Nayls85 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Nayls85

Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 15:52
I might be completely wrong, but I think I have seen branded toys cheaper in Babyshop (big one in Oasis Centre)
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 15:50
Curious to know how often you get it done? Judging by the replies below I also assume the onus isn't on the landlord to pay / provide this. Moved out here recently...another thing for my to do list :)
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 06:53
Glad you are ok. Honestly, I have never been anywhere with so many terrible drivers like here! Except maybe Bangkok, but there is always so much traffic there that at least bad driving is at very slow speeds therefore not as much potential for bad accidents. It's like here many people have that combination of awful driving skills and lack of manners.
Nayls85
275
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 16:51
Great thread. I'm fairly new here with you little ones so still discovering I accidentally thumbed down (tiny tiny button on my iPhone argh) and can't reverse or give a thumb up, sorry'!
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 18:19
Thank you Laura and Alismum Will definitely go this weekend and also speak to them, a younger kids session only sounds like it would be beneficial, safer for the younger ones and the older kids won't have the slower little kids getting in their way.
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 18:15
Can also get from hospitals. I have private insurance, I got an appointment for my 1yr old easily enough at Medcare opposite Safa Park
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 12:39
Yes I signed one - no issues, the photos they take are either given to you, put in their record keeping books (which then passed onto you), used to decorate the notice boards or for websites etc You'd have to ask them whether you are in (usually only confirmed once place offered and deposit paid) I'd email or call them, but there are always loads of forms to do anything here!!!!
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 16:24
Thanks Mary84, it would make me feel better not having to submit bank details My paranoia stems from all the cases of identity theft / fraud I came across back in UK
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 16:22
Hey SarahLou thanks for asking! That's great, I can't wait to take him this weekend.
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 16:20
Yep The ones I've been to and like: The Farm Tom & Serg (Al Quoz) Lime Tree Cafe (Manara) Jones the Grocer (Manara) And there's a cafe beginning with M on Umm Al Sheif road...can't remember what, sorry! However many of these don't take bookings and can get really busy past 10am so try and get there early if poss, we had to wait over 15 mins last weekend when we went to T&S and Jones.
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 21:34
Sorry, but I'm confused at what you are asking / saying. My husband is British, I have EU passport, we got married in UK but we had a blessing ceremony here in Dubai a year later (when we were still living in the UK) because this is where I grew up and we didn't have the chance to have a proper celebration in the UK. No issue with visas, we were still living in UK at the time but when we came here for our blessing it was just on normal 30 day visit visa.
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 21:28
@Di that's a good point, will definitely do this @Daza - agreed! I would have said yes anyway, just the principle. @Sanddy - it hangs a bit into communal area so he was picking from outside and then climbed over gate and continued picking with the compound gardener. @Greedy - I feel better now as I told my neighbour who also has a mango tree that they would come for hers tomorrow,, I look out my window an hour ago and she's climbing up and picking hers off, hoorah! Small victory for the compound haha. My life must not be very exciting if all this mango drama is giving me palpitations.
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 19:46
Thanks both of you, good to know that I wasn't unreasonable for being annoyed . Nothing about this in contract. I think I'm going to let it slide for now and 'pick my battles' - landlord is a very affluent business man and owns whole compound, and others, I'm going to save all my noise-making for if/when he tries to bump rent up!
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 18:24
So I go outside and see the compound watch man picking all my mangoes from my mango tree in my garden. I ask him what he is doing and he said that he has to give them to the landlord as per landlord's demands, but he will give some to us. He gives me about a 1/3 and the other 2/3 he is giving to the landlord who needs them to give to his 2 wives and children. Is this normal? I would have given most of the mangoes away anyway but no one even asked me - just looked outside my window and he was picking away, which I wanted my two little boys to do on the weekend. I feel bad for being annoyed, but in have mango rage right now!
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 16:41
I am just trying to register with them (I did something similar in the past when I was living in UK, good fun) and it is asking me for the following info which I don't feel comfortable providing: - bank account opened in - full name as per card - IBAN number - passport number - my size?..! - details of my car - household income - passport ID photo - full body picture Seriously, would they like to know details of my menstrual cycle too? I don't feel comfortably providing all this, but please do speak up if anyone else has signed up with them and it's legit and all ok! Then I will apologise for being sceptical, and I will sign up :)
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 22:31
I do this for myself and kids all the time : blend full fat or low fat Greek style yoghurt with frozen strawberries or mixed berries and eat immediately, no need to freeze - it makes a tasty, healthy snack with frozen yoghurt consistency
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 14:56
Get some of those diving/swimming sock style shoes. Pretty ugly but at least can wear them on rides and they stop your feet burning!
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 14:52
Went last Friday to waterpark with our 4 yr old and 1yr old from 10-4pm. There were LOADS of kids. They were absolutely fine, just lots of sun cream, water, long sleeve rash tops and hats. I would say if you do go get some of those surf/diving slippers as the ground is hot but apart from that none of us got burnt or felt particularly uncomfortable. I feel like the only way to keep cool outside is in water!
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 08:58
So this obviously also implicates those in villas who pay a gardener a few hundred dhs every month to water / tend to their garden?
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 23:02
I know my boys' nursery (Kid's Cottage) is running a summer camp from 29th June till mid August and you can choose how many days (min of 3) and how many weeks (min 1) might be worth calling and asking anyway if you were looking for term time. They follow a structured day (even during holiday camps) and very interactive but they also let kids be kids, which I love. Most nurseries will say you need to pay the medical fee and registration fee to join during term time but at same time they have the power to be flexible, can't hurt to ask.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 19:46
Hello When my husband and I lived in UK we both competed in natural bodybuilding as a hobby. Don't worry about protein shakes especially if he's using high quality, 2 beakers is just 2 scoops, 25g protein each (equivalent protein content of 2 large chicken breasts but just convenient and easier to digest) Obviously anabolics, steroids, cutting agents are a big no no especially at this age. Would also not let him take fat burners. But creatine, protein powder, glutamine and other things found naturally in food sources should be fine. And I think it's great. I know I'm biased but when my boys are older I would rather they played sport and went to the gym etc, if they look after their bodies they will hopefully be less likely to engage in smoking, drinking, drugs.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 19:20
Hi I don't have a maid, but I grew up here and my parents always did. They were all Filipina as my Mum is from the Philippines. I would just be firm but kind. This is what I would do and what my parents did (but doesn't necessarily mean right or wrong, everyone's different) Days off, I would expect her to sort of make her own way but if I was going in same direction I would drop off. Food - give her a food allowance and a mini fridge in her room to buy and cook as she wants when she wants but I would also let her know what she can help herself to in our fridge, or offer her some of our food if cooking a big family meal. If bringing her to mall or restaurant with us I would definitely get her a meal or snack like the rest of us.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 17:03
Do you think it can be fore bicycles and scooters too? My 4 yr old uses bike without stabilisers and does tricks on scooter etc.. Wondering if he might be bit young for it though (even though I know he'd love it!)
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 16:56
I dented the whole side of my car from a bus (that wasn't looking and pulled out) Police told us to both come to station, this was in Feb.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 16:51
My kids are nearly 2 and 4 and v active. I have the following on my list - swimming - ice skating - children cinema - soft play - summer/ sports camp (for the 4yr old..) - aquarium - waterpark (on weekend when husband around) - indoor cycle / skate park (4 yr old can bike properly, 1yr old uses his scooter) - art projects - baking - play dates if I actually make any friends that are staying in Dubai during July and 1st half of August!
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 10:59
It's not actually that far in km and Only 3-4 stops on Piccadilly line depending which station you go from, but I would probably play it safe and leave 30-40mins before need to get there. Roads in Central London so small, get congested really easily so I think I would just play it safe.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 07:05
Hi! iPad free for the most part. We never take it to restaurants, don't use it every day, but I see no problem at all using it on a long haul flight. My two boys are VERY active and won't be entertained for 8 hours by a couple of toys and books - I see no problem letting them use the iPad on this occasion (my 4 yr old likes to use it for educational games like spelling, puzzles, my 21month old plays toddler games or watches short videos) in the name of keeping peace on the plane not just for us, but also trying to think of fellow passengers.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 09:22
I was prepared to drive up to 30mins away for the right school. Priority for me was parent feedback, and the 'feel' of the school - are the teachers warm, are the students happy, polite and not bored? I didn't care too much about facilities - as long as they have basics like pool, pitch, indoor hall. My son is the type that you give him a shiny new toy car and he'll play with the box. Other kids and teachers is what keeps him happy / entertained. And yeah - fees. If company isn't paying for them, the differential across schools is absolutely massive. I often wonder how brand new schools can justify charging such high fees when they are essentially completely unproven.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 20:18
Both my young kids (1+4) regularly see a chiropractor, I use Dr.Vanda at Chiropractic health centre she is great with kids, she has lots of experience treating young children with various ailments (incl "colic") she says it is also a lot easier to treat babies rather than adults as in general they respond better to this sort of treatment done early on. It probably differs from cranial osteopathy but I have also heard great things from friends back in UK using cranial osteo for their babies. I think chiro/osteo is great form of treatment
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 20:11
If you're away in UK / Europe and have an address I'd use Amazon/EBay there... I miss UK amazon so much! Sorry but no idea of any costume shops here, but I suppose can always handcraft
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2014 - 15:17
I would just get it if I were you - we made our money back after two dinners at Rivington Grill
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2014 - 15:15
New to this too...don't currently have one - but what happens if you recommend? It gets blocked? But if you google it it comes up with ones you can buy - why aren't those blocked?
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 16:13
I'm obviously biased as I've chosen Safa, and I don't have experience of DBF but personally from your circumstances I would choose Safa purely because I wouldn't want to have to relocate my child again after just one year. I've heard so many great things from the parents of the sister school Safa Private School, and apparently the head is moving to be head of the Safa Community School. Facilities look like they are going to be good with their huge pool and pitch, sports hall etc. In terms of location AR is great but don't feel restricted to that area as you can also go elsewhere, I'm in umm suqeim, I did a trial run to the school location and was less than 15mins as umm suqeim road is just straight, no traffic lights. I know it might vary a bit depending on time of day. It won't be too far from springs either if you had your sights set on living there.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 11:54
Hi My son is due to start FS2 in September and I feel confident that it will be done. They told me that they expect it to be completed in time for first week of September and might only be a couple of days later start as they need to get the initial inspection by the KHDA done. They also said the construction company faces a large fine if not completed in time, so it is in everyone's interests, and in the unlikely event that it isn't completed, they do have a contingency plan that means your children will still start school no matter what. They were really friendly and very determined to put me at ease so I don't think they were trying to pull the wool over my eyes. I therefore haven't registered him in another school as we already paid 4000 non refundable deposit and I don't want to lose that. Hope this helps.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 21:16
Thanks for the replies. CheekyG I accidentally thumbed down (stupid tiny buttons) and can't reverse - thanks for the useful info
Nayls85
275
Posts
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 18:21
Thank you Mollydxb, will do
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 14:26
Yes I know a couple of people who have done this. They just had to do a lot of planning well in advance to sort out appropriate schooling and after school child-care arrangements.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 14:24
Does anyone have knowledge or experience of setting up a small freelance business, like photography or a fitness bootcamp where locations would always change. Can't seem to find much info on how to do this. I know some people don't even register their businesses as earnings are pretty small, I assume this is illegal and I don't want to do this.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 07:02
We got massive canvas from Dragon Mart for 200! Love it.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 10:36
Thanks for the ideas Daza, that's actually what I will plan to do with my children.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 10:33
Thank you for your replies, and also very interesting to read about how children are slowly introduced to fasting years before puberty as I suppose I never thought about that before. Thinking about it now it makes sense and is a great thing that they want to be involved from a young age, and I actually do recall some young classmates doing partial fasts.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:35
I'm going to be the annoying one and say that if it really is 15% below market rate then I don't think you are greedy at all for wanting to push up rent. And the rate you propose will STILL be below market rate. As you said, it could be re-let quickly, yes it's a pain but you'd have to do it at some point anyway and if you are concerned about potential new tenants you can always get references and speak to their previous landlord. Just offering the other side of the argument :)
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 15:40
My neighbour recently paid I think 200dhs and Feline Friends came, took the cat away, spayed it and brought it back to her. Maybe worth giving them a call, they would be able to advise you on re-homing too.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 18:06
Thanks for letting me know! Did you just call up and ask for an appointment? He's currently battling yet another case of gastroenteritis but I will take him there for sure when he's better. Thanks again.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 17:41
Whether it's a scam or not, you helped her out of kindness. I think it's more worrying that she has your number. Not sure how your credit can get stolen by ringing a mobile number, but if you want your money back and you are worried about credit stolen then maybe call her from a payphone or a landline (not yours, perhaps office which often withholds number) somewhere. Anyway hope she either returns your money (unlikely) or that it doesn't happen again! Thanks for alerting us
Nayls85
275
Posts
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Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 07:06
Lots of parks, playgroups, schools, shops within 10min radius and easy access to SZR from barsha, jumeirah, umm suqeim area. Greens, springs, meadows etc is slightly further up towards AD but nice community feel and also access to SZR depending which area - I remember when my parents used to live here they were right in middle of meadows 6 and rush hour took my Dad 15 mins just to get out. Can't comment on marina as haven't lived there but whenever I go I always seem to get stuck there in traffic / roadworks, can never find easy parking etc. maybe I'm doing something wrong!
Nayls85
275
Posts
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Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 07:00
Hi We moved here from the UK in January and like you my husband's parents would come and babysit or give us a break every couple weeks, sometimes we even dropped the boys off at theirs for a couple days! They are 4 and 21 months old now. I am 28 so a lot of my friends don't have children either. My parents live between Europe and Asia so don't see much of them either I agree with posters below, the lifestyle is great. I don't work at the minute (but currently working on starting my own business in sept) but they are in nursery 4 mornings and we get a cleaner 2x a week. We also get a babysitter at least 1x a week so husband and I can have some quality time. And we're always busy on weekends with the kids. We wouldn't be able to afford the nursery for both, or extra help, if we still lived in London so I very much feel grateful and in a better situation here. Like you, I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my extremely active children with a maid (though I know people who have fantastic maids who are great with kids), but because they sleep through the night like clockwork from 8pm I don't mind leaving them with babysitter in the evenings. There are so many great things to do with kids here, indoor and outdoor, paying and free, take advantage :)
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 18:40
I've been the same last 10 days or so, same with my kids. Lots of families in our compound have had a tummy bug and my kids' nursery sent emails out about it, so I wouldn't be surprised. At least it's somewhat curbing my usually hefty appetite!
Nayls85
275
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Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 06:54
Yep, in Carrefour (I'll go to one in mall of the emirates when I can be bothered to negotiate their parking) I can find wonton papers, Chinese veg, tofu, frozen dimsum and sauces etc.
Nayls85
275
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2014 - 15:52
Just moved here and having the same issue with my 1 yr old... Nightmare
 
 
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