mrsrjbr | ExpatWoman.com
 

mrsrjbr

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Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 09:08
Hi ladies, Anyone know where to buy replacement windscreen wiper blades? TIA x
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 13:01
Thanks ladies, it is nad al Sheba. Went there this morning, v easy to find and they were very helpful. X
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 08:24
Anyone know? Thank you! X
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 08:28
Hi Travis, As many as you can spare! I'm sure that in replacing the broken ones, we may inflict damage on the surrounding tiles! Thank you v much xx
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 07:59
Hi ladies, We have cracked a couple of our downstairs floor tiles in villa in al Reem, and would really like to replace them with the same ones. Does anyone know where to buy them or have any spares? Many thanks in advance xxx
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Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 07:23
H ladies, A strange request.... Does anyone know where to buy huge swimming trunks to fit a 50" male waist? In the uk, there is High and Mighty, but not sure if the equivalent exists here? (Our maid burnt my father in laws swimmers when she ironed them!!!) Thanks in advance xx
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Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 10:29
Thanks ladies, wanted to try somewhere new so your recommendations have reassured me! Xx
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Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 09:51
Springs/lakes/Arabian ranches the letters M and E mean Middle unit and End unit like sandy dog says, and the numbers refer to size. 4 is the smallest and 1 is the largest. So 1E is the largest end unit, 4M is smallest middle unit etc etc. Hth x
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Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 19:57
The bank instruct an independent valuer once you have paid them the valuation fee (or this is how it worked in our case - perhaps there are different processes with different banks). They literally walk around the property internally and externally to confirm it is worth the money the bank will be lending ie it is not as thorough as a structural survey which would take place in the UK. The valuer valued our villa at the price we had agreed to pay for it. HTH! x
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Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 06:34
The arrangement fee is just a charge levied by the bank for processing your mortgage, so it's a matter of finding out which banks have an offer on and will waive it. Make sure you find out up front what the full monthly repayment charges will be, not just what the loan repayment is - some add on life insurance (and won't let you use any other policy you have in place whilst others will), some add on their own buildings insurance policy, some banks insist on salary transfer etc etc. There is some work to be done finding the right mortgage deal but you can save yourself a fortune rather than use a broker. Oh and some charge a valuation fee of a couple of thousand dirham ie sending someone to the property to confirm it is worth what you want to pay for it. Don't forget that once you purchase the property, you have to pay 2% of the purchase price to the agent, 2% to the Land Registry and 0.25% of the mortgage value to register your mortgage. It probably seems like a minefield when you start out but it really is quite straightforward. We were really anxious about the whole process initially but I can honestly say it was really simple, very efficient and everything happened on time! The bank was brilliant - we were assigned one person who looked after us throughout the transaction, even came to the house with the paperwork and explained everything anytime we had a query. And find a good agent who you trust, ours was fantastic and basically took care of the whole process for us.
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 18:53
We went with ADIB, deposit was 15% and rate was 4.99 fixed for 5 years. Also no arrangement fee which made a big difference, buildings insurance is included, we can overpay up to 30% per year with no penalties. Happy house hunting! X
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Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 18:52
Hi kateh, We've just bought a villa in the ranches purely because my husbands contract here is indefinite and his housing allowance will pay off the mortgage in Less than 10 years, and we were feeling sick at the amount we were spending on rent!! (plus our landlord was Irish and was quite open about the fact that by renting his apartment, we were paying HIS mortgage off for him!) My advice would be if you need a mortgage ( as we did) be very wary of using a broker ( even the well known ones who are highly recommended on here) as we started working with one with a very good reputation who assured us that they could access deals that we couldn't get by going direct to the banks ourselves. The broker put forward a great mortgage deal exclusive to them allegedly which they would have charged about 18k for arranging. Anyway, before parting with that sum of money, I decided to do a quick bit of research and within an hour, had found the exact deal the broker said only they could arrange!! To ad insult to injury, when I called the broker to say I could access the same deal myself, so wouldn't need their services, he asked if he could still process our application FREE of charge, as the bank in question would give him commission! We were also told by the broker that negotiating the MOU ( memorandum of understanding) would be extremely difficult and we could unwittingly fall prey to clauses that would leave us open to all sorts of liabilities, and that as part of their fee, they would advise us on the contracts and protect our interests. However, we were lucky enough to find a good real estate agent who took care of the whole process (bear in mind you have to pay them 2% of the purchase price so they should do a good job!) and we are very, very glad we purchased without wasting money on a mortgage broker. It was nothing like the minefield the broker had led us to believe it would be! Also, if you need a mortgage, it is definitely worth getting pre approval in advance, as a sale can't proceed without this, and the banks can take a couple of weeks (broker or otherwise!) to produce the required paperwork. Pre approval is usually only valid for 30 days so you need to be prepared to move quickly once you have this. Also many agents are not willing to show properties until you have pre approval in place. Let me know if you need any more info, and happy house hunting!!
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 11:54
Got your email, have just messaged you! xx
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Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 13:51
Hi uary, yes, they've all gone to a good home - sorry!! xx
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 20:50
Hi, We're in Al Reem 1, pm me and I'll send my address : sojorobo at googlemail dot com
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 18:41
From very recent experience Smith & Ken were awful - advertising houses on Dubizzle complete with photos - but they had been sold ages ago and they had nothing comparable to what they were advertising! Allsopp and Allsopp - very arrogant and never returned calls. Without a doubt, I would recommend Sharon at House Hunters, she has been excellent and we are completing on our purchase in a couple of weeks.
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 08:50
Hi Scandi, I don't know where Dr Koster has gone but will watch this thread to see if anyone else knows.....I saw her in January after giving birth in December (she was amazing btw!), and had to ring for some results a week later and was told then that she had gone back to Sweden and may not be returning. Anyway, I did hear she was back at Healthbay in March but was no longer doing deliveries from American.....I'm meant to see her again in a few weeks, so will try and track her down and keep you posted x
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 19:59
Hi interiors, whilst I can't vouch for sure for the reasoning behind city banning doulas, I did hear that the doula in question was doubting the obgyn's assessment of the patients dilation and proceeded to carry out an internal on the mummy-to-be herself which I understand to be totally beyond a doula's remit. Can completely appreciate a hospital not wanting to find themselves in a situation where their highly qualified medic was being challenged in what can be a life threatening situation for mummy and baby, and hence taking the decision to prevent themselves being in the same position again. Also from a personal perspective, I wouldn't want to be caught in that situation if I was mid-giving birth! As I say, I can't say for sure this is what happened, just what I heard on the grapevine....
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 09:14
Yes, we have spoken to a few agents and their opinions varied wildly!!
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Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 14:47
Thanks ladies, I'll try them both. We have a mortgage approved and agents are advertising properties within our budget but don't seem to be able to arrange any viewings??!! We're beginning to wonder if anything is actually for sale or if we're on a wild goose chase.....
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Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 07:08
Hi ladies We are considering purchasing in the Springs and wondered if anyone has bought there recently and what % discount you negotiated on the asking price?? Also have you gone direct to banks for a mortgage or used a broker? Any good deals out there? Thanks in advance x
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Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 17:55
Hi ladies, We're looking for a company to service our air conditioning system, we're in the Marina - anyone have any recommendations?? Many thanks as always!! xx
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 17:55
Hi Swaroski, Try Exhale on JBR, 2 morning classes a week which are really good. HTH xx
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Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 09:52
Hi ladies, just to let you know there are 9 of us (at last count I think!) all due in December and Jan who have met up a couple of times to discuss our growing bumps, experiences, excitement etc etc. We've found facebook is easiest way to arrange get togethers, yoga, pilates et al so if you look up Dubai Winter Babies on Facebook, I can add you and hopefully you will be able to make the next meet up and/or yoga classes..... Look forward to meeting you!! Xx
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 10:03
No, you are not alone!! I am hungry-ish in the mornings, can manage a small lunch and can happily go with just a bowl of rice krispies for supper... xx
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 17:20
Edited to add looking at sales/rentals positions.....
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Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 14:09
Hi duddym, We live here on a v high floor, and to be honest we are not disturbed by any noise although can't speak for floors further down. When we first moved to the Marina we were constantly aware of construction, traffic etc etc but perhaps have now acclimatised to the area - and Dubai in general!! Overall we LOVE living here, the location is brilliant and we are not affected by JBR traffic as we turn off before the queues start. We have a couple of issues with the maintenance side of things but are being reassured that this will be sorted, I think all new buildings have teething problems. The finish of the apartments is fab, and when it is a bit cooler the pool and tennis court are lovely. Hope that helps!!
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 07:40
Hello ladies (due Nov, Dec and Jan!!) I'm planning on starting exercise classes next week - pre-natal yoga at Zen in Media City - can I join you Bexx?? (although I have never done any kind of yoga before so will be the most unflexible, least bendy person there I am sure!) and aquafit at Hayaa and Dubai Ladies Club (don't need to be members of either). Just need to find an accommodating swimming cossie first! Anyone else fancy it? Sea Otter are these classes near to you? xx
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 10:15
HI CK1, congrats on your second baby!! Drop me a line at sojorobo at googlemail dot com xx
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 16:38
So the doppler has been rehomed? I am tempted but my hubby has banned me (he knows I would be listening 24/7!) xx
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 16:39
Hello ladies, hope you are all enjoying the weekend!! I have to say time seems to be going a lot quicker now I am passed 12 weeks, and starting to feel human again!!
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 16:46
Congrats KTS and Polar02 :-) I saw my obs/gynae this morning and she did a v quick scan, Baby R was dancing away happy as can be! We are dying to meet our little one!! Anyone know when Destination Maternity sale starts? My jeans are rather snug!!
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 16:39
Hello ladies, welcome and congrats to the Due December newbies! DC Diva - I am seeing an obs/gynae locally (ie not in a hospital) and she has been AMAZING!! (I had a late missed miscarriage first time around and she has been totally understanding about our anxieties this time). We always get at least half an hour with her, and never feel hurried. So although she isn't there for the delivery, we have decided to see her for the duration of the pregnancy (after all, the obs/gynae at the hospital may be on an emergency/on leave/off sick when the big day comes!!) I am putting off buying maternity clothes at the moment althought I don't think I can comfortably delay some new jeans for much longer!! Good luck to the ladies who are having scans this week!
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 18:57
Hi ladies, KTS - has your doc given you Navidoxine? It was a lifesaver for me when I was really sick..... DC Diva - I too have cursed myself re morning sickness, it is back with a vengeance although thankfully only late afternoon onwards.... Me and hubby are really tempted to go shopping and buy a couple of little baby things just to really make it real - or is it too soon?? Have a great weekend xxx
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Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 09:23
We're breaking the news to all our friends and family tomorrow, looking forward to finally being 'properly' pregnant (despite the morning sickness and slightly bulging tum, keeping it a secret doesn't make it so real somehow!!). Hope you Due December ladies are all doing well xxx
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Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 11:08
Hello ladies, I have just found this link which might be useful for those of us going through 12 weeks scans : http://www.baby2see.com/medical/nuchal_12weekscan.html I wish I had read this before I went for mine, it would have made sense of all the cursors on the screen and measurements that were being taken!!
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 15:00
Hi KTS, I had the scan which I referred to as the NT scan a little bit early, as I have had a few complications (lost 6 kilos, had spotting, thyroid levels have gone off the chart etc etc - all of which can be contributed to the terrible morning sickness I have had so will hopefully *fingers crossed* resolve themselves now it is easing off!) Our insurance covered us for an early 'Fetal Wellbeing Scan' which included all the things they measure in the 12 week scan, one of the main focusses is the nuchal fold like Mover and a Sheika says.....I'm not sure if you have the option not to have this.....and be warned - unless you specifiy beforehand, they will apparently tell you during the scan what the gender of the baby is. We have decided to keep that as a surprise for now! xx
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 09:23
I'm feeling your pain DC Diva! Navidoxine REALLY helped me (although it made me sleep like mad and always took about 2 hours to kick in). I'm at 11 weeks and 1 day now, and the morning sickness is really starting to ease although my appetite hasn't come back yet. (I cooked some chicken for my hubby last night and the nausea came back with a vengeance....) Hang in there, the end is almost in sight!! xx
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 09:19
Hi ladies, please count me in for a meet up (I'm not working although my husband could definitely be considered a full time occupation ha ha!). Hope you are all feeling much better as the end of the first trimester approaches....my morning sickness is definitely improving and almost feel human again! Apparently they call the next three months the 'honeymoon trimester', I am looking forward to that! I had an early NT scan yesterday (11 weeks, 1 day) and all came back fine :-) but still feel we should wait until 12 weeks to break the good news. The wait is killing us!! xx
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 10:40
Hello ladies, my fonts of all knowledge! I've just had a call from my doc to tell me that my thyroid levels which were tested on Saturday have come back as extremely low (normal is apparently 2.0, I'm clocking in at a meagre 0.6). I'm being referred to a specialist tomorrow but I was just wondering if any of you have been in the same boat, and what your experiences and outcomes where? (Doc did say it can happen when you suffer badly from morning sickness which I most certainly have). I'm nearly 11 weeks so was hoping to be nearing the end of the first trimester worry! Thanks in advance xx
