mum2girls | ExpatWoman.com
 

mum2girls

mum2girls
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 09:10
I think there is a Betty Barclay in MOE. Yes, there is a shop in MOE, it's on level 1, near Prada and Louis Vuitton. <em>edited by mum2girls on 20/05/2013</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 09:04
She will need to order a taxi and specifically request a car seat, the Pink lady taxi's are usually the ones who show up when you specifically request a car seat. Other option is to use a chauffeur company. She will need to be VERY specific about the size of car seat she requires, can't tell you how many times they have shown up with the wrong size for us. As soon as my DD got old enough, I bring the inflatable car seat.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 08:19
OMG, that is awful, she sounds like a real disrespectful Diva ! poor you. Her interaction (or lack of) and attitude with your DD, is probably not something you can change, and that would be a deal breaker for me. But if you don't want to cut her loose now, I think you should give her a really stern talking to, don't allow her turn it into an argument, don't listen to her unreasonable 'gripes', show her your teeth and that you absolutely will not tolerate her attitude and she better shape up pronto. If her claims of you invading her privacy is an issue for her, than she is in the wrong job in the wrong country, so she should decide she might prefer to go back to her home country. This is a country where employees live 10 + to a room in a labour camp in the middle of nowhere. Were her previous employers western ? Just asking because my friend hired a maid who was one of 3 maids working for an Arab family, came with glowing reference and seemed very meek and humble and an amazing cleaner, but she turned into a real nightmare within a few months of working for my friend, demanding and really disrespectful, she would never have dared do that with her previous employers. They ended up sending her packing back to her home country. Good Luck, keep us posted. Edited to add: IF you decide to keep her, you need to be very clear and forceful with her, that you will not tolerate that kind of attitude EVER and that you are willing to give her a 2nd chance, but one more incident like that and she will lose her job on the spot and be on the next plane home. <em>edited by mum2girls on 19/05/2013</em>
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 18:00
So sorry for your situation. I don't know anything about what your broker is suggesting, I would have thought it was impossible for any random stranger to just tag onto a group scheme without meeting the criteria (i.e. employee or family of employee). However as your Insurance broker is suggesting this as a legal option, would he not be the perfect person to help you find a scheme who would take you on, he must have lots of clients in group schemes and he could vouch for you.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 09:15
My favourite, after trying lots of others, is the Westin, but it is AED250 on the weekend, less expensive during the week.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 17:12
If you need furnished than there are several short term let apartments around, Oasis Beach Towers, Dusit Thani, Grosvenor house are a few I can think of, but there are loads of places for all budgets.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 10:50
Ladies, are they practical? I almost bought some yesterday, even had them in my basket, but put them back as I thought maybe they are not that practical in reality. Is it a hassle trying to loosen a cake which has just come out of the oven? is it easy to hold a cake tin and push it out at the same time ? Does it always come out in one piece without chunks breaking, if you don't put pressure equally ? I would love to hear from anyone who has used them.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 14:59
Ah, looks like your maid is getting a long stay national visa then if they are giving her a 12 month multiple entry. With the normal Shengen visa for a housemaid, it's for a maximum of 90 days in any 6 month period.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 10:55
Derien, unless things have changed in the past 12 months, that is not exactly true. You only apply via the French embassy if France is where you are spending most of your time. I know for sure because we have done it several times, flown into Paris but got our helper her Shengen visa from Switzerland which is where we spent most of our time. Also when calculating the salary, it's a gross salary you need to calculate, i.e. her monthly cash salary ..... plus, visa costs, holiday pay, flights home, accommodation, food allowance, insurance, bonus etc. It adds up pretty quickly and you will be surprised how it is not too far off the minimum required in France. I am not sure, but you should find out if the Euro 1400 is a gross or net French salary, if it's gross, than you need to work back by deducting the equivalent French tax and social welfare.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 10:35
Actually, here is what I found online ".........If you are intending to visit just one Schengen country, you will need to apply for a visa with the embassy or the consulate of that particular country. If you are looking to visit several Schengen countries, you will need to apply for a visa with the embassy or the consulate of the country that is your main destination. If you are intending to visit several Schengen countries, but do not have a main destination, you will need to apply for a visa with the embassy or the consulate of the country where you will be entering the Schengen territory...."
