starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 11:06
Sorry to hijack OP @Starsouthern I've always thought if your still paying NI contributions in UK and reside in Dubai your still entitle to use the NHS for free? Correct me if I'm wrong. edited by Fr!zzyBusY on 10/06/2014 I don't know as I'm not from the UK but 3 ladies I know were given a hefty bill maybe they're not paying the NI contributions. There are also other threads on here about the same thing. Just wanted to give OP a heads up incase.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 11:03
Saw this birthing retreat in September for any of you ladies that might be interested. http://www.birthzone.ae
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 10:42
Hello Ladies I hope you are all well. We got wonderful news, our baby girl is healthy and I can start really enjoying pregnancy and start planning for the birth in Dubai. Any joy with finding doulas and and great hospitals for delivery? Does anyone know Dr. Helena Taylor's contact details? Good news! My next appointment is on 30th of June, hope we can see if baby is pink or blue ;)
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 10:37
Hi NF I don't know about the procedure in giving birth in the UK but just to let you know that a couple of ladies I know have gone back and the delivery was not free, as they are no longer resident. To keep the weight off eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I'm constantly hungry so carry a box of cut up vegetables and fruit so I'm not tempted to buy something when out and about. I've cut out all white carbs and eat only whole grain and high energy foods, it really does cut the sugar cravings. <em>edited by starsouthern on 10/06/2014</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 22:43
Most single people I know have moved to Silicon Oasis and they love it.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 06:18
All the malls have stand alone Mac Stores they're really helpful.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2014 - 22:20
If you've got two bright athletic kids and can't get into DESS and DESC then definately go for Repton over WSO. Repton has amazing sporting facilities that the students get to use and fantastic coaching. They are academic and work their students hard.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2014 - 17:07
Check with embassy here but I think you can fly a new born out without a visa and enter on a tourist visa then get it done when you come back. If a newborn doesn't have residency they can leave the country but you need to get an exit visa stamped into their passport, this can be done at the same place where you get the residency or at the immigration office at the airport.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2014 - 10:06
Ours took a week but you can pay extra and have it done on the same day.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 13:40
Hi Sam, Quite a few salons offer a 50/50 split. However I don't know if they work on you already having to have your own clientele or not. There are people who offer HD Browz here already, I'm not sure how popular it is here as the price is significantly higher than getting your eyebrows done in one of the other salons with the outcome not being that different. I pay 35dhs for threading, tinting, shaping etc whereas HD Browz range from dhs 125-350 depending on who you go to. There are many skilled eyebrow stylists in this part of the world. Personally I wouldn't drop everything to come out here hoping to get busy right away. Best way to find out what salons offer chair higher etc is to call them and see what they say.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 13:42
This happened to a friend of mine recently in Mirdif. She had an open home as they are leaving the country. There were quite a few people coming in and out of the house. One person in particular kept asking about pictures, paintings and knick knacks and she kept saying no not for sale. Anyway end of the day she realised all that stuff was gone, all she had was the guys mobile number. She called the police gave them his number 2 hours later they showed up with the guy and all her stuff. She was asked if she wanted to open a case and she said no as all her stuff was back. None of it was of any cash value.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 10:56
DESS has high academic achievements. I have two children there in FS2 and Y5. We think the school is lovely and has the right balance of fun and learning.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 22:28
Thank you desert doc. Sounds expensive.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 14:13
Already told her I will be there for her anytime she needs me. Just bothered she is telling other people that I won't be. I wouldn't listen to other people, I also wouldn't talk about her to other people you don't know what agenda other people have. What you say to them could go back to her a little bit twisted or not with intention you meant and could make your situation worse.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 11:12
If you really do want to be there for her I would send her a message saying that you will be there for her if she needs you and leave it at that. Don't contact her again. She will eventually get in touch if she wants or needs to. I know it's hard watching someone you love going through this and not listening to you but you have to let her go through it. My son's Godmother and I were best friends since we were 15 years old, she got into a really bad relationship about 10 years ago and like you she was told by her partner to choose between us. She chose him. The relationship got worse and she finally had the strength to leave. It took 5 years, for her to do it and she did it on her own. I was one of the first people she called when it happened and now she's back in my life we are both different people but the connection is still there and it's so nice having her back! She is now with an incredible man who adores her and welcomes her friends with open arms. I'm glad I sent her the message that I understood her decision and if she ever needed me to call all those years ago. <em>edited by starsouthern on 14/05/2014</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 22:22
