling sad & insecure during what should be such a happy time for you, but as he other ladies have said, pregnancy hormones can play havoc with your emotions. Seems to me your husband is trying his best to be kind and helpful, and maybe has had words with you maid to this effect too. To be honest, I'm shocked that so many ladies are saying 'cancel her visa, no references, send her home, ban her, etc etc' Unless you have evidence of any wrong-doing, this is unnecessarily harsh as she has not done anything wrong. Poor girl will be punished & penalised through no fault of her own. If you're unhappy with her, by all means get rid of her, but try and help her find another position rather than send her home. Hope all goes well and you're feeling better.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 15:51
My dogs LOVE cat food! lol
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 01:16
Sorry, can't really help you with any of your queries other than to say it normally takes A LONG TIME to get anything done in Doha. So sorry you haven't enjoyed your time - I lived there for 7 years and can honestly say I loved every minute. Lived in many countries around the world (now in Abu Dhabi) and Qatar was certainly one of my best experiences. <em>edited by lulubaker on 06/08/2013</em>
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 18:15
Oh I hate that too! Being the age I am now, and not giving a hoot, I turn round and say 'excuse me, but would you mind moving away and not touching me?' Standing too close to someone doesn't make the queue move any faster!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 18:13
Thanks for sharing that Singarosa - made me laugh out loud!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 12:59
Yes, Keiran is the owner.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 12:58
Lol@tattiebogle! Simple face wipes Birthday cards P*gs ears & treats for my dogs Shampoo
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2013 - 23:36
Thanks Livelytrish - just ordered it from Amazon. I love historical fiction, even if it is a genre that is looked down upon by some! <em>edited by lulubaker on 27/07/2013</em>
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2013 - 22:03
Wolf Hall & Bring Up The Bodies - Hilary Mantel The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory (or any of her novels!) Town House (Suffolk House Trilogy) - Norah Lofts Kite Runner & Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaded Hosseini Behind the Scenes at the Museum & One Good Turn - Kate Atkinson Camberwell Beauty - Jenny Eclair ........and LOTS of others!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2013 - 21:48
Hobbitgirl, I can give you first hand advice about this as my eldest daughter did the IB (in Venezuela) and my 2 younger ones A levels at Doha College. First of all, universities will accept both IB students and A levels. I wouldn't say one is better than the other BUT universities do love IB students as it's a tough diploma so it shows the student has commitment and self-motivation and is well prepared for university. If your daughter opts for IB, when she applies to UCAS (I'm assuming she will go to university in the uk?) she will get offers based upon her final points score (from what I remember, IB students study 6 subjects, for which they can score a maximum of 7 points, plus an extended essay for which they can score up to 3 points) So the MAXIMUM score would be 45 points. So she may get offers saying '36 points, but must have minimum of 5 in Maths & 6 in Biology.'......or whatever depending on which subject she is going on to study. Hope this makes sense. A levels is obviously much more straight forward! But be warned, the UCAS rules state that a student MUST have been schooled in the UK or an EU country for a minimum of 3 years prior to starting university, or else they will be regarded as an overseas student and subject to overseas student fees. This is a grey area indeed. You may be asked to produce evidence of residence in the uk - doctor's address, utility bills, etc. When my eldest daughter went to university in Edinburgh from Venezuela, we had been out of the UK for 3 years only at that stage, and we managed to get my husband's company to write a letter saying that our posting was merely a temporary secondment, which was accepted. My son went to York university 3 years ago and got home status - we do have a property in the uk, but we were not asked for any 'evidence' despite the fact that he has never been educated in the UK! My daughter started university in Edinburgh last summer, and initially was granted home status - however, after a few months, we were told that they'd made a mistake, and she would be treated as an overseas student, so we have to pay. Luckily, she's doing a heavily subsidised NHS course, so fees are not too horrendous BUT if she'd been studying medicine, for example, I dread to think what the fees could have been. There are no hard and fast rules - most British overseas students seem to 'get away with it' but I do think UCAS is tightening up the rules, so it's something you must consider. We were lucky 2 out of 3 times, so can't really complain. Hope this helps - it is a bit confusing. Good luck.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 12:04
Try Curls & Colour, Al Maqta Village near Khalifa Park. Nice clean salon, easy parking and you can usually get an appointment within a day or two. Lovely Irish girl so no communication problems! Also great for manis & pedis. Tel 02 449 6010
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 14:18
JoyceB - so sorry to hear your DD's IVF didn't work. I know and understand just how utterly devastating this can be, as my DD has gone through the same thing recently. She had her beautiful little boy 20 months ago through IVF (successful first time, so lucky) and several embryos were frozen at that stage for further attempts. She & her husband decided that the time was right a few months ago, but the embryos deteriorated so much during the process that there was only a 5-10% chance of success. Nevertheless, they decided to go ahead, and tried not to build their hopes up too much, but of course, it failed. This is when I absolutely HATE being an ex-pat and living abroad. All I wanted to do was to be there and put my arms around my darling girl and give her a big hug (or bosie in our language!). They have no more embryos to use, so are back to square one, but determined to try again. However, this will be their final attempt for various reasons, but mostly financial. They have had no treatment on the NHS, have had to fund it all themselves, so far it's cost over £10,000. Luckily, they had a small inheritance which they used to pay for their first treatment and Brody was the result. We've paid for this latest round. So keep your fingers crossed. But as I've said to my daughter, she HAS a beautiful little boy, who is the apple of our eyes. She's known the joy of pregnancy and giving birth, which some women never get to experience. She knows how lucky she is, but the longing for another child is so powerful.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 23:19
happ1 - I think you must be on another Beverley Hills compound, maybe Al Rayyan? Bev Hills 1 is certainly AT LEAST 10 years old. I had friends who moved in there in 2005 and it was several years old by that point. However, it's a lovely, established compound with good facilities and lots of young families. Very convenient for Villaggio and well situated for Doha College. I lived in the adjacent Al Bustan villas and used to drive my kids to DC - depending on traffic (always a problem in Doha) it can take between 5-20 minutes. Oops sorry, Alycia78 - just noticed you said DC in West Bay. Maybe someone else could advise, but I'd guess about 45 minutes. <em>edited by lulubaker on 15/07/2013</em>
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 15:11
mrsb - you say that sponsors are required by law to hold passports of those they employ. Is this really the case? I find it hard to believe - a passport is the personal possession of the holder, nobody else. Does this 'rule' apply only to domestic servants/labourers and not 'white collar' workers like us and our husbands?
