mum2girls | ExpatWoman.com
 

mum2girls

mum2girls
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 08:04
No, I am sorry, I don't. The pins and needles could be from a trapped nerve that will resolve on it's own. I hope she recovers quickly though, what a worrying time for your family (((hugs))). Congratulations on your niece/nephew
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 07:59
I wake up every morning thinking of those families, not seeing those lovely morning smiles of their little ones. The emptiness and pain they will live with until the day they die is just unfathomable.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 07:43
The rules for applying for a shengen visa is that you have to apply to the country where you will spend most of your time. If you get a visa for another Shengen country you will still be able to go to France. I know the Belgian visa is quicker than that, it would mean you will have to show proof of accommodation and train ticket for Brussels though. Also the Swiss visa takes less than 2 weeks, however getting the initial appointment can take a couple of weeks also. Again you would have to show proof of accommodation and transportation. Once you have the visa you can visit any of the countries without any problem, you can even change your itinerary and not visit the country you had originally planned to visit, and by whom the shengen visa was issued.. Good luck <em>edited by mum2girls on 30/05/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:57
The family of the NZ triplets have released a family photo of the adorable trio with their Mom and Dad. I just don't know how one can survive after such a tragedy. There was also a photo of the parents in their grief, it was very painful to see and a terrible intrusion. I hope it has been removed, I doubt the family had allowed that be published. It is absolutely heartbreaking, I feel sick to my stomach thinking about it all.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 08:42
I remember someone here a few months ago mentioned the hazards in some of these kids play areas in the shopping malls, imagining what it would be like trying to find an exit to escape in an emergency, and I really don't give it much thought at the time. But when you hear of this kind of tragedy, it really does make you think about all the places you take your kids too here in Dubai, the vastness of all them. It really is a wake up call. <em>edited by mum2girls on 29/05/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 08:12
OMG, it is just devastating, those poor families having to come to terms with losing their loved ones. It is terrifying to think how quickly something like this can happen.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 12:27
SS, those are the kind of incidents I have heard from several different people when I was looking for a recommendation for a child Opthalmalogist. From what I have heard though at the time, there seems to be a common denominator, which is a specific lady Dr. might be the same one you visited. Anyway, I decided to cancel my appointment with them, as I didn't want to risk a bad diagnosis. On the other hand I have heard only great things about Milicent Grimm, and we we very happy with the consult, I think her fees are a lot less than Moorfields also.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 11:28
KathyT, don't go on Moorfields UK reputation as a recommendation. Moorfields here in Dubai does not come close to Moorfields UK. Ask around for a Dr. recommendation there, I think some of the specialists are far better than others. good luck.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 11:23
Yes, Milicent Grimm is the lady to go too, she is the best in Dubai. Just note that she is not the most child friendly LOL, her assistant is adorable.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 11:20
I think the thing to remember about references is not 'what you say' it's what 'you DON'T say'. I too, got a glowing reference for our helper but, in hindsight, the things which irritate me about her work were not covered in the reference. I wonder if the reason her ex-employer gave for laying her off after 1 year, really was the truth. <em>edited by mum2girls on 28/05/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 21:06
She does not necessarily have to be working for you for the full year for an Irish visa, I think it is decided on a case by case basis. We hired our helper end of October 2010 and we were given an Irish visa for her the following July 2011, she had been working for us for 8 1/2 months. The Irish Embassy called me and interviewed me over the phone and we had the visa in less than 1 week. However we could not get a Shengen visa for her for that summer, she needed to be working for us for full 12 months. I know the UK are also strict about the 12 month rule. It is allowed to bring a domestic worker to Ireland to accompany the family, (as long as you and the helper meet the visa criteria), our helper will be holidaying with us again this summer. <em>edited by mum2girls on 26/05/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 13:07
Most restaurants now are doing the 2 sittings ! Absolutely hate it, almost impossible to get a reservation anywhere nice now for 8.30pm, either 7 / 7.30pm or 9.30/10pm. Definitely going to try Reflets, everyone raves about it. I also love Hakkasan in London, but the one here was very quiet and the staff were hovering and walking up and down their 'spot', like they were caged animals in a zoo. Food was great though. They also do the 2 sittings. Food at La Petite Maison is really good, but it is more of a bistro type atmosphere, very open and busy noisy atmosphere. Have not tried Table 9 yet either. <em>edited by mum2girls on 17/05/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 12:59
My DH company pays a higher allowance for a family than single or someone with no kids. Also there are bands, depending on grade level, within the organisation. His allowance went down by a very small percentage last year. We are renting a house below our budget so it did not impact us. Do most of you get a cash allowance ? we have a budget and the company pays directly up to that limit, it is basically "use it or lose it", we don't benefit from the portion of the allowance we don't use.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 12:25
Don't know the exact rules, but some contracts have a home leave paid every 2 years and some have a home leave paid every year. Our contract states every year, but our neighbors is every 2 years. Maybe every 2 years is obligatory but every year is optional. It depends on what is on your contract I suppose. We offered annual return and it is in the contract. As others have said, I would be reluctant to let her stay around Dubai, could be a real disaster in the making. If the contract states annual paid leave, than tell her that is what it is, she takes the leave and goes home for the month. Or she takes the ticket money and holiday money, but continues to work for you. A lot of maids do that to accumulate additional cash quickly. Good luck.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 10:59
Dr. Klein at Healthbay Polyclinic is also great. (think I read he is Dr. Rolef's husband)
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 22:23
Over the weekend, I noticed a poster at Spinneys, Town Center, for a lost German Shepherd from the Springs area. I wonder if it is the same dog? maybe it was stolen or found by those guys and they were hoping to make a few quick dirhams.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 17:13
That's not exactly comparing apples with apples!!!
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 16:40
Chocabella, that lady you saw in MOE, could possible be the same DAA mom in another of her ultra revealing outfits. The outfit I described today is just one of her parade of extreme barely there clothing.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 16:34
In some ways I can see why holidaymakers can be fooled into thinking they are at a beach resort in the Med and head off the the Mall in their beachwear. What floors me the most, are the expat 'locals' who take it to the extreme. I have seen Mom's turn up at school here, in clothes which would be deemed inappropriate anywhere else in the world. I am not a prude by any means, but some times I just cannot believe my eyes. This morning in particular, one Mom arrived at school in a white frilly flimsy very short skirt or shorts, barely covering her bottom, sky high shoes, matching frilly flimsy top which was open down to the navel showing off a black bra beneath it ! I, and everyone who passed her did a double take. It looked like something one would wear to bed and never outside of the bedroom. She is a lovely tall lady with a nice figure and a striking appearance, she does not need to dress like that to get attention. What planet is she on to think that is appropriate attire for a school run, in a muslim country to boot.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 13:40
I used a lovely girl recently for my daughters birthday, I didn't want one of the big expensive party organisers as I wanted to do some of it myself, but wasn't prepared to do the whole mani-pedi and craft thing. She does some lovely crafts with the girls and did the manicure etc, she also had great ideas about how we would set it up. The girls all loved it. If you want her number leave your email addy and I will send it to you.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 07:39
Yes, it was a 24hr bug. Feel better soon !
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 15:51
Thank you TSI, I will try them.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 11:02
Agree with Emily, a school that has a high quality programme for a second language. I think Montessori or Steiner are great for early years, a genuine Montessori school would be my first choice for Nursery / Schooling up to age 5 or 6. But I don't think I would want it for full primary. Although all the evidence indicate that kids who do Montessori primary schools are far more advanced than their peers in traditional curriculum.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 10:32
We have done both curriculum's. I can attest to the fact that early years in the British Curriculum is much more challenging and academic than in the American system. My eldest was doing so much more at 5yo in a British school than the little one is now doing in an American School. She read earlier, did her numbers earlier and enjoyed the challenge, our little one is desperate to learn to read and do maths at school, but that is not happening. As the children progress through school it appears that by Grade 3/4 (Year 4/5) it all equals out acadaemically anyway, but without the academic pressure and competitiveness. When we moved here we decided to put our kids into an American School and we are very happy with our choice. In the International British school we attended before we moved here, we did not have a particularly nice experience ! It just seemed the British parents were never happy with anything, always complaining that this that or the other was not good enough, and not as good as the 'schools back in the UK'. It was a lovely school with great teachers, a great headmaster and really good results, but every 2 months there seemed to be a mutiny from the British parents, it turned out be be a pretty stressful time there. While we were happy enough with the curriculum, and very happy with the school, we realised from our experience that a) we were not happy with the idea of our 6yo being required to do national SAT exams. Exams already at only age 6 ! b) we also found that there can be a lot of 'snobbery' amongst UK parents about the schools their kids attend and results etc, we just did not want to be part of that. You really need to make up your own mind about what suits you. If you are British than it is probably more likely that you might prefer a British curriculum for lots of practical reasons as well as it being the curriculum you know best. If you are not British, than I would not be swayed by the perspective that British Curriculum is best, not everyone believes that to be true. Having experience of both, I do believe our child has had a better school experience, both academically, socially and from a self-confidence perspective in the school she is in now. Good luck with your decision. <em>edited by mum2girls on 03/05/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 22:03
I searched everywhere here for them, but could not find them. You can buy the paste at Tavola and Lakeland and the shapes to make your own if you are that way inclined but I'm not. My friend brought me some a few weeks ago and I have a few remaining, so if you can't find them let me know and I can pass on the ones I have remaining, if you would like. Don't know exactly what I have or how much I have.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 11:45
I wonder if they are about to change their name from Skyscanner to Skysearcher. Certainly Skyscanner have been around for maybe 10 years or so. <em>edited by mum2girls on 02/05/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 11:44
Is it skyscanner or skysearcher? when you click kezza's link below it brings you to skyscanner.com. If it is with skyscanner.com, than they are well known in the UK. It is similar to Expedia except they include budget airlines in their search, which Expedia does not. You can not find an Easyjet or Ryanair flight on Expedia but you can on Skyscanner. I have never used them to purchase a ticket, but I have seen articles about them in the UK Times travel section. I often do a check on their website to see what budget airlines are on a particular route.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 16:53
Don't know the Madinat Beach Club, but it looks great. You would need to use it a LOT to get a return on that investment. We joined the Westin for about half that amount. We had tried several of the clubs (not the Madinat!) and felt the Westin was the better of the ones we tried, it's great for kids. I love the open sea of the JBR beach clubs and Jumeirah, but when the sea is rough they don't allow you into the water, whereas the Westin is more protected so you can swim all year round. Downside is you are not looking out at the open ocean and it can be yacht party central at weekends. The problem with depending on daily rates is that in the peak season times they often close their beach club to non-members.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:44
Was also wondering if you can do Khasab as a day trip (driving ourselves)? Is there a particular time of the year which is better for seeing dolphins? The last time we went to Musandam, we specifically went for to see the dolphins, but went to the wrong 'side' i.e. Dibba and there are no dolphins there.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:40
It's a beautiful city, you will love it ! It is much more European than Russian though. As others have said, the Hermitage and Peterhoff are stunning. St. Isaacs cathedral is also not to miss. There is a chain of cafes called Stolle (I think), which serve really traditional meat pies, which are amesome ! You should ask your tour guide to take you to one of them. We also ate in a big wooden boat that is on the river directly across from the Hermitage, the food was really good there. You can buy the beautiful typical St. Petersburg china, Lemonosov, which is very reasonable compared to buying it outside Russia. I wish I had bought a few more pieces. The hovercrafts across the river are really cool. St. Petersburg is quite expensive. We didn't take taxis as we were able to use a company driver, so I can't help you on that. It will be very busy during summer and if you go during early July you will experience the 'white nights'. Have fun ! and as R. says you will need a Russian visa before you go.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 14:36
Switzerland is my no.1 choice for skiing in Europe, we love the car free resorts of Switzerland. Austria is our second choice.. Practically all of the resorts will have ski-in, ski-out accommodation, which is also usually more expensive than accommodation not on the slopes. Just make sure you book a high altitude resort so you are snow sure, particularly in December! In Austria, Lech (luxury), St. Anton (party central, great skiing), St. Christoph (linked to St. Anton ski area, but much quieter resort), Elmau (family, good skiing), Enjoyed the skiing in all of them. I have also skied in France and Italy. Several of the French resorts are short commute from Geneva airport, Avoriaz (purpose built, car free, great skiing for all levels), Flaine (ugly purpose built, but great skiing for all levels), Chamonix (challenging skiing, not really for beginners). Courchevel 1850 (outrageously expensive, very cute, car free), Meribel (great skiing, lovely resort), Megeve (lovely village, great restaurants, good skiing for all levels). Val d'Isere (fantastic skiing for all levels, big resort) In Italy, I have skied in Cervinia and Courmayer and didn't particularly like either of them, food was great though ! Don't know of any ski resorts in Germany. Friends of ours have skied in Andorra and Bulgaria, as it is more reasonable than other countries, they really enjoyed it.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 06:53
I bought some a few months ago at Ikea. They are battery operated. I was there recently and wanted to get a few more, but they only had coloured ones, however they are always getting in new stock, so have a look. I also saw some at Homes R Us, they were a little bit 'fussy' for my liking, the lights were set into flowers. but they had several styles and some were more discreet than others. But I think they would like fine when the lights are on. they were also battery operated.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 21:24
Fabourite Things in Marina Mall ?
