simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 19:06
Lulu's Al Barsha does it ... Loads of cake stuff in there. I think that will be vanilla essence, which isn't quite the same as the extract, which has alcohol in it.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 15:14
You might find something of interest on these old threads. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic159299-suggestions-for-short-hol-in-the-snow-over-xmas.aspx http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic163300-message-for-desertdoc-re-holiday-in-lapland.aspx
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 15:01
OP, I find I've brought in too much Nielsen-Massey Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla Extract, since we have more or less stopped baking in this house. I've three opened but barely used bottles here if you'd like one. If you are afraid of accepting gifts of open bottles of liquids from a strange Expat W*tch, then I have a full sealed one with a use-by date of April 2016, to which you are very welcome. I think I've also got some vanilla bean paste which I am never going to use. Put up your email address if you want any of this. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 27/04/2014</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 15:42
We've only rented an apartment in Venice, but for villas, I hear these people are excellent, though I believe expensive: http://www.jamesvillas.co.uk/destinations/italy/tuscany Whatever you do, don't miss Venice! Get a season ticket of some sort (I think they do 24hr, 3 day and weekly ones) for the vaporettos and just hop on and off wherever you fancy. Glass-making in Murano is fun to watch, and Burano is a really pretty little island too (depending on how long you decide to stay in Venice). This site has useful practical info: http://www.veneziaunica.it/en So many lovely places to visit in Tuscany, you'll have a great time! Enjoy!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 21:43
I would tell her to get married and go to Dubai in her early thirties, have children as soon as possible if she could, so she could resume her career in her late forties after having been a (luxurious/lucky/privileged) SAHM, and then have loads of opportunities rather than being a careerless empty-nester aged just under 60. Well, you did ask. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 21/04/2014</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 13:12
Students are allowed to do part time jobs / temp work. You dont require a labor card. But make sure they carry their student IDs at all times. Its better to read up more abt it as I had read somewhere that you have to register or apply for some permission beforehand. I had a personal experience with this, a handful of us were doing temp jobs and [b'>were let go after we showed our student ID[/b'>s. I'm totally new to this. Any idea where we can get more info? When you say you were "let go", is that fired for not having a labour card? I'll ask my typing office too but I don't think they will have dealt with students temping. I did a google on the subject and found this article http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/education/part-time-work-permit-protects-students-rights-in-uae-1.754380 http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/11-000-uae-residents-get-part-time-work-permits-2014-01-23-1.535879 edited by ajfa on 21/04/2014 From what I have gathered, I think this is the part where employers here don't bother for temporary part-time work: "Al Suwaidi said a contract between the employer and the worker must be signed mentioned the wage for getting the part-time work permit. Employers must bear the cost of the part-time work permits and it should not be deducted from the part-time worker’s wages."
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 11:11
I'm not sure Dubai is the best place for anyone to get an internship, I'm sorry to say, HM2. The law is very restricting here and part-time or unpaid work for youngsters is probably not legal, from what I have gathered, as you are supposed to need a labour card to work here and a lot of employers don't bother to get them for temporary staff. Although a lot of people seem to ignore the rules and red tape here, it's true, so maybe they'll be able to find something if they keep under the radar. This site explains it better than I have: http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/working-abroad/341546-working-in-the-united-arab-emirates That being said, good luck to both of them in finding jobs. If they are good at sports or good with children, they might be able to get something at one of the many summer camps that run here from the end of the summer term to the beginning of the autumn one. That is all I can think of off the top of my head.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 11:47
pinotG, I have just come off the phone from them. The second number was answered the first time I tried it, the first number rang out. In case you don't have the exact address, it is Villa 583 on Jumeira Beach Road, between Al Manara and Umm Al Sheif streets, opposite the Enoc petrol station, I was told.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 11:43
A group of my daughter's friends went there after they graduated last summer. I gather it was pretty much how you would imagine it. They were 17 and 18 years old at the time. For most of them it was a pre-uni present from their parents. My daughter already had other plans so we didn't have to have any discussion about it.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 11:15
Tatters, you can apply online for an electronic tourist visa for Sri Lanka before you go, it's cheaper than purchasing one on arrival, which you can also do. http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp;jsessionid=XNMkTT0XysDRZ1yxhhtntv1pvmCbgzfQJ3kJGQkFPYWQHRHhrzw2!-1684673990?locale=en_US
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 10:29
If there's a call for food, I'm there! Here are two lists of places open for Easter Sunday: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/restaurants/offers/all-categories/sunday?pagelimit=25&page=1 and: http://gulfnews.com/life-style/food/features/easter-where-to-eat-1.1319529 I don't think either of them mentions Elia at the Majestic Towers hotel, where there is a Greek Easter celebration for both lunch and dinner, with traditional lamb on a spit and kokoretsi (the initiated will know..) and probably red eggs as well. Happy Easter! Xronia Polla!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 April 2014 - 22:23
Omg. How awful... and eerily reminiscent of her mother's death. It is tragic for all concerned. I do hope it wasn't a heroin overdose like her mother.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 14:54
I saw a little baking set in the Lime Tree Cafe in Al Quoz just yesterday. It included an apron, wooden rolling pin, spoon, a whisk and a cup-cake tin, I think. I think it cost AED160.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 January 2014 - 20:33
I've had good experience with these people, who are Apple authorized service providers: http://www.protech-me.com/apple/service_center.html
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 16:34
It is a fab place for a single person to work, particularly if you can live on Manhattan Island. You have to put in the hours, but I wouldn't think any more so than you do here. I'm not sure where New York is on the cost of living index at the moment, but it is such a fantastic experience, I think you should give it a try, at least. Good luck!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 January 2014 - 19:19
We only realised quite recently how to use it and as we have used our four letter bank card to buy at Spinneys quite a lot, we found after three years, we were able to buy a couple of nights at a hotel in RAK and three return flights to Sri Lanka on Emirates and still have some left over.. I'm quite impressed! Actually, still not sure how it works, we've used our four letter bank card a great deal since we got here, maybe that's why? <em>edited by simpleasabc on 09/01/2014</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 12:22
I don't know, but wouldn't there be a restriction on bringing big bottles of lotions and potions into the country?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2013 - 13:37
What excellent, positive news! The only sad thing about this thread is that the OP seems to be putting down her own sox in a rather "male" fashion.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2013 - 15:02
It may be just you - some of those stories have been inspired, I particularly liked the shisha lounge on Emirates and even more the fact people believed the story :)
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 11:30
This is a lovely fruit stuffing we use for goose, but might be rather nice with turkey, too? It's a Sophie Grigson recipe: 100g stoned prunes, roughly chopped 100g dried apricots, roughly chopped 85 ml port 2 eating apples, cored, peeled, diced 1 small red onion, chopped half teaspoon ground cinammon half teaspoon ground nutmeg salt and freshly ground pepper Soak prunes and apricots for as long as possible (shurely shome mishtake, Ed.) in the port - overnight or even a couple of days if you remember. Mix with all the remaining ingredients (don't worry that it seems sloppy - as the goose has a long, slow cooking time, it will all meld together loosely in the oven). Put the stuffing in the body cavity.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 December 2013 - 15:44
Just bought some from Town Centre Spinney's. Waitrose Own Brand.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 22:26
The Entertainer book I pre-ordered on-line was delivered a couple of days ago. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 10/12/2013</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 22:24
M&S have Dundee cakes, simple fruit cakes and lightly iced fruit cake loaf things, as well as royally iced Christmas cakes. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 10/12/2013</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 17:47
I think that's the size they come in naturally! In France, I used to be hard pushed to find a free-range goose over 5kilos at the butcher's or in the supermarket.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 16:13
How many people is the goose for? 3kg to 4kg will barely have enough flesh for 4 adults, even with loads of meaty and fruit stuffings..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 11:27
Yep, I put my S&S ref number on the first line of the address. Works so far!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 11:24
