starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

starsouthern
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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 16:02
Normally a maid is supposed to get 30 days annual leave. I don't think it's fair to send her home for a week after 2 years of working for you.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 15:57
I'm so sorry for what you're going through hilsbils. A very close friend of mine went through something similar with her husband. After 6 failed IVF attempts he said no more, he was also was not open to adoption. They eventually decided to use a surrogate it took a long time to convince him but the fact that the baby was both biologically theirs won him over. They have since had 3 children through surrogacy. I personally could not have a childless marriage. Personally I wanted at least 2 children and when my husband announced after our first that he didn't think he wanted anymore children I told him that I would leave if we didn't have at least one more child. My friends told me I was being unfair but I knew I wanted 2 children and would never forgive him for stopping me from having a second.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 December 2012 - 12:59
It really depends on the bank you're dealing with, it can range from 20% to 50%.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 09:18
Jebel Ali Primary School hands down. It's a very good school with excellent teachers.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 10:48
They have them in all the electrical and phone shops in the malls dhs 1299 for 16 gig one.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 10:58
I don't know anything about the spa I'm afraid, but does anyone know how frequntley you can do the sessions? I was adviced only once a month at one salon when I asked. Yep only once a month and about 6 sessions depending on area and how much hair you have.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 10:50
Cell Metro fix all our phones and iPads. They'll pick up and drop it off too. www.celmetro.com
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 21:00
3K for a purse?!?! I usually stick with buying coach purses from back home so they run between 200-300AED and I usually shudder at that price. I can see a lot of other things 3K could be used for in our house. But I guess not all of us are fortunate to have that much money around. Where do you buy Coach bags for 200-300AED? Online they start at US$298 and go upto US$1600 depending on style.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 20:56
I would call Drs Nicholas & Asp and see if you can get in with Dr Izabella. Second Dr Izabella
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 19:36
All taxi are managed by the RTA however they are owned by different companies. Here is the breakdown. Red Dubai Taxi Corp. 04 208 08 08 Pink Ladies Taxies 04 208 08 08 (Female drivers for ladies and families of all nationalities - they won't take unaccompanied men or groups of men) Orange Metro Taxis 04 267 32 22 Yellow National Taxis 600 54 33 22 Green Arabia Taxis 04 285 51 11 Blue Cars Taxis 04 269 29 00
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 15:17
Sections A, B, C and D have lots of small parks and the main one by the main pool.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 12:40
My kids say Aquaventure.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 11:18
I park at the Souk because Saks isn't in the main hotel. It's downstairs outside to the side of the hotel.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:55
We're in a 3E in Al Reem and ours was 140 last year and we've just renewed at the same price. however he's given us a years notice of a rent increase from next year. Sorry to go off subject but your landlord can't put the rent up even with a years notice if rental calculator has no increase no matter how long you've been in the house.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 23:25
Oh, sorry, you wanted to know where? Spinneys/Waitrose - you can either order now or just wander in to pick one up there on Chrismas Eve. Carrefour probably the same. Park'n'Rob too - anyone know? We've always picked ours up Xmas eve from the section where the fresh chickens are. Spinneys, Carrefour and Park n Shop usually have them. Most people I know pre Oder them though we just like the risk ?
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 22:03
Have you tried Grass Roots (Golf lessons) they're really good.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 21:58
There's another one I just heard of called KCal - healthy meals. I haven't tried them but plan to this week! http://www.kcalhealthyfastfood.com/ That's the other company I was thinking of :) it was driving me crazy!
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 21:57
I was told many moons ago that cutting your cuticles is like cutting your eyelashes. Don't do it! Same here. I do scrape the skin off the actual nail, with an orange stick, after leaving cuticle remover cream on them to soak--but that's it. Now, erm, don't tell me your eyelashes are so long you asked someone if you could cut them!!!! Wouldn't that be a nice problem to have! I wish I could steal my DH's :( I have stubbs. LOL Should I be sooo lucky!
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 19:43
I was told many moons ago that cutting your cuticles is like cutting your eyelashes. Don't do it!
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 19:41
Casserole, Health Factory, Right Bite, there' another company but can't remember the name, will all deliver different meal options daily.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 18:43
found out from my scan yesterday that the cord is around our little guy's neck. Its loose so the dr doesn't seem concerned. How worried should I be? I wouldn't be to worried as long as Dr is keeping an eye on it. My girl had the same problem so they induced me on my due date. She was born with the cord around her neck and was blue didn't cry for 15 seconds! All of us were terrified and saying come on baby cry, cry baby. Well she started crying and didn't stop for two years! If Dr isn't worried I wouldn't be too worried.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 16:55
hello star southern, thanks so much for your advice. So where did most of the families live?if not Jum I or Springs or Arabian then where did they live? They mostly lived in Bur Dubai, Jumeirah, Um Suquem, Dubai Mall Area, Satwa, and Sheikh Zayed Rd in apartments. There are some lovely villas behind the police station area near the trade centre in Bur Dubai. Quite a few families lived there. <em>edited by starsouthern on 18/12/2012</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 16:48
My daughter would sleep in our bed from falling asleep till morning. My son slept in his bed till he woke up then came into ours. My other son will only sleep in his cot in our room. We would get ready for bed in the spare bathroom. Day naps I found that if I put them to sleep in our bed surrounded by pillows they wouldn't wake up till they were ready.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 16:32
Pretty much that's all I get too. Maybe that's why it's cancelled ?
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 16:22
Did anybody get into this series? It got cancelled and I was really enjoying it! I must be the only one because everyone I ask thinks it was rubbish. I just loved the suspense of whatever was going on at the drake. I really liked it too, just beginning to understand it and now it's cancelled :(
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 16:21
What an amazing Christmas present! Congratulations to both of you! xx
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 15:55
Hi I don't have direct experience of either school, but I know quite a few parents with children in both. They both seem like good schools, but personally I would opt for DESS given that it is more established and has a not-for-profit ethos. Its facilities may be tired, but as far as I am aware they are planning a move to new premises. Hi! Do you know where they are planning to move to? The official line from the Governors Meeting is that no DESS is not moving premises.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 15:53
You can't download directly from the Internet onto your iPad, you can only download from the App Store which is password protected.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 15:47
@Purple My comment about flat screens and iPads was aimed at the poster saying that they thought DESS was behind with technology. What I ment was and should've written it more clear to avoid confusion is that... A flat screen in reception and cafeteria do not add value to your child's education. The money spent on those TVs could go towards teachers or other classroom resources that can enhance your child's education. Maybe RDS doesn't have them everywhere but other schools from the same organization do. I was trying to make the point that just because something is shiny and new it doesn't mean it's better. At DESS they use computers everyday, so technologically they are not behind. The admin person who people are referring to is not there any more and the new receptionist is lovely. If you talk to parents who've moved their kids to DESS from other profit schools including RDS can't believe the difference, for the better, in 1. The quality of education, 2. The community of the school and 3. How confident their kids are even after a month of being in the school. They all say we "We didn't have a problem with the old school, but after starting here wished we could've got in sooner." DESS, JESS and JAPS are in a league of their own and as a poster below said the two schools currently being compared is the same as comparing Apples to Oranges. <em>edited by starsouthern on 18/12/2012</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 20:28
There are lovely villas in jumeirah some are compounds. Jumeirah is family friendly and you have the beach on your door step. If you want a compound Cedre Villas in Dubai Silicon Oasis is also nice and it takes 15 mins to Wellington Primary. A lot if families also live in Ranches. We used to drive from Springs to GWP, it's not so bad, we knew 1 family that lives in Jumeirah Islands and did the drive. Play dates were a pain as most people when were there there didn't want to drive out to Springs do we had to go to them or meet in the middle somewhere. <em>edited by starsouthern on 17/12/2012</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 20:19
Mine is having full lessons only Thursday they have a party.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 16:47
DESS definitely. Yes all the kids don't have iPads, and there's no flat screen TVs all over the school but teachers are well looked after and dedicated. They have a low staff turn over. We came from another GEMS school to DESS and have to say the difference is huge. DESS has the reputation it has because of the level of education it provides.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 18:21
They're fab! You can buy them from their online store and they deliver to your door.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 16:36
http://www.aldersonandassociates.com/home.asp
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 15:59
I like my LG.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 15:21
I think her office is now based in Satwa. She will only give you very vague information. All though lovely sometimes the info is not very practical. As in reality it should work that way, but the here it doesn't. Like she says that if you have paid back half your loan, negotiate with the bank to get back your original cheque and give them a new one for whatever the balance is. Banks here simply do not do that. The Dubai Courts have free family lawyers downstairs in the basement. Think the rules in AD are different to DXB. Good luck <em>edited by starsouthern on 16/12/2012</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 15:03
Saw two kids this morning in Geant Easy Arabian Ranches licking and putting back mini pizzas (they were about 6 and 8 years old). I said to the mum, "Sorry your kids are licking the pizzas and putting them back." She turned to them and asked, "Did you do it?" They said "no," She started yelling at me! Normally I wouldn't say anything but my kids and I aren't well, had to pop to the shops as had run out of milk. It was really disgusting! Needless to say Geant Easy had to replace all the pizzas as the bakery person also saw it.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 17:57
They sell colour rescue at the super market. It's magical!
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 17:39
If you buy your Escape second hand directly from Ford they do a service deal with it.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 14 December 2012 - 22:00
Thanks everyone, will have to shop around. Liamoona will call you tomorrow. SS
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 14 December 2012 - 21:49
Good luck DB! You'll be great! :) <em>edited by starsouthern on 14/12/2012</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 22:21
You can use any sulphate and alcohol free shampoo
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 22:10
The same thing is happening with my British friends. Do you have a degree? Apparently this makes a difference.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 22:02
When we had our 10f trampoline delivered the guy left his number for replacement parts. No idea what they charge sorry +971 50 1307818
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 21:40
Hi Sugarbeach included in the package is our accommodation,rent all bills but not TV and Internet which I understand starts at around 600AED.They are also giving 30,000AED for each child in school fees.Company car as well but I will need a car of my own.What do you think now ? Would that make such a big difference to us. If the accommodation is company accommodation, as in they find it for you and pay for the agent fee, deposit and DEWA deposit, and all other expenses then that's different to 100k housing allowance. If you have the option of cash or fully paid housing i'd take ghe fully paid housing. 30k schooling is not enough if you want your kids to go to decent schools, yes there are cheaper schools that are decent but they also have long waiting lists. Dubai is not a nice place to be if you are living month to month. I personally would only come out here if I was getting a lot more than from home. As someone said below, there is no income tax, but you pay tax in lots of hidden ways.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 11:52
The Lloyd's bank there ...is no longer in existence. Apologies! Meant to say that was there, didn't offer a teller service.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 11:45
No, no RAK Bank Kiosk only ATM. The Lloyd's bank there doesn't have a teller service either.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 07:59
100k is very limiting on area and type of house you can have if you want a 3 bed villa. Our budget is that and we really struggled to find something decent. We looked all over Dubai. We are paying quite a bit out of our pocket. Even Mirdiff is now expensive most villas out of the flight path are 120k and above. In my opinion for the cash salary you've been offered I would want 120k housing, 45k schooling per child (but remember once they get to high school the fees can be 70k per child) Health insurance for the whole family with direct billing with the better hospitals. Tickets home once a year for the whole family. We're on a similar package to what your husband has been offered and to be honest it's a struggle. We don't save anything, but only have our nearly paid off car as debt. Most people I talk to here who've moved out in the last couple if years who are mid earners are finding it hard. They say they work longer hours than at home and do far more driving (which is stressful).
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 07:26
There's a huge shortage of shoes here for sizes 40+
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 21:16
Things I wish I hadn't bought: Expensive high chair with all the padding (could never clean it properly) Quinny Buzz (hated it with a vengeance! It was heavy and back wheels too wide.) Bambo seat (all 3 hated it.) New born clothes Baby bjorn Normal baby gym (mine rolled early so never stayed on it) Glad I bought: My Baby Jogger City Select push chair (don't know how I survived without it!) Ikea Antilop high chair (you can hose it down if you want!) Tall baby changer with bath from baby shop. Doughnut play gym from Mothercare Baby chair rocker bouncer. Microwave sterilizer. 2 if my babies were co-sleepers and hated their cots, so waste of money for them. My third however loves his cot and hates co-sleeping. Sorry way over 3! Oops ? <em>edited by starsouthern on 11/12/2012</em>
 
 
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