mumcurious | ExpatWoman.com
 

mumcurious

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Latest post on 06 December 2016 - 15:15
We got ours at M&S DFC, try there or any other bigger M&S store.
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Latest post on 16 April 2016 - 15:35
Anyone?
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Latest post on 15 March 2016 - 11:59
Annorman is right. My friend has gone through this very recently. The maid absconded after a year and when my friend lodged a compliant, the maid went to Immigration saying she doesn't want to continue but wants to stay to look for another job. Immigration called both parties and told my friend to cancel the visa and the maid gets to stay a month post the visa cancelation even though my friend wanted her on the plane the same day. Plus she can't even get her deposit back till the maid actually leaves or gets a new visa. The rules have all changed since this year!
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Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 11:58
I didnt do nothing :biggrin:
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Latest post on 14 May 2015 - 08:50
I dont think its OK in any culture to try fruits at your leisure before buying.. it has nothing to do with nationality, its about values and ethics...and all sorts of people exist in every nation... everyone knows that the most you can try in a hyper market are a grape/cherry/olive etc to check if you want to buy ... trying apples and oranges, cucumbers is plain ridiculous and a shame on the one doing it...! Good you clarified that, coz I was feeling quite bad in thinking that I was the only one who almost always tries the grapes (and nothing else ) before buying. I fail to understand how people would try oranges and cucumber, do they stop to peal and eat the oranges or eat cucumbers without washing??? confused
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Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 15:54
looks like the blues bled out..... Come on All Blacks.... ;) well... they went down fighting! :-) kudos to the team for maintaining #1 qualifying position!! not fair to judge any team by just a single match... let's now wait for the finals and see both the down under teams battle it out! may the best team win!! They beat us fair and square, no doubt about it. The fire we saw the whole tournament was somehow missing today. And yes this was the all important game, a ticket to the finals, so yes we (our team) will be judged. And our star (!!!) player didn't perform (again). Will be cheering NZ in the finals.
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Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 11:10
How one bad over can wipe that smile off:\:
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Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 11:07
Bleeding Blue all the way ?. Following at work and after being on tenterhooks initially, have a smile on me. We can chase this. #WontGiveItBack.
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Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 12:09
I bought a similar one for my DS last year from Virgin stores, don't remember the name but it was quite nice with an animated and interesting layout, saw a similar one for girls. Check out Virgin, I'm sure they still have it and also try Magrudy's if you haven't already. You can also call both stores to check what they have in stock before venturing out.
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Latest post on 17 February 2015 - 13:13
Thanks Axelle for your reply, but my question was the servicing of the filter itself and the small water tank they install in your kitchen and not the building's water tank itself (if the process is different in your case then apologies I'm not aware of the brand).
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Latest post on 17 February 2015 - 13:02
Gosh this is still going on! Real comedy gold after ages!!! I had heard what fun the old members used to have and now we we know what all we would have missed! RT u are the Wit Queen of EW, thoroughly enjoyed ur comments. But credit must go to the OP who started this in the first place and brought back this dull forum to life - and how! Didn't someone say this seems to be an existing poster masquerading as MF? One very prominent poster is glaringly missing from all this fun ;)
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Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 17:41
A question to all of those who have installed water filters (the RO types not the shower ones), do the guys come for servicing (clean up basically) the water storage tank on a regular basis? We installed one a couple of years back and getting them to come for servicing was such a headache that we stopped using it altogether - total waste of money for us. So now we make do with bottled water.
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Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 11:10
I will probably cause more of a stir now by saying that I think some of the 'bullying' comments on here are really not very pleasant. The OP may be 'showing off' but in all honesty some of you folks need to take a step back from this **********. If folks want to celebrate VD with lavish gifts then lucky them, if you do not celebrate then that is fine too but to slag each other off is not necessary. For the OP we had a bottle of bubbles in the desert at sunset, totally chilled. ;):love: I wouldn't have responded the way I did (though wouldn't consider it as bullying even then) had I not read the follow on comments by the OP slating other posters for their size and for not getting anything for VD. She totally asked for it! Had it only been a show off (which her original post was) I don't think anyone would have paid much attention, I myself wouldn't even have bothered logging in!
