mannikat | ExpatWoman.com
 

mannikat

681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 11:25
Another myth was about the pill getting to the water and effecting women's fertility, even if it there were an issue else where its unlikely here as all water is either desalinated or is spring water.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 11:13
It's a long shot but has anyone got married in the South of France? Just got engaged and want to do it there in a country chateau sort of thing, any advice much appreciated... Thanks Sorry this isn't very helpful, but a friend of mine (irish) tried to do this a few years ago and was told she or her OH had to spend a certain amount of days in France per year to be allowed to marry there, she was a teacher and initially considering spending all her hols over there, but in the end got married in croatia as it was easier. I just looked that DOF website and it doesn't mention this, so not sure if its still the case. Probably best to check with the embassy they might be able to help with the legal side. Good luck and congrats!
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 10:35
thank you skyhighgirl. Very encouraging info.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 08:50
Sorry to hijack, has anyone had cataract surgery done in Moorefields? Its been on the long finger for ages but there is a 3000aed discount going at the moment so thinking of biting the bullet. I am bit wary of all eye surgery here after going within 10 mins of getting the wrong laser eye surgery a few years ago. Very upsetting experience
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 08:28
If you have time have a look on www.etsy.com there is lots of gorgeous stuff on there and not too expensive. There is also a lady in Madinat Jumeriah that makes fasinators she might be able to make something for you. Sorry i don't have her details, will see if i can find them for you
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 08:24
Personally, absolutely no one work related people on my FB, I keep it very private, its not very exciting anyway but i don't need my boss or colleagues knowing that i am selling furniture on second hand uae etc.... i need boundaries! As for whatsapp, yes a little if i dont get an answer when i call i will usually followup with a short msg to explain why I was calling. I would like if other people did the same for me, sometimes there is no need for another call, the info has been passed on, rather than a few hours of phone tennis over nothing. I do hate getting msgs on my days off regarding non urgent stuff now i just reply hours later if at all making the point that I am off...
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 13:23
I think that they don't make it mandatory because there are some very large families here who could not afford several cars to shuttle all their members. Sorry but this could be the situation anywhere, its not an excuse, I know lots of families with 3+ kids back home and they manage, on very little money and they don't get assistance from the government beyond minimal child benefit which certainly wouldn't cover extra cars. It's not an excuse but it could be a reason why a car seat law is not mandatory here. Have you ever seen a Nissan Sunny drive by with 7 or 8 people in it? That's not such a rare sight here but would be quite a rare sight in my home country (the USA). I have 4 kids and a 7 seater-car. I could probably fit several more people in my car if it weren't for the 4 car seats. A lot of people who do not have nuclear families will try to put as many people as possible into one car. They don't even think of seat belts! edited by AnonDubai on 06/07/2014 Excuse or reason its the same end result for the kids whose parents don't understand. Not having a go at you just saying. Loaded up cars with adults and kids was a common sight growing up in Ireland, I traveled plenty in the boot of cars and the back of vans as a child and I'm sure it was common in parts of the US 20 yr ago too. Road safety is relatively new in general but laws and enforcement of same forced a change. Well then I have no idea why it is not law here considering that this country is so progressive otherwise. If there were a car seat law, store owners would be making lots more in profits. They could jack up the price of car seats. You'd think that they would have thought of that... Indeed once they think of that it will be law he next day! :)
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 13:14
I think that they don't make it mandatory because there are some very large families here who could not afford several cars to shuttle all their members. Sorry but this could be the situation anywhere, its not an excuse, I know lots of families with 3+ kids back home and they manage, on very little money and they don't get assistance from the government beyond minimal child benefit which certainly wouldn't cover extra cars. It's not an excuse but it could be a reason why a car seat law is not mandatory here. Have you ever seen a Nissan Sunny drive by with 7 or 8 people in it? That's not such a rare sight here but would be quite a rare sight in my home country (the USA). I have 4 kids and a 7 seater-car. I could probably fit several more people in my car if it weren't for the 4 car seats. A lot of people who do not have nuclear families will try to put as many people as possible into one car. They don't even think of seat belts! edited by AnonDubai on 06/07/2014 Excuse or reason its the same end result for the kids whose parents don't understand. Not having a go at you just saying. Loaded up cars with adults and kids was a common sight growing up in Ireland, I traveled plenty in the boot of cars and the back of vans as a child and I'm sure it was common in parts of the US 20 yr ago too. Road safety is relatively new in general but laws and enforcement of same forced a change.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 12:39
