shoegal76 | ExpatWoman.com
 

shoegal76

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Latest post on 11 October 2013 - 12:54
Hi, I have 2 VIP tickets for sale as now unable to go due to accident unfortunately. Please post if you are interested. S
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Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 20:51
Bump for the night time ladies. Thanks! S
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Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 10:23
Hi, I have just found this recent post when doing a search on Acupuncture. I am interested in this for two issues - one is my back pain and the other is as Moonbeam described below re allergies/constant sneezing & sinus issues. Any further recommendations from anyone specially for these two issues? Moonbeam, any update from you? Did you try any of the recommendations? Hope it is starting to work if you have! Thanks in advance for any replies. S
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Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 09:18
Hi, You'll get Spirulina in any Life pharmacy but not sure about the Wheatgrass. Give them a call - all the numbers for their various branches are on their website and I've called before to check product was in stock before I went and they were helpful on the phone. S
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 19:37
Thank you very much for the replies so far. They are helpful. I am still researching so any other views / recent experience welcome. S
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Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 10:45
Hi, If you have a look on the entertainer website and see a spa that you fancy from the mind & body book then you are welcome to any vouchers I have left. They run out at the end of march and I have loads left. You are welcome to them if you can pick up from the marina. S
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Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 09:33
Thank you pinks. I am the same. My work publish a calendar every year and, for the last 3 years I have been here anyway, it's always been correct. It has the public holiday for the 6th June but then I found this website, which says 4th. I am hoping to book flights this weekend so if anyone knows then please post. I am not sure if this holiday is a moon sighting one or not? Thanks again S
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Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 17:18
Thank you all for replies & suggestions re brunch beforehand. Have booked our VIP tickets and so looking forward to it - especially Kelly Jones! Stereophonics never disappoint, seen them at various music festivals and their own gigs and always great. Yes, see you on the sand, well the VIP bit of the sand anyways! S
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Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 15:13
Thanks for that. I will look into the media 1 brunch, quite fancy the sound of that for a change. Any other recommendations, let me know. Thanks again S
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Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 15:02
S How much do you want to pay for brunch? Hi Louisedvs, I know this is not very helpful, but no budget really, probably want to stick within say 400ish mark (in my head this is around 75 quid and not taking it up to £100). On the other hand, the cost is not a huge issue as its a birthday weekend and have good friend visiting also. The key point in my mind is that we tend to go to music events more casual and weren't sure where to go for nice food beforehand that you could get away with this. We don't really want to come back home to Marina to get changed in between brunch & sandance. Thanks for any thoughts you may have. S
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Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 14:47
Thank you All for your responses. I was 90% there re whether to buy VIP tickets and definitely going to now. Thanks for helping me decide! Also, have a friend from UK visiting and want to make big day of it. Want to go for brunch first but don't necessarily want to get dressed up as would need to for where we would normally suggest for a brunch (Al Qsar or similar place) to then go on to sandance. Any recommendations where we could get good food but don't need to get overly dressed up? Thanks again. S
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Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 21:02
shoegal, [url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/how-to-safeguard-your-tenancy-contract'>How to safeguard your tenancy contract[/url'> Thank you for that! S
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Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 15:11
Thank you for that dubai1990, I will ask about that too. S
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Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 13:38
Thank you Ladies, that's great, I will ask for this info. If anyone else can think of anything else, please let me know. S
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 22:01
Thank you too DM for your response. Any other info welcome. S
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 15:26
Thank you for your responses. Good info and I'll have a smell when I pass! Any other thoughts, please share! S
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 14:04
Is this the tower opposite to the Original Six, near to Stefano's at the Marina Walk ? Yes, it is. If you were walking from metro station to marina walk then its on the corner facing the habtoor building as you walk down. S
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Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 09:31
Bump..........anyone?
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Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 23:00
Hi, I went about 6 weeks ago and used voucher for tasting menu. It's not buy 1 get 1 free, what happens is they take off the cost of the most expensive main (which, from memory, may be the black cod or the wagu beef) so you pay full price for one tasting menu and say about 20-30% of the full price for the second tasting menu. Still a bargain in my view as most places like this would not allow it to be used for tasting menu. Just call and ask them to get a Nobu member of staff to call you back and explain. I did before I went and they were very good. It was the best meal I have had in Dubai and I plan to go back soon. A tip for the tasting menu is to ask for them to give you a decent break in between each course. Otherwise, you may feel a little rushed, not to mention full too quickly. I like to take my time when eating, especially when spending a lot of money and celebrating an occasion & enjoying wine etc. they were happy to oblige and asked if we were ready for next course. Hope this helps. S
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Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 22:44
Hello Ladies, Does anyone live in this tower next to marina metro? If you have any experience, or know anyone who does, please let me know. All thoughts welcome as I am struggling to get much info as apts very rarely come up and it seems popular but, at the same time, relatively unknown. Thanks! S
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 21:01
sure - will swap them for Ladies club ones. Izzy99izzy - gmail.com Hello ishehere, Thank you for your response. I have emailed you. S
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 21:01
Thank you SeaofLove. You have mail. Happy to do any other swaps too with anyone else. S You have mail =) Thank you SeaofLove. I have just emailed you back. Apologies for slight delay. S
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 13:50
Thank you SeaofLove. You have mail. Happy to do any other swaps too with anyone else. S
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:08
Hi GG, Sorry, don't have answer to your question but if you are the same GG I met in AD nearly 2 years ago (aka Sarah? - ladies night, random get together via AD women forum, drinks at fairmont & then on to leftbank if I remember correctly?), then welcome to Dubai!!! I do know someone who lives down that end of town so will try to find out for you. If this makes no sense to you then apologies, I have the wrong GG! S
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Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 13:38
Hi, Thanks for your responses so far. I already sponsor my husband. This is allowed, and my company continue to have cases where the their employee (female) sponsors her husband, although I am aware of the recent noise about females not being able to sponsor their husbands. Yes, there is an element of which profession, but in my experience and that of my PRO, it is more about your level and your salary. There seems to also be an element of how much wasta your company has and how good your PRO is. Anyway, I have been told by my PRO that this is possible. I can continue to sponsor my husband as I do now, that I write a NOC (which I have already done) and he simply gets a Work Permit/Permission to work letter from the MOL. It's just that the PRO at the other end (the company that my husband will be working for) is less sure and suggesting that my husband changes visa and gets sponsored by his new company (but as I said, we would prefer not to do this for the timebeing). Hence my questions to you ladies. As I said, thanks for your responses so far. I'll see what the PRO says once he visits the MOL. Will also await any further responses from any ladies with any experience of this, who may not post until this evening - as they will be at work, ofcourse, and shouldn't be on forums - like I am now - whilst working! ;)
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Latest post on 16 July 2012 - 13:35
Hi, What about if woman sponsors man? Same process? Also, what if not transferring/changing sponsorship but waiting until current residence visa expires (which is via wife's sponsorhsip) and then man being sponsored by his employer? I will ask my PRO also and let you know of any definite response/info. Thanks S
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Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 14:23
Thank you for both responses. That's helpful. S
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Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 23:38
Hi shoegal76 Sorry, vouchers have been taken. I was only after face value so I let EW etiquette prevail. I hope you still manage to get hold of some. edited by Corky on 11/07/2012 Dear Corky, Yeah, sure. Thanks & regards, S
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Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 13:18
Would also like to see your spreadheet JC11, or indeed, hear of any deals you find. I too have been renting for nearly 3 years and your post has inspired me to rethink this and maybe purchase a car. Thanks! S
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Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 21:39
Dear Corky, Please do let me know if you still have these vouchers for sale. Happy to commence a bidding war, alternatively, we could allow EW etiquette to prevail ;) S
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Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 14:33
Dear Corky, Let me know if vouchers are still available. As you will see from my previous thread on this, I have been posting here looking for any spare vouchers to buy. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=183478 S
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 09:46
BUMP! With it coming to the end of the brunch season for now & before Ramadan, just thought I would ask if anyone has bought any vouchers they now no longer need. Thanks! S
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 09:27
Hi, My husband and I have been using Dr N & Asp and have absolutely no complaints. On the medical side and also in terms of explanation of treatment plans & costs. I am sorry the OP has had a different experience. We have tried a few other dentists here and a lot of 'cowboys' in my opinion. Yes, Dr N & Asp are more expensive for some treatment but, like everything in life, you get what you pay for. It is the patient's responsibility to check with their insurer definitely. Typically, the dentist will say when things may or not be covered. My husband has had extensive treatment at Dr N and on all occasions they have explained everything, given different options if appropriate, provided a full treatment planned (which both parties sign) and so on. He is currently getting an implant, and part of it will be covered by insurance, as it is restorative following on from surgery, and not solely cosmetic. His surgeon and the various other specialists involved have all been excellent and do not charge if he just needs to see them for a brief check-up or discussion relating to his treatment. They have been very fair and professional. What I have also found excellent is the way the various specialists all work together for you and it is clear from your conversation with say your implant guy has had detailed conversations with the person who say did your CT scan and your general dentist and so on. Maybe its just the dentist & specialist you get? Or indeed choose. We did do a lot of research before going there initially and choosing which general dentist to visit, never mind when deciding which surgeon and implant specialist to use, as there are several at the various Dr N & Asp clinics. It's like everything else, you do need to do your research, especially when it comes to your teeth. To be honest, this is nothing different to what I have done in the past in the UK if ever I have needed anything more than a normal check-up. Just my story, which is the absolute opposite of the OPs. I do hope you get it sorted out. S
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 12:45
Yes, the deal went very quickly. I am hoping someone bought too many or may now not need and I can buy from them. Just need for 2 so fingers crossed. S
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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 19:43
Hi, Depdending on your location, you could try CNB. Ask for appt with Paula. She has put my hair up in several different styles and always good. Reasonable price too. Especially for UK very experienced stylist. Salon is downtown in old town behind Dubai mall area. S
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 10:39
Fitess = FitNess! ;)
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Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 14:51
Hi Dubaicat, Just a quick response from me - not read detail of all responses you have received so apologies for any repetition. I am not a labour law expert but do deal with it every other day in my job. Have 15 years HR experience and specialise in Reward. Design and manage all types of bonus schemes, including claw-back and hold-back and so on. I don't necessarily agree with it in principle but more and more companies are doing this, mine included (large local bank). The purpose of a claw-back in theory should be as a risk management/mitigation strategy (i.e. if someone takes some action that is later found to be detrimental to the business then any bonus associated with that can be clawed-back - e.g. say in a treasury role and a deal does bad 6 months later). However, companies here are trying to use this mechanism as a 'retention tool'. My view, and based on experience, is that it really doesn't matter what it says in any policy or even contract (in this region). It also depends on what your friend wants to achieve. If she wants to kick up a fuss, go to ministry and fight it if she believes her company is enforcing something that conflicts with her T&Cs. Will she be successful, who knows, but I would suggest not worth the hassle. Especially where a performance bonus is concerned (no matter her perf rating). As the name suggests, a bonus is a bonus, and a company can attach whichever terms to it as they see fit and also change these terms as they wish. Even if the practice is X in 1 year and changes to Y the next, unlike in the UK and Europe, the 'custom and practice' argument doesn't seem to come into the equation here. What would I advise if it was my friend? A practical solution. Take the bonus now and if she gets a job between now and the date until which the clawback valid then try to negotiate - in two respects. Firstly, negotiate with current employer at time of resignation - I will do X and Y before I go (more than what you would normally do during notice) in return for either pro-rating clawback amount or indeed full amount (depends how much leverage she has). Secondly, with new employer, try to negotiate a sign-on bonus at offer stage to compensate for loss of bonus in previous company (this is pretty normal practice now - esp in MNCs and the norm in senior roles). I deal with both from both sides on a fairly regular basis - whether it be someone leaving my company or joining. I have also done this myself. I hope this helps. I am unwell today so hope I have made some sense! S
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 11:01
Hi, I had read great things about John McEwan so was delighted when I tracked him down and got an appointment at fairly short notice for my husband. Unfortunately, he made a wrong diagnosis and got something so terribly wrong (after several consultations, us going back to double check as my husband still didn't feel right, various x-rays, tests and even a CT scan) that my husband's condition deteriorated and ended up needing an operation which could have been avoided or been less serious if it had been detected early and not wrongly diagnosed by John in the first place. I know every situation is different and that John has received good reviews on this forum but I would just be careful and I would now always get a second opinion. S
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 10:45
Hi, I had read great things about John McEwan so was delighted when I tracked him down and got an appointment at fairly short notice for my husband. Unfortunately, he made a wrong diagnosis and got something so terribly wrong (after several consultations, us going back to double check as my husband still didn't feel right, various x-rays, tests and even a CT scan) that my husband's condition deteriorated and ended up needing an operation which could have been avoided or been less serious if it had been detected early and not wrongly diagnosed by John in the first place. I know every situation is different and that John has received good reviews on this forum but I would just be careful and I would now always get a second opinion. S
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 23:41
Hi, Difficult to give cost estimation as will depend on clarity and colour and all that malarky. I would try Julie at Clarity Jewels in the gold & diamond park. Not sure if this makes a difference to you but she is from the UK so no comms issues, tells you the price of the materials, labour and her profit and so on so transparent in that sense and don't need to do all that daft haggling (which is fine if you are buying a smaller purchase but if this is say your engagement ring, then there are more important things than haggling a few hundred dirhims off at what impact on quality you don't know). She can also help you design something and give you ideas if, like me, you don't have a clue what you want. Hope this helps. I am not an expert or big jewelry person but bought rings which she helped me design recently and I was very pleases with them. She also showed me one of the rings half way through the production phase to show me what it was turning out like and gave me some options as to how we could tweak it etc. S
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 23:30
Thank you for that. Will have a look in the morning. I also recall someone mentioning it I think on here last year and I didn't investigate it so lost out on it. Thanks again. Can't miss out on some free/cheap booze! S
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 23:26
Boots sells ROC products. S
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 23:24
Hi, Yes, 3-4 days enough to see all the key areas and sights. If you let us know the type of things you are into then maybe we can all give more specific recommendations. I lived there for many years, still have properties there and visit quite often so these options should be fairly up-to-date. Best pub grub - the kings wark, the shore, leith (take a half a day to wonder around all the wee shops down at the shore too) Best fancy restaurant - Martin wishart, the shore, leith (as mentioned below tom kitchin's place is also good and is also at the shore) Best bar with a view - ollorosso, George st Best bar for cocktails - the villager, George IV bridge Best day spa - one spa. The Sheraton, festival square Best shops - everyone will say George street and yes it has all your usual high street stores but I would recommend the little boutique on thistle street and also stockbridge (take half a day to wonder around stockbridge, go for lunch and if you like walking then walk along the leith waterway from stockbridge to leith or vice versa and see stockbridge and leith in the same day). Best touristy thing - the castle ofcourse and its worth making the trip to the gallery of modern art. I would also consider jumping on the train from waverly to queen st in Glasgow one day of you have time. Better shops if that's what you like, cooler bars than Edinburgh and also a few fab art galleries (kelvingrove for example). Train takes 50mins and last train around 11 and slightly later at the weekend so you can sample the nightlife aswell as doing things during the day. Let me know if you need hotel recommendations. Hope this helps. S
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 21:29
[i'>As I have the wine voucher from the fine dining was thinking to go somewhere they accept it.[/i'> Hi, I was wondering about this wine voucher you have from the Fine Dining book Vera? I may be being completely thick but cannot find it!? Or is it when you sign up for the Entertainer Plus? Don't see any vouchers for alcolhol - all food?! S
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Latest post on 08 January 2012 - 18:02
Thanks AA82, wi email your contact now. S
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Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 12:04
That's good you are still there and thought of it in advance. Will be much easier. I don't know this from personal experience, but if you have any kids you will need their birth certificates attested too. Good luck. There is a small chance I may be doing the opposite of you sometime this year - UAE to HK - so may need some tips from you! S
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Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 11:59
Hi, No probs. Both my work and personal email addresses show my full name too. Sorry! Should maybe think about setting up a shoegal one! But then 3 accounts to manage. Maybe not! Look forward to hearing from you. I will be out most of the day so will respond later this evening or tomorrow morning at latest. Thanks S
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Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 11:11
Yes, it will definitely need to be attested in the country you got married and unfortunately it is more difficult if you are now not there. Personally, I think it is worth paying a company to do it. Just Google it. I recently got married in New York and luckily looked into it all before we went. The marriage certificate required a stamp at 3 different places in New York (it was like 3 different levels of attenstation - city, county and state). Once it was attested at the Secretary of State's office in New York it had to go to the UAE Embassy in Washington (as there is no UAE Embassy in New York). This process took less than 2 weeks - maybe 10days - and it was sent back to us in Dubai by courier as we had left New York by then. It was quite expensive but I think worth it to get it done right and reasonably fast. As you are both from the UK, I would call or pop into the British Embassy as first port of call and clarify process for HK. It will definitely need attested but maybe just at Ministry of FA in HK then UAE Embassy in HK (if there is one). Also remember it needs attested at this end at Ministry of FA in UAE afterwards. All I would do is ensure you validate whatever info you get in at least another 2 places. Initially, British Embassy here have me some wrong info. Hope this helps. S
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Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 10:56
Oops, still half asleep and pressed something by mistake there! In summary, no, majority of HR staff expats and demand still there to recruit expats in HR. Where an organisation makes a decision to fill a role with a local, in my experience, they typically have an expat doing the real job sitting alongside the local. Interesting what was mentioned about visas. Mine doesn't actually say anything about the role I do nor is HR stated anywhere. It just says Director. Maybe this is why? Or maybe not. Anyway, of all circa 20 or so CVs I have received in the last week or so none are locals. The skills just aren't there. Especially for more complex specialist roles such as C&B. S
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Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 10:49
Apologies, not been on forum for a bit. Busy at work! Hence need for recruitment! Rock7 will email you this morning. AmyAus82, yes, would be keen to know more about your contact. Re point concerning whether HR positions need to be filled by locals. Some companies will prefer locals for certain roles - like emiratisation roles as mentioned below. The reality is, like most other professions, the skill and (more importantly the will!) is not there writhing locals and so majority of jobs filled by expats. Where I work (a large local bank) the majority of our 30ish HR staff are ex-pats and