SweetSugar123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

SweetSugar123

SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:48
Thanks for the heads up ladies. Thinking I may go the route of getting a studio with a local partner. Being nosy, but are you doing some sort of fitness thing? That's a fair question :) yes indeed. Nutritional counseling will be my focus (surprise) but, Body sculpting through weight training and boot camps will be my fitness offerings. The latter probably won't see much business in July and August even if I offered a midnight class lol That's great Beebers, you'll do well! You have 1 customer here already, seriously! Please keep me/us posted!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:17
I wouldnt give a hint, because if you do, you will be doing so every Valentines day for the rest of your life! Guys are either romantically inclined or not and you will have to accept which it is and live with it :)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:14
Isn't it amazing how so many DH's get home by 8pm? Only in Dubai. Because of this we hardly eat together as a family during the week as well. The kids eat by 5pm, I try to eat with them or I eat by 6pm if I could not get home earlier from work, DH then eats around 9pm....not ideal. Weekends we eat together at least!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:10
I, after almost 10 years in this country, stumbled upon my current hairdresser by total fluke. It was a cobone of all things for Royz Salon in Al Barsha. I have been to many hairdressers, ones mentioned below as well and I have never been 100% happy when walking out. I have had treatment, a cut, highlights and blow dries done by him and been happy with everything.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:04
I have certainly spent around that amount on my hair before, hairdressers are so expensive here however you are correct, the toner is part of the highlights and you should definitely not be charged separately for that. They have to follow the highlights up with toner or your hair will be left brassy or bleached. I would not have paid the 460. Sorry to hear that...
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 12:02
DC, I know what you mean. We dont spend that much however, there always seems to be something. Dubai is just one of those places where you spend money even standing still! We do save at least one salary so thats been great for us, however what I struggle with is, what happens to money when certain things stop like for instance, DS is off nappies now so no more nappies in our house but yet, you cannnot see the savings. If I think back to how much money we spent on nappies, milk etc when the kids were small and we dont have to spend that anymore, I just know we should be saving loads over and above our current savings. But there's always something replacing it, isn't there. I know our downfall is eating out because weekends we do not want to stay home as we both work all week and like to go out and treat the kids. DH and I also like at least once or twice a month date nights, we have the fine dining book but of course its still an expense. Vow to cut down on that this year. Thank God for 2 salaries though in our case, otherwise it would not be worth being here for us.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 10:47
We got the email yesterday aswell. Devastated! DESC was our one and only choice, really don't know what to do now. Haven't told DS yet he is going to be so upset :-(( Sorry to hear that but you absolutely have to have more than one school as an option. I registered at quite a few, probably spent about 3000 in registration fees but at least she was only rejected by one as she was so far down on the waitng list. We got into our 1st choice, a year later than planned but we were able to send her to another one in the meantime. You have to have a back up plan. If you dont want a place offered, just let them know as soon as possible so the place can go to someone else.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 10:42
thanks again... you are right, have done all I can. Will keep making contact to see how everyone is and will see how it goes Let them make contact for a change. This hurt you are feeling will be in vain if they dont learn something from all of this. You finally told them how you are feeling and they should have shown more empathy and understanding. I dont think you did anything wrong, so if I was you, I would distance myself, still be polite, but not be the one to always make the first move. They know they can get away with this behavior thats why things are the way they are. Show them you will no longer stand for it and I am sure they will come running back when they realise what they have 'lost'. Remember, you teach people how to treat you.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 10:34
We bought her a local vodacom sim and put credit on her phone. She used that to message her family and I also wanted her to have her own phone for when we needed to call her and check on the kids while she was babysitting them. I offered for her to call her family from my phone but she didnt want to, texting was enough for her till she came back to Dubai.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 20:27
Thanks SweetSugar123 that sounds like a good deal ;) Enjoy! My maid loved SA, after she got over the shock that there weren't lions roaming the streets, as expected, Lol!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 20:12
