ToutSweetParis | ExpatWoman.com
 

ToutSweetParis

77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2018 - 11:40
I have a large homemade pen as well as their coop but I find in hot weather it isn't enough. I water down the entire area in the morning and late afternoon so the dirt is cool. I have plenty of jasmine, fruit trees and other plant shade for them to hide under. i have 2 bird baths but now that the bees have taken over those none of the birds can use them.. I also put 2 large low shallow pans of water in the shade and the chickens like to jump into those as well for a little cool off. I think the best is making sure they have plenty of water, shade and cool watered down dirt. Good luck, not easy for any of the outdoor creatures these days.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2015 - 10:13
where are you located?
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2015 - 11:40
Hello Sarah, I have a 14 year old daughter who is looking to get into working with kids in french. She is one of the top students in her class and is a native french speaker. We moved here when she was 12 and she now goes to LFIGP. Where are you located?
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 00:05
Hello Cadoc, I too am from CA (SF specifically) and i have been here for 3 years but overseas for many more. I too would love to meet up with you and share any tips I might have. I am not a single lady but I have heaps of kids, animals and a spouse but I like to think I am still useful ;) although my newly teen daughter doesn't think so. There was an American Womens Group but it was shut down and we aren't allowed to talk about it. Not sure what will happen if we do! Leave a message if you want to meet up.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2015 - 22:12
Hi SKap2015, Please send me an email. I think I have a perfect solution for you. 1 bedroom Cottage in jumeirah 1, nextt to the beach, independant, private, safe and we love kitties!
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 22:00
you'll feel worse off compared to staying in the US and your tax savings is wiped out. Unless you have a very special situation you will have to pay US taxes. Take it from another American, you will be taxed on everything you get in cash. Unless the company pays the fees directly you will even be taxed on school fees but there are ways to get around that. Just be very careful here because it looks like a big pile of money until you have to start using it, ALL of it. Dubai is a great place to live for many reasons but coming here with any plan of really saving is in the past I fear. It can be done but one needs to be careful and plan wisely.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2015 - 10:50
There is a big candy store on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall, just in front of the aquarium, Candylicious i think. They have tons of flavors of pop rocks. I buy some candy there to fill easter baskets as it is fun and different.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 15:49
Hi - I need 3 silver standing tickets - do you still have them for sale? Please let me know. Thanks Claire Claire, want to sell them to you but don't know if you saw this. Sorry to bump up again. [email protected]
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2015 - 22:52
Hi - I need 3 silver standing tickets - do you still have them for sale? Please let me know. Thanks Claire Still have em. Let me know when you get my email off here i love dubai at y@&** dot com
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2015 - 11:22
I have 6 silver tickets to sell (face value). I want to offer them here before putting them on Dubizzle. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks <em>edited by ToutSweetParis on 24/03/2015</em>
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 22:06
Emailed you both, you can take your emails off now. Thank you.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 19:02
Hi, I have 6 tickets I am selling. They are silver standing. My kids loved 1D last year and now say they don't want to go. Grrrrrrr.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 18:59
I am an AirBnB owner and I rent out apartments in Paris and um, someplace else I cannot mention on this forum. i have had the most wonderful guests who have been very pleasant with me. People really enjoy having all the comforts of home, extra space and a lower price than a hotel. There are so many different types of accommodations and I find it fascinating to see the interesting things people have done with their homes. I have never used the service myself but plan to this summer. If you would like to see my profile let me know.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 22:07
I bought my older daughter The Care & Keeping of You, The Body Book for Girls. She read it when she was about 9. My 7 (almost 8) girl is starting to take some interest in it (she is the youngest of 4 so she is a bit ahead of the game). It is a great book that gently covers nutrition, body image issues, fitness, "Big Changes", privacy, body care, etc. i have also had other books like it but this is a good one. Not graphic but detailed enough.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2015 - 12:04
I highly recommend BODA. My daughter has taken many theater classes here and in Europe and BODA is by far the most well organised and quality theater training organization we have experienced. There are regular tests (which are not mandatory) that are very well run and eventually can give some university credit. The teacher in Jumeriah, Crystal, is excellent and a wonderful person. I have been invited to sit in on classes and she really knows her stuff. I have a degree in theatre so I am familiar with some of the theory and training practiced being used in the pre-teen/teen age group. Your child can put as little or as much effort into BODA and they want. In the end, it is a fun class which gives children a good exploration in how theatre and acting work. There is no big show or play at the end, just a small showcase of scenes.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2015 - 10:39
I went to Tong Ren Tang in DHC (next to City Hospital) to see about some mild reoccuring neck pain. I was quite the skeptic and didn't think it would help. They diagnosed me with something or other (can't recall and didn't matter to me). What I found amazing was that after the acupuncture they brought in a man to do chinese massage. This was something like what an osteopath would do but so much better. I have been 4 times and this man is truly amazing. I don't know his name but I think he is the only body work guy there. They prescribed herbs and pills but I didn't take them. My insurance paid for all of it. Everyone there spoke english. <em>edited by ToutSweetParis on 14/02/2015</em>
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2015 - 10:29
We adopted our 7 year old whippet about 8 months ago and have had nothing but good experiences in our area. I live in jumeirah and have not noticed anyone scared of her but I only walk her at night because she is sensitive to loud noises and cars. In fact, I find it a great way to meet neighbours who also walk their dogs. I think if you have a plan to care for your doggies, and know how they will be looked after if you go away for summer, they will be happy here.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 21:39
When we moved the shipping company gave me a list of forbidden items. Apart from the obvious like alcohol, buddhas (why???) , racy material, etc were poppy seeds. I was so sad to learn I wouldn't be able to make lemon poppy seed bread here but they somehow shipped it anyway as I found it with all my spices. Not advisable to tempt fate on my part. i should have thrown it away but didn't. I have heard that if they find a banned item they will go through all your stuff which will cause a big delay obviously and possibly fines. i found so many of the items on the banned list were able to be purchased here, apart from the poppy seeds and racy material.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 21:29
Well I have celery salt, you are welcome to it. I am obviously not drinking enough ****** marys. I am in Jumeirah but go all over Dubai and could meet up if you want some. * as a non English person I forgot that certain words, like b l * * d y are bleeped out. I was only writing about the drink. sorry if I offended anyone! <em>edited by ToutSweetParis on 10/02/2015</em>
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 13:01
I saw this for the irst time yesterday in Spinneys Jum 1 - I thought it was my shop assistant's request, but he informed me it was new to the store. has anyone seen the stupid new screens for the total in Spinneys Mercato, so small you can hardly read it! Maybe that is the point $$$$ That is so funny, i was just there this morning and saw the screens and asked the check out lady (who was closer to the screen) "can you read that screen?". She just smiled at me. I couldn't see a thing on there and I was even wearing my glasses! I went and complained to the manager. I will complain if I think a store is doing something to make it easier for them to make money off me.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 11:01
I have been taking it for 6 months now and after ~3 months I noticed much less hair falling out. You can buy it even in the grocery stores or organic shops. Mine are chewable and quite small. It really seems to help. I even bought my housekeeper a bottle as well. I asked her if she noticed hair fall & she told me she has the same problem.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 10:53
My daughter also goes to Hoofbeatz and she is learning so much. The staff are wonderful and caring. For the beginner to intermediate the focus is not just getting on a horse and riding but learning all aspects of horse care. It is a bit more expensive but I feel what we are getting in return is worth the money.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 09:31
My boys and girls all play with our xbox which is 6 years old and still going strong. The graphics are great and I make them play a connect game (where they have to get up and really move around) if they want to play a butt on the couch game. For younger ones I would look into buying the old xbox console if you are thinking of going that route. Unless you or your husband plan on spending lots of time on the console I would get the cheaper model and see if you and the kids like it. You can buy plenty of used games in Satwa that are of perfect quality. My kids have played on Wii at friends homes and they don't like it as much as the xbox.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2014 - 12:23
I know you said you don't like them but Energetic Panacea is my vet of choice. The people there are all very experienced and caring and they are a great team. I take all my critters as well as my foster critters there. There is also a super nice lady who does grooming and animal training who is quite helpful and knowledgeable. Give it a go again, I bet you will find you change your mind.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2014 - 19:11
Jealous in Jumeirah. Suppose I should be careful what I wish for. Our street floods something fierce when it rains a lot.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 09:07
We bought a used Mercedes Viano 2 years ago (used for 2 years by a transport company before us) and it has been an excellent car. The way we have the seats setup is corporate transport style with all the back seats facing each other so there are 5 places in back. I see some set up with 3 and 3 in the back. We have tons of space, easy to get in and out, and there is still lots of storage in the back. It is not a sexy car but it was cheaper than many of the big suvs but was also more expensive than a minivan. Almost no issues but we keep it up regularly. The back doors slide rather than fully open so it means no kids hitting other peoples cars. I
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 12:44
Stampy is a regular in our home. I have 4 who love to watch his videos. They then take what they have learned from him and recreate it in their own minecraft worlds. Stampy is indeed tame. Harmless fun except for the sitting in front of the computer for hours thing. The one you have to watch out for is PewDiePie. He and his ilk are like a grown up corrupted Stampy. They swear, scream, and have grownup innuendo. He is banned in our home. Kids heard about him at school and I saw what they were watching and forbid them to watch him or anyone like him. YouTube is not safe, I used to think it was. Fortunately, my kids still like puppy and kitty videos. I can't get enough of those.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 09:09
I lived in Paris for 15 years before moving here 2 years ago. I also just went to HK on holiday. I like both places for a getaway but to me Paris wins hands down. October is a lovely time of year and if you go before the Touissant holidays there will be less tourists. Lucky you that you can choose between 2 amazing destinations. Enjoy your holidays.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 15:29
I received the same message. I accused my kids of playing a prank on me. Apparently they received it as well.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 12:57
I buy mine at Maria Bonita. They make great fresh tortillas to go as well. Yum! Umm Al Sheif Rd Dubai 04 395 5576
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 09:05
Hi, We just hired (3 months ago) a maid for the first time. I resisted for 2 years but finally gave in. Our lady is from Sri Lanka and is just wonderful. I have a house full of kids and it has made my life so much easier and I am a happier person for it. I asked her if she has any friends who are looking for work and she told me her friend is coming next week from Cyprus (where my lady had been working for 3 years) and would like to stay in Dubai. She told me she is a very kind person and hard worker. She is coming with medical papers and is ready for work. Contact me and I will send you her details as soon as I get them. i love dubai at yahoo dot com
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 09:43
Try looking at AirBnB and VRBO.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 13:22
I would do it if you will be going for more than a couple of weeks. I have always travelled alone with all my kids and when they were really little got some awful looks when I was getting us settled into our seats. You know the look, absolute horror from those who fear sitting next to small children assuming it will be torture for everyone around. I used to assume I would not get any sleep. That way if I got a few hours I would be happy. The wrapped up little toys (marked with names) and trinkets worked magic for me. I was with 4 under 5 at one point and found talking about the trip well in advance helped a lot. As they got a bit older, I made it clear that at some point they would have to turn off the TV and sleep. They each had their own tiny rolling suitcase, small backpacks and I would carry all the extras in my own carry on. Changing into sleep clothes helped as did having them brushing teeth. If you cannot get out of your seats plan on using baby wipes to clean faces/hands/whatever. Ziplock bags to hold smelly or poopy clothes will go a long way keeping your odors from bothering other passengers. Thin blankets I could put down on the seat helped as did asking flight attendants for extra pillows so tiny heads can sleep better. I would opt also for a window seat so 3 can sit together and 1 parent can go sleep or have quite time. That way you can take shifts and play peekaboo without them having to bother neighbors. Granted my flights were from Paris to San Francisco so from here to LA is a bit farther. Since there are 2 of you I would work out who will do what and who gets to sleep when. Better to have 2 parents who are a bit rested than 2 exhausted grumpy parents. Like others have said, think about how much fun you will have when you get to your destination. All the fatigue is temporary and will soon pass. A few drinks can help too ; )
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2014 - 13:06
I have written both of you back. You can remove your emails now if you like.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2014 - 16:20
I had 3 of 4 kids at AFLEC school year 12/13 and this year all 4 are at Georges Pompidou (CP, CM2, CM2, and 5eme). I am also quite happy to answer any questions. We can take it off line if this forum isn't the right place. If you read french you can join the email yahoo group francodubai. Not much to the website but you will get emails daily about all things french, all written in french. I made the mistake of replying to one email question and got quite a talking to because I wrote in english. They take themselves a bit too seriously, not nearly as amusing as the conversations on this site.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2014 - 19:57
Hi, Not sure if this is the same but I call a guy to come deliver the gas to the house. I originally paid a deposit for the tank and pay to refill it when it is empty. I give him my old tank and he hooks up a filled one (or I hope it is fully filled!). Here are some numbers I call (I am in Jum 1): 0507851783 0508843321 0558981169
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2014 - 11:15
We take our cars to a garage in al quoz (we are in Jum 1) and are very happy with our guy. His name is Jafar 050 625 4480. I can't tell you the name of the garage but it is just next to that giant boat with the port holes. He and his crew have done quite a bit of work for us at a fair price. if you use him can you tell him Zyad sent you (that is my husband) so he knows where the referral came from.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2014 - 11:12
I am so glad I checked this forum today. We have been here 20 months and have never had a maid. I have resisted but find I am spending every waking minute cleaning (I have 4 kids) but even the kids helping I have no free time after work. We found a very nice Sri Lankan lady who is hard working and very pleasant. She moved in once we got her visa paperwork underway. She works till noon, has the afternoon off and then again from 4-8pm. Not bad I'd say. Babysitting once every 2 weeks and one full day off a week. I share with her all lot of food that I make, buy her toiletry basics (apart from stocking her up with everything since she started) and give her 30 dhs extra every time she cleans our guest house I rent out (once per week). I pay her 1500 and she has been asking for more. I agreed to add 100 for food but assured her we would increase her salary each 6 months if work was consistent and good. We will cap at 1700 for the time being after her increases. She still wants more now but I remind her the costs we have incurred to start her off. We renovated her room and bathroom and it is a large lovely space. I know of lots of people who pay 2000 and up each month and then tack on food. I even had a friend who was paying 3000/month because that was what she was paying when she lived in another country. I told my lady what my friends from Kuwait pay and she know she has a good deal but still asks for more. She wants to work for a western family because she knows they will pay more and won't make her work 50 hours a week.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2014 - 11:27
I ship lots of stuff from drugstore.com and have never had anything like toiletries present a problem. I order shampoos, conditioners, vitamins, etc and have never had any difficulties. The only time I was contacted was when I ordered Tazo tea (they had an amazing sale!) and they told me that I could either return the package, they would destroy the entire box or they could open it for me and take out the tea. Well of course I told them to take out the tea and apologized profusely for the trouble. I didn't see that shipping tea was banned. When I got my box the tea was still inside! Go figure...
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 11:27
You have enough on your plate having a party in the park without having to manage a list at the gate and get everyone tickets in advance. If it was possible to buy tickets in advance then maybe...but it isn't. My kids get invited to parties at that park and Safa park a lot and we always pay admission, I don't even give it a second thought. My only gripe with some parents is that they don't tell us where in the park they will be. I have wandered far and wide looking for parties as it is a big park. If you tell your guests in advance where to find you that would be a big help. As a previous poster suggested, offer a piece of cake or a drink. That would be a very nice gesture.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2014 - 21:51
We go to the 99 dhs all you can eat dim sum at the Radisson Blu in Deira creek (China Club). If you have the Carlson card (ask at the front desk) you get a discount at all their restaurants. I usually run the other way from all you can eat type events but this place is excellent. The dumplings are great, service is too and there are tons of options. No carts like traditional dim sum but this is a nice option. Reservations are a good idea too.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 11:11
I wonder if any of you mint loving ladies have seen the mint slice cookies around anywhere. I've been looking in all the stores since summer and they seem to have vanished. I can bake something myself but I prefer to buy the mint slice ones or even the mint Tim Tams. It seems like all the mint cookies have disappeared, does anyone know if there is a reason? There is really nothing like a frozen mint slice on a hot day.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 10:07
I bought Parade brand and found it to have weird pieces and tough bits. I don't normally buy pumpkin but have used Libby once and found it to be good. I think I have seen both in Spinneys and Carrefour. Parade was half the price of Libby.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 10:04
I have a fridge that I keep outside but it is in a protected alcove/walkway next to our laundry room and maids room. There is a door but I always keep it open. We have been here 18 months and so far so good. When it is hot I check on the fridge and it seems fine. I vacuum the coils/screen on the back of it in case there is more dust. Mine is Miele and is 15 years old.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2014 - 00:23
Filmed in Dubai. Made me smile especially the guy in the suit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is8CQ6n6DTE&sns=fb Yeah! The lady who had the idea to make the video is super sweet. My twin boys are in the video too along with their (also twins) best friends. I also loved the guy in the suit, he made me smile too.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 14:53
Georges Pompidou, Academic City, primary and Lycée are closed
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 08:51
Airbnb has lots of places for Dubai but you may have to search hard for someone willing to accept 3 months. It seems that most rent a week at a time. Make sure the person renting it is the owner or they have the permission of the owner. It would be terrible to get in there and then be kicked out having already paid for 3 months.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2014 - 19:09
My hubby is Tunisian American and I am American. Our kids names are from all over the world but for the last one I insisted on an Arabic name. We named her Lilia.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 13:11
I agree with ChuckyDucky in that homework must be completely done (not hurried through), chores finished, and room picked up with bed made. I never liked video games myself but maybe because atari and pac man weren't that interesting (I feel old now). I have 4 kids age 6-12 and they love their xbox. We limit use of it during the week to no more than an hour after school. This is not easy and we have actually gotten into some major blowouts because they wanted to keep playing. If they want to do 'extra credit' to get more time they can. We offer sit-ups/push-ups and jumping jacks. Sounds mean but it works for us and the kids get some exercise on hot days. I also use it as a carrot to keep behavior in line and this works most of the time. I do have to say that mine discovered Minecraft and the 4 of them play together making the most amazing creations. I don't like violent games but ones like Minecraft where they create and build together are really amazing.
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2013 - 13:20
Hi Shivi, Having 4 kids myself I can tell you that I have been through this quite a few times. It can happen to anyone and I hope you don't feel embarrassed. Lice do not jump or fly but crawl very slowly so this tends to be spread amongst young children because they often play in very close proximity. There are a ton of websites out there that will offer great advice from washing bedding and your home to prevention. The main place the lice can live is on the head and in the bed because it is next to a blood host. They can survive for weeks without a meal and the females are practically born pregnant! Checking your child's head daily after school will help as well. Look at the hairline in really good light and look for the lice (adults and juveniles) and look also for eggs. If the lice get on the scalp it is possible to pick them off before they have a chance to lay eggs. They prefer longer hair and like to hang out in the darker covered areas like the base of the head and behind ears. I could write a book about this stuff as I am sure could others. Research what you need to do and very soon this will all be over. Good luck!