muurtje | ExpatWoman.com
 

muurtje

muurtje
833
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 18:46
Panic over, it's been found thanks to one of the lovely ladies at the salon... now off to G&D park to have my lock checked out. Sooo relieved!!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 20:00
It is the same building, on the far corner coming from Spinneys. Turn right just after the building and park in the carpark behind it. When you walk round to the front Chi will be the first shop.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 10:01
The Ripe ME veg boxes are all local and all organic - come from farms in the UAE. Variety is great - regularly get tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, but also things like pumpkin, sweetcorn, spring onions, beetroot etc. They now have a shop in Manara - went yesterday and they sell all sorts of local gourmet stuff, yum! Where in Manara is this shop TDB? I would love to take a look there!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 09:36
They changed the baker at Le Marche. I used to love their traditional baguettes, but now it seems it's the same bread as at Geant. I love the sour-dough bread at the bakery in Motor city. I buy a whole loaf and then freeze portions. For a real weekend treat I'll sometimes buy an olive bread at Paul. So yummy!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 09:30
We spend about 800-1000 a week for two adults and a dog. This includes cleaning products, dog food and the odd meal out (mostly at places such as More). We tend to do a lot of entertaining and I love to cook. For the ladies that buy local veg, don't you get fed up with the lack of variety? Believe it or not I have become more price concious since I gpt here and there are certain things that I refuse to buy (50aed for a packet of fishfingers?!?!). However I do spend extra on quality in particular when it comes to things like meat and cheese. Am also a bit of a brand snob so when it comes to things like olives, pesto etc I tend to go for the more expensive types. I tried meal planning but it doesn't seem to work for me as I then either don't feel like eating or cooking what I had planned, or suddenly we're having guests for dinner or..... Anyway having read this thread I have decided to set myself a budget of 500aed per week for the next month. Let's see how it goes! :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 12:00
Yup been there, done that. When we lived in Rotterdam I got numerous calls about an add in the newspaper. Turned out it was an add for a *** farm. Well when I say farm that's probably the wrong word, but basically a br*thel. ODB's phoning up all hours of the day and night asking me about the prices and if lady xyz was available... Fixed it by letting DH pick up the phone and then they'd hang up straight away. Strange thing was the add hadn't even misprinted the number. It turned out the men were using the old number which had been changed recently and that was ours.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 17:46
Backside Spinneys please. Friend: Where is your coat rack? Me: We don't have one as we never wear coats. I love your handbag, it is real or a genuine fake? Thanks ladies, this a great thread. Keep them coming!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 17:24
Maroosh, also try TKMaxx they sell designer clothes from previous seasons. You need to take some time and go through the racks but then you can find some real bargains. Also take a look at Hobbs for some nice trousers, not cheap but good quality and cheaper then in NL. Avoid Oxford street on the weekend. It's worse then the 'Kalverstraat' on a 'koopzondag' Happy shopping!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 10:40
We might also be able to help, our plans for the summer are still not finalised, but from September onwards we'd be here. We had a male lab too, so we'd need to see if they would get along. Like Oct we also have a dog-free swimming pool so if your lab loves to paddle we might not be the right family for him.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 23:43
Poor you! Murphy's law that things like this happen when DHs are away... Hope your landlord has a maintenance contract and that all will be fixed soon! Your reasoning seems logical, although I have to admit that in my house the door is often also open (or keeps being opened by the dog and closed by me). However this does not seem to affect our AC. Hope you won't have to stay up mopping deep into the night!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 23:00
Thank you ladies for your suggestions!!! I think the biggest problem is that we are so very spoilt for choice from here. I will look into all your options and hopefully we'll be able to pick the perfect holiday.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 14:44
I called the nr on the website, took ages to get through, but after that it was easy and the guy simply removed the fine and even phoned me back to tell me that he had (which I'd already seen on the website). However it was rather clear that it wasn't me as the car in the picture was an ambulance and two digits on the licence plate had been mixed up. :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 18:49
