starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

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Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 13:22
Hi DB this will sound weird but really works! Brew some strong tea, let it cool right down and clean her eyes with it.
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 06:37
Also Dubai Women's College High School has recently opened.
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 06:04
Hi October, So sorry to hear about your DD. Dubai Taxi's started a school pick up service a while ago. Not sure of the costs. You have to call them to organize. There is also assist.ae who will do this and being such a short trip might not be too expensive. Is there a mum from your DD school that you can make an arrangement with? In your situation I don't think people will begrudge giving you DD a lift home till end of school year. <em>edited by starsouthern on 01/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 06:55
Dubai Properties have put the rent up on all their 3 bed Villas in Shorooq and Layan to 175k and their 2 bed villas to 90k [url=http://dubaipropertiesgroup.ae/rent/villas'>link[/url'> <em>edited by starsouthern on 28/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 12:06
Tickets were free to the first 300 people that liked their FB page and the rest were invitation only.
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 17:32
He has to give you a year's notice by law. Even if he needs the property for his son? edited by happiedoll on 17/04/2013 He has to give you 12 months notice through notary from Dubai Courts.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 20:40
We've just moved from AR to Mirdif and used Acorn they were amazing! So professional. Highly recommend them they also brought down their quote to match the lowest quote I got from another company.
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Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 19:27
AL Reem 1 - in my vicinity the villa opposite has been empty since before xmas and there are two down the road plus one round the corner... I see others as we drive to school... I'min Al Reem 2, and there was one on the street near me empty for ages, I think it might still be, they were asking a lot for it, another one has popped up on Street 1 too,I do thinkalot of it is the landlords trying it on. edited by itsonlyme on 15/04/2013 I just left st 1 al Reem 2 near gate as foundations on house have gone. I think LL is going to try and sell it on as quote to fix problem was more than knocking house down and rebuilding it! <em>edited by starsouthern on 15/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 16:44
I was going to buy a Dorothy Perkins top online for dhs 60 not on sale. Wasn't 100% certain that it would suit me so went to Dorothy Perkins in MCC to try it on. Looked at the label and the price on it was dhs 350! Unbelievable!
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Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 16:37
AL Reem 1 - in my vicinity the villa opposite has been empty since before xmas and there are two down the road plus one round the corner... I see others as we drive to school... We had to move out of our 3M in Al Reem 2 due to major structural problems. We were paying 110k. We looked everywhere and the cheapest 3M we found was 145k and it was in a terrible state. The rest were asking for 165k-185k! There is no way that those houses are worth that much IMHO.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 20:57
In the White Crowne Building (white building with KFC on bottom) on SZR opposite the trade centre metro station is Jen's Hair Studio, Jardine is English and does excellent highlights. There is also Hair Station/Shop in the Trade Centre they also have good hairdressers.
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Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 22:06
The landlord can't evict you. There are laws that protect tenants. The rent committee are pretty quick when it comes rent increase issues.
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Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 20:44
Has anyone taken up a case with the rent committee and won? I spoke to the 'manager' who handles the building I live in regarding my contract renewal a few weeks ago and was told I would get a 5% increase if I continue to pay in two cheques. When i went to handover the cheques I was told that the rent is 10% more and it doesnt matter if I pay in 2 or 4 cheques. I've cheched the RERA rental increase calculator and I am within the average rent for a similar apartment in my area. Although I told them this they said I could take the case up with RERA if I wanted but I wouldmt win. The landlord would get his way. In fact I was told quite openly the landlord wants more money as the rents in the area are now going up. And that other tenants have chosen to vacate because of this. What is the success rate with cases filed with RERA? Do I even stand a chance? Everyone I know who has opened a case has won including myself. It's simple if they increase the rent more than the rental calculator allows it's against the law. I would say to management that if they want you to pay more than what is legally allowed then they can take you to the rent committee!
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 22:17
I wold not buy..not an advice just the way I feel...we were continually being pressured back in the 2007 and 2008 with same arguments..till the whole thing blew up...we didn't relent. To me this whole situation feels like deja vu of the 2008. another bubble. edited by Goose on 11/04/2013 Nothing like 2008 and no more bubbles. It cannot happen. It's a complete bubble again. People didn't learn their lesson the first time round unfortunately. We've had to urgently move out of our 3M villa, we are currently paying 110k the cheapest 3M we found was 160k in one cheque! Rest are going for 175-200k landlords aren't willing to negotiate. Dubai Properties have put up their Shorooq villas in Mirdif from 135k-175k. Their 3 bed apartments from 78k to 120k! No one I know has had an allowance or wage increase. It will come crashing down again.
