starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 09:26
I use a company called Churchill. They come to your house and they are fast and efficient. They did a great job for me. I can't remember how much I paid them as was a year ago but I remember that they were really affordable. You can reach them on 800 7076 or info@churchill-gulf.com. My sofa which is a 5 seater and cream! was 250AED they even got the red wine out ooops Just to let everyone know that Churchill's has put their prices up from AED 80 to AED 86 per seat for wet cleaning so a 5 seater is now AED430. I have the guys here now and they said that it's never been AED 250 to clean a 5 seater.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 22:27
Red line is functional that's the one that takes you from Jebel Ali to Rashadiya. The Green line goes around Oud Metha, Bur Dubai, Deira etc. the Green Line is basically the business district areas, I've never used it but see it in Oud Metha every day. Here's a link to the map http://dubai.metblogs.com/files/2011/09/dubai-metro-map.jpg <em>edited by starsouthern on 03/10/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 22:17
They are working and are the Green Line not Red.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 22:07
First of all - don't stress. From what you have posted, I take it this is now your 2nd year, so, you have a right to stay. Tell your landlord or whoever it is that you will be paying exactly the same way as last year I.e. the 3 cheques - if he has a problem, then let him take you to RERA (he won't, im sure if that), please be strong and stand up to him. I'm pretty confident saying that these landlords purely do this to scare us. You know that RERA law states that if neither party can come to an arrangement on cheques that the law says it defaults to 4 cheques - tell him that and to back this up - we did exactly this a couple of years ago. Remember as a tenant the law favours you and I get so sick of these landlords. Good luck and please stand your ground. "Like"
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 21:55
SM, that's the correct procedure & what the system is for. To stop subleasing/people having twenty people living under one roof etc. So, when you are signing up a new Tenancy Contract GET the title deeds, make sure the owner is who he says he is. This whole tenancy/rental scam could not/would not have happened if people had had the LL's title deeds (of course they wouldn't have known to do this) - but this system will stop it happening in future. I did have title deeds but because my landlord had signed a letter giving MFR Properties permission to sign and accept cheques on their behalf both landlord and I were scammed. MFR and Marks Falcon put the landlords name on the lease but they (MFR/Marks Falcon) sign on the landlords behalf which is allowed because of permission letter so technically it's managed by not subleased.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 21:41
No not legal, any change in contract must have 90 days notice. If the RERA calculator says no increase then no increase allowed even with 90 day notice period! Go and talk to Mr Mansour at the rent committee ground floor in the Dubai municipality building on the creek. That's the best place to go as RERA not always up to date on cases. <em>edited by starsouthern on 03/10/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 16:02
one word......Napisan Yep Napisan Plus all the way! Just got green food colou ring off my DS's white PE shirt!!!! You get it at Spinneys next to the Vanish, white box navy blue lid.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 15:58
Hi there does anyone know if this nursery is still open? Do you have a different contact number from the website? I've tried emailing and calling with no response. Have posted this on the schools section but no reply. TIA
starsouthern
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 20:30
Maybe you can get other residents together and set up a private collection with a company this one may do this for you http://www.dulsco.com/WMS_Waste Didn't EMAAR just start a thing where all contractors had to have a permit? You think they will allow this? They have a permit as they collect the recycling. Isn't the housing fee we pay supposed to be for waste collection, road maintenance etc? Maybe try calling the Municipality see what they can do???
starsouthern
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 20:25
My friend's son was born on second of Sep, all his friends from nursery started FS2 but school said he'd missed the cut off date but to get permission from KHDA. He did struggle compared to his peers that he was in nursery with and now every year they have to get permission form KHDA for him to graduate each year.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 20:42
My maid is available is 4 weeks. She is from Sri Lanka. Really good with kids and pets. Also drives. Wish i could take her back to uk with me! I'm desperately looking for someone star dot southern at ymail dot com (no spaces)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 20:21
Insurance pays for a reduction if you can prove there are back/pain problems. Or so I have heard/read. Most don't any more ?