I think that they don't make it mandatory because there are some very large families here who could not afford several cars to shuttle all their members. Sorry but this could be the situation anywhere, its not an excuse, I know lots of families with 3+ kids back home and they manage, on very little money and they don't get assistance from the government beyond minimal child benefit which certainly wouldn't cover extra cars.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 12:33
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/uae-road-safety-even-giving-away-child-seats-for-free-failed http://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/long-awaited-uae-child-car-seat-law-may-be-in-place-next-year They need to enforce the law whenever it comes in but they also need a serious education campaign. Change takes time. I was only ever buckled in as a child as my parents didn't want to be fined, not because they didn't care but because they didn't understand the danger. Now through years and years of continuous enforcement and ad campaigns its second nature.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 10:44
Hays has a FMCG recruiter Go on Linked In, you will find all the recruiters and companies there Thanks Sarahlou he has done a lot of searching and is in contact with a few, there are just so many recruiters its hard to know who is good. That's why i was hoping for a recommendation. He was directly employed initially so this is all new to him. <em>edited by mannikat on 06/07/2014</em>
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 08:57
Bump! Even just to get them started in the right direction! Please
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 12:49
I bought mine on dubizzle, very easy. If you know of any issues be upfront this will save you hassle afterwards, some buyers will want to get it checked out at garage this should be their cost. Then just go to RTA together with all your docs, they will need time to sort insurance and maybe finance and you may need bank clearance letter if you have a car loan. Make sure you get a deposit so you don't have your time wasted. The guy i bought mine from gave me a cheque for the deposit amount which i returned when the car was signed over, this gives you both some security.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 12:11
We are thinking of downtown area any clubs there ? Are they expensive ? Meydan would be the closest to downtown (as far as i know) DH isn't a fan of golfing there as its only a 9 hole course. Al Badia is also not too far, I believes its quite pricey tho. Compared to back home all golf courses here are outrageously expensive. There are plenty two for ones in the entertainer tho. DH plays in RAK and Sharjah a lot at the weekends as its much cheaper.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 12:07
Thanks for the advice great to have some help. We are not sure yet where to live husband will work in Sharjah but I'm going to home alone so feel dubai might be more fun Have looked at downtown and the marina, are they good places to live ? The Marina would be very far for a commute to Sharjah, Downtown is nice lots amenities on your doorstep very pricey tho. Might be worth looking a Mirdiff more for your money and not as far for your DH to commute.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 08:54
they can only charge if the value is declared, if i order anything over $200 i always ask in the notes for it to be marked as a gift without price I haven't had an issue since.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 08:49
http://www.butchharmondubai.com/ My DH took lessons from John and said the were really good, he has improved a lot, would be better if practiced a bit more! They offer a pretty good package but its not cheap (to me) i think it was between 1500-2000 for a bunch of lessons with other benefits thrown in.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 08:45
It depends on how long you intend to stay in Dubai and what your rental budget is. I have seen some apartments for rent furnished that are not that much more expensive that unfurnished but these are few and far between. The quality of the furniture can also vary greatly, with some very high end places being quiet expensive and some furnished with complete tat. If you intend to stay for longer than a year and are willing to spend some time looking for second hand furniture you can cheaply furnish anywhere pretty nicely. Generally anything i have bought on dubizzle i have been able to sell on again for more or less the same price (upgrading to a better sofa and dining table after a year).