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 13:52
I've been using them since they started and haven't received a scam text either. However I'm all for competition, it's never a good thing when a company has a monopoly on the market so it wouldn't bother me. Recently I haven't been able to get a driver through them at the time I want even booking in advance so I have used other companies which have also been cheaper.
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 16:23
Is it allowed? :D It's against the sub community rules in AR, The Lakes and Springs. Not sure if they enforce it though. <em>edited by starsouthern on 10/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 16:07
By the way, just had a look at their website. Didn't know this existed in Dubai. Can anyone advice on the hourly rate of these drivers? I assume you book them for a whole evening? I've never booked them for a whole evening, just a single trip. They meet you at your car at the time booked. I live in Arabian Ranches, the rate has always been anywhere in Dubai to The Ranches for 120 dirhams. Safer Driver charged me dhs 150 from festival city to AR.
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 15:34
and enjoyed it, please share where they serve similar food? Preferably all in one restaurant! I ordered from their menu which read 'Magnolia' cafe. I enjoyed the fresh vegetarian food so much I told the attendant I would be returning to that cafe. She responded that Magnolia cafe at Al Qar is not open to the public, only private parties and the spa. Does anyone know another restaurant in Dubai that has a similar menu to the food served there? TIA I would say Baker and Spice is the closest food I've had.
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 13:07
Someone recommended Medcare orthopaedic clinic for broken bones, right at safa park interchange, not the hospital overlooking the sandpit at jess jumeriah. I second Medcare when my son broke his wrist they took very good care of him.
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 13:06
I've used the Antilop with all three of my kids but without the tray as its the right hight to pull up to the table so babies are part of the whole family dining experience. The best thing about it is that it's easy to clean! I find the bar on the stokke really hard to take on and off.
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 18:36
Yes I would and have done so. I completely trust my husband is able to look after our children therefore have no problem leaving them with him. Did I miss my children while away? More than anything in the world! I had a fantastic time and came back recharged and energized.
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Latest post on 06 April 2013 - 19:09
My landlord sent this guy Marco from Gum Busters +971 56 7086308 not sure what he charged the landlord but our ACs used to breakdown every month until he came and serviced them. 6 months on and still no smells from the AC!
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Latest post on 06 April 2013 - 19:02
wondering if I'm the only one who's had to google tow mater! LOL me too!
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Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 08:32
No you can not sublet rooms out in a villa even with the landlords NOC. There is a one villa one family law.
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Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 10:51
Most landlords will allow you to find a new tenant without a penalty. Subleasing to my understanding is not allowed without the landlords permission.
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Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 13:19
Hi Daza These no were left on my car 0508500595 and 0508566355
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Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 12:47
We stayed there last year, the outside area is fantastic. I wrote a complaint to the General Manager as when we were there there was no children's menu at any if their restaurants so you had to buy full price adult meals. The General Manager wrote back apologizing and said that they have implemented a half portion/child's menu option. Which I found really impressive.
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Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 09:56
Ok so this is the situation a few months on. We have been in the apartment for two years, have always paid the rent up front and generally had no issues. We have never met the landlord (a rep always turns up to collect the cheque and present the contract at my DH's office) so all communication is via email only. - Tenancy ended on 30th March 2013. - One year term and it does not state non renewable on the contract - We wrote (email) to the LL in early Feb asking him to advise the process for renewing the tenancy. - LL wrote back the next day stating that he will not be extending as he is placing one of his employees into the apartment - I wrote back immediately and stated that (nicely) that in the absence of the contract stating that it is non renewable, to evict us, he needs to serve at least 12 months notice through a notary public or by registered mail. Further, the reason that he provided for wanting to move us out didn't fall under one of the prescribed conditions set out in law (i.e. moving in himself, demolition, renovation, sale). - LL totally ignored my response and then on 24th March (a few days before the end of the current tenancy), I wrote to him saying that a cheque is available for collection at my my DH's offices and that he should contact us in advance of someone collecting the cheque so that my DH could arrange security clearance and so on. I also asked that a copy of the renewed contract be delivered in exchange. - LL didn't respond and then on 27th, my DH called him and the LL was very rude and said that we should have our bags packed by the 30th and that he had filed a complaint with the rent committee and to expect a letter. - 30th (yesterday) came and went and we are still here. - We are of the view that we have not done anything wrong, but it is him that has made a procedural error and that aside, he cannot just kick us out an move an employee in. Clearly he wants to force us out so he can move in a new person(s) and increase the rent. Everything is in writing and we can prove that we have done everything to try and pay the rent. - So the question is - what do we do...? The agreement was registered but at this stage DH is reluctant to go to the committee as he doesn't feel it right that we have to pay 3.5% to register a filing when we haven't done anything apart from be good tenants. Any advice?? You need to take your contract and cheques to the rent committee, they will issue you a new contract and inform the LL that they are in possession of his cheques for him to collect. If he has opened a case (which I highly doubt as rent committee would've told him he has no chance) then you will be notified.
