mum2girls | ExpatWoman.com
 

mum2girls

mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 12:14
I second simplesABC ..... very well said Sakhifa !!! So sorry Kinnievs to have found yourself in this situation, it sounds like it was a very elaborate scam which everyone fell victim to.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 19:59
Yippeee, thank you ladies! Hairwashing horrors may be a thing of the past, if the reviews are to be believed !!
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 19:57
Small stuff I will give to my maid if she wants it, bigger items are not practical for her to take. Hassli took some of my baby stuff, it was an absolute pleasure to see how appreciative she was for the items. (has the baby arrived yet ?) Take My Junk pretty much cleaned out my garage, they were polite and helpful, I gave them a nice tip and was so appreciative to see a garage emptied of old coffee tables, chairs, broken shelves, chipped mirrors, they even took boxes of books. OP Sorry you had such a bad experience !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 17:11
I went to Dr. El Hoshi at the Dental Spa, who was recommended on this site, and I thought he was really good. What I didn't realise beforehand is that he is a visiting Dr. so he only comes to Dubai for 4 or 5 days every 4 or 6 weeks, which is not practical if you need on-going care. I read your post about the perils of fake eyelashes, just as I was considering having it done, I did a few online research as a result of your post and decided against it. So thank you so much for highlighting the problem you had. What I did read online, was dermatologists recommend a medication called Latisse (don't remember if it was a cream or a pill) as a treatment for people who had lost their eyelashes from using fake eyelashes, and also as an option to grow and thicken eyelashes, maybe that is something you could research for yourself. Hope your eyelids get better soon !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 19:44
If it is a stray cat, then err on the side of caution and have it checked out, don't leave it too long.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 12:17
No experience of a child having an MRI, but I have had a brain MRI recently and I was almost on the verge of panic and I am not even claustrophobic, despite it being an open MRI machine. It is very noisy with loud thumping sounds and whirring noise, the head is strapped to the table, it is a frightening experience even for an adult who can rationalise it and I found it an excruitiating long 20 minutes. If it was my child I would want to have her sedated for sure, although that would bring it's own worries too, it really does depend on your child, you know her best. Best of luck, I hope it all turns out okay for you and your little one. <em>edited by mum2girls on 06/11/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 02:44
Yes, we are asking the same question too. We asked for a breakdown of the invoice and it's the electricity consumption which fluctuates hugely, water seems to be pretty much the same month on month. We were gone all summer and yet our electricity consumption was through the roof, July and August were significantly higher than May and June when we were living in the house. May, June, July, Aug are at least 30% more expensive than same period last year. Don't know how to go about contesting the usage, from what I have heard, it's a futile exercise to try to contest it anyway.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 08:37
AusJor, they were there the other evening when DH and I were out for a walk, I didn't notice anything untoward about them, other than their manners, in that they continued to play as we passed and as you say, could easily hit someone with their ball. We were the ones who had to dodge out of their way, DH and I commented to each other about it. I didn't notice anything else about it though.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 13:05
Yaay ! Pink or the black one ? have never been to that store, must try it sometime.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 12:40
Our neighbours sent Emaar security to us about the Damas trees in our rented villa, we notified our landlord of the neighbours complaint and he agreed to have the trees cut down. Don't know how it would work if the property is unoccupied though and if the landlord does not co-operate.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 12:34
2 kids check ups (5yo, 9yo), 1 x-ray and 1 cleaning cost AED425 at the British Dental Clinic last week. I thought that was very reasonable, it was our first time visiting a dentist in Dubai and I was expecting it to be a lot more expensive.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 12:22
All our communication with the Swiss embassy and French embassy here in Dubai and elsewhere, have been in the country official language PLUS English, which is why I ask about the authenticity of the Romanian letter.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 12:17
And does the Romanian embassy in Dubai communicate officially in Romanian ? would it not be English ? Doesn't that sound a bit dodge ? Maybe your maid might have a whole different perspective on staying with you if she does a bit of internet research on Romania. <em>edited by mum2girls on 22/10/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 12:11
Yikes, Romania !!!! There are NO job opportunities in Romania, is she 200% certain her 'family' member has work for her! Does she know that Romania is the global center for human trafficking "Romania is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically conditions of forced labor and women and children in forced prostitution" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_trafficking_in_Romania, plenty more on the web about human trafficking in Romania.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 10:31
That is dreadful, can you withold her upcoming salary(s) as part compensation for releasing her early. The thing is she is going to go, one way or another, I don't believe you can force her to stay, although I am not sure about that !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 07:53
Di, those are great websites, I have bookmarked them, thanks !
