sadubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

sadubai

sadubai
282
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Latest post on 31 December 2011 - 14:04
A lot depends on the fabric you choose - Shalini's ranged from around 60dhs to more than 10 times that. Sheers start at around 10dhs. Stitching depends on the design you choose - Roman blinds are more expensive than pleated or eyelet curtains but require less fabric so you save some there. Rails cost too so it does all add up. They don't charge anything extra for coming home, measuring, bringing swatches, etc.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2011 - 10:45
I'm doing mine this month with Shalini Shinde at Designer's SPACE. Her office # is 04 3476093, mobile is 050 2274231. We met at our home so that she could measure & give me a sense of how much fabric I need. Before we met we were in touch about what kind of fabrics I like and the price range I am looking at. Accordingly she brought books of fabric swatches with her - she had a good sense of what I'd like based on our interaction. She also had books of curtain designs. She's coming once again to measure exactly and take some fabric I've bought elsewhere. The finished product is not yet up but I know folks who have used her before - everyone's been pleased with the outcome and I can vouch for the fact that she's easy to deal with and not pushy at all.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 11:02
I got some from H&M and Carters as others have said and a bunch of really reasonable ones from Debenhams at MOE including Jasper Conran ones. Baby Gap has them too but only rolldown in plain colours.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 10:46
We've just closed out our compound villa rental. We have been told we've got good lls and that's been our experience to date - our neighbours have been there 12 years which I also see as a good sign. But I still tried to check whatever possible. Specifics worth checking are: - cupboards - doors, rails and shelves including in the kitchen (a nice ll may well fix them later but is a pain coz will require you to empty the cupboards), - if you have insect netting ensure it is not torn, - all windows and doors open and close properly and no chips in window glass anywhere, - many houses in Jumeirah/Umm S don't come with white goods but useful to check where the electricity and water connections are and whether the stuff you want will fit eg some kitchens have space for a 4 burner range, others 5, dishwasher water connections are not available in some, fridge height or width constraints may exist due to layout, - I have a toddler so chips in staircases was important for me and our ll fixed the major ones, - our villa was so old the shower heads were not jointed and the ll agreed to put more modern ones - on the other hand he did not agree to change the toilet seats (a pet peeve of my DH and me to have new ones wherever we live) so I'm buying them from Ace for Dhs30 each, no big deal - bathrooms are very imp to me so I spent time going through ours - ensure that you can live with what you rent so eg if you spend a lot of time cooking make sure you like your kitchen or it has the potential for you to improve it so you like it! - request pest control, machine floor polishing, thorough cleaning especially of windows which are difficult to reach - some will agree, some will not All the best!
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 08:47
NewHannah what did you finally decide? I went away for xmas and never got around to getting the ELC one tho Just Smurfy's post is timely - thanks, JS :) just what i needed to prod me towards ELC!
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 07:54
Sri Lanka requires driving unless u stay in Colombo which is prob not the intention. Driving is unpredictable and roads are not great. Maldives is another great beach option.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 07:53
It all depends on what you negotiate coz packers have various different packages based on how much manpower they need to allocate. The man with a a truck option is dicey - he may show up with very few people and expect you to chip in for even hauling furniture out. If you are on a budget and are just moving down the road I'd say try and get the house keys and move your fragile items and clothes yourself - is a lot of work but the fragile items such as stemware and dinner services is one of the things whic costs a lot.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 20:30
I might have been interested but I want only a 6 feet one. For my 20-month old that is ample for now :) and it will also fit well in our back yard. ELC said they would be able to find me a blue one...I will probably go with that NewHannah. Best of luck with yours! PS Did you make it to Dragonmart?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 20:25
dubaimaman can I know details of your friend? I LOVE good cheesecake and would be useful for a party...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 17:05
I understand it depends on the brand you want. For Samsung, Hitachi, etc Carrefour is good. For Smeg, Fisher Paykel, etc BetterLife. Both are in MOE so you can do a dekko.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 17:03
Just to let everyone know. I also went to Favourite Things in Marina Mall. Jorge is cutting hair there and he is very patient - for some reason my DS cried and screamed through his haircut. They charge 60dhs. He is busy so pl make a reservation.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 08:13
Great. Will look forward to feedback :)
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 08:07
Good tips, Nutty, thanks. I love the White Company stuff but find them expensive so that's good to know. I'm sure I'll end up splurging on some stuff for myself :) but the question was more with respect to hh stuff so I think consensus seems to be little point waiting.salsB that is a funny story!