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 08:15
Lol @ GirlAnachronism! One of my biggest gripes about Zara is the extremely condescending attitude of the staff. I've lost count of the number of times I've bought something there and the whole transaction has been done without ONE WORD spoken to me by the sales assistant. One time I actually said 'Do you realise that you haven't said one word to me?' and he gave me a look of such contempt, as if I was dirt on his shoe. In the immortal words of Edina from Absolutely Fabulous 'Drop the attitude sweetie, you're only a shop assistant'. (With apologies to all the lovely & helpful sales ladies out there)
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 08:07
ellaar, Links & Walencia are in the middle block. Small-ish shops but their private showrooms are huge! I used to go to Greeneye but found their prices got very high and they were absolutely NOT prepared to haggle. That's all part of the fun!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 08:04
Shame, I LOVE Russell Brand. Saw a clip of his recent appearance on a US tv show where he ran rings around the extremely inane & dull presenters. He's incredibly intelligent & articulate, but definitely not everyone's cup of tea!
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 07:57
Both my kids went to DC and were very happy there. Both achieved excellent A level results and went to good universities in the UK. DC is not perfect by any means, but then NO SCHOOL IS, I think people tend to forget that and look at schools back in their home country through rose coloured spectacles. Every school anywhere has issues that some parents will find disappointing, whilst other parents are not that concerned. Sure, the buildings are outdated and sports facilities are limited, but academically and socially, it's a great school. My daughter spent seven years there (her entire secondary education) and had a fantastic time, making lifelong friends of all nationalities and cultures.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 09:36
Links is the best (next to Walencia)- always go there and have got some amazing bags. Not the cheapest, but the quality is superb. Their 'secret shop' is fantastic.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 09:32
DB - exactly my thoughts, could have written that myself! I too have BB Bold and iPhone - love the iPhone but HATE writing a message on it. I have BIG fingers and make so many mistakes (and don't even get me started on auto-correct) it takes me forever to write anything. Having said that, if and when bbm comes to iPhone I'll ditch my blackberry once and for all.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 10:10
I used to live in Paris, and without doubt, the BEST show is the Lido on the Champs Elysees. Moulin Rouge is over-rated and not such a good show. The Lido is very central, easy to get to and plenty of good bars & restaurants close by.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 07:52
I've just come back from holidaying in Bangkok & the best place to go is Silom Village. Any taxi driver will take you there. It's a small shopping centre and there are a couple of good shops there that do great copies. They have a catalogue and you can choose the bag you want and they will fetch it for you. My friend (who lives in Bangkok) took me so we got good prices. I bought a beautiful new season Fendi and when I was in Karama this week, all the guys there admired it and wanted to know where I got it as they don't have it yet! Great quality, but not cheap - about same prices as Karama. However, like Karama, all the shops were on high alert for police raids, so it can be hit & miss. My friend said MBK rubbish - ok for kids but that's all! If you google Silom Village you will find it - think the shop I bought from was called Jinny, or maybe the one next to it. Good luck! <em>edited by lulubaker on 18/06/2013</em>
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 17:05
And we should all make sure we're up to date with the inane goings-on of so-called celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears et al.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 07:12
I've just picked my jaw up from the floor to where it fell after reading this thread, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. A interview to join a BOOK CLUB? How utterly ridiculous and opinionated. I don't need anyone to judge me on my background, where I come from or which famous authors I know. Talk about being patronising & judgemental! I'll join your club Progressions, sounds more like my cup of tea. And can we add lipgloss & inappropriate shoes to the list of requirements for membership? ;) <em>edited by lulubaker on 03/06/2013</em>
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 18:13
Teresa May & William Hague?
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 13:29
RachelA - what a very lovely friend that must have been :)
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 14:31
Best thing would be if you can drive down for the day and have a look around for yourself. As I'm sure you know, it's an easy drive, only an hour-ish depending on which end of Dubai you're travelling from.