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 07:51
The place in Mercato is called Wrapt http://www.wrapt.ae/wrap-store.php. They may have other stores elsewhere. Good luck, let us know the outcome of your hunt !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 07:39
What about those shops which only do gift wrapping, there is one in Mercato Mall, don't know the name of it! Is a make-your-own not an option ? Buy pink wrapping paper, Daiso have some very cute fabric tape which is black with tiny pink hearts, you could make up a bag and tape the sides with the fabric tape, would look very cute !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 17:06
Does it have to be paper ? If not, you could make up some with black fabric.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 18:33
Crazy ! And a 6 year old out at 2am in the morning to top it off !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 16:49
My friend just brought their maid in on a visit visa and did all the paperwork once they arrived here with the help of a PRO.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 16:46
It certainly doesn't sound like she has an unreasonable workload. I agree with the others it is a bad start, if she is complaining now because you added a bit of cooking to her list, than I would guess it will only get worse and not better. Good Luck
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 16:40
LOL Daza ! It was a bit of an eye opener for sure, I just had a 'chat' with her now about making sure the ironing is done every week, the same way she managed to do it last week !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 09:57
I love the Westin, I much prefer it to the Royal Meridien and Jumeriah Beach hotel. It has a shaded kids pool with a slide, nice safe beach and sea is shallow there and several very nice pools, the food is much better than the RM but not as good as the Jumeriah Beach. If you are sitting on the beach, itcan get noisy at the weekends though with the jetskiers and the party yachts.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 09:53
Thanks ladies, won't bother hitting Ikea then ! Forgot about Ace, I will have a look there along with the other suggestions.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 22:45
Not sure, but maybe 24hours max. But I am always wary of chicken though !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 18:45
LOL SW, that is too funny !!! It's such a catchy tune though, it would still have been a hit without the suggestive lyrics!
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 12:53
I wouldn't allow my 4yo child to a pool party either and she knows how to swim. My 9yo daughter was invited to 2 pool parties this year and I was really anxious until she arrived home safely ! I will never allow my kids have a pool party, it's such a huge responsibiity !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 07:57
Have a look at this website, it has reviews of all the best DSLR cameras. This is for entry level cameras, http://reviews.cnet.com/best-entry-level-dslr-cameras I just recently bought the Nikon D7000, which is absolutely amazing, I decided to not go for the pure entry level camera as I don't want to have to upgrade it at a later date. http://reviews.cnet.com/best-digital-cameras/ Look out for pre-used ones, it's often well worth it and you can get some good bargains. When you do get your camera, I suggest you take one of the Gulf Photo Plus courses to explain the camera workings, It was really worthwhile as I did not have a clue.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 16:17
Technically, she should only take her holiday at the end of her 1 year contract. You obliged her already this year, so I think it is fair that she schedules her vacation around your needs. Good Luck
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 09:48
I guess they are fine if you have a massive garden and they are not near any foundations or walls or drains. ! We have a small garden, which had Damas trees the height of the house, going down either side of the garden, probably 60 or 70 trees ! We had loads of problems with blocked drains from the roots of the trees, cracked perimeter wall and grass that would not grow. It actually felt like a different house when the trees were removed, so much brightness. However, the garden feel's really bare now and it did some provide some nice green privacy and shade.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 09:26
I just pulled out the Emaar Brochure, here is a summary .... In conjunction with Emaar, from October 7th to October 7th, the following companies are offering a discount on removing Damas trees and replacing them Orient Irrigation Services 055 340 9883 Opal Landscaping, 055 854 7116. The trees they suggest as replacements are Neem, Bottlebrush Pink Trumpet Tree Geranium Tree Royal Poinciana Tropical Almond Indian Cork Tree, Tree Jasmine Estimated costs of cutting, removal, disposal and replacement are quoted as follows clear trunk height up to 2m 275 AED 5m 575 AED 4m 475 AED 3m 375 AED Damas trees are an absolute nightmare, it cost us a fortune to cut them down just a few months ago.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 21:18
I also don't want it to be true ! But I guess if, as the report says, everyone was doing it at that time, than he still remains the best cyclist ever ! I also don't get how receiving a pint of blood is considered 'doping', 'doping' to me has a very different connotation.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 11:54
So very sorry to read this update, it's every parent's worst nightmare. Praying for peace for your nephew and strength for his parents and your family.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 07:24
AR, I have your email, you can delete it now, I will pass it on to her so you can chat to her, fiouk has raised some good points for you to discuss with the PT, if you do decide to got that route.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:01
