mannikat | ExpatWoman.com
 

mannikat

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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 15:15
Age does not undo crimes committed, the law should be applied no matter their age. Every effort should be made to ensure that innocent men are not tried unnecessarily at any age but perhaps more-so for men this old.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:13
I find it bizzare that instead of confronting this behaviour it must be accepted as the done thing.... looking is one thing staring is another, a lifeguard staring is not good practice they should be scanning the pool constantly. Looking at one lady he may as well be reading a book. I am baffled by the amount of people that think they are trained, let alone well trained i have come across at least two that can't swim and I'm sure there are many more out there. The thing that worries me is not the attitude of these men but the women on here that justify this behaviour by blaming the woman, a) it must have been what you were wearing b) you think too highly of yourself he's probably not staring.... how sad that we blame the woman... For all its gloss this is a developing country and you don't develop if you do not change, i admire the culture differences and acceptance here but there is a long way to go and education is key this type of behavior should not be acceptable.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 09:49
A few friends used feet lounge in Executive Towers in Business Bay when they were pregnant and said it was really good (one used to come up from the Marina to go there.) I use it myself (not pregnant) and find it good and good value. <em>edited by mannikat on 17/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 08:34
Read that some companies offer 6 days additional leave, if employees work their normal hours during Ramadan. Is this common? I have heard of this but only for health care workers. Nurses etc...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 09:23
Are all the apartments without white goods / oven / fridge? Online the pics appear like there is nothing in any of the apartments. . - not keen on buying everything new. edited by stary on 12/06/2014 All apartments in ET come without white goods unless you get lucky and the landlord has bought them. You don't have to buy new you can easily buy what you need on dubizzle.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 13:38
Depending on your experience you could look for an in house occupational health and safety role. You could get a NEBOSH(basic h&s qualification) cert quiet easily through britsafe. Regular hours and a good salary.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 12:14
i get like this... for me its generally hormonal.. menopause at 28 was no fun and while generally I am fine now, i get upset so easily. It may run in the family though growing up we banned my Mum from watching the news as she would cry at everything. Now i get where she was coming from, we had no understanding that the news was real. Helping is all well and good but if you're sensitive and you get upset its not necessarily going to help. I don't mean this in bad way but i've been in need of help/support at times and on a few occasions ended up comforting people that were upset for me, which was fine they meant well but it wasn't helpful. I do the best I can to make the people in my life happy and feel loved, If everyone only did this the world would be a better place. when i can i do outside stuff.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 10:15
I use AAA behind the Gold & Diamond Park, English manager. I use it for my ford but have seen lots of higher end cars there. Reasonable and so far haven't tried to sell me anything i don't need. http://www.aaadubai.com/aaadubai.htm <em>edited by mannikat on 12/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 10:09
You're not over reacting, i think you had a good plan just letting him lend what was budgeted to him. I would be mortified to ask my friends for money, its a very cultural difference, was raised on the 'neither lender or borrower be' school of thought. I once had a dodgy ex ask me for money which i barely had and a friend told me to lend it to him as i would never see him or it again and it would be worth it in the long run. This is the one and only time I've lent a sizeable amount of cash. Years later they are both long gone and i am better off, this is only exception!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 09:42
We are hoping to move to Executive towers end of this year, hopefully the rents will be going down soon too (insha'Allah!) Im in love with the new park area and the thought of having a Spinneys downstairs! [b'>Some questions:[/b'> - Is the new mosque near South Ridge at a walking distance (in nice weather) - Is there only one exit to get from SZR which is the Emirates Holidays/Marriott one, into the Exec Towers area? There always seems to be so much traffic there, surely there should be another way to get in - I heard there was a nursery actually in Executive Towers, is this true? Thanks ladies! The mosque would be easy walking distance in cooler weather but its not open yet (as far as i know) there is space for one to be built right behind ET at the Choitrams end. There is only one direct exit to SZR that you mentioned, you can go out through downtown to get out or to the back of Business bay on get on al khail and get on SZR at the Safa exit in both directions (less salik if you need to head in the AD direction) The nursery is open as far as i know also near the Choitrams end. Good luck with the rent thing ET rents have almost doubled in 3yrs!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 13:58