Evening ladies, We are taking our maid with us for 3 weeks to South Africa on vacation. HeR visa has been approved already, so we have the all clear! Just a few questions for those who have done this: 1. We will be staying in a hotel and holiday house for most of the period. What happens with her day off, do we still give it to her? 2. She will be baby-sitting almost every other night as we are flying down for a wedding so will have many celebrations to attend in the evening. Do we still pay her extra for this? 3. Do we give her "pocket money" for the trip? 1. We didnt give a day off while we were on vacation however once back she got those days off in lieu. She did get plenty of down time, same like us, while on the vacation. 2. We did not. We usually pay for babysitting on her days off only. I would think as she wont be doing her usual housework while on vacation, that sitting the kids would be seen as her work during that 3 week period, that is after all why you are taking her. 3. I gave her pocket money just to enable her to buy souveniers if she wanted to. Other than that everything was paid for. She ate out at all the restaurants we did while watching the kids and did the sightseeing as well, so for her, in her own words, it was a great holiday as well. She has always gone on holiday with us and enjoyed it and DH and I appreciate having the same reliable babysitting in the evenings while not in Dubai. She is very excited and I want talk to her and set everything straight before we go so that she knows her expectations! Much appreciated and if these questions have been asked before, could someone kindly point me in the right direction! TIA x edited by plumie on 23/01/2013
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:53
I got AED30,000 at my last company back in 2005 but with a payback clause if I were to leave within 3 years. With my current one, nothing! If you get, you're lucky!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:51
Just stop taking her calls, responding to her texts etc...and just always blame it on being soooo busy. She will get the message soon enough ;)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:49
I really enjoyed the last ladies night we had at Trader Vics at the Madinat. But book in advance, the section where you would sit down for a meal is quite popular.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:46
You can definately do it, I think its just up to Immigration based on your individual circumstances. My gut feeling would be if you earn over 10k and live in a 2 bed (or bigger), then you are unlikely to have a problem. That's correct. You will need approval on the day. There is always somneone in a senior position at immigration sitting behind a desk who will sign the application for you and hopefully all sorted then!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:44
I personally dont like hot coffee/tea etc around kids. Dont care who does it. If the child burns its irreversable and I have seen first hand what an ugly thing a burn can be, its usually with the child for life. If it can be avoided (drink during your breaks), why not?
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:31
I am still on the lookout for a good one. I can say who not to use though - HSBC. Dreadful....
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 14:29
The gel is much better for your nails. I have it done regularly. The best I have found is the Everlasting manicure from the Nail Spa, they use Biosculpture. They soak it off, so my nails are actually much stronger than it was before I started doing it. With acrylic, which is basically plastic, they file it off and it really ruins your nails. Mine was paper thin for a long time, even new nails that grew out as well. I think it took a good 8 months to 1 year for my "normal" nails to grow back. I love the biosculpture gel now.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 23:38
They are at a shop on the 1st floor in Dubai mall. They only sell wooden goods. There's a huge pinocchio sitting outside the shop....Sorry I dont know the name. It is close to the TGIF restaurant side...
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 23:33
I have a full costume including a hat if you would like to borrow it. We are in Arabian Ranches. You can email me on my user name at g mail. HTH Many thanks for the kind offer. AR was a bit far out but I really appreciate the gesture! I came right after all....
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 23:31
Ladies, thanks so much for all your help. I called all the stores mentioned below, and more and no one seemed to have a costume or kids cowboy hat except for Mystique. The shop with the kids costumes are directly opposite the main mystique shop (next to automatic bakery) in beach centre. The cowboy costumes were too big but I managed to get a great cowboy hat, bandana for his neck and sheriff gun and holder to hang around his belt. Thanks Di for he referral! It's certainly a good find, never heard of them before today. p.s. They told me they have recently opened a new branch, apparently 10 times bigger in barsha south, umm suqeim road called Creative Minds.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 16:03
Thanks ladies. I was asking with reference to a car loan not CC as I usually pay that up every month, hate CC debt. It appears it is indeed still 'legal' to request a security check for the entire loan amount.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 15:20
Thanks Ayzzy! Anyone seen just a cowboy hat anywhere??