It will be a surprise either way, whether she finds out now or later! In fact, it might also add to the excitement of the trip if she knows she is looking forward to being pampered from her front door to yours. It's so wonderful to be able to do these things for our family, especially in your case, when your Mom has been through so much !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 10:57
Amrit did mine and reupholstered my sofas, very good job and a nice range of fabrics to choose from. It is also easy to find as it is just as you arrive in Satwa from Al Wasl Road. Sounds like it's the same road as the one TDB recommends.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 10:51
I know someone who would be perfect for a teenager, she is a British girl early twenties, fantastic background in PT, wonderful personality. She doesn't have transport, she is located in the Marina area. If you think that would be a good fit, leave me your email address and I will pass on her details.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 15:39
Yes, we wrote a letter explaining why we were travelling to the US and that we wanted her to accompany us and confirming that we would cover all her expenses and any emergencies during the trip. We gave the period of her employment with us and also the length of time she had been working in the UAE in total. We took out travel insurance for her for the period of the trip and brought the Insurance certificate with us. We gave details of previous trips she had done with us and included photocopies of visas for those trips. We gave copies of all our families passports and copies of our UAE residency visas. We had our tickets booked and paid for, and we gave copies of those Including the kids tickets, we gave details of where we were staying and all the relevant hotel bookings. She didn't bring any personal photos, we did bring her marriage certificate, but I don't think they even asked to see it. We certainly didn't plan on paying ours minimum wage in the US either, and she earns less than your lady does, as I said, it was never brought up in the interview. Would be interested to hear if they do question her on that, would you mind letting me know, as we would like to possibly travel to the US next year again with our helper. Thanks and good luck with it all.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 12:15
Yes, it was extremely loud and sounded like it was flying very low !
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 12:13
I would say it's do-able. Agree with poster who suggested the Movenpick, it's right at the entrance to Petra so really convenient. I think a stroller would be hard going and would not recommend it. A backpack seat would be perfect. We took a horse and carriage one day as our 4 year old refused to walk, the kids loved it, but it was really bumpy !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 12:06
In our case, the salary during her stay in the US was never brought up at all. But we were looking for a short term visa, it's probably different if she will be moving to the US permanently with you or for several months. It was more about trying to establish if there was a risk of her absconding while there. They spoke to her about her family back home, how many people she supports, does she have kids and husband back in the Philippines, how often does she go home and for how long. Same questions posed in different ways. How long she has worked for you, how long in the UAE, has she been to US or elsewhere previously. I guess the approach to the interview will depend on the type of visa she is applying for. Good Luck. <em>edited by mum2girls on 09/10/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 22:20
If she is on your sponsorship, then she will definitely have an official contract, (which I think is the Immigration contract), look back through the paperwork you did when you sponsored her. You would have had to fill that in and submit it for her work visa. If she is with an agency, than they should have her contract.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 12:25
That is dreadful ! Morally, she absolutely did the right thing by telling the other parents about the incident.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 11:31
Yes, I agree, it's quite intrusive and don't know why the Polo office need any of that information ! I think we did similar to what CP suggested and put a bare minimum value on it.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 09:29
Sending prayers for him and your family.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 14:00
I found the facebook page for the company I saw at ARTE, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Model-Railways-UAE/319182341443575 They went from some very simple and basic tables to really elaborate ones.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 07:58
I agree Hilsbils, it is a strange one. Hopefully the police have enough evidence though, it would be awful to think an innocent man is being charged and the real perpretator is still out there. Apparently 2 women saw a man near the river with a black plastic sack, one of the women knew the man very well, so maybe that was him and they have a good circumstantial case against him. This is different to the landlord case though, as the police did not publish a photo or anything of him, it was the media who reported his name and photo, and who spoke with anyone who had walked on the same side of the road as him and reported their opinion of him. That was really horrendous for the poor man !
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 07:48
I saw really nice ones at ARTE in Times Square before the summer. I didn't take the details of the seller, but they were REALLY nice and unique, plus I remember thinking not too expensive. Hopefully someone can give you details of the lady who was selling them.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 20:38
Thanks everyone. I am going to do some lights, spider web on the door and pumpkins.
 
 
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