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 08:29
MrsDB if i were you i would try exhausting all physical possibilities before considering anything paranormal or untoward there is most likely is a simple explanation that is treatable or least manageable.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 13:30
I would have thought sticking it to the door would be a last resort back home. Eviction and notice to vacate are very different.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 11:51
If its sleep apnea there are things that can be done to help,(not an expert but i believe there are some treatments) if its stress related perhaps exercise or meditation in the evenings would help. Meditation and mindfulness has practically rid me of it. <em>edited by mannikat on 01/07/2014</em>
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 11:22
Not sure if its the same thing, but i get sleep paralysis as mentioned in the thread posted by Daza. Its so scary lying there helpless wanting to scream but nothing comes out, for me its related to anxiety but it can be due to sleep apnea, or disturbed REM sleep. Most people sleep very deeply after alcohol so that might explain why it happened then and as for now perhaps he is very tired at the moment.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 11:15
http://www.spagenie.ae/ i could only find false eyelash promotions but it might be worth checking those places to see if they have other offers.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 10:58
Rivington sounds like a good option to me, the evenings so far have been pretty nice so if you're having a late dinner you could still have a few drinks on the terrace before dinner with a nice view. Or perhaps for a bit of wow maybe one the restaurants in Souk Al Bahar by the fountains, maybe Rivington or Thipthara in the Palace is lovely.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 10:11
What i am trying to understand thou, is if your personal beliefs are that animals should not be used for food - how can you then disregard that belief in order to cook an animal for someone else? I guess it depends on your level of commitment to your belief. Plenty of people break their religious beliefs when it suits them i guess this is sort of similar.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 09:21
When I have people over I will always try and plan a meal that will suit everyone. My personal beliefs on food are my own, not for me to enforce on others or to be judged on. I would prefer to not eat halal meat (not having a go at anyone else) but i have no choice here so i have reduced my intake to as low as possible. I was born and raised on a farm and used to knowing my meals from field to fork and i very much look forward to going back to this.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2014 - 08:20
I don't know for a villa but for a two bed apartment for two people, 2/3 of my bill is housing fee, the next largest chunk is electricity then water. My AC is separate, which is pretty expensive.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 13:27
Memberships can be transferred. I wouldn't recommend them though, very hard to actually exercise without being pestered. My membership has just run out and i can honestly say i completely regret joining it just wasn't for me. I have mentioned on here before how rude the PT i had initially was, [b'>'if you weren't overweight it would be easier[/b'>' true but not helpful, being mean doesn't encourage me! i think there are better options for less money out there. Did you slap him? I wish, I was in such a flap I tried to point out that's why i was there. I did mention it to a manager who said i had just taken it up wrong, sort of sums up the attitude of the place.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 13:09
I haven't used any of those but i have used jadopado.com which is a local company. Very good service and you can pay cash on delivery if you chose.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 12:25
Memberships can be transferred. I wouldn't recommend them though, very hard to actually exercise without being pestered. My membership has just run out and i can honestly say i completely regret joining it just wasn't for me. I have mentioned on here before how rude the PT i had initially was, 'if you weren't overweight it would be easier' true but not helpful, being mean doesn't encourage me! i think there are better options for less money out there.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 09:20
Slight word of caution on this, in a previous apartment that i lived in in Dubai the AC controller went on fire, luckily we were there and knocked out the power straight away. I have never left it on when i have been out of the apartment since. I know it could happen in another apartment or another room but personally i just don't trust the wiring is some apartment blocks here.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 20:42
Sent you an email, you can take your address down got it thank you!
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 16:29
thanks for the replies ladies. Izzy just did a quick google of them and found a few threads on here with mixed reviews might give them a try anyway, i doubt they can be any more expensive! DDB my Nom did your guy have patterned material i am looking for something to contrast with a plain sofa. <em>edited by mannikat on 26/06/2014</em>
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 17:34
dont know why the links aren't working sorry Thanks mannikat, I would make one but I don't know how to knit! Its for a gift for someone else who does. Will look on Etsy but not sure there is time to get it from overseas. Maybe try craft land? just can't remember seeing them there. Or arte is on this weekend in times square might be worth a look.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 17:27
Has anyone seen a knitting bag anywhere similar to this [url=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DcUK-aKkEc/Uh80Ra3VVuI/AAAAAAAABig/8UVy0p8wcY0/s640/Bag-Knitting-Patterns4.jpg'>link[/url'> Want a nice one for a gift. TIA I think etsy would be your best bet, I never seen one like that here, it might be easier to make if you have the time. https://www.etsy.com/listing/156005398/funky-crochet-handbag-w-wooden-handle?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=knitted+knitting+bag+with+wooden+handle&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery https://www.etsy.com/listing/105577333/womans-knit-handbag-dusty-green?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=knitted+knitting+bag+with+wooden+handle&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery <em>edited by mannikat on 25/06/2014</em>
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 17:27
dont know why the links aren't working sorry
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 16:36
Would all of you please stop hovering around your children like a bunch if demented vultures. Instead, try teaching them to be self-sufficient. No wonder there are so many children wandering around without a lick of common sense. It's kind of difficult to acquire good instincts when your parents hover over you constantly in order to "keep you safe". Please tell me you are not actually Irish?
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 15:25
Why would you feel uncomfortable? Before a child goes through puberty, they are just that, a child. I'm assuming you don't run around public toilets naked, why would you feel uncomfortable having a child see you wash your hands or apply your lipstick? well, follow your logic you can bring a man of any age, is not it? nothing wrong if he can see you washing hands. It's just so wrong! Boys must be taught to have respect to women from young age, including her privacy. What exactly is wrong about it? I have no idea where respect comes into?
