samz | ExpatWoman.com
 

samz

samz
33
Posts
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Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 16:51
Al Bayt at The Palace is lovely. Went there last week with a friend and had their traditional afternoon tea. There is a voucher in the Entertainer Family. Cost-- Dh 130, so basically paid Dh 65 each for two massive stands of delicious treats. We sat on the terrace which overlooks old town island and has a great view of the Burj. Highly recommended :)
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 10:39
Thank you for the selections. Fabulous ideas on Pinterest... will do a trial this week. Many thanks again!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 10:38
Bin Kitty volunteers collect items and sell them at baby bazaar & flea markets. The money then goes to Bin Kitty. There is a very nice lady called Sabine who does this. If you like, I can put you in touch with her :)
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 08:38
Hello ladies: I'm hosting a catered event where the restaurant will be doing finger foods, drinks and 2 desserts. I'd like to supplement this with a fruit & veggie platter for my friends who are watching what they eat ;) I'm expecting 60-70 guests so am a bit nervous about trying to make my own platters. Veggie I think I could still manage, but fruit seems a bit daunting. As I'm already spending quite a bit on food & setup, I'm hoping not to spend too much money on a fruit platter. Can anyone recommend a place that does them? I would love it if it could be a conversation-starter ie aesthetically pleasing and tasty ;) If I were to attempt this on my own, any suggestions as to where to find a platter that I could arrange the fruit & veg on? TIA!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 08:17
Greetings to the job-seekers out there. I was in the same boat for a full year when I moved here. Finally got a job but then got pregnant and had to resign as I wasn't keeping well :( I heard through a friend who works at Careem (the car company) that they are hiring for the role of office admin/receptionist/HR. She said this could be a part-time role so really great for moms. She didn't know about salary or benefits, but best thing would be to send your cv to [email protected]. I hope this is helpful. I've been in the unemployed camp and it's so discouraging- hang in there and hopefully something will come up! <em>edited by samz on 13/04/2014</em>
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 11:20
@plum2 Thanks- will look up Child's Play- I had never heard of them before :) @sourkittleashnut- yep, agree ELC toys so cute but can go to waste as kids get bored of some of them very quickly. We don't watch any TV- I'm waiting until they hit 2 before allowing them a little bit of educational TV time. We have some M&D puzzles but they like to play with the pieces-- not ready to start slotting them into their spots! @TDB I bought a M&P Lottie rocking animal-- not used much and taking up space. I've decided not to part with it just yet as they still play with it from time to time. :) I'll definitely look into your other suggestions; so good to hear from other mums' experiences so I can hopefully benefit from it. Will continue following this thread to see if there are other suggestions. Thanks again x
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 08:59
I went to the Farmer's Market at Emirates Towers this past Friday. It was great to see local organic produce- organic pumpkins, spinach, onions, tomatoes (sooo delicious!), eggs, kale, even curry leaves and rosemary. And for a yummy start to the day, Baker & Spice had a great stand selling savories and sweets. I had a Clementine & Almond cupcake :) I've stopped going to the Organic F&C store-- the 'Green Earth' cereal I bought for my little ones had insects flying out of it- this was a box they had already eaten from so probably ingested insect eggs. I was beyond horrified. I called them and complained. They said they would look into it... took the batch #, etc and told me to bring it in for an exchange. When I went, I saw they had signs indicating that they had a new batch of cereal. When I inquired, they did throw out the old lot, but refused to compensate me for my grief. After a long discussion, the customer service rep told me she would speak to her superior but there policy was to not compensate their customers (only exchange Maa'm). They never got back to me. As a result, I don't shop there anymore.
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 08:20
someone has been blatantly advertising for Wellbeing Medical Centre. All her posts since 2011 recommend practitioners in that centre. I'd like to think that they are all as excellent as she says they are, but in all likelihood, she either owns the centre or works there.
