sourskittleashnut | ExpatWoman.com
 

sourskittleashnut

sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2021 - 18:37
Reviving this thread out of the ashes for a recent update. After visiting Brighton College, Kings Barsha, and Hartland, we have decided on Hartland. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did - the current students seemed so genuinely happy there, I loved their curriculum structure, amazing campus, and facilities and it really felt like an all-around well-balanced school. My 8-year-old went on all school tours with me and chose Hartland as her favorite and couldn't stop talking about it afterward. I highly recommend it to parents looking for schools at the moment, Hartland have reduced their fees overall too, permanently. I will update here after my kids have started.
sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 July 2018 - 16:06
Hi ladies, my sincere apologies for the delay. Please see below her number: 0526109677 Kindly inform her that Zahra has referred you. I would love to know how it goes. May it benefit you.
Hi Its coming switched off :( Any other number?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2018 - 12:05
Also Expatwoman when will you fix the website look so I can start using the forums properly again? So many people have complained and you guys still haven't done anything! Look at your member interaction, it's gone downhill since the website changes. :(
sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2018 - 08:45
Hi I'd recommend you go to the address he's given in person, and meet the person he has said will be the recipient there. Do NOT send cheques by courier! That's very irresponsible of him to even ask that. He must have given a recipient name with the address? Couriers anyways would not accept the package without a recipient name. Just tell the landlord your courier company is saying they cannot deliver cheques, so you will be dropping it off in person.
sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2018 - 15:03
Hi Zuhairah....... I was just going to suggest Mirdif. You can get some nice villas there in your budget.....Property Finder has a really useful options to view your search results on a map....Best of luck!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2018 - 12:39
Sorry my post above is one long paragraph, I had formatted it with bullets, but EW has really messed up their layout - all my formatting disappeared when I posted! Now I cant find an edit option :\
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2018 - 12:37
Thanks Licorice, that is good to know. We will definitely look into Reem. Do you have any experience with townhouses at Quepoint Liwan? They look lovely and the location would be ideal for us.
Hi Zuhairah, I was considering the townhouses at Liwan and personally visited 2 of them with an agent. They are indeed very good value for money. We didnt end up moving there, but here's my view on them: PROS: - A full basement that can be used a kids playroom/study/extra living space, which is super useful and hard to find in Dubai - Rent very reasonable - Decent finishing, the bathrooms werent great but good enough CONS (and reasons we didnt end up moving) - Surrounded by sand. Like literally just sand. They felt too isolated, - No security - my kids are home with the nanny alone some part of the day when me and my husband are at work, so I felt it wasnt very safe. You share that block with 5 other families, and your door is accessible at all times to them. I know thats how townhouses work, but I found it a bit disconcerting. - Bedrooms were TINY - No built-in cupboards in the bedrooms - No fitted kitchen appliances, and no proper slot given for the fridge so you;d have to have it outside in the kitchen somewhere. Do go have a look yourself though, however you will also find them to be quite far from Media City. FYI I'm referring to these townhouses in Liwan, Queue Point (counts as part of Dubailand): https://www.propertyfinder.ae/en/rent/dubai/townhouses-for-rent-dubai-land-queue-point.html
sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 December 2017 - 09:13
If you can go to American Hospital, I would highly recommend it. Dr Raj and Dr Braithwait there b oth are pro-natural. I had my baby with Dr Raj in Jan and she is a very confident and capable doctor. Dr Braithwaite delivered my friends baby and she spoke highly of her.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2017 - 14:35
These days I'm watching Outlander which is surprisingly good. Also watched - Stranger Things which is nice but a bit too sci-fi for me,
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 December 2017 - 09:48
Any update on "The Next Generation School"? It seems to have positive reviews overall, more so than American School of Creative Science in Barsha. I like the way Next Gen has structured their curriculum. Going for a tour on Wednesday but wanted some updates if anyones child attends.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2017 - 11:41
EW is very quiet now so you probably wont see many responses to posts. Most big mosques have a ladies section, so check which are the big mosques in that area and visit them to see the ladies section. We go to Zabeel mosque which has a lovely ladies area upstairs. The smaller mosques will also have a ladies section but its usually more of a room than a large section. Best way to find out is to visit the mosques.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 November 2017 - 09:14
Those are the 3 top schools here so seats get full fast. I would recommend JPS from the 3 but its near impossible to get a seat. JPS gets full from siblings, then GEMS nursery kids, so they have a few seats. KINGS give preference to kids from Childs Play nursery, so to get an upper hand you could enroll your child there. Horizon I dont know much about. Register as soon as you can, because registration doesnt guarantee a seat, and you should apply to at least 2 schools. Good luck!
sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 November 2017 - 15:05
Hi, You can get in touch with a freelancer I know, his instagram is [url=http://www.instagram.com/aljvd'>http://www.instagram.com/aljvd[/url'> and you can mail him on [email protected] with your requirements and he can send you a quote.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 October 2017 - 14:22
Oh no, I'm very sorry to hear about her situation :( Yes it's hard to prove, maybe he's put up pictures on social media, or are there any witnesses? If she goes down to Dubai Courts they can tell her what her options are, and what kind of evidence they would need. It makes me really sad to hear about cases like this, I wish her all the best inshaAllah.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 October 2017 - 14:54
She might not need a lawyer.. My friend got a Khula (divorce) here (shes Muslim and so was her husband) and she went to Dubai Courts, they heard her case and saw her evidence. They first try a reconciliation period (3 months I think) after which if she still wants a Khula (not divorce, theres a difference in the 2 but both result in legal separation) she can get it after some court hearings. Her husband didn't put up a fight, and her case was strong, which helped. In a Khula she wont get as many financial rights as she would with a divorce, but it's a lot quicker and easier. -- Edited to add: I have heard that if the girls case is very strong e.g. adultery or abuse, the court can give her a divorce (not Khula) even if the husband doesn't agree. Again, best for her to go to Dubai Courts directly first and find out.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 October 2017 - 10:12
Oops just saw this now, you can mail me on sourskittle at gmail dot com
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2017 - 10:04
After finishing your first trimester is the norm - so in your 4th month of pregnancy. Maximum 5th. I told my boss in my 4th month, to give them enough time to find a temporary replacement while I was on maternity leave. Is there a reason you're not looking forward to it?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2017 - 08:59
Howdra also have a service where the maid is on their visa, but I think she would live with you. You can check with them: http://howdra.com/services/ Also I think Nannies Dubai has a similar service.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2017 - 09:22
Wow spammers promoting their businesses on EW have gotten very creative. They post a couple of posts in an attempt to look realistic. Well done.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2017 - 19:55
Does he have the new job? If so, your visa will be linked to his new job, not the previous one you cancelled from anyways so you will need a new visa still.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2017 - 09:54
My daughter went to Learning Tree in Business Bay (Executive Towers) when she was 2 - 3 years old and we loved it. It was small but not cramped - very cosy and bright, lots of sunlight, and they have a small outdoor area too. She loved going there, the staff was lovely and they always had really good activities for the kids. Link: [url=https://www.facebook.com/learningtreenurserydubai/'>https://www.facebook.com/learningtreenurserydubai/[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2017 - 09:50
That really does sound like a terrible overreaction on the schools part! Were they maybe trying to make money off the extra speech therapy etc? My daughter 4 in FS2 and was super shy, didnt socialise her first term with the other kids, and was so shy to talk to the teacher she wouldnt tell them when she wanted to go to the toilet and had several "accidents" in her uniform the first term. She would even make eye contact with the teachers, which is usually a sign of some OT issues or whatever. Her teacher was very patient about it and we would discuss how best to get her out of her shell, and make her feel comfortable. She didnt speak more than a few words a day but her teacher never even brought up speech therapy! Now at the end of her school year she was chatting with the teachers and had made friends in her class, and I really credit her teacher for her effort with her. She is in Wellington Academy DSO. I really do think schools tend to hype up speech delays etc. and I can imagine your frustration.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2017 - 11:44
I used someone just now for my and baby's massage and she was really good, I feel like it really helped my recovery. I didn't get massages with my first baby and I wish I had! She's from India, she doesnt know English she speaks only Hindi/Urdu. She charges 2000 per month and comes every day but Friday. You can mail me on sourskittle at gmail dot com and I'll send her number :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2017 - 11:41
I order from iHerb, delivery is 3-4 days by DHL if you order several items its only about 8dhs for delivery! https://ae.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Solutions-Sweet-Almond-Oil-4-fl-oz-118-ml/14394
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 August 2017 - 09:49
My husband is a photographer, and a great way to meet other photographers here is through IGERSDubai - the Instagram community of photographers here. They usually have meetups with a theme (instameets), like #DubaiMetroSeries and go together as a group to different locations around UAE. Their instagram page is : https://www.instagram.com/igersdubai/?hl=en If you send me a mail on sourskittle at gmail dot com, I can give you more info and our husbands can connect :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2017 - 15:57
Try Mums @ Work on Facebook - its an initiative to help mums find part time jobs. [url=https://www.facebook.com/mumsatworkme/'>https://www.facebook.com/mumsatworkme/[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2017 - 11:24
Canada - you pay VAT but the tax money goes towards free schools, healthcare and you can get the passport after 4 years.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2017 - 16:02
forgot to mention, it will be a company decision to give people salary increases. depending on your lifestyle inflation is approx. going to be 2.5-3% (this is estimated and CANNOT be confirmed as everyone's lifestyle is different)........ they have said that they will not look at income tax for individuals in UAE (although there is a new tax for dependants in KSA). they are looking into corporate tax for possible introduction in the next 10 years or so this should not impact individuals. my question was sarcastic - companies costs are going to increase, I highly doubt they will be giving employees any raises. Usually countries with VAT also offer free schooling to the taxpayers. Will that be the case here? Will taxpayers here also get citizenship like other VAT countries offer?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2017 - 11:24
And what percentage will salaries increase by? :thinking:
sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2017 - 11:32
I know of one couple who had their child at Saudi German and it was a horrible heartbreaking experience for them. Their daughter was born premature, and the hospital mishandled her birth, and didn't take care of her properly in her first few days. Because of this, their daughter now is blind in both eyes. They went to the UK to specialists to get help, and all doctors confirmed that if their daughter had received proper care in her first days, she would have had her vision. :(
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2017 - 11:28
I'm in a similar situation and got a lot of my questions answered through Quora: [url=https://www.quora.com/topic/Immigration-to-Canada'>https://www.quora.com/topic/Immigration-to-Canada[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2017 - 09:06
Hi You can go to any decent printing shop in Dubai (DESCO/Spectrum) and ask them to print a 6ft long artwork (they have printers that can print long banners/rolls) and then they can cut and mount. Better to physcially go to the printing store and show them pictures of what you want.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2017 - 12:13
Hi I went to Aziza, she's an Osteopath at Osteopathic Health Centre She comes highly recommended. They also have chiropractors there.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2017 - 09:33
I've recently discovered Amazon.co.uk has very decent shipping rates to UAE as long as you select "Eligible for International Shipping" and get it delivered to a PO Box! Yay!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2017 - 09:31
Admin, PLEASE fix the font asap, I can't read more than 3 posts without wanting to close the site! I used to check EW every morning but now I've stopped because the design is so distracting :(
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2017 - 09:29
My daughter is 4 years old attending GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis in FS2 (starting Year 1 in Septemeber) and we are really happy with the school. She's only been there 1 year but we have no complaints - the learning pace is good, communication from the school is always up to date and the facilities are one of the best (though at their age they dont really use all of them!). Their Primary section has an "outstanding" rating from KHDA. Silicon Oasis community is a lovely place to live, especially the Cedra villas are very well designed and spacious, something rare for villas in that price range in Dubai! The apartments don't have the best quality finishing. It's quiet, no traffic, plenty of small shops and groceries around, and very safe from what I've heard. I've been trying to convince hubby to move there for some time now! GEMS Wellington DSO has a waiting list, so you should contact them ASAP, and also look at Repton and Kings Nad Al Sheba which are close by to Silicon Oasis (max 10 minute drive) and have excellent ratings, particularly Repton (though you will find mixed review on Expatwoman, my friends with kids there are very happy with it). Let me know if you have any specific questions about the school, good luck with the move! :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2017 - 11:02
I've lived here for 28 years and for the first time, I'm seriously thinking about leaving. - Rents, school fees and general costs increase every year but salaries don't. - VAT Tax is being introduced but expat residents get no benefits - no passport, no free schooling, no welfare - you're only as good as your residency visa. Other countries that have VAT tax still offer the people paying the tax some if not all of the previously mentioned benefits. - Summers seem to getting hotter! I love this country, I grew up here, but it's just not practical to plan long term for here anymore :(
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2017 - 10:08
I'm a graphic designer and I've quickly edited your website CSS to show you what I mean about small font size, your choice of font and alignment: [url=https://www.dropbox.com/s/spsjz61pvtuwv8e/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-29%20at%2010.29.18%20AM.png?dl=0'>https://www.dropbox.com/s/spsjz61pvtuwv8e/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-29%20at%2010.29.18%20AM.png?dl=0[/url'> I really thought EW needed a design revamp so well done! However, please consider: [b'>- LARGE FONT SIZE: [/b'>Is very unfriendly. [b'>- FONT: [/b'>for reading long text is not ideal, you're better off using the industry standard fonts like Lato or Open Sans for body copy [b'>- Text alignment[/b'> should be left, and user info on the left - it just reads easier [b'>- BOXES[/b'> need to be smaller Please look at other forum designs and you'll instantly see what good forum aesthetics are: https://colorlib.com/wp/wordpress-bbpress-forum-themes/ I cant even explore your site the big font size is so difficult to navigate. Please fix asap!
sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2017 - 09:10
There's a Caribou Coffee in JBR/Marina that had a cute little sitting area upstairs with couches and a bookshelf. I went there years ago but it might still be there - very private and not busy at all.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2017 - 09:07
Absolutley correct for all of the emirates including Dubai, mother can only sponsor children if she is in the medical feild like Nurse, Doctor etc or Teacher. Not sure about engineering. Old sponsors may be allowed to carry on but new apps will not be processed. I sponsored my daughter and I am not in any of those fields, I'm a Graphic Designer with a semi-govt company in Dubai. It might be different for Abu Dhabi.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2017 - 09:06
Hi Off topic I know, but which breast pump did you use? I'm pumping for my baby and get a bit confused sometimes about pumps.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2017 - 09:59
Hi! I know schools can be overwhelming! Do you have a budget for fees? Excellent schools but on the high end in terms of fees near you would be Kings Barsha, Nord Anglia, Dubai British School. Difficult to get into due to popularity but close to you are Kings Umm Suqeim and GEMS Wellington International (which you already mentioned) are also excellent. What school year is your daughter going into? The younger classes (FS, Year 1) are harder to get into due to high demand.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2017 - 09:54
I would def choose DBS! I've heard very good things about it.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2017 - 09:53
There's a lot of previous threads on here from the golden days of expatwoman! Specifically users like Kiwispiers were so helpful with so many tips on breastfeeding. Just do a search.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2017 - 09:52
I know this thread is old, but I use iHerb.com ([url=https://ae.iherb.com/'>https://ae.iherb.com/[/url'>) - it's based in the USA and they have ahuge range of brands. DHL delivery arrives in 3 days!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2017 - 09:36
I have an online store, and used Ajman Freezone to set up. The cost was about 25,000 since it's e-commerce. I went straight to their office in Park Tower on SZR. For web development, if you are selling online, I recommend Shopify. You can set up Cash on Delivery or Credit Card payments. Paypal still doesnt really work. If you just need a corporate website, for a simple one use Wix or if you are a bit more computer savvy then Wordpress.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2017 - 09:20
MAX has really good prices. I suggest take her with you and buy her your choice of clothes, but also let her choose some of her own taste, to wear on her day off :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 April 2017 - 09:27
I had braces for 3 years as a teenager and my dentist Dr Bhatia was amazing - I've recommended him to several people and they've all had great results. His rates are still much less compared to other clinics. I had severe protrusion in my front teeth and he fixed them perfectly without removing any teeth which most dentists would have done. He is at Central PolyClinic in Al Ghurair
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2017 - 17:21
Yes a podiatrist - I injured my toenail and needed to get the whole nail removed, it was horrible! I went to Dr Michelle at Dubai Podiatry, she is lovely and super helpful
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2017 - 11:02
I go to Gladys Salon in Barsha and they have one of the best blowdrys I've gotten here. I get the type with the curls from brushes, and they pin it for me to open later once I'm done getting ready. I forgot the girls name, but every time I've gone I've been really happy with it.
 
 
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