starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

starsouthern
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Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 19:59
We drink sauvignon blanc mainly from NZ our favorites are Oyster Bay, Monkey Bay, Satelitte, Dog Point and Villa Maria. False Bay is a good and cheap sauvignon blanc from South Africa.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 20:07
dont be like the sheep here, go and look and do your own research, as each child is different so are the schools, what works for one doesnt always work for all. dubai college may be the best but only because they select.... i dont live in dxb, but i know a lot of people who do, in am in abu dhabi, but i would always go for the non profit ones that have been here the longest. our school does much better than some of the uk selective schools, and we have many different nationalities and sen too. Seriously??? People asking for advice are sheep? If you read my post properly you would have seen that I'm looking for a friend as well! I understand everyone has different needs, waiting list etc. but its good to have a general idea which ones have a good rep and not. I don't think busybee2 was saying you were being a sheep by asking for advice. I think what she was saying was don't just choose DC because everyone says it's the best, a school that might not be everyone's first choice could turn out to be the best school for your friend's child because it suits their needs yet it might not make the best school in Dubai list. <em>edited by starsouthern on 04/02/2013</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 19:49
You need to check what the increase is on the rental calculator as he's only allowed to put it up by that much. Unfortunately even if you pay the legal increase he can still give you a non renewable contract. Landlords in Dubai are allowed to put the rent up after the first year if it falls within the rental calculator guide line. Are you sure? I thought it was only after the second year Yes, according to the rent committe, if the rental calculator says there is an increase then LL can increase the rent after the first year if they give 90 days notice.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 19:44
The rent committe told me that PoAs are no longer allowed to accept payment in their names for properties. Not sure though if it just related to our property and landlord or if this is actually the law now. There was something on the property show saying that for sales if property PoAs can't accept payments in their name also.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 14:09
We were also MFR victims and now deal with LL's PoA. The rent committee treated our contract as a renewal with the same terms and conditions. We didn't have to pay a new deposit even though LL hasn't received it, but it does mean that we won't get it back when we move. The LL wasn't liable for any repairs done by us while MFR was managing the property as rent committee said MFR were the LL as they had signed the contract even though the contract was in owners name. Cheques are made directly to the owner.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 22:46
You need to check what the increase is on the rental calculator as he's only allowed to put it up by that much. Unfortunately even if you pay the legal increase he can still give you a non renewable contract. Landlords in Dubai are allowed to put the rent up after the first year if it falls within the rental calculator guide line.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 19:31
Bespoke Wellness also do the food intolerance test. It's around dhs 1800 for 200 foods. Dubai London clinic also do it but don't know how many foods they test or charges.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 19:27
My 4 year old DD has been at school for two days a week and sick at home for three since school started in September! Last week was the first week that she was their for the full week! Her blood was tested and there was nothing unusual. Dr said it's perfectly normal and would only worry if her body wasn't getting better. He did give me immune boosters and I've upped her vitamin intake. She's just gotten over a bout of rotavirus so hopefully she won't be sick for a while! <em>edited by starsouthern on 03/02/2013</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 19:21
Try Dr Habash at American Hospital. However it can be quite hard to get an appointment in time for Thursday.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 13:38
Has anyone heard of this, if you have been renting for 2 years or more the Landlord only has to give you 2 months notice?? Our LL is trying to sell and one of the agents has just advised us of this new rule... We had thought that we would get 12 months notice at the end of our existing contract.....slightly anxious now... I spoke to the rent committee about this recently and they said no matter how long you've been in the house the landlord can give you 90 days notice to move. If you as a tenant don't agree then they have to give you 12 months notice to vacate or a 1 year non renewable contract.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 20:10
search on FB for AR Mums lots of friendly people on there ? <em>edited by starsouthern on 28/01/2013</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 20:05
You register here [url=https://www.securedata-trans10.com/ap/emaarcommunitymanagement/index.php?page=10'>link[/url'> it takes them a couple of days.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 17:41
International House also run CELTA and DELTA courses. http://www.ihdubai.com/
starsouthern
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Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 21:45
Hi there. Which is the best way to go please? Follow Al Khail Rd to the Oud Metha/Latifa Hospital exit. Take that exit follow the signs to Healthcare city.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 11:23
Ibn battuta has hair works and nail spa and nbar are great for waxing
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 10:34
