nspree | ExpatWoman.com
 

nspree

nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 09:08
OO thanks Ansie, Im excited now, going to book it! Which room did you stay in? Prices are really good as its summer, also, where should we go for dinner? Wedding anniversary (i know, we're taking the kids!!) so something special would be nice, although sounds like the whole thing will be great!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 09:45
Lots of my staff have driven past, its definitely NOT a school bus they say.
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 09:17
I can see it from my office window, the road is not completely closed, 1 or 2 lanes are open and the traffic is moving albeit very very slowly, and yes looks like a beige bus, not yellow although difficult to tell as its partially under the flyover. If you can get on to SZR Jebel Ali bound, after the JLT exit/entrance then you'll be fine.
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 16:44
I will ask again and hope that this one doesnt get deleted, i only had 1 response, perhaps that particular person was on a black list! Lots of other people recomend piano teachers and their threads are ok, it just doesnt help me as they all seem to be in the ranches when i do a search. I know you cant advertise on here, but most of the info contains 'recomendations' Oh well, thanks wuffles
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 16:26
My thread has disappeared, asked for a piano teacher recommendation, received one, now its gone, how very bizarre. Any explanation for this? Im quite sure there was nothing at all offensive about my request!!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 21:06
Yes Ive been feeling nauseous for some time now, thankfully it hasnt progressed into anything more but there are a HUGE amount of stomach bugs going around, work, school (kids and parents) friends. Lots of people thinking its food poisoning initially. Some people that have been tested have been advised its giardia, others have gastroenteritis, either way, its rife, so many off sick at work, dropping like flies! Hopefully your sickness passes, just remember to keep hydrated and get some rest, if you are coming down with something that will help, it may pass without any other effects though. Hope you feel better soon
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 16:01
Afternoon all, Ive heard about the double decker bus recently and am considering it for a 5 year olds birthday party. I wonder if anyone has held a kids party on here before and if theres any feedback? TIA
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 15:28
Sorry P I misinterpreted the question. yes I agree, employers normally ask what youre earning then up it a little bit. youre quite right, you should be paid for the job you're applying for, they will have a budget in mind already. I would tell them what you're expecting, good luck
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 14:43
I work in HR and Ive never had someones new employer contact me to ask what they were really getting paid, not sure that happens here at all. besides, if you have slightly inflated your salary, if you're pushed, you can explain that was your whole package, inclusive of benefits such as health insurance, phone, travel, ticket home, annual bonus etc. They've probably just forgotten what you said at the interview as it was such a long time ago, sounds like theyre considering you for the role, so good luck !!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 14:34
Yes I will do, but I find it so hard to trust what people say on the phone, experience tells me that if I speak to 5 different people in the same company, I will get 5 different answers! Would much rather trust one of the expatwomen!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 11:24
Thanks all for your wonderful posts, yes very fascinating! My kids are 5 and 7, so after contacting someone who organises tours, it seems that the Serengeti is not ideal for little ones. He suggested a much closer game reserve called Selous, which does look amazing, but only 1 place allows under 8s, so it may not be the right holiday for us at the moment> I am of course still considering Zanzibar alone for a week of relaxation, so am looking into that. Another option is the area around Sun City. Ive neve really fancied it because I imagine it to just be like Atlantis, but theres a fantastic game reserve called Pilanesberg that is ideal for families, great day safaris, and looks like lots of lovely lodgings, so could do a few days there and i think the kids would really enjoy that. So, Im down to Zanzibar or Sun City. thanks again for all the information, extremely helpful, and cant wait til the kids are older now to really do the Serengeti!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 20:36
Very much depends on the company and the description of 'manager' Head of HR department will be much different to an HR manager that works under a dept head. So on the basis of HR manager, it could be anything from 18k to 35k. If you take a look at salary surveys throughout Dubai, which you can check on lots of recruitment websites, the average HR manager tends to come in at around 25k. Its hard to give a clearer picture without knowing how many people in the company, how many in the HR department, how many directly report to you, and how many people you directly report to. Of course there are always salaries outside of the scale, and if you're able to earn more, then well done, its not unheard of.
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 13:16
Its a personal preference, although the A380 is very lovely, I found the business section to be just TOO big, was like economy but with better seats and service, quite noisy, especially if youre seated at the back, which is where the skywards upgrades tend to get seated!! Still worth a trip through , or look for the 777-300 ER, theyre the newer kind (the 777-300) is the old type
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 12:45
I called skywards last week for the same thing, 043167000 Another word of advice, not sure what route you're flying, but on the london runs, there are a couple of different types of planes, on the older ones the business upgrade is not so great, old seats, not full flat bads, so we only choose the flights on the newer planes to make our upgrade worthwhile! Not sure if this happens on other routes but you may want to bear that in mind! hope this helps
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 12:30
If youve already booked your flight and upgrades are available, you will have the option online under 'manage your booking'. It will tell you if there are none available. if you want to book a flight but only one that does have an upgrade available, they can help you on the phone, theyre really good, no need to go into the office
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 09:39
All those that emailed I have sent the PDF files and will later send some menu's once I have scanned them. I sent details of the extra easy program which is new to slimming world, its a mix of green and red days so you dont have to think about switiching between the two, hence it being called Extra Easy. Hi imanesmama, if its not too much trouble, could I also please have a copy of the pdfs? in desperate need of inspiration for healthy meals! nathaliespree at hotmail dot com thankyou!!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 19:15
Just mooching through the Dnata magazine (as you do), semi planning an Eid break in November, and Tanzania looks amazing. They do a tour where you spend a few days in the Serengeti area, safari, lodges etc.. then a few days on the beach in zanzibar, which looks like paradise. Have not considered the area before, but love to try new places and the kids are desperate to do some kind of safari. Has anyone been here or have any feedback about it? would just be interested to know more about it, but it looks like it could go straight to the top of my 'places i want to see' wishlist!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 16:44
spray tans are great, but as a cheaper and i think , pretty effective solution, i would recommend the moisturising lotions that have a bit of fake tan in them. I use Dove, or johnsons, but there are lots of different brands out there. The advantages are that 1. you can put on every other day and gradually build up, and 2. because its not an actual fake tan, you get a much more natural looking tan and dont have to worry about streaks, just remember to still wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, otherwise you will really be able to see just how much fake tan is in the moisturiser! i can assure, its enough to make a difference. They come in different shades and Im a massive advocate, they give a really beautiful colour without any othe hassle of a fake tan. Even if you dont sunbathe on holiday, you'll be getting slightly darker each day on holiday anyway! have a lovely holiday
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 11:26
Hi Claire22, i replied to you message from last thursday about the notary services you mentioned in the Fairmont, can you please let me know the details as I'd like to do this today, many thanks!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 10:17
Hi Claire22, sorry for the delay getting back to you, I ran out of time on Thurs! That sounds great, can I come today? and where do I need to go? thanks so much
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 16:11
miss balamory have you seen Antheas book, 'How to be a domestic goddess'? As cheesy as it is, it has some amazing practical hints and tips, and shes a massive advocate of baskets. One of the best ones is the one at the bottom of the stairs, literally anything that belongs upstairs goes in there, and at the end of the day you make one trip up with the basket. If you can get a copy then do so, well worth a read. Another great book i have is 'No more clutter' great tips, the premise of which is that you de-clutter 1 drawer at a time, you get great satisfaction for example from your junk drawer being perfectly organised, that you're more able to tackle the next drawer, then a wardrobe, all in little steps, highly recommend
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 16:01
oh dikane i'd forgotten about the t-shirt folding! i know theres a weblink to show you that, dont suppose you know what it is? LOVE anthea, i love being a domestic goddess, ok so i know she had to sell that beautiful house but im sure her new, smaller one is just as beautifully kep. and yes I do now save hotel miniatures and put them in baskets for guests!! hehe, how funny, so glad its not just me! I have the book, its my bible!! ok now im really embarassed for admitting all that, but those that know me, already know what im like, so thankfully its not a secret! ashc - i dont think its too bad, i normally buy in the UK, perhaps others can advise better about the prices here. What i can say though is to at least look at their online (uk ) store, even just for ideas, then look elsewhere to buy things and put it into practice. maybe we need to get an Anthea in dubai to visit our houses and help sort us out!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 15:19
I love organising, and am quite obsessed with it. As my mother taught me, everything has 'a place' and as Anthea Turner taught me (please forgive me!) if its not beautiful, useful, or seriously sentimental, bin it! Thats been a great help over the years, although Im sentimental about everything! I completely agree that baskets are absolutely ideal and essential in every room. Once youve cleared your clutter, to be organised saves you endless time. fairwater i think you're my soulmate, i dont think its sad at all! I love to rearrange drawers, to organise, compartmentalise, and yes, i do also have a life too, but honestly, doing all of that gives me more time to do other things. being organised is the key, labels, lists etc.. Look for great storage ideas in Lakeland in Mirdiff. It really will increase storage space if thats what you need more of. good luck with the move!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 17:37
what make is it? i had a waterproof olympus that got water damaged, was under warantee and was actually replaced free of charge, but that was through carrefour. Had another recent problem with it but its out of warrantee so took it to the olympus store in dubai mall, they did the repairs (which was also water damage again!) for free. So may be worth going straight to the brands own store, it worked for me, not sure if that is standard service or if i was lucky? best of luck
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 18:02