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 21:22
Flamant was the other one. They had some gorgeous stuff. Don't know if they have relocated anywhere else though.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:50
YES, We too just went through months of something similar, had loads of additional reading assistance and assessments, only to finally discover it was a [u'>vision problem[/u'>. I never considered a vision problem and neither did the teacher nor their learning support. The improvement and motivation for reading once the glasses were prescribed was amazing. The ophthalmologist said she has even seen kids who were being treated for dyslexia for more than a year before it was realised they were not dyslexic at all, but had vision problems. So if he is not wearing glasses already and before you spend a fortune on reading specialists etc, I would take him for a vision examination with an ophthalmologist (NOTan examination by an optician). Then if that is all fine, you can continue to explore other avenues to help him improve his reading. Good Luck Good luck <em>edited by mum2girls on 23/04/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:11
As a very insignificant aside, I have never heard her speak before this video, but she has a similar lisp to her husband, she speaks almost exactly like he does.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 13:31
I also found that time until they started school/nursery was very difficult, we were in a new expat post (London, which I really thought would be easy!), but I absolutely made no friends despite going to every kiddie activity in the area. The age your little one is at, is pretty demanding too, it really does feel like groundhog day. It was only when she started nursery that suddenly I got a bit of social life and met other Mom's, just getting a little bit involved in some of the school activities, playdates, birthday parties etc. it was a whole different world to the one i had been living for the 2 1/2 years previously. I know that is no help to you now, but it will get better ! I also agree with others who say that your DH needs to give you a few hours time on the weekend, but that's easier said than done if he does not co-operate. I think some gyms have a drop off nursery (The Haaya club in the Springs is one, I think) I know there is also a drop off nursery on The Palm which is highly recommended, you could drop off your little one there for an hour or two and just head over to MOE for a few hours of 'Me' time. <em>edited by mum2girls on 17/04/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 09:52
about 2 months ago I received a text to say they had opened. But whenever I pass that way it certainly does not look like it has opened. so sorry, I am no help.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 08:27
Are you thinking of a rental investment or a place to live in ? Rental or live in, I would say The Lakes would be #1 choice as a really good place to buy in as there is big demand for property there (there is a very strong rental market there). The Meadows, there are a lot of houses for rent in The Meadows, so it seems to be slow but mainly the 'smaller' house types. but if your budget stretched to a Hattan you would never have a problem renting it out or re-selling. If it is a long term rental investment, than maybe consider an apartment in The Marina or JBR, there are some really good deals there at the moment.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 20:50
We decided on joining The Westin after trying a few other hotels on day passes. You could try a few of them on a day pass, or sometimes the hotels will give you a free pass when you tell them u are considering joing their beach club.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 09:09
There is a Filippino clinic in Satwa which has a gynae. I think the consult cost either 90AED or 130AED, not sure now. I don't remember the name, (but probably called Filippino something or other) but someone on here recommended it to me and that is where I send our helper. If she is Filippino, than the common language is a big plus.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 April 2012 - 09:04
As a Mom whose toddler had a serious fall while with a babysitter, who was on the phone at the time, I am all for making sure they don't use the phone while taking care of little tots, particularly in your case where she is sometimes responsible for 3 little ones ! If she is doing it behind your back, then you need to take action. Maybe you could provide her with a 'work' phone, paid for by you, which she keeps on her at all times and is used only by both of you, or for emergencies. If she does not take your kids outside, than I think it is reasonable to tell her she can use the house phone for emergencies or to contact you. She can use her personal phone during her free time during the day. Chances are though, she will get herself a second phone that you will not be aware of and she will continue to do as she has done before!! edited by mum2girls on 08/04/2012 <em>edited by mum2girls on 08/04/2012</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 22:34
Thanks ladies for the recommendations, I am sorted ! Jules thanks for the suggestion, I was contemplating trying them myself, but I just don't have the time on this occasion, but I definitely will give it a go when I have a bit more time for trial and error !
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 17:01
I just looked at her facebook page and her bunting looks gorgeous ! Louise, looking for it for April 20th for a birthday party, specific colour, purples, lavender and pink. As always I leave everything until the last minute !!
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 16:21
I can find loads for sale on Etsy, but don't want to risk shipping internationally and not receive them. I didn't see any at Arte in Times Square.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 March 2012 - 11:05
Going anywhere in Europe with Emirates now it just outrageous ! If you can nab any of their special offers, it might be worthwhile, but I never seem to be organised enough to plan something in conjunction with a sale.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 March 2012 - 09:02
Renault do a leasing type rental in Europe, I think it has to be a rental for a minimum of 3 weeks, but it is much cheaper and more flexible than car rental. http://www.renault-eurodrive.com/en/source/ Renault have some good big seater cars. Here are the conditions TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RENAULT EURODRIVE YOU MUST MEET ALL THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS : Your country of residence must be outside the European Community or in the French overseas territories (Dom-Tom). You must spend less than 185 consecutive days in Europe in a year. You must not be in Europe for business purposes. You must be over 18 the day the vehicle is delivered and have held a driving licence for more than one year. These four conditions must all be met. You are also entitled to take advantage of Renault Eurodrive if you meet the conditions of the special regulations for EC citizens living abroad or in the DOM-TOM. Here is a little bit about it. http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/europegetaround/fr/eurodrive_renau.html. "Car Lease Buy-Back Program" Don't let the name throw you: Eurodrive is as convenient as any regular car rental program -- more convenient in some ways. "Car Lease Buy-Back Programs" are offered by two French car manufacturers -Renault and Peugeot - to customers who are NOT residents of Europe. Here's the deal: France has a high tax on new car sales; by leasing a brand new car to a foreigner and then buying it back, the car manufacturer can subsequently sell the car as "used" and sidestep the tax. (Read details at About.com's Europe Travel site.) Bottom Line for the Customer: brand new vehicles, sometimes with cool styling features we don't see in North America competitive price zero-deductible insurance fewer restrictions (regarding age of driver, for instance. Read more below.) How It Works: You'll need to start paperwork for your trip several weeks in advance: head to the Renault-Eurodrive site to begin. US residents will communicate with staff in New York. The paperwork's not onerous, but you must start it early. Free pickup of the vehicle is available in many cities in France. For example, if you fly into Paris, you'll be met at the airport and shuttled to the pickup/return center a short distance away. You can also pay extra to pick up the car in cities outside France, such as Rome or Amsterdam. Roadside Assistance: once you're on the road, 24/7 multi-lingual roadside assistance is available in 43 countries. Return: you can return the car in a different city. Also: you're required to lease (and pay) for at least 21 days, but it's possible to return the car earlier. Best Features: Our favorite model: the Kangoo (2004 model), a five-seater with good hatchback storage plus the convenience of a side sliding door. Insurance with NO deductible: superb feature. During our first Eurodrive, someone (not naming names) bumped a low wall in a village in Greece, damaging the car; when we returned it, the agent didn't even glance at the vehicle. Zero-deductible, right? Go where you wanna go: travel freely between countries; pickup and return in different countries, too. edited by mum2girls on 29/03/2012 <em>edited by mum2girls on 29/03/2012</em>
mum2girls
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 18:21
Ok, thank ladies. I do have a scales, so hopefully I am here when they deliver So far I am really impressed with the service.
mum2girls
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 18:18
yes also have tried them and their steaks are really good.
mum2girls
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 07:46
I can personally recommend, Emma at Whiteberry Interiors. http://whiteberryinteriors.com/#ae3/custom_plain. A lovely Aussie girl. She will come to your house for 2 or 3 hours, chat to you about what you want to achieve, then she will send you suggestions and ideas. You can take that and run with it if you want to. Or you can chose to have her help you shop and chose pieces, curtains etc, She will also help you arrange your furniture, put pictures on the walls etc. She has really great taste and is lovely to deal with. It works out really well, as she charges an hourly rate and you can use her as much or as little as you want. Other interior designers I had looked at here were charging a 'project' rate, which I didn't really need and which I found to be pretty outrageous Good Luck.
 
 
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