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Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 10:39
OMG, I just logged on for this. After ages something entertaining! I haven't had a read of the OPs previous posts but got a gist from the comments here. What a nut-case, though quite amusing, unintentionally, I'm sure. That she feels she has to show off her riches is quite pathetic and sad, but to each their own! On the VD celebrations, I feel it just gives us an excuse to do something different from what we do as a routine. My DH has been soooo busy the past 3 months with work (even weekends at times) so this gave us an opportunity to go out for the weekend and relax and enjoy as a family. <em>edited by mumcurious on 16/02/2015</em>
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Latest post on 15 February 2015 - 10:33
Just finished The Clifton Chronicles series by Jeffrey Archer (3 books as of now) - its a delightfully good, solid story telling with bold characters, that you would expect from the author of Kane and Abel. Have now moved on to The King of Torts by John Grisham which also looks promising.
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 14:58
Agree with Silvstet, very poor experience which keeps deteriorating month on month. Even though I didn't pay full price but when you get only sample products some months and Nivea, Dove, and other supermarket brands in others, its quite frustrating. I get samples for free when I shop at Paris Gallery, Debenhams, Sephora etc and much better brands. New thing that they have started from a few months is adding some gift/discount vouchers - I used 1 for some massage at some clinic I don't remember the name of (50% discount) and it was such a bad experience I didn't bother using other such vouchers. A total rip off in my opinion.
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Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 11:37
In my opinion, no, you don't need to do any tutoring and if a child needs to be tutored from year 5 onwards, then it might not be the best school to go for. I have friends who took this approach and saw their child, who came from the top sets at primary school, relegated to set 7 at DC. They are still paying their son (now in year 11) to see a tutor several times a week and are not happy. DC provides great opportunities for bright and talented pupils, but I don't believe that they are particularly nurturing if a child is struggling. Totally agree. I wrote a long post on this but then deleted it as this is a sensitive subject. Just think are you ready to have your child take tuitions forever to maintain at an acceptable level at DC. If they cant get through without preparation - this is not the school for them as Chewit has already mentioned.
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Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 12:48
Had tears in my eyes reading your post. Extremely sad, and yes we get so caught up in our daily life and what we don't have/like that we forget to enjoy what we have. Life is so short and every moment should be enjoyed and be grateful for. Would pray for the bereaved family :-(
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Latest post on 06 January 2015 - 09:04
We flew last Oct with them and it was quite ok, neither too bad not extremely great, a normal airline experience, if you may. :)
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Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 15:05
Thanks Sarah, thought as much. How about online sites that sell perfumes - does anyone have any experience? GE I believe everyone who's selling their wares would package them properly, its what's in the bottle that could be fake - were you able to tell that the perfumes you bought on Souq were originals after you opened the packaging, as I saw even on Souq they seem quite cheap.
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Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 14:38
im just really scared, and i thought if i put a deadline maybe i'll stop taking things for granted. i feel like i am being selfish for thinking about myself only. How are you thinking about yourself only? You are in fact thinking about the future and if the new one will actually fit into it in the near term. You yourself have mentioned that you 1. don't want to quit work; 2. work 10 hours a day; 3. wont be able to afford a decent nursery; 4. hiring a maid is out of question. As Di says, stop thinking in deadline terms (don't get the logic of before 30?) and build a future where thinking of having a no 2 will not be as scary and terrifying. <em>edited by mumcurious on 04/01/2015</em>
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Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 14:30
I generally buy my perfumes from the Duty Free and sometimes (for gifting) at Paris Gallery/Sephora, etc. We have visitors over who have heard that you get really cheap branded perfumes at shops in Bur Dubai. Am not sure if these are for real or fakes like the bags they sell in Bur Dubai/Karama. Any experience anybody. TIA
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Latest post on 28 December 2014 - 16:38
I can't believe the Government haven't been given the Sunday off - so unfair !!! :( You feel our pain, at last :cry:
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Latest post on 28 December 2014 - 08:59
Just read about it! What a sad, sad news. I hope it is located soon - the world doesn't need another MH370 like disaster.
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Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 10:19
Hi Amy, I think you have been quite generous and it does make a huge difference in these people lives and if they are happy, it reflects in our houses as well. Feeling guilty for getting a perfume - no way, what do I know - maybe my maid would prefer that :cool:
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Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 09:27
I always give money (thats what they really want and look forward to) and a gift (which is something I choose myself - a watch this time) to my maid. I also have my DS buy a gift for her from his pocket money (something small but thoughtful). You cannot compare your daily helpers (who add a lot of comfort to your daily lives) with 'some' of your relatives, whom you see maybe once a year. Plus, as you said, with the low salaries that they have, these gratuities go a long way in fulfilling their festive obligations to their near and dear ones. Its the time of spreading joy and cheer and if a few hundered dhs can do that for someone - why not!
