starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 09:12
Is it Posh Paws who have the farm? They could maybe help you out with them. Nad al sheba vets are specialists in birds and reptiles for the sick one. Ring first so you don't get charged the walk in rate. Personally I wouldnt want to eating a sick duck. Ta don't think Nad Al Sheba are open on a Friday but will check.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 08:59
There was a family of 6 in Springs 6, now there are only three and this one couldn't walk so have him in my bath with cool fresh water. Think the other 2 are dehydrated as it's too hot outside and I think they used to be someones pets. They need to go somewhere until it cools down, they can't stay in my bath for the next 4 months so was wondering if someone knew where I could take them. And what vet could sort the sick one out.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 08:54
Congrats CurlyOB!!! Hope your recovery doesn't take too long and that little one is settling in well. Good luck M!!!! I'm due on the 29th seeing the doc on Sat when I think she'll do a sweep as this fella needs to come out! :)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 08:51
I was told by CID at work that it's actually illegal to drive here once you are past 30 weeks. Which was a shock to me as I drove myself to the hospital with baby no 2! But he said that if anything were to happen that the pregnant woman would be held responsible and be procecuted, if God forbid anything happened to the baby then the mother would be charged with murder. After he told me I did remember about a case where this did happen to a woman. So stopped driving.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 22:17
I was looking today and Carrefour and Jumbo have 64gb WiFi out for 2999aed. This is also cheaper than what I paid in Oz. Of course both were out of stock but Jumbo reckons maybe more tmrw. Hopefully that is the case. Virgin MOE had some in stock and were the same price.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 07:54
Hi Meals don't worry about bubs being skinny, my first son was really stocky and had all the perfect rolls every where he was a fab eater/drinker was happy to have what ever was given to him. My DD on the other hand was half the size of any of my friends babies she was a tiny mini skinny thing, she wouldn't take a bottle and I would sit all day BF her on the couch and she wasn't getting fatter! Fast foward to now when she's 2.5 and is perfect :) she's filled out in all the right places and is just gorgeous! Have to add that she refused to eat food until she was 1.5 years old! Now have baby no 3 coming in a week wonder what feeding joys he's going to be born with? <em>edited by starsouthern on 20/06/2011</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 07:31
My pediatrician says the best thing to do is get one of the water fillter jugs (like Brita Navelia) fillter tap water then boil it. He says the mineral content in bottled water is too high for babies not just the sodium content.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 07:27
I've seen 3 people with it here and even stalked one person who allowed me to try it out ;) I loved it. It's just like the pictures! Was really easy to push around, so have ordered mine online and by chance had a friend who is going to the states so she's going to bring it back for me. Can't wait for it to arrive won't be till August though :(
starsouthern
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 07:24
Congrats Redrec Tangle and goodluck M! Can't believe I only have 1.5 weeks left! Hope you're getting lots of rest alimart, don't worry about the BF it all sorts it's self out in the end :) if the formula is making him too windy try changing brands.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 07:11
The Union Co Op have Aptamil comfort too just incase you need more saw loads of it there the other day.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 14:35
If you don't have a visa by then you can go to immigration and get an exit stamp in new babies passport, and you can all leave the country or do visa runs.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 21:55
thanks, do you have any contact details? they don't come up on google.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 21:13
i can help star dot southern at y mail dot com (no spaces)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 19:57
Have a friend who wants to train as a chef/ take professional cooking classes. Are there any schools out here that offer this?
starsouthern
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 19:57
Was there last weekend and no not yet.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 22:11
Most errors are to do with blockages and lack of water flow or it needs salt. Top everything up and if that doesn't work unplug everything and clean all the plumbing and filters. If that doesn't work, throw it out and get a new one. Hehe throwing it out seems like a good option right now :)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 21:49
:( not even google comes up with a manual for that one. There is however a customer service help area on their website. Thanks have tried both google and the customer services area on their website, I've also called their number and emailed all the email adresses all week and no reply. It's driving me crazy!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 21:46
Most won't answer you or show you properties on a Friday, but still worth giving it a go.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 21:36
Hi have lost my dishwasher manual and my dishwasher keeps giving me an E4 error code. If any of you have the manual could you please pretty please check what the code means and how I can fix it. I've tried calling and emailing Campomatic but no reply. TIA
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 21:24
OK the OP said in her first posting that it was a 3 year contract and she had no intention of staying 3 years. Then she said she was "told" it was a 2 year contract but because it took so long to get her visa it "turned out" to be 3 years??? What does the contract say? OP doesn't seem to be able to keep track of even that fact - most employers will not get an RP for longer than the contract states - why would they request such a thing (even if it were possible) and more to the point why would the ministry of immigration/labour grant one? That's why I was saying that the OP needs to check her contract, because she seemed to have mixed up her contract with her visa expiry. A lot of schools bring their teachers out on a tourist visa and don't do the residency visa until after the probation period yet their contract starts when they arrive in the country so their visa expires after their contract does. Don't know why but for some reason schools get a 3 year visa even if their contract is for 2 years, whereas companies only get the visa for the duration of the contract. Anyway seems like OP has disappeared. <em>edited by starsouthern on 15/06/2011</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 20:13
Quote from OP "I have been working in a school in the UAE for the last two years and never intended completing my 3 year contract. The two years I have spent working there has had its up and downs....mostly downs and there is a very low morale amongst staff there. When I moved here I met a guy with a similar upbringing to myself and a yearlater we got engaged. He has now moved to a different Gulf country for a better work opportunity and naturally has asked me to follow him..this is where my dilemma lies.... If i give notice to my employer, I will forfeit my salary for this month and my summer pay along with a flight to my home country, the final amount tallies at almost 35k and I will also have to repay 45 days of my salary and the cost of my visa and labour card." Disagree on the repayment - most of those (especially if governed by the ministry of higher education which I suspect the OP is) clearly state that there are penalties. However, that being said, visa and labor costs are not allowed to be recovered, I referred to relocation/furniture allowances which can be clawed back. If under the MoHE - they have to give a full semester's notice no ifs ands or buts - this has been the case for at least 20 years to my knowledge. However, if the OP is not in a school administered by the MoHE she can take your advice and her chances - HCT ZU AUS PI Uni of Sharjah etc are all under the MoHE and there are different rules applied even when appealed to the courts (and don't think people haven't tried). Many are not aware that there is a two tier education ministry here - and it can vary from one system to another the rules etc. that are applicable. edited by marycatherine on 15/06/2011 edited by marycatherine on 15/06/2011 Another post later on from OP I was told that it would be a 2 year contract which would end in June of this year but instead they made an error and my visa is with my employers until January of 2013 as they delayed in processing my visa...should have put this in original post. Also get the impression from some posters that I am the first person in the UAE who wishes to break their contract!!! HCT and ZU are Government Institutions which are not covered by the labour court, people do leave before their contracts are up, and yes I agree that they do have to pay back per diem housing and furniture allowance, so if she's worked 2 years she has to pay back 1 years worth of allowances, There is a 6 month notice period in these institutions. International schools are governed by the labour court they have a 45 working day notice period.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 19:03
starsouthern, education contracts can differ from "regular" work contracts. Most are for 2 or 3 years (the OP said it was for 3 years) and stipulate penalties if the contract is not fulfilled (see my previous post). There are serious consequences if she does not follow the stipulations in her contract - she CAN leave now, but there are financial penalties she has to pay to do so - that's what the contract stipulates and as she outlined. She doesn't want to adhere to the contract she agreed to and signed and neither does she want to suffer the penalties - hence, she is committing an illegal act for which she can (and probably will be) banned, blacklisted, no references and a case filed against her if she owes them any money. Sheer stupidity - better to scrimp for the short term if she absolutely MUST follow this guy now. Otherwise she could face problems in the future, especially if she thinks she can continue in education in the GCC - it is a very small community. Actually not all education contracts are for 3 years. It depends on the company that has hired you. Most schools have an initial 2 year contract and then 1 year renewable ones after that, however the visas are valid for 3 years. The OP also said that she was under the impression that her contract was 2 years but her visa is for 3 years. I know people in big schools out here that have been told that if they break their contracts they'll be fined and have to pay x y and z back but when they have gone to the labour court they have been told no that is not the case. All contracts whether education or not have an out clause with a notice period, for most schools it's 45 days. At the end of the day if the OP does abscond she can be banned/black listed from the UAE for life so she has to way up what's more important, the money, not being with her other half for a while or being blacklisted for life.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 12:35
You have to check your contract, just because your visa is 3 years does not mean your contract is. You have to give the required amount of time as notice as per your contract. They can not make you pay back any recruitment fees and have to pay you your dues if you give the required notice. Take them to labour court, I know a few teachers here who have gone to the labour court and won from some big companies. If you've signed a new contract for september then you may need to come back in september and work your 45 days notice then leave. If you do not get your visa cancelled then yes you can face legal charges and arrest if you are reported as absconding by your sponsor this can happen in 2 months or 20 years time.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 12:17
Cell Metro in JLT also fix them, they pick up and deliver.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 15:52
Ikea have black out roll down blinds. Cheap and can go under your normal curtains without altering them. I bought the pottery barn curtains without the blackout (loads cheaper) then put the blind from Ikea underneath works great looks good too. <em>edited by starsouthern on 10/06/2011</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 15:33
Tip Top Painters Khaleel 056 625 2767 They always give the best quotes, they do the worl really well and quickly. They also clean up after themselves!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 15:33
Tip Top Painters Khaleel 056 625 2767 They always give the best quotes, they do the worl really well and quickly. They also clean up after themselves!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 09:13
No worries :)
starsouthern
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 09:05
Yep, I'd put it in the dryer with 3 or 4 tennis balls to keep it fluffy and to make sure that the air dries it evenly.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 19:29
Will keep an eye out, it's so hot now such a terrible time for a pet to be missing Its extremely hot, is she used to being outside? if so she should be ok, hopefully she knows how to find her way home soon, it's horrible losing a pet.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 16:44
I'm pregnant with my third child and am huge! Was sitting having dinner with hubby and my other 2 kids when this woman came up to me puts her hand on my stomach and says to me 'how lovely, you must only give birth naturally don't go for any of those drugs or c-section.' I was like and who are you? How do you know if I'm able to give birth naturally or not? Who are you to tell me how to birth my child? and touch me uninvited! Was not my happy friendly self at that moment! LOL. Maybe its like a cultural difference... Nope def was not a cultural thing.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 16:41
I'm pregnant with my third child and am huge! Was sitting having dinner with hubby and my other 2 kids when this woman came up to me puts her hand on my stomach and says to me 'how lovely, you must only give birth naturally don't go for any of those drugs or c-section.' I was like and who are you? How do you know if I'm able to give birth naturally or not? Who are you to tell me how to birth my child? and touch me uninvited! Was not my happy friendly self at that moment!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 20:20
I could do with some luck so here's hoping! Thanks Neel. If anyone else has any experiences with fees please let me know. Thanks We were charged aed 25 a day but that was 2 years ago.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 18:42
I haven't been asked so far for any I.D all they have wanted to date is my insurance card. I'll be delivering there in 3 weeks so will let you know if they ask for anything. I did do my Emirates ID just incase it's needed to register the birth, so far I don't think it's needed though.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 15:50