i am currently seeing Dr. Ibrahim at City Hospital, i think he is great however so difficult to get an appointment with and not flexible at all. He only seems to do obstetrics appointments one or two days per week, with the other days as gyno days. Due to this i am looking to change doctors someone who is a little more flexible and personal. Does anyone have any experience on Doctor Britt Clausson? or perhaps recommend another clinic completely? i am travelling from Abu Dhabi so perhaps Saudi German or Al Zahra. Most importantly a doctor who is pro-natural. Any advise would be great. Thank you. I'm seeing Dr Britt for my fourth pregnancy and think she's lovely. All three of my children were born here but each one at a different hospital and the best experience so far has been at Corniche Hospital in AD.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 06:06
I saw some sour gummy worms in Spinneys Uptown Mirdif they're the natural brand sweets.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 16:38
3 months isn't a long time to allow your daughter to settle. She's left all her friends and the life she knows behind. The academic pressure is quite tough at DESS and it takes about a term for kids to get used to how things are done. I personally would go in and see the teacher, explain to her that your daughter is being excluded during break times which is making her very unhappy. Ask the teacher to partner her up with a play buddy that she thinks your daughter maybe similar to. Then I would arrange a play date with a different girl every week so the girls get to know your daughter and your daughter gets to know the girls. The drop off and pick up times at school at this age is when a lot of the mum's socialise with each other and organise play dates etc. DESS is a wonderful school so I would give her more time to find her feet.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 09:42
Shorooq is the biggest compound in Mirdif but does not have a pool. There are many compounds as well as stand alone villas. Anything on St 71 side is less in the flight path. Going to Sharjah in the mornings should be no problem.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 09:38
Ours gives us a cheque twice a year it doesn't go through the bank account. My husband is changing jobs and the new company is paying it monthly with the salary.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 19:56
Had a scan yesterday and all is going well. My nausea however is getting worse! Have told all the family now so they're all supper excited. My Dr told me to eat lots of salads and an apple a day. The only food guideline I was given in any of my pregnancies was with no 1. The Dr told me not to eat mayonnaise either homemade or jar because homemade has raw eggs and jar stuff has some sort of preservative in it. <em>edited by starsouthern on 06/05/2014</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 22:18
OMG thank you so much for posting this my son will be thrilled that he won't have to go to a different dentist. So glad he's back in Dubai. The only down side to seeing him is he's so careful with kids that fillings don't hurt so they don't care if they need one. <em>edited by starsouthern on 04/05/2014</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 14:59
I think the ambiance and location of the Farm is beautiful if it's not too hot to sit outside, but I also wasn't impressed with the food or service. We went for breakfast and they didn't have anything on the menu suitable for my 2 year old, they made us order an adults portion of pancakes which was ridiculous they wouldn't just give us one.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 14:47
There used to be Pureology here in Dubai it was the same distributor as Tigi but not sure if they still have it as it was 4 times the price here compared to the USA and that was wholesale.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 14:41
What I don't understand is how 18 months ago a 3 bed in the Ranches was 110k-240k and now they are 200k- 240k. Demand drives prices up...we were looking to move and apartments and villas were snapped up at horrendously high prices, like people were 'buying bread'...We kept missing out as they just went so fast... Yes but if it's an average of rents in the area I don't understand how the minimum has gone up so much but the top end is still the same as July 2011. The top end of 3 bed houses in Arabian Ranches are large stand alone villas a lot with pools etc whereas the bottom end of 3 beds are town houses with no maids room etc.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 11:04
What I don't understand is how 18 months ago a 3 bed in the Ranches was 110k-240k and now they are 200k- 240k.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 07:20
I think most of the gated community villas have open plan kitchens.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 07:14
I was told today that they are changing the rules regarding sponsoring dependants as in family members, earlier the salary was a min of 7000, but they are going to raise it to 15,000 so this is also something your husband needs to check with his company. It was AED 4000 a month and is being changed to AED 10000.http://m.thenational.ae/uae/labour-law/families-hit-by-new-minimum-monthly-wage-rule-for-visas
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 16:26
Mine uses a different cup or glass every time he has a drink of water, he'll put the glass down next to the dishwasher (not in it) and then 2 seconds later take another glass out of the cupboard. He uses a different towel every time he showers, but leaves the other towels hanging on door corners to dry! DRIVES ME NUTS! <em>edited by starsouthern on 01/05/2014</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 13:39
Bump was hoping one of the ARTE vendors who do body creams might know?
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 20:38
Thanks ladies. I was wanting more wholesale as large quantities are needed.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 18:28
Wholesale cosmetic containers and bottles like these [url=http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/GREEN-PlasticBottles.html'>link[/url'> in Dubai?
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 18:09
There is a material shop in the mall near Rashidiya Station not sure if they have tulle. Regal in Satwa told me that their tulle was dhs90 per yard, they only had two colours and were not willing to negotiate the price. The other shops around them had plenty of colours and charging 6dhs a yard.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 19:22
We flew with them from here to Dublin and back over the summer. The staff were lovely, the plane was comfortable, the tv/movie entertainment was great. Kids loved it. We preferred it to our last few Emirates flights.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 18:04
A few years back, I was told by my DD's school that they had places so I paid the 500 dirham fee and she was assessed. After she passed the assessment, I was told that there were no places. I was really peeved and put up a stink about it. I would not have paid just to be wait listed. A letter was sent to the principal. The next day, I had a call saying that a place had opened up for her and she started immediately. So I learned at that time that it is best to speak up. If I had sat back quietly, she may have never gotten a place at all. HI, I have the same problem as you. DESS charged me 500 AED for registration called my daughter for assessment which she attempted without any mistake as I was there during the assessment but then they put her on waiting list. I am email continuously to registrar and she keeps telling me about unavailability of space do you suggest that I should email to Principal if yes what should I say. I really don't know what to tell you. It is worth a try, but did DESS tell you specifically that they had places? They had places.. about 88 places v/s 250 candidates the chances were bright but I think they first prefer Westerners then Asian ( the only reason I can understand) other than that my daughter performed well. edited by saeedariaz1 on 17/04/2014 Basically you are saying that your child was not chosen. Our situations are different because I was told after my DD's assessment that they wanted to accept her but had no places, after I had been told that they did have places. DESS is a hard school to get into, so I am not surprised that your child did not get a place. I think that children with British passports have priority, which us understandable considering that it is a British curriculum school... You are right they prefer British passport ... and I am sure if she was holding British passport she must be chosen as at the time of assessment the teachers didn't note down anything they just asked kids few questions and thats it. They simply say she is on our waiting list. I don't know what does this mean but I am hoping for good Sorry DESS does not have a passport priority system. In my daughter's class FS2 out of 25 children 5 are British the rest are a mix of local, Indian, Iranian, Pakistani, Kiwi, Kenya, Lebanese, Syrian, Chinese, Egyptian and Aussie. My son's year 5 class also has a similar mix of nationalities. When my daughter did her FS2 assessment last year we were not in the room with them all the children were taken in groups into a different room from us. My son did his FS1 assessment this year and it was the same process. As a poster below states DESS were very open about the number of places they had and the amount of children that were being assessed.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 19:15
Sending you and your husband lots of cyber hugs and love. xx
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 09:07
I did it for 2 years from Al Reem 2 so we would go out the main gate to exit 44 then down Dubai Al Ain Rd onto Oud Metha. We would leave at about 6.55am to get there for 730am but if we left at 7am we wouldn't get there till 745am. Exit 44 is always backed up but the rest of the drive is fine. The afternoon can take a bit longer as Our Metha gets backed up. Lots of kids from DESS live in the Ranches. <em>edited by starsouthern on 27/04/2014</em>
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 07:44
Zoloft also is sold under the following trade names maybe the pharmacies here have one of the other trade name in stock Lustral, Daxid, Deprax, Altruline, Besitran, Eleval, Emergen, Gladem, Implicane, Sedoran, Sealdin, Serivo, Lowfin, Stimuloton, Serimel, Seretral, Tresleen, Sertralin Bluefish
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 19:48
I would tell her to trust in herself. To go for any opportunity that comes her way no matter how scary it may seem. To laugh a lot and not take herself so seriously. I would tell her to treasure every moment with her kids they grow up way too quickly.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 19:42
Spinneys Uptown have loads but they are now Dhs 17.50 for a small jar! C4 was dhs16.50. Don't know how it can go up from Dhs 12 to that with no warning! Rant over :)
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 14:06
I love the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer. I'm a fan of US cars though as feel they have all the safety features even in the bottom range models. My friend has an Odyssey and loves it.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 13:50
Lots of stuff on the FB page.
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 13:45
Oh EE so sorry you're going through this. Sending you lots of positive thoughts. xx
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 13:37
Anyone else exhausted and going to bed at 730pm??? I can't seem to keep my eyes open! I put the little ones to bed then crawl into mine and am out like a light. Poor DH is spending a lot of evenings alone. I'm still feeling awful to the point that I get up in the night to be sick! Have never had that before and all I want to eat is fried food! Ewww!
starsouthern
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 12:07
I dont trust the RERA advice...I think it is time to get a lawyer involved as these new landlords have shown they are not above intimidation tactics bordering on illegal. If anyone is going through the same thing maybe we can form a group and be represented by the same lawyer if it came down to it. Thanks for all the help ladies. I will keep you updated RERA is the Governing body for all rental disputes therefore their advice is the most accurate and up to date. <em>edited by starsouthern on 26/04/2014</em>
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing