mumto2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

mumto2

mumto2
246
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Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 20:46
Thank you ladies. Will call Blossoms.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 22:00
DIFC on SZR has Miyabi or Bentoya. We like both but prefer Bentoya.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 12:14
We travel through Amsterdam all the time. My first time through was not as harrowing and stressful as I thought it would. While it may be a big building, it's quite easy to navigate. In the plane, I watched a short video about the airport and that really helped me to understand how to transfer, etc.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 00:09
We were in the same situation last year with only 3 months left on our passports. I emailed the canadian embassy to ask if it were still possible to travel even with 3 months left as we were going home anyway and that we would renew it when we were home. There was no reply from them and so we decided to just do the renewals here.
mumto2
246
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 11:47
Try these guys. http://www.dxbcoast.com/masks.htm Hope he is able to get some. Friends in Singapore can't get any as they are out of stock.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 09:54
I can't comment on which one is better but I do know that there are no Kumon centres in the UAE. However, you can do it through distance learning. There is a centre in Bahrain you can contact.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 12:02
Took back camel chocs, saffron, vanilla pods (a whole lot cheaper over here), dubai t-shirts, malban (those nougat sweets. they were a hit!), arabic coffee... i went back in the winter so got pashminas and also christmas ornaments. Also bought a few came stuffies for the kids.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 11:29
How about donating to a cause he believes/supports? Some people I know did not buy giveaways for their weddings. Instead, they donated that budgeted amount to a cause such as The Heart and Stroke Foundation or Breast Cancer Awareness. For my parents Anniversary I donated money to a charity that they supported.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2013 - 07:28
We are into our 1st year of homeschooling and no regrets. My kids are 6 and 4. While our initial reasons for homeschooling were financial, etc...I can see now how my eldest child would not have excelled in a traditional school. I tried introducing certain concepts to her but she was not able to get it until we went on a field trip or until she did a kinesthetic activity. It was then that I realised that she learned faster and better when she "experienced" it rather than only taught it. My younger child joins us for the most part: reading time, art, physical ed, math games, science experiments. But if there is a time when the older one needs to be on her own, then little sister is shown the play room. We try to stick to a routine albeit hard at times when there are guests. But to preserve my sanity, it has to be adhered to: I wake up at 6, do the "quiet housework" (sweep, dust, dishes,), then school (usually for 2 -2.5 hours), then the "noisy housework". Afternoons we have ballet, gym, etc. Then evenings is family time when DH comes home. One thing I have learned in this first year? PREP, PREP, PREP. VERY important. There were times when I just winged it...very bad. So this year, since we are done our curriculum this May, June will be spent on prepping activities, making sure I have the materials needed, etc...
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 09:18
They don't accept applications on Tuesdays. We renewed our kids' passports last year and it was pretty straightforward. We got hold of the application forms. The forms were simple enough to fill out and it had very clear instructions on what we needed to have (but i don't remember what they are). Get a hold of the application forms from the embassy and you'll know what to do/get.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 01:49
Those options are for Emirates flights. There are many others where the layovers are in Europe. We take KLM when we go back home (Dubai-Amsterdam-Vancouver). We usually buy our tickets from expedia. My longest stopover in Amsterdam was 6 hours.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 21:54
When my eldest daughter was born, my best friend gave her a lovely tea set. A really special one. We started using it when she was around 1 and have been using it ever since. She is now 6 and her sister is 5. We love our little tea parties. They also now have an Arabic tea set. Oh. And we don't have pretend tea parties. We actually do have goodies, some juice etc. The girls take out the table cloth and set the table. We've also used that tea set for when they have their friends over. Or how about getting a membership at the dubai aquarium and your friend can take her there for a few adventures during the year. Or (I just saw this on Mom Souq) getting a 3D casting of her feet and hands! We did this for our girls back home. Love them. Maybe call the company to get a gift "card" for your friend. <em>edited by mumto2 on 09/03/2013</em>
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2013 - 00:03
Someone asked a similar question some months back. Here's the link to the thread: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic188754-tupperware-in-dubai.aspx
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 09:21
When I travelled with my girls on a 14 hour flight, I brought old and new toys. Small enough to fit in our handcarry of course. The new toys I would wrap in wrapping paper. I got them a book, colouring book/crayons, and a cheap mini doll (similar to Polly Pocket but a lot less expensive). They had a lot of fun unwrapping and they were kept entertained all through their waking hours. They opened a new gift every 2 or 3 hours.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 09:14
I visited India recently and am sure you have to have 6 months on your passport. Check the Indian Consulate website. Salsb is right, 6 months and 2 empty pages on passport. Agree. I think the 6 months validity is pretty much a standard requirement when travelling. When you do get a new passport for your baby, make sure to carry the old passport as well as the OCI passbook. The old passport has the OCI sticker on it and you need this PLUS the OCI passbook. My brotherinlaw did not have his old passport with him (just the OCI passbook) and was denied travel.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 13:51
Vancouver is lovely in July. If you have the time and want to, I would go to one of the farms that have U-pick. You pick your own berries. Our favourite farm is Krause Farm in Aldergrove. They have a lovely patio where you can have smoothies, pie, etc... About 30-40 minute drive from Vancouver. Or do a day trip to Vancouver Island. Hope you have a fantastic time.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 13:42
I've used these sites in homeschooling our kids. We do have a curriculum we follow and use these to supplement: http://www.icanteachmychild.com http://www.allkidsnetwork.com
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 19:22
Go to the embassy here to apply for one OR get your passport stamped at the Philippines airport for the 21 days allowed and then apply (in the Philippines) to extend your stay. http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=37
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 10:25
InvisAlign Former co-worked did this in the States. Something similar must be offered here in Dubai. Was just going to suggest this too! Someone I know did this a few years back. She was in her mid-30s as well.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 22:09
I attended the Parenting Show last year and there was a mom there who had done up a website specifically for gift registries. I just went to momsouq to check and her website is there. I don't know if I can put it up here so go to momsouq and then click on stores. Her link is on page 3.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 21:18
HOmes R Us?
mumto2
246
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 07:17
8.5 by 11
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 20:33
No. We were not her sponsors, per se. I think the application asked why she was coming to dubai (visit) and whom she was staying with (us). There was no mention of a "sponsor".
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 18:17
My friend came for a visit in December. She applied for it back home and it only cost her about $135 or so. Definitely not $250. When she did it, she could not (at that time) apply online. Not sure if you can do that now. She printed off the papers, and then sent off her passport to the embassy. She got back her passport with the visa about a week or 10 days later. The only "difficulty" she had was at the airport back home. It was the first time the immigration officer had seen a UAE visa that was IN/PASTED ON the passport. I'm assuming it was a piece of paper before. It was fine though. They let her in. And we had a lovely visit. <em>edited by mumto2 on 08/02/2013</em>
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 17:25
Thank you ladies.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 10:54
There was a thread I read very recently and I suspected it was the same person. Interesting observation, Di.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 08:16
Is it the card game you want or the prize part that you like? Cos we've done the prize "steal" for bridal shower games, baby shower games and yes, christmas party games. So really you can choose a card game that goes fast and then still do the prize steals. We play Dutch Blitz cos it's a fast one.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 07:23
But there is a Ladies Only area.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 09:25
Thanks EC! And thank you for the tip about cash purchase.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 09:17
Can I bargain there? Do they engrave rings? Any recommended shops? Thanks.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 09:16
We just moved into a huuuge 3 BR flat on Sheikh Zayed Road (near Shangrila Hotel). Rent: 100k!! It's really accessible so I'm sure the school bus would go there. Try JLT as well. Were due to move soon and on a strict 100k budget for a 3 bed plus study/maid. Where did you find the advert for your current apartment? Dubizzle? I cant find anything in this price besides Mirdiff.. There are many apartments along SZR (Crown Plaza, Rose Rayhaan, Shangrila) area. We actually walked the whole strip and went to each apartment block to ask if there were 3 BRs available. Some were going for as low as 85K for a 3 BR plus maid to as high as 135K for the same.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 09:05
Great thread. I have been a witness to near misses and was wondering, if they did end up in an accident, can I offer to be a witness? We do this back home - give our contact to the one who is not at fault and offer to be a witness. Usually the insurance company would call and then we'll tell them what we saw. Is that done here as well? And also back home, one thing I have been told to do is to take pictures. Some friends have done that (back home) and the pics have helped in their insurance claim.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 09:18
I usually do themes, for example, how about an inexpensive coffee mug with some starbucks coffee (sachets, but i don't know if they sell them here so maybe a gift card or another coffee-brand alternative or a box of tea), a magazine (to read along with the coffee/tea in the cheap mug) and of course the chocolates. OR a christmas movie (or any movie) with a box of popcorn and the chocolates. And this one I did for my kids Secret Santa at school: a box of cookie mix, frosting, and christmas-themed cookie cutters.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 09:05
We went a few days ago in the morning. The stalls were closed but we still could take pictures of the trees, etc. Then we went back in the evening and enjoyed the lights and the christmas music. Would recommend going in the evening, definitely.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 07:23
Grew up in Singapore and I remember every one at school were made to brush their teeth after recess. At the university I was teaching in Canada, many of my Korean and Japanese students brushed their teeth after a meal. As Kathyt said, "Good idea."
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 08:27
Oh! Of course! I totally forgot about Daiso. Thanks ladies!
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 20:11
I understand the Phillipines has an exellent health care system. The gals usually wait for their yearly trip home to do their medicals as health care is free for the citizens.. Its not free but it is very cheap. Defnitely not the thousands that the maids in Dubai are asking. Also the medical standards and education is not up to par with western standards. They only go to school for 10 years and graduate when they are 16. To become a medical doctor you only study 4 years (where as in western countries it takes about 7 years),so they can be 'medical doctors' when they turn just 20 years old. I'm sorry to correct you with this! Education in Philippines comprises the following: 1yr- kindergarten 6yrs- primary education 4yrs- junior high school 2yrs- senior high school 4-5yrs- college 4 yrs- additional for MD Concurring with Eunice here. Before one goes to Med School, they have to take pre-med (4 years). Med School another 4 years. Then of course you have residency.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 20:06
Mum2girls?? 19,000 aed?! have you given her all that? :\: School uniforms, 1,000 aed????? :\: :\: I am just as shocked! Mum2girls, I am a Filipino and have family back in the Philippines. I have 4 nephews there and their uniforms definitely do NOT cost AED1000. How many kids are there that your maid needs AED 1000? As for healthcare costs, it really all depends on where they go to get care. The government hospitals are relatively inexpensive. Of course the bills are a lot higher if they go to a private hospital. <em>edited by mumto2 on 02/12/2012</em>
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 16:05
Just got back from there and had fun. Not muddy at all. It did drizzle a little but it was fine.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 07:54
We average about 600/month. We live in a 3 bedroom apartment. A/C is not included in our bills. I do use the washer at least 2x a day. No drier. No dishwasher. The highest we've paid was in the summer - around 1000. <em>edited by mumto2 on 25/11/2012</em>
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 07:00
A friend of mine has 2 children who are dyslexic and have Irlen Syndrome. She has a blog that she keeps and has a few entries there on IS. This is her blog: http://twinkletar.blogspot.com/search/label/Irlen%20Syndrome
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2012 - 21:06
American University in Dubai offers Architecture.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 11:09
We just got a Traverse last month. We chose it over some of the others mentioned here because of space. Even with the 3rd row up, there is still a lot of trunk space. My husband is tall and fits in the 3rd row quite comfortably. Yes, it has AC vents at the back. We got ours for 108K. It is the basic model and the price includes the rear camera, side sensors, dvd player. I think without those, it was around 104K or thereabouts. edited by mumto2 on 21/11/2012 That's strange. I called to ask for a quote. She told me basic 130k and mid is 161k. Are the prices lower when you go into the showrooms? Can you negotiate? Can you tell which showroom you went to? We went to the GMC on SZR. Not sure if they are lower if you go in but that is what we did. We went in, checked the vehicles out, then talked to them.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 09:17
We just got a Traverse last month. We chose it over some of the others mentioned here because of space. Even with the 3rd row up, there is still a lot of trunk space. My husband is tall and fits in the 3rd row quite comfortably. Yes, it has AC vents at the back. We got ours for 108K. It is the basic model and the price includes the rear camera, side sensors, dvd player. I think without those, it was around 104K or thereabouts. <em>edited by mumto2 on 21/11/2012</em>
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 02:02
Oh Irooni. I found out from the Sun yesterday and my heart was heavy. My husband's cousin was from the same detachment. Our prayers...
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 07:37
In a span of 2 weeks I had about 20 cig butts on our balcony. I wrote management and even sent a picture. I thought they would send out a notice to the residents as they would for other issues such as children swimming unsupervised, etc...but nothing. Then more cig butts plus tissue plus a cig box came raining on our balcony. I sent another stern letter and included newspaper articles about fires in UAE that were caused by cig butts. Any notice? Nope. But I haven't had any more cig butts on my balcony either. Either the person has stopped smoking, stopped throwing out their cig butts or the wind blew them onto another person's balcony.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 22:36
Thank you so much ladies. Huge help.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 12:43
I didn't get to call the embassy and DH insisted that we go regardless and well, we are now here in KSA. No problems at the border. My MIL was with us and she is a KSA resident so I'm not sure if that helped us. But there was no mention at all about the mode of travel.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 21:46
It wasn't downloading any of my yahoo attachments so I forwarded the emails to another account and they were fine.
mumto2
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 18:44
I'm not sure if it's called a trip ticket but DH went to the RTA today If my memory serves me right, RTA issues the Tourism Certificate and the Automobile Touring Club issues the trip ticket. Ah. Yes. I think DH mentioned that he went to both. I also told him about the washable liquid. Thanks so much SG. Will call Embassy tomorrow.
 
 
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