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 20:27
Thanks twilight and Pomegranate. Spongemonkey, these are not things I am desperate for like say a fridge which I've gone ahead and bought. But I'd rather just be done with setting up home so I think I'd rather buy them and be done with it...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 17:29
Thanks athomemom. NewHannah, I got amazing deals on appliances at the Better Home warehouse sale. Meant a trip to Ras Al Khor but a friend drove me so that was done. Everything was hugely discounted and with warranties...couldn't have asked for better timing :).
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 17:27
What about the skidders type sock shoes? I know H&M has them coz I got some for my 20-month old.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 16:51
Update NewHannah. I like the look of the ELC 6 feet one more than the one I saw at Carrefour but the ELC in MOE did not have the 6 feet. I'm going to check elsewhere...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 16:45
I am confused too - and I also want a swing! Let me know how you go NewHannah...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 16:34
My son began with Stride-Rite though they are expensive...Bata do great vfm shoes for kids but I am not sure they have them in Dubai.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 13:04
Birchy, thanks. I am off to Carrefour for a trampoline too! And NewHannah I like the look of the UK one but I also find it very expensive. Esp when I consider that my son will prob use it until the summer then by the time it is trampoline weather next year we will no doubt have to go one size up. I agree with Greensh - regular checks and some simple rules are the best safety precautions...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 17:14
Thanks for all the inputs ladies - kind of confirmed my thinking. Like desertprincess I think I might buy other stuff there which is completely decorative but am going to look elsewhere for the trampoline and have already done one round at Ikea for bathroom stuff, will do a Satwa trip next...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 11:20
Am confused...hear they are good but do you think they are adequately safety tested?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 10:53
I went straight to the one that sits on the toilet seat for my 19-month old DS. ON the reco of the sales staff I got the Mothercare own brand one which my son has taken to quite well (unlike his earlier standalone potty which he hated).
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 10:50
Hi Korst. I am not vacating a villa but just rented one and my experience is the best thing to do is drive around the area you want to live in and stop and ask for availability at compounds you like or keep your eyes peeled for to let signs. Brokers here are quite bad IMHO. The best broker I found was someone who drove me around...he had 2 properties to show me but with a drive-around we saw 7 in one afternoon. Your budget is fine for what you are asking. If you are keen on some of the big compounds like Al Nakheel Villas, Sheikh Ahmed Villas, Al Wasl Villas call the company direct and register your name as they all have waitlists.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 04:15
Thanks Neenie for your response and sorry to take so long to acknowledge it. We also decided on Homegrown finally. Our decision, Scarlett, was driven by a bunch of things. My DH felt that even if Homegrown is small, we should support their effort to run a nursery which tries to inculcate a sensitivity into kids starting very young about being more eco-friendly. I was reassured by the fact that they now have around 80 registrations - even if 20% drop out, we're looking at around 60 kids in Jan. Like Neenie, every time I visited I liked the feel of the school. They have a Bedny Babies class once a week, singing twice a week, Arabic twice a week and French twice a week (the Arabic and French is also singing and clapping and stuff for the little ones) - all fun stuff. All these classes are taught by visiting faculty who comes in.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 17:06
Can you pl let me know the contact details of your carpenter NewHannan? I just had a quote for 1100 each for stair gates from someone I contacted!