I can't help you for FaceTime as mine was purchased here and has FT, but is a US version; as to the US app store, I think as long as you are already registered with that store, with a cc to match, you can use it from here. You might need 3 letter help, though, I'm not sure.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 11:21
Personally, I would go to Sri Lanka. As I happen to know your family ;) , I will suggest you might like to fly to Gatwick and then take Norwegian Airlines to Bergen, where there is bound to be snow: https://www.norwegian.com/en/flight/lowfare/?D_City=LGW&A_City=BGO&D_Day=01&D_Month=201312&R_Day=01&R_Month=201312&AgreementCodeFK=-1&CurrencyCode=EUR&rnd=55157 http://www.visitbergen.com/en/News/?TLp=465118&Christmas-in-Bergen
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 11:02
OP doesn't say her fiancé is a Muslim, but that he is Asian, which doesn't necessarily mean Muslim. If OP and her fiancé are both residents of the UAE, I wouldn't risk it. As tourists, perhaps it would work?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 November 2013 - 13:47
Is just relaxing at home not an option?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 08:55
Yes. I think it's fair.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 21:19
The Madinat Theatre at Souk Madinat Jumeirah is doing "Beauty and the Beast" as their panto this year from 20th to 31st December. I don't know what theirs are like, but usually pantos are great fun. http://www.madinattheatre.com/
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 12:05
To the OP: I would not report him, just get over. Today is a new day, do not waste your efforts. Drivers like him make you a better, more cautious driver, who is more prepared to the unexpected, and reacts better in such situations. I became a much better and safer driver since living here. I also became a driver who follows the rules less, like all of us... We slowly lose the routine of indicating if no cars are close etc... Do not be judgmental, one day you may need to create your own lane. This is one of the most irresponsible pieces of claptrap I've ever seen on EW.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 16:48
Can the eviction order be valid if you don't have a valid contract?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 16:36
Tell him he'll get the cheques when you've got the contract. Simples.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 07:29
Would telling people it's on a first come, first serve, basis and whoever pays the money you are asking as "final offer" gets the stuff, work? If it is big furniture they need to hire a removal van for, get a hefty deposit from them and say you will only keep it for them for a certain amount of time. Might that not get rid of the time-wasters?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 16:47
I thought you had too. OP - shouldn't it be Advice not advise...... maybe ask Mods to change it - first impressions etc.... edited by IzzyOnTheSeat on 12/11/2013 Thanks Izzy but I'll let my first impression be judged by my experience not a typo on EW. Adding to that: in American English the difference between the two is not always maintained. I remember a report I once wrote that was edited by both an English and an American editor. They kept changing each others edits. By the end I was totally lost. ? I think you may have got that wrong. Advise is clearly the verb and advice the noun in both US and English English. http://www.englishleap.com/common-mistakes/advice-advise It is a surprising mistake to find being made by an editor. Clearly they didn't know how to use a dictionary: http://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/advice
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 16:36
I thought you had too. OP - shouldn't it be Advice not advise...... maybe ask Mods to change it - first impressions etc.... edited by IzzyOnTheSeat on 12/11/2013 Thanks Izzy but I'll let my first impression be judged by my experience not a typo on EW. Adding to that: in American English the difference between the two is not always maintained. I remember a report I once wrote that was edited by both an English and an American editor. They kept changing each others edits. By the end I was totally lost. ? I think you may have got that wrong. Advise is clearly the verb and advice the noun in both US and English English.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 12:24
Makes sense, FairyDust. Good luck in finding good tenants - almost more important than getting large sums of rent, in my purely European opinion..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 12:13
These look lovely: http://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/gallery/2012120410312/top-ten-christmas-markets-europe/10/ Of that list, I've only been to Strasbourg, but not at Christmas, and it is definitely worth a visit even without Christmas decorations :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 12/11/2013</em>
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 14:26
