seasand | ExpatWoman.com
 

seasand

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Latest post on 20 April 2016 - 22:01
A Rolex watch or a vintage car;) I think you have to give a budget or give some information about your husband to get any suitable ideas. Your description he sounds dead boring, no travel, sport or adventure... I think that's a bit harsh Silvstet.
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Latest post on 20 April 2016 - 13:10
I hear you kitten67. Lets not ask too much from these people. That's just too sensible.
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Latest post on 20 April 2016 - 09:51
Hello Maz68 I am always amazed by people that can use sign language. You must be so proud of your son wanting to perfect his skills in it. I see that the Eton Institute do American sign language classes but unfortunately no mention of British. They may be able to point you in the right direction. Sorry not much help. http://google.etoninstitute.com/american-sign-language?gclid=Cj0KEQjwrte4BRD-oYi3y5_AhZ4BEiQAzIFxn9e7HrNY800Lt9N4mjEfSSvltvJGzTPuallw4giJtqAaAg5Q8P8HAQ Wishing you lots of luck. bye:
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Latest post on 17 April 2016 - 10:38
Hi beckford, Fine thank you. Hope your first year is going well. Welcome to the mad house. :lol::lol:
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Latest post on 15 April 2016 - 20:57
Thank you so much ladies. Really grateful. It really does get harder each year. Especially when he says, 'I don't need anything at all'. I fancy a bit of shooting. Can I hold the gun? :evil:
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Latest post on 15 April 2016 - 09:34
Just incase anyone has one of these baby swings. Scary. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/14/health/fisher-price-cradle-swings-recalled/index.html?sr=twCNN041516fisher-price-cradle-swings-recalled0454AMStoryPhoto&linkId=23464968
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Latest post on 14 April 2016 - 15:56
Thanks so much HorizonMum2, Must say I do love notonthehighstreet but I haven't heard of Boxpark. I will check that out. If only they wore heels, jewellery, makeup and pretty dresses.... ok maybe not. :lol::lol::lol:
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Latest post on 14 April 2016 - 08:35
Hi myles 1, I am not sure if this group in Doha might be able to help you but could be a start. Wishing you good luck. http://www.dohamums.com/support-groups:)
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Latest post on 12 April 2016 - 00:21
Is your 19yr old still a student, as 'some' companies do cover until 21. Or maybe we were just lucky this time round.
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Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 09:54
Facebook have groups in that area. Might also help you. Good luck.bye:
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Latest post on 08 April 2016 - 12:31
Saggi_1 you've said "I understand its ok to take something which is common example food stuff etc" but have you ever sat down with her and explained what is and isn't ok to take? Maybe she thinks that if anything comes in with the groceries it's "common" and she can use it? It might make sense to you what is personal stuff that she can and can't take but maybe it's not so clear to her? Our previous maid who was brilliant and totally trustworthy used to wear my garden flip flops when she first started when she was cleaning up outside. I asked her to please wear her own and it turns out she thought the shoes outside were for anyone to wear. If it was money or clothes or jewellery going missing then I would try to catch her out or search her room for proof but for the things you've mentioned I would just sit down with her and say that I'd noticed my clips, hair freshener etc and her room and could she please buy her own as these weren't things I wanted to share and/or provide. In other words, the "grown-up approach". Some of the other suggestions in this thread are laughable. Hi Ave Marina. At least we are trying to help the lady. It is very difficult luckily not having been through such a situation.. Where is your contribution so we can laugh at that?
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Latest post on 08 April 2016 - 07:18
Hi marycatherine, I stand corrected. Forgot about that part. Hopefully someone else might have a lot better ideas. Just clutching at straws for the poor woman.
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Latest post on 08 April 2016 - 04:59
Well obviously you have to have solid proof. Speak to your partner first so you both are aware and agree on plan of action. You could get some random cameras and dot them around very high unsuspected areas where you can catch her out. Obviously not in her room, but places visible where she could be taking things from. I know you don't want to be spending for the sake but i'm sorry once bitten and all that. Or get a permenant marker and put black or red dots or crosses in random areas of deo cans, underside of hair clips etc. Pretty tiring I know but you will have proof then. Just randomly one day say... oh 'sally' can you come with me please and walk with her to her room. You could say i need to make sure everything is ok in here. Even if she says no mam everything is fine, just keep walking in saying I have to check. Ask her to sit on the bed while you open and inspect all her cupboards etc you need to make sure she has enough wardrobe space, open the doors, enough coat hangers, enough shoe space at bottom of the wardrobe, bed frame is ok, head board etc and then if she has enough drawer space. All the while casually seeing if you spot anything. If you do you will check for the marker area and if its there then confront her and ask her why she has your deodorant etc. Then say well I'm sorry i will now have to inspect all your room. I would then tell her you will not accept stealing in your home. Ask her why she took them from you? You could say how disappointed you are at her and you will now have to seriously consider letting her go. Let her ponder over it for a while. She may apologise etc and promise never to take anything again without asking. If you forgive her and willing to let her stay let her be aware that you will do random checks with her in her room. Until you can trust her again. You'd have to do them too. But each time always check somewhere different. Under the mattress, in-between her clothes in the drawers, get her to empty her handbag in front of you. Things like that. She has to realise you wont trust her again for a long time and you'll be on your guard from now on. Not nice I know but its not nice when you're trusting these cleaners and they start thinking you're a soft touch. I know its just the odd hair clip and deodorant but it's still stealing from you and you do give her an allowance for those items. If she works for an agency and you do catch her then you could let them deal with it. Or just say not acceptable in my home and tell her she has to go. Give her time to pack up her things and make other arrangements etc. Hopefully other EW may come up with even better suggestions. I do wish you luck though. Not nice at all. bye:
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 21:02
hi im looking for some info hubby myself and 1 teenager moving to Ghana in April\May need advice on Malaria prevention. Do we need to take medication? Also schools following english curriculum A'levels Thanks Hi penyfai Many expats there recommend GIS for best school. As i also mentioned in your previous post about malaria just buy Medi Soft it is a mosquito repellent. Smells nice too surprisingly. But it is so very cheap and you get it in most grocery shops there. Seriously not worth wasting your money on other brands 4 times or more the price. Just cover your bare ankles and arms if going out at night. The people are very friendly. Great expat community there too. It will be a great culture shock believe me but after all it is a third world country. Nice small bar is Robi's bar. Ghana can be quite expensive for groceries and eating out though etc. Hope some of that helps.:)
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 20:42
GIS we were told was the best school but sorry unable to give a true opinion as we didn't need it. Regarding malaria. The doctors there advise you not to take malaria tablets as to be constantly taking them can affect your liver. Different if your just visiting. Over there many people get colds and say they have malaria. But if you do get it and many do, they can get rid of it within 2 days. Very different to what we get told in UK and the likes.The best advice I can give you is there is a lotion called 'Medi Soft ' In a pink and white plastic bottle. Its very very cheap there, smells nice too and this the expats highly recommend against mosquitos especially if out at night.
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 18:32
@ Penyfai : I'm from Ghana...and yes you need some sort of vaccination shot for Malaria. It is very much required...because that will be the first question the immigration officers at the airport would ask. dID YOU GET YOUR SHOT ?? I'm sorry to correct you Oleiz. The shot you are talking about is not for Malaria but for Yellow Fever. You must have this shot before they let you in. Once you get the shot here they give you a yellow card which is proof and to always keep with your passport.I used to staple ours inside our passports for safety. :)
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 18:09
There are a few groups on Facebook in the area and close by might get some more help and be worth checking out.;)
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 17:56
I know you can get some German tv on filmon.com but i'm really unsure of the sites you mention. :thinking:
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 17:51
Nothing strange just buckets of sweet cinema popcorn. My mum on the other hand loved to eat chalk and the smell of burnt matches. My father had to sit stiking loads just to keep her happy. Must have been love. :lol:
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 17:46
I know there are post boxes in the carpark below the level of Tom and Jerry's dry cleaners in cluster J. You just go down the steps near the cleaners. Same cluster as the Bonnington Hotel. Having said that I have never seen anyone use them but that doesn't mean to say they don't. Just a suggestion but in JLT they have a 'community wall' for towers and might be an idea to ask on that. All residents can join and its free online. You might find some even closer to your own tower. Good luck. :)
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Latest post on 05 April 2016 - 10:31
Not sure if any of these might help. http://nadia-training.com/training-courses/graphic-web-design-24 https://courses.laimoon.com/uae/abu-dhabi/media-creative-and-design/graphic-design
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Latest post on 05 April 2016 - 09:40
I think millions of women will be watching this post with great interest. Me for one. :biggrin:
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Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 20:57
I really wish you luck GingerY. Sounds like a nightmare. I know its no consolation given the situation you are in at the moment but best advice I can give anyone in any accommodation here. I took pictures before moving in of anything and everything as petty as it seemed. From chips on any floor tiles, scratches on windows, marks on ceilings, even slight scatches on wardrobe doors etc. I listed everything and sent all the pictures via email to the agent so that there would be nothing I could be blamed for and give them reason to keep my deposit when I come to move out. After reading so many people losing out through the costs of lengthy court cases etc I try to cover my back, after all many of these properties now are getting very worse for wear. We all know that the lick of paint they slap on the walls are usually hiding a multitude of sins.
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Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 15:01
Home is where I can kick off my shoes, hang up my bra, wash off my face and lounge with DH on the sofa. Pure heaven. xxxx:heart: I am pretty sure it's not going to end up in the editorial feature ;) Drat. There was me hoping to become famous.
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Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 14:47
Very very scary. Obviously as it has yet to be confirmed a cause to the fires. One fire may have sparked the other tower. Although this is just me assuming. I stayed in one tower a few years back and you could practically eat from the adjacent neighbours table. It would make you think that some of these towers are built just too close to each other.
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Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 14:31
There is a place called The Perfect Help. Might help... excuse the pun! http://theperfecthelp.com/training/
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Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 14:23
Hi Snz01, (Sana) Just an idea but why not try contacting some of these support groups. Maybe they might be able to point you in the right direction. I'm sure there might be many people willing to discuss their experiences for your research. Good luck. http://www.haad.ae/simplycheck/tabid/136/Default.aspx :)
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Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 10:52
Some of these ideas might be of some help. http://gulfnews.com/guides/going-out/restaurants/top-10-cooking-classes-in-dubai-1.1375816 This one is nice although can be rather pricey. But it does cater for amateur cooks as well as professionals and you can learn such things as knife skills to even making your own pasta. You choose the courses you want. You used to be able to purchase gift vouchers as well which can make a nice change for something different. http://www.scafa.ae/AmateurProgrammeDetails/1/Fundamentals-Of-Cuisine
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Latest post on 28 March 2016 - 00:19
Just an update. DH went to get DD and my renewed visa's the other day. It appears that the Certificate of singleness, or whatever they wish to call it, can become an issue with certain officials although not all. We were lucky and not asked to get one in the end. DH was told that there was no problem with DD renewal of visa but there was a problem with mine! So he had to return this morning to collect my passport. DH was not given a reason as to the problem but it was all ready when he went to collect it. Once home I was scrutinising the new visa. It was only then that we realised the new visa was for 3 years validation and not 2yrs. Going through the passport we then noticed they had infact put in 2 visa's. One for 2 years, this being the correct one, and another for 3 years. This afternoon they called my DH and said they had made a mistake and now have to go back with the passport. So all the worrying about DD visa when in fact it was mine that ended up being the troublesome one. Wonder if I can get compensation for another wasted page of my very expensive passport. lol :\:
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Latest post on 27 March 2016 - 23:54
Home is where I can kick off my shoes, hang up my bra, wash off my face and lounge with DH on the sofa. Pure heaven. xxxx:heart:
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Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 14:51
Hi mumonboard. Sorry. Not sure if this might help you to go on with until other ladies on EW give their opinions. xxx https://www.ewallet-optimizer.com/skrill/skrill-vs-paypal/
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Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 12:45
Hi Ani_17 Just a suggestion but why to add another post, seperate to this one, under the topic 'nursery suggestions' or 'Best Nurseries JLT and surrounding areas'. It might get you more viewings and responses. xxx:cool:
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Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 12:37
Paid by cheque made out to cash.
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Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 10:08
Park and Shop have a great range of easter crafts. They also sell easter eggs but obviously like everywhere else can be quite pricey.:cool:
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Latest post on 23 March 2016 - 20:15
I used this company here in Dubai when I needed my marriage certificate translated from Spanish to British. I had it all attested and all was ok. I know they do Arabic too. http://www.translationindubai.com
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Latest post on 23 March 2016 - 14:59
Will do. Thank you Smile16. xxx
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Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 20:21
Hi Comp99 You may well be right. But it would certainly help if when they bring these laws in that they explain the process not only to residents but also to those we go to for advice. Really does get rather annoying sometimes.
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Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 15:38
I will update you with part 2 tomorrow. Had enough for one day.
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Latest post on 22 March 2016 - 15:01
Hi Gorobattie. Spoke to the British consulate and they said to go to website and get the NOC from there but it really has nothing to do with our DD being single. She is 20 and a student. She has never had to prove she isn't married before either. Now being told we have to now travel to Abu Dhabi to get this 'singleness' proof from the Sharia Court. As DH visa is from Abu Dhabi. Please note DD and myself had our medicals and applications etc here in Dubai. What a carry on. Seriously this is beyond ridiculous now. So much for reducing our carbon footprint.
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 15:11
So sorry to hear about your friends diagnosis. I am not sure if this may help but there are a few places that offer support and advice. Hope some of it helps. http://www.haad.ae/simplycheck/tabid/136/Default.aspx
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 10:27
There are many chemists that would be happy to advise or failing that possibly your GP.
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 10:20
Hi ladies. Rather a random question but has anyone here recently got married and have any old wedding displays/signs they are willing to sell. DD is getting married abroad and wants to get hold of such items like..Signs saying, Wedding is here, welcome to the celebrations, Mr and Mrs. etc .I'm just trying to see if I can help out and get hold of some cute items that wouldn't be too big and take them over with us. Might save us money and make you money at the same time. Thank xx
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 10:04
This is for Dubai British Foundation. School is only for FS1 and FS2, so couldn't really advise for older classes. Sorry, not much help. :-( Many apologies HorizonMum2. My mistake I didn't read the OP correctly. :sleeping:
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 09:30
Never been anyones hero before. ha ha. Good luck. Enjoy the celebrations. xxx
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 09:27
Usually one per class. On the odd occasion you may see an extra assistant in a class. She could be assigned to a specific child that may require extra learning help. Or infact trainees. :)
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 09:18
Sorry I am not from Plymouth but this might help just to get you some ideas. http://primary-schools.findthebest.co.uk/d/a/Plymouth :)
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Latest post on 21 March 2016 - 08:52
I believe that Park and Shop, Al Safa Centre, Al Wasl,Al Safa 1. Tel:04 394 5671 , can do this and I believe it takes about 5 -10 mins. Hope that helps.:party::birthday:
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Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 14:30
Bless you. It's such a big move for your husband and children as well as yourself. Does your hubby know how you are feeling? He would have to understand your frame of mind if he is to help support you. Keeping yourself busy either by way of finding a job or doing something that interests you can help. We are so very lucky these days with the internet. It can be a great pick you up seeing and chatting to family and friends as well as watching them show you the latest rain or hailstorm they have to contend with. I have been here for 5 years and still miss home. You begin to miss the little things you took for granted. There are some amazing things to see and do in this country but they will not come to you. Just a suggestion but why not plan a trip back home, even if its 6 months or a year away? It will give you something to look forward to. Better still i'm sure there would be many volunteers willing to fly over to even sleep on your couch for a week. Having people stay sometimes makes us remember and realise how very lucky we are living here. No one is here in this country forever. No one knows how long a job will really last here. So my advice would be try and make the most of it. I wish you so much luck and happiness. :rainbow:
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Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 13:09
You're in the best place here on EW. Just put in your prefered area and i'm sure many mums will give you their opinions, ratings and prices on some. Lots of luck. xxxx
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Latest post on 19 March 2016 - 14:48
Generally a no no, I know, but what about for the specific reason of leaving Dubai (next month) and buying things to ship back in cargo?! Is it perhaps common to pay salary early to allow maids to do this? We have already given her half her pay early (2 days ago) to spend for this reason, but now it's not enough. All gone! I have said no to more, but just wanted to check if I am being unreasonable. I've made a few points: one, if we pay her all her salary early to spend now then she will have nothing to live on next month (we don't have a specific leaving date yet, but sometime in April). Second, that it she wanted to buy things here to take back then she should have saved some salary over the preceding months to allow her to do this (rather than sending it all home). ANd third, that she'd maybe be better off buying stuff in Sri Lanka where things are surely cheaper. Sadly 'Money all gone madam ' doesn't seem like our problem! She is now regretting her expenditure.. Agency maid next time for us - they are not allowed to ask for advances or loans. I think you have been more than generous. If she has spent half her salary in just 2 days then I definitely wouldn't pay her anymore. As long as she has food and a roof over her head she is probably a lot better off than many others. I would only pay her now when the rest of her salary is due and not before. Start sticking to a pay day and tell her that. She will thank you in the long run. Lets be honest how many other jobs pay in advance? You sound a lovely lady. Unfortunately sometimes people will take advantage of that.bye: