Tara.k | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tara.k

Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2013 - 08:49
After 2.5 years, we are leaving Dubai! :-) And we're packing up on Dec. 26th! We are selling 2 cars, anything that plugs into the wall, along with a Travel System stroller. Do you need anything? It must go!!! Contact me at Tara Keinath at gmail dot com :-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2013 - 22:00
Hi Tara.k, may I ask you if you were successful? I m looking for racing bicycle cufflinks, also "carved" and not engraved but not easy to find. And the idea of arabic initials is tempting me:-) TIA I Had the cuff links made ! And a pendant for myself. ;-) I went to Cara's at the gold and diamond park. I am happy with both! I think I will go back and get more pedants and earrings made, for gifts. :-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2013 - 21:56
Hi Tara I am looking for a nanny ... so if you can recommend yours (primiarily to look after my toddler and do some household chores), then do let me know. Hi Zambia, I can get more detailed in an email. Feel free to send me a message at Tara Keinath at gmail dot com
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 22:30
I had surgery in March with Dr Sobeh and to answer your questions, I am so happy. Circulation is 100% better! legs feel normal, no heaviness, swelling or restless legs anymore. My veins weren't visible but I can feel and see a massive difference. The site where he inserted the laser was numb up until a week ago almost to the day Dr said it would be. If I had to have it again, which is likely for my other leg, I would go straight back to him. I had a very positive experience from the beginning and I was absolutely terrified prior to my surgery. I did follow everything he said, pre and post op although I have been a little naughty and wear high heels to work! Good luck you are in good hands. Thanks so much! I do feel anxious, so it helps to hear you're happy. :-) I'm so annoyed because i was scheduled to have it done last sunday, and had to cancel due to a major virus that has wiped out our house- so sick! Hopefully next week now... In the meantime, my legs continue to annoy me- so uncomfortable. :-(
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 21:33
Bump! :-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:28
Tara.k I had surgery with Dr Sobeh in March and I am very happy, however my varicose vein was not visible but the results are great. Swelling in my foot (reason for surgery) has subsided substantially and i no longer have sore throbbing legs or restless legs. So as a result I would say that my circulation is much much better but I have also lost 15kgs this year so maybe its a combination of factors. Following the surgery, the site where he inserted the laser was very sensitive and numb, initially I couldnt feel anything by it slow became like pins and needles when you touched it but when I went for a pedicure I couldnt stand them touching where the numbness was. Slowly the numbness has subsided and today I have a very small area that is just a little numb. A colleague went to another surgeon 6 months prior to my op for the same surgery and he still has numbness and my brusing was nowhere near as bad as his. Tara if you want to talk off line about this I am happy to as I was very anxious before the surgery and I had absolutely no need to be. Thanks SO MUCH , Littleone! I am scheduled for Oct. 20. My left leg has very visible varicose veins- very uncomfortable. Are you still feeling good and happy with the results? I just hope this is a successful procedure!!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2013 - 07:25
I had my cuff links made by small print. They can put anything you like on the silver. I am really please with mine. That was last years Christmas gift! ;-) I really am interested in very high quality gold, maybe silver. I wanted the kind that the letters are "carved" directly into the metal, not just an engraving. Do the Kiosks have high quality gold and silver? I feel like when I've looked closely at earrings made like this, the yellow hue of "gold" seems to get rubbed off around the edges, because its just lightly plated. Thanks
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 10:25
Khan Murjan souk inside wafi mall has a lots of arabic and moroccan floor lanterns. Gorgeous and price is negotiable. Salespeople are funny too. Thanks! I will check this out! I would like to find nice lanterns that you see at hotels/ restaurants. :-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 10:23
Antique Museum in Al Quoz has a huge selection. Cheap too! I was just at the Dubai Antique Museum a few days ago specifically for floor lanterns. The selection was slim to none, and the prices were quite high in our opinion. Very chinsey quality, as well.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 10:28
Thanks ladies! I hope the selection is better than what i saw yesterday- and the prices. I was not impressed with the quality and prices at this place.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2013 - 22:38
Hello, Where is there a shop with a large selection of the floor lanterns that you see all over Dubai? The kind that you have on the floor with a candle in it. Already tried the Dubai Antique Museum, but they just a few. Thanks
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 08:50