Hi, there! Geneva is not big on Christmas, you are better off in the Swiss German part for Christmas markets and so on. The picturesque old suburb of Carouge is decorated for the month of December and has a special Sunday market before Christmas when a lot of shops are open (no seven days a week shopping in Switzerland!), though I'm not sure if that's every Sunday in December or just one or two. I think there is a special ice-rink set up in the centre of Geneva and a couple of streets have Christmas lights, and there are a few not very interesting stalls set up round it, but I wouldn't recommend Geneva for the Christmas spirit and is certainly all over by 25th December. Annecy, not far away in France, is a pretty town set on canals and in the mountains and will have Christmas lights till 5th January. http://www.annecy.fr/620-noel-des-alpes-2013.htm Basel has a lovely Christmas market and apparently is the biggest in Switzerland. It is open every day from 28th November to 23rd December, according to this: http://www.basel.com/fr/la-basler-weihnacht-le-plus-grand-march%C3%A9-de-no%C3%ABl-de-suisse Rapperswil, quite near Zurich, is famous for its Christmas market: http://www.zuerich.com/en/christmastime_experience/rapperswil-christmas.html Have a lovely time!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 17:43
I'm no expert, but surely the landlord is entitled to give you a new contract for one year non-renewable? The Rent Committee does not recognise non-renewable contracts. This is because their sole purpose is to get tenants out in order to get in new tenants at a much higher rent. If the LL wants tenants out, s/he has to give notice specifically stating which of the four possible reasons for evicting a tenant applies. Is that so? So in effect, the landlord in question is trying to give 12 months' notice without a reason and dressing it up as a non-renewable contract. Got it. What's this about a new form of contract from 1st December?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 16:52
I'm no expert, but surely the landlord is entitled to give you a new contract for one year non-renewable?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 13:21
Congratulations! I hope you have a fabulous day, I'm sure you'll look beautiful and everything will go smoothly. I hope your wonderful Maid of Honour is in charge of your cell-phone by now! Then, the Maldives!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 09:21
I need a life. I like this, pinched from Jennifer Saunders (your possessive apostrophe may vary) FB page: Read all the way to the end................. This took a lot of work to put together! 1) The bandage was wound around the wound. 2) The farm was used to produce produce. 3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. 4) We must polish the Polish furniture.. 5) He could lead if he would get the lead out. 6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.. 7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes. 10) I did not object to the object. 11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid. 12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row. 13) They were too close to the door to close it. 14) The buck does funny things when the does are present. 15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line. 16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow. 17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail. 18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.. 19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests. 20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 09:05
I still think that it was a mistake to put schools and maids onto their own boards. I loved those threads, but they don't get any traffic now. :D Completely agree, Chewit :D
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 09:03
Coincidentally, it is National Stress Awareness Day in the UK today. I hope you are feeling calmer and happier this morning, TDB, it is really not good for you to stress at the moment. But you knew that :) http://www.isma.org.uk/about-national-stress-awareness-day-nsad/
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 22:20
Thanks WO - I think I found someone, anyone heard of Steve Saleh? Yes it is smart brunch / world cup / wedding attire! I am defo going to pursue this EID charge then, since it seems they are being totally unreasonable. I did query it and fight it, but was told it is govt regulations. Maybe time to get the local friend involved lol! Make sure he doesn't forget to wear his kandoura. Lol. Excellent!
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 21:16
I am not seeing him as evil, said it quite clearly that I even felt it could be affection shown both ways, i.e., by daughter too. I have no problem with other forms of contact and have seen her with other classmates, hugging one minute, fighting the next. But really ladies if you were to find out that it involved a kiss would you be okay with letting it go or stop it from happening again? She is my first and only and I may be displaying my naïveté and old fashioned-ness but I really have not a clue. Sorry, Seven Seconds, I did not mean you were seeing evil, I was referring to some others' comments which I thought were OTT.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 21:05
The salon I am thinking of is Essentials. Their website doesn't work in Firefox or Opera, so I can't tell if they are open on Friday mornings still. This is their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Essentials-Salon-Dubai/110427449020141 Good luck. Can't your hubby get the ID people to get a wriggle on?
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing