norak | ExpatWoman.com
 

norak

norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2016 - 01:45
Thanks so much ladies. I have a friend heading back next week, and I'm going to have them stop in and check the place out. I am so thankful I sandbagged the balcony as the backup into our bedroom was bad with the lightest of rains.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 January 2016 - 22:29
There is a box company over by the Creative Minds craft shop (slip road near Mall of the Emirates) which sells packing boxes of all types and sizes. I might add, though, if you are planning on shipping, there is a likelihood that the moving company will want to repack your stuff. I have heard of both ways. Some say they will accept your packing (so long in appropriate quality packing boxes with a record of contents of each one), and others that insist they do packing for insurance purposes, etc. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 November 2015 - 17:13
I've been in this position for a number of years and it is "doable" for the short time you have left in my opinion so long as you don't try to get new services or lose you bank card etc. Get anything like that done before you cancel, exrtra or new bank cards if they are going to expire, do a car registration early it will expire during that time period, your phone numbers, etc. It can be frustrating and the id card has made it incredibly frustrating but many people do it out of necessity.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2015 - 22:01
Sorry, gentle bump for tomorrow and Saturday ladies. Lot's of great variety of furniture, decorations, etc. :biggrin:
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2015 - 07:52
Bingo, the sale is tomorrow and Saturday. The idea that there might be rain is worrying. We have our fingers crossed!
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2015 - 10:12
Admin, the ad was placed before I posted. Thanks so much.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2015 - 18:33
Just scrapping a label off the other day and was complaining also. Certainly not the first time. I agree with you completely.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 November 2015 - 09:40
Fairy /Dust is correct. The two year rule is long gone, and only RERA calculator applies at this time.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 23:34
Driftwood, I often buy chuck roast at Choithram's. They sell smallish slices in the pre-cut meat section, but if you ask the butcher, they have large wrapped chuck roasts usually in the back from which you can take as large a piece as you wish. It is the only place I have found "chuck" on any meat cuts here. The chuck roast is very good. As of the other cuts, I am sure you could source from those recommended. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 01:16
Ladies, thanks so much for the leads. I have not been to the Blue Souq in a long time -- actually not even to Naif for awhile too, but I am willing to go if I can find them. I have looked in both of these areas a long time ago. I don't want any gems, designs, boarders, et al. I just want a plain black and other pretty colors in a jersey knit which is a definite upgrade to the traditional Amirah hijabs you see around. I also don't want any of those that that have what I call "duck bills" on the top -- its a little triangle of material attached at the top of the hijab. And, I don't want the thin "tee shirt" type material either. I will make an effort to get out the Naif souq area first before venturing to the Blue Souq. Sincerely , thanks so much lakes. I will be so happy if I find something better than what I have!
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 November 2015 - 14:50
Abaddon, I have a 32 oz jar of (unopened, of course) Miracle Whip that I would love, love, love to pass on to someone who needs it. I will say that the expiration date on bottom is Mar 2015 -- but I would have absolutely no qualms about eating it myself. I have a jar in my fridge right now that is just about done with the same expiration date. It is only because I am traveling for an extended period of time at the end of this month (going back to the States) that I am letting it go along with everything else in my cupboard. That said, regular Miracle Whip can only be bought at Park and Shop or Safeway here in Dubai when it is in stock. Tell your friend that if she sees it and wants it, buy it and keep on her shelf as it can take months before you see it again. Also, they can cost a small fortune. The reduced fat type can be bought at Spinneys or Waitrose -- as, for some reason, they never carry the regular -- just the low fat. Again, I would be thrilled to give this to someone who could use it or I will be forced to bin it before I leave. I live in the Springs area and would be happy to meet up or deliver if its not too far.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2015 - 12:04
This is a game DEWA and Emaar play and have been playing for a long time. I had this year's ago when we had a leak and, fortunately for us, the lease was outside the property line and, therefore, had bypassed our meter. But to get someone to fix or take responsibility for -- good luck.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2015 - 12:00
Brands for Less/tcshibo have them for about 20 dhs and Park and Shop for 50 Dhs. Don't know what the Aster Pharmacy charged but probably similar to the 90 ds posted by other gal.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2015 - 08:53
Agree for Park and Shop, but also Brands for Less still have some as I picked up a pair a couple of weeks ago. Also, the Aster Pharmacy in Bur Dubai had a "check your correction" booth so you know what number you need. Don't recall if they have cute glasses, just noticed the booth as those are hard to find.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2015 - 18:48
I just deleted an ad from Regent School in my Hotmail account for a table top sale --- I think this weekend. Google it.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2015 - 19:10
Believe it or not, I completely forgot that it was Halloween and my light was out as well. Well, the doorbell rang and I got up to answer it. Outside was a group of probably six kids (ages 6 to 12 or so) who said "trick or treat" and I felt bad that I didn't even have anything to give them. When I told them, they were actually very kind and said "not to worry about -- thanks anyway!" That made me feel even worse. Anyway, my only experience this year with Halloween was the opposite to the original poster. Thought I would at least share.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2015 - 18:51
Sue B - I am wanting the type that is more "dressy" as opposed to tight and form fitting as I imagine the sports type might be. I have seen youtube videos from Dubai where ladies are showing how to wear different types of hijabs and they had one on there. They are usually made of jersey - stretchy. I will check them out at the sports store -- to be sure -- and thank you. It is so frustrating that I need to order them from the US or England -- as opposed to finding them in an actual "Islamic country". Go figure.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2015 - 13:06
I'm going to be away for awhile and, as you well know, we do occasionally get rain. The balcony on my villa does not have the proper slope and, often, the rain just backs up into my bedroom through the balcony door. I thought if I could put a couple of log size sand bags along the door, it could do the trick easily and cheaply. Maybe a couple of cheap pillow cases might work? Any thoughts or ideas?
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 October 2015 - 17:10
Ours is incredibly slow too lately. One minute its fine, then the next I can't load a thing. Something is going on somewhere.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2015 - 17:03
My daughter is thinking about having her hair cut. Her's is thick and long and uncolored. She has expressed she wanted to donate if possible as well.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2015 - 15:50
Cowboy, I did allow for that but even the worker's were uncomfortable about how far off it was and, us being a middle villa, it would be very obvious. The guy at National promised to get back with me yesterday morning with code. I texted him twice to gently remind. Nothing. Called two times and, finally, he texted late evening that they are still trying to find. Now, long weedkend and,what started out as quick job is turning into over into two weeks now.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 October 2015 - 16:26
I have been sort of doing the same for the past 12 years with me being here while my husband travels out of Dubai to work. We've been married for 30+ years as well. I agree that this is really a beautiful time here with the weather changes and you both could enjoy it while its good and maybe return when its so hot.. My only real suggestion is to determine if he is going to get you a residence visa while your here as everything now days is tied to it -- phone, banks, medical (to some extent), driving, continual visa runs, and it can be tiresome. A short change is always good. Good luck.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2015 - 17:29
Thanks for the replies ladies. I did call Emaar -- they didn't have a clue. I knew National Paints were involved didn't think they would keep that information. I had nothing to lose, so I went ahead and called them. I was able to get a hold of the person who is responsible for this information, and he will call me tomorrow with my color code. Thanks for the results ladies.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2015 - 12:28
I actually was going to call Take My Junk when I gathered everything together - so I will add the laptops to them -- although they no longer boot up, etc. Next time Im by Mercato, I will drop my bag off. Thanks ladies.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2015 - 12:13
I recently discovered a site called movesouq dot com and found two different companies to do some work I needed done, and have no complaints. (I swear I am not affiliated with this place at all.) Anyway, they have a number of companies listed with them and reviews etc. I just found it very helpful.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2015 - 11:31
My husband got a parking ticket recently over in Media City despite having purchased the 2 dh. permit. The time on police issued ticket is 2 minutes before his 2 dh. parking permit expired and was clearly visible in the window. I went over the RTA in Barsha (where we live), and I was told if I want to contest this I must go over to the RTA in Rashadiya. The fine is 200 Dhs., but the thought of having to go all the way across town just to get this sorted is discouraging as I really don't have the time. There is no reason the local RTA office should not be able to handle this stuff. Once again, they win.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 22:09
I have to tell you that I was having a hard time finding peroxide as well last week. I did manage to find a decent size bottle at Carrefore (I was surprised) as only usually find at pharmacy. It was the last bottle or I would have bought two. Generally, they are sold at pharmacy - found some at TECOM a few weeks ago -- a small bottle. With the number of pharmacies around, you're bound to find it although I did visit a few that were out.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2015 - 14:23
Try to send it by cargo. Go over to Emirates Cargo - which is the main interchange coming off of SZR to the airport exit -- if you go straight into that area (instead of right towards the airport drop offs etc), somewhere in there you can find a cargo company which will weigh your box(es) and give you a quote. I think that they will fit your cargo into their shipments whenever they have space - which allows flexibility in time and cost. I have not done it for a long time and had used it for a different country, but I imagine is the same. I may have a box to ship myself next month to the States. There may be other cargo places there if Emirates doesn't work out cost wise. There is probably a phone number under Emirates Cargo for initial information and directions. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2015 - 13:07
I have always just paid at the car registration renewal center. They have a counter for you to clear any fines before you finalize your car registration renewal -- even tickets such as the one you mentioned about paying in person. And, yes, any fines due under name will need to be paid even if it was on the other car.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2015 - 20:40
I am preparing right now for the same thing. After 20 years here, I am preparing to return home with my two adult children in the hopes of trying to reintegrate them with family, friends, community,and also enable them to be more independent (job/further education) so that I can return. I am preparing for a year away. Insha allah, it will work out as I feel we are just spinning our wheels here and getting nowhere. If you decide to do it, I wish you well.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2015 - 17:39
Thank you ladies. Because of the convenience of Kings, I'll make an effort to get by there tomorrow -- as opposed to Abu Dhabi. So happy to be able to put them to a useful purpose. I'll see what other things I can find like erasers, etc.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2015 - 20:35
Ladies, resurrecting this thread as I suspect my daughter may have PCOS and we currently don't have insurance. For the initial diagnosis, can we see an Endocrinologist directly without referral, and does anyone have an idea of a rough estimate of testing costs. Sorry, money is a real issue at the moment and I really want to deal with this. She had been having irregular periods for a period of time and now it is rare if she gets them. Plus, lots of excessive hair growth and mood swings. Any advice would be helpful. I was thinking of Iranian Hospital as I have heard they are somewhat reasonable in price -- anybody have any experience with them? Thanks ladies.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 October 2015 - 15:28
My son is currently looking for work but his car registration is up for renewal. Will he be able to renew his car registration in the meantime? Is there any work around.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 October 2015 - 15:20
Easiest way is to go through Go Tours if you don't have a car -- I have used them in the past. They are efficient and will sort of help you through the process especially if this is your first time. They pick you up at Marina Mall and drop you back either at the Trade Center Bus Station or back to the Marina mall. If you book in advance online, the cost is 50 Dhs cheaper per person, and the total time (providing everything goes smoothly with all people in van and its not an exceptionally busy day) is around 3:30 minutes more or less. They make one stop on the way for people to either pay on the day, go to restroom, or pick up water/snacks etc. There are usually no other rest/stretch brakes other than when you need to get out and do your visa business. I have done visa runs so many times -- both driving and through this business, and it is really easy. By the way, I have no affiliation with this place -- it's just they provide a good service especially for first timers.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2015 - 15:28
Brands for Less usually have them at a very reasonable price. I've bought two and both continue to work well.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2015 - 15:27
Gluing carpet has been the norm here for years. You will need to go to any carpet shop and ask them what they use to dissolve the glue. It might be so dry that it just be scraped up with a straight edge razor. Pull up a corner and see how it goes. Also, generally, they usually only glue the outside edges of the carpet but I have seen where there are patches all over as well. Sadly, getting general information over the phone here is pretty useless -- this hasn't changed much as well.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2015 - 13:05
I just got back from the Union Co Op at Barsha. They bring a brand from the States called Heritage, and they have the 8 oz blocks in that brand. I have not tried the cream cheese as yet, but I do buy their Cheddar and Mozzarella. I know Geant carries the Cheddar and Mozzarella, but I don't think I have seen the cream cheese there.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2015 - 09:12
Forty Winks - Honestly, I have used Kiri with great success. Yes, it is not quite the same as Philadelphia, but in baking/frostings, I don't taste too much difference -- or maybe I have just gotten used to it now. You could use the Philadelphia whipped, but you will have to be sure to weigh it out so the amount called for matches the weight in whipped. For your info, I usually use 13 to 14 Kiri squares to equal 8 oz. block. Each square is about .06 or 18 grams each. I hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2015 - 11:06
It really depends upon what you sort of want to see. My first thought was to go East at this time of the year with the leaves changing -- it is spectacular, and there are so many cities there to explore starting with New York and moving towards Boston, Washington DC, etc. Usually the day temperatures are sunny and still somewhat warm and the evenings chilly. It's my favorite time of the year and so beautiful. To the south is the historical areas of the Carolina's and Atlanta, Georgia. I would imagine the Grand Canyon would be beautiful this time of the year as well -- it's always beautiful, and you could head over to Vegas and Arizona and possibly some of California. Then, there's Yellowstone Park to the northwest which could include parts of California and towards Seattle. Two weeks won't be enough to see a great deal, but whatever area you choose, you will be able to explore well enough to have a great time. Once you narrow your area down, I am sure we can help you explore further.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 21:56
I got stuck in it myself early evening --- well you can knock Carrefore off for awhile. What I don\t get is really - why? I know they say construction, but I don't see how closing those lanes will make a difference. Sorry, just don't get it.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2015 - 22:10
If you are looking for the regular size blocks of Philadelphia, those are hard to find as the brick type is usually the low fat one. Most Philadelphia is sold in plastic tubs here and are of a whipped variety. There is, however, the very large block of Philadelphia that you can buy (and which I just saw) at LuLu's which is around 50 Dhs which is great when making cheesecake. I think it is a half-pound. Some places, like Geant and Safeway, have Crystal Farms brand of small blocks as an alternative. However, their prices for those off brands are the same for brand name here. As a side note, I have had great success using Kiri brand cream cheese when making cheesecake and pound cake for baking. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2015 - 22:10
If you are looking for the regular size blocks of Philadelphia, those are hard to find as the brick type is usually the low fat one. Most Philadelphia is sold in plastic tubs here and are of a whipped variety. There is, however, the very large block of Philadelphia that you can buy (and which I just saw) at LuLu's which is around 50 Dhs which is great when making cheesecake. I think it is a half-pound. Some places, like Geant and Safeway, have Crystal Farms brand of small blocks as an alternative. However, their prices for those off brands are the same for brand name here. As a side note, I have had great success using Kiri brand cream cheese when making cheesecake and pound cake for baking. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2015 - 12:43
I don't see any issues so long as the childrens' passports entitle them to an automatic visa upon arrival. I have taken my kids before and had no issues when they were younger. Of course, it would be smart to have the letter ready and make sure you have insurance coverage on the vehicle--although I have yet to be asked about insurance. Just tell all security people "visa run" and you should not have any issues although occasionally they will ask me if this is my daughter.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2015 - 00:08
Is there something that can be made in a crockpot/slow cooker.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2015 - 00:07
Dubai is probably one of the easiest places to move (in the Arab region) for someone who has never been. I have been here over 20 years and, compared to what it once was (and I miss), you will have no trouble fitting in. There will be a bit of an adjustment but, as pointed out, communication is no longer a real issue. Before you know it, time will have flown by and you'll be on this board helping others wondering where all the time went. Good luck.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 August 2015 - 23:58
The villa right next to mine just became vacant on Friday. I know they have had people already painting. I will keep a lookout to see if I can find any info. Don't know who owns it.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 August 2015 - 21:05
Hershey's makes an unsweetened baking chocolate bar. I use them all the time. I think I got mine from Park and Shop, but I believe you can also get them at Safeway, LuLu Center, and I think even Geant had them. I like them because they are premeasured squares of 1/2 oz each/14 gr. each. Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2015 - 18:18
Usually your embassy will have someone who is able to notarize documents for a small fortune (in my humble opinion). There is another alternative. Go to the Police/Traffic Dept. next (to the left) to the car testing and registration place in Barsha. There is a court office there where there are many typists and notary services. Cost is reasonable. I am not sure of the hours, but I believe they used to be from morning until maybe 7 pm or so (maybe a bit later). Hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2015 - 09:31
If you can't get a replacement from the place you bought it, do what I did -- just put a heavy glass measuring cup (thick, heat resistant) and rig the dripper open using small screws. It's been working for a year like this at my house. Now, in the past, I have seen other glass replacements at various little shops (think dollar/10 dirham stores) but the height is still an issue as each machine has different heights. That is why I gave up and went the route where I rigged it up. Sorry, but I hope this helps.
norak
711
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 August 2015 - 20:10
I doubt very much they will without an account. There is a fairly large fee. We used to get a number of little dividend checks which were under $50. We had to send them to home via snail mail because 1) they won't touch smaller checks and 2) the cost was prohibitive. Sorry.
 
 
What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Babyshop Family Travel Essentials Guide

Must-Have Family Travel Essentials From Babyshop

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa

A Restful and Luxurious Getaway in Bali, Indonesia

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

The Real Expat: Finding Your Anchor and True Belonging

The Real Expat: Finding Your Anchor and True Belonging

Finding Meaning in Your Expat Experience

Finding Meaning in Your Expat Experience

12 Inspirational Thoughts for women in Dubai to remember this International Women’s Day

12 Inspirational Thoughts for Women in Dubai to Remember This International Women’s Day

Top 5 Places to Visit While Living in Visiting Western Australia

Top 5 Places to Visit While Living in Visiting Western Australia

10 Things to Do in the Northern Island of New Zealand

10 Things to Do in the Northern Island of New Zealand

Top 5 English-Speaking Countries for Expats

Top 5 English-Speaking Countries for Expats