Penny4Thoughts | ExpatWoman.com
 

Penny4Thoughts

Penny4Thoughts
87
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 00:44
Hi AHS thank you so much! wow thats super helpful. Ill pass these onto her. thank you again !!!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 10:25
Hi ladies Im looking for some feedback on jebel ali school and kings and Repton as planning to apply for primary level for my 7 year old for all 3. Academically and otherwise what are these schools like? Ive read the KHda ratings/report etc but wanted a first hand idea as to what was good/bad about these schools. Thank you in advance for your help
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 09:54
Kjt thank you so much for your help. Im going to go see a few and see which one suits. xx
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:21
Daza i do agree with what you are saying just feel so awful saying no now she is pregnant but she was out of control last year asking me at least every week and not caring when my child had to get somewhere after school and she was going to be late. Just cant relate to this person at all. she got offended when i said no and doesnt even realise. Im sure she will cool it or find someone else to ask. thanks for your reply
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2013 - 01:01
hi looking for any feedback please on parents who have kids in DIA or kings. i know they are two different systems ie:IB and the British system but just want to know more about any first hand experiences of parents who have children in Primary school at the two schools ? Any feedback please would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 15:54
Thread worms? never heard of that but will investigate. My little one is too small to share with him. He loves sitting on the computer which I've banned, he's only allowed it once he sleeps through the night. I tried rewarding him but he is still waking up. Going a bit crazy to be honest as it will effect his work at school.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 13:32
Hi i am wondering if you ladies would have pointers which i may be missing as my son who recently started KG2 is waking up a lot during the night and hence disturbing everyone. This ha been happening on/off for quite a few months. He tends to try and see who is awake and wants to co-sleep even though we put him in his own bed every night. He doesn't get a full nights sleep unless he co sleeps and myself and my husband are waking up every night . Im worried how to break this habit as he tends to make excuses why he can't sleep alone. I do have some friends with a similar problem with children in a different year group. Any suggestions??
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 04:47
I agree with plum2, have a look at the schools you want to apply to places are few and there are waiting lists for some of the good schools. Near the meadows and springs and lakes there is DIA school with Ib system which is pretty good, jebel ali school but its super hard to get in ,a bit further away there are schools in Jumeirah you can try but the journey time will be 30 mins each way. Best of Luck
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 04:38
marink where did u get these printed pls? thanks <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 15/04/2013</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 04:36
i just got my baby jabs done last week at Coopers health clinic. Go to Dr Khan he's very busy but good. Cost is around 1500 add as i don't have insurance for her yet but i was told that once the insurance is sorted they will issue be post dated invoice to help me claim it under my new insurance.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 23:51
Vivette am so appalled at your gynae's reaction. You should complain about her to management in writing and also name the doctor which i agree with. I cannot believe not only did she not examine you but laughed !!!! I really don't like the American hospital. Go with a recommendation to the City hospital or welfare .
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 23:45
Try British Orchard, friends have recommended british orchard which i will look at for my little one. Ive heard mixed reviews about Willows from others who have their kids there, but have had no personal experience there.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 23:41
Pace e Luce is very good for Colour, cut and highlights which i have had done several times in marina mall. Ask for Mr Mounir or Basil is very good. My cut was awesome and was very happy with the Inoa color he did too.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 23:39
i did a back to basics course where the qualified person comes to your house and teaches the basics of first aid for infants and toddlers. I also got my nanny to do the course with me . they were very good.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 23:16
My son has been attending this school for few years and loves it. saying that its very expensive but the facilities are really great and the teaching pretty good. For the Ib system i do think its a good school. They do have teething problems as its a new school but on the whole am pretty happy. They do give homework at age 5 onwards i.e. spelling and projects which i think is good although some parents have complained that at age 6 its too early . The lady principle however is leaving at the end of the year and they are hiring someone new.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 21:18
absolutely lovvvve the Mclaren. Its so sturdy and I've taken all the time for the last 4 years whilst traveling . Easy to fold and not too heavy either.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 01:59
Nike mats from sun sand outlet. pretty good.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 01:55
you can buy it in any bookshop in Ibn battutta/marina Mall etc. The family one is great has it has wild wadi vouchers so really worth it. The fine dining was ok as well.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 01:52
I had my c section a few months back with Dr Ibrahim at city hosp in dubai. Very professional and much better than the first time in England, The after care was great and my recovery has been very quick.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 01:50
you will get 10 days grace during which time if she recovers you can go to Hatta over the border get the stamp, pay the fee and drive back. Its a 4 hour journey which we did nearly every month for a year as my son didn't have a visa. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 02/04/2013</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 01:47
Ive had my nanny/maid for 4 years and she has now brought her sister to live with us. They are very happy as we treat them as part of the family. I have two kids and work so does my husband so each one is responsible for each kid .Plus on top they do the cleaning/ironing. I make a rota for them so they have enough time to take the kids to the park , feed them, give them a bath when I'm late, plus clean the house and iron. My hours have been long so the older one also has done the cooking and shopping during the time my son is in school. They are both trained with kids and I've taught them what i want from them. They have a practical experience with kids back home and I've taught them the rest. I have kept it grey and not divide it between a nanny and maid, If you find the right individual most expats i know who have lived in dubai for a long time have done it like this.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 02:06
Thank you all for your help. A friend of mine recommended Dr khan at coopers is I have an appointment booked for tomorrow. fingers crossed we can get to the bottom of it.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 14:28
Arabic teachers etc and piano i know freelance and don't always have certificates. This is physical and unless they are qualified they should not practice. Yes i am asking now or going purely on recommendation. edited by Penny4Thoughts on 21/01/2013 <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 21/01/2013</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 01:06
Thank you Daza for your time and advice. i think I'm going to go to lifeworks and see someone a friend recommended. worse thing would be to ruin this whole experience by feeling so blue. hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 23:43
Thank you Daza for your support. Most days are fine but like today i said no to everyone and even a friends birthday. Its like dark cloud looming over my head when it should be a happy and exciting time and its lonely. All the people i used to see seem so caught up in their social lives dubai feels like a fickle place to be. I feel resentful that before baby when i was out and about they would call and text and now the world is moving on and I'm stuck. Also with my first child i got very bad PND as had looong induction and c section which was emergency and took a while to recover. Im not an attention seeker but if you have been a good friend to your friends surely this is the time they should realize i need them. I know its hormones but i feel so alone. Im sure this feeling will pass i hope....
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 18:41
Thanks swissroll. I'm having a look now. :)
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 22:27
You mean Howdra i.e.; Explorer. I had my first maid who has been with me for 4 years now. I got lucky with her, she was 24 years old when she came to live with us and so far touchwood no major issues. One maid i did get from Howdra they didn't scan properly at all, she ahd been with several employers and they lied to me about the reasons she left. She was completely crazy and dirty. She took my things (rings/money/sunglasses( and used to move them from A to B but never put them in her room until i didn't ask and if i didn't ask or question it was gone. It was an awful experience my old maid had gone back to Manila and got stuck there for 6 months ,due to issues with her Visa as i switched from Howdra to my own visa so i had no choice but to put up with the second one. One day when the second crazy one allowed my son who was then 3.5 to walk into the street, i took action and found out about the stealing. I got her jailed and banned . Howdra should have never ever let her work with any families especially with kids , it was negligent she had moved about 5 times in one year and i did ask but they blamed the employer. In short DO NOT GO with them please !!! <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 13/11/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 21:55
Thanks a lot Papaye . i will do ! appreciate the feedback
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 04:15
Thanks i too saw it and thank god in time. Will check out alternatives. I think health bay poly for few hours during the day is better. They have a good rep. Thanks again for posting me the link
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 02:00
Thanks kittycat71. My last C section was awful after 14 hours of induction my recovery was very very slow in the UK. Im just premting from my last experience just to have help for 1 month at least after baby is born. Dubai nannies charge AED 3000 for day nurse to come help with feeding, bathing etc so i may just go for that option for one month and then see. I am so nervous about using any agency and was wondering if anyone had used them at all.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 21:11
They weren't honest with me as to why she had changed employers so many times and she made up stories about how she was mistreated and made to sleep under the dining table etc etc She had moved employers like 5 times which set off warning bells but i was at work working till 7pm at least every day, really needed the help and my husband runs his own business so has flex hours so thought that at least she wasn't 100 per cent alone all the time. It really mentally affected me and it was hard to trust anyone after that . My neighbors have had bad stories as well maids jumping out of windows at night , prostitution, getting pregnant. Its really best to keep them in line. I did it alone but also with my OH as a unit . The one we have now touchwood is part of our family , am very lucky but we have trained her a lot and she genuinely cares for my 5 yr old.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 18:29
Hi i do agree Avenue is super expensive but barter them down their product is very good quality. Any issues I've had they always come and rectify. Ive had the shutters for 3.5 years now. Touchwood no complaints .
