Tara.k | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tara.k

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Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 09:00
Hello all! I have been searching this site and Dubizzal for items, but selection is low. What shops have you found to be the best prices? Specifically for a stroller and pack n play. I was disappointed that Babyshop did not offer any Ramadan specials. :-( Thanks
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Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 15:20
As of a few months ago, melatonin was banned from UAE. Perhaps ask someone visiting the states to bing some back?
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Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 15:17
Thank you so much Apricot! :-) So, how much do you provide for groceries and toiletries? How do you do the phone call home- from a landline? Time limit? Do you provide a specific amount of phone credit for the month so you can talk and text eachother while out? Also, how much do you provide for clothing and shoes? And finally, whats the deal with medical? I've heard something about a government medical card. Does this come from the sponsor? Thank you for all your help!!
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Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 09:16
http://drjohnmcewan.com/ He is a very popular ENT. I also endorse Dr. McEwan! My son had an adenoid/ tonsillectomy done by him at the end of May. This Dr. couldn't be more gentle and caring with children. This was my son's 2nd adenoidectomy( they grew back!!), and those along with massive tonsils caused snoring and sleep apnea. He was so concerned about my son having the surgery done before we left for our summer trip, he did everything he could to fit him in right away. :-) A very caring man. :-)
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Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 09:08
Hi ladies, Im in my fourth month and my back feels awfully out of place. Has anyone tried a chiropractor, and if so, can recommend one? My back thanks you in advance! I did it with my first pregnancy 6 years ago. I liked it. You have to make sure the chiropractor is certified for prenatal chiropractic. However, I am now on my 3rd pregnancy and I think the thing that will help you more is Prenatal Pilates and Yoga. Exhale studio offers classes. I haven't been in a few months due to kids being out of school and travel, but when I was achey in my left hip and then went to a class, I always felt so much better. :-) Good luck!
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Latest post on 20 August 2012 - 12:06
I went to see "Contagion" in the theater. You know, the one about people, getting sick and dying and they even show Gwyneth Paltrow with her scalp open and folded over her face!? Mind you, i have 2 boys- 4&5, but guess what? I left them home with the sitter! What a genius idea!! It was a night showing and i cannot tell you how many small children were there- ages ranged from tiny baby to (roughly) a 9 year old. I wanted to ask the poor kids in front of their parents, "So, did you enjoy the movie? Or did it scare the **** out of you?!" There does seem to be a high population of stupid people here...
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Latest post on 20 August 2012 - 10:04
Hi Tara, We have a whole section on maids here on the site... Including settling them in and an example list of tasks... You can find it here http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_home_garden_Maids_In_Dubai_8822.aspx Hope that helps and good luck! EW Admin Thank you Admin!! I didn't know!! This will be a great help! Thank you! :-) Tara
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Latest post on 20 August 2012 - 08:11
SueB- Thank you so very much for your advice! :-) I will attempt a search of "lists" on the site. Fortunately, she is a nanny and a cook above being a maid. So,hopefully she and the kids will get along well although i expect it to take time. Again, thank you! Tara
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 21:37
I was just at Pottery Barn today and was told that the only other store to sell mattresses and fitted crib sheets that will fit PB mattresses, is Babyshop. Reason being, PB sells American sized mattresses, and everywhere is UK sized.
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 21:32
I had umbilical surgery done myself last January. Not sure if my Surgeon works on kids too, but i feel he was good and ins. Did cover it. Dr. Naqvi (sp) at Motor City Medicenters. Surgery was at City Hospital
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 07:40
A little over a year as well but we had a long break at home from March-June... Before here we lived in Kuwait for a while... I had my youngest here though. I had him at American hospital, which was much better than whan I had my oldest in Kuwait :) What hospital are you going to? I'm just now getting settled and metting friends etc... It is nice being in the city and close to everything, but all the friends I have made are out by you. lol What school are your kids going to? Where are you from originally? I am having baby at City. I am hoping for the best! At first, i wasn't feeling concerned being that its my 3rd, but now as we get closer, I feel a little scared. But, i feel i have a very competent OB so thats the most important. :-) Both boys will be at ASD this year- i love it! It truly is a great school, and i feel fortunate for my boys to be going there. :-) So funny- where are you hanging out that you meet so many Arabian Ranches people? Maybe i should start hanging out there too so i can meet them too!! Haha! I feel like everyone i meet is Meadows/ Springs or other. :-) Oh, and shoot me a pic of the tub and swing if you can. :-). The only thing with the swing is my 2 older boys- when they see them in the stores, they think its a toy and can't stop touching and swinging it! May not be worth the headache for this momma. ;-)
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 07:29
Thanks -- and congrats to you as well Tara! I've already given away the newborn and 3 month clothes, but still have pretty much everything else. This includes a travel newborn bed, a pack and play with bassinet, a highchair (ikea), infant carseat and stroller system (graco), a play gym, swaddle blankets, towels, bathtub (ikea), crib (ikea), changing table (ikea), air purifier, bumbo, some toys and books, baby bjorn air carrier and probably a few other things I'm not thinking-of! Not sure how long they'll let this stay-up feel free to email me at [email protected] . Hi coffeebuz- sent you an email. :-). Let me know!