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Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 19:39
If you haven't found someone already I know of a great British Curriculum Maths tutor. You can email me for details star dot southern at ymail dot com (no spaces)
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Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 19:39
ROFL!!!
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Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 19:30
First couple of times was much better it was a carvery style you could have a bit of everything but the format has recently changed to ordering the mains off a menu, portions were really small and took a LONG time to arrive (an hour!) we were disappointed after having such a fab time the two previous times before, however the drink selection is fab and free flowing - we're gong back to Spectrum on One next time edited by cymraes on 30/03/2013 Oh that's such a shame as we went before Christmas and it was lovely, food was great and a really nice atmosphere. Hubby and I went to Spectrum recently and we were really disappointed, food not great and it was a meat market full of very drunk desperate singles.
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 18:50
Brian @ SAKS
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 18:53
We bought an Australian one from Geant 2 years ago and it's still fab. My son and his friends are older so got the 10ft one.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 18:20
CASA Arabian Ranches is going to have a shopping complex, a new school and restaurant/s.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 17:14
We're on The Villa too, just before the end of our first year, we got the usual b/s about change of job, need the house back etc etc. - werent given 60 days notice, then he tried an increase, again no, we were still just in the bracket. Then we got the years notice stating he wants it for his own use and the 'non renewable' contract. I just absolutly detest the greed of this place, there has been absolutely no improvement on facilities here and our courtyard has still not been landscaped. It is my understanding that if the landlord rents the house out again we can sue him for costs does anyone know the status on that. If he rents out the property within 2 years of kicking you out and doesn't move in himself you can take him to the rent committee for compensation on moving costs and the raise in rent that you've had to pay by moving to a new location. LL do this because people just say oh well and can't be bothered with following it up. However now with the Ejari system there will be complete proof that your LL hasn't moved in themselves. Personally I would write a strong worded email informing LL of this and making it clear that I would sue him, if he did rent the property out within two years of you vacating.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 17:08
Hi there, Sorry to hijack but we are going through something similar but just wanted advice please. Our LL told us he had sold the apartment and gave us new LL's name, number and email and advised us we had to be out at the end of our lease (May). Our lease is not a Non Renewable lease and we know about the 12 months notice etc. we in fact believe the apt hasn't been sold as we have googled new LL and we think he's a mate/colleague of our current LL. Our problem is - after the first years lease we renewed by email (been here 3 yrs), saying we renew as per terms and conditions of lease. So in effect we only have a blue lease (standard agent) for the first year and for the subsequent 2 years, emails stating a continuation under same t&c. We have gone to RERA and in typical Dubai style, one person told us we are in the right and can't be kicked out while another said the opposite. Anyone have any advice? Known of similar circumstances? Thank you, Curly If your lease says Non Renewable then unfortunately you are not entitled to the 12 months notice period. Also each consecutive year you stay in a villa/flat you need to get a contract drawn up and register it. The email continuation is not enough.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 14:23
ok thanks Pikachu. Complicated house we chose i'm afraid.Owner moved out ,we moved in,contract for 1 year.In Jan property was put up for sale.Then last week i had this bloke knock at the door and tell me he was the owner,'oh it's sold already' i said,nope,he had some sort of contract with our LL who ran out of money and left bills everywhere. This 'new' LL told me he had paid off everything.Is there somewhere i can ring to clear a few things Firstly,Do we even have a contract?New LL says if its not sold by end of contract (oct) we will have to move out anyway because his friend will move in! TBH i really want to move out now and let him get on with it,i am so fed up,only moved here in dec!! Trust us to get into something complicated:( edited by suzieirl on 25/03/2013 The contract you signed when you moved in is valid. Go and register your current contract now. They have to give you notice to move out. For the LL to sell or move in himself he has to give you 90 days notice. The contract he has with this new person means nothing so don't give this new person money. Emaar will not let an owner sell their property without the service charges being paid in full.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 14:13
Great this is what we thought, our contract doesn't expire until June which is when we were expecting to receive 12 months notice. But I suspect he thinks that he has given us notice now so will either not be expecting to renew in June or for us to move out 12 months from now... You can stay until June 2014, however on the property show yesterday and when I have called RERA and the rent committee they have said that landlord can give you 90 days notice to move if you don't agree then they have to give you a 12 month non renewable contract. 12 months notice is from the end if your current contract if they are selling or want to move in themselves. They also said to me an email is sufficient notice it doesn't have to be notarized. Call the rent committee though to double check what they say as your LL might have been told that 90 days is enough, so you think you have 12 months and he thinks you're out at the end of your contract.
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 20:33
With my first two we didn't baby proof at all. My third however as soon as he was mobile we had to screw/lock everything down. Any trouble he can get into he will! Unfortunately now that he's 21 months old he's figured out how to pretty much unlock everything!
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 20:26
All my friends children have had grommets put in by Dr Shuker (spelling) at Dubai London Clinic Jumeirah. He's lovely but will only do what's necessary.
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 19:25
Celmetro in JLT they have free pick up and delivery we get all our phones, iPads fixed by them. http://www.celmetro.com/contact-us.html
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Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 22:33
So the foundations in our house might have moved or the steel used to build the house has expanded due to humidity? The only way to find out is for the engineers to dig. We obviously can't stay in the house while the digging is happening but who is responsible for rejoining us while the investigation happens? Also if it turns out that we have to vacate immediately what are we entitled to? Our contract runs out in August. If anyone has gone through this or knows what's what your help would be appreciated. TIA SS
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Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 11:25
@star southern - could you help me with where gems teachers are accomodated ... in sharjah ? i will be teaching at gems shortly Sorry no idea about Sharjah.
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 14:18
She needs to use tap water and a water conditioner. She should let new water stand at room temp for a few hours before transferring fish into it. Always add a about a cup of the old water in with the new. Don't wash bowl or tank with soap. If she has stones at the bottom of her bowl she should only wash half of them and leave the other half aside to add back into the bowl as tap water kills any helpful bacteria. She only needs to feed her fish once a day and only enough food that they can eat in 10 seconds. She also needs to monitor the alkaline level from having too much left over food in the tank. If the fish is swimming on its side clean out the bowl immediately. Don't feed it for a couple of days then feed it a thawed skinless pea. Don't leave the pea in the bowl if the fish doesn't eat it immediately try again. She should also add 1 teaspoon of iodized salt per gallon of water to her tank to kill any parasites on the fish. If your friend googles how to look after goldfish there's lots of info. Clean healthy water makes a happy fish.
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 01:01
Forgot to add for best results don't put any salt on it till it's cooked to keep it moist as the salt draws out the moisture in meat, you can use plenty of pepper though.
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 00:57
Love this tenderloin roast recipe and the meat is perfect every time!!! [url=http://m.goodfoodchannel.co.uk/recipe/572444/roast-fillet-of-beef-with-red-wineglazed-shallots-and-horseradish-sauce/'>link[/url'> Yep Spinneys have it already to roast silver skin is removed. <em>edited by starsouthern on 18/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 00:53
Brian Montgomery at saks, souk al bahar is amazing. He can cut a bob like no one else, I have been stopped and asked about my hair more times than I could mention. Brilliant! Love Brian he's like a magician with his scissors! Where is Souk Al Bahar? And how do the prices compare to Ted Morgan where I pay 500 for a colour, 250 for cut and blow dry and 100 for toner. (just happened to come across my receipts today!) Saks is at the Palace Hotel. Last time I went I paid dhs 680 for full head colour cut and blow dry, Brian rewards loyal clients by either giving them a discount or a complementary service eg treatment every time they come. He's worked at Vadal Sasoon and SAKS UK. I prefer him to Ted Morgan but as you know hairdressers are a very personal choice.
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Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 12:10
Saw them in Geant and Spinneys too.
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Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 11:51
The same thing happened to me this morning... A big nasty scratch on the back side of the car. Looks luke somebody tried to park. It amazes me that that person does not even bother to leave their details... Surely that's the right thing to do? If you leave details you get into trouble here for fleeing the scene of an accident. To get a police report go to the Police Station near the trade centre. If you go first thing in the am it only takes about 30 mins.
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Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 08:31
I've used this company before 043311077 they charge dhs 30 per hour and were flexible with timing.