TimTam | ExpatWoman.com
 

TimTam

TimTam
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 13:24
Carol Smylie at Dubai London Clinic festival city is lovely.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 17:05
Buckyball not the cubes are definately in Virgin as we bought some, hours of entertainment for my son.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 17:03
I did get some at park n shop about 1 month ago
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 13:47
There is no funding from the government here for schooling as we don't pay taxes like in other countries, so of course we have to pay. Yes, schooling is run as a business here and the more expensive schools here bring in teachers from the UK and need to pay them accordingly. In Australia I can get public education which is very cheap if not free but the funding to run the school comes from the government and ultimately from the taxes that I have been paying my whole life. If you want private education in Australia it will cost you a lot of money. Most private schools charge anything from 57,000dhs to around 80,000dhs per year plus uniform, laptop, trips etc (based on todays exchange rate) Do you expect no tax and free schooling, who will pay for it?
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 13:14
Jumeirah Colege is 26th Nov
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 19:26
Why? just curious <em>edited by TimTam on 21/09/2011</em>
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 12:50
Try turning point, they sell seconf hand instruments. Here is there online shop, give them a call as we bought a 1/2 size guitar from them that wasn't on the website. http://shop.turningpointeuae.com/turning-pointe-store-ballet-dance-clothes.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=75&vmcchk=1 http://www.turningpointe.ae/music-department.html
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 17:26
anyone else or will our 2 kids be the only ones there?
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 09:29
Thanks Mrs Mozz, my son is a Chelsea fan and was also worried everyone would be arsenal fans.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 08:46
Debbie who use to be at Salon Ink does great color highlights, she's now at Pastels in Mercato.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2011 - 16:31
Thanks Princess, have seen them but wanted fillets if possible.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 16:10
Lots of people do things here "under the table" technically it's not correct but people do it. Just like tutoring, loads of teachers are doing it but it's not legal. I have been looking for someone to teach at home, let me know if anything comes of it. <em>edited by TimTam on 13/09/2011</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 18:30
I feel the same as you om el banat, I am 5 ft7 and 63kg, I wear skinny jeans but will ballet flats as I feel I tower over people like an amazon women! I do wear wedges sometimes with boot leg jeans but only small wedges, I have trouble finding ones that are small heel. I think my insecurity steams from my group of friends who are all shorter than me like 5ft 4 to 5ft 6 and they all wear heels and we end up similar height, so I never bothered wearing heels when out with them.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 17:21
I made the same cake this year from the woman's weekly cookbook, but I didn't have little dolls so I used lego figures, one even had a surf board! It is so easy. Here is a link to the recipe. http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=791429&showcomments=true I have seen the cookbook in Borders <em>edited by TimTam on 08/09/2011</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 17:18
We just have al shamil internet connection as they are just doing the e-life to our compound now. We bought a cisco modem router from e-max. The guy at Mirdiff was very helpful and there was a cisco number to help install it. Our Villa isn't that big (3 bedroom, lounge, dining, kitchen) and it reaches all the rooms in the house for wifi.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 21:10
I've used them for 6 years and never had a problem. I use to have them delivered to my husband company and now just the P.O. box. Never any problems.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 16:51
I'm also intersted, I also posted a few months ago
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 10:39
It is really easy to make like goodbyerain said. Buy a sushi mat, I'm sure they would have them somewhere like daiso, otherwise Lakeland or I might have seen them in crate and barrel. If you get a kit it often has a book with instructions or use use tube video. I cook my rice in a rice cooker, lay it out on the seaweed paper and in the centre put my fillings. Then make sure you roll quite tightly. One tip a friend gave me was to cover your sushi mat in glad wrap so you don't get bits stuck in it. Also if you want to keep some for the next day for lunch you can wrap it in slightly damp paper towel and put in an airtight container. I make it for my kids lunch boxes.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 09:09