Am hoping to schedule endovascular surgery soon with Dr. Sobeh ! How are your legs now? Are you happy with the results? Do you have any new discomforts? Are the discomforts that come with varicose veins, gone? Does the circulation in your legs seem improved ? Any advice or feedback that you can provide about you're experience would be greatly appreciated! :-) Thanks!!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 09:31
I feel for you Browneyedgirl. My son has Sensory Processing Disorder. He has a lot of trouble at school. Due to the way the school dealt with him the second half of last year, he now has self esteem issues and "hates school". He's in 1st grade. Because of the EXTREME lack of support in Dubai (at school and OT), we are cutting our time short here, and hoping to get back to the US in the next few months. There, we hope he can get the support he needs, EVERYDAY, at school. Not to mention, proper Occupational Therapy. I too, am not happy with Kidsfirst. Best wishes!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 09:22
Am hoping to schedule endovascular surgery soon with Dr. Sobeh ! How are your legs now? Are you happy with the results? Do you have any new discomforts? Are the discomforts that come with varicose veins, gone? Does the circulation in your legs seem improved ? Any advice or feedback that you can provide about you're experience would be greatly appreciated! :-) Thanks!! Very true I was overnight stay for both. For me cathertising wasn't an issue as I made sureI really didn't drink for ages before! And had no problems after...however having had spinal for one of my c sections a few years ago meant it was an anaesthetic that I am familiar with etc. oh yeah and Dr Sobeh regularly runs late...bit of a standing joke!!!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 21:45
...or, have you had a ring made or even just bought gemstone jewelery at Gold and Diamond Park, and been very pleased with the quality? Thanks
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 13:05
Hello! Was at the Gold and Diamond park this morning, and I found a ring that I would like to have made to include my children's birthstones, I feel that Dhamani seems legit, but I'd like to hear from someone who has purchased from them before. Something I've noticed about all of the jewelers over there, is the gold seems very light. ? Thanks
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 09:18
I suppose, but who knows! She wanted her passport a few weeks ago to file an "affidavit of support" for a friend who wants o come to Dubai. I looked at the form, she had my husbands name on it (without permission), and everything she was signing off as being responsible for was a lie. I told her this, and she said, "it's not a lie- its pretend!" Again, she is telling people that her contract is up. So if she finds someone who wants her, then what?? I appreciate your advice gals- thanks!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 09:13
Thanks purple! You can leave them waiting in the immigration room that deals with this, Its just like a waiting area, nothing strange about it. They do have a holding room also for people who don't want to leave. Just speak to them when you get there and they will tell you what to do based on how busy they are / how willing to leave your maid is etc. Immigration is used to all scenarios.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 09:03
Purple- Are you sure?? I hear different things! So, an immigration officer will sit with them until they board?? Thanks! No, you can hand it all over to immigration officers once paper work is done.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 08:44
Good info!! Did you have to sit with maid until she boarded? So recently we had to cancel the maids visa. So we just went to airport when flight was booked. Flight was 09:45 am on Saturday so we got there at 6, straight to the counter at terminal 3 for DNRD. No questions were asked on why we were cancelling the visa. Document typing 130 AED Good info!! Did you have to sit with the maid until her flight?? Need Maids Passport and Sponsor passport Take document to next desk hand everything over pay anouther 130 AED and passport is stamped and 2 copies of cancellation are given 1 for maid and 1 for you. Done. Phew there was not a single person there when we went it was really quiet. <em>edited by Tara.k on 14/09/2013</em>
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 17:19
Anyone??
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 13:57
Yes- you're very welcome to those that my info helped. Of course, I was just trying to give a heads up to my fellow consumers. However, I made a small bet with myself on whether or not a few "nasties" would find a way to take jabs or just have a problem, in general. (Why does that happen so much on this site??) Anyway, I won the bet! ;-) FYI: I happen to enjoy stinky, moldy , cheese- when its meant to be that way! Not when it's been poorly kept. Food poisoning, anyone???!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 13:23
Um, I think a few of you may be missing the point... If the cheese is supposed to be "shredded"' and instead it is in a solid BLOB in the bottom of the bag, the only way it could've gotten that way is if it melted. And, if it melted, that means it wasn't kept in the temperatures it was supposed to be kept in, and if that's the case. BACTERIA GROWS! For those of you who are in to moldy, melted cheese- there's plenty waiting for you at Arabian Ranches Le Marche! P.s. IzzyOntheseat- whether I buy shredded or shred it myself- what's it to you?? ... There are always such haters on this site- so strange...
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 12:10
Bump
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 18:49
Thanks ladies! Assuming that the SIM card I have for my Blackberry is not a nano slim, do you know if an old phone number can be switched from one SIM card to another? Thanks!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:47
Just be aware and try to avoid the ones that have formaldehyde. While it does straighten for longer, IT'S FORMALDEHYDE !! Need I say more...? It also helps to instal the water filter on your shower head.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:36
Younger boys in my family loved camel bone boxes and other things made from camel bone-suitably creepy apparently-otherwise the checkered head coverings (sorry the correct name is eluding me at the minute) to wear as a scarf were popular with older ones. Son in Law always requests-and gets- F1 magazines from here as well-they cover different ground to the ones back home! Thanks for the suggestions!! Camel bone boxes- do you mean boxes that are made of bones? Like, boxes to store things in?! The Burj Kalifa Lego set is a good idea...
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:33
What is a "maxi" skirt?? Maybe it's what I'm looking for.. A long comfy cotton skirt to wear on the plane a few weeks from now. :-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 09:56
I am back searching again for a rod to hang decorative rugs on the wall. Ikea has cheap long rods- and I don't really want junk. Any suggestions? I need a 3 ft rod and a 5 foot rod. Thanks!!!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 09:50
I've brought Bateel dates back as gifts -- through JFK -- quite a few times. They are boxed and wrapped, and packed in my main luggage (not hand luggage). I've never declared them (it actually never crossed my mind) and have never had a problem. They make a fabulous gift! Thanks RachelA! I want to bring back the Caramelized pecan stuffed dates- they are sooooooo good!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 13:15
Hey- Anyone happen to know if designer brand purses ( like Gucci, Louis V) are less expensive in the States, versus here? Wasn't sure if he supposed "no tax" here actually made a difference in the prices. Thanks!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 09:49
We've been looking for a maid for AGES now. I've finally found one who seems good but the problem is she's finishing up with the current employer in a couple of days so if we want her we need to take her now, or we lose her to another family. Problem is, we go on holiday in a couple of weeks so if we take her on we'd be leaving her alone in our home while we're away. Which is obviously not ideal. The current employer wont keep her til we get back. Dont know what to do! Anyone else been in a similar situation and is there anything we could do to try and limit her from taking off with all our stuff while we're gone?! Argh, such bad timing! Seems like a big risk to allow her to stay in your home without you, so early. You don't even know her. She will, no doubt, be working several part-time jobs, while you are gone. I'm not against making extra money, but its illegal. She will probably have visitors over- people that you don't know and trust in your home. Have you spoken to her previous employer? Why won't they allow her to stay? Or, why didn't they renew if she's so great?? I also have a cat- used to be two. :-( I have a neighbor friend who is wonderful, and she has agreed to come over to feed the cat. I make it worth her while by offering to bring back a few things from the USA for her! :-) Something to consider...
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 12:23
These are great suggestions- thanks so much!!!! :-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 11:43
I really like staying at the Palm Court at the Jebel Ali Beach Resort for a short break. It's very close to drive but really feels like you are getting away. Not sure if they have a kids club but we've always had a lot of fun there with our children. My friend went there and said it was horrible and dodgy and expensive and I felt bad for recommending it. What about Le Meridien al Aqah? Great kids club, lovely hotel. Is this LeMeridian in Fujairah? Thanks ladies!!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 14:13
Seriously??? I find it strange that my maid doesn't have any pictures of her son, yet she has an 8x12" picture hanging on the wall of herself! ?? Not to mention its as though we are forcing her to go home for the summer, while we are on holiday. Sometimes, I just feel like things aren't adding up... That would not be an indication to me that she doesn't have a child. Her relationship with her child is very different from your relationship with yours... I agree. On the flip side though one of my lot tells us she has one child but frequently refers to her children. I also had another lady who often spoke of the terrible delivery she had with her third. She once got on the floor and acted part of her labour out for us. It turned out in the end it was her sister in law who had had the baby and died during the delivery. ..my maid and her husband then brought the boy up as there son. Who's to understand the ways of the mind at times eh. What??? Well, my helper "acted out" a whole other scenario one day. It was as if she was going for an Oscar Award nomination. But that's a whole other story... <em>edited by Tara.k on 28/05/2013</em>
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 14:11
Not to mention its as though we are forcing her to go home for the summer, while we are on holiday. My impression is there's an expectation that they bring A LOT of gifts for family and friends when they go home. Many prefer to stay here and save the flight money or send the cash home instead of actually going home. Sounds crazy to us, but my nanny hadn't been home for 5 years until this spring despite having a son there. I doubt her prior employer wouldn't let her--she stayed with them for 4 years by choice. She just preferred the cash instead of the trip. Ya, I get that impression too. However, as her sponsors, we felt it is too risky to allow her to be her working part time jobs for 2 months. I'm not against her making extra money, but I am against my husband getting thrown in jail, and us fined.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 14:09
Yes.. perfectly normal *chuckle* Yes, totally normal... ;-) and this is why we no longer have one :-) Rosie- Did this actually happen to you??