Until any of us know otherwise I think all local dog owners (and everyone else) should be very careful anyway, indeed the dog could have ingested poison from another source (weed killer etc) but we should still all be on the lookout, lots of kids play on the grassy areas round the lakes and if a 21kg dog is so ill it could easily be a toddler next time. So true I know of 3 dogs in Green Community that have been poisoned. Unfortunately 2 didn't make it and they were big dogs. The municipality are taking it seriously though and investigating it.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 12:21
We're in Al Reem 2 too, might send the kids out and tell them not to be shy :) Do they usually play in the park on street 1 not the one by the pool. There is also a park by street 5 that older kids hangout in.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 11:55
We're in Al Reem 2 my 9 year old goes out ever day to the park by our house and has met kids there of all ages now they take turns in hanging out at each others houses as it gets dark early. I had 12 boys at my house the other day ranging from ages 12-5. Through them us parents have become friends and have bbqs etc. the boys always welcome newbies Sounds nice, I've heard it's really social in Al Reem - maybe I should move there myself!! It is really nice, I also like how the older kids look out for the younger ones.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 10:05
We're in Al Reem 2 my 9 year old goes out ever day to the park by our house and has met kids there of all ages now they take turns in hanging out at each others houses as it gets dark early. I had 12 boys at my house the other day ranging from ages 12-5. Through them us parents have become friends and have bbqs etc. the boys always welcome newbies
starsouthern
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Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 00:18
Oh! And to add to that, I have been with my trainer since last May - from May to July endI lost 10 kg and then took the summer off, and then again took a months break due to other reasons..started training again only this Jan mid.. But will mention that my trainer rocks, she kept me motivated, did/ does a weigh and measure every week , gives me a program to do by myself, makes sure am eating healthy, varies the workouts every 2 months.. Basically, shes great.. And if your sister isnt comfortable with the current trainer, she should look at other options.. N Who's your trainer? star dot southern at ymail dot com
starsouthern
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Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 00:15
I just saw ads in 7Days for Ice Age in Burjaman Mall. yup just checked out their website..they have Ice AGE starting from 24th jan.....thanks starsouthern :) No worries.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 25 January 2013 - 00:12
Firstly, you and your partner cannot live legally here in Dubai, if you are caught you will be fined and possibly deported. Apartment hunting is hard work and you will have to do the hard work, in my experience you have to meet face to face - emails in my experience have never been answered. Check out all the real estate companies, properties are often advertised with several real estate companies. Secondly, my understanding is that in most of the premium schools you will need a certificate in education to teach children - we are at a British Curriculum school and all the teachers are qualified to teach children, to the examination standard they follow, IB, GSCE etc. Most Modern Foreign language Teachers who teach Spanish also teach French too. Salaries for teachers differ enourmously depending on the school you teach at and whether you are on a local contract (sponsored by your husband - you can't be sponsored by a boyfriend) or an overseas contract. I would email all the school Principals and offer your CV, that's probably a good way to start. Good luck Thanks, you are far too kind! But sorry I must ask, why I can't live with my boyfriend? We are not married, and we kinda don't want to get married any time soon. Is that a problem in Dubai??? It is illegal to live with a man who is not your husband in the UAE.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 23:17
I would contact International House, Berlitz or Eton Language School or go to TES online to find teaching jobs.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 23:14
I have a fab recipe for a 3 cheese broccoli quiche I sometimes add chicken to it for non Vege meal. If you post your email I'll email it to you. It's dead easy whether you make your own pastry or buy ready made stuff. Otherwise would've thought Lime Tree Cafe, More Cafe, or Jones the Grocer would do quiches.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 22:39
I just saw ads in 7Days for Ice Age in Burjaman Mall.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 22:31
We were given 15k with a 5 year clause.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 22:03
I went to UConcept when Nick was running it and dropped 1 dress sizes in 4 weeks seeing their trainer once a week and doing my own cardio for 30 mins a day. A good personal trainer will be able to see there's no progress and do something about it.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 11:37
My friend takes her 12 and 15 year olds to 18+ movies all the time. They usually buy tickets online and walk in.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 11:30
Early Learning also has a range of costumes.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 17:52
Have you started the import process with your dogs? Lots of things to do and they both have to quarantined in NZ for at least 10 days coming from the UAE. http://www.enz.org/moving-pets-to-new-zealand.html <em>edited by starsouthern on 23/01/2013</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 17:20
OMG that will be me one day! I haven't filled my own car in years don't even know if I can remember how to do it! It is like riding a bike :-) Hope so ?
starsouthern
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Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 16:52
Can't wait for season 3 am reading the books now. Love, love, love it!