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 22:41
My oldest is 4, he will be 5 in Feb. It seems like everyone lives out in the Ranches, wish we could, but we have company housing. We got the crib about a week and a half ago... so not too long, If they don't have it out just ask them about it. They could also be having specials for Eid? Where are you having the baby? Have you been in Dubai long? And here i feel like I'm out in the middle of nowhere sometimes. It would be nice to be closer to "where its at". :-) Yes, having baby here. We have been here for just over 1 year. Just got back from our US summer break. I would prefer to have baby back in the states, but its just not possible with timing/ school. How long have you been here?
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 22:03
Any more suggestions? :-)
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 21:43
Wow 3 boys!!! congrats :) we are talking about going for number 3 but I am hoping for a girl this time. The changing table was part of the same line. If I remember correctly it was a dresser, however it could have possibly just had cabinets underneath, but it was all closed in. We live Downtown, Right across from the Burj. Where do you guys live? How old are your other 2 boys? Yes, i suppose a girl would have been fun, but nature (and my husbands chromosones) had other plans. ;-). I happen to be 1 of 4 girls. ;-) I have a 5 and almost 4 year old. :-) We live in Arabian Ranches. How long ago did you purchase the crib? Maybe i will try Pottery Barn tomorrow...
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 21:33
I was thinking the same thing today, too. Jetlagged for almost one week, pregnant with 2 boys. :-/ All we did today was the grocery store. Yippee.
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 17:48
Both were used lightly and are very clean. I'm selling the bathtub for 100aed and the swing for 175aed. The crib model is the Kendal... Both of the Pottery Barns were having the sell but we purchased it at the one in Mirdiff... We did get bedding for both of my sons at the one at Dubai mall though because they had a few different options. As far as the furniture goes though I'm pretty sure they cary the same items. Just go to the one closer to you, and if they dont have something you are looking for have them call the other location. When are you due? what are you having? Best of luck with your delivery :) Shannon- Is the changing table you mentioned also a dresser? Thanks for the tip! What area do you live in? I'm due in Oct. with a 3rd boy. :-)
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 14:06
Congratulations! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=187094 - CABear is giving away free baby clothes. For the rest, Babyshop and Mothercare are best priced (with a large range of options in strollers/seats). My crib is a Babyshop one, as was my last one, and I find them very durable, and would last this child and your 4th (if you had). When is your due date? Shopping festival may be before it so you may get sales. Visit the pregnancy forum also. There are talks re best monitor/stroller etc. Now you have to decide hospital. Thanks so much Amyaus82! It didn't occur to me to check out the pregnancy forum- didnt know about it !
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 14:03
Tara I am selling some stuff if you are interested. I have posted in the baby section. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=186726 I also have lots of baby boy clothes for newborn that I am giving away, only worn once or twice. edited by cakes on 18/08/2012 Thanks Cakes! I'll take a look! :-)
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 14:00
I'm selling stuff as well... I got pregnant when we were still in the states, so I brought a lot of stuff with me that my now 9 month old has out grown. Baby boy clothes, blankets, bottles, etc... I have a Fisherprice rainforest bathtub, Brightstars swing, mosses basket/bassinet from mothercare, doorway jumper, and some other misc. items... I also have a Graco port a crib but we visted the states and brought it with us recently, when we came back we left the attachments (bassinet and changing table) in the states, but still willing to sell it. Hi shannon! How much for the tub and swing? Also, do you recall the model of crib at Pottery Barn? Was it the store at Dubai Mall? Thanks! Tara
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 09:58
Tara -- I've just had a baby here (well have a 6 month old now) and will soon be getting rid of almost everything as we are moving back to the US (without movers or a container -- just a few suitcases!) in about 6 weeks. If you are interested, in working something out -- let me know! Coffeebuz- Congrats on your baby and moving back to the US! Are your baby things gender neutral? I am having Boy. :-) I am due early Oct. What are you getting rid of? Thanks!
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 07:36
Great suggestions- thank you all so much!!! Any other suggestions are welcome! :-) The Diono carseat looks really great, but judging by the space that is currently between our 2 turbo booster seats (about 6 inches), theres just no way even these carseats would fit. But thank you for the suggestion!!!
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Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 07:45
Thanks ladies! So, we have the Angelcare plus and Summer Peekplus monitors. Any other suggestions? Not sure i am looking for a movement sensor or a video camera monitor. I just really want a monitor that will work through the cement walls and will have no trouble hearing from one end of the house to the other or downstairs. Thanks for your help!
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Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 06:07
Thanks so much ladies! Is there a store in Dubai that sells the Angelcare monitor, or is it only available over the internet?
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 06:28
We recently bought a sim card from the AT&T store. Then we bought top up cards from the grocery store as we needed them. Radio shack was abandoned after a 10 min conversation with an ignoramus. How much did you pay CaptainAmerica, for the SIm card and then for the top off cards? Thanks!!!
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 06:27
We recently bought a sim card from the AT&T store. Then we bought top up cards from the grocery store as we needed them. Radio shack was abandoned after a 10 min conversation with an ignoramus.
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Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 21:32
Hello! Have been in Dubai almost a year, and I am travelling home to the States for the summer (yay!). I have a Blackberry Curve and can switch the SIM card when I get to the States. But, I have no clue how to do this! Where do I buy the SIM card? Can I buy one at JFK ? If I wait and buy one in Ohio, what type of store can I find one at? No clue who sells a SIM card. AND, once I have a SIM card, how do I purchase credits to make phone calls?? Any advice is appreciated! :-) Thanks!
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 10:28
that if you wear lycra leggings commando, everything can be seen?? When the leggings 'stretch' they go see-through? Went to the gym last night and there were a few ladies obviously going without their underwear, butt cheeks on view........or am I in the wrong? Is it 'normal' not to wear underwear with gym clothes? Wow. That's gross.
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 10:25
Hi ladies! I have naturally wavy/ curly hair. Would the keratin treatment completely straighten it? Not sure I want to go from waves to pin straight flat hair.
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 09:01
I too, am so bummed! I am 4 months pregnant and had just switched to Dr. koster from one of her colleagues. I was impressed with her and fell very confident in her competence. I don't know who to see now. I may just switch to Dr. Josza for convenience, but I know nothing about him. I was told by someone at the clinic that they all received an email stating that she was no longer with the clinic (on Tuesday), and they were all shocked. But I don't know who's decision it was for her to leave. I would think that if it were her own, it would not be so abrupt.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 13:05
Thank you so much suzieq123! I will call them! :-)
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 12:54
Thanks ange74! You don't see any damage done by it? What kind of curls do you have naturally? Does the keratin leave your hair straight, or just smooth waves? Thanks!
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 09:38
Are you American? Do you still have a US credit card open? When we go in June (thank God), I will switch to using my American Express- which will also give me Costco rebate points! We still have a US bank account as well. I agree though, no travelers checks or exchanging dirhams for dollars. What a pain and a ripoff. Enjoy your trip, and the cooler temps!!'
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 21:36
Thanks ladies for your opinions! :-) I appreciate it! Tara
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 11:40
Thank you KCQ. :-) They called me a few days before and said that Dr. Koster was out of the country and would not return in time. So they scheduled me with Dr. Oksuz. I figured it would be similar to the States that when you are preggers, you rotate among the Doctors in the office so you are familiar with all of them when it comes time to deliver. I learned that isn't the case here. I suppose I should set up an appt with Dr. Koster just to try her out too and compare...
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 09:06
@ Gorobattie : "errrrm! sorry to say, but you are letting her go over the line without telling her where are her boarders! what she do in her time is her, but working half day and not showing up for work is not good at all, that give her the courage to let someone "stranger" into your house without your permission, yes he is her husband in her home, yes it's her room in your "house" so her husband HAVE to visit her with your permission, NOT when ever she wants Ladies Man up and do not let your employees run your house." No need to "man up". We terminated her. Done.
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 22:19
I get the feeling the "Auntie" is really a boyfriend. If you let her go, I would say just one night a week and let they be her day off. But tell her she needs to make sure she is back in time to start her work day , or else you'll have to dock her pay. I just let a maid go after just 2 weeks living in. I thought it would be a good thing that her mom and husband also worked nearby. Then her mom fell and needed to go to the Dr. So my maid Worked only half day and then we didn't see her till the next day... Then she asked for a cash advance to pay for her moms medical. Also, within the 2 weeks ( and during the work day) I would look toward her room and see here husband sitting in there- didn't even know he was in our house!! Just too much. As they say, you give an inch...