starsouthern
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 20:04
I'm in The Ranches and desperately need someone! star dot southern at y mail dot com (no spaces between everything) Thank you!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 20:24
The picture will be online with all the time and date details. If you have the plate number you can check it out yourself and see if they are lying or not.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 20:11
Yeah, but isnt that just a group of football plqyers? Why does the question say side of football players? A team is a group of football players that play for the same side.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 19:15
I took mine to Wolfi's on Sheikh Zayed Rd was expensive though.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 18:44
Le Mâché had some the other day too with all the foils and rubbish bags.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 13:21
I would like a gym with highly qualified personal trainers. That has all sorts of exercise classes. Pool, gym spa, coffee shop, restaurant that makes good salads and light lunches. Library, Spa, hair + nail salon and pay by the hour child care facility with trained nannies that have activities for all ages so don't have to rely on hubby being home to look after kids. Basically a combination of DUCTAC and Dubai Ladies club would be perfect. Also the option to pay your membership yearly, monthly, weekly and the option to pay as and when you want to use the facilities.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 23:59
Starsouthern you REALLY need to invest in better quality swim pants! Of course this is not that important, it's nothing really in the grand scheme of things but for today it was an upset in my life and the main reason I posted was to inform people who live in the Al Waha Community that if they planned on spending time in their pool this weekend, forget it and to express my extreme annoyance that this happened in the first instance and upset my fabulous family. Well can you recommend a good brand then? As I have hugy's, mothercare and Zoggs and all three have leaked. Maybe your brand is far superior and I would like to give it a try. Baby pooed over the weekend in our community pool and it was closed for an hour. <em>edited by starsouthern on 28/09/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 22:09
Thanks Roysie, they will try to go into Layan, Im sure its very quiet during the week mornings so hopefully no one will mind. Upul in management went throught the whole process with me and explained why it takes 10 days at least. They've never had any problem explaining why the pool has been closed in the past so I feel its genuine. I have 2 children who have spent an extensive amount of time in the water, here and elsewhere and NEVER has a swim nappy leaked! If you're in the pool for a long time and dont change the nappy, yes, perhaps accidents may happen but if you're vigilant and attentive that simply doesn't occur. If your child has a tummy bug he or she should not be in a pool at all, not because of the chance of accidents but because a pool is a breeding ground for bacteria. Sorry but in this instance, and in all occassions when a child uses a pool as a toilet, its never the childs/tummy bug/dodgy nappies fault, it is the parents/caregiver. End of! I have three children, and yes it does happen! when it happened to me we'd been in the pool for 10 minutes, I put the swimming nappy on at the pool and she did a poo at home too before we came to the pool. No bug or runny tummy, but it did leak. I understand your frustration but really there are bigger problems in the world than your pool being closed.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 16:23
I had my baby in the pool once in the Springs and her swim nappy didn't hold it all in! The pool wasn't closed for 10 days! They cleaned and filtered it over night! I think the poster below might be right in saying that maybe the management are using it as an excuse. Poor you though, our pool in ranches only ever has 1 or two people there max during week days. <em>edited by starsouthern on 27/09/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 15:01
I love the Moroccan Hammam at The One and Only Royal Mirage. It's Dhs 395 for 55 minutes of pure luxury they also do 20% discounts for ladies on some mornings. It's my favorite spa in Dubai, the therapists never comment on wobbly bits etc. they also don't try to hard sell you anything so to me it's completely relaxing. I find the therapists at Cleopatra really sales aggressive which really ruins the treatment for me.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 20:34
If you see a urologist they do it, but don't advertise they do.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 20:08
Ok when I was scammed by MFR, RERA told me in future not to go with a company that is accepting the cheques on landlords behalf even if they have permission to do so. MFR were registered with RERA and do was the agent I dealt with. Pay all cheques apart from agency fee directly to landlord or landlord. the landlord or their power of attorney must sign the contract not the agency. You need to have a copy of title deeds, owners passport copy, passport copy of the power of attorney and a copy of the power of attorney agreement. If the company are genuinely managing the property and not subleasing then they would not have a problem with the above or showing you the original agreement between them and landlord.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:13
Spinneys have napisan and napisan plus
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 23:34
Schools in the areas you mention are Cambridge International, Diera International School, Universal American School, and DESS, GEMS Royal School and UpTown Primary both in Mirdiff. Personally I would avoid Chouiefat, unless you want your child to memorize stuff like a parrot. I have taught there and still know people that teach there and a nurturing environment it is not. I know people who have children in all the above schools and are happy with them I'm sure there are probably more but I guess you have to look around and see which one you like.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 20:04
