muurtje | ExpatWoman.com
 

muurtje

muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 09:40
Back to Black, Amy Winehouse ... In the dessert you can remember your name.....
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 09:30
I have an LG direct drive and don't like it. Wish I would have gone with a Bosch as I had planned or if you want top of the range go for a Miele. I think my LG doesn't always clean properly and it doesn't dry the dishes very well. Also I don't like the menu options... HTH
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 09:26
Prima Donna. Wonderful bras for ladies with large bossoms :) Also I would love to see more good quality leather shoes (couldn't reall name a brand) that aren't deigner and don't cost the earth.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 09:01
From the Netherlands. Been in Dubai for almost a year.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 21:30
I do think that sometimes here there is a large judgement that comes with the answer to these questions. Especially when you might consider yourself 'western' but you might not look it. Dubai is an amazing melting pot of so many different cultures and nationalities but I don't think they are valued equally.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 20:00
If people ask me it's usually because they can't guess which means that I've succesfully managed to get rid of my 'delicious accent' :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 14:16
Prego congrats on your pregnancy! Slightly off topic but I saw a very interesting and moving documentary called 'pregnant in America' which displays some interesting facts and opinions about natural childbirth/ home birth vs c-section, epidural and inducing. Worth watching in my opinion. Watever you deceide I hope you will have an amzing pregnancy and a wonderful birthing experience!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 14:13
It looks like it got 'taken' from a hotel lobby or office block :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 12:28
Thanks Jules I will give Wassim a call. Princess that's what I've done and am doing, but for some reason even with the system being off there still seems to be water seeping out... hence the hefty Dewa bills. The LL has a maintenance contract with Emril, so the internal stuff should be sorted through them.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 12:14
MaryCatherine, that's a great tip! Indy now actually stays and sits for a quite while at my feet if I eat while on the couch but doesn't try to steal it out of my hands anymore. If it fall on the floor it is fair game! Jesskerz if you leave your e-mail I will send you my trainers details.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 11:51
Add one or two open pods to a small bottle of alcohol (rum or vodka) leave in a dark place for 6-8 weeks and voila, you have vanilla extract :) Buy my pods from the spice souk.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 10:48
Noooooooooo!!!!!!!!! Still think the boks deserved to win...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 10:12
Mine too !!!!!! Come on Boks!!!! Let's see if Bismark can change the tables.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 18:08
Friends of ours have put a stove outside their villa, so the maid cooks there. It is a the small 'alley' on the side of their villa. Do you have a garage? I have also seen kitchens and cookers in garages. Depending on what type of food your maid cooks I am assuming that you will be able to smell her food if she cooks in her room, as I think she will also be able to smell your cooking in her room? I suppose letting her eat your food is not an option? You could always order take-out for her every night ;)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 13:07
Thanks for all the tips everyone! Dog got the hang of it eventually. Not quite there yet as we have had a few accidents, but 9/10 times if I take him outside and tell him 'toilet' he goes and does his business :) Jesskerz, welcome to EW! Really enjoying the progress dog and I are making in his training. Managed to get hold of a fab lady who helps me to train the dog (and she trains me too). Marycatherine, although I love my FIL dearly he does have very different ideas about things like this then I do. His pugs just aren't trained at all and he feeds them table scraps all the time which I can't stand. Hopefully when he comes over he will listen and not do the same to our puppy. :\:
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 10:04
http://www.scheidingslijn.nl/nw-16414-7-55199/nieuws/scheiden_in_buitenland_is_probleem.html After a quick google search; divorce abroad I found this website. It gives good info and also mentions a lawyer. Hth.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 08:30
What about contacting a divorce lawyer in the Netherlands? There will be lawyers there who specialize in international divorce. Is her (ex) husband also from the Netherlands? I would try to contact a big law firm in one of the larger cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Den Haag. I hope that the outcome of the divorce will be as favorable for your friend as possible.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 12:19
Slightly side tracked, but I wish there was something such as free range leather and fur. Where the animals are treated well and get to live a happy life. Totally agree that it is so difficult to avoid China, or products from China. Will give cyclone T's suggestion a go. Already try to avoid their food products especially things like Tuna...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 08:34
I think when it comes to hair products I would go for Kiehls. I use their shampoo and conditioner and love it. If you want more natural products I would suggest going to the Organic shop, they have lots of different brands and I'm sure there will be something there for you. Hth.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 20:35
Has anyone tried Meat One in motor city? I don't think it is open yet. Drove by today in a taxi and it looked very closed. Anybody know what meats they are planning to sell and where it is from?
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 20:10
PG is very good. But still miss my very very posh but o so lovely farmer/butcher in the UK.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 15:37
I do not mind leaving my 1dhs in the trolley, nor do I mind tipping taxi drivers or the people who pack my bag (although I still think I do a better job myself so usually decline). The problem for me is when I've given someone a tip and I don't even get a thank you. I don't expect them to fall on their knees in gratitude but a simple acknowledgement is all I want. The only thing I do then is to say Thank you to them in a very exaggerated way and hope that the next guy will be better and he usually is. I do feel very privileged that I can make a big difference to somebody's life with for me a small amount. Needless to say it would be even better if those people didn't need my charity, but that's a different story all together.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 15:22
Mine really became much less when I started using a dermalogica eye cream, it has a spf 15 and it's made especially for dark circles. Not cheap, but I've really seen a big difference. Bobbi brown also do a great three step cover up and that works well too. Sometimes it's not about getting enough rest, I've always been prone to them and used to use lashings of cover-up and still see them :(
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 12:34
Safety, maid services, price of pertrol and mostly the relaxed atmosphere when it comes to getting together with friends. Back home people's agendas are so full, you need to arrange to get together about 3-6 months in advance. I'm not kidding, people seem to have so many commitments on the weekend and it's just no fun.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 08:03
FRESH flowers that will last longer then two days... I really miss those and can't get myself to buy fake ones. Family and friends are a given and I also miss a cool breeze :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 16:23
You know what bothers me the most about this situation? It's that I didn't call her back, or say anything to her. I just looked miffed and tried to make eye-contact, but was too chicken...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 15:21
You have mail. Thank you!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 19:30
Bump :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 17:44
I have to agree with spongemonkey. More 'students' here then in the red light district in A'dam.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 02:02
If you are on a budget, why not make a pasta salad with tuna, cucumber, feta and parsley. Cheap, tasty and can be eaten cold. Add a couple of dips; hummous either homemade or bought and this pea dip that is very tasty. Heat some peas with a small knob of butter in a saucepan. Add a good dollop of Labneh and puree ( I use my stick blender) once pureed add fresh mint and feta. Serve with taco chips or crackers. Another winner is little meat balls especially with children. Cheese and crackers can get a bit expensive, so the dips are much more economical. Hope you have a lovely gathering!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 13:52
Thanks Natalie8 for your kind offer. I haven't bought it yet and don't have time to go before your flight, so won't be taking you up on your offer. Enjoy your trip to London! Very jealous!!!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 13:42
Hong-Kong and Belgium as a child. HK very exciting and vibrant but much more fun as an adult. Belgium quite a tough place for expats as the locals do not really integrate with 'forgeiners' although we did live in small villages and not a city. South-Afica as a gap year. Loved it and met my DH there. London as a couple, great place but also not easy to meet new people outside of the workplace. However I would gladly return to it in a couple of years.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 20:02
Just finished eating a nice salad with it, bought it at C4 MOE. They had a big basket of it and it was very fresh. Yummy! Normally I try to buy local veg as much as possible, but this looked to good not to buy it.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 17:41
It's not just here in the UAE, but also in Europe and also in South Africa (was there over the summer and couldn't ge over the prices, it used to cheap there) I think it has lot to do with the economic turmoil that the world seems to be suffering from... Agree that local is the way to go, although I don't always think the quality is great. Also keep an eye out for specials. C4 had some good ones this week. Legumes are cheap, fill you up and are supposed to be quite good for you too. There are some great budget recipe ideas out there, but sometimes they don't work in this country as the ingredients aren't cheap here. I find that homemade soups are my go to thing when I have a bit of month left at the end of my money :( The basic principle is to fry off an onion and some garlic and then braise whatever vegetable you want to add. Use frozen if you want as it doesn't make a difference. Add a stock cube, some aromatics and water. Blend if you like. Adding a potatoe thickens the soup, adding rice, pasta or legumes makes the soup more filling. You can then always jazz it up my adding a few little bits such as cheese, creme fraiche, smoked chicken, prawns or bacon. These aren't cheap but a little goes a long way.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 15:52
Was a brownie too for a while when I lived in HK. Didn't always understand what I needed to do or how things worked, partly due to language barrier. A plus for enthusiasm though! The video that my father made during my initiation is one of the funniest things ever. I had severe problems with my hat/ beret and it looks like I'm wearing a loaf of bread on my head. I couldn't hold my fingers up properly and lisped through my oath thanks to my missing teeth :) DH had to wait until we were married before he was allowed to see it. The best bit is my Mum and Grandmother in the background trying their best and failing miserably not too laugh.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 11:41
Go BOKKE! :):):):)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:21
There is a difference between essence and extract. Essence is basically a non-natural flavorant. It is a chemical product whereas extract is made with actual vanilla pods.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:08
I enjoy watching the haka eventhough I don't support the AB's. Tbh I don't think it gives them an advantage, these are professional players and they should not let something like the Haka intimidate them. They know to expect it and it gives the other team a moment to focus together on their opponent. Have to agree that a lot of the players are very very goodlooking! Give me a rugby player over one of those spoilt footballers any day! :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:01
Is it me, or does this name seem quite racist? I mean does it mean they only clean for white people or does it mean that their cleaners are white? Either way what does colour have to do with domestic cleaners!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 14:56
I have never had a wax job. I only use my epilator for my legs. It's a bit painful especially at first but you get used to it quite quickly. I would also get a rechargeable one, especially if you travel a lot as you can then just put it in your suitcase when you are travelling without having to take the charger etc etc.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 08:56
I do the same with the sugar. For those of you who miss vanilla extract, it is actually very easy to make. Simply fill a small bottle with alcohol (rum or vodka work best) add a couple of fresh vanilla pods and leave in a dark and cool place for 6-8 weeks. As soon as I've run out of my stock I'm giving this a try!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 16:56
I know where you are coming from. It's not giving them water that's a problem. It's how and when. My gardener just holds out a bottle while knocking on the door and keeps knocking until I appear (he once really ticked me off as I was on the loo!!). The worst thing is that when DH is here he always get a please and a thank you. The other day, DH was home and the gardener insisted that he wanted to speak to me (I was just getting out of the shower) and it turned out he need bin bags :\: Granted hubby would have had to ask me where to find them, but he could have just asked him!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 14:39
Next time you have a bbq try and do a toastie on it once the coals have cooled down. Cheese, tomato, onion and basil leaves. It's amazing! Just remember to keep turning so it doesn't burn. Best toastie ever!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 14:27
I don't mean to be harsh and loosing your job is not always something you can do anything about, but this the UAE. You were not very smart getting yourself in such a load of debt and having a mortgage when it's (apparently) the only income in your household. People loose their jobs here all the time and you could get locked up for not making your payments. You said it's been 9 months since you lost you job? You haven't been able to find a job in 9 months? Maybe you're standards are too high and you need to take what you can get so you have some income and can show goodwill to the bank by making small repayments? Then once you have a job even if it is a crappy one with crappy pay you can look for a better one. Good luck and I hope things work out for you.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 14:11
Just finished Mother without a Mask and really enjoyed it. Some of it is a little outdated but the general tone of the book was great and I learnt a lot about this region and in particular the women in this region. Not sure what to read next...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 13:09
I do feel very very very tired here and have started taking some proper vitamins as I too am worried about the lack of nutrients in the food here. Hope this will help me feel a bit more energetic soon. Hair sheds too, still...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 12:54
same here. Hope that helps.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 12:08
I just spoke to the supervisor and he was quite surprised. He told me the guy was new and not to give him any food. He's knew and didn't know. Let's just hope the guy doesn't get into trouble for this.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 00:21
Bump, anyone? :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 10:10
Irooni, sorry to hijack your thread but this has reminded me of a film that I've been looking for. What a great idea to post on here and access the wonderful pool of knowledge that is EW! It's a British movie, made for tv. I think it was bbc and it's probably from the early 90's. It's about a family with a mother who is an alcoholic and here children 'rescue' her and then at the end they all live happily ever after in this idyllic cottage after moving away from the city. Cannot remember anymore details as it's years since I saw it, but really enjoyed it. Tia!
 
 
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