hi treacle, oh dear , this word always fills me with dread! I think im quite an expert, both mine had them but have been clear for a year now, thank goodness. i tried every remedy under the sun from different parts of the world, i spent hours trawling the internet for advice and remedies. I spent many hours dabbing lotions, putting drops, creams and plasters on each little spot (of which there were very many), many tears shed with worry and frustration. After all that, one day, they just started going, and once they did, that was that. It seemed as if it had jsut run its course and in the space of a few weeks, all had disappeared. My DS had them first, then my DD, his cleared up first, so I think they just have a lifespan. So my advice is to just leave them, i cant say that anything i did made any difference at all, apart from stress me, and the children out! Try not to worry, theyre very common. All doctors told me that they can swim as long as they are covered, like a verucca, that transmission only happens on contact, not through water, so no sharing towels or clothing, and keep bedding clean. If one looks like its about to 'pop' thats the contagious bit, dont let it touch any other part of the skin. There is lots of advice on here, as i know, but if you have any other questions please dont hesitate to ask, best of luck
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 09:35
oo yum, thanks for all the ideas ladies. I remember having a thermos at school, everyone was so jealous in the winter when my brothers and i sat down and had lovely hot food, cant beat it in british winter! Still i agree that its a great idea here, my kids love soups, what could be better than some homemade soup for lunch, and definitely the pasta and risotto. Saw a thermos in lakeland but very pricey, Pottery barn kids do some that match the lunchboxes that i was considering getting for DD birthday, anyone know if theyre any good? Sunrays, where is yours from thats not so great? thanks all for the ideas, im definitely more inspired now. annabel karmels website is also great for the packed lunch ideas, although needs a little work, but very healthy and filling. Tomorrows lunch is a chicken ceaser salad with a vegetable and fruit kebab, lets see how that goes!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 12:05
He sometimes has a salad, or some pasta, need to get a bit more inventive though, Im happy for him to not have sandwiches every day, just need a good, filling and healthy alternative, any ideas? TIA
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:16
Need to find 2 this evening for spring hat and tshirt day tomorrow, got the hats sorted but no shirts! Something colourful and flowery, has anyone seen these anywhere? TIA
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 11:42
oo lovely, thanks! Assumed it would have been a sell out so didnt check, thanks again!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 11:11
oh no thats terrible, i live on the palm and noticed that his studio had closed down. He has a facebook profile, perhaps try and send a message via that, even if he has left Dubai he will still have all his photos, he would have no reason to withold them Im sure so i really hope you get this sorted, must be so upsetting, best of luck
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 20:47
Goodness Im so undecided! I already have a really good compact camera, the Olympus tough, 14 MPS and really good zoom, but its still a 'snappy' camera in my eyes, so need something a step up from that. Always been a Canon fan, thats why im drawn to the G12, but its only got a 5x zoom which isnt too great for such a good camera i was thinking?
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 18:36
Oo thanks ladies. the lumix looks great but a bit out of my price range i think? or is it not? which models should i be looking at? Thanks laydeelay, will take a look at that now
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 17:51
Which Cybershot model Sticky Wicket? Thanks for the info Kelly_C, do you own one or have used one? I find the reviews on Amazon really helpful, but you have to look through each one, and there are so many choices of camera, hence asking the clever EW gang for their personal experiences or knowledge of great cameras!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 18:44
DH had an accident last week and after hearing great things about the emergency care at Rashid hospital, I ventured down that way not knowing what to expect, as up to now have only been to Welcare, but knew he may need surgery. I cant fault anything at that hospital, amazing care, wonderful staff, everyone was so happy to be there, such a change from the NHS! and so attentive and thorough. We really felt totally confident in their hands. Would not hesitate to go there again and have already told everyone how impressed we both were with the level of care. Outstanding. The hospital is also new and beautifully clean. On top of that, yes its free!
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 12:33
ooo, looks like im spoilt for choice! thanks ladies. think i'll do the kids sandwiches with them on monday also for school! still have to think of what im cooking for DH on the night now....hmm
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 11:32
Just had a thought for the kids to make some heart shaped biscuits over the weekend for their dad, has anyone seen a heart shaped cookie cutter please? TIA
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:25
I was just wondering the same thing, I also need to find one. Am sure I've seen them in satwa?
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 16:31
thanks Ashes, Le Meridien is the other one I was looking at, talk about spoilt for choice and completely confusedI how do I chose between the 2?? oh dear
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 16:09
i think im leaning towards the sheraton, it sounds great, were there watersports? and how were the rooms?
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 15:25
thanks for the clarification sweet tooth! and thanks CJ and CW. I love the idea of the elephants, i think all the kids will be enthralled with this! I didnt realise that the sea could be rough there? I went to koh samui in may many years ago and it was like a mill pond, is it different in phuket? and is this seasonal? im going april 8th (hopefully!)
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 14:58
thats great to know, yes i was planning on taking the kids out to eat, experience some of the local 'culture' so to speak, am sure the teenagers will be highly amused! was looking at the sheraton too, it does look lovely, is the beach good? im not so sure when people say things are 'good for kids' as it conjurs up images of playgrounds and crazy kids entertainers! is it good for adults too? did anyone do any good day trips? obviously will be doing phi phi, james bond island. my young ones want to ride an elephant, see a tiger and hold monkeys, is that possible near?
nspree
92
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 14:24
thanks for all the great advice ladies, now im REALLY unsure. Was thinking of taking the stepkids rather than having them just visit us here in dubai, but if Phuket is really expensive then Im not so sure? Is Koh Samui any different? The other places Ive been looking at with great reviews in Phuket are the big chains like Meridien Phuket Beach and Sheraton Grande Laguna. I dont normally like these types, but they come with such amazing reviews across the board. koh samui is still in the running, there seem to be smaller resorts there, which seem great but i'd love to have access to watersports for the older kids. Im really struggling to make a decision (as you can tell) oh dear!
 
 
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