Hi Sheila, As many have already said Dubai schools are not well equipped to deal with children who have learning difficulties. I know JPS (British curriculum) have children in the school with learning difficulties (Down's syndrome, Aspergers, Autism) yet the children must have a full time learning support person that works with them. So on top of your school fees you pay a person to shadow your child and support them with their learning. It will cost you around 4500-5000dhs per month on top of the school fees which are around 38,000dhs + per year. We don't want to give you a grim outlook but it isn't easy.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 19:52
We stayed at the Protea hotel North Wharf(18mths ago), which was an apartment. Not far from the V & A. We really liked it.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 15:49
I also love the Lancome one it's called Bi-facial, not cheap but last ages.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 13:49
Not sure which one emlsnre is referring to? There are 2 camps at Repton, one is a sports camp and the other is run by Imagine Education. Matt at Imagine is running camp next week, give him a call 055 369 5642. It's 8.30-1pm, they working with Apple Mac, so making their own movies, editing, adding music, sound effects and then burning their own movie to disc. They also do Art, some days drama and each day they always do some ball games or fun sporting games. There is a theme for the week which kids love as all the activites tie together. Ages range from 4-14. (my child has been these holidays) <em>edited by TimTam on 04/08/2011</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 16:34
Spinneys, Waitrose and Organic store all sell raw almond nuts and I think also other types. I prefer almond. Plain popcorn - you could season with some herbs rice crackers soups-make your own tomato and roasted capsicum vegetable sticks with salsa <em>edited by TimTam on 03/08/2011</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 15:53
Debbie is fantastic, was at Salon Ink, now Pastels Mercato.ph 04 344 7883
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 11:28
Hi, when I was at the Oesteopath near spinneys in Mirdiff I saw on a notice board that they have Yoga classes. Might be worth a look.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 13:15
Here is the KHDA link to the school report this year. May give you some insight. http://www.khda.gov.ae/En/DSIB/Reports.aspx?Search=1
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 09:28
We stayed at Sareeya http://www.sareeraya.com/ I think it was just down from Amari, easy walk into Chaweng. Loved that the beach in front of the hotel was clear and not clusted with people and chairs.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 16:42
Generally speaking the teachers socialise together and have a good support network amongst each other. I have worked in a school and the new group of teachers that came each year all went out together, cooked dinners for each other and were really supportive. Which school is it, there are several in Mirdiff and where are you coming from? I don't know Sharooq, I think they are the apartments not far from Spinneys supermarket. You have Mirdiff City Centre mall very close by which is great, but most popular bars etc are Jumeirah way, 1/2hr or so, but if you are all going out you could share a taxi anyway.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 12:17
About 4500 in a primary school. Some schools pay more.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 17:20
I use the same one and they told me they are not bringing it in anymore, not sure why or even if that's true, so in a panic I went to every pharmacy around me and bought them. I'm not going home this summer so needed enough to get me to next summer. I don't know if you'll get any, but worth trying any of them. Get any of the main ones to call their other branches. I know there is none in Mirdiff, Dubai Mall or any of the Life pharmacies. Sorry.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 12:19
I went on at 7.40pm and you could book the flights then, I was just looking out of interest. I could get flights to Moscow from 18-21 July no problems but didn't book as I didn't know if I could get a visa in time. Then I checked Frankfurt and about 15 mins later pretty much at 8pm the site had a meltdown.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 21:32
I filled in a customer feedback form complaining, like they care. since they changed milk I haven't bought a coffee there. The frappacino's now taste terrible!