I hope everything will be ok. I would go to RERA and check about your registration, also would double check with them about this real estate to be on safe side. Just last week, they were talking about this on the radio and advising people to deal with RERA registered agents only to avoid potential scams. They are RERA registered so was their sister company MFR that I got scammed from. They have all the correct paper work it's not until they do a runner with the money that you realize what's happened. RERA says it's unfortunate in future deal with landlord directly! I was lucky as my landlord originally had only given the house to them for 10k more than what we were paying so negotiating with the landlord was easier. You need to see the rent comity not RERA as RERA gave me wrong information about what the landlord was entitled to. They told me the whole way through that landlord couldn't put rent up but rent comity said if we wanted to stay for 2 years then we had to pay the 10k more or same rent but non renewable contract.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 20:53
Hi DB I have 3 kids and in my experience older ladies with their own kids have been disasters. One of the reasons is that they don't listen to you or follow the routine you want because they think they know better. I had 1 maid who had nine of her own kids think it was ok to put sugar in my son's bottles, I threw out all the sugar in the house to catch her using sugar she'd bought herself! She thought I was being an over reacting first time mother! She also thought it was perfectly fine to leave him playing out in the street on his own at 6months. I came home one day with him sat outside the villa no one insight! Oh sorry madam thought he needed fresh air but I wanted to clean upstairs! WTF??? I find with younger (mid 20's) they one don't want to mess anything up so will follow your instructions to a T and two are less jaded, they love kids and love playing games with them so don't leave them infront of tv all day. Sorry I thought I'd share some of my experience as at the time I was lucky enough to be working from home so was around to see the goings on. I now am in the search for someone as have a 14 month old and work full time and can't be around so know what a nightmare it must be for you. I also know how important it is to have the right person particularly with a new born who needs routines followed and not left in bed all day! (a story for another time)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 13:59
This happened to us, the maid went to prison for 3 months and was then deported.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 22:11
Hi Ladies thank you for your advice. After much consideration I have decided not to say anything. I don't know the woman well enough to call her and say 'hey by the way, I think someone stole 50 dhs out of my wallet in your house.' I am a hundred percent sure the money was taken there as I took the cash out of the ATM at the gas station. I was not short changed and I did not go anywhere else. The only time I didn't have the nappy bag with me was when I left it downstairs. It could have been the kids or the maid. My son plays on a sports team with her son so I don't want there to be any awkwardness. I'll just remember in future to be more careful with my wallet.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 20:43
There is Du Gym at the Ballet Centre not sure if your bit has to be 3 to start though.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 20:40
Perhaps they can make a separate lane for commuters, and only those with 4 or more passengers can use it.....that will lessen the traffic. With special toll gates? and passport control :) Let's hope it's better than Hatta / Oman enclave; all i had to do was flash it (passport) you laugh, but there was a definate divide between ad and dxb years ago, there was a check point that you actually had to go through..... I am not a spring chicken and have been traveling between the Emirates from before they even had a road and I don't recall a check point.....The only time there was any check points that I remember was a temporary one between Sharjah and Dubai, after there was an attempted coup in Sharjah in 1987. Perhaps you are thinking of the Saudi/UAE check point? There used to be a check point between Dubai and Al Ain. Everyone used to get stopped and checked I don't remember it being there after 2004 though.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 20:21
I am covered at Welcare too, yes - but I thought that was EHL, so the same as City. Is MedCare part of that group too? No MedCare are not EHL. I gave birth there and was looked after well. I've had friends who've gone there for several different operations and have all said it was good.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 11:31
My DD s just started FS2, she has only been there 2 mornings but I'm am so impressed with the school and it's staff. My daughter is quite shy at first but has settled in immediately and absolutely loves it. It is big yes but once you are inside and the kids are in the classroom you don't really notice it ! The parking is a nightmare but that seems to be pretty much the same anywhere you go ! Would highly recommend this school so far so good :-) Ditto, but mine is in FS1.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 11:24
I've used Ready Maids for the last 3 years. They have a key as I'm usually on the school run or at work when they come. They've sent me the same lady once a week for 3 years unless she's been on leave or ill. They notify me by text msg if there is going to be a change and ask permission to send someone else. I've never had anything go missing or anything damaged. They charge dhs35 per hour and have a minimum of 4 hours.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 06:31