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 18:24
Hi, i have had 2 maid experiences in Dubai. One i have had for 4 years , she's very reliable honest, has made mistakes but i explain things and between us we have a relationship with boundaries so she knows not to overstep the mark and what we expect from her. From the same agency i.e.; Explorer during her absence for one month ( she went back to the philipines) i had a nightmare maid. I was working the whole day and she was dirty, let my 3 year old son walk out of house onto the road as she was distracted and on phone, stole from me , gave me a lot of attitude. The theft came later , after the first incident of her not taking care of my son i sat her down and explained that it was NEVER to happen again. Unfortanately i had a bad apple to start with and eventually she ended up being banned, deported and jailed for theft. All i can say is don't be too kind, be firm, sit her down and explain the rules and tell her if this is going to work she is not to talk rudely and her main priority when you ask her is to pay attention to your kids. Noone has the right to judge and all of us try to be the best mums we can.Accidents will happen but I'm sure that as long as you feel that she's paying attention and shows you respects and remembers her boundaries you will be satisfied. When they are rude , they need to know who is the boss by being firm. Trust me its not easy, it only comes with time, Im not an expert but this is my experience. Good luck.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 23:46
thanks samk96 I think curtains wise and wallpaper they are definitely overcharging a lot. I've been checking around even though it's lovely wallpaper very pricey. That's why they managed to open so many branches in Kuwait, Iran, Qatar etc !!!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 15:51
Im looking to get some interiors work done with Avenue home in al Barsha, thy did my shutters and did a pretty decent job 1 yr ago .I heard some stories that they had overcharged some people on wallpaper/painting etc so now am tad worried about going though them for this kind of work. Has anyone had any experience with them please ? The shutters were fine and not too expensive but i want to make sure I'm not getting ripped off for other work. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 24/10/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 20:16
Have a look at Maeen Villa in the lakes as well. Really nice townhouses some near park,and Lakes clubhouse which has pool,Bar, fitness centre etc.Its a great community, quite and well maintained. I like arabian ranches although don't live there have seen quite a few villas and have friends there. I agree with skylark , lakes is well placed and very close to sheikh zayed road. My friends live in Deema (lakes)but i nearly bought in Maeen as the villas were lovely with a dome shaped feature in entrance to allow light . Some have small gardens but you have the facilities nearby. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 23/10/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 16:59
drownedinthenile i think next time i will. Her husband is never around so can't be easy. But in general i would say , from dropping friends kids off every time their mothers are sick i always make an effort. Maybe you would say I'm being too nice but i do what i can when i see people in trouble. When its the yours child's friends mothers behaving oddly i don't get it. Even if I'm having bad day I'm civil or just leave quietly.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 16:49
Maybe but haven't really seen her aside from in a group. Will see next time i get the chance. She tends to pass comments which are quite offensive as in last time i mentioned islam ( am a muslim) she said what do you know about being a Muslim you are British !! which i ignored. You can't get on with everyone at school so its fine il just keep my distance. But it was very strange !!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 16:43
Absolutely, am always civil. A few of my friends had mentioned that it had happened with them in other schools hence wondered whether this was normal. I was a working mother last year so my interaction was less.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 16:37
a few in general are super friendly with most of us and then blank another day.This one is pregnant and so am i, maybe I'm being super sensitive but its nice to form friendships and be normal rather than moody. If it was one day its fine but she's consistently looks annoyed and tbh is fine with everyone else but weird with me. Maybe its the hormones !!
