Oopsiedaisy | ExpatWoman.com
 

Oopsiedaisy

Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 13:47
Chocfudge, do you install cameras if you are leaving your children with family friends? with uncles? aunts? do you only send them to nurseries with full camera cover? If someone knows a camera is present, how does that prevent anything other than them beating up the child in front of the camera? there are plenty of other places. The important thing is to be very very careful in your selection of who you leave your children with. Cameras may be helpful as a back up in some cases, but hidden cameras are apparently (I don't have first hand sources for this) not actually legal here, and disclosed cameras are about as useful at preventing incidents as visible speed cameras are at preventing speeding. And it is pretty offensive to suggest that all maids are a risk to children, just as it would be to suggest that all stepfathers (or even natural fathers, or come to that all mothers) are a risk to children on the basis of a very small number of events. Sandfly, wish I could have worded it this way. Fully agree!
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 13:38
Just saw a very disturbing video posted on fb about a maid beating up a toddler. Feel so sick. Please please install cameras. We all have our constraints but if we must leave kids with any help we MUST have surveillance. If you don't trust the person you leave your child with, don't leave your child with them. 67% of child abuse is inflicted by family members.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 13:29
Previous thread: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic230011-has-anyone-taken-the-tram.aspx
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 10:37
I buy everything from Plug-Ins.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 10:27
The vast majority of office workers here get less than 15k a month and I am being generous. With the cost of housing eating away anything from 20-50% of someone's income, a round trip taxi commute of 40km (hardly too much for a spread out city like Dubai) means spending roughly 2k a month on taxis. In many private companies, accounts people get 5-8k and secretaries get 3-4k. Is the average salary in Amsterdam for such workers really as low as 10-15,000 Euros a year? Sorry, but you are confusing. First 15k a month, than 5-8/3-4. That's a big difference. An average Dutch income is 2500€ before, 1800€ after income tax a month. Even the few people who earn double that income cannot afford taxis on a regular basis. Taxis in Dubai are dead cheap.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 09:19
Taxi rates here are still amongst the cheapest in the developed world though. In Amsterdam they charge you 35 Dhs before you even get in. Here that takes you half across Dubai. And no, taxi drivers in Amsterdam don't know their way around either. I'm not happy about all these prices increasing either, but I still cannot believe how cheap taxi's are in Dubai. How much do normal white collar office workers get paid in Amsterdam compared to Dubai? The vast majority of office workers here get less than 15k a month and I am being generous. With the cost of housing eating away anything from 20-50% of someone's income, a round trip taxi commute of 40km (hardly too much for a spread out city like Dubai) means spending roughly 2k a month on taxis. The majority of "white collar office workers" in Amsterdam get paid no more than here. AND they pay 30-40% income tax. They cannot afford to ride taxis and therefor ride their bikes to work.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 07:20
Taxi rates here are still amongst the cheapest in the developed world though. In Amsterdam they charge you 35 Dhs before you even get in. Here that takes you half across Dubai. And no, taxi drivers in Amsterdam don't know their way around either. I'm not happy about all these prices increasing either, but I still cannot believe how cheap taxi's are in Dubai.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 07:09
I didn't see the video, nor am I going to. However your thread title and suggestion of keeping an eye on your children even if being watched by a loving nanny strikes me as somewhat prejudiced and unfair. 68% of child abuse is inflicted by family members. So don't just watch your nannies, always look out for children around you. https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-child-abuse
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 19:07
On the menu tonight: spinach salad with fried pancetta cubes and browned pine nuts (simpleasabs's salad), but the dressing home made of mustard, honey and fresh orange juice.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 13:57
Best thing to do is drive around in the area you're looking. Many villa's and compounds have for rent signs, the tel. numbers are usually directly to the LL so no need to bother with greedy agents.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 13:18
Uploaded mine on IPad this morning. Straightforward and avatar appeared almost immediately.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 19:29
Braveheart put a stop to this right now. You would have never given up your job had you known you were going to be on an allowance. Sit your husband down and tell him you demand full access to your family income. Of course you will discuss large investments, so should he, but no way should he be putting you on an allowance. <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 23/11/2014</em>
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 19:24
For what it's worth, my Etisalat Internet reception is cr#p tonight.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 08:52
Lily, it seems to me that you really don't need more staff. You need an equal to run the business in partnership. Someone who feels and shares your responsibility, not an employee. My best friend has been in your shoes. Finding a partner was the best decision she ever made. She now enjoys her business but at the same time has ample opportunity to enjoy life as well. After all, that's what setting up your own business is about. I'm sure there are plenty of people here who would jump to the opportunity of partnering up with you. Depending on your line if business I certainly would.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 08:23