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 16:50
OMG that will be me one day! I haven't filled my own car in years don't even know if I can remember how to do it!
starsouthern
1618
Posts
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Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 20:05
Early Learning also has a cow boy costume.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 09:56
My friend earns way above the minimum salary requirements but because she doesn't have a bachelors degree she can't sponsor her DH. They've tried going to see people in immigration but have been turned down at every step. No problem sponsoring her children though!
starsouthern
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Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 19:40
My husband never got the SMS for his biometric appointment, he's called every week and been told sorry no appointments call next week! He applied in July! My ID card got sent to the RAK Bank PO box in RAK coz their system didn't recognize my PO Box no! I have no association with RAK Bank.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 17:58
It's Clark Francis the coach's name is Amber and he's fab with the kids. He gets pretty booked up though. My two are doing private lessons with him they do 30mins each and I think I'm paying 1100dhs for the both of them for 10 lessons.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 12:11
A baby exploring her surroundings is hardly tormenting is it... You need to teach your baby not to pull the cats tail. I have 3 kids, 4 cats and 3 dogs. It's never been an issue cats are all rescues 2 of them still a little wild apart from a scratch here and there my kids are fine. A scratch will not kill your baby but it will teach her not to be so rough.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 11:58
you got mail @ southern star.... Emailed you back.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 20:23
Spinneys in freezer section 5 dhs a bag
starsouthern
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Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 20:20
As far as I know, there is no IELTS Examiner Training..You have to become an IELTS examiner after you gain some years of experience teaching, and then an assessment mainly by British Council. Regular training i think are organised for examiners(with CELTA) if i remember well.. You can call up the British Council and ask and if you find any info pls post on here, but this is what i remember from working with the BC in the recent past--but then rules can always change. No there is definitely training.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 10:17
I'm addicted to Diamond Dash and Ninja Fishing
starsouthern
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Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 10:05
Hi! Anyone of you ladies having a maxi cosi carbiofix carseat in good condition that you dont use anymore? As you get to use it for only a few months I'm not looking to get a brand new one. Hi Zeee I have one stardotsouthernatymail.com
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 19:23
I don't head straight for the doctor either Pipititimous. Obviously if the fever was very high and/or they were very distressed I'd take them in but otherwise not. I don't give paracetamol for a fever either unless they are miserable with it. [b'>The fever has a job to do so when possible I don't treat it.[/b'> Totally agree. I'd only treat it if it's going over 38... and thanks orangeblossom and long, I've also heard about Dr. Ahmed from a friend and will try him next time! My pediatrician has always said to only give paracetamol etc only if the fever is going above 38.5 degrees Celsius. He says it's better for a child's body to learn to fight it without help. Until it gets above 38.5 he says to try bringing the fever down by removing clothing, putting them in a bath and mopping them down with cool towels.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 19:12
We used to live in St 6 Springs 15 the end of the street that's closer to st 1, our cat went missing for 2 months! Ended up finding him at Spinneys. Good luck. <em>edited by starsouthern on 15/01/2013</em>
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:56
Rent committee told that I would have to give my LL 90 days notice if I wanted to move out unless my contract stipulated a shorter time. The owners discretion bit I was told by the rent committee means that the owner can give me 90 days notice to vacate the property but if I don't agree then they must give me a 12 month non renewable lease.
starsouthern
1618
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:52
Also Sephora MoE but Sephora MCC and Marina Mall didn't last time I was there.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 08:46
Depends on how much you want or need the job. People commute to Abu Dhabi every day. I personally drive 180kms a day just doing the school run, do I enjoy it? No, but my kids go to a great school and we love where we live.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 19:35
I have been quoted for my pregancy by Daman and it seems the most reasonable and as I am already pregnant I don't have many options. I did read on here that someone had a bad experience with them??? Would anyone like to share their Maternity insurance stories with me please? TIA Hi johjoh congrats!!! Double check if city hospital is still covered by DAMAN as I think there was an issue with prices going up and insurance companies no longer covering city.
starsouthern
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Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 15:57
what is the average salary for a teacher in dubai? I am aware that it depends on the school, the experience etc., just would like to have a first idea. thanks. Also depends if primary or secondary teacher. Western secondary teachers can get anywhere from 6000 dhs to 19500 dhs. Some schools provide housing and pay for DEWA, some provide a house but teacher pays DEWA, some give a cash allowance and some give nothing towards housing. Some schools give 2 school places for teacher's children, some only pay 80% of schooling for 2 children other schools don't contribute to schooling at all. Some pay visa fees and health insurance plus tickets for all dependents some schools only pay for the teacher. <em>edited by starsouthern on 14/01/2013</em>
 
 
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