simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 11:58
Well said, Sakhifa.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 11:19
They are victims of a scam, not criminals, Sand Fairy.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 11:15
Ah, thank you for explaining the difference between MFC and this case, Sand Fairy. I'm not sure how the hapless tenant newly arrived in Dubai is supposed to know that it's illegal, though or what is in the contract between the landlord and the letting agency. Well, they will now, but that's no use for those currently in a bind.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:53
DB - i think the issue is that the LL rented the apartment to the company; who then illegally sub-letted to the tenant. The LL legally rented it to the company - everything beyond that was illegal and therefore not the LL responsibility. Run that by me again, please, Sand Fairy. The landlord legally rented a property to a company who put tenants in on his behalf, as per his contract with the landlord and the company ran away with money owed to the landlord which the tenants had paid to the company under what they thought was a legal and binding contract. How were the tenants to know this was illegal?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:26
That is terrible news for tenants who thought they had paid their landlords a year in advance and are now homeless. Landlords seem to be really favoured here.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:16
I would agree whole-heartedly with emlsnre. We are lucky, we are not paying the rent here ourselves, so we are not the ones "wasting" money on rent. If we did have money to invest in property, as our future is uncertain and we have no idea how long we will stay here and as we wouldn't envisage retiring here (not sure it would be possible, given the residence laws here), I would invest my money in one of our home countries, as a form of pension fund.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 12:55
A voucher towards his first driving lessons? A special badger hair shaving brush and shaving kit? After-shave?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 11:14
Just to add, it is quite difficult to find furnished homes here, there aren't that many on the market, I think you'll find. Most of us either bring stuff from home or spend a lot of money on furniture and appliances on first arriving, or both. We then spend the next couple of years paying this off.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 09:01
My husband, as my sponsor, had to sponsor my nephew when he came over from Canada last year, even though he is not the blood relative. It is probably best if your family asks the question themselves of the UAE Embassy in Canada, as that is where the documents have to be filed and the visas paid for. My brother got the relevant document and we filled in all my husband's details - I can't even remember my husband signing it, but I should imagine he did - the wonders of the internet and email, eh! (Oh, we're not Canadian, not sure if that makes a difference?) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 10/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 08:55
Could you not make your own almond milk? Seems pretty simple, even though it takes a while - loads of recipes on the net: http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/08/how-to-make-homemade-almond-milk/ or http://www.ohnuts.com/blog/2011/03/how_to_make_almond_milk_recipe_1.html (sweet)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 16:06
Presumably you'd have to threaten to report them to the police and if you did, they would suffer the consequences? From Dubai FAQ (http://www.dubaifaqs.com/living-together-in-dubai.php): "Gulf News Express reported 09 June 2011 comments from a lawyer, Haroon Tahlak from Dubai Advocates and Legal Consultants, who said "It is prohibited for an unmarried man and woman to live together, or share a close space [apartment or room'> under the UAE law. The clause is called Tahseen Al Ma'asiya. The punishment under the law is a jail term of between one and six months to be followed by deportation.""
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 15:50
Kooky, supposing the husband is not in the country and is unable to be present at immigration? Would a copy of his passport and an NOC be accepted?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 12:55
I am sorry for your loss and for this to happen when you would want to be celebrating the birth of your baby, for which congratuations:) Like Amy, I am confused about the passport status - I was going to suggest you looked here as I think there is a link to a phone number which you could call to explain your situation: http://www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/HowToGuide/DispForm.aspx?ID=12 On the other hand, if you don't have a passport for the new-born, I think you will have to contact the relevant embassy/consulate to find out about their issuing an emergency travel document for your new-born. Unfortunately, the week-end is not the best time for this kind of thing. If I were in this position here on a Friday, with little time before I wanted to travel, I would contact the body which issues passports/travel documents in my home country, to seek advice and help. Good luck, I'm sorry I can't give more useful information. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 09/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 11:24
HereComesTheSun - thank you, I did hope it was Koubba when I posted the link but I wasn't sure :) Must find my way back there some time :) ETA: Time Out's take on it: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/bars/reviews/2669-koubba#.UJtelj1Gb30 <em>edited by simpleasabc on 08/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 10:27
I once (late at night) went to a shisha bar in the Madinat, where we sat outside with lovely views and alcoholic beverages were also served. I can't remember exactly where it was, except it was above the waterside and I don't know if it was the Koubba bar I mentioned below. Does anyone else know? I remember that one too, did it have big cushions and a comfy seating area? Don't remember big cushions, but there were lots of sofas and armchairs and low tables..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 10:19
I once (late at night) went to a shisha bar in the Madinat, where we sat outside with lovely views and alcoholic beverages were also served. I can't remember exactly where it was, except it was above the waterside and I don't know if it was the Koubba bar I mentioned below. Does anyone else know?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 10:13
I know I'm always banging on about it, but I just got this info from Bab Al Shams: http://meydanhotels.com/meydan/festive.htm No, I don't work for them.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:33
Koubba bar in Al Qasr? http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Dubai/Madinat-Jumeirah/Restaurants--Nightlife/Bars-and-Nightlife/Koubba-Bar/
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 11:07
Excellent victory speech.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:56
This was an actual comment I read on my FB newsfeed this morning. [b'> "Well election is over. I think this will help Republicans wake up to the real USA and they will have better candidates who can attract the American public. Until next 2018 then we will spar again lol."[/b'> I'm following this on the news and the crowd in the Obama campaign headquarters are of all colours so to speak, whilst the crowd in Romneys - well lets just say the pictures seemed to be in monochrome. It was quite shocking to see I hadn't thought about it that way, but of course I'm sure you're right. I noticed a report that Obama's share of the vote had gone down amongst black voters since last time, from 95% to 93%. Forgot to mention, liked Goose's reference yesterday to what recent former Presidents have been doing during this campaign.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:54
This was an actual comment I read on my FB newsfeed this morning. [b'> "Well election is over. I think this will help Republicans wake up to the real USA and they will have better candidates who can attract the American public. Until next 2018 then we will spar again lol."[/b'> Republicans can't count, you're saying? This was what an Obama supporter posted--I was baffled. Seems they are too :(
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:49
This was an actual comment I read on my FB newsfeed this morning. [b'> "Well election is over. I think this will help Republicans wake up to the real USA and they will have better candidates who can attract the American public. Until next 2018 then we will spar again lol."[/b'> Republicans can't count, you're saying?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:44
I just read some of the comments to this article and am feeling pretty stupid about the ketchup cups. Do they work the same in Dubai? Thats another stupid thing I dont know, isnt it? Wondering if we're reading the same thing - I see no references to ketchup cups or the right way to place toilet rolls. I'm obviously doing it wrong and didn't know it.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 07:48
The Dubai Christimas Festival will take place 6-8 December at the Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City. http://dubaichristmasfestival.com/ That doesn't replace the Madinat Souk Winter Festival, does it? Not the same amphitheatre, I presume? Only I can't find details of this year's Souk festival.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 07:29
The BBC radio station I'm listening to seems almost to be calling it for Obama already - what do you ladies who are interested think? Said it already, obama will win in a landslide. And the major vote isn't over the economy, it is over likeability and trustability - and Romney has neither. Why were they calling it such a tight race beforehand, Ditn? Just to get people interested and voting, do you think? BTW, that brilliant Romney family photo someone put up yesterday was a photoshop job - shame, I was soo hoping it was real :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 07:11
The BBC radio station I'm listening to seems almost to be calling it for Obama already - what do you ladies who are interested think?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 15:46
I don't see a difference.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 23:04
If I were you, I'd find a toy you liked on Amazon.co.uk, put it in the search box for Amazon.de and if it comes up as being for sale from there, take the query, in English, to the Amazon Customer Service Desk. They are v helpful and should sort it out for you, I hope. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 04/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 14:42
Ooops, Beebers, I just read the whole recipe (had only read the ingredients before) for Papoutsakia - I gently roast the aubergines, sliced in half, for a while before taking the flesh out, to avoid all that frying in olive oil. Thanks for the offer of the Thai recipe, but curries are out here too, as dorter has her father's aversion to nuts, and coconut specifically and the only Indian food she will eat is butter chicken, as long as there are not too many ground almonds in it.. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 13:53
Oh, dear, now I'm on a roll and off topic - Beebers, can't tell if you're a veggie or not, if you're not, Greek "Little Slippers" aubergines are wonderful, this is the first recipe I found, I don't use Bechamel sauce but just stick a slice of melty cheese on top of the meat under the sliced tomato: http://greekfood.about.com/od/groundmeatrecipes/r/papoutsakiatxt.htm Back to peppers, there's a gorgeous Greek recipe if you have those long thinnish green ones and like heat - I can't find the recipe I use at the mo, but it involves feta, chilli powder and tomato puree being stuffed into par-boiled long green peppers which are then oven-roasted in water and olive-oil. I think. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 13:32
Ah, Beebers, the Sainted Dell-Girl works wonders ;) I wish I was allowed to make chilli, but it's another thing dorter refuses to eat - yours sounds great :) As to the Greek stuffed peppers, I just make them up as I go along - oh, just remembered, chopped mint also gives the rice a lovely flavour. The Greeks do the same with tomatoes, also delish. Just found a recipe which would be about what I do, but hadn't thought of adding the cheese - yummy: http://greek.food.com/recipe/yemista-greek-stuffed-tomatoes-and-peppers-59672
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 13:17
Beebers has just reminded me of one of my favourite red pepper recipes (works with orange and yellow as well, but not green), and I'm afraid it's not really freezable, but oooh, delicious and vegetarian if you leave out the anchovies :D http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/party-food/accompaniment/piedmont-roasted-peppers.html Also, Greek stuffed peppers including onions, pine-nuts, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon in rice cooked in stock, for vegetarians - again, sorry, not freezable. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 10:13
Ratatouille without the aubergines or courgettes (in other words, peppers stewed in olive oil and tomatoes with onions, garlic and mixed herbs)?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 09:52
am already having palpitations about my cream suede couch + baby :S scotch guard or you could go for the plastic covers ;) I'd give up on the cream suede if it's going to upset you so much and go for one of these for the forseeable future: http://www.thesofathrowcompany.com/shop-by-size-sofa-throws-1.html Re: Maid, baby, you and OCD - you'll be concentrating on looking after the baby when it's born and probably longing for sleep when you can get it, so you'll just be glad to be having the housework done for you. PS My husband's idea of cooking is boiling an egg or putting pasta in cold water. At best, he can make a toasted cheese sarnie in a sandwich-maker. Don't knock what you've got. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 22:51
The only advantage of being fat is no wrinkles and looking 10 years younger than you are :) edited by simpleasabc on 02/11/2012 Oh really? Oooh, do tell, what are the other advantages, then? No, I mean, is it true that fat people have no wrinkles? Oh very very dear. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 02/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 19:40
I'm not allowed to change to a buy to let mortgage as I have not been a UK resident for more than 20 years. Or make any changes at all to my current mortgage, apparently. Sorry, I know there are different rules for different circumstances.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 19:07
The only advantage of being fat is no wrinkles and looking 10 years younger than you are :) edited by simpleasabc on 02/11/2012 Oh really? Oooh, do tell, what are the other advantages, then?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 14:25
Don't "Essential Waitrose" do a cheap brown rice? I love brown rice but the rest of the family refuse to eat it. Have only managed to convert them to wholemeal pasta so far..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 14:02
The only advantage of being fat is no wrinkles and looking 10 years younger than you are :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 02/11/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 18:44
Good idea, Mamasrock :D That way you'll get all your supporters on that thread and the naysayers on this one. Job done ;)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 12:35
Don't know about importing it yourself, but you can buy it at Spinneys.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 12:34
Thank you, interesting stuff, Renaissance Rises.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 11:14
Just a rhetorical question, Beebers, having sort of been there and done that recently, (lost a stone in 10 days through illness) I am only too well aware that weight lost through fasting doesn't tend to stay lost.. sorry, don't know how I missed that being rhetorical. Hope you are feeling better now, you must have been really ill. Not to worry, you can't really tell rhetorical from not round here, there's no rhetorical emoticon, after all :) Thanks, am fine now, just had one of those lurgeys that do the rounds here and felt revoltingly nauseous all the time as well as cough/cold/flu symptoms. I behaved stupidly as I should have built on my loss and hardened my resolve to lose more, but instead packed the weight back on in a couple of weeks. I really hate "dieting" (eating properly and less) and exercise. Hence my size.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 11:08
I was thinking nutrition-wise, mpp_jl :D I would love to be able to follow your diet to give myself a kick-start for weight-loss, but unfortunately too much dairy upsets my stomach.. And I love bread..
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 11:03
Just a rhetorical question, Beebers, having sort of been there and done that recently, (lost a stone in 10 days through illness) I am only too well aware that weight lost through fasting doesn't tend to stay lost..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 11:00
To OP, congratulations on your weight loss and hope "white" was a typo for "wholemeal" bread, cos otherwise you might as well be eating paper :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 10:55
I'm just putting out there that a friend of mine is currently at a health spa (or what used to be called a fat farm) and is proud that she has lost 4.6kg in her first week there. Since her arrival, she has been living off tea with honey for breakfast, clear soup and fruit juice for lunch and clear soup for supper. She has been drinking loads of water in between and taking exercise. I am wondering what will happen to her when she goes home and returns to her normal routine, including cooking for her family?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 09:23
Sorry if this sounds unhelpful, but I think perhaps your friend should ask a doctor specialized in vaccinations, or her obstetrician/gynaecologist.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 21:36
I don't live in AR and never have, but some friends of ours were living in a Saheel a couple of years ago and found their DEWA bills unexpectedly prohibitive - they said it was the pool water which was particularly costly. I've no way of knowing as I find it is our a/c, not water, in our pool-less 4 bed in the Meadows which affects our DEWA bills massively in the summer. Other people's mileages may vary.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 21:31
Oooh, thanks, ladies, drooling now :) Will deffo take friend there when we visit Karama. If, of course, I can find Karama by myself.
 
 
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