We only use AlMarai as my neighbor works for them he says the pasteurization process is the same as in NZ. Our milk easily last 10 days in the fridge.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 17:05
My daughter hated nursery last term but has started FS1 this week and loves it. She really enjoys the structure her teacher is very nurturing.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 16:49
On the off chance anyone reading this thread is looking for a maid who wants to live out, I know an honest, hard working woman in that situation. I don't know if I can post my contact details here or not. I am just trying to help her out as her visa expires Oct. 5. edited by cafe au lait on 13/09/2012 Me too please if not suitable for DB. star dot southern at y mail dot com (no spaces) <em>edited by starsouthern on 13/09/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 20:27
All the GEMS Schools have very mixed nationalities. My son is at DESS and that too has a fab mix. I think Dubai being what it is has kids from all corners of the world in each classroom. In year two at GEMS Wellington Primary my son had kids from India, Paskistan, Spain, Denmark, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, South Korea, North Korea, Nigeria, Germany, UAE and other countries that I now can't remember! I think any school you choose your son will not be a minority.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 21:23
I have a Pajero and wouldn't buy one again. They chug petrol, slow on up take so hard to over take and the maintanance is extortionate! Since the free service package ran out I've never paid less than 1500dhs to service it. My friends with Prados, Cherolets and Fords don't pay as much.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 17:47
I thought it was nothing like in the States! Food is awful. Really poor quality and obviously hired terrible cooks. The waiters should ask if you want egg with your salt and fake butter when you order scrambled eggs! It's really noisy in there because it's packed with people, you can't have a conversation. Nothing ordered looked the same as in the menu. It was really disappointing.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 01:13
I think personally the advantages of vaccinations out weigh the disadvantages . Like kiwispiers says research each vaccine one by one. I have followed the schedule pretty much for all 3 too but delayed the MMR a bit. I'm also from a medical family so have seen first hand the devastating affects not vaccinating can have. <em>edited by starsouthern on 06/09/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 01:06
All three of my children were born here from 2004-2011 and they have my passport not husbands as paper work was quicker. We will eventually get round to giving them H's passport. I have a lot of friends that are from the US who are married to people from other nationalities. If the mother was trying to pass on her US Citizenship she had to provide proof of residence for the last 5 years by providing college/high school transcripts and other various documents. My male US friends however didn't encounter the same document process when their wife/mother of the baby was not a US Citizen.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:05
Go on property finder or Dubizzle as they said the same thing to me about 3 bed apartments and a friend a day later had her choice of 4. She found them on Property Finder. <em>edited by starsouthern on 04/09/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 15:14
I may e able to help star dot southern at y mail dot com (no spaces)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 01 September 2012 - 23:35
People who have children in DBS seem happy and it's close to the area you want to live in. It would be nice for your kids to have friends that live in the neighborhood and driving that distance can be exhausting for the kids. You get home late so not much time go play and every morning is stressful wondering if you'll get to school on time. As someone mentioned below one accident on SZRd can ruin the day. JMHO
starsouthern
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Latest post on 01 September 2012 - 23:30
Hello Ladies, not sure if anyone has any ideas but I need urgent help. The lady who looks after my kids when I'm at work has decided not to return from her holidays last minute. Now I have a full time job so need child care urgently. All nurseries within decent driving distance from older kids school and my work are full. Does anyone know of any child minders or such in Silicon Oasis or Arabian Ranches? I work in DSO, eldest goes to DESS middle one starting FS1 in GWASO. We live in Arabian Ranches but don't have a maids room so need an alternative solution for my 14 month old while I find new full time live out help. Please any suggestions?
starsouthern
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Latest post on 01 September 2012 - 23:17
From Springs 14 go onto SZRd but from Hessa St (past Greens) not past Meadows. Keep driving straight on SZRd, turn right at the Safa exit net to the Pepsi Cola factory just past oasis mall. Go straight to the traffic lights and the new Safa Campus is on your right as you go through the lights past the bowling alley. Traffic on that turn off is a nightmare in the mornings though. Good luck, I'd move my kids to DBS if I was you. <em>edited by starsouthern on 01/09/2012</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 00:33
I hope you are aware that this is illegal. It's not illegal if you sponsor your maid. As long as you provide a visa they can live where they/you like.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 14:38
Springs 1 and 2 were the first built so people like them better. I prefer Springs 11 and 15 as they are quiet, they have 2 pools and parks each and have easy access to all the exits. Springs 10, 3, 4 and 6 don't have pools. We found Springs 6 extremely noisy.
 
 
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