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 13:59
Yes, they do this to garner sympathy. And to ask for more money for medical bills, school fees etc. Well, if she ever expected to gain charity money from us, she's mistaken. We aren't going to go down that road. She mentioned losing alot of money to a bad investment one time, and remarked about us bailing her out. I shut her down fast on that one.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 13:57
Yes.. perfectly normal *chuckle* Yes, totally normal... ;-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 13:56
Seriously??? I find it strange that my maid doesn't have any pictures of her son, yet she has an 8x12" picture hanging on the wall of herself! ?? Not to mention its as though we are forcing her to go home for the summer, while we are on holiday. Sometimes, I just feel like things aren't adding up...
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 13:53
Thanks for the suggestions ladies. :-) I was at The Toy Store at MOE today trying to find odds and ends that would be good for the trip. What a joke. Have toy makers completely run out of ideas?? All I saw was a lot of (overpriced) junk.
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 13:46
I know this will sound strange, but have you ever heard of a maid that has lied about having a child? Basically, just saying that she has a child, but really does not. Thanks
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 12:11
I just used to threaten to kill them if they didn't. It worked. ;-) Ah yes, the good ol' days when kids feared their parents...! ;-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 12:01
What works for my 2 girls (4 and 7) is: pack a little gift for every 30 min :-) It can be a little box of m&m's,sweets, crayons, coloring book,stickerbooks plastic toy, trashpacks,stamps,reading book, petshop toys, ..whatever...just the fact that it is wrapped and a surprise works! If they don't behave, tell them there will be no more gifts..It works like a bomb! also nintendo game, games on the tv screen in airplane, and an ipad, books I actually had so many gifts last flight, halfway they fell asleep and had lots of unpacked gifts when we where home ;-) Thanks ladies!! My kids have mentioned these"Trash pack" things- where do I find them? What the heck are they??! REALLY hoping for a better trip this year. Last year was ****. I was 6 months pregnant, and No one slept THE WHOLE TIME!!!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 11:40
Hi- I always pack a "special" back pack filled with things to do for the long flights(to NY) My boys are 4.5 and 6.5- also an 8 month old. :-) Obviously, I'm more concerned with the older boys. In the past, I have packed activity books, pla-doh, markers. We have an ipad with educational games, but what else shall I do this year? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 21:37
Thanks so much! Now I've read about Lemon Myrtle Oil for curing molluscum- I will be on the hunt for that too!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:30
I found it Sharry! Thanks for the tip! :-) Wish us luck!!!
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 10:01
You can get it at a pharmacy, just ask they all have it. I did not know it could be used to treat molluscum as my son has it too and last week to Dr was trying to convince me to let him scrape it off , but I am not a brave mummy so would not let him do it!! edited by Sharry on 19/05/2013 Oh my gosh- I wouldn't do the scrape either. How long has your son had it? It's horrible!!! I scour the Internet trying to find treatments. We are almost through the expensive Aldera cream and it doesn't work. I have read that Apple Cider Vinegar helps, too. But I also read that Clove Oil is even more effective. Worth a shot!! ? Thanks Sharry. :-)
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 09:49
Hello all- I read that it is effective with he treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum . My 6 year old has been suffering with this since last October. The Pediatrician said it can last up to 2 years!!! I have an infant and a 4 year old, as well , and I am so scared that one of us- or all of us- will get it too. :( Thanks
Tara.k
256
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 22:47
Are they pretty much the same? I just read that the park is actually cheaper. ?? Is it worth going all the way to Deira? Any recommendations for the best quality and priced shops at the Gold & Diamond park? Thanks!!
 
 
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