Tiptoptoni | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tiptoptoni

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Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 20:02
Not educational but Peppa ***'s Holiday is the absolute favourite followed by the CBeebies app Edited to say - that wasn't rude - it just said 'Peppa Peee- eye- gee's' Holiday <em>edited by Tiptoptoni on 25/07/2014</em>
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Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 20:00
leathermaster.ae
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Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 15:40
http://www.justkidding-me.com/en/eshop/product,justessentials-nursing-pillow-farm.html I used this as a maternity pillow a few years ago.
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Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 15:45
My husband was of the same opinion as yours - he paid the fine as he didn't want any damage. There wouldn't be much you could do about it you got it back with any issues or if they accidentally left the window open a little and it got full of sand.
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 22:31
I also use the Masafi 4gallon bottles because they are BPA free. When I last researched it a few years ago I couldn't see any other water cooler bottles that were BPA free (and also didn't get chemically cleaned). I'd be interested to know if there are any others.
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 22:26
I saw a bridal dept on the top floor of Galeries Lafayette in Dubai Mall today but I didn't look closely so not sure what sort of accessories they do. There's a few bits on Little Majlis too: http://www.littlemajlis.com/shop/sixpenceweddingdesign <em>edited by Tiptoptoni on 06/07/2014</em>
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Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 15:51
Hello SH12! You can also hire an RTA taxi for 6 or 12 hours (AED 300 or AED 500) http://dubai-taxi.com/dubai-taxi-corp/taxi-fares
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 17:02
Yes. When we first came out it was around the end of April 2012 and we were told that to make sure we weren't taxed we had to stay out here until at least the beginning of April 2014. We had to be out of the country for a full tax year, and then depending on when we went back we could be taxed on our UAE income. Yes I was told that too, -that you do have to be out for at least one whole tax year. I must have got the wrong end of the stick about coming back in the middle of the tax year though. I had better double check - thanks for bringing it up!
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 15:15
Interesting Geordie. I was told (or did I misunderstand??) that it's better NOT to go back at the start of the tax year. So are they saying that they will tax your UAE salary for part of the tax year that you have been living over here then (in the year you return to the UK)?
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 13:49
From a tax point of view it may be worth looking into what time in the tax year you return. Your salary is taxed from April to April (but you usually pay monthly through PAYE) so if you earn £50k per annum and you return right at the beginning of the tax year you will pay the higher rate of tax. If you arrive half way through the tax year you will only earn £25k that year which is under the higher rate band so will pay less tax per month for the rest of that tax year. At least- that is how I understand it. Just to be clear - I am just talking about tax on your UK salary once you are back working in the UK. <em>edited by Tiptoptoni on 23/06/2014</em>
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 17:31
It was a few months ago - but Boots in the Jumeira 1 mall that has the Shakespeare's Cafe in it.
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 17:21
Title Deeds do not usually state the number of bedrooms but if the Ejari / rental contract said 5 beds in this case it should be amended if it was in fact incorrect. How easy that would be to do is another question.
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 16:46
Jellymum - that sounds very dodgy to me. Is it a single storey villa (bungalow)? Just because it is a habitable room does not make it a bedroom. My lounge is also a habitable room but doesn't mean the landlord can suddenly claim it could be usable as a bedroom and therefore classed as a 5 bed villa. Sorry I can't point you in the direction of any codes locally - as others have said you are best to contact Rera but generally in the local market the room as you described it would not generally be considered to be a bedroom. It would need to have either an en-suite bathroom or access to a 'family bathroom' (not just a WC) on the same level. In addition to this it would need to have a window and a (closable) door and be big enough to get minimum a single bed & wardrobe in.
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Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 23:15
Thanks! Looks like Children's Garden is just July but I will enquire with Kids Cottage.
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Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 23:08
LIttle Majlis? There is a lovely shop on there called Bumble and Mouse
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Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 23:05
Check every door opens and closes well with no gaps against the door frame or dragging on the floor. Check the handle pushes / turns easily and that the lock fits into the door frame nicely and does not rattle when you push / pull it. Check it doesn't squeak when you open it. Also check each window opens, closes and locks properly and that they are properly sealed around the window frames. I would do the same for every kitchen / bathroom/ wardrobe drawer and cupboard door. I would also check there are absolutely no tiny gaps in the grouting in the floor and wall tiles (especially around the baths / showers) and same with the sealant around the bath / shower bases. Check there are no gaps to the tops of the skirting board (tiled or timber). Turn on the taps to the bath & shower and check the water drains away quickly. I would check the flush on all the toilets. Check the plugs open and close on all the sinks / wash hand basins / bidets and fill them up with water to check the water doesn't drain away with the plug in. I had better stop now or I could get quite carried away with this list....
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Latest post on 13 June 2014 - 16:21
I was also just about to recommend Celmetro. I have used them to replace my iphone screen a few times. They are in the little low rise building with Carrefour on the ground floor. Celmetro is on the first floor. You can even take it in and pop back within an hour or so to pick up if you don't want to be without it for 24 hours!
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Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 10:28
Does anyone know any nurseries that are doing summer camps for either just the August or both July and August if they are not registered at that nursery? Ideally off the Beach Rd / Al Wasl Rd area if possible?
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Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 22:58
I had this issue about 2 or 3 years ago. I don't remember the passports or police reports needing to go to the British Consulate or anywhere different from the usual process. I do remember needing that police report though. Of course it could have changed since then. I would get the PRO to explain / find out exactly what the consulate etc. needs to do. If he can't explain it or get it explained to him then it sounds like he could have got it wrong or been given misinformation.
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Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 21:28
I know with the UK cards the billing address needs to match the delivery address (how many orders must they miss out on with this old fashioned policy, certainly lots of mine!!). Not sure if your delivery address and UAE billing address are the same whether it would work - might be worth a try.
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Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 00:17
I have come across this a lot. I usually claim I don't have it on me. They rarely turn you away. What can they do? If you do hand it over always check you get the right one back. I have been given the wrong one before and only realised when I was ages away and had to turn back....
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Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 00:11
Champion Cleaners Dubai. They will come and collect and drop off free of charge. Try googling for their number. They have loads of locations all over DUbai
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Latest post on 04 April 2014 - 21:40
Oh dear! Check your household contents insurance - maybe you are covered?
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 16:34
I agree with the posters If you received it painted then I would retouch any scuff marks, holes etc my understanding is that you have to return it in the same condition you received it Paint is cheap and you can get your colour ( if it is the same magnolia shade as most apartments) at Jotun I wouldn't just spot touch up - you either have to paint a whole wall (ideally whole room) or nothing. You can often get lots of marks out with a cloth and water, just be careful not to scrub too hard.
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 14:54
Thanks Appletiser I'll give them a call. I've done a search for router settings and wireless isolation but can't see anything that I can check or uncheck!
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 14:39
If the software is sorted out then you just have to plug it in and discover it on your laptop (plug and play) and everything should be as before. Do you have the latest driver installed for your printer on your laptop? Yes latest driver is installed. I think the problem might be that the IP address is completely different for my laptop and the printer. However they both seem to be on my home network. I have no idea how to sort it out. I think I have spend a total of 8 hours on this so far in the past few days....!
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 14:33
Thanks Appletiser. I would do but the printer seems to be ok and I want someone to get it working on my wireless in the house. If I take the printer and my laptop there I'm still not sure I will understand what I have to do when I'm back in the house so I'd rather get someone to come here!
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Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 16:22
Thanks everyone! I managed to get there and back ok but what annoys me is the lack of clarity about these road warnings. That link Alismum provided is good but for heavens sake - why has that been published today not yesterday at the very latest? Also it would have been helpful for them to explain it was a rolling road block - i was contemplating checking into a hotel so I wouldn't miss my appointment and I would have been pretty annoyed if I'd gone to that expense when all I had to do was wait 20 mins for the cyclists to pass! Anyway, rant over. I should not be surprised at therubbish organisation should I?!
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Latest post on 07 February 2014 - 21:50
Just looking at these roads that are closed tomorrow for the stupid cycle race and it looks like that from 11,30 (possibly before if they close off the roads before the race) until 'about' 4,30 there won't be any access in or out of Jumeirah. Am I misreading the map or is that correct? I have to go into hospital tomorrow in Healthcare City from Jumeirah!
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Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:41
Answer is no! I found out they only show you around once your child has had an assessment and been accepted. You can then look around before you hand over the fees. Doesn't seem to be a way to look around before handing over the initial 'getting on the waiting list for an assessment' fee though. They are so over subscribed I suppose they don't have to bother.
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Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 14:47
So far I've used it twice and both times they have wandered off with my phone for a good 10 mins which I'm not so keen on. I'm sure they wouldn't do anything malicious with it but it could be dropped which wouldn't be much fun.... I'm not sure which version I prefer but at least with the App I am more likely to have it with me when i want to use it.
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Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 12:38
I did a normal afternoon tea at Raffles a few years ago and it was very good and generous portions (you would be stuffed if you managed to eat everything even 1 between 2 people). It was just in the lobby, although it is a lovely lobby but why not have an afternoon tea with a lovely view too? I like Al Qasr, One and Only Royal Mirage or Palace for lovely views and great food / tea.
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Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 19:55
There's two separate issues being discussed here and I'm not sure which one was being referred to in the original question. As mentioned, any item imported here over a certain value ( I seem to remember around aed1000 but not sure exactly) you pay 5% customs duty (plus various 'admin' and 'inspections' charges) to Dubai Customs via your courier when it's delivered. The other issue is UK VAT. Some shops, including online retailers will deduct the VAT from the total if they are sending to an address outside the EU. They don't have to but they can do. It's probably not worth their while with the admin doing it on small amounts but I'm sure I've had it on items around £50. If the retailer does not deduct the VAT then you can't claim it back later like you can when you buy in person from a bricks and mortar shop in the uk and fill the form in at customs at the airport. It's always worth emailing an online retailer to ask them if they will deduct it even if they don't mention it on the website.
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Latest post on 30 December 2013 - 15:48
I have the Phil and Ted travel cot and quite like it. It doesn;t look that strong but it even withstands a toddler shaking the sides. The mattress is a little hard like a lot of the travel cots but my son doesn't seem to mind. I actually bought another mattress separately but he doesn't seem to notice whether we use it or not. A lot of the travel cots in hotels are very manky (even in 5* hotels over here). I had both an electric and manual pump (medela) and I preferred the manual. It just seemed a lot simpler and easy to get on with it than dealing with the electric one. I didn't use it every day though. I agree the Isofix base is very good and definitely worth it. Clothes and muslins from the UK are much nicer and cheaper too. Sleeping bags or swaddle wraps are good to get from the UK too. The summer baby infant swaddle wraps were lovely for the first few weeks (I would get at least 2) and the grobags were nice for after that. A room thermometer is useful too - we have the gro-egg one that changes colour which is useful if you don't have your contacts in so you don't have to peer at it/ I thought Mamas and Papas in the Outlet Mall had closed down earlier this year, but I might be wrong. Just make sure your cot is really sturdy - soon enough you will have a little toddler in there shaking the sides adn jumping up and down in it.... I walked round the shops wiggling the sides of the cots vigourously and quite a lot of the ones that looked sturdy were quite weak when you did that. Just Kidding have some lovely Boori cots, but they are not particularly cheap! I would also buy all your fitted sheets for the cot / moses basket / pram from the UK too
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Latest post on 29 December 2013 - 13:36
As I said, sometimes it's just nice not to cook. Especially when it's for 16 people. and nice not to have to clear up the kitchen afterwards. So much easier when it's just the plates and cutlery! <em>edited by Tiptoptoni on 29/12/2013</em>
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Latest post on 21 December 2013 - 23:13
It doesn't have to be anything special - just a plastic sack with Christmas pictures on etc? I looked all over Dubai Mall but couldn't find one. Has anyone seen one recently?
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Latest post on 01 December 2013 - 21:26
This whole thing strikes me as dodgy. Car seats, and other safety devices for children, don't count against your weight limit on airplanes. So bring your own seat there and bring it back. Not quite true. At least with Emirates flying Economy to the UK, I was only allowed a certain amount of weight for buggy / carseat. If you are fully using your luggage allowance and go over the weight allowed for buggy and carseat combined, you do have to pay. Trust me, I argued at the check in desk for quite a long time but they were adamant I needed to pay extra weight as I'd already used my full luggage allowance.
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 15:13
i noticed an extended rear facing Britax in Toys R Us Festival City a few months ago but can't remember the name of it. Might have been max fix?
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 21:33
How would you feel if your DD lived in a different country from you? Would you think it was fair for her to spend Christmas morning with her dad (that she spends the rest of the year with) while you say on your own?
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 14:23
Good! Then maybe the list is still open for 2016? I applied about this time last year for 2015 and it was still open. :-)
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 14:21
Thanks ladies - why are they so coy about it all? Can't they just be straightforward and say yep - registrations open such and such day etc, first come first served. And don't get me started on debentures. Am really getting sick of the education system here especially as we are paying customers and shouldn't be mugged off and kept waiting etc. Rant over lol! TDB - was your DD born in 2011 or 2012? Cause if 2012 then she will only be 3 in Dec 2015 which means she'd start in Sept 2016 wouldn't she???
