starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 18:24
I went to Ruth Chris once for lunch and found the meat to be pretty poor quality, and the whole meal VERY oily. I also didn't like how they served it on a really hot plate, because it basically kept cooking the steak as I ate it, so it was basically over cooked by the time I finished it. The sides were nothing to write home about. I got a key lime pie for dessert and it was nothing like what a key lime pie should be, so I didn't enjoy it. I have however heard from many people it is a nice restaurant, so maybe because I went at lunch it wasn't nice, chef different or something like that. Seafire on the other hand has never let me down and the desserts are to die for.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 17:04
I have a friend that is a qualified nursery teacher and works out here she's on her hubby's visa and gets 10000aed a month but is only paid for the months she works so no pay over holidays and a 50% discount for her DD.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 11:46
We used Tip Top Painters earlier this year and we were very impressed with them. They would charge approx 4000Dhs for a 2E, but will come and view the villa and ask which paints you want before quoting anything. Yep we use Top Tip Painters too they always do a fab job.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 11:44
No problem :)
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 11:38
Depends on institution and qualifications but your looking at between 135-250 AED per hour
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 20:33
You have 120 days after baby is born to either get an exit visa and leave the country or get residency. Only one of the parents needs to have a valid residency visa. If you use a company called baby steps they do all the birth cert stuff for you. <em>edited by starsouthern on 09/10/2011</em>
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 21:52
You go straight down emirates road exit at exit 44 (Dubai al ain Rd) then take your second exit on the right which has th sigh for Abu dhabi jebil ali. Once you've taken this exit go to the left lane as you want to go straight towards Dubai. Once your on the Dubai al ain Rd heading towards Dubai keep going straight towards waif and healthcare city you keep going straight until you hit the traffic lights with Canadian specialty hospital on the Conner to your right. Go through the lights and take the second slip Rd exit drive down this slip Rd and school is there next to kindergarten starters . We leave at 7 and are there by half past as exit 44 can be congested at times. Hope this helps.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 16:17
You can also do TEFL at Eton College, I looked into doing that there. You can however this course is not recognized and you'll have difficulty getting a job, and it's the S same price as the CELTA
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 08:53
Thanks everyone. Dan Lou - is Bin Sougat the name of the shop, and where is it located? starsouthern - do you know the name of the shop on Beach Road? I was referring to Exotica it's moved from Al Quoz to Beach Rd, turn left on to Beach Rd from Al Manara St keep driving it's on your right before you get to Dubai London Clinic.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 14:04
It's now on Beach Rd in a villa with prices to match
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 11:47
My electricity consumption has doubled from last month and we haven't done anything different.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 September 2011 - 07:08
We have the 3L 5 door Pajero and a 4.2L trail blazer. It cost AED 130 each car to fill from empty. I travel 110km per day. The Pajero needs filling every 3.5 days whereas the trailblazer can go for 5 days with the same amount of petrol. The AC in the Pajero is fantastic but fuel efficient it really isn't. My friend has a Prado and travels the same distance only fills one of her petrol tanks every 5 days, same with my friend who has a Ford Explorer. The Pajero feels and sounds like a truck when you drive it compared to other 4x4's I've driven. I also find it drags if you want to pick up speed quickly to overtake or merge with traffic.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 20:07
I was just given the injection by doc for the first time and no forms needed signing by anyone. I was given the pill at government hospitals after the births of both my children and my husbands permission was not required. I think OP you must of gone to a strange doctor.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 09:22
I have a few u can email me on star dot southern at y mail dot com (no spaces)
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 22:49
Yeah freezones have had to pay housing fee for about two years or so. Stinks but what to do?!
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 22:43
Have to agree that any Dr at Nicholas and Asp is good. Went to Dr Madhu, thought his clinic was dirty then he told me I needed 4 fillings, went to Nicholas and Asp for a second opinion they repaired one filling and gave me a clean five years later 6 month check ups and no fillings.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 21:47
Try your dealer Yellow Hat did one car for me but told me that my other one had to be done at the dealer as their stuff wasn't compatible.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 20:37
Call Arenco they have villas in the Umm Suqeim area. They don't take an agency fee either if you go directly through them.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 10:03
My DD refused to take EBM/formula in anything but boob form until she was a year, she had no problems in drinking water from a glass/cup from 5 months. I tried giving her the bottle everday several times a day from when she came home from the hospital. I even did the starvation thing, left her with hubby for a day left her with my mum for a day. Nothing worked. You may need to get who ever is looking after her to feed her with a dropper/spoon.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 09:33
We use a private limo company - they are properly insured to be carrying passengers which many other part-time drivers aren't. Could you please give me the contact details of the company you use too.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 06:24
Love love love my city select! My DD who's 2.5yrs loves it too both seats fully recline so if she falls asleep in the car I just transfer her into the stroller and she sleeps for hours in there! I regret not buying the bassinet for baby as the seat isn't flat but attaching car seat is super easy. It also fits in the back of my pajero with the 3rd row of seats up. So love love love it.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 12:22
Call Stitches - mine didn't take 6 weeks I was in there yesterday and asked, they said minimum 6 weeks.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 12:19
LakeLand and some supermarkets also have them you just have to keep an eye out.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 12:15
Have you tried slightly elivating the matress on the basinett, you can do tis by rolling up a small towel and sticking it under the matress. It helped all my three a lot initially as the cribs in the hospital are on a slight angle.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 12:10
I was induced at 40+5 weeks with baby no 3, he had no intention of coming out even after 3 sweeps! I really didn't want to be induced but went with medical opinion and glad I did as bubs was huge. I also was 1cm dialated and soft cervix but this had been the case since 38 weeks. They did a gel tab first at about 1am and then put on the oxitocin (sp) drip at 12pm baby was born at 2.14pm. I had no pain killers/epidural, the only drug given was the oxitocin I chose not to use gas and air as it made me sick the last two deliveries. So apart from the induction I gave birth to a 4.5kg 58.5cm baby with no other interference. At the end of the day it's about both you and bubs being healthy how ever s/he comes out, you will bond with and be in love with this little person.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 09:34
Hi Chocs have replied
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 09:21
Unfortunately what you have had done is a relaxer and not permanent straightening. By the sounds of it the salon have used a product with a chemical base that doesn't mix with what you have had in your hair previously. If it's breaking off then unfortunately the only thing to do is to try and rescue your hair with a protein and moisture treatment to stop any more breakage. The stuff that's broken there is nothing really that you can do about it. I'm happy to take a look and see how and if it can be rescued with out having to cut. <em>edited by starsouthern on 05/09/2011</em>
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 18:42
My friend had a C-section with Dr Nataliya at MedCare, she opted for an epidural but was given the option of both. Was given pathidine afterwards but only if she wanted it otherwise it was over the counter panadol and the such. I think Dr Nataliya is open to the needs of each patient so is open to what the patient wants and so it may be different from patient to patient.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 18:38
Hallmark usually have a good stock of Barneys and Barney toys.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 07:08
They take it all if it's broken down, we just moved into al reem 2 and they took all our boxes :) it might be out there for a while if you've missed them but it does go eventually.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 22:05
Congrats on getting Aveda. Becareful, make sure that you have all the correct paper work signed here and there. Make sure you are the distributor not just the selling agent for the UAE as there is a certain person in the beauty business here who will snatch the distribution rights, right from under your nose after you've done all the hard work!
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 21:59
If you leave the boxes by your wheelie bin a truck comes around that picks up cardboard and paper. It comes by once or twice a week.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 01:27
We too recently moved into Al Reem2 and I also have an 8yr son who would love some pals. We are not new in Dubai, just in this compound. Dito kimball65 drop me an email star dot southern at y mail dot com. Will reply to emails ASAP 
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 08:20
If you're buying new, then whatever car you get will have it. It's a legal requirement.If you're buying used, most manufacturers have been required by law to fit Isofix/LATCH points since late 2002, so any cars younger than 9 years should be fine. You can easily check the rear seats to see if the points are there. Get the salesman to demonstrate if you're not confident doing it yourself. It is not a legal requirement for the UAE to have Isofix. You do have to be careful and check each car, my car a 2010 Pajero with all the bell's and whistles [u'>DOES NOT [/u'>have Isofix. <em>edited by starsouthern on 31/08/2011</em>
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 12:46
Why do u all agree to pay for the landscaping ? I've lived in 2 new houses here and never paid and made sure my landlord had it in place before I signed contracts etc. Also made sure the villa was clean and fixed up before I signed it. Alot of people just seem to be signing and not looking at the villa properly. All mazaya pools need regrouting before filling. They should have made the landlord fill the pool before moving in.... And make sure they have all maintenance covered . Our landlord landscaped, put a new pool in and cleaned up and done the snagging list all before we moved in otherwise we would never had moved in. However when every villa you look at has the same terms and landlords won't budge what are people supposed to do? Part of the reason why the Mazaya's are so cheap is because the landlords don't do the landscaping. 120k is the price for A1 with no landscaping if you want landlord to do it then rent is 140k or above, which you have to pay every year in the house.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 10:53
No not dry hubby called a hotel this am and they said they're serving all day from mid day.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 08:56
Hi Nippy we've just moved to al Reem 2 too. My son is nearly eight so your boy might not be interested in meeting him but if he is drop me an email star dot southern at y mail dot com (no spaces). I got a notice on my car yesterday that they're starting group tennis lessons on our court for kids if you want details let me know.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 00:20
Starsouthern, that's awful. Do you know if it depends on the developer how things work out, or is it just random awfulness? I seem to remember reading here that there was one developer who was completing things on time, to a high standard, and another who ran out of the readies and just left people in the lurch. Did that happen to your friends or did I just imagine that kind of thing? The villas that are significantly cheaper belong to the developers that ran out of readies however the public/ common area landscaping and community centres are the master developers resposnsibility so owners feel they have been lied to by both parties.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 23:22
I know there are a lot of people who love living in the Villa but there are also people who are going through H**L there. We looked at moving to the Villa. I loved the houses, however we decided on Arabian Ranches. We chose AR because we have friends who moved from AR to the Villa and all though they love the size of the house they have had to pay a fortune to have the garden done, all their drains have problems as there has been concrete poured down them. Their pool has problems, their DEWA bills are high, their AC's aren't working properly. Their landlord doesn't care as he paid a lot for the Villa and is pea'd off that he can't rent it out for more because the developers didn't stick to their word and that the area and house isn't to the standard that he was promised when he purchased the property off plan. My friends have also been told that their house is on the market so they probably have to move out in a year. They also miss the community of AR, the pool, tennis courts and all the kids around. With all the extras that they have had to pay, the headache and stress they are going through they wished they had stayed in AR in a smaller property. Before anyone says they should go to RERA and all this should be covered in their contract, they have been to RERA and all the above things are supposedly covered however they aren't getting anywhere. The landlord doesn't care as he's not in the country. We didn't want to go through all that, pay out all that money and then most likely have to move in a year. When we looked we weren't sure whether we wanted to buy or rent there and were shown lots of properties with tenants in them and being told not to worry as they can be given notice and they have to leave at the end of the contract.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 13:13
NAS is a call Centre for lots of different Insurance companies, so it depends on your provider what clinics are in their network. I have NAS but my provider is QIC and Nicholas and Asp is in my network so it's direct billing including dental, but for dental I have a limit that I can spend per year. If you call the 800 number on the back of your card and give them your card number they will email you a list of all clinics, dentists, hospitals and pharmacies in your network. <em>edited by starsouthern on 28/08/2011</em>
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 08:54
I have a matress from The One we replaced our matress from Marlin Furniture (which we loved) this one is even better. They have two types, we chose the cheaper one, you can get a mattress pad to make it even more comfy too.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 13:24
Hi there my 2.5 year old DD has been to Aquaventure 3 times, first time a year ago then just when she was two and the third time this July. She loved it at every stage, I think it was much more suitable for little ones then wild wadi. They have a lovely area with slides of different sizes your baby maybe too scared to go on some of the bigger ones but they have little ones too and they can paddle and play with the water. We just take lots of pool toys and she has a great time. The height restrictions on the other rides are 120cm so anyone under this plays in the kids area.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 12:06
Try frank provost or the salon in Harvey nick's my cloud nines are way better than my ghd's. Google cloud nine Dubai and give them a call and they'll let you know where you can get a pair today.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 08:50
We've just moved out of a 4E in Springs 15 to the Ranches. We loved living in the Springs but wished we'd moved to the Ranches earlier. The community areas and pools are much nicer in the Ranches than the Springs, houses I feel are built much better, and designed so that there isn't as much wastage of space as in the springs. The Ranches is further out than the Springs it was 11km from my door in the Springs to MOE and it's 18km from my door now to MOE. Our DEWA bills in the 4E in Springs 2 adults 2 kids were 1000 aed per month during the summer and 400 aed in the winter. I dry all my clothes in the drier as we lived by the back road so as soon as you put stuff out it got covered in dust which used to drive me crazy. We only had people knock on our door the first couple of weeks we moved in. Now that we've newly moved into the Ranches we get the same knocks on the door once word gets around that you don't need anyone the knocking will stop. <em>edited by starsouthern on 18/08/2011</em>
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 00:17
I love the name Scott, strong, short, simple to pronounce, and easy to spell.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 12:49
Hi Sheelagh, sorry about your dog. Have you been to the Municipality pound to check if he's there? They always say no when you call and they don't call the numbers on the tag. You have 3 days to claim him back before they put him up for general adoption. Good luck hope he comes back soon.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 12:50
Try putting the Vicks on baby's feet then socks, it really helps.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 17:42
If it's true, that's Christmas sorted :D hehehehe :D
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 17:41
Just bought a F&P oven gas on top fan assited electric on bottom, much more shelves and racks than all the others I've seen on the market. Price an ouch aed 5399. I saw a Bompani electric fan assited oven with gas on top at carrefour today for aed 3999.
1618
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 17:33
I spoke to my OB/GYN at Medcare a couple of months ago and she said to make an appointment with the Urologist there and they sort it out.