starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

starsouthern
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Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 20:43
The lawyer on Dubai Eye was saying that if you have a car accident and there are injuries/deaths involved you go to prison. You go to prison even if the accident wasn't your fault. To be released police take your passport. The hire car will continue to charge you the rental fee until they get the car back. They can't get the car back till the police release it. Police won't release it till the investigation is over. That can take weeks/months. Your passport and maybe your friends/relatives will also be kept until courts decide wether you're guilty or not. This can also take days/weeks/months/years. As the police have your passport you can't do visa runs so you over stay. Once you've overstayed you get charged the overstay fee per day. So now your paying for a car that you don't have and for being here illegally. She was also saying that if at the time of the accident you are unconscious and they take you to hospital you'll be charged for failure to produce your drivers license. Which incurs more fines/penalties. Other charges could also be brought against you depending on what happened. She was saying that they've seen a lot if these cases recently. <em>edited by starsouthern on 11/12/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 20:22
Haven't tried it but I saw a Lee Stafor range of shampoos and conditions to make hair grow in Spinneys the other day. Mane and Tail helped my hair grow.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 20:19
I wish my frnd the dog behaviourist was still in town to help you with this situation... she helped us with similar natured rescued belgian shepherd whom we rescued wen she was 6 yrs old! Lots's of trainings, and lots of effort from us and she is ok...she is still the most aggressive of the pack....she is ok with children but with me being pregnant I really have to make sure she still gets as much attention as she is used to or else her evil side will return. I wish you all the very best in finding the best solution.... We sought advice from a dog behaviorist too before putting him down. Unfortunately it's a genetic defect that some of these dogs have. As much as I wanted to give him a chance I couldn't trust that he wouldn't attack someone. He was really cuddly so he'd ask people for a pat, at first he would be fine then out of the blue he'd attack. He wasn't safe to be around children or adults. I also couldn't guarantee that if I gave him away the next family/people wouldn't leave him on the street if he attacked them.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 18:21
Got it. Will give her your email.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 17:49
Dubai Eye 103.8 on the Siobhán Live property show was covering this exact issue last week. Not sure if there is a pod cast of it on the website. Basically they were saying don't do it. The risks are way to high.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 13:25
The service charges in Springs are lower than Greens. Emaar are very helpful, if you call them they will tell you. Every plot has different fees as well so best if you call.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 12:51
starsouthern sounds exactly like our dog and i know that is the right thing to do, its absolutley heartbreaking... I know eight years later and I still miss him, but it was the right thing to do.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 12:30
Unfortunately it's something in the breed at 4 they either turn nasty or stay the same. I've been here 15 years and have seen it happen to many saluki cross male dogs at the same age. Our vet in AD warned us when we rescued two dogs. The female at four was fine and is still fine. Unfortunately for our male dog this wasn't the case. It started when he was about 3, he started growling when people would stroke him. Then gradually led to snapping. He used to jump over our 6foot wall and bit a kid. Then bit our maid, then me. I had a young baby as well so was worried. Took him to the vet who told us unfortunately we had to put him down. It broke my heart but it was the fairest thing to do. I really feel for what you're going through. <em>edited by starsouthern on 10/12/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 20:40
A lawyer friend once told me that if you had being doing a job for a period of time, working the requested hours and receiving a salary on a regular basis, then whether you have a contract or not, it would be deemed that you had and therefore the terms of the contract could be upheld (hope that makes sense) but technically if you are working and do not have the necessary paperwork, e.g. labour card then you and your employer are at fault. Not very helpful but thought I would mention it. The lawyer on 103.8 was saying this is no longer the case. If you are working for a company without a visa or labour card from the company then you are working illegally and are liable for any penalties including fines and jail time.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 10:50
I am looking for a new home for my Nanny as we have run out of room in our home and are looking for a live out. Just a thought but why don't you keep your wonderful Nanny (they are so hard to find) but help her find accomodation out of your house. You'll be paying the same money if you hire a completely new Nanny but you won't have the teething problems. SS
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 22:32
A Volvo only needs servicing every 15000km out here, other cars every 5000km. My neighbors have a XC90 and love it. I hate my Pajero.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 22:25
In most companies I've worked at this is how they work. Single= on your own, no dependents. Accompanied= One dependent, either spouse or child. Family= More than one dependent, Spouse and children (most companies only give benefits for 2 kids)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 22:07
Table 9 are doing a seven course Xmas lunch/dinner and The Ivy are also advertising traditional Christmas lunch/dinner.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 21:59
I've lived in both the Springs and Ranches, and for me Ranches wins hands down. The community areas are much nicer than the springs. There is more of a sense of community here. The quality of the houses i think is better in Ranches. Distance it isn't that much further out than Springs. In my opinion Ranches is a much better place to live.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 17:32
I use Ready Maids, they do charge 35dhs an hour but send the same person each time. I had to prearrange the day and time to have this though so If I call last minute they don't send the same lady.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 21:47
Any recommendations for a really good paediatrician would be very much appreciated. Go and see Dr Keith Nichol 043941000. He's fantastic. My friend's 4 year old kept complaining of having headaches all the Drs she went to see told her her daughter was playing up nothing wrong with her. It was Dr Nichol who listened to the 4 year old and figured out she had a major sinus infection that was pretty deep, that's why no one could figure it out! Treated it and no more headaches
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 10:00
You could also cut them out of card/wallpaper and use the spray on glue to stick them on.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 09:58
SimoneN is her user name, she's always at Arte in Times Square. I'm sure she'll pop on soon and let you know how to get hold of her.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 13:20
La Petite Maison is nice but not AMAZING, I found the food when we went quite salty. I like how the food is for sharing and comes out when it's ready. I wouldn't go for a special occasion.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 13:07
Hyper Panda had 6" ones for 99.95dhs and 7" ones for 149.95dhs they were nice too,made out of recycled plastic. <em>edited by starsouthern on 29/11/2012</em>
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 21:03
Hi Kateh, If you don't mind telling me, how big and what price?
starsouthern
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Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 08:42
A married contract package with the big profit school company here, offer free schooling for 2 children (at same school), health insurance for the teacher and 1 dependent, and with two kids you are entitled to a 2 bed apartment (or villa depending on the school you work for). No they do not pay for or assist you with your visa, you have to do this yourself. (My DH used to work for this organization) Now only the not for profit schools here offer the full expat package for Teacher, spouse and 2 children which includes, housing, schooling, tickets and health insurance. If you want more info am happy to help star dot southern at ymail dot com We've been out here for 15 years with various education institutions so know a lot about packages and working conditions. <em>edited by starsouthern on 28/11/2012</em>
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 22:23
Spinneys in motor city had some.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 22:18
My neighbors swear by Raffles they say Christamas there is more English than in England ?
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 16:36
I was reading some of the reviews on the Pajero here. Many said it's "sluggish" the acceleration isn't good, drinks up too much fuel, road noise is noisy. Thanks everyone for your opinions. Hate, hate, hate my Pajero!!! All the above is correct. I have the top of the range 2009 model and find the interior cheap. Bits are always falling off. The third row is only good for kids. No isofix in mine and I can't fit all three kids comfortably in the second row. Don't get me started on how expensive the service is! It's never come out of the service centre under 700dhs and that was under the free service package from the dealer! <em>edited by starsouthern on 26/11/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 23:22
Hello, I am also looking for maid/baby caretaker under agency. Can I have the number of the agency in Ajman? My budget is 2k a month long term. Thanks Do you actually know the costs of hiring and visa etc for a maid? The agency will barely break even at 2k. Agencies don't pay what we do for a maids visa. The cleaners visa in our office at work was dhs 3750 for 3 years plus dhs 5000 deposit. The agency charges you the dhs 5000 deposit and an administration charge plus a monthly fee. Maid lives with you therefore no accommodation costs, so they're not that hard done by.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 12:31
You can pay about 100dhs extra to have the visa stamped in the passport on the same day, otherwise the visa take about 5 working days.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 11:06
My doctor prefersFASIGYN 500mg TINIDAZOLE you take as an adult four tablets in one go jobs done. Don't think they have it for toddlers though.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 21:38
Unfortunately here if you don't like M&S and are above a size 12 work clothes are hard to find! Debenhams is probably your best bet. Evans is worse than M&S with really poor quality clothes IMHO.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 21:27
I loved The Bronze Horseman Trilogy by Paullina Simons am currently reading The Game of Thrones series which I'm really enjoying.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 21:10
firstly thank you so muchfor the offer captainjackie!! i will mention that to my DH when he gets home in the morning, will definitely bear that in mind. As for POA's we gave out two, one of which left for the UK shortly after us, and the other is DH's friend who works 8-6 and finds it too difficult to fit anything in, so we no longer ask her. I personally don't have any friends who would do that for me :( I did have a fantastic friend whilst i lived in Dubai who would have done anything for me but she moved back to SA.. To make things worse DH got fined for Jaywalking (not crossing appropriately outside the courts)!! talk about justice edited by swarovski on 22/11/2012 Swarvoski how awful for you. My landlord has given their power of attorney here to an Irish lady here. She does the power of attorney thing for a living. Have no idea what she charges for her services but for us as tenants it's been fantastic dealing with her, especially after the whole MFR scam. She seems to have contacts at the rent committee as our problem was dealt with swiftly and to both our mutual advantage. If you want to email me star dot southern at ymail dot com (no spaces) I'll be happy to give you her details. If there's anything I can do to help as well just shout.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 14:34
CW07 you're more than welcome to email me star dot southern at ymail dot com (all lower case, no spaces). SS
starsouthern
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 19:56
During the week only first 4 hours are free parking in MOE. DIFC also has paid parking. Personally I would drive to Dubai Mall park and catch a taxi.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 19:52
Hi kateh Most apartments don't include AC. In Motor City it's district cool system, ACs use water to cool down but in say Layan it's electrical so ACs use electricity to work. When apartments say free chiller or chiller included this means that the owner/landlord pays for the cooling system generators etc but you still pay for consumption. If that makes any sense.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 22:04
http://dubaipropertiesgroup.ae/en/properties/Remraam#highlights Better Homes were renting the 3 beds for 49k over the summer but Hunt and Harris were charging 80k for them. The outside areas and pools are lovely but the apartments are tiny the kitchen and living area is open plan it's so small that you would have to choose between having dining table and chairs or a sofa. http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/residential/apartmentflat/?price__gte=&price__lte=&bedrooms__gte=1&bedrooms__lte=1&places__id__in=&places__id__in=105%2C83%2C&building__in=Enter+Building%28s%29+Here&keywords=&is_basic_search_widget=0&is_search=1&added__gte=&furnished=&listed_by=&size__gte=&size__lte=&bathrooms__gte=&bathrooms__lte=
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 19:51
Hi there are quite a few things going on in AR for kids. We love living here, and have lived all over Dubai. AR is a very child friendly community. There's a FB group for AR mums. My DD started FS1 in WADSO and loves it her teacher is fab. I don't think it's as friendly out of the classroom as my eldest son's school, but my daughter is happy with her teacher and at this age i think that's all that matters. Good luck with your move.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 19:40
You don't need to transfer the miles to you or your children, he can purchase tickets in your/children's name using his air miles from his account.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 10:51
Renault has been bought out by Nissan so now parts are cheaper and more common. The Duster has Gulf Specs and Nissan parts as per radio interview when launched. I think it's great value for money but don't have one.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 09:27
Yes, but they have to stay on the lead and by your table. They enjoy the outing but I wouldn't say it's as fun as running in the desert.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 09:25
gentle bump :)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 19:16
Hi everyone, Does anyone know what to get a 34 year old single male? My brother inlaw is coming for Christmas this year and we're all stuck for ideas even DH!!! He's very intellectual, starting his PHD in September.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 22:21
Oh good it's not just me then. I suggested something to my husband he thought it was rubbish, two minutes later my neighbor (male) had the exact same suggestion with the exact phrasing I used and my husband turned to me and said wasn't that a brilliant idea xyz had! WTF
starsouthern
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 21:50
To add to the variety: 3M in AR without garden, 2 people approx AED800+ over summer. (Sorry for typing very briefly. Not a blinkin' iPad person.) Oops yeah forgot to say we are 5, 2 adults 3 children. We have a good size garden but water is about dhs 200 of our bill, It's our electricity AC usage that bumps up the bills. <em>edited by starsouthern on 13/11/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 19:45
Hiya we're in a 3m in Ranches our most expensive bill has been dhs 1586. That's including our housing fee. Over the winter we pay around dhs 650 including housing. We were in a 4E in the Springs and in winter we were paying dhs550 and the summer dhs 1800. I think that's because there are only two AC units which are not enough to cool down the house.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 11:54
Our friends just got married at Christ Church Jebel Ali. The Vicar was very nice the ceremony was lovely.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 11:48
We just go to the DNRD near the trade centre round about. The typing and everything is done there. Don't forget your attested rental agreement.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 20:56
I delivered at Medcare 16months ago so prices probably not the same I went in at 10pm on 3 July and discharged 6pm 5 July. I was induced and had a V delivery no epidural or complications total cost for baby and I was dhs12000.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 20:50
My 16month old is 15kg. My 3 year old is 17kg. I would get a higher weight stroller. As you never know how heavy they are going to be.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 15:14
For 100dhs extra you can get the residency stamped into your baby's passport on the same day you apply, if you have all the paperwork. Otherwise an exit stamp as the process was mentioned below.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 10:14
We love Bhari Bar in Mina Salam. Trader Vics or Left Bank are nice too.
 
 
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