SweetSugar123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

SweetSugar123

SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 11:48
I will try to get her to send her passport but highly doubt she will cooperate. Her ticket was already paid by myself. Spoke to DNRD hotline and they said apparently I can only report her after 3 months!!! what if she decides to return during this time? Think I need to pay them a visit... 3 months to report as an absconder? This does not sound right, I would go pay them a visit just to be sure. Good luck...and I feel for you, hope you have better luck next time.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 11:45
This year we've left it really late to sort out a holiday and I'm starting to panic! We've got 3 kids ages 8-12, we're not looking for beach or sporty holidays, more interested in sightseeing for a couple of weeks. I'm looking for somewhere ideally four star budget, where we don't have to take malaria tablets, have a huge course of innoculations, risk severe heatstroke or be affected by ramadan fasting. I don't want to go as far as USA or Australasia, so we're probably looking at Europe and Asia. Any suggestions for destinations, accommodation and/or helpful travel agents would be really helpful. Thanks. I still find Thailand to be one of the most family friendly holiday destinations and very cost effective too.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 11:40
Perfect, thanks. This gives me hope! It will be the first time to renew my UAE license and as I needed the SA one to get the UAE one in the first place, although 10 years ago, I just assumed I would have to produce a valid SA one again. I am going to check with the RTA just to confirm but the possibility of not needin the SA one has made me so happy! :) Thanks ladies.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 10:45
There is no "for certain" rule I am aware of. Depends on the LL and what is written in your contract. I have never painted, only touched up, filled curtain rail holes and always left the place spotless. Basicall always tried to leave it in the condition I received it in. If I changed the paint color drastically, I painted that particular room. Like from cream to pink for DD's room. Also took pics before handing the villa back and have always received my deposit in full in all 3 villas we lived in before.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 10:18
Official name is secure key. Its a new device used to generate a pin (same as a password) to be able to sign onto your internet banking account. There are details on the HSBC site.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 10:16
Agreed. You can even book it at the airport. There are loads of travel agents there and on every corner on the island. There should be no issues getting around when you are there. Really enjoyed Phuket and going back in July :)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 10:13
I finally got mine too. I didnt do anything other than sign onto internet banking and update my personal details. Received it via aramex a few weeks later. They will apparently send out all before 21 July (after that date you will have limited use on internet banking) if you didnt activate your secure key as yet. After 21 August you will no longer be able to use internet banking. Thats what the letter said that accompanied my key. I would only call them if you have still not received it by 21 July after doing the above.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 10:11
QOD MAX , N i do it by myself , 3 or 4 times per year really, you can do it at home? Id be interested but think its not possible, or too tricky, no? Very easy to do if you can blow dry and iron your own hair. Just need time and iron very small sections at a time.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 10:07
Hi, so do you always go home to renew your license considering it is needed to maintain/renew your UAE one? I can't believe a trip all the way to SA is needed just for fingerprints and an eye test. Although I have done it before but needed to be in SA at that time anyway... Already spoke to the SA consulate and they dont do it. How do you do it? Only by going back to SA? :(
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 10:07
The crime is definitely much better in CT than in JHB. I would move to CT anyday as the quality of life for me outweighs the cons and yes kids will definitely benefit from that lifestyle but it is expensive and I find that we just have so much more disposable cash here so in a way can also give them a better life here but its without family etc. So yes, crime would be something to think about of course, like most places in the world but that would not be the only deciding factor for me. You should make a list of everything, pros and cons and then decide what's important to you. If its only crime, then stay put because Dubai obviously wins on that front. I agree, decisions, decisions, as CT has so many great things going for it too... ;)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 09:42
We cut our grass once a week. We water it for 15 minutes every evening (after sunset). thanks for this. 15 mins seems alot, is that a sprinkler system or are you hosing? Our garderner cuts every second week and the sprinkler is on twice a day (morning and evening) for approx 8 mins each time.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 09:37
Three nights of no sleep after a flight home...feel like I am living in La La Land :( I don't usually suffer from jet lag but this time it has hit me. any suggestions? I travel quite a bit but still suffer sometimes from jet lag. There's a brilliant product called Oxylent. It comes in sachets and it will literally take the jet lag away and keep you awake during the day so you can sleep normally at night. Your body clock will thank you for it as it bounces back to normal really quickly. I find the orange flavor works best for me. They sell it at most pharmacies but I usually get mine from Super Care. HTH.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 10:13
Not 100% sure but I think the ipads are more expensive. We got wifi 64GB for 2900 and 3000 respectively from the two places I mentioned, those are good prices.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 10:02