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Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 09:00
I would say its on the higher side, which most school trips are, I believe. On the contrary, our DS went to London and Leeds for a Cricket Camp (with a local academy here) this summer for 10 days all inclusive (including laundry), 4 star hotels (2 a room), various matches, some sightseeing at AED10k, which I believe was a superb deal. AED10k for 3-4 days is really excessive.
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Latest post on 11 November 2014 - 12:04
Don't like having to scroll down to the end to read the latest comments. Optionality in this case would be the best option :sleepy:
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Latest post on 11 November 2014 - 11:50
We are in a somewhat similar boat with my in laws, the difference being that we know and accept, that better part of the inheritance will go to my SIL who is married with no kids as my in laws feel that the marriage is not very stable (my DH and I feel that the guy is a gem with issues if any with the SIL) and the fact that she doesn't work. End of the day, its their money and they can do whatever they like with it.
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Latest post on 22 October 2014 - 09:17
Going by the responses here, I would believe there would be more parents who would be disappointing their kids who have been invited to this party. Why not get them together (with your DD's help) and plan something safer. This way no one misses out and have their own party tales to tell...
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Latest post on 22 October 2014 - 09:13
I don't know if I am just being thick (probably!) but when you click the button at the button 'Watch replies to this thread', how do you get notified of the replies and where is this? I click this a lot but don't get notified of when the thread gets a reply?! I have to keep refreshing the menu page to check this... Sorry if this is so obvious - I am blonde ;) No, I've also always wondered about this - and I'm not blonde ;-)
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Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 08:56
I knew it!
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Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 16:43
Izzy is right. Our maid eats what we eat and when I go grocery shopping each weekend with her, she picks up some stuff she likes (brands from back home) but its never more than 50 bucks a time, which I pay for with my shopping.
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Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 08:46
All she wanted was to vent - and at a place where she is anonymous - haven't we all have had that need at some point or the other? And instead what she gets is - being called a troll, bored housewife with nothing better to do, having to justify each post and have judgmental comments on her right to basically LIVE!!! I can only imagine the pain she is bearing day in and day out, so much so that this has now become a way of life for her - until and unless you have been in a similar situation, you don't have any right to judge her. As for posters saying she should get out if its that bad - I think from her various posts it is quite clear that she has exhausted all options and resigned to this life for the sake of her children. Though Cherpie, I would strongly suggest you get in touch privately, with the poster who says she's gone through something similar (minus the kids) and is in the process of getting out. Not only will you get valuable information but also a shoulder in difficult times from someone who's been where you are.
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Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 08:38
I don't think there is anything you can do about it. A lot of times,[b'> women from some Asian cultures are even unaware of what marital relations are about until just right bfore the wedding when the bomb is dropped.[/b'> [b'>I think it is terrible to inform people of th topic of birds and bees so late but have seen it happen to one girl who was told about a month before her wedding. [/b'>Of course it was too much to bear. Marriage is already going to be stressful for someone who hasn't had a relationship and gotten to know the guy and it will be even more for someone who doesn't know what marital relations are all about until the wedding is arranged. Was she married off at 14!
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Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 08:35
Pls pls pls bring this up to the school's attention - the principal and the parent reps too. This is quite serious and totally unacceptable. I know of an incident that happened in one of the schools. I think it should be a regulation that only ladies can work as cleaners in schools, at least during school hours. That school later changed their policy of hiring only female cleaners (outsourced) during school hours. <em>edited by mumcurious on 02/10/2014</em>
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Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 09:01
First the counterfeit passport post and now this - welcome to the end of the week. ;-) Just had my brekkie and this almost brought it all up. 30k is one thing, I wonder if anyone will want to have it even for free??? Hideous!
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Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 16:51
Not in the GCC but I have a friend whose DH works in the Far East, but she and the children didn't move with him mainly due to their schooling. Before leaving he arranged for a visa for himself from one of the free zones and based on that sponsors his family. Medical Insurance they have taken separately. HTH
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Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 13:03
Agree totally, how much can you eat and drink at a time - total waste of time and money. Weekend breakfast out, is what I much prefer.
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Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 13:34
Common sense prevails - http://7daysindubai.com/im-disappointed-doctors-comments-women-business/ My sentiments exactly: [i'>Sadly, what Dr Matar’s comments have done is make it harder for women in business to be taken seriously at all. It opens the door for the outdated buffoons that still exist among some of our male colleagues – those who already rely on an inappropriate, sexist quip when an unpopular decision is made or they are picked up on a detail missed in their work. What recourse do the more enlightened among us have now that a woman has backed up their stereotype? That any woman may now struggle more at work because of these comments makes me angry and sad – on any day of the month.[/i'>
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Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 13:23
But that IS what she's saying. It may be hard to pull that out of her speech, but it is. And I agree completely that she could have said it better. The meaning can be lost in the nuances of language and let's not forget that making a public speech is an art. Sometimes what you intend to say and what you say don't align. [b'>Maybe she thought she should try a relaxed approach and just came off wrong. Maybe she was super nervous. Who knows?[/b'> In your point about men, we aren't talking only about stress (which is an external factor on one's emotions). We are talking about hormones, something uncontrollable for many during certain times of the month. There's nothing wrong with it, it's completely natural. [b'>Let's stop acting like there is something wrong with PMSing[/b'>. There isn't! Should I feel guilty that when I PMS I am much less patient with my children and much more irritable with my husband? Why? It's not like I CHOOSE to be that way, in fact only by being conscious of it do I not let it get out of control. I think she is only telling us that PMS (or whatever) does not only affect our mood, it also affects other aspects of our lives (like decision making). Yikes. Give her a break. I don't buy that, she's a doctor for gods sake, not a nervous student giving their first public speech. And are you saying that she just went into this interview impromptu without preparing for it?
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Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 11:24
Can't believe I'm reading this, and that too coming from a doctor! Seriously, what century do we live in again???
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 14:17
Ha Mumcurious you sound like me - I thought it had felt like ages when I went back again, she was like why are you here - you came 6 month ago! Yes exactly, wasn't sure if I had, so called and checked. But my doc is good in that sense, whenever I go to her, she tells me what is due/am late for. Also does the breast exam every time (not mamo).
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 13:02
Same as DF couple of years back when my maid went for a month. Had my mum over for 15 days, took of for the rest. It helped that my DS used to take the bus to school, so no hassle of pick up/drop.
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 12:45
Yes a BIG Thanks to the ladies. I called my doc to check if I'm done for this year (usually do it yearly), she confirmed I did one in Jan. I also pestered my sis and two other close friends to book appointments (none had done in years) - all done and waiting for results.
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Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 09:36
And I feel the trainers are overworked. I did 10 personal training sessions there and could make out that the trainer just followed a rote which I could do myself. Even after 5-6 sessions, my trainer had difficulty recalling my name. Needless to say, i never went back there. <em>edited by mumcurious on 02/09/2014</em>
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Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 09:31
I agree, people try, but i don't let them get away with it. And then sometimes, I have voluntarily let people take my place in the queue, especially if its a mother with small children or if I have a trolley full and they just have a few things and I have had people reciprocate that as well (though as some poster mentioned, it is usually the local men).
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Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 08:34
I think that when you get the odd flu or cold That's the problem, right there - we're used to referring to a few days of fever and headache with cough and running nose as "the flu", but it absolutely is *not* flu, it's just a non-specific short-term virus infection. Flu is very specific, very nasty and lays you out for typically 10-14 days. So are you saying the Flu shots don't help prevent that to some extent?
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Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 12:13
Yes, this is what our landlord did last year after a year of us getting 2 parking spaces (for a 3 b/r) on the next renewal we were asked to pay AED6,666/- for 2nd parking (1 was free).
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Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 12:09
Its not like it's an expensive food stuff!!!! Big consumer? Never even thought about the price of quinoa, I think sometimes is hard to find. Bought in Spinneys last time, Waitrose brand. Didn't make a huge dent in my bill ;-) Yes at times its out of stock so for me its more important that I get it rather than worry on the price. If I don't find it for a couple of weeks, I usually stock it the next time I find it. To the OP - I have never tried at Lulu but C4 currently has it in stock, Spinneys as well.