That's interesting Apricot. I was going to suggest Jasnahal. Will certainly stop by Union Coop next time I need an appliance of some sort.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 08:17
Check meetups Dubai. Lots going on there.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 23 November 2014 - 08:14
OP is talking about stepping out late at night, 10pm. To have her ironing by that time, or asking her to put her bedding outside the children's room is not oké in my book. The fact your maids agree doesn't make it right.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 21 November 2014 - 01:16
I'd say 20 dhs/hr
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 21 November 2014 - 01:13
Why don't you appreciate other nationalities speaking English and maybe throwing in a couple of funny words instead of being a bunch of condescending critics. Try speaking Arabic, Indian, Chinese or German and see how you all do for a change. Certainly hope you are not referring to my post. Let me clarify. Japlish is an accepted term in Japan and is a combination of the two, not condescending in any way . In the bigger cities it is easy to find someone who has a smattering of English when trying to communicate, however in the more remote areas it is not generally spoken. I immersed myself in Japanese culture while there and in return my Japanese friends were very eager to speak English. We started a small book club and our first book was Memoirs of a Gheisha, we would read together and they would stop me for clarification and I asked questions about their culture as written in the book. Win win for all. edited by Nomad on 21/11/2014 No I wasn't Nomad. Neither was I referring to the slang and/or funny ones. It's the constant badgering of words like 'needful" or "good name" etc. that I find quite discriminating to be honest.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 21 November 2014 - 00:24
The police have stopped activities on Beach Road in the last couple of years...it was totally dead last year and the year before they had closed off a lot of the road to stop people from driving down, and were stopping all of the silly string and other antics...shame, it was fab, if totally bonkers... I was at Beach Road last year and it was far from closed. Hundreds of cars between 39th and Beach Park. It was crazy, the decorations, the silly string, all the works. Do hope they will allow it this year as well though.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 21 November 2014 - 00:13
According to her contract she's entitled to one month paid holiday and a return ticket home. If she doesn't use the ticket she's entitled to money in lieu. Many won't give her the ticket money, but depending on the circumstances of her leaving you it would be the decent thing to do.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 21 November 2014 - 00:06
Why don't you appreciate other nationalities speaking English and maybe throwing in a couple of funny words instead of being a bunch of condescending critics. Try speaking Arabic, Indian, Chinese or German and see how you all do for a change.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 23:59
LOL @ slow and boring. It's a tram, not a roller coaster.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 23:54
About two weeks before Christmas. If I put it up too early it's not special anymore by the time it's Christmas IMO.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 23:52
Late evenings should be your maids personal time, no matter how short her working days are, or how many days she gets off. You should pay her extra for babysitting, especially at the times you mention.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 17:36
Most high teas come with the option of a glass of champagne. Depending on your budget there are many options. Burj al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Al Qasr, Palace Hotel. Basically all hotels high tea.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 17:33
Myself and my husband have been trying for weeks to get iPhone 6 from etisalat with a package. Every time we go to a branch, they say they are out of stock and have no idea when they will have iPhone 6 again. We ask if they can call us when they do, they say "no sorry, we have too many people waiting for it and are too busy". So we ask what can we do. They reply "come back every day and check". My husband works round the clock and i have a toddler and am pregnant, who has time to visit etisalat every single day? Today my husband had the genius idea of calling the branches to see if any had it. I called EVERY SINGLE ETISALAT BRANCH IN DUBAI, SHARJAH, AJMAN AND RAS AL KHAIMAH SEVERAL TIMES and NOT ONE OF THEM PICKED UP THE PHONE! Can you imagine!? I get on to Etisalat website for the live chat to complain, told the guy everything about no one answering the phones and he replies "alright?" basically asking what's my problem. When i ranted about poor customer service he disconnected me! I pray that one day we'll have an alternative to Etisalat and Du because i hate both of them so much its indescribable! Rant over! Hi MA, I feel for you....why have a promo if they are always out of stock. Du and etisalat, both have worst customer service. We need to live with it because no other options. I am surprised after reading replies, seems all EW are having a bad day today. Hope you get your phone soon :biggrin: edited by smartee on 19/11/2014 Why is telling OP to get another phone having a bad day? My day is great. If it's not about the IPhone as OP claims she should get another, plenty choice. And if she hates Du and Etisalate "indescribable" she may have to buy a dove and return to the Middle Ages.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 08:14
I've been here 3 years and it sort of grows on you. Still not on top if my wish list, but it's convenient, the climate is good (sooo happy with the weather between November and June) and easy to travel anywhere else.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 08:10
I love our "George Clooney" one. The Nespresso shops carry a decent variety of machines and the choice in flavours is amazing. Plug-in, Saraf and even Spinney's and Carrefour carry different brands.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 08:06
That is very annoying but as you say, it indeed happens a lot. I would probably pay the outstanding service charge to in order to make my life easier and than go after the LL, either via Emaar or via regular court.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 14 November 2014 - 09:11
Stop confusing maids with nannies!! If she's your nanny she'll be certified, educated and very well compensated, so if course she can take your baby out. If she's your maid, cleans your house, does your ironing and gets paid minimum salary she may very well have other priorities than minding your baby and will indeed be on the phone and chat in the park with other so called nannies who are actually maids. I **hate** when people say this and actually feel it's discriminatory. My nanny gets paid a very good wage for the Philippines. She has raised three children of her own. She is educated in fact as an accountant but she could never find a job as an accountant in the Philippines. What you are actually saying is if she isn't white, she's not a nanny and that's a load of ****. An educated accountant is not a certified nanny. If she cleans your toilets, she's your maid, no matter what you call her. Skin colour has absolutely nothing to do with it.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 22:53
I think the company is right. They didn't agree to renewal, so the contract terminates December 19th. And as far as I see it, unless the apartment is destroyed, you have no grounds to keep the deposit either.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 22:47
Stop confusing maids with nannies!! If she's your nanny she'll be certified, educated and very well compensated, so if course she can take your baby out. If she's your maid, cleans your house, does your ironing and gets paid minimum salary she may very well have other priorities than minding your baby and will indeed be on the phone and chat in the park with other so called nannies who are actually maids.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 11 November 2014 - 08:24
Businesses offering Groupon deals or anything like that are not necessarily the best, otherwise that wouldn't feel the need to offer those deals. I don't think I would ever have something invasive as an eyebrow tattoo at any such company. A blow-dry, maybe, but no more than that.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 19:45
Love it.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 10 November 2014 - 19:37
I guess the only thing that really counts is wether or not the rent calculator will be updated downward. If not than most LL's will continue to try get the highest rent possible.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 08 November 2014 - 13:10
Boardwalk?
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 08 November 2014 - 13:08
Thanks ladies for your replies. I haven't been very clear. My question was not as much about crossing the border at RAK. I am wondering wether we can still camp freely on the beaches in Musandam.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 08 November 2014 - 13:06
I don't think you're overreacting. The compound swimming pool is not her private home. Residents using the common grounds should adhere to compound rules. One of which will certainly be to dress modestly and no nudity. Talk to the management and have them put up signs.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 07 November 2014 - 21:28
I'd go right to a specialist. I took the breast cancer month offer of Wellbeing Clinic on Al Wasl. Quick appointment, no comments but I wouldn't necessarily recommend them.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 07 November 2014 - 21:25
Nice that you can walk somewhere without being knocked over by kids on boards etc!! Apparently a friend of mine did get over by kids riding their bikes at night. So don't count your blessings just yet....
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 07 November 2014 - 21:23
We buy ours in Satwa. Expensive but very good quality. They will be for sale from around the 8th of November and will definitely still look good Christmas Day. No needles!
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 07 November 2014 - 21:21
Does anyone on here ever vote in the EW poll? I can't believe how suggestive they are. This one about the Christmas fair really does it for me: - Wouldn't miss it! - Unfortunately, no... - We want to, but can't! Ehhh: no, not interested. Not an option. <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 07/11/2014</em>
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 06 November 2014 - 12:04
ACE has an ornament (ball) with the UAE flag. I sent them to my family last year. They loved it. <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 06/11/2014</em>
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 13:06
It seems to me that she was not under your sponsorship, otherwise you'd had to cancel her visa and not just "fire" her. So there's no way you could have gone to the police in this case. It's you who would have been in trouble.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 29 October 2014 - 08:15
Fire the new employee and ship him and his ill-behaved family back to where they came from. If this behaviour is deemed normal in the privacy of their home one can only guess how the professional attitude will be. It may not be far off. You're in for a lot of trouble with this family and in this country as a sponsor you carry lots of responsibility. Get rid.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 10:26
Micro manage..... Only way to deal with most handymen Tried it, didn't work, but am happy to micro-manage again if someone has a suggestion as to who to micro-manage this time.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 10:24
Alternatively, if you don't get used to it, you may have to find a live-out maid. That's what I'm doing since the thought alone of having to share my house with a stranger is putting me off. Good luck though, I hope you manage to get used to her.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 10:20
Thanks, but I know how to do it, problem is the gardeners seem to not know. It turned out like a moguls-slope. I do all my gardening but this is just too heavy a job and I really want to "delegate" it.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 24 October 2014 - 21:32
Just wondering why someone would thumb down our maid having a two day weekend and being off when DH gets a day of? We value our privacy, is that so incomprehensible? <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 24/10/2014</em>
 
 
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