TimTam | ExpatWoman.com
 

TimTam

TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 18:42
Angela, definitely valid for 2 years for Aussies not sure about other passport holders, all you need to do is retrieve your details online and update your new travel arrangements. We just did it last month. As spongemonkey said: got to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ If you have had one in the last 2 years click on the right side that says retrieve application. <em>edited by TimTam on 03/06/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 16:15
We went 3 years ago and loved Chaing Mai. We visited the Elephant sanctuary. There are many but this one is focused on rescue and rehibilitation. You can't ride the elephants which we preferred anyway. The kids (9 and 12) loved feeding the elephants and going down to the river to wash them. It was an amazing experience. http://www.elephantnaturepark.org There are many handicraft places to visit but we didn't want to do the standard tour so we took a tuk tuk tour with Paul Collins (American guy brought up in Chiang Mai) very knowledgeable. http://besttuktuktours.yolasite.com There is also a tiger park you can visit but it is quite commercial. The weekend market is excellent so try to be there for that. We run out of time to do the flight of the gibbon, but friends loved it. http://www.treetopasia.com/thailand-holiday/chiang-mai I like Bangkok, if you do decide to stop there we took a private guide which was excellent and so cheap, she met us at the hotel and then she took us around using public transport, trains, tuk tuk and boat. She negotiated everything which was excellent. One thing we really enjoyed was the long boat ride along the river. http://www.tourwithtong.com <em>edited by TimTam on 03/06/2013</em>
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 11:43
We've taken out boys there for karting, great Kart track and you do need to make reservagtions for that. Didn't eat there though.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 11:41
When do you need the tutor to start? Most people are heading away for the summer shortly.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 18:36
I think my skin is smoother and more even, I wouldn't say there was a huge difference in wrinkles, I think around crows feet there is a slight improvement. I haven't been consistant with it either, I go along really well for a few months using it regularly then stop for a while and start again. I think you need to use it consistantly. There has been no negative effect, yet it does make your skin feel a little sensitive to start with. Sorry it probably hasn't been that helpful.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 17:47
Do a search on the forum to read other peoples experiences as it's been talked about before. It is very strong so you only need the smallest amount, probably the size of a pea and you need to build up tolerance for it. You can't use it every night to begin with. I couldn't anyway. Make sure you wear sunscreen as it makes your skin more susceptable to burning. Your skin may become drier and may peel/flake a little but they do say it may take 6-8 weeks to see any improvement. It is meant to improve collagen in the skin. http://www.livestrong.com/article/204924-how-to-properly-apply-retin-a-cream-for-wrinkles/ <em>edited by TimTam on 02/06/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 11:45
It depends what you are looking for, is it a gift? or are you going to visit and need groceries for your stay. Like the others have mentioned Myers, David Jones, Coles, Woolworths all do online deliveries. For alcohol there is also Dan Murphy http://danmurphys.com.au/dm/home.jsp
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 11:41
There is also one at the Gold and Diamond Park, it's owned by Cara's and one also at Mirdiff
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 09:08
I have also read that about Avon's so soft but some say it does work and others don't. Not so sure but maybe try a natural repellant, with oils like lemongrass. The organic store may have one that is for children but without the chemicals. <em>edited by TimTam on 02/06/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 20:39
I also used QV, ego products. DS had dry skin and eczema. QV products are excellent with no sodium lauryl sulfate that is in most soaps and shower gels. Mainly washed their face with just water. <em>edited by TimTam on 01/06/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 14:43
We did Vietnam with kids last year and loved it. We went to Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Danang and Hoi An. We used a guide for day trip in Ho Chi Minh, then we did a homestay in Mekong Delta through the same company. Private tour and overnight homestay was excellent and the house we stayed in was lovely. Owned by the co-owner of the company. http://www.comeandgovietnam.com <em>edited by TimTam on 01/06/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 14:35
As per KHDA regulation they do not have to refund the fees paid. See last page of attached PDF. http://www.khda.gov.ae/CMS/WebParts/TextEditor/Documents/FeeFrameWorkEnApril2012.pdf <em>edited by TimTam on 31/05/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 14:31
http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/category.jsp?masterId=cat238207&itemId=cat319603&cmCat=cat000000cat257221cat413602cat20087cat238207&parentId=cat269601 Here is Bergdorf Goodmans website, a department store in NYC. Not sure how they compare to here though. I recently bought Marc Jacobs in New York and it was so much cheaper than here.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 20:48
Our school calendar says 180 days and we haven't had any variance to that yet this year. I just checked last years and next years calendar and it also says 180, but you are right, this may vary depending on changes in Islamic holidays. There is a KHDA rule on how many days they must attend school, yet not exactly sure what it is. <em>edited by TimTam on 22/05/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 20:38
There was talk of introducing that years ago but it didn't happen. We had a Landcruiser that was 12 years old, no problem. <em>edited by TimTam on 22/05/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 18:34