Bumping this thread to ask Anymore feedback? I'm also moving
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 12:44
Hi starsouthern Just wanted to let you know that my dr estimated that our baby would be really big, our first baby was 4.13kg so I expected a big boy. The 36 week scan estimated him at 3.8kg and so I expected on my c-section date that I would have an over 4kg baby boy. He was born 12 days before my due date and was only 3.53kg. My dr said that as his head was measuring big the machine averaged all the measurements and estimated him as a lot bigger than what he was. I hope you have a very easy birth :) Congrats Alimart! Another great name! Hope my little man is heavy and doesn't have a massive head ;) all the best with your bundle of joy. Goog luck to everyone else, D day nearly here!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 12:37
Just kidding have covers or will order them in for you.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 12:37
Just kidding have covers or will order them in for you.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 12:11
Hey all hope you all are doing great. Just a quick question about what prenatal vitamins are you all on , my doc has currently since this week placed me on pregnacare, Osteocare and Feroglobin. I jus feel this to be a looot of vitamins , cos generally ppl jus go on pregnacare and that seems enough?? what do u say I was prescribed the same as you without blood tests and my father and uncle who are both doctors said to only take the pregnacare and the feroglobin, the feroglobin is important for your baby's brain development and apparently your body will keep any iron in the system for it's self not pass it on. They said the Osteocare is not needed as there is enough calcium in the pregnecare and if you eat pleanty of greens, cheese, yoghurt and milk then you will be fine.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 12:03
Choithrams in the springs had loads last night. Homecentre also have water proof covers for a mattress
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 17:07
They have to contact the bank that has the case against him, they will send in their lawyer who will negotiate with them to find a solution. They maybe asked to pay a certain percentage to be released, give a guaranee cheque for total amount outstanding and work out a monthly payment plan. The bank may also ask to pay everything owing up front plus charges and lawyers fees, or face jail.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 13:24
Congrats Suznz! Beautiful name! All the best, wishing you much love xx
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 13:23
I've had my mum in with me for both my births and am planning on having her there for my third. She was fantastic help and support, more so than my OH who bless him tried hard but had no clue. I think if you want both of them there then you need to tell your husband that you need your mum with you and that's that. That's what I did, my OH wasn't happy but he wasn't the one pushing the baby out!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 10:55
How's everyone doing? Any babies popped yet? Had my 36 week check yesterday and have been told that baby is already 3.3kgs! My first was 4kg, my second was 3.26kgs. Doc reckons that this one will be max 3.8kgs will he seriously grow another 500grams in the last 4 weeks? I'm massive don't think I could handle another gram more! Anyway hope you're all doing well. xx
starsouthern
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 22:51
Yep all my friends have had their husbands as birth partners at MedCare. Am due to have my baby there on 29th June so will let you know how it goes.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 22:14
Call RERA they should be able to tell you. However it's my understanding that the landlord is actually right you have to stay to the end but give 2 months notice of non renewal. By RERA regulation it is 3 months notice of non renewal if there is nothing in the contract. You can find a new tenant to take over your lease by advertising your property on Dubizzle or on classifieds here.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 19:10
Active Sports is AED 550 for a week with a 20% discount for siblings. Starting from age 4 they have camps at DESS and Regent school.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 19:07
Please note that only iPads sold through the authorised seller; iStyle in Ibn Battuta, are the fully warenteed iPads. All other iPads in Dubai are grey market and therefore not covered by Apple for gaurentee. A friend purchased one from Sharaf and when it broke and she took it back the response from the manager was that if she wanted it to be warenteed she should not have bought a grey market iPad from them, which of course she said that she had no idea it was grey market and they had failed to inform her of this at the time of sale, but they refused to help, so be warned! I thought Virgin and Jumbo were both Authorized as well? They are the official stores now, IStyle are the agent not the dealer.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 11:01
Jumbo Electronics in MOE/ Dubai Mall will put you on a waiting list and call you when they have stock. Same prices as Virgin. It took about a week for them to call. <em>edited by starsouthern on 28/05/2011</em>
 
 
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