The Russian | ExpatWoman.com
 

The Russian

The Russian
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Latest post on 20 February 2017 - 14:07
Gold and Diamond Park is a good place - if you are well prepared. What are you looking for? I have plenty of advice to share on round diamonds in the 0.50-2ct range if you are interested :)
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 September 2016 - 14:32
Oak Tree Primary would be about 15-minutes drive, and the traffic would be better compared to GEMS Founders. I pass by the latter in the morning around the drop off hour and it's a nightmare. Oak Tree is a new school but sounds lovely and they seem to have gotten off to a great start. Class sizes are small, whereas in GEMS you can easily expect 25+ children per class. You should definitely check it out. Other options could be Horizon International School, Horizon British School and Safa British School, although the fees for Y3 would be slightly above your budget. You might want to check whichschooladvisor.com, they have a lot of school reviews including location and fee information. As long as the rating is 'Good' and above, you'll be fine. Make sure you read through the individual school reports though as it will give you an idea of the strong and weak sides. Good luck with your move.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 December 2015 - 08:51
Jack Wills in Mercato mall have a lot of PJ's. Not sure if they would qualify as funny but many styles to choose from)
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 10:38
It is not impossible I guess but would be extremely difficult and highly unlikely to last. You can find a nursery that is opened till 6pm but as soon as your daughter starts in a big school, she'll be done any time between 12.30-14.30 depending on the year. ECAs would give you one extra hour a couple of times a week and many schools only offer ECAs starting from Y1. School holidays are endless and most of the times private sector does not get the same number of days. Then, it's not just during the holidays/bank holidays/sick days that your daughter will need someone to look after her. There are also out of school activities, play dates and birthday parties, school events etc., and if you don't have a nanny, your daughter will miss out on all that. I agree with one of the posters that stress but also guilt can become overwhelming very soon. Remember that your work will not end when you leave the office - you will still need to run your errands and chores. When will you find time for that and who will take care of your daughter in the meantime? It is important that you do what makes you happy and if having a job is a part of it, then definitely go for it. But take your time to plan your arrangement very carefully, even a perfect job will not be fulfilling if you feel like you and your family are sacrificing too much for it. There are many ladies out there who would be happy with what you are willing to pay. Keep looking and you will find the right one. Worst case consider offering same salary for fewer hours, e.g. afternoons only. Good luck.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 October 2015 - 09:47
Funny, I could have written that post - not about laundry in particular but the constant picking/correcting/intervening etc! Our maid is lovely and has been with us for a year but lately I've been experiencing exactly same thing. All the little things that are suddenly done wrong. Because they are little, you don't feel like picking on them but as it all piles up it starts annoy you quite a bit doesn't it! So I sat down with her one day and told her - look, lately I find myself constantly picking up on you and I don't like doing it. So here's the list of things that I need you to do differently and this is exactly how it needs to be done. It was a good chat because she also shared her view point and some stuff was just a misunderstanding. Some things got better, others I still struggle with but there was definitely an improvement overall. I also try to let some small things go. It will never be perfect but better small than big ;) And yes, you have to lay out everything and more than once!
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 08:38
Definitely check his eyes. My six years old son also has headaches and I consulted our ophthalmologist who said frontal headache can be caused by complications with eye sight. If you decide to do the test I can highly recommend Dr. Grim at Gulf Eye Center on SZR (Fairmont hotel). All the best
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 10:03
There's also a complex of villas on the beach (with blue roofs) in Umm Suquem 1 just opposite Al Manara road
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 10:02
Hamdan villas next to Sunset mall in Jumeirah 3. Not sure though how much of the beach view is left with the latest beach developments down there
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 13:15
Thanks a lot!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 09:37
Rexsol C+E serum (135dhs in Aster Pharmacy) Skinceutical CE Ferulic (about 650 dhs I think) Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum (don't know the price) I used Skinceuticals before and now Rexsol and visually one is just as good as the other. Skinceuticals do have a better list of ingredients though. Haven't used Dr. Dennis yet but it gets good reviews.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 15:57
Does anyone have access? Would really appreciate the figure for 1.2ct/G/VS2/Triple Ex. TIA!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 12:05
She does have family here but we don't know the employers. The closest would be our friends as she knows their maid through play dates (children's, not theirs ;)
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 11:54
Thanks ladies, we're getting there :) So now the last question - what to do when we travel? Let the maid have the passport or give it to someone else for safe keeping like Daza suggests? Any opinions?
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 11:43
We don't have a safe at home HC but maybe it's a good time to get one :) But then do I tell her the code to the safe? Assume not... in which case what's the difference for her? I would say the difference is that you're not an office that is closed for the weekend. If she needs her passport in an emergency you'll be available. Makes sense.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 11:24
We don't have a safe at home HC but maybe it's a good time to get one :) But then do I tell her the code to the safe? Assume not... in which case what's the difference for her?
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 11:03
Ladies, thanks a lot for taking time to reply. I'm in a moral dilemma here. I hear both sides and whereas I think any person should be entitled to be in possession of their passports, I also appreciate the high risks. I do trust her but I don't know if she trusts [i'>me [/i'>enough not to do something stupid if she gets into trouble but come to me first. After processing the visa we just kept her passport and there were no issues. But a few weeks back she said she needed to register with the Embassy and asked for the passport. She went to the Embassy which was closed for the Chinese NY, then she was planning to go in March, now she told me she will go next month with her mum. She's keeping the passport in the meantime and I keep wondering if I should ask her to give it back to us.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 11:29
Whether the rules are ridiculous or reasonable is a subjective opinion entirely depending on your family's individual needs. The objective reality is that the compound set those rules and to ignore them is a) a wrong thing to do and b) likely to get you in trouble one way or another. Why don't you try to set a meeting with the compound management, voice your concerns and see if you can find a solution? They may agree to a compromise, especially if you will be talking on behalf of many families. Even better if you can get the neighbors from the other 'camp' to join.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2014 - 08:00
Thanks!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 October 2014 - 12:54
Hi CP, saw cars inside and people walking in but then was told it's only the park - not the beach which is allegedly still closed. So better double-check before sending the family in. x
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 20:26
Hi sorry, looooooong day - got your email, you can delete it now))
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 08:39
Hi, we had a maid from Howdra (two, in fact). What would you like to know?
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 11:09
I don't know, is it? The gate 1 side is open, the gate 5 is closed but thought the Archives café is still up and running? or not any longer?
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 10:34
Great, thanks so much!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 08:42
It says Safa park to close temporarily as well?? oh noooo...
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 08:18
Good morning ladies, Can anyone recommend a holiday camp for the last week of October? I know of M&S sports at Safa school and Active Sports @ DESS but are there any others? Preferably around Jumeirah area. Thanks in advance!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 12:31
Same here, around 32 hrs.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 12:30
Thanks ladies! Well sounds like I'll have to search for alternatives... definitely don't want to be stuck in a hotel with pool, even if it's been voted as best in some category :-)
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 09:30
Hi, Try Cheeky Monkeys entertainers - http://www.cheekymonkeyparties.com/ or http://www.cheekylittleevents.com/ We used them twice and they are really good. They will come to your place and entertain children with age appropriate games for one hour or more. You can also rent tables & chairs from them. For balloons and decorations, we used Jane 050 5030647. Sorry cannot remember how much we paid. HTH
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2014 - 12:14
We went to MoE last week and there were sales in Marina, IDdesign, Crate & Barrel. I think I saw some of the furniture stores along SZA advertising sales as well. HTH
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2014 - 10:25
Apricot, Mannikat, have you tried that guy? Were you happy?
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 12:02
They offer Taekwondo classes in Ballet Center in Jumeirah 1, try giving them a call. Then there used to be a taekwondo class in InShape salon in Jumeirah 3, it was run by a lady named Linda - if those are still on they will give you her contact details at the salon. I heard good reviews about her class.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 11:39
I am getting a new maid/nanny who'll do school pick ups and/or take kids to activities a few times a week. I would feel more comfortable with it if I can always see that they got to school/home/activity center safely.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 09:11
I've also seen them in ACE.
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 21:31
do you have any idea how pool maintanence works? do they need to be cleaned weekly, monthly and if so can i do that myself or would i need a pool person? I guess that's up to you if you wanna stand in the sun while cleaning and scrubbing it! With grass there is water costs as well, my friend lives in JVC and they have a small grass area, [b'>around 5x8m and they spend nearly AED1100 just on water every month[/b'>! And they water it every 3 days. As mentioned, housing fee will be more, as well as DEWA, assuming the villa is bigger than the apartment omg!! ok i just have to say we've never spent anything even remotely close to it. Our dewa bill ranges from about aed 1000 to aed 2000 (excluding the housing fee) for a 5-bedroom villa in jumeirah, with a small pool and a few patches of grass (not too big) that are watered every day.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 21:15
We have a small pool and it's cleaned twice a week. 300 a month. You can also do it yourself, I know many people who do. We've never had to change water in two years so I don't think there's any additional cost there. What about the curtains? Does the villa have many more windows than your apartment? You'll probably also need pest control a couple of times a year.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 10:49
I haven't personally dealt with either but heard an acquaintance vouching for maidcv.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 08:36
Hi Amelia, Thank you - will try via FB.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 10:09
Thanks Geordie - I had no idea!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 11:08
The One topper is not small - we use it for our bed 200x210cm and it covers it properly from all sides.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 10:28
We got ours from The One, also MOE. Thick and soft to perfection. I also have a couple from Homecenter (Microgel) - they are very nice, too, not as thick as the one from The One (hehe) and quite a bit softer.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 09:01
Thanks to everyone who replied! DT, MF - thanks for the good suggestions. Carrera, our son started speaking at about 2.5 - but we lived in Germany back then so he was exposed to four languages. Our daughter was a bit earlier but still - just over two. You've got nothing to worry about :) YC, thanks - got your number! Marykar, we are in Jumeirah. If you leave your number I'll try to arrange for us to meet all together. Nice day to all!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 15:02
Ladies, I'm concerned about my two small children (3.5 and 5.5) forgetting their native tongues, Russian one of them. I do my best but it's not good enough. They are in an English speaking environment most part of the day, and being a mixed couple we also speak English when all together (dinners, weekends, holidays etc.). Same with activities and play dates - English all around. It's getting worse and worse and I'm not coping with the task on my own. So, I am looking for a native Russian speaker to hang out with the kids for a couple of hours two-three times a week. Someone who would be able to engage them into various activities because if not interested, these two can quite simply walk off and start their own English-speaking games. I'm not talking about anything advanced, the usual stuff - books, games, conversations, crafting etc. If you know someone who would be interested, please let me know. Thanks a lot in advance.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 14:07
SEY83, could you please help me, it's all so confusing. My daughter was born on 29 December 2010 and was accepted to Gems royal Dubai to start FS1. Will she still go to school this year? I appreciate your help thank you Bump :) getting too stressed now Sorry Apr04 I was away from my computer! Your daughter still qualifies for FS1 in September 2014...literally by 3 days so if they do implement the new rule properly this year then she will be one of the very youngest in the class. The cut-off for September 2014 is the 31st December 2010. Yes only as per HorizonMum's post it is the cut off for FS2, not FS1!
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 13:37
• KG1/FS2 children registering for the academic year 2014-2015 will have to be 4 years old by 31st December 2014 Sorry ladies then I stand corrected. I thought they were talking about admission age for FS1, not FS2. If it is FS2, I agree with March in that it means younger admission age since now FS2 students can still be three when they start in September, as long as they turn four before the end of the year (same as it currently is for KG1). It would also mean that they'd take a two year old in FS1 (same as Pre-K in American/IB). So ilovewine, according to the above your LO would still be able to start FS1 in 2015. And Apr04, since your daughter is turning four before December 2014, sounds like she'd be admitted to FS2 for the next academic year
The Russian
330
Posts
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 11:17
"The rule will take effect across the country and it [b'>will ensure age uniformity, even when children change their school or curriculum[/b'>." So it doesn't make sense that this only applies to some curriculums and not others - not that I'm disputing what Horizon has sent out, it just seems odd. I thought of it because December age cut off is standard for most of the American/IB curriculum schools (or at least it was two+ years ago when we were deciding on the curriculum for our children). So essentially the new rules would mean no change for American/IB and a change for British curriculum schools - in that light Horizon's claim is indeed very confusing...
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:40
Anon, under new rules your son will start in FS1 in 2016 - the year he turns four Ilovewine, likewise your son will have to wait for another year and start in 2016 - he must turn 4 by Dec 31 to be able to enter FS1
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 13:54
Sorry OP but it sounds like you are not sure if your DH is really worth it. That be the case, you are probably better off moving to NYC.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 10:54
Montblanc also has them
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2014 - 14:38
Undecided either way as to whether the OP is advertising or not but I am surprised she thinks it's better value than the Barracuda - we haven't found anywhere that is ... (so am I now promoting Barracuda ?? lol) better value in terms of saving oneself a 'sweaty drive' but not a better financial value I thought. I remember one of my first posts was about how the sales were still on in the malls after DSF was over, even though they were not expressly advertised any longer :) Feels a bit naïve now but at the time it seemed like such a cool discovery - and sometimes you really simply feel like sharing what you [i'>think [/i'>is a great find :)
The Russian
330
Posts
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Latest post on 24 April 2014 - 13:23
I don't think it's a campaign, I think OP was genuinely impressed and wanted to share. I remember also being very excited to discover them, but the excitement only lasted till I ran a quick price check. We normally shop in duty free or Barracuda and the difference is substantial, at times more than 50% (eg a bottle of M&C is aed 160 in duty free vs aed 261 in Centaurus). <em>edited by The Russian on 24/04/2014</em>
 
 
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