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 10:32
The first point of entry is irrelevant, you apply to the Shengen country where you are going to spend most of the time. So if most of the time is spent in Germany, you apply there with all the supporting documentation to support your application.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 10:27
Ikea do mattress toppers, which sounds like what you are looking for, not sure how comfortable they would be though
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 08:24
I just had some suspicious ones looked at last week by the dermatologist at Healthbay Clinic on Al Wasl Rd., Dr. Christina, she is Swedish. I found her really good, she was very thorough and I felt confident with her. I would definitely recommend her. I saw a dermatologist at another clinic and I would NOT go back, it made up my mind that from now on I am only going to see Western trained Dr.'s here in Dubai.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2013 - 09:05
Apparently there is/was a British lady (or maybe Australian) who operates a little workshop somewhere in Al Quoz, I met someone once who was wearing an amazing dress she had made there, but by the time I wanted to get something made the lady(who had the dress made) had already left Dubai and I have never managed to find any details about that workshop since. Maybe someone here can help you find her, if you do, please let me know. Whatever you do don't attempt Dreamgirls in Satwa, they are always recommended, but I have tried them several times now and nothing has ever turned our right. The other I have heard recommended is Coventry tailors in Satwa, but have not tried them myself.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 May 2013 - 08:37
I agree with Lettie about Satwa fabrics, have had things made which ended up being unwearable because of the fabric. I think Regal is about the only one in Satwa which has decent quality fabric. I was going to suggest a fabric shop I have seen in either Mall of the Emirates or Dubai Mall, if you are looking for ornate fabric, or silks and chiffon's. Fabric was expensive but looked to be really nice quality. I never heard of Al Ghurair mall, I should check it out.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 17:34
Unless it's two babysitters for the price of one ....lol
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 17:33
That is over the top ! We only ever have 1 babysitter for our 2 kids when we stay in hotels. You need to write a tripadvisor review about that.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:04
I get that you are annoyed she asked for it, I would be too! I give my maid a bonus every holiday, but then she began to 'remind' me in advance about it and it really p'd me off to the point that I almost didn't give it to her, it just took the good out of it ! If I were you, I would certainly give her a leaving bonus after being employed by you for 5 years.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 09:18
My friend was here a few weeks ago and wanted to do fillers in her face, as it's much less expensive here than at home. I searched on this forum and she found a dematologist who was recommended on here. The day after the fillers she did look like she was slightly swollen and had some bad bruising, she said she could feel the fillers, it was her first time having fillers so she wasn't sure if this was normal, I have no clue about it so we google'd it, got conflicting info, but we concluded it was probably normal. . Other than the bruising and redness, I couldn't see the lumps she was feeling, but I did feel them. They were very hard. Of course, she is now back home and a month later she still has a hard lump on either side of her nose down to her upper lip, where the filler was injected, she said she can feel it but it's not visibile unless she stretches her face. One small lump is visible and she feels it could be moving. She also said that on one side of her nose, she feels the lump runs horizontal rather than vertically from her nose to mouth. She said the area is still red and she has to cover it with concealer. Does anyone know if this is how fillers are, is it normal, can you feel the fillers until they wear away (Dr. told her the effect of the fillers could last up to a year). Is she worrying about nothing ? It's not like she can go back to the Dr. she did call to speak to the Dr. but was unable to and the 'assistant' said it would slowly improve. I feel so bad for her, she is just recently divorced and this was a little perk up and she can't afford to see a private dermatologist back home. She is really worrying about this. I am hoping it is normal, but it sounds to me like it went wrong, I don't want to tell her that without knowing for sure. If it is NOT normal, will it just wear away over time ? or should she really see someone back home now. Any insight greatfully appreciated please.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 09:11
I think you could arrange a schedule, say 2 time per month on x day between x and y time. Closer to the time you are moving out, if he hasn't sold it, you could maybe increase the schedule a bit. You don't want life to be totally disrupted, as SEY83 says, people just wander around your home and you really need to be there when they are viewing, so you are giving up your time too.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 21:53
Thank you so much ! that should save me a few bucks.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 18:50
AnonDubai, can you give me an idea of the clinics which charge 100 for a consult, would be very grateful for the info. thx
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 17:38
Ok, thank you ! I have been paying AED300 for her Dr. appointments and she has a chronic illness which needs regular checkups.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 16:51
I think the Pottery Barn ones are more than AED200 though. There is also a shop opposite Waitrose in Dubai Mall which has them, not sure how much though.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 15:56
I saw some in Centerpoint in MOE, they were around 75AED. However the tap looked very fragile compared to the Pottery Barn ones, I don't think it would last too long.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 18:42
Poor little baby. What a sick and evil b8tard he is
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 14:03
I have found Amrit to be the best, they do have a selection of Linens on display, but you should also ask to see their Linen books Plenty of street parking if you are there early, shops open at 9am they do close during the day, from maybe 1 to 4pm, but not sure of exact timings. There are a few big parking areas if you can't find parking on the street, I have never not found parking there.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 08:45
I woud be the wrong person to offer to buddy up, I am a NERVOUS wreck flying, The only positive thing is that I lose my appetite for a few days beforehand and have a path worn to the bathroom door, so I usually lose a couple of kilos. Just thinking about it now as I write, sends my stomach into knots. You certainly are not alone, I know so many people with this phobia. Tell the airline in advance and they may be able to offer you assistance. (((hugs)))
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 08:39
Feemick, yes, we had to go and re-sign for new paperwork, but the office was only 10 mins from where we were staying. Peugeot do a similar rental schemes as Renault, I just checked it for you, but it's only London Heathrow also Would it be worth your while to fly into London and pick up the car there, you could save quite a fortune!
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 08:35
Quickchange, you have to email them for a quote, they don't quote online. We have hired a 7 seater, (not in the UK), automatic for 9 weeks for Euro1400 all inclusive, no mileage limits, insurance, no deductible and and no additional driver costs, they are brand new cars too. You can take it to any other European country also without any additional costs.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 21:18
Yep, we have had that issue before where we had to take out two contracts for the full period we wanted to rent. We now use Renault eurodrive, minimum hire period is 21 days and you have to be resident outside the EU. It's so much cheaper than normal car hire, insurance is included, no deductable and no charges for additional drivers. Limited pick up locations though, but there is one near us, so it works for us. http://www.renault-eurodrive.com/en/source/delivery-center/london
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 12:04
I found the only real option was via the UK agencies, the ones I found did have International Departments and had experience in hiring and supplying candidates for overseas positions, particularly in the Gulf region. A less expensive but also less 'formal' route is via Great aupair.com, we found an amazing summer au pair on that site, who travelled with us for several summers while she was studying at university. You will find heaps of well educated girls advertising there, english mother tongue, looking for an overseas experience, either on a gap year basis or longer term and a lot of them produce background checks, references etc. Ultimately though, you really don't have the filter and safeguard of the agencies
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 08:38
1. There is a lady at ARTE (Times Square) who makes and sell's some gorgeous ones, I got 2 for my MIL. But I can't for the life of me remember her name. She was a British lady, has lived in Dubai a long time. Maybe open a thread to see if anyone else on here knows her, or check out the ARTE facebook page. 2. There is a site called http://www.bigstockphoto.com/browse/category/. Also google Stock Photos, there are heaps of websites selling images for download. Maybe Flicker also. 3. Sorry, no clue !
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 13:48
Gosh, don't mention the name of the company, that could totally backfire on you ! Also maybe you should modify your posts with reference to the particular field you work in. Good Luck with your case, I hope justice prevails and is speedy. Please update
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 15:57
I am not so sure it is a requirement for a US visa application, it might have changed now, but I don't remember that being a constraint when we applied for our helper to travel with us (she was employed by us for more than 12 months though!)
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 15:31
Thank you Perces, I will track her down by Facebook.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 12:48
Well, I had a last minute cancellation with Ali at Salon Ink the other day as she was ill, was just parking the car outside when they called. I had already waited nearly 4 weeks for the appointment, now have to wait another 3 weeks to reschedule. It's happens in the best of salons.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 11:32
If I were you, I would contact the company before you arrive and let them know, it would look much better for you I think, they may not have a problem with it at all and may be looking at the long term contribution you have to bring to the organisation. But I think if you don't tell them until soon after you arrive, you will undermine yourself and your integrity. On the other hand, you do run the risk that they may decide not to hire you, solely because you are pregnant, it seems they can do that here ! If they don't want to blatently discriminate against you because of your pregnancy, they could just decide after your probabation to let you go (on other grounds) Lots of people discover they are pregnant at inconvenient times, it doesn't mean she was deceitful when being interviewed, but I think it is only fair to advise them before you arrive that your personal circumstances have changed. Congratulations on the wedding and good luck with the baby and the job. Do let us know how it works out for you on the work front. <em>edited by mum2girls on 14/04/2013</em>
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 11:03
As Illy-rob said you can get it on Fox Sports through Al Jazeera Sports package, just a phone call to Du and we were set up within 2 hours, even though they say it can be up to 24hours.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 10:56
I give her a small gift from the kids, box of chocolates or a shower gel, something along that line, just a token gift. I give her a card with some cash and we organise a birthday cake for her.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 16:50
I googled their website to add a link for you, but it seems their website is not working.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 16:47
Tavola is a kitchen and bakeware shop, there is a big one in Mall of the Emirates, a few in the Jumeriah area and a small one in Town Center, Meadows/Springs area. I think Galeries Lafayette also carry it.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 16:39
Tavola carry the WMF brand.
mum2girls
1097
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 13:05
Healthbay PolyClinic, Dr. Klein is who I used and can certainly recommend him. http://healthbayclinic.com/dr-michael-klein-m-d.html
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 11:32
Yes you can. Normally, when calculating minimum wage for visa purposes, you calculate the gross wage. It include's all benefits, i.e. the salary you pay her, the cost of the flights you pay for her, the cost of the visa you pay, health insurance, food allowance, housing allowance, bonus and any other costs. They usually work less hours when they are on holidays with you also. You may be surprised, it add's up very quickly and you may even find you pay more than the US minimum.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 08:26
Did you need a VPN ? Could you give a hint, I tried googling it. Cannot believe none of the channels we have is showing it. We upgraded to Al Jazeera Sport because it has Fox sports and we thought they were bringing it.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 14:30
Oh that is a disgrace, will they definitely take the money or is it just an idle threat ?
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 12:37
Apparently the Meydan Hotel does a great family brunch, with activities for the kids. I haven't been there myself, we usually end up at Bubbalicious, but friends have been there and highly recommended it.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 12:32
Have you put on weight ? I started using them a few weeks ago, the recipes and quality of the food is great and the food is so easy to prepare, but I have put on kilos since I started using them. I can't think of any other change to my eating /exercise habits that would account for the extra weight. Am curious if anyone else has experienced weight gain.
mum2girls
1097
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 12:05
As others have said, it could be a magnesium deficiency. My Dad was suffering with really bad leg cramps, a blood test showed he had low magnesium, he had a course of magnesium injections and now takes magnesium sachets daily and has no problem with leg cramps anymore. Your Mom should ask her doctor to do a blood test, if she has a severe deficiency supplements will not raise the levels speedily enough or to the right level, she will need to start a cours of injections. My Dad felt the benefits with a matter of 2 weeks.
 
 
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