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 14:46
Technical And Further Education. It's like a college I suppose, they offer certificate to Diploma course, not degrees. You can do anything from Nursing, Business, Tourism and Hospitality to trade courses (electrican, plumber, aviation) <em>edited by TimTam on 13/07/2011</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 08:20
The ones in the Gold and Diamond park are genuine, Kieran from Cara's owns the store and just gets a commission from Pandora for selling their product.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 08:17
You would be fine, all TAFES must follow the same course guidelines, it really comes down to the reputation of the TAFE and the teachers, but int the end you all come out with the same piece of paper.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 08:12
What course are you looking at. TAFE courses generally go to Advanced Diploma level then you can use this if you want to for credits towards a university course. Again this will depend upon the course. I taught at 2 TAFE's in Melbourne.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 20:42
Thanks Rebecca W, whilst searching the net for the location I found these photos if anyone is interested. http://www.studioem.net/2011/07/jones-the-grocer-opens-in-dubai/
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 08:48
Just finished "No time for Goodbye" by Linwood Barclay, loved it. Similar type of story to what Harlan Coben writes. Tell no one by Harlan Coben also excellent if you like mystery books.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 07:28
Maybe she's a fan of Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. Harper is a character. I don't mind it.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 17:21
where exactly is it, the website says opp Times Sq but is it on Al Quoz side of Sheikh Zayed or Beach Rd side??
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 17:18
We are stopping at the Premium outlet in Gilroy on the way to Monterey in California and I believe there is one also near San Diego. DH is looking for Ralph Lauren, Tommy stuff and kids also want converse. I want to get some clothes for my baby niece so I'm sure these things are cheaper in the US than here. (hopefully) Thanks for all you advice.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 17:33
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/economics/high-dollar-pushes-relative-cost-of-living-in-australian-cities-up-world-rankings/story-e6frg926-1226089795642 Here is an article from the Australia today. I agree, petrol, electricity and some food items are more expensive, but quality of life I think is better. You can get outdoors no matter what time of year it is, ride bikes, hiking, picnics in the park, lots of things that don't cost a cent.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 11:05
My son did Of Mice and Men this year in Year 8. Do they all do the same books during the same year?
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 07:40
We flew to Cape Town and had 4 nights, then flew to Joburg and transfered to Madikwe River lodge, up on the border of Botswana. We had 3 nights here at the game park. We actually had christmas day at the game reserve and had such a great time. Our children were the same age as your when we did it and they loved it. We then had 1 night in Joburg before returning to Dubai. We only had 9 days but could have easily stayed longer. Would have have loved to drive the garden route. We chose Madikwe as I didn't want to give the children the Malaria tablets (personal choice). <em>edited by TimTam on 07/07/2011</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 13:48
Thanks girls, sounds like I better take an empty suitcase!
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 12:18
We are heading to the US in a couple of weeks, LA and San Fran. I need some trainers for my boys and not sure should I get them here in the sales or is it better to get them in the US. Adidas or Nike. Everyone says shopping in the US is great but the sales here are tempting. Any advise would be great.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 16:15
Hi, Not sure where you are coming from but school here will start in FS2 in the British system and children are aged 4 when they enter, so you would need to pay a whole years fees on your own if your company only pays from 5 years old. (depending when they turn 5) Most people here place their children in FS1 at school as this is from around 3 1/2 years old. I believe nursery costs can be nearly as expensive as schooling, we came when both were at school so you would need to check. Places in good schools are also still difficult to find, especially FS1 and FS2. We have a similar salary but have 100% school fees and all housing paid including DEWA which makes a huge difference. We easily save money.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 16:02
Hi Dairylea, Also check out www.tripadvisor.com the California forums are great. We are heading to California. 5 night San Fran, 3 nights Yosemite, 2 nights Monterey, then driving Hwy 1, 1 night Cambria, 2 nights Hollywood, 3 nights Anaheim then ending with 4 nights in San Diego. Hope this gives you some ideas.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:58
Wuffles what were you looking for in Pottery Barn. Sometimes they bring out things that they said they had sold out of. I was looking for some placemats for my mum, they told me they had none, then funny enough the next week I went in and they had a basket full! I'm always up at Mirdiff so can keep an eye out.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2011 - 17:19
Bump?
 
 
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