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 16:30
I am not sure if am alone in feeling this but my LO has been with same school for year and a half and has made decent friends. I find though that the mothers are very weird and inconsistent in their behavior. They can spend a lot of time with you on playdates,lunches even came to my house for dinner but then outside the classroom can blank you or not be too friendly. Albeit the mother in question is pregnant and and is snappy, i don't talk much to her anymore apart from when we are in a group out together and then she can be quite aggressive/abrasive. I just don't get it. It kind of does wind me up as I've made the effort hence expect people to be courteous and friendly. Not up and down then you have no idea where you stand with them?!!! <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 22/10/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 14:29
Hi I worked with clients for the last two years at the abudhabbers grandprix where drivers were taking them daily and bringing them back. This guy is good. Amin 0555916892. Try him has a nice Lexus and may be cheaper than others. 700 is about the going rate to tale them there and wait for 6-7 hours.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 11:51
bentoya is sheikh Zayed ( in service road ) is always good, been going there for few years now. Sumo sushi, or if you want plush Zuma is lovely ESP for Friday brunch they have non alcoholic buffet and u can pay extra and get booze think its aed360 or 390 for all you can at and drink. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 20/10/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 00:17
Jumeirah beach dental centre. Its near the village mall. Ask for Laila she's very good. Ive used her before.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 00:14
Hilsbils, thank you so much for taking the time to give me all the info. The laminate i saw is not cheap about about AED 185 per sq m. The only thing is i can see the difference but maybe its because i know its not real. I keep reading its synthetic and its plastic . The difference between installing the engineered wood and laminate is quite considerable about Aed 25k. We currently have tiles upstairs and marble which we are very happy with downstairs on our Villa. Our rooms are most of the time air conditioned apart from the summer when we go abroad. They did day they will give a 25 year warranty. Thanks for all your help and feedback.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 22:57
Ive been to Rayavadee in krabi 3 times over the last 5-6 years with my son and i loved it. They have two level villas and its absolutely gorgeous. The service was very good every time we are there.
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 02:35
Has anyone been to Park Hyatt in Sadiyaat island ? I tried to book st Regis but its all booked. eing 6 months pregnant, just want to take a short break with the family. Or should I look at Fujairah ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated .
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 09:10
Tabby Cat I've used Pregnacare and folic acid n the past. I switched to supplements by Zita west, my doctor had recommended her in London. It's a hassle and more pricey but they really work for me. You can google her and buy on line I think they may deliver here. With my first born I had the best pregnancy , I was using Zita west supplements ( pre natal and post natal) and was happy with them. When I went back for the summer i stocked up and bought quite a lot for the entire second pregnancy. It may not be for you and I think Pregncare is available in the larger pharmacies. <em>edited by Penny4Thoughts on 09/10/2012</em>
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 08:56
thank you Derien. I felt that too and have heard similar things from few other parents applying. Fingers crossed ! It seems they do have a looong waiting list and Dubai if anything is getting busier , hopefully he is called for an assessment !
Penny4Thoughts
87
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 08:53
hi Daza, He is not a native Arabic speaker at all. This school places a great deal of importance on Arabic though, and you are right I was waiting to talk to the head of primary after this term to see how far he had progressed and the comments that had been made . The teacher that he has currently is more relaxed than his last form teacher who had made these comments, but it did make me panic initially. I don't know many schools who have age 4.5 to 6 years in the same class , I think this is where the problem stems from. other schools are very strict age wise . So last year in kg1 he was one the youngest in the class. He was coping fine but as the older children were ahead with recognising words and started to read by the end of the year, it was harder for him .
 
 
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