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 16:20
I have always had success on Dubizzle. Dont waste your time with dealers unless you are trading your car in for a new one with them and even then they wont give you what you could get for it with a private sale.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 16:18
A friend did that where she went with the buyer and they actually failed the vehicle. The buyer decided against buying the car (he had the cash with him on the day). Its safer to get it tested by yourself to be sure and you can also show potential buyers that its all roadworthy etc. If you pass the 30 day period, its only AED120 and can be done again and as its been passed a few weeks before it will almost surely pass again.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 16:15
Does anyone know? Searched the internet again...maybe its just for blank cheques??
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 16:13
I think, based on everything you have written and the situation thats been dished out that you have certainly not chosen, you are handling it all very well. Try to keep calm and stay level headed as difficult as that may be. You sound calm and controlled now but as time goes by, and it is a long time to the summer holidays, you may find yourself experiencing different emotions, anger being one of them. Try to just think of your beautiful children. I hope and pray you will find the strength within yourself to get through this and that it ends, as well as can be, for you and the children. Best of luck (and hugs!)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 16:10
Hi, yes, the ladies are correct. You have to go and get it passed again at the RTA. The certificate is valid for 30 days only. If you sell your car after the 30 days, you will need to do it again as it is required for the transfer process so if possible, try to get it sold and transferred within that 30 day period. I have just done it. The cost for the test is AED120.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 10:55
I dont like the fact that it doesnt differentiate when you quote a previous poster so everything looks like it was written by the most recent poster. Other than that, not bad ;)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 10:52
I really hope this practice can stop soon, it's not much different to stealing especially when the schools know they are never going to offer your child a place. I parted with many AED500's..sigh...What about schools (I only know of one though) that charged another AED500 for the assessment as well! Parted with AED1,000 at that one school and trust me it's not a "top" school. Just really exploitation at its worst.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:30
Apologies to all on a diet! ;) Enjoy nonetheless!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:21
If I order this today you ARE in trouble! ok to save you the calories just visulise this taste, chewy caramel pieces in smooth dark choc with a smattering of sea salt....there you go! Better? Have a heart Di! ;) So mannny of us trying to stay on the straight and narrow here!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:19
Hmmm, I got a new name today then as I wear them out, admittedly not often as I prefer knee high leather boots but if DH and I got for a quick casual movie late at night, there's nothing more toasty and comfy than my UGGS. I do have an old pair I wear at home too :D Apparently sales for UGGS have gone down as so many Z list celebrities (Katie Price anyone) are wearing it and therefore associated with it, Lol!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:02
Will tell my dear hubby..he'll be over the moon! Thanks...a few benefits with *S*C! :) Hehe, thats why I've stuck with them (but to be fair I have spent ALLOT more than 10,000dhs over the years :D) The Citi Skywards CC where I can get airmiles instead is looking quite promising ;)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 12:59
AnonDubai... we have a list of school fees on this page... http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_school_fees_6135.aspx HTH Admin, this does not seem to be updated. Our school for one, is not correct. May have to check the 2012-2013 rates?
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 12:57
The last 3 years, I have had 3 free return flights, using my airmiles card. Only paid for taxes, quite a bargain really. Mind you they have altered their point system, used to use 105,000 point for a return to Dubai, now it was 320,000. Well worth it. I lost my card for a while but kept accruing miles by using my HSBC card, so on my last statement had in excess of 600, 000 miles. Checked with them and that is knocking 10,000dhs off our next flights in the summer. I was chuffed :D
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 12:55
Try Turning Pointe. DD just joined a class and there were 3 boys in there, so its a mx class. I didn't watch the class but sounded like lots of fun from outside! :)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 11:26
Question...which may seem dumb, but is it possible to have an offshore account with Emirates Islamic Bank? I would think not as its a local bank but are they maybe affiliated with a "global" bank or is the option not possible?
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 11:25
SubStandard Chartered are abysmal - i actively hate them. I stopped my salary transfer to them over 18 months ago and they have yet to notice. Currently with Emirates Islamic Bank and so far think there service is great. I agree with you Emirates Islamic Bank. Ive been with them for 9 months now and so far so good ! Thanks for sharing!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 11:24
SubStandard Chartered are abysmal - i actively hate them. I stopped my salary transfer to them over 18 months ago and they have yet to notice. Currently with Emirates Islamic Bank and so far think there service is great. Ok, 2 votes for Emirates Islmaic Bank so far, 1 vote is a rarity, so I am tallying with interest here....
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 11:23
Citibank have a habit of cancelling your credit card for fraud all the time, even without it occuring! They seems to have a trigger happy person there! Avoid Barclays, worse than HSBC - I so miss Barclays in the UK :( Oh dear...
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:51
That's what I had in mind. Would you say I should budget 30 dirhams per child. Where is the best to purchase these in terms of cost. Definitely party centre in Garhoud. They sell most of these items in bulk packs, so for 16 you probably need 1 or maybe 2 packs max as most packs has a minimum of 10 things in them.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:49
I definitely would NOT recommend AISS. Kati's is reasonable. I'm not sure about the quality of tuition yet but Desertsports are coming to the Lakes/Meadows and are professional admin wise, at least. I am Austswim qualified & experienced with learn to swim & stroke development. I do private lessons on Friday morning in the Springs. Let me know if you want further info. Another NON recommendation for AISS. I would never use them again. I have just started using Active UAE, early days but so far so good. At least they have the decency to respond to emails/calls etc!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:46
Hmmm....DH just took 4 canvases for stretching and framing at a place on Marina Walk. (Don't get me started). I think we are paying about 400 dhs for all. I wonder if these stores in New Dubai just take the items to Satwa, and profit the difference. That's actually not a bad price Beebers at a 100 each...
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:43
I have used City Movers for my past 3 moves. Never broken a thing. They pack, dismantle etc everything and go and put it in exactly the same way in the new place. Huge mirrors, pictures etc, all moved, never had a breakage. He gives me a discount each time I go back, so its been very reasonable as well. Mohamed Shabeer 0508741533
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:34
Thanks Sakhifa. Oh I have had low expectations as I know what/who I'm dealing with, that's why I've lasted 10 years but guess everyone has their limits ;) Will browse the ones you mentioned. I have heard Citi is not toooo bad. Anyone have experience with them?
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:45
Thanks so much ladies! There are some great suggestions here to work through, appreciate it! x
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 09:17
Thanks Beebers! Will look into it now! I may come back with more questions ;) You mentioned your experience about Mexico on another thread where you also said to be careful. Would you say its ok going to Cancun and doing all the trouristy stuff or a definite no?
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 08:51
Sorry to jump on your thread jamhind and do hope you have a lovely time in the UK... We are stuck as well planning a US vacation July/August so hopefully I can get some ideas here? We have 3 weeks and New York is a definite, hotel already booked for 10 nights but we are not sure what to do after that..do we stay in the US and explore other cities (we want to do something beachy..) Maybe Miami, LA?? Also considering doing Mexico, have read loads and the hotels look cheap (price wise) but is it safe? Is 10/11 days too long in Mexico (we are considering Cancun)...Also thinking of Bahamas if we dont do just the U.S. We want to go to 2 or 3 places max and with a flight (other than the Dubai to NY and back to Dubai) not being more than about 5/6 hours. We will be travelling with 2 kids, the eldest is 5. ANY suggestions, advice etc would be SO helpful. We really wnat to book our flights but have this major mental block as DH has never been to the US and I have been a few times but for business so dont really know my way around either. TIA ladies! <em>edited by SweetSugar123 on 14/01/2013</em>
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 12:11
She looks very old. I wonder if he really believes he did a great job. Really odd!
 
 
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