Simone N | ExpatWoman.com
 

Simone N

Simone N
225
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 07:17
We had great service in regards to an offshort mortgage from Lloyds here (just walked in and met with a very helpful woman called Hazel) and Bank of Scotland via email/telephone. BOS were slightly quicker than Lloyds getting things sorted out and I believe they offered us a slightly more attractive rate.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 16:32
What do you think about your Kindle Simone? Honestly, is it a worthwhile investment? I've had mine almost a year and have to say it's been such a good investment. I like to take plenty of reading material everywhere I go and this just meets all of my requirements. It hasn't stopped me buying or reading 'proper' books though. I tend to have one proper book on the go as well as one or two on the Kindle. It's great for those five minutes here and there waiting for appointments or the school pick-up.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 10:57
Great recommendation Evenstar, half way through this fantastic book. Love a bit of Victoriana myself. Have you seen the BBC adaptation that was on recently? Apparently Michel Faber was thrilled with it. I've just downloaded The Apple onto my Kindle, it's a collection of short stories about the characters in the book and what happens to them.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 11:13
Having experienced my child learning Islamic studies in two different primary schools in Dubai, I would look at the quality of the teaching rather than the quantity of lessons per week. My DS has gained a real love for his Islamic studies through just two lessons a week due to an excellent, committed teacher. He was doing more lessons a week at a different school but came away with no knowledge at all. As realist said providing support at home is also very important. Best of luck. I know how difficult it is to find a school that fits your child and your family.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 10:34
DesertRose is a different time zone at the moment so may not be on until later. I've sent her the link to this thread though ;)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:10
RAK Exhibition Centre, down town RAK.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 20:57
So many of my childhood memories (edited to add: in the Middle East) involve long-life milk, ahhh the days when fresh milk wasn't a sure thing! <em>edited by Simone N on 27/04/2011</em>
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 12:43
Lakeland, MCC ;) I also saw some at Daiso but that was several months ago. <em>edited by Simone N on 27/04/2011</em>
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 09:10
I go to Juan too and have done for quite a few years. However, only Juan cuts and colours it although there are other people working there. He chooses the colour for me too as he quite rightly pointed out it's his job to know what will work for my hair colour at the time. I usually get a pedi while I'm in too and only good things to say.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 14:17
Souq.com had an offer on VIP tickets yesterday. Might be worth checking if it's still on.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 14:16
We tried various methods and the best rate we got was when we withdrew money from our AE account via an ATM.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 14:47
Dhs 200 from Time Out Tickets ;)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 09:21
I think it's a fabulous idea! I've been reading so much about the unschooling movement recently and it's quite inspiring. You don't really need 'materials' to unschool as there is no curriculum as such. Here's a website that I've found fascinating http://www.rfleming.net/ and another one http://www.sixintheworld.com/ We plan on driving from here to the UK at some point, we've planned it several times but something always comes up at the last minute.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 21:18
I'm watching it now, working fine here and still on the same channel as yesterday for us.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 21:49
Definitely the weather, we've got hundreds of the blinking things.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 17:06
Thanks for those links!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 16:14
Very gentle bump for the weekday crew :)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 19:44
We did DS's party at InSportz last year - they have a range of games to choose from (football, cricket, basketball and skill games). Lots of fun!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 18:11
I've just about finished [i'>It's Your Time You're Wasting[/i'>, which I've thoroughly enjoyed. I find it hard to believe that the writer's real name is Chalk but I like his writing style. I'm going to give [i'>The Lacuna[/i'> one final go (third time lucky, hopefully) and then start [i'>Married to a Bedouin[/i'>.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 18:04
I need some work-related help from any EWers living in RAK. I know there are a few of you! Could you contact me simonegroups at gmail.com, it would be very much appreciated.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 17:30
That's worth noting, sarassister, which buildings are those?
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 17:29
The hotel is signposted from SZR. Good map here http://www.jebelali-international.com/Libraries/Maps/Jebel_Ali_Golf_Resort_Spa_Map.sflb.ashx
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 17:27
Thanks Unicorn36, that's very helpful. Do you mind me asking which development you are in? We had a good drive around the other day and most of the villas had cars parked outside and looked lived in. Have you had any problems getting taxis either to or from home?
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 17:24
I'm sure that there will be parking, how organised it will be remains to be seen. We're driving too but not planning to be there at 6!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 13:09
I've actually been doing some research into this but haven't found anyone yet. I contacted the Suzuki Association in the States as well as the international one but no-one listed for Dubai. Do let me know if you find a Suzuki trained teacher though!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 08:46
Yes, it's overcast and a bit windy but it wouldn't stop me going out with the kidlets.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 08:43
Ah, I think I mean Jumeirah Village Circle rather than Triangle.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 08:41
Quite windy just up the road in Jebel Ali but dry (for now!).
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 08:40
I'd go for Aquaventure, set up near the children's pool and then the adults can go on the 'big' rides with someone staying behind with the little one. My DS wouldn't have enjoyed it at the age but my DD certainly did so it depends on the child.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 17:20