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 13:22
We used Careem on NYE and were charged Dh250 (which they were clear about beforehand, unlike Uber). I signed up with Uber a few months ago. Before I could even use their app to order a ride, my account stopped working. I emailed them to see what the problem was and got no response. I emailed again after 10 days to which someone replied they were looking into it (I mean, how long does it take?) I couldn't even make another account as you have to input your mobile number and can't use the same number again! It's 3 months later and they never wrote back regarding that acct. In the meantime, I had to take my mom to a physio appointment so we decided to use my sister's Uber account. The app kept showing 6 minutes arrival time-- for 20 minutes it didn't change, meaning the guy wasn't getting any closer! I called the driver who couldn't understand what I was telling him but said he knew where my pickup place was (it's a very well-known landmark) but from the map he kept driving around and around. I called him again and told him not to bother coming as there was no point in my mom even going to the appointment as it was so late. I then emailed Uber to let them know what had happened... and surprise surprise... no response. In fact, they had the audacity to send me an (automated) email saying that they didn't charge me for cancelling the ride, but next time they would if I cancelled so late. I was fuming!!! Careem has given me and my family exceptional customer service, and the best part is they have a number you can call and speak to a human being. Needless to say my family and I will never use Uber again. <em>edited by samz on 04/01/2014</em>
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2013 - 22:28
Just spoke to Careem. They are fully booked for "pre-scheduled" bookings tomorrow. However they're encouraging their customers who still would like a ride on NYE to do one of 2 things to get an "on-demand" (NOW) booking: either call them at the time you need a ride at 800-CAREEM and if they have a driver available, they will send OR download the app on to a smartphone (iPhone, Android) and when you need a ride, you can request one. If someone is available, he will accept your booking and come. You will know within moments whether you're successful, and if you're desperate, you can keep trying multiple times through the app until someone frees up and takes your booking. HTH!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2013 - 09:25
Fennel, avocado and orange salad, YUM :) http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Orange-Fennel-and-Avocado-Salad-232998 I sprinkled some sunflower seeds on top for some crunch and voila a delicious, refreshing salad!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 10:30
Hello Jumeirah Park-ers: We are strongly considering moving to Jumeirah Park in the next few weeks. How is your experience getting in & out of the development? In the past I've gotten badly stuck in traffic behind JLT- sometimes over an hour just to get on to SZR. I was wondering if that affects people living in JP? Or do you go around the back to use the Springs/Meadows entrance & exit? Also, which would you say would be the closest nursery? Many thanks in advance!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 10:42
Hello there: Any JP owners out there who have a 3 bedroom available to rent? We are a small, professional family looking to move in to Jumeirah Park. It's been highly frustrating dealing with agents, so I'm hoping to do away with them altogether :) If you have a place in JP, kindly email me and I'd be happy to chat about it. syms08 at gmail dot com Cheers!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2013 - 12:57
Just noticed that Careem has a promo on Cobone with 38% off their rates (for anyone who anticipates using them in the near future :) ) We used Careem to get to the airport last week- they were brilliant!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 August 2013 - 15:02
@Apricot- by all means, experiment away and share the wealth :) Will try out the qashta cream next time I'm in an atayef mood!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 10:31
Looks like I'm not the only atayef foodie around :) Thanks for all the tips ladies! I made a filling with ricotta cheese, pistachios, brown sugar and orange blossom water (as per the recipe from the link I put in my original post). It was tasty, but not anything close to my very first atayef experience. I've found lots and lots of different variations when I looked it up online. Will continue to experiment until I get the right combination! In fact, I was thinking of using an atayef filling with dessert crepes. TBH I don't like the puffy texture of the pancake that atayef calls for, so I might go for a crepe next time :)
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 10:15
Thanks for the input ladies. @TDB: I didn't realize that these toys are so new. I stumbled across the snug very recently and bought it, then noticed the activity tray which looked cute- and bought that too! So far my kids aren't too thrilled with the activity tray- but it could be that they'll enjoy it more when they're a bit older. Also I feel the design isn't ideal- my kids can easily rip it off as the suction cups (despite your excellent tip of using water!) don't seem to stick very well :$
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2013 - 14:49
@Ayda247 Thanks so much for your reply. My babies are almost 6months so wiggly but not able to fling off a tray just yet ;) So your baby is still in the Snug at 16months? Well done! You're right it is expensive... so hoping mine last as well :)
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 14:41
Thanks for your replies ladies. @Daza: I haven't bought the Huggies ones as I thought they would be too big. Lol, still trying to get rid of my thighs from the pregnancy ;) @Lincolnimp: Great, will head to Boots tonight! Trying to get babies in the pool this long weekend :)
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 00:12
Thanks ladies for all the leads. I called the EEG office. They sound great! The gentleman on the phone told me they recycle paper, glass, plastic and even household batteries. I shall be paying them a visit very soon with my trunk-load of recyclables!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 15:15
You can try assist.ae or www.careem.com
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 10:02
Hello ladies: We're hoping to plan a weekend getaway for my birthday next weekend. I'm really hoping to go to Banyan Tree Al Wadi. We went a couple of years ago with a LivingSocial voucher and absolutely loved it. I have the Entertainer Travel voucher but when I called them, they said we can't use it on the weekend; only weekdays :$ Not that useful when hubby has work and can't just take of in the middle of the week, lol. He recently used up his vacation days when I delivered, so can't even take a day off. They're quoting around Dh3000 for a night which isn't in our budget unfortunately. I remember going there for around Dh1400 with the deal we got. Anyone know of a promotion/daily deal with Banyan Tree, or any hotel that is in the same category of luxe? Would really appreciate any leads. Cheers!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 13:34
Thanks ladies for your replies. I guess it's just a matter of getting used to looking for expiry dates on gift cards. Not something I'm used to because of the legislation in Canada. Oh well. I would love it if companies changed their policies on expiration, but as Sanddy_Dogg said, it's not something they would willingly do. There would have to be pressure from governments or consumers. I think I'll expend my energy fighting another battle...although I wouldn't have minded spending Dh350 at Dubai Mall :(
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 15:06
I received an Emaar gift card from work and tried using it yesterday at Dubai Mall. Turns out it just expired on May 2. It has Dh350 on it- ouch! :( I called up the number on the card to ask about their 'expiration policy.' The lady said that these cards are valid for 12 months. I asked if it could be extended by just 5 days; she replied in the negative. I then asked to speak to a supervisor but the lady wouldn't budge. I then called the customer service desk at Dubai Mall and hit the same brick wall. They won't even let me talk to someone in a position of authority. I was out of country for most of the last year due to a complicated pregnancy so didn't have a chance to use it. I've never heard of a gift card expiring. In Canada they passed a law declaring that store credit and gift cards do not expire; you can use them to infinite and beyond. Had anyone run up against this issue? Any suggestions as to whom I can call? TIA
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 14:58
Thanks for posting. I just registered!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:11
We started off paying Dh 270, then they increased it straight to Dh 350! I've stopped going as I don't like the attiutude of the clinic anymore.
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:09
I think I've seen "clothes recycling" bins where they might actually recycle the clothes instead of passing them on to those less fortunate. I remember seeing something of the sort in Downtown Dubai near the Burj Residences.
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 23:23
Cleo4e: don't have too much more to add, except to say I agree with the ladies who advise setting the boundaries for your maid during a nice chat. I would also try to minimize the time she plays with him, and maximize your time with him. On another note, may I ask how you found your live-out helper? I need a live-out helper and am going to start the search in the next 1-2 weeks (I keep procrastinating but need to get around to it soon!) Would be great to hear your success story for inspiration!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 10:40
Thanks ladies for all your replies :) Just to answer a few queries-- I know I don't have to "feed" our visitors with a large spread, but I feel if someone is going through the effort to come over then I like to put something on the coffee table, even if it's a few simple snacks. Every person has brought over a gift for the babies so I'm just trying to make them more comfortable. My close friends bring over food and make their own tea, but not all our guests are close friends- they're hubby's colleagues' wives, ladies from my book club, and even some not-so-close-but-close-enough-that-they-want-to-visit friends :) Cheers! ps. @FrenchMomof3: thanks for the suggestion to join TwinsPlus. I have joined their fb group and mailing list; just haven't made it out to any of their events but perhaps I'll be able to soon enough :) <em>edited by samz on 29/04/2013</em>
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 14:06
We honeymooned at The Sarann in Dec 2008. It was absolutely amazing with beachfront villas, although we didn't have direct beach access. At the time, the resort was very new. Haven't heard anything about it since, but if you or anyone else does end up going there, please let me know what you thought. We have very fond memories from our stay there :)
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 13:08
I'd appreciate it if you could send me a copy too! I've jumped on the "I need a helper" bandwagon as well :) syms08 at gmail dot com TIA!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 09:52
Check out careem.com My friend uses this service to take her kids + nanny to tennis lessons as she's not home from work by then and doesn't have a driver. Not sure if they can guarantee the same driver/car but doesn't hurt to ask!
samz
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 08:16
Thanks for the replies ladies. Any idea how much the Medela electric double pumps cost?
 
 
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