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Latest post on 28 October 2013 - 14:15
I don't really get this. In the UK they start school (reception year) the year AFTER they turn 4. So why do all the British curriculum schools over here tend to start at FS1 in the year after they turn 3? Or have I got it all wrong? I presume FS2 = Reception year and FS1 = Nursery school in the UK?
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 12:58
Personally I would not risk it either. Either get out for a week or try using something much less toxic like Boric acid powder (you can get it from Boots). The pest control people will tell you it's fine, but do you believe they have done the scientific research? Pest control companies here sometimes use chemicals that are banned in most other countries. Just not worth the worry.
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Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 22:26
I do feel for you. 45 days maternity leave is so short but the reason your doctor is 'a bit funny' about it is because if you are not genuinely ill and in need of 100 days off then you are asking her to lie for you which is putting her professional reputation at risk. Why would she do this? Could you just ask your employer for an unpaid extension to your maternity leave? Might be worth a try at least. You never know they might be happy to save a bit of money for a few months. <em>edited by Tiptoptoni on 30/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 18:00
I'm afraid that unless things have changed in the last few months you are unlikely to get permission from them now. They clamped down on this and stopped all approvals a year or two ago. Ones that already have the approval from previously are more in demand because of this. Things change all the time so it would be worth giving Emaar a call to see if they are giving permissions again.
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Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 23:12
I take it you mean PCOS? Diet is very very important. Your lady hormones are affected by the fact that your body is producing high levels of insulin because you're insulin receptors are not too good (ie insulin resistance). As far as I am aware you can control it, at least in part, with a low GI diet, exercise and getting rid of any excess weight. Sometimes just dropping 10% of your body weight if you're overweight can really help (I was told this by my doc). Sometimes the doc will prescribe Metformin (Glucophage) to help your insulin levels get back to normal too. Doing all this will hopefully in turn help to sort your LH:FSH levels. I did all this and my LH:FSH was pretty much back to normal within 5 months or so. Getting your hormone levels sorted out before getting pregnant reduces chances of miscarriage too which was my motivation for it all. There's a book by Toni Weschler that's very useful and I believe there is a website forum called soulcysters but I've not really looked it so not sure how good that is.
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Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 13:36
My DS is in the same weight range and I still swear by an Ergo baby carrier to get me through the airport. It's a godsend with a sleeping child and carry on luggage. Also fab for the X-ray machines as I don't have to wake him up and fold down a stroller. Good luck, and have a great trip :) Sorry to hijack - Do you still use the Ergo in the front position? My son is 1 yr old and about 9.5kg or a little more and I'm not sure whether to do front position (which i can just about do on my own) or back position which I looked up on Youtube and laughed at the thought of me getting him in that position on my own on the plane.... It's a real dilemma at this age if they won't go in the Ergo / carrier. I have flown into Gatwick and Manchester with Emirates and never seen the strollers at that end, only in Dubai. It's a long way to walk with a heavy baby and hand luggage. I have no idea what I will do if mine refuses the Ergo this time...
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Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 07:50
Best buys: Swaddle-me summer infant wraps for the first few weeks Then gro-bags Gro-egg room thermometer Breastfeeding cover Mothercare nail clippers Little crib (bigger than Moses basket, smaller than cot) with slatted wooden sides so I could put it next to my bed and see in from lying position. Jungle gym - even from the very first weeks Tripp trapp Carseat that fits on a stroller- v convenient Worst buys: Electric breast pump (could only get a manual to work) Too many new born and 0-3 month clothes Baby towels - by 6 months they will be too small Far too many blankets (Only need a couple) I echo that breastfeeding is definitely not impractical! One of the reasons I'm still doing it is because I cannot be bothered with bottles and formula. If you're unsure about breastfeeding when you're out and about I'd recommend doing a bit of research - think about easy access clothes and or a breastfeeding cover etc. Worst buys:
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 14:07
Upstairs in the stationery section of the Union Co-op at Safa Park used to sell sheets of card although I haven't been there for ages. Also the Dubai Library Distributors stationery shop on Sh Zayed Rd (with the big pen on the front). Thanks Plum! Where exactly on the Sh Zayed Road is the Dubai Library Distributers?
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Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 22:31
I buy from visiondirect.co.uk and get them shipped over here. i think they knock the VAT off too