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 11:17
Hi. Does anyone one know if the store in Dragonmart in Zone E is still there? Is it worthwhile to go there - not only for the trampoline - if I go I will buy other stuff too :)
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 10:00
Better Homes in MOE defi has some but expensive...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 09:18
Thanks NewHannah for your post. I am going to be doing the same soon so will await your design and your input about how much it cost is very useful :)
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 09:15
Prob too late for OP but the bakery just opposite Al Majara near the Yacht Club has excellent sausage rolls.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 09:08
Tough decision Tablair and as all others have said no one answer fits all. I went back to work when my DS was 12 weeks old as that was all the maternity leave I got. I was lucky that my job allowed some flexi-time so I started going in later in the morning, coming home then working at night after he slept. I'm also blessed to have 2 excellent helpers - I decided to pay the extra and hired the 2nd after he was born so one of them is always with him and if one is tired or distracted (or has a down day as we all do) the other is hopefully there 100%. What was reinforced in me after going back to work is I need the stimulation I get from my job. Now at 18 months DS is old enough to go to nursery 4 days a week and will be out the entire morning - and I believe the things he gets from nursery he does not get from me (eg singing class, Arabic, interacting with other kids). But I'd also add this is always going to be an evolving situation. I know women who have worked until their kids get into high school then given up their jobs to be around 100% for their kids in those formative and crucial years before college. Hang in there and know that whatever decision u take it is the right one for u and for now...u may revisit it sooner rather than later.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 19:48
Thanks fjcruiser. I got the impression myself that C4 staff was not familiar with the products when I went for a dekko but was not sure anyone else would be better! Seems a trip to Jacky's is in order...can anyone advise whether Jacky's is reachable by public transport?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 19:39
I saw your earlier post Wuffles that you'd taken the X23 - is it the last stop? In which case coming back should be easy enough to get a seat? How crowded was the bus?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 14:04
Thanks Kristina - also good to know they deliver. I am hoping to take the metro to Rashidiya then cab it (no license yet :() so carting everything back would have been a challenge. Do you by any chance remember which shop(s) you went to?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 13:42
Thanks Green-ish. I've heard mixed reviews about side -by-sides plus they take more floor space than up-down so am wondering...our household is rather short though so a side-by-side does work for that :). GoodMorning, we are currently in a serviced apt in the Marina but moving to Jumeirah. A package deal sounds like an idea worth exploring, thanks.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 13:15
Fluffypie, I am thinking of a similar trip. How much did the taxi cost from Rashidiya and how long did it take? Did you do the same circuit en route back? TIA.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 13:08
We know someone in Al Seef 2 - it is walking distance from Marina Metro. Seems like a nice block. Huge apt.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 13:07
Bump pl...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 20:08
Is it independent or compound?
sadubai
282
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 14:40
OK, let me measure my lawn and figure out sizing then revert. Thanks.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 14:36
Thanks, Kelly. Yes, the reason I am considering it is that we are in a fairly quiet compound on the corner so I am not too fussed about being overlooked. That's a suggestion worth considering, Amelia, thanks though they may look odd with nothing hanging on them?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 19:54
I'm unable to email you from Dubizzle. I may be interested but not in such a big piece as our lawn is much smaller. Can it - and will you - cut it?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 18:55
Thanks Luluobade - avoiding paying installation costs twice is exactly why I posted! October, I'm also thinking about only sheers donwstairs but Luluobade's answer is making me rethink. I will in any case install blackouts in all the bedrooms so it is really the living room, dining room and lounge I am wondering about. Anyone else have any inputs?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 17:15
Kazi, has your Greenpeople lawn been sold?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 13:10
Bump anyone?
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 21:15
Do you have any idea of the water cost folks pay for the gardens? They seem rather large...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 21:13
For the OP, I bought my 18-month old a Mothercare toilet seat which fits on top of the normal seat. Before that I'd got him a couple of potty books for boys which he really likes (he's very into books and has learnt words like please from a manners book I got him). We now keep the potty books in the loo and when I make him sit on the potty I or his nanny read them to him. I know it is early but I am not forcing it and we just try to put him on his potty seat every time we can and thus far it's been OK.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 17:35
Thanks Hello.Again.Kitty. That does take the cake and puts my problems in perspective, somewhat! Ladies, I'd still welcome any suggestions of agents who are somewhat responsive...
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 17:33
My son had bad nappy rash when he had a bout of gastro at 16 months. He would scream when we tried the Mustela cream, Sudocrem (which my dr highlyreco'ed) or Lansinoh (which IMHO is the gentlest of all). What worked was pure, virgin coconut oil which my mom had been reco'ing but I'd been ignoring. I'd slather a thinck layer - he would not scream - and that would form a barrier. I still use it.
sadubai
282
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 12:48
Also, while I am keen on suggestions for both brokers and compound villas which may become available soon, I am equally interested in knowing how to pique the brokers interest. I think we have a decent budget, I am flexible on start date and exact compound, etc. What else should I be telling them?
 
 
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