Two options: Jado Pado. You can buy it online and they deliver within 2 hours of purchasing. Great service. The 12 month warranty is with them. Borders also sells them and they have the Apple warranty for 12 months plus you get the Borders warranty for 6 months and they send it to Apple so basically 18 months Apple warranty. DH got his there. They didnt have the one he wanted in stock but got it for him from another branch within 24 hours for collection. Hope that helps.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 10:50
You really lose weight by eating less. Excercise tones your body more than making you lose weight. But both are so hard~~~ Exactly, sums it up. Get the diet right first and foremost. They say 'abs are made in the kitchen and polished at the gym'. I hate 'they' ;)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 10:04
Super, this is helpful too. Thanks so much for posting! I will make a point of getting down there ASAP. Can you share how you got your villa? Through an agent? Contact details pls? TIA!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 15:39
Swore by GHD's then tried Cloud NIne and am a convert :-) They are amazing, arent they. I never thought anything could make my hair shinier and smoother than GHD. Also love the fact that its minus the burn factor from GHD. I usually set it to 100 and get the same/better effect than GHD gives at its hottest.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 15:28
Great, thanks! :)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 15:20
I loved my GHD's, even had two UNTIL I discovered Cloud 9. Never looked back. Maybe try that at one of the salons. Most of them have both GHD and Cloud 9.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 10:47
Sounds good, thanks YB :) Now if I can just figure out how to get there to view some villas. Please post directions when you have a minute, thanks!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 09:54
I used Hollywood Tans in beach centre on beach road a looong time ago. Was happy but dont know if they are still around? Might look them up again.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 09:50
Thanks yummybrummy. So no 'official' 4 bed villas then? Is a 3 bed the biggest it comes in?
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 09:34
Agree. Sign up for sms alerts. The banks are good with calling to check on big purchases, have to give credit there. A colleague had this happen to him, just so you know, the bank investigated the issue but while the investigation was on he still had to start paying off the debt not to incur charges. If the investigation proved it was fraud then they would credit the money to his account, so where possible try to prevent it. Online banking is fab, I also havent read a statement in ages, waste of paper as I also check almost every other day besides checking the sms alerts.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 22:09
Aah, thanks ladies, will do that! Chocs, it wasnt one of those emails, just one informing you of the securekey not personal info. The phonies are actually easy to spot.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:35
No. It is however reduced after you return from maternity leave. Reduced by 1 hour for up to 18 months for "nursing mothers".
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:32
Thanks a lot for your replies, I hope i can get it easily. Sweet sugar, so you are saying I do not need a letter of any kind to go there? Because in the link, which is the one I checked says I do need one to get a tourist visa. I have called several times the embasy and they do not pick up the phone? Also, what questions do they ask? I am going to a wedding but I think it is too complicated as they will ask questions so just want to say I am going on holiday I was informed that I only needed it for a business trip. However, if you are going for a wedding, I would just get the bride or whoeever invited you to send one. They dont even read it! Better to have more than less documentation to avoid having to go back. They are so laid back though, once when I went I was missing our company trade licence and they still approved the visa and said I should just bring the copy along when I collected the visa. If I didnt make a point of giving it, they would not have bothered when they gave me the passport back, she was so matter of fact about it. It is chaotic in there though. Go as early as possible and avoid Sunday mornings. Sorry, missed your question about the questions they ask. It's just: why you are going, how long for and if you have been before. I would not be concerned. <em>edited by SweetSugar123 on 29/04/2012</em>
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:22
Not sure where you live but I have used the typing centre in Bin Sougat Mall in the past. They are open till late. It's the mall close to the airport on your way to Mirdif. Alternatively typing centres usually opens up quite early in the morning.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:12
I have not received mine yet either, I also saw that I have 111 day until I can no longer log onto my online account! I am not goind to chase though as nobody I know has got theres yet. I'm just concerned because it says you should apply for it online. Received a few emails stating that. Oh well, I know what you mean though.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:11
Oh yes, ours are for our offshore accounts too, sorry. Brain fried day today. That's ok :) It is a "Monday" after all! What? It is Sunday. Now you have me worried ;) First day back after the weekend and all that!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:09
Oh yes, ours are for our offshore accounts too, sorry. Brain fried day today. That's ok :) It is a "Monday" after all!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:08
I tried the same thing. We have the secure key for our offshore accounts. So confusing as we have 2 for the offshore account (mine and DH) now we will get 2 for here! Ridiculous! Sorry that doesn't answer your question, I was going to call them to find out. Will post when I get around to it That would be fab. Thanks!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:03
That's allot of help, so maybe mine's in the mail too! I dont think you have a choice though as you wont be able to use internet banking without it in 111 days and counting (as I was just informed online) Thanks...
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:00
I certainly can't do all of this on my maid's day off! or while she's on vacation for that matter! <em>edited by SweetSugar123 on 29/04/2012</em>
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:37
I believe HotShots does this.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:32
I have heard many of them have been "watered down" thats why the smell does not last that long. Apparently if you have a good look at the packaging it can be seen its been tampered with. Who knows!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:31
Have you tried Cosmesurge? Never heard a bad word about Dr Sahar.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:30
I would go for the live in option for the reasons the ladies mentioned below. More reliable option and you can ensure your baby gets used to the maid. I would also suggest employing the maid before you give birth so she is there from the beginning and you can teach her everything while you are still on maternity leave. The time you are on leave will fly and it also means you will have help during those early days.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:27
I recently did this. Here is a link with the requirements needed: http://dubai.china-consulate.org/eng/xwdt/t176513.htm If its tourist visa, you dont need an invitation letter, that is only required for business visas along with an NOC from your employer. The letter is also government generated which the company you are visiting over there needs to apply for. Its not the normal invitation letters other embassies usually requires. Its really easy to get the visas, they ask 3 or less questions. I travel there allot and have never seen visa apps rejected while sitting at the embassy waiting to be served. Good luck.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 11:23
I usually do keratin treatment before the summer hits. During the summer I will do touch ups for the regrowth. I also use the kerastase masks allot. Generally keeps the frizz at bay. Humidity is a killer for curly hair :(
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 12:18
I honestly dont know! This was a year ago so dont know if I will be so lucky next time....... I transferred her visa to me from a local so perhaps that helped. Either that or my position..... Maybe my PRO is just good :) Thanks for replying. Hmmm....maybe I will just ask about that option when coming up for renewal and hope I am that lucky! :)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 12:15
Lived in mirdif for a while..to be honest, what is there not to do in mirdif? Just about everything. There are the parks, MCC and Uptown for shopping, Arabian Center is also close by and there's Festival City a few mins away. Lots of other corner shops. Welcare clinic is in Uptown, so doctors close by. Most of the cafe's and coffee shops have internet access/wifi. There are schools and good nurseries and you are close to the airport....I found we didnt have to venture far out as we basically had so much on our doorstep. Mirdif is lovely.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 12:09
I do! Its pretty easy and they gave me a 3 year visa for her. I work in Freezone and have a good PRO who helped me. Was quick and easy processing. Kitten, I also sponsor our maid. It was just easier as I was available to go down to Immigration to do it. Also did it at JA but wondering how you got a 3 year visa when it is usually 1 year? I think it may be 3 years for locals. Can you tell me please? Would love the convenience of a 3 year visa if its possible at all! Edited to add: Also have a fairly senior position on my visa and I work in the free zone too! ;) <em>edited by SweetSugar123 on 19/04/2012</em>
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:47
Hello lovely ladies... I cannot thank you all enough as always…you all have given me such lovely positive thoughts…Just to answer some of your questions.. I bulk easily – I know it’s not possible for women, but being petite but heavy boned on my legs and arms, I tend to put muscle on before burning the fat..the result is the bulky look…if I have to explain it well, then it’s like imagining having loose skin under your triceps and thighs and that already makes the arms/legs look big..not to forget the cellulite and stretch marks …when I do cardio + toning, I don’t see that the flab/loose skin reducing…I just see it toning, hence it looks bulky even if its toned… Im quite a fair skinned girl so, somebody suggested to apply fake tan on my legs to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite…Happy to do so but it’s too expensive to go to a salon and all for an effect that lasts 1-2 weeks...any ideas ladies…is there waterproof body foundation I can use or an fake tanning creams/lotions that are easy to use and will not give that orange effect…also are they safe to use on the long-term?.. I know that I should not be bothered by what people think, but it still hurts when people are talking about your issues that you are already aware of and trying to change…I definitely want to change but not for them but for myself…at the end of the day it’s a healthy choice.. I now I am on the border of being overweight at 57kgs…I am eating sensibly but have a week of binging before my period and I think that doesn’t help as I go mad after eating all the junk I can…I don’t want to lose too much weight as I somehow loose some off my face and look older…I don’t know if I can physically lose any kilos as on the 3 good weeks in the month, I eat healthy…I don’t know if I should go to a place like good habits which deals with giving people a programme on calorie counting etc.. any advice and also anything that will help me stop binging before my periond...if its to do with hormones? Any tips would really really be helpful.. love and virtual hugsx Hi Xiana :) I wish there was something I could tell you to make you feel strong-willed, empowered, and motivated. Without those things, it is going to be difficult for you to change your physique. I am sorry to say this. When you belonged to a gym, have you ever seen the people that seem to always look the same in spite of going 5-7 days per week? Like many other ladies here state, your diet is the key. One week can completely certainly blow your progress. And when you are pointing out the things that don't work for you, or the things you cannot due, you are crippling yourself and limiting yourself. To get something you have never had you need to do something you have never done. Your brain, I am willing to bet, is a lot stronger than your ovaries. OK, bad comparison, but you are better than binging a week of the month. We all have this in us. The most important "muscle" to exercise is your self control. No matter what exercise you do, you will probably just be shaping your body a little differently or redistributing existing fat. A tendency to build muscle faster than you burn fat means your cardio and diet are not up to par. Ideally you should be doing all 3. If you count calories, do some cardio/group classes, you could possibly lose 5 kilos--but have no less cellulite. This really just depends on how badly you want it. I used to have my very overweight clients begin with diet for one week. No exercise. Then we would add in cardio 3 days per week. by the end of the second week, most lost a stone, and then they were given one treat meal. For about the first 40 days, we would do no weight training for those that had fear of "bulking." Plus, since you can add weight even though you're smaller when weight training, I found this messed with too many people's heads--so thus the first 40 days without. I also wanted to prove to them how important the diet plan I created for them was. Also, it can be very confusing to take many different people's advice. Choose one method of exercise and get a schedule going. Choose one diet plan (personally, I like Dukan for beginners. My own diet plan is pretty spartan; I would only put my truly dedicated clients on that). Once you lose the first couple of kilos and see progress, it will become easier, because you'll feel accomplished and more motivated. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Only you can make the decisions. edited by Beebers on 18/04/2012 SO SO true. Everything in here is spot on!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:42
Not joking, with that 2nd email, it's very clear they have read this thread especially if you didn't respond after the first one. Stop freaking out, you know the law is on your side and RERA is really helpful. Been there, done that too and we won.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:34
He, his wife or someone he knows is reading EW (right about now)! ;)
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:23
Thanks ladies. That's helpful!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:19
Try @ Home. Really nice things and decent sizes.
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:12
Sorry I misunderstood earlier. What the....? In response to that email from him!! Do as simples says....He's cheeky!!!
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 14:08
That sounds promising Polly, thanks for sharing! Do you know if you can do as many classes as you want in a week or is there a limit so you can rest your muscles as some exercise classes/instructors like to dictate? I see they are in JLT too....
SweetSugar123
513
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 12:56
If you mean May as in next month, I would let them move me and pay the realtor. In a months time you would have to move anyway and pay those costs yourself. That is of course if I am reading this correctly.
 
 
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