http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1385/kw/report
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 10:25
It has gotten so much worse in the last year year they keep changing the rules, its hard to keep up. For awhile there they were only taking immediate bookings, so ridiculous! I would suggest Careem for important journeys to the airport etc... and for regular trips be flexible and hope for the best. UBER are a rip off and even with gps they still can't seem to find simple locations!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 08:36
Sorry but to be fair to the OP she was obviously in shock and upset at the arrogance and ignorance of driver. But of course we must ignore it because its common place and all get ourselves and equally monstrous cars to compete. This behavior is not OK and accepting it should not be the done thing. I actually find it shocking the amount of people that are basically defending a dangerous driver...or of that attitude of put up and shut up. Your families and friends are on these roads, its not OK! If the OP felt better after posting here why not? and if anyone reading it was a little more considerate or more careful after reading it then job well done!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 12:45
Cash converters have become a bit of a rip off, have to say i used them a bit when they first opened but lately their are charging practically new prices. I have seen some furniture there actually cost more than the original. Currently they have a few wine racks which are priced at 1300, i bought mine which is identical new for 1000. It might be handy to get rid of your stuff there but i dont think you will get much for it. Second Hand UAE FB is handy no phone calls or texts until you almost have it sold.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 11:30
Sorry GPS'ing children? I can see the benefit in a mall if a child runs off but i dread to think where this will all end if we start doing this....
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 10:54
Sensasia have a spa in Souq Al Manzil its really good, one of the best massages i have ever had! I think it might be ladies only though.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 10:45
There must be something wrong on your bill, just checked ours (2 bed apartment, 2 people and a few plants) and its 1266. i don't think 220 can be right, but 48000 seems excessive! http://www.dewa.gov.ae/tariff/newtariff.aspx check your bill against this. <em>edited by mannikat on 04/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 13:56
Can't wait!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 16:12
Its a massage and reflexology spa. They don't do pedicures, tips and toes around the of ET is pretty good tho. <em>edited by mannikat on 01/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 11:26
Friends, dating, living together,engaged, married within 6years. It took a long time for me to come around to marriage and children. My first husband passed away shortly after we married and the thought of going through anything like that again was impossible to comprehend. Luckily my now DH loves me enough to give me time, three years had passed when i met him but healing the dreams i had given up took a lot longer then finding love again. In him i have a friend, lover, partner everything. We felt married for a long time before we were. Personally I think so many people date someone ok, then end up married because they have gone with the flow, they haven't built the relationship up from dating. You can't find love with everyone but equally you can't always build a life with someone you love, sometimes it isnt enough. If you aren't sure it could just be a bit early for you or else perhaps you aren't sure of the longevity of the relationship? Only you know how you feel.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 10:18
Personally I would say yes, I managed with public transport and taxi's for the first year then a rental car for a few months before buying my own. Getting around without a car can be done but everything takes longer and i find it harder to pick up taxi's or even book them now. I would start by renting a car and getting used to the roads, like DT said friday mornings are a great time to practice. I don't agree that you need big car. This idea is why there are so many people with big cars that they cant drive or park them. I have a small ford and i haven't had any issues with it. I drive safely and mindfully, I don't feel the need to speed up when some one over takes me and I get in lane in time. Yes you can't control what other people do but if drive calmly you'll be surprised what you can avoid. (the most incidents i have had are signs falling on my car! and inconsiderate people bashing it with their doors in car parks). Once you get behind the wheel a few times you be fine!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 13:34
If its already been signed off it may be possible but as a rule you generally cannot take leave during your notice period. Probably best to just discuss with them and see what they say, you are entitled to be paid for them if you do not take them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 14:48
Maybe a photo-book of her from birth up to her 18th with some messages/advice from family, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncle's etc and a special letter from you, with your favorite photo of her. The first letter of her name on a tiffany's necklace would be lovely or a nice watch. I got a simple silver one from my Mum and i still treasure it. Or Jewelry with her birthstone... I'm Irish so i love cladagh rings there are some beautiful modern styles now. Personally i like the idea of gifts to treasure rather than things like iphones etc... things she can have a for a long time, not necessarily expensive.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 13:37
I recently went to Dr Carol Smylie (as recommended on here) and had her check all my moles. She's lovely and knows her stuff so i would recommend seeing her or your GP to start with and go from there.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 15:40
Once you have your insurance sorted it only takes about 20mins to register,(the office near the g&d park) less if your car is less than three years, might be worth doing just in case.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 14:54
I used sandpiper coaching when i first arrived here. http://www.sandpipercoaching.com/ I went to Paul White. They are good, but i found they just clarified my skills....I felt a bit like Chandler in Friends doing all the tests and finding out he should be doing the job he was already doing.... Its good stripping everything back and looking at the aspects of your career that you like and those you don't and trying to find a career path with more of the aspects you like. Finding a job to match is the hard part! Goodluck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 11:05
You could download picasa for free and make a collage of your own photos and get it printed on canvas in satwa. Personally I like them when they have just a few photos but you could put lots in. Or you could use something like this http://www.easymoza.com/ to make a mosaic, its cheap to get the high res image then you could get it on canvas or print it and frame it. I use both a lot for making gifts.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 10:32
Next might be a good option, although for some reason I find the quality a bit hit and miss here. Never has an issue at home. Bought a great pair in mango once, went back to buy more but they were gone and haven't seen them since. They were that great material the never wrinkles and requires little or no ironing, so handy for travel.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 10:21
Thanks for the info!! I may make a trip to the Mall! HM2 i know two people with the lattissma and both highly recommend it, the milk frother bit pops off so you can put unused milk back in the fridge without any fuss. I really want a red one! hope they have them in store.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 16:15
You guys all seem to be quite happy there. Glad to hear that! I've read on some other page that Executive Towers are within walking distance to the metro station. On Google Maps however it does look rather far, even with the closest towers. Can anyone comment on that? It is walkable about 10min from the furthest Tower, but in the summer even short walks are hot sweaty experiences. I did this myself for my first summer I lived in Dubai but as I was going early and coming back late it was manageable.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 13:13
Should be able to get them here. http://www.dubailibrary.com/home.php they are on SZR near golf house, there used to be a map on the website but i can't find it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 11:47
Hi ladies, So I called St Mary's to ask about the certificate and they put me through to a man who was not helpful in the slightest, he laughed when I asked about the certificate and didn't even give me a yes/no answer? Would any of you remember the name of the lady you spoke to at St Mary's who is really helpful? Thank you!! Sorry to hear that, i think her Name was Sue or Suzanne, sorry i'm not more help. Pehaps you should try the UK embassy they might be more helpful as it sounds like more of a civil requirement. there is a guy in the office that does the typing etc. his English wasn't great so it might have been him that you spoke to. You've probably checked the St Marys website but just in case. http://www.saintmarysdubai.com/marriage_mp_course.asp according to that you only need it for marrying here.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 11:20
St Marys did it once we had all the certs, the courses and the banns done. They sent it with all the other doc's to our diocese who forwarded it to the parish, we never saw it. once the banns are done they can issue the letter of freedom. I presume the requirement would be the same for Ire and the Uk. Unless the its a completely civil requirement? Did you ask the lady in St Marys about it? (sorry her name escapes me now) best to check with her to be sure, she would know. You could ask at the course, there was a lovely Irish nun there when we went (the only person that spoke sense all day!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 10:53
Sorry for pulling up an old thread but is there anyone living in JAV that can give some feedback? We are still on the waiting list but its seems like we might have the opportunity to get one, just wondering if its a good idea? Pro's / Con's? its just the two of us at present, love the idea of a house and not too worried about the old style more the practicalities. <em>edited by mannikat on 13/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 10:36
Best thing to do is to contact St Mary's they are really helpful. St Francis is probably good too, but St Marys was closer to us. What you need is called a letter of freedom basically stating that you are not married, as you don't live where you are getting married this is an old fashioned way of checking. If you're not Catholic yourself I'm not sure how it goes as we needed baptismal and confirmation certs, then our banns were posted (with photos) at the church for a few weeks so people could notify the church if they knew either of us were married before. In the mean time you can do the pre marriage course.... its what i would call an 'experience' the the pre martial inquiry which is another 'experience' you individually go through a questionnaire with the priest. I got married in Ireland and needed nothing from the embassy what i have mentioned above should cover you as your banns will go up at the church not the embassy. good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 16:00
The company 'should' have death benefit insurance which would cover death at work which would include transit, whether this was in place or not remains to be seen. Very sad case. Our office is based on SZR and today alone i have seen two accidents from my office window, its just frightening.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 15:54
We had a girl we hardly knew assume she was invited to our wedding, it was going to be a relatively large anyway and she knew some other people that were attending. She wasn't on my radar all day except when she was rude to a good friend who was super polite and told me it was fine when really it wasn't. it didnt ruin my day and it made my life easier so it was kind of worth it. I feel for you, its not your fault but with flights booked its kind of too late. I don't know why people assume they are invited especially if you told her your numbers which obviously means its just close family. I wouldn't give her a job as that might give her the wrong idea, unless to keep her out of photos you ask her to take photos on your camera. Yes I am a bit mean but its still your wedding day and whatever about accepting her presence you don't have to have some randomer in your photos as well. Good luck, the wedding sounds beautiful! <em>edited by mannikat on 11/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 13:42
Pretty much all of them except the 24 cases of Pims!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:51
I have used both. Never had an issue with Careem. Uber I cannot recommend after a very bad NYE experience but this was the busiest night of the year, however their behaviour and service were awful. On a normal day i think they are fine, i would just rather see the business go to Careem. Long story short we were charged 6 times the normal rate which is just plain greed and spent 25 mins explaining our very easy location to a driver that has gps.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 16:53
its soooo good!! how far in are you?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 13:44
I hate that part of looking for work, i would stay as close to the truth as possible with Q1 and for Q2 i would say + 20%. this way you might get 10%. For me a change of job needs to be worth it, if they dont offer the money they need to offer something else like development & training etc.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 09:33
Always get an invoice but i have never received anything that wasn't opened. They kindly remove gift wrapping and stuff it in the box! That has never happened to me? Most of my orders are from etsy and asos.... but i've had letters opened as well. Only slightly dodgy order was knitting needles!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 09:24
Always get an invoice but i have never received anything that wasn't opened. They kindly remove gift wrapping and stuff it in the box!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 10:14
Maybe your boss is after you that's why he passed this insulting comment about your DH? I had a male friend who was after me and when I got married he commented: "But your husband looks old...I guess you married him for money". DH thinks he just misses his freedom and is a bit jealous of ours. He made a half hearted apology effort yesterday as i was leaving, he is not a happy person and i need to let this cr*p roll off my back. He just caught me on a bad day. Thanks for all the positive thoughts!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 09:54
I've ordered a few things over the limit after getting caught for the duty the first time, i usually add a note to the order that it is a gift and to have the price removed. So far so good!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 09:52
I have put my shop and ship address in for billing address with Banana Republic and it worked might be worth a try.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 14:57
Joyce B & Ashkash, that is just awful... lost for words! so sorry for both women, such difficult times made worse by such insensitive people. Makes my bosses comments pale in comparison.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 12:52
Thanks ladies. We are not trying but did have a miscarriage last year, after that we decided to enjoy a few more years just us. I'm still getting used to the idea of kids and after some trouble down there I know it may not be easy when we do try. To be honest if he said it about me I wouldn't mind as much i just felt hurt for my DH, it was so underhand/mean. I will be avoiding him until my leave next week. He is the GM and the only person i could report him to is myself ;) as i cover HR as well. It wasn't a question, it was a comment about why i am not pregnant. I came up with a list of sharp replies after.....
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 09:08
I can recommend lifeworks, I used to see Sabina, unfortunately she is leaving in June. I've attended mindfulness and meditation courses with Helen and she is lovely. Good luck I hope you find the right person for you.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 09:03
So anyone knows when Choitrams at the far end will open? Security have been told May but it will probably be later than that, possibly before Ramadan. Can't wait, dying to see what Tesco range they will have! <em>edited by mannikat on 28/04/2014</em>