Jumeirah College are having one on the 31st May, tables are 50dhs. 8-11.30am I think.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 18:49
Both Friday and Saturday are 20% off this weekend at the organic store
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 16:41
Hi Kaba, Organic store on Sheikh Zayed usually have mayo but may be out of stock. The brand is Plamil and it's called organic egg free mayo. If that branch doesn't have it, call the greens branch as they often have stock. There is another brand they have but my DS prefers this one. For cheese try Choithrams. I know the one opposite Safa park has Tofutti cream cheese, tastes like cream cheese but is dairy free and made from soy, it's not bad at all. http://www.tofutti.com/dairy-free-cheeses/ They stock the cream cheese and sour cream, but I think the sour cream is in a different colour tub. Works well for dips, I add some Knorr french onion soup mix and you have french onion dip. DS loves it and doesn't feel like he's missing out. Is it a cows milk allergy as organic store has sheep and goats cheese and goat's milk. My DS is intolerant to caesin so non of the options suit us. I think there may also be a dairy free mozarella which is soy based. Which might work for pizza. Also check out the salad dressing INAPAARMAN's kitchen brand that they sell in carrefour and spinneys as the honey and mustard dressing is dairy free. http://www.paarman.co.za/allergen_info_may2013.pdf Good luck I know how frustrating it is, my son is dairy and wheat intolerant, very hard to cater for. <em>edited by TimTam on 16/05/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 17:53
Dr Jaco or Dr Caroline, both excellent at the Dental studio. I fear the dentist and they are both just lovely and reassuring.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 14:45
I have been to both, but Le Meridien was quite a few years ago. Park Hyatt is a new hotel and is gorgeous, unless the Le Meridien has been refurbished the Park will be much better. Also I found at Le Meridien (again a few years ago) there was oil skim on the water which I didn't like. Park Hyatt Beach is lovely, good choice of restaurants and pool are I think is gorgeous. Not sure if you have children, Park does have a kids club also but not sure if it's free. You would need to check. Ferrari world close by too.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 20:16
The shop for bags I have been to is called Zhongdi Trade FZCO and specialises in gift bags and bags in general. Shop no FAA 21-22 (F section of Dragonmart) Otherwise an excellent shop for everything from bags to ribbons is Abdul Razzaq in Diera, it's right near the Al Ras train station which is easier than parking. Their ribbon is so cheap. They normally wholesale to florists, but will sell retail. They have 2 shops. The other shop around the corner does the plastic sealable bags which are great for baked goods, sweet bags for school etc. http://www.mab1925.com/ContactUs.html
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2013 - 17:19
I saw Abacus in Ikea today in the childrens section with the toys
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 20:18
San Francisco is a fantastic city, you could have a few days there, then drive down the coast through the Big Spur, you could stay along the coast, Monterey and Carmel are nice. Then down to Los Angeles, and visit Hollywood/Beverly Hills. We then went down to San Diego. We also went to Yosemite and Disneyland but you probably won't have time to fit it all in. My husband always wanted to hire a convertible and cruise down the coast, but it wasn't too practical with 2 kids and 3 suitcases :) <em>edited by TimTam on 06/05/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 20:15
Kings Umm Sequim is up to Year 7, classes in primary have 24 children.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 19:18
Yes it was the Organic Foods and Cafe on Sheikh Zayed Rd, sorry Di@DXB, lazy of me to call it the organic store
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 17:35
At the organic store a whole frozen organic chicken is 48dhs a kilo. The last one I bought was 1.7kg and was about 83dhs less 20% on the 3rd weekend of the month. The fresh whole chicken are more, which seems silly. Fresh chicken breast is Dhs134 per kg and again 20% off. I tend to buy my meat for the month and freeze it. <em>edited by TimTam on 01/05/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 18:43
They used to have the paints and some models at the Toy store in MOE, haven't looked for a long time though. I also found this on the net http://www.revell.com/distributors.html they might be able to tell you who stocks it here.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 16:43
Hi, Lifestyle nutrition is Mall of the Emirates, MCC, Dubai mall. Festival City. Sometimes they have a shop and some have a kiosk in the middle of the mall.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 21:35
Boots are often out of stock. Holland and Barrett have them at Mirdiff City Centre, Dubai Mall may also have them. Also the Lifstyle Nutrition usually stock them
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 14:05
That's extorition on souq. Like I said before I just bought the Ballerina one in New York and paid USD8.99. That's just terrible. Is it possible to buy it on Amazon and have it shipped here or use Aramex if you are desperate for it.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 09:34
The carrfour brand sour cream is in a red container and it says "Carrefour Creme fraiche epaisse" and the english sticker on it thick sour cream. There is low fat version which is in a blue container but I don't think it tastes as good.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 20:39
If financially you can do it and have accommodation covered in both places I can't see why not. Dubai I think has much more to offer in terms of entertainment/restaurants and shopping than Muscat does.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 20:34
Do you realise the distance? 4-5 hours drive each way or flight? Personally I don't think it's possible.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 20:29
Keith Holland is a behavioural optometrist. Keith visits Dubai on a regular basis. You could contact him to find out when he next will visit. As far as I'm aware there are no other behavioural optometrists in Dubai. My son was diagnosed dyslexic and Keith at the time was fully booked but he was kind enough to advise me on someone I could see when I was home in Australia. We took both our children for tests when back home, one had convergence eye problems which caused problems with his reading, unable to follow the words on a line, skipping lines etc. The other had a spacial problem and needed to hold the book very close and said the words moved. Both had special exercises and vision programs to follow and it has worked brilliantly. Definitely worth seeing him. It may not be dyslexia, it might just be a beahvioural optometry issue. My eldest son went from never reading books to not putting them down, I couldn't believe the difference it made for him. http://www.keithholland.co.uk/index.html <em>edited by TimTam on 24/04/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 19:11
Did you try all the toys r us stores. There is Deira City Centre, Festival and Times Sq? Borders at MOE were good and called around their stores when I was looking for a puzzle that was out of stock. I just bought the exact same thing in New York for my niece, hope she likes it.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 13:36
I can't fault Cara's either. I have bought pieces from them and also had some made. They made a ring from my grandmother's diamond, I wasn't 100% sure about the setting I chose, so they remade it for me twice, no problems at all and no extra cost. They really want their clients to be happy as they then refer people. Their business is a lot of word or mouth.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 15:42
Ace hardware sell it on rolls
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 15:40
Try the new GEMS Al Kahail school they may have places. Still being built but scheduled to open in September. Otherwise Kings Nad Al Sheba, which would be close to AR. http://www.gemsinternationalschool-alkhail.com http://kingsdubai.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=1&Itemid=96
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 11:36
Drove past today and still says opening soon. (I drive past everyday to and from school)The sign says "The Studio" but couldn't find anymore info about it. Will let you know when I see it open.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 19:05
My children love the Uncle Toby's chewy choc chip muesli bars from Spinneys. I've been buying them there for years. Before the school holidays (April) they were dhs17.50, this week Dhs26.50, that's a 50% increase over the break!!
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 16:30
It's near carrefour end where BHS used to be, I think next to Steve Madden shoes
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 13:05
I was there last Wednesday and it wasn't open yet
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 08:34
Decathalon at Mirdoff did have some, Turning point's main office in International City sell tutu's and ballet shoes, otherwise JPS school uniform shop also use to have 2nd hand ones. I'm sure anyone could go when they are open and buy one. http://shop.turningpointeuae.com/turning-pointe-store-ballet-dance-clothes.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=51
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 13:33
Jones the Grocer has some, Bloomingdales did, not sure if they still do and you can get them in Duty free on the way in if you are travelling. Not sure which ones they stock.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 09:38
Suzieirl the makeup idea is really nice. I bought my dear friend some nice organic chemical free hand cream, candles, nice soap. Make sure they are free of parabens and chemicals. Her favourite teas, some magazines.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 14:26
You can get them in Quicksilver Mall of Emirates, maybe even Ripcurl or Surfdubai in Jumeirah. http://surfingdubai.bigcartel.com There is no "best" they are all the same and same price. They may just have different colours. The cruiser is around 580? dhs from memory. <em>edited by TimTam on 23/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 18:56
There is also a nice Persian/Iranian restaurant at Hyatt Regency but may be fully booked for New Year
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 18:51
Mumzie, some things are cheaper and some things are more expensive, it depends where you are from. Personally I don't find food exensive here compared to Australian and I think the internet isn't too bad considering how much we use it and we use it for all our calls. New cars for us are cheaper than at home. When the sales are on you can pick up clothes reasonably and for cosmetics I order from www.strawberrynet.com , books I get from www.bookdepository.com Most of us that come here as expats are finacially better off than at home, otherwise why would we be here? BMAP metioned some nice areas, you may also want to consider the Palm as another option.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 12:48
For baking I would just buy the packet mixes, Orgran or Bob Mills. I buy the Bob Mills chocolate cake mix and make cup cakes with them. Orgran also do a nice chocolate self saucing pudding. I find the baking from scratch too hard and more expensive to buy the xantham gum and varieties of different flours etc. Organic store also have some nice biscuits at the moment, which I bought on Saturday, shortbread and choc chip. There also some nice ones at Milk and Honey in Springs. For pasta the Schar brand in Carrefour is great, much better than the ones in organic store in my opinion. When cooking for them also be very careful with sauces as many contain modified starches or varients of this which will contain wheat or gluten. Organic store do tamari soy sauce which is gluten free. For stir fries use rice noodles. You could do fried rice with beef or chicken. Chicken satay or chicken/beef curry. Tacos Risotto I'm cooking for a child who is dairy and wheat intolerant so these recipes work perfectly for us and everyone in the family can eat them.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 19:53
Park n shop have quite nice ready made patties for hamburgers, quick and easy.
 
 
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