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Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 12:30
Hello ladies, I'm joining you!! Due 14th December, it's my first and I'm an oldie - nearly 36!! xx
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 07:39
Lifeline Medical centre at JBR 04 399 1119. HTH x
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 21:00
As I literally count the days of the first trimester, navigating constant morning sickness, sore b00bs and the ability to burst into tears at the drop of a hat (flummoxing my OH every time!), I wonder how some people have NO IDEA they are pregnant until they give birth??!! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1384143/Lauren-Peberdy-went-bathroom-gave-BIRTH-idea-pregnant.html
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Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 21:58
Hello Ummyinsh, Firstly, huge hugs to you - I had to have a D&C last September after a missed miscarriage at 11.5wks. It was a really upsetting time, so all my thoughts are with you. I went to Medcare and have to say, I was looked after incredibly well. I had to be admitted at midnight for them to start me on meds overnight, and had the op at 11am. I was back home early evening and didn't suffer any pain or much bleeding afterwards (although obviously I was very upset and shaken). Unfortunately, I wasn't covered by insurance as we had recently arrived in Dubai and my husband's company insurance didn't cover me for the first 6 months. I think it depends on your insurance, I know a friend who had to self-pay for a D&C and was then reimbursed. It's worth checking with your provider so you are prepared. Feel free to contact me if you want any more info, and I hope everything works out for you xxxxx
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Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 08:00
Hi ShellFC, you have to send it back to the UK to a department in Milton Keynes....you can arrange attestation and payment on line, I think we got ours back within 3 weeks. I went to the British Embassy in Dubai first (thinking they could attest it, as we had already had it attested by a Notary Public in the UK) which was a total waste of time... Here is the link to the website to arrange it : http://www.ukofficialservices.co.uk/apostille_certificates/legalisation-of-existing-documents.asp When it comes back, you have to go to a local government building opposite the Oman Embassy, pay a nominal amount and they put a gold sticker on it. Then you are good to go for your visa. Once all this admin is done (nightmare as it seems now!) the rest is plain sailing! HTH xx
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 10:14
Aaahhh, thanks ladies, good to know I am not alone (although I am sorry anyone else is suffering this!). Was beginning to worry as other friends who are pregnant seemed to have breezed through the first trimester with just a little bit of sickness...... Difficult to know what the right thing to do is re Duphaston - we had been TTC for 7 months after a missed miscarriage last year, and nothing was happening (despite falling pregnant straight away the first time). Doc did tests, came back that my progesterone was so low that my body would struggle to maintain a pregnancy. I was put on Duphaston and fell pregnant the same month. Might have been a coincidence, who knows.....!! If it is the meds making me feel this sick, I feel it is worth battling on with them....seeing the doc again on Saturday so hopefully she'll either decrease the dose or take me off them if everything seems to be going ok. Meanwhile, it's back to staying out of the kitchen and subsisting on crackers!! Hope you feel better soon KTS!
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 18:51
Thanks for the reassurance HAK, I'm on Duphaston too (my last pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 11.5wks and when we started TTC again, my bloods came back as having low progesterone). I'm having another scan on Saturday so if all is well, I'm hoping I'll be given the green light to come off the meds. I hate taking tablets but I'm too scared to risk not taking them! Back to the crackers for me until then......!
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Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 07:30
Hi Miss London, I can thoroughly recommend Dr Justine at Lifeline JBR, she is brilliant! Nothing is too much trouble, she provides her mobile number to be used at anytime (text her and she calls straight back even on weekends) and she really seems to care.The rest of the nurses at Lifeline are lovely too. She arranges for you to see the delivery obs a couple of times before the big day and seems to be able to get you in with obs who are otherwise not accepting new patients. Although she doesn't deliver, I am so happy with her level of care that I am sticking with her! I've always been able to get appointments and never had to wait, and she really takes her time during consultations. HTH! xx
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 18:32
Love 101 at The One&Only on The Palm, amazing atmosphere on the jetty at night!
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 18:29
We recently went to At.mosphere for afternoon tea, which was great. Not quite the lavish experience of the Burj al Arab but amazing nevertheless. We spent nearly 3 hours up there with limitless tea and mocktails.....also visited just for early evening cocktails and canapes (there's a minimum spend of 200AED). So if you're not sure about committing to dinner there are plenty of options! HTH xx