We went on the opening night. I felt it was very long for a family show, it was slightly late starting (probably just opening night teething issues) and was nearly 3 hours long. I thought the lighting and sound quality were quite poor. The scenery changes were dire, in fact I've seen plays at local secondary schools with smoother, more professional transitioning. The child actors were, however, superb and, along with Mother Superior and her singing nuns, really held the show together. In fact, they could have done the show without the rest of the cast. We enjoyed it simply because of them, I'm quite glad that we didn't pay the higher rate for tickets.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 17:10
Helping a friend research her villa move and we had a look around Jumeirah Village last week. Anyone living there who can tell us what it is like? Is the only way in and out through 'Gate No 10'? What is the traffic like during 'rush hour'? Any connection issues with DEWA/Etisalat etc? Many thanks :)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 07:45
I'm reading [i'>Fallen Skies[/i'> by Philippa Gregory and finding it captivating. It was a cheapie from the Jashanmals book sale a few weeks ago and wish I'd started it sooner. I've read most of Ms Gregory's work but this quite different from her Tudor books. Well worth a go, it's provided lots of fodder for my summer chats with my 91 year old Grandma. I've got lots of questions about the 1920s/1930s!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 20:05
Was that it??? A few measly minutes of the good stuff, bah!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 15:20
The million dollars that slipped out of my pocket?
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 10:31
Ah perfect, you're spot on BellaUK. Thanks :)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 07:12
Just buy the bits to put one together. In a 'here's one I made earlier' moment, H&M have white and red striped t-shirts and stripy knitted hats (pom-pom can be made from a bit of red wool, if desired). Round glasses from the party shop (but you might find them in a toy shop) and a walking stick from one of the souvenir shops. Whack on a pair of jeans/blue trousers and 'proper' shoes and bish bash bosh, job done!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 17:30
Try SkyNet, they're very good.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 18:19
Many thanks! Will start looking now as Evision have renumbered the channels making it nigh on impossible to find anything, might be ready by 7 ;)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 14:49
City Hospital, Al Wasl Hospital and Rashid Hospital are also in the same vicinity. The ER at Al Wasl Hospital is very busy at night, in my experience. City Hospital has a shorter waiting time.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 20:21
Thanks :D. Jebel Ali Cedars is our nearest emergency (unless you count Rosary, and I don't) so we scoped out how to get there. Isn't it any good? Back to the drawing board if not :(. We have used Cedars in the past as they have an amazing paed (not sure if he's still on staff now) but when DD had an accident requiring surgery, they were not able to deal with it. The American Hospital did an amazing job and had a plastic surgeon on call, which is what we needed. I'd go to Rashid for a major trauma and American or City for everything else. I also have our paed's mobile number so that he can meet us if necessary.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 08:26
We stayed at the Westin in December, which was lovely but slightly over budget. Our friends stayed in the Protea Victoria Junction, nice rooms and an OK restaurant but fantastic location in town. A short ride to the Waterfront and lots of lovely restaurants within walking distance.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 08:51
We've got two special visitors arriving on Tuesday, I suggest you get your raincoats out then! I'll be washing my car later so expect just enough rain to make your car dirty this afternoon.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 14:23
Ours always runs the same course. We take our son to the chedi for breakfast and nip into see our grandchildren on the way home. husband might then go out to a meeting and I stay home with our son. . hubby comes home and the rest of the day is spent with various members of family popping in. mid afternoon our daughter usually appears with our little ones and we have a swim and a nursery tea. the old fashioned nursery tea is the highlight of my day - well that is till one of my sons comes in off a camping trip with his friends and to stand still in the kitchen means you're likely to be eaten. it really is far better to be on the move and cooking. I like fridays and i'm never happier when I have all of my lot under the same roof and there's fighting and eating going on. and boy do my lot have some food barnies. :D edited by DesertRose1958 on 27/01/2011 This post made me laugh. Ah the memories of dodgy spaghetti and fantastic curries!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 11:02
Surely everyone is getting their nails done? Except me.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:17
There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there and I would also like to make sure I'm going to operating legally. When I spoke to Fujairah free zone sales office they said they could give me a freelancer licence without visa (I'm on DH sponsorship) which would enable me to work from home and invoice throughout the UAE. This for an annual cost of AED10K. Can anyone shed any light on this? My suggestion is to speak to RAK Freezone directly and get the information from them in writing (it's definitely available in writing).
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 12:50
You can also work from Dubai via RAK Freezone's office here.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 08:29
Stovetop, freelance writers/designers/photographers/one-man-band creative types can get a freelance trade license through Dubai Media City. It's quite expensive though as you are required to take a 'hot desk' which is, in effect, your premises. I've yet to meet a freelancer who uses their desk for their actual work though.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 07:31
I've no idea how old your children are but do bear in mind that Dubai has a transient population and places at schools come up all the time. I know that we've had several children join the school at the beginning of this month due to other students leaving. Your best bet would be to ring the registrar, to fill out the application form and then follow up on a regular basis (this goes for all school, not just Jebel Ali). Best of luck with your move.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 19:51
What lovely news, welcome to the world Griffin! Can't believe that your DS and DD are 13 & 12 already - I remember them running around with my DS when he was at nursery. How time flies, enjoy every minute xxx
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 14:45
It's not available locally, as far as I know. Best bet is to order from the States and then Shop & Ship.
 
 
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