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 09:28
OP made a plan for a party, granted its not everyone's cup of tea but clearly for the people she invited it was. I can understand why she panicked, its not for herself, people have made time for this party and she would like it to go ahead as planned. I panicked for a party i had planned last year when it started bucketing down rain on the day i had organised an outdoor brunch and the hotel had no back up plan, people had arranged babysitters etc to come to my party. I didn't want to let them down, was it my fault no did i feel responsible yes, because i care when people make an effort for me. I don't see why we need to bash people when they want to have a party that involves booze or music, if they wanted a party without those things they would have organised one. It doesn't make them booze hounds or disrespectful its just different and it is allowed for 11months of the year! OP I feel for you but i think you may need to wait until after Ramadan for this type of party.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 16:35
Can anyone recommend somewhere reasonable to recover an arm chair. I tried Everest just off SZR and they were going to charge 1100aed for new legs (the legs themselves cost 60aed), DH can do this but I was hoping to save him the trouble. The recovering including fabric was going to be 3.5k and this was for average fabric. If this is the going rate i will just buy a new chair!
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 16:25
I'm sure your husband will be fine and like he said give the money as charity and let that be it. If he has no money i don't know what he was thinking coming here for work especially at this time of year. As others have said your husband has told you what is going on and has put you and your child first. Sounds like a good guy :) <em>edited by mannikat on 24/06/2014</em>
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 16:21
What I have read from some posters here is abysmal. The poster who cannot get her head around why she cannot have an adult woman put in a bunk bed because 'they live like that', I think yu ned to reassess your perception of Dubai. This is not the slums. An Indian family will squish into a one bedroom apartment because at the end of the day they are with their family. Another nationality working in a store here will squish into bunk beds because they get paid a bit more money than maids. This poster considering breaching human rights to this extreme, just think for a minute. It is this sort of treatment of people, this inconsideration of human beings that has led to many neighboring countries treating their people like garbage - because your worth is predetermined by your wealth, your passport, your color, your family name. If you have run from one of these countries, hence are living in a foreign land because you have no other option, make use of your time here and change the mentality of your children. Do not move them and put this class system in their head. Otherwise you are as responsible as those who destroyed your county. Sharjah is a more affordable Emirate. Consider that area. edited by Londiamond on 24/06/2014 Very well said!!
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 16:14
Sorry, haven't been in awhile didn't realise they had changed the timings, we always go early to avoid the rush. We did a run on a week evening a few months ago and it was pretty good, went about 7 home for by 10 (on the outer bypass not sure what its called now) rather than wasting a morning or evening at the weekend.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 15:51
Should be and it will be jammers, i would go early if you are going!
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 15:39
I usually try on what i want in the shops here then order through asos. I try and order enough to qualify for free shipping in the UK and use my shop and ship to get it here, it usually takes less than a week. I have bought one or two things from the ASOS own brand as they were very cheap, bit like primark hit and miss. if you are tall i would say skip the dresses i bought some nice looking summery dresses and they were just far too short, my petit friend loved them though! <em>edited by mannikat on 24/06/2014</em>
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 09:55
Good grief, no one is expecting anyone to come off a mountain and see women dressed differently without any information or training. Surely a lifeguard that will be working at a pool where women are [b'>allowed[/b'> to wear western swimming attire should receive proper training. Staring is not effective when working as a lifeguard it endangers everyone else at the pool. Do we think that this behavior was never or is not an issue back in our own countries, of course it was, and why has it been reduced over the years? Through education! Women are not required to cover here, they are required to dress modestly and should do so. However when dressed modestly for their location they have a right to not be harassed.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 11:28
Good luck....its painful but dubizzle is the best way. You may find anestate agent on there that will have a few places to lease in the area. The won't deal with anyone that isn't in country as they want to let them out as quickly as possible to get money in.
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 09:32
Thanks for the warning. Why would gardeners do this? why do they hack to death plants? What?
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 09:11
Thanks for the warning. Why would gardeners do this?
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 09:08
Also with the case of war crimes in WW2, a lot of the minions being prosecuted had no real say in what they were doing - a case of do or you and your family is next..... Not accurate especially for junior officers, many were allowed to transfer out of working in the camps if they chose to do so. 'I was following orders' does not lessen the crime however as someone else has said the evidence from so long ago is unlikely to be reliable. If these men are guilty and were sorry they could admit it but that is unlikely.