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Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 10:05
Is there a way to get alerts if someone has posted a reply to a thread you have started or been a part of? Going back through the threads to find ones I've participated in is tedious and can take too long. What am I missing?? Thanks!
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 20:57
Oh my gosh! I didn't know that reading this thread would be so stinkin funny!!! Some of you ladies really gave me a good laugh- thank you!! Personally, I think it's great when they blow dry your hair and not only do they burn the **** out of your scalp, but SMOKE is coming off of it !!!!'. SMOKE, PEOPLE!!!!
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 12:39
I just posted the same thing for my son a few hours ago! Looking for excellent Pediatric ENT!
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 12:35
Thanks so much Saharagypsyrose! What great info you gave! We do own it so hopefully, will be easy. Car is only 7 months old, but we are expecting a 3rd (surprise!) , and need room for 3 carseats!
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 12:25
I bought one from LuLu and it smells like chemicals! I have soaked it, scrubbed it- nothing works. If you find one, give it a sniff test first. I've seen some at Phamacies.
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 08:58
Dear Ayda247- I hope you are feeling better now. :-) I went through the same thing with my 1st- the Midwife did not stitch me up properly. Intercourse was extremely painful afterwards until when I had my 2nd, I begged the Dr to fix me. She could see the problem and did fix it. :-). As far as the gas thing, I'm afraid that just goes with the territory of having kids. ;-) Best wishes!!!
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Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 21:22
Finally took my 2 boys to Extreme Fun in Motor city for the first time. What an annoying place. I didn't know what to expect, but figured it was a soft play place and my kids love Mini Monsters, so this will be good. No. There are different areas to play in and also several different games and those stupid toy grabber machines. You have to pay for each of these play areas and games by using a card with credits on it- a card that you HAVE to buy during your first visit. So if your kids get distracted by all of the other things, you have to pay or listen to your child bug you about it. Normally, my kids (5 and 3) will last at Mini Monsters for 2-3 hours. My 5 yr old was done with the climbing in 15 minutes and wanted to play the games, and then wanted to leave before one hour was up. Also, you have to pay for the time you plan to spend there, right when you get there- not for the time you actually spent there before you leave. I wanted to pay for 1.5 hours. Their policy is to pay by the hour. This wasn't clearly explained to me until after I paid and they would NOT refund my money for 1 hour (I paid for 2 hours). They only accept cash- no credit cards. I complained to "management" but that was pointless. Apparently, they think it's fair and reasonable to charge people money for services not actually rendered. I live in Arabian Ranches, so this would be super convenient. However, we will never go there again. I would prefer to drive a distance to Mini Monsters or Little Explorers.
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Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 17:43
I am very interested in going this route, as well. I have only gotten as far as making phone calls. Have you done it yet ay2zee?
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Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 08:53
I live in Arabian Ranches and our water smelled. So we hired a company to come and clean/ disinfect the tank. I peeked in while it was open- was brown from sand (and God knows what else!). The men drained what water was left and went in with what looked like Biohazard jumpsuits! The tank was light grey afterward. Overall, I was very happy with their work. I also had the same company clean and disinfect our AC vents- something else that is very important to do. :-)
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Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 08:34
I have a question about the Gold Souks... Are there any to steer clear of? Are these souks great quality Gems? Are the prices better than a regular jewelry store? Thanks. :-)
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Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 17:51
Thank you so much to you all! We have been to so many shops in Dubai and are told time and again, largest is 12. I will pass your advice onto my husband. Thanks!
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Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 14:16
Hi there! My husband wears a size 13 shoe and let me tell ya, they aren't easy to come by around here! Has anyone got a hubby with big feet that can point us in the right direction- casual shoes, dress shoes, running shoes-HELP! Thanks!
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 10:49
Well boy, am I flattered! Here I am! I got a text from my husband that someone told him that a woman I met at the Doctors office was looking for me! WOW! The power of technology, and apparently of Irooni! ;-) Just for the record, I don't think this is "stalkerish" or "unethical" at all. We are all Expats living in Dubai, starting from scratch- including with friends. As a matter of fact- 5 minutes before I got the text from my husband, I was feeling lonely. It isn't easy, so sometimes, you have to go out on a limb! With that said, Sundevil, how shall we exchange info? :-) We can do a coffee while the boys are at school! :-) P.S. I tried looking online, but no luck with the "Ohio" necklace. :-/