Rather bizarrely I was also told by my instructor to not make conversation with the examiner. I was just to say Yes Mam, No Mam etc. I left out the Mam, but just responded to her requests with a Yes thank you. Like October mentioned don't forget to check that all the doors are closed. It was during my test that the first lady failed because of it. Lastly just use the break at the traffic lights, no need to put the car in neutral or use the hand break to pass the test. Remember to breath and remind yourself that the test is only 10 min. Good Luck!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 11:25
Send out an e-mail saying that people can come and meet you at a certain time in a certain place. Explain your limited time here and that you can't meet everybody in those five days. Make them come to you. If they don't want to make the effort then they are no worthy of being your friend.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 13:00
It is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. i always thought it was - Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.... Lol! Brilliant I'm going to have to remember that one :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 23:07
Hmm difficult, first instinct would be to say Nigella, love her, but after watching the video I can't stop giggling. Second thought was Princess Maxima of the Netherlands but then I'd have to sleep with Prince Willem Alexander... yuck! Sade would be a great contender for my current life. Sing like she does, do a couple of fantastic shows every ten years, make lots of money and spend most of my days out in the garden in an old barbour coat. Sounds fab to me!! Now for a completely different life to mine... hmmm this is difficult I think I'd need to go for a real party person with a crazy lifestyle. Kim Kardashian? Nah too much hair! Lady Gaga? Nah too weird. Dita von Teese? Perfect! Yes that would be a completely novel lifestyle for me, floating around in a giant martini glass.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 22:50
How about one of the Scandinavian countries? Denmark is very child friendly and you can visit Lego Land there as well. Sweden is also great!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 17:37
I think it's a matter of borrowing a bicycle, finding a wide and quiet stretch of road and just practising. Lower the seat so that your feet are flat on the ground when you sit on it and just start peddling. Speed is what gives you balance when you cycle, so don't go too slow, just keep a smooth and steady pace going. If you want you are more then welcome to come and borrow my bicycle and have a go of it here. Good luck!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 14:14
I'm trying to use the RERA rental increase calculator but it keeps saying I should log in to the RERA website. However I can not find where you can do that. Does anyone know how I can log on/register? TIA
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 13:40
Bleugh, some people are just mean and probably a bit miserable too! Know it's not easy but try to ignore it and just remind yourself that you don't need people like that in your life. Sending a hug to make you feel better and make sure to give yourself an extra biscuit with your cup of tea today :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 13:23
Was wondering the same thing as Wuffles. From your post I think it is more a case of you being too different from one another then him being out of your league. (Hate that expression btw). However it seems like you don't really know him very well, so if I were you I'd try to get to know him better. Who knows you might be soul mates! If you need an excuse, why not ask him about what a nice place would be to go for dinner or drinks (not a date, you don't want him thinking you're asking his advice to go and see someone else). Play it cool and who knows he might even invite you to join him. Good luck and keep us posted. Nothing better then reading about romance unfolding!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 23:55
A nice fresh piece of salmon needs nothing more then a little olive oil, some salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Even without any of this it is still a great fish. You could also make your own fishfingers. Plenty of child friendly recipes for that on the internet. Another nice flavour combination is white fish with some fennel and orange. Prawns are another great way to go especially as they work nicely as a finger food. Your lo can dip them herself in a little mayo, yoghurt and ketchup. Good luck!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 23:49
I'm married to a Capetonian and am finding this post really interesting. Just wanted to add a couple of things. On my last few visits I found day to day shopping really expensive in comparison to a few years ago. A weekly shop at pick&pay has really become quite expensive. On the up side great wine is still cheap so just eat less and switch to a liquid diet :) Price of clothing has also gone up quite a bit and the quality isn't great unless you buy imported brands in which case you'll pay through the nose for it. Eating out is still very affordable and there are so many great places to go! Property is relatively cheap, but getting a mortgage can be tricky. We're thinking about buying some property and renting it out as the rent would cover the mortgage. The crime thing is the main reason we wouldn't move back there. It is not about someone stealing your tv, but about them trying to kill and rape you in the process. For me it's too much of a risk especially if you have children.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 18:04
I used EDI as well and was very happy with my instructor, but like I said there is quite a bit of difference between the instructors. Learning to drive in Al Quoz is interesting as there is so much going on on the roads there. I wouldn't worry too much about the test. In most countries there are caps on the amount of people allowed to pass in one day. I was the last batch of the day when I did my test and still passed first go. Just stay calm, do as you are told, smile at the instructor. The one thing I did find very odd was that when you do your test there are up to four other candidates with you in the car and you switch when the instructor tells you to.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 15:34
I learnt to drive here a couple of months ago and was NOT allowed to exceed the speed limit. I was told I had to stay under the limit, both by my instructor and during my preparations for the test. I actually complained that during all my lessons and even during my high driving I never went over 100km as I think it is important to prepare people for high speed driving (120km) as well. During the test she would most definitely fail if she exceeded the speed limit.Advise her to follow all the rules (even the silly ones) during her test and she will be fine. What driving school is she using? I think there is a big difference in the schools here and also with the different instructors. <em>edited by muurtje on 12/05/2012</em>
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 13:07
Go to Chi, much nicer vibe and much more relaxed as well.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 12:48
Nespresso!! I love my machine and the coffee. I also have a separate aerochino which turns an ordinary cup into a lovely foaming cappuccino. Just enjoying one as I type. The only thing lacking about Nespresso is that I am still waiting for George to come and deliver my coffee in person :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 18:04
This is how a family member ended up divorced. She wrote an e-mail to a friend complaining about how much she hated her husband, couldn't stand him any longer etc etc it was really quite bad and then she sent it to him instead of her friend... :\:
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 15:47
I lived in the Ranches for 18 months with a car or a licence. It was okay, taxis come quickly and I used my bicycle to get round the Ranches. However having recently gotten my licence I don't know why I didn't do it sooner! It has given me so much freedom. Also I don't have any children, so I don't know about taking taxis with little ones. I think personally my child would be too precious to let them drive it. So, it's not impossible but it will restrict your movements quite a bit. Good luck making a decision and congratulations with your pregnancy!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 11:21
I'd do a desert that can be made in advance like a pavlova. The tricky thing about doing a roast is the oven, you need it for the meat, roast potatoes, parsnips and yorkshires. It will all cook at different temps. Go with the meat temp and when that is done take it out, let it rest and finish off the roast potatoes. Yorkshires need a very hot oven, so only do those last. One last tip, buy an internal meat thermometer, you can stick this in the meat to check the internal temp so that your meat is perfectly done! Good luck!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 23:10
Hi I have a 11month old labrador retriver who loves to play with other doggies. I could come to JVT for a doggie play date. Please e-mail me at [email protected]
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:34
In the middle of the third book of the hunger games and love it too!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:29
Thanks ladies, think this will just take a bit of practice and I should prepare to miss the exit a couple of times lol. Genie next time I will try your tactic although I haven't changed lanes while on a roundabout so that will be a new experience. Problem is that during my driving lessons I only encountered a one lane roundabout so this is all very new!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:20
Thanks Tiki, it seems my first choice of the outside lane was correct, yet if there are cars I will be sure to miss the exit... Thankfully I don't have to go there too often!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:17
If you come from the direction of Dubai Mall, then you turn left at the second (?) set of lights to get to the Difc and there is a roundabout there. You will have Emirates towers on your right, straight is to the Metro and if you take a u-turn you head back to the traffic lights, and on the right just after the roundabout is the slip road that takes you to visitors parking. I hope this is more clear, am not terribly good at describing things like this.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:22
Our weekends tend to be very social here which I love, but I don't have a lot of friends to meet during the day... Think I might have to go to the coffee mornings again to meet some more people, but they're not something I'm good at!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:15
How about just attacking them with bleech and dettol? Lol I've moved too many times to worry about toilet seats, as long as you clean them properly it should be fine, just don't think too much about it.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:15
How about just attacking them with bleech and dettol? Lol I've moved too many times to worry about toilet seats, as long as you clean them properly it should be fine, just don't think too much about it.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:13
What about Slimfast? It's shakes and bars just like Cambridge, you can then have a salad with some lean protein for dinner. Also try and add some exercise (even just walking or swimming) to speed things up. Good luck!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 15:53
Izsy, firstly my condolences. I think you should go with your feelings on this one. If you think that you are able to say goodbye to him without going to the funeral and it won't hugely complicate the relationship with your other relatives, then you shouldn't go. However you might find that going to the funeral will make you feel closer to your remaining relatives. Sending you hugs
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:16
Please don't forget the measure the distance between the holes on the actual toilet bowl to make sure that the brackets of the seat you buy will fit. Good luck! ps. I think you will also be able to find them at Dragon Mart.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 17:42
It seems they are out of most colours everywhere, especially dark ones. I think Spinneys Motor City has some Goldfish Orange left, but I very much doubt that's what you're looking for. Think it might have been their last order, although who knows they might actually get new stock in a couple of weeks? months? years? Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Was looking for dark blue recently and eventually had my Mum bring it over.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 17:19
Try having parents and in-laws living on two different continents... This summer we're first going Europe for my Dad's 60th which I'm dreading as I know there will be lots of family politics (thankfully not with my parents) and my Grandmothers will complain that I never come to see them and then I'm off to South Africa to see the in-laws. So, once again there will be no time for a proper holiday for DH and myself. Staying with family, as much as you might (or might not) love them just isn't a holiday at all.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 16:21
Thanks Polly. I think it's more of an emotional thing then anything else. He only uses it to visit SA which at the moment he does frequently, but can enter SA with his other one, it just means standing in a longer line with me :D Will see what happens, worst case scenario they take away the green Mamba. I think in his head my DH figures himself a bit of a James Bond and like the ideas of having multiple passports, so he would be disappointed to loose it and if we ever wanted to live in SA it would be good to have it, although he still has his ID-book.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 15:59
Hello Ladies, My DH hast two passportS from two different countries and needs to renew his South African one. It does not have his residence permit in it. Has anyone done this before and will it cause any problems? TIA!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 12:39
Outside of a pub where he spoke the legendary words to me: Hi my name is .... remember it, you'll be screaming it later. Today is our second wedding anniversary and we'll have been together for 11 years this summer. Needless to say I'm still screaming his name :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 11:57
Bump :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 09:41
Ah, now you've made me cry. lol this is why I don't watch these shows... Amazing voice especially his!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 09:27
I was wondering if anyone has done this before? We're going next weekend for one night and I would like to take the dog. However we need to cross the border into Oman I believe and was wondering what the procedure is for taking a dog. He has a passport and is fully vaccinated. TIA!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 10:19
I also only got my licence a few weeks ago and have had access to a car for a little over a week. I think it is just a matter of doing it and telling yourself that you are not scared. I've been driving everywhere just to get practice and drove over 500km in the last week. Yes, when I arrive my hands will be dripping with sweat but it also gives me a great feeling that I've done it. The only road that I am still a bit weary of is SZR, but living in AR I can avoid it most of the time. Like the other ladies have said, please don't go too slow. There is no reason why you can't drive the speedlimit in your community. On the highways you don't need to drive the maximum speed, but I surely wouldn't recommend driving slower then 90 unless it is busy. Personally I find being stuck behind trucks in the slow lane a lot worse then driving a bit faster. Just keep checking your mirrors and drive on roads like the bypass road where you have 6 lanes and they aren't very busy. Good luck and happy driving!
 
 
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