sourskittleashnut | ExpatWoman.com
 

sourskittleashnut

sourskittleashnut
984
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2016 - 15:34
bump! I would like to know too. Our maid is coming as a company amploye, all her papaers are ready, and the consulate here is giving us this agnecy nonsense. We are contemplating getting her here via Thailand or Singapore, but dont want to waste money on air tickets unless it will work?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2016 - 10:09
I worked as a temp fo 1.5 years at a semi-goverment and got no benefits - no leave days, no medical insurance, no residency visa. It is literally just a salary for the hours you work. I didn't even get reduced Ramadan working hours! The law here for temp positions is sadly quite strict. Even though employers are required to give medical insurance, I believe it's only for full-time employees, which temp doesnt count as (even if you work full hours in the day).
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2016 - 10:50
I just got my iPhone 6plus fixed at Dubai Mall, a little kiosk across Waitrose, they fixed it in 20 minutes, charged 500dhs.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 June 2016 - 13:21
Perhaps it would be better to try for FS1 for your child in Winchester of Founders? You'll be spending money on nursery anyways where your child does FS1, why not use that money for a school so you dont have to stress about FS2 placements? Whenever you register your child you will have to pay the 500dhs registration in each school.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2016 - 14:59
Have you looked at the new GEMS Founders school opening in September? They have discount as well so the fees for FS1 is 18,700 which is quite reasonable. If your budget is less than this, then perhaps look at a school like GEMS Winchester? My DD did FS1 in nursery but it was a GEMS nursery so she got priority for FS2 in GEMS schools. Their fees are quite high though, and it sounds like you are on a tight budget. Nurseries that offer FS1 will be quite expensive too. Unfortunately most new schools will have high fees, so I think a school like GEMS Founders might suit you. Here is a link to their fees page: [url=http://www.gemsfoundersschool-dubai.com/tuition-fees/fees-payment/'>http://www.gemsfoundersschool-dubai.com/tuition-fees/fees-payment/[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2016 - 14:45
Hi, It might help if you mention what annual fees range is within your budget?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2016 - 14:26
Hi Which Wellington Academy are you referring to - Silicon Oasis or Al Khail? Both have threads in the Schools & Nurseries section just updated recently.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2016 - 11:37
Wow really? That's shocking! Hasn't it only been open 1 year?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 June 2016 - 11:33
I LOVE Next Direct but yes returns are costly - to send back a small pair of shoes by post cost 50dhs, which was the cost of the shoe! I just sold them on Dubizzle and made my money back :biggrin:
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2016 - 08:53
butterfly, is there a PTA type organization at the school? or at least a school board? you might be able to connect with other parents regarding carpooling. im sure there are many parents who are coming from long distances - do not be put down by the commute - in a place like dubai where there are so many schools of flash and glamour, there are very few of any real substance. many parents concerned about their child's education and overall welfare opt to "inconvenience" themselves a bit to ensure their child is happy. also i assure you, a child would rather withstand a 2 hour commute than go to a close by school where they are miserable. if you were to use careem, someone previously had mentioned sheikh zayed road is not safe: truth is, none of the roads here are safe. please be conscious of car seat/booster seat usage. That's a very valid point, I forgot to mention Careem has a service called Careem Kids where they have a car seat in the car!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2016 - 12:04
Hi FM Sorry to hear about your loss. I do know how long the wait feels to find out results, but I think you have tested too early. As for symptoms, it's not always the best indicator. I recommend waiting it out and get a blood test the day your period is due, for the most accurate results.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2016 - 10:29
ugh that is just heartbreaking :( please do post if you find out how to help.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2016 - 14:20
I completely get your point about not wanting to move your child - plus DESS is a fantastic school . Have you thought about using Careem? They have an app, you book the taxi through the app or their website ( by taxi i mean something like a nice Lexus ES350 - even if you choose the economy option they will upgrade you to a nice car). You will get a confirmation along with the drivers name and mobile number and license plate. They will text you when the driver is outside your house so you can call the maid and tell her. On the drive to school and back you can track the car on the app to see it's exact location in Dubai which will be a relief. Once the taxi reaches it's destination you will get a text and be e-mailed an invoice. Your maid can pay them the cash or you can link your credit card. You will need to make it 2 booking - one on the way to school and one on the way back, but it will probably end up being the same driver because they find the driver closest to you when you make your booking. It's very reliable, and I think you'll find the up to date tracking feature really convenient. I use it often and the drivers are very polite and well trained. If you use this link to sign up, you'll get AED20 credit free! :biggrin: [url=http://careem.com/signup/OK5U1S9FC3'>http://careem.com/signup/OK5U1S9FC3[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2016 - 12:11
just saw this thread and it's hilarious :lol: I'm pretty sure this was a windup since she never posted on anything ever again!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2016 - 12:08
My sister had both her babies there (one just a year ago) and both experience were great with no complaints at all.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2016 - 10:38
Hi Pippyroo There's 2 Wellington Academy's - one in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) which this forum thread is about, and the other is in Al Khail which is the one your children are going to attend. So the feedback here doesn't apply to your chosen school :) If you search Foremarke on here you'll find some feedback you might find helpful. Overall the best schools in UAE for your children's age group are also the ones that have long waiting lists - Nord Anglia, Kings, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) and Jumeirah Primary School (JPS). Good luck!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2016 - 10:25
As HorizonMum2 said, it would be best to look at which hospitals your insurance covers, and then research those hospitals on Expatwoman, since this topic has been discussed extensively. If you dont have insurance, then research threads about that - most opt for Latifa hospital which is a very good govt. hospital and will keep your costs down.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2016 - 08:50
I looked high and low and I think it's impossible to find in the UAE. I order from Look Fantastic.com - they deliver to UAE PO Box for free! Prices are reasonable too: [url=http://www.lookfantastic.com/brands/burt-s-bees.list'>http://www.lookfantastic.com/brands/burt-s-bees.list[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2016 - 11:26
wow thats some really diverse work experience you got there, mam2210! :biggrin:
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2016 - 15:06
I get all my herbal stuff from iherb.ae, they have really cheap shipping to UAE too - DHL arrives in 2- 3 days! [url=http://www.iherb.ae/Cinnamon-Oil'>http://www.iherb.ae/Cinnamon-Oil[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2016 - 08:51
Hi! Have you tried Nazih salon supplies, on Sheikh Zayed Road next to McDonalds? Else you can order from these websites, they have free shipping to UAE. I use them often the prices are great and it arrives within 10 days to your PO box. [b'>Look Fantastic:[/b'> [url=http://www.lookfantastic.com/babyliss-big-hair-airstyler-42mm-black/pink/11105655.html'>http://www.lookfantastic.com/babyliss-big-hair-airstyler-42mm-black/pink/11105655.html[/url'> [b'>Feel Unique: [/b'>[url=http://www.feelunique.com/p/BaByliss-Pro-Titanium-Expression-Pro-Big-Hair-50mm'>http://www.feelunique.com/p/BaByliss-Pro-Titanium-Expression-Pro-Big-Hair-50mm[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2016 - 08:52
Thank you ladies, I've also seen non-Pottery Barn bags with names stitched on - I might just ask the mum/dad next time I see a kid with one! There's a place in Jumeirah Centre that stitches names and messages on clothes, I might try there as well. Will keep this post updated! :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 May 2016 - 09:21
Thanks HorizonMum! Do you know if I can bring in my own school bag or does it have to be purchased from Pottery Barn KIds?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2016 - 14:06
Hi, I am starting to get desperate as I only have 1 box of Aptamil First Infant Milk left and a hungry baby who wont have any other formula... does anyone know where I can get this from? I have been Spinneys, waitrose, carrefour... I am starting to panic that I wont have any formula for my little one. Thanks in advance URGENT MUMS INFO REQUIRED.........Resurrecting this old post as I am now in this situation. Can anyone confirm whether Lulu's Choitrams &/or Life Pharmacy still stock the Aptamil 1st Infant Milk UK Powder. Not LOCALLY Made Aptamil First. Need to know urgently down to my last 5 boxes but will order from UK if it's a negative for DXB stockists. TIA Hi, If it's very urgent you could try calling them and check.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2016 - 09:52
hi preethi, what kind of photograpy do you need?
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2016 - 10:41
Wow this thread is proof that EW has slowed down - every year KHDA results are followed by a storm of posts on EW, but this year nothing :confused:
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2016 - 09:46
Yes :( I already saw my daughter's school has increased their fees as per the full KHDA report below *sigh* [url=http://www.khda.gov.ae/en/DSIB/Reports?isSearched=1'>http://www.khda.gov.ae/en/DSIB/Reports?isSearched=1[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2016 - 14:57
Kabayl Discount Centre in Deira has those with mini partitions inside, i got them for my daughters lunch box. Also the big Carrefours in Deira City Centre or MOE.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2016 - 14:55
Maybe these guys? [url=http://www.camelcompany.ae/'>The Camel Company[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2016 - 10:32
Hi It would be helpful if you would post what skills/experience you have and what kind of part time work you are looking for? Nabbesh.com helps freelancers find work.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2016 - 09:08
I donate my books to Dubai Centre for Special Needs, so they can sell them at their fundraising sales to raise money for the centre. If you really want to sell them, there's a second hand booksop in Jumeirah Plaza that buys second hand books as well as sells them.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 April 2016 - 08:48
I've heard very good things about Safa school. Theres a few threads about it here already: [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic205049-safa-school-dubai-primary-forum43.aspx'>http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic205049-safa-school-dubai-primary-forum43.aspx[/url'> [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic230053-safa-school-forum23.aspx'>http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic230053-safa-school-forum23.aspx[/url'> [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic203883-safa-school-reviews-forum43.aspx'>http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic203883-safa-school-reviews-forum43.aspx[/url'> Raffles is good too, but if I was you I would choose Safa.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2016 - 10:55
FeelUnique.com has a huge range of John Frieda and they deliver free to UAE over 60GBP orders! I've used them and been very happy with their service. They deliver to PO Boxes FYI. If you use this link you get 15% off your order: [url=http://referme.to/688021o'>http://referme.to/688021o[/url'> John Frieda products: [url=http://row.feelunique.com/brands/john-frieda'>http://row.feelunique.com/brands/john-frieda[/url'>
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2016 - 14:36
In Mecca and Medina you should wear abaya at all times. In other cities I have heard you can wear loose modest clothing with a headscarf but you might want to get this checked.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2016 - 12:26
It is honestly ridiculous. All the "there are so many new schools opening" justifications dont work because all the new good schools are even more expensive than their previous branch : - Kings Barsha vs Kings Umm Suqeim - Safa Community vs Safa Private and if it's a good brand new school it's still high fees (e.g. Hartland)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2016 - 12:29
Hi ladies, I'm looking to hire an admin/secretary for my husbands business, and we have someone in Philippines who comes highly recommended. I wanted to know if someone has experience bringing an employee on a freezone visa from there? She's never been to UAE before, and her passport is ready. Would appreciate someones guidance who has been through a similar process.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2016 - 09:03
35dhs is too much! These rates are delivery from UAE to the UAE: [b'>Parzel[/b'> = 14dhs (I use them often, they are very reliable) parzel.ae [b'>Skynet[/b'> = 18dhs [b'>Aramex [/b'>= 22dhs
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2016 - 09:03
You can always buy a regular cake and put on cake toppers yourself. For my daughters 3rd birthday I got a 2kg chocolate cake from Chocoa bakery in Barsha, just asked them to cover it in blue fondant which didnt cost much extra, and I bought mini Toy Story figurines from the toy store and put those on top, with some cute candles. It looked great, and the figurines are still played with till today! I can't bake at all, so buying a cake was a better option for me!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2016 - 10:59
Hi I went from British school system all my life to an American university when I was 18. The main differences were of course the spelling (colour vs color) and American system has Multiple Choice Questions and English system requires full sentence answers. I much prefer the British system, I found the American way of MCQs very strange, so if your children are used to MCQs they might find it a big change to write out full answers. Another difference I can imagine at the school level is the History lessons - your children had probably focused more on American history and British schools will focus on British history. Sorry I cant be much help at the school level, but good luck!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2016 - 14:28
Aramex Shop and Ship has a discount right now on shipping if you use Paypal, $10 off at checkout, no coupon needed :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2016 - 11:42
My daughter loves Schleich dinosaurs, thanks for the tip! I'm always amazed at how much more expensive big toy brands are here compared to the USA.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2016 - 11:40
Hi ladies, Thank you for your replies! [b'>@JaneJ[/b'> thanks for your words of wisdom! She has Paypal as an option on the site but unfortuntely people in this region dont understand Paypal and prefer Cash on Delivery :( [b'>@UmmSofia [/b'>that would be great, please mail me and I'll give you her contact details :cool:
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 14:37
First get checked with a gynae that its not a hormonal imbalance (mild PCOS maybe). I broke out at 21 with horrible acne, worse than when I had been a teenager and had already taken Roaccutane for. The gynae put me on Diane 35 which instantly cleared up my skin but caused other issues (weight gain, mood swings). If it is a hormonal imbalance, then accutane and topical creams won't do much in the long term, trust me I've tried!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2016 - 10:14
Are you on your husbands sponsorship, and just renewing the visa? If so, I think it would be best to go to the immigration center (in Jafiliya just across Jafiliya metro station). First go to a typing center there (its just outside the immigration center), tell them you want a visa renewal, and they'll start the form process for you, and tell you what documents you need. Make sure you take your husbands original passport and copies, your original passport and copies, your husbands salary certificate copy, labor card copy (just in case they need to check that he is still working at the same company), DEWA bill copy, housing contract copy and original passport pictures for yourself. It's happened a lot of times I've gone to the typing center and realized I didn't bring a certain document so now I just take whatever I think they might need, including our marriage certificate! It will be better to take your husband with you, I think the sponsor has to be there. Once your typing center form is complete, go inside to section 2 main counter (there will be a man in a police type uniform sitting there) tell him you want visa renewal and he'll tell you where to go within the immigration center. Most sections have a ladies section separate with much shorter queues, so make sure once you are in the right area to go to the women's section and get a token. The medical comes later, and your Emirates ID will start once your renewal is approved, and you'll pay for that at the same typing centre and they'll start the process. The websites do have very little information, it's best to go yourself and find out what you need. Try to go early in the morning, like 8am, if you go after 11am it's very busy and a lot of waiting around. I haven't done a visa renewal in a long time so maybe it's a much shorter process than I'm making it out to be! Good luck :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2016 - 16:20
bump!
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2016 - 14:27
AdventurerB how on earth did you get to that conclusion from my post? I've lived here 25+ years, yes I do love this country and respect it's leaders, which is exactly why I feel like I also have the right to point something out it if I see it, and not live in some la-la-land bubble. As for my post, I did not insult anything or anyone, I merely pointed out something VERY obvious, not in criticism or favor of it. My previous post has been deleted, I'm guessing by admin *humph* :(
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2016 - 08:56
I don't think that would be enough sorry. That would easily cover your living expenses and school fees, but not your rent. The main thing is housing, if your husbands company can provide housing then you are okay. There is no concept of "part time" work here, not legally anyways, trust me I tried to find something flexible after my daughter was born! If you work freelance they now require something called a "freelance license" which you pay quite a bit for. You'll need to get a job and have to work full hours - I got a temporary contract for 3 months but it still required me to work full hours 8am till 5pm. This would then mean putting your 8 month old in a nursery, which gets expensive for all day care (about 15,000dhs for 3 months) or hiring a full time nanny to watch your child when you are at work which is cheaper but it's really hard to find someone you can trust. If none of the above is possible, you can live in a low rent area like International City and put your 8 year old in a school such as Winchester. It is doable to live on 24,000 but I'm not sure what standard of living you are accustomed to and how much you can adjust. Good luck :)
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2016 - 08:43
My daughter is currently FS1 at Little Gems Nursery. If you place your child there, they get priority placement at GEMS schools for FS2 next year. The Little Gems branch in Barsha is much nicer and the staff is better than the one in Safa (from what I've heard the other parents say!) but the fees is higher too. My daughter has been happy at LIttle Gems Safa, no major complaints but we havent been too happy with it either, there is definitely room for improvement, but it was for just 1 year so we stuck it out. You should also look at Inspire Nursery, my daughter was there when she was 1 year old to 2 years old and we loved it, the staff is great and they have an FS1 programme. We just didnt send her there for FS1 because we wanted the priority placement,but if thats not important to you then I highly recommend it.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2016 - 14:33
There is a ban in hiring them directly from Philippines and bringing them over on maids visa. The way around it is for them to come on a visit visa by getting invited by a relative who is residing in the UAE (they have to share the same last name) and then once shes in the UAE, she can go on a maids visa. Many friends of mine have done this and it works out fine.
sourskittleashnut
984
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2016 - 11:38
I wouldn't bother, you're not going to gain much and lose a lot of your money in the process. Doesn't seem worth it to me. I have read other posters on here who did the same thing and it turned out to be massively stressful and cost them a lot too.
 
 
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