ToutSweetParis | ExpatWoman.com
 

ToutSweetParis

ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2013 - 13:06
My 12 year old has read all the books mentioned below except Malorie Blackman (is that from the UK?) and she loved them all. The series she just finished reading this summer is Gone (there are 6 books in the series I think) by Michael Grant. She would wake up, read, go to camp, come home, read and not want to stop until night. She loved it. i agree about the Mortal Instruments issue. I asked her about it and she said it was weird but she understood what the author was doing because it ends up an important part of the story line. Another good one we just bought her is The Book Thief. Hasn't started it yet but it looks like I will be reading it too. My daughter goes to french school here (GP) so I could list french books as well if anyone is interested. Please keep the list coming as we are always looking for more great book recommendations.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 09:42
They have it at the park n shop next to safa park on al wasl road. It is in the pork section, not sure why. I am sure you could ask someone to go in and get it for you.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 23:22
I hate to write a negative review on this site but this place deserves it. I was expecting a planetarium, educational, hands-on and up to date. What I got was a giant warehouse like space with bean bags on the ground and 3 movies that look like they came from the 70's. If I had wanted to have my kids watch movies we could have stayed home and watched something much better on YouTube. Do not waste your money. My kids, 11, 9, 9 and 5 were ready to leave a few minutes after the first movie started. They were bored and thought it was 'lame'. Even the 5 yo was upset that I made her watch the movies (I really wanted to see if it would get better, it didn't). Maybe we missed something but when I asked if that was it the staff said yes. Too bad.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 21:35
Thanks for your feedback ladies. I will check out both options. ToutSweetParis, do the apartments rent out for a week too or does it have to be for longer? It depends, most owners like guests to book no less than 4 nights and no more than 2 weeks. Once you look on the different sites you will see the minimum stay required. Ours for example is 4 night stay but sometimes we will fit in 3 nights or even 2 if we have a gap (rarely). We have to consider the costs on our end such as the cleaner who has to come and wash everything all over again. I like my apartments really clean and sparkling so my lady has to work hard. Some owners don't care, really depends on the property. Labor costs are very high in Paris so getting someone (legal) to come clean is no small amount of €! You can always make a request for less than the minimum, the worst they can say is no.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 11:08
Having a whole pack of kids myself I never stay in a hotel if I can help it. I would definitely stay in an apartment. You get much more for your money as the hotels in Paris are tiny and pricey. There are many many options these days you can use such as AirBnB, Arbitel, Paris Perfect and Cobblestay (I have our apartment with them). Some sites have very neutral apartments and some have beautiful spaces with balconies and interesting layouts. You will live much better and maybe get to experience an area of Paris you hadn't thought about staying in. You can cook if you want and you get a feel of what it is like to live there (minus all that nasty bureaucracy).
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 10:58
Sorry, I didn't mention it because I had it done in San Francisco/ It cost me $1000 including followup. Best $1000 I have spent in a long time. Also, in case you do it, i opted for the numbing cream but did not take the anti-viral they recommended. They said they give it to all their patients because they could be more vulnerable to a herpes flare up afterwards. I don't have herpes so I refused. Apparently, it is a very common virus to have and doing the fraxel can cause a breakout which greatly complicates recovery. I think there are many docs who can do it here, even very well trained non-physician can do it as well. You just have to check with the doc to ensure there has been enough training and that there will be supervision. Not sure about the laws here. Mine was not done by a doc but he checked me before, during and after the procedure. Some of the docs recommended by our community on this site are a good place to start.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 17:27
Chemical peel can have mixed results depending on the strength of the product, It will 'refresh' the skin but I can't say it will turn back the clock. I had fraxel done this last summer and what a difference! I have moderate scarring from acne all over my cheeks and it has removed almost all traces of it. You will be a bl**dy (not the swear work, actually blood) mess for a couple of days with weeping and bleeding skin but give yourself 2 days to heal and by the 4th day you could wear some makeup to cover some of the redness. Takes a couple of months to really fill in the skin but you will even see immediate results. Doesn't tighten the skin but it does reduce pores and wrinkles, smooths out your skin and may even remove some redness (although there is another laser for that). My recommendation would be to save your money up for laser and you will see a real change. Stay out of the sun as well. Before and after, it can make your skin more sun sensitive. <em>edited by ToutSweetParis on 30/05/2013</em>
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 09:35
Take a look at one of the many sites where owners rent out a space (studio, maids room, apartment, etc) and inquire if any of them will accept your doggy. I would start with AirbnB.com or dubizzle. Not legal I know but if you want your dog with you I don't see another option.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 16:53
I took my 11 year old to KYRA. I have been fighting this off for years and finally gave in. I didn't see the point of a little girl having earrings that might get ripped out by 2 rambunctious little brothers and a baby sister who likes to grab things. The man who did the piercing was really nice and the machine is quite professional looking, much better than what was used to pierce my ears back in the day. They are not easy to find as they are located in one of the warehouses located in the gold and diamond market, just behind the metro station. Think we paid about 250, yikes expensive but had a hard time with finding another option. Good luck.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 14:55
My 9, soon to be 10 yo just got a rubiks cube as a gift and he loves it. It came along with a nerf 'gun' that shoots foam projectiles. I don't like guns but this toy is a lot of fun. He never tires of the cube and plays with it in bed before going to sleep.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 19:37
I also had my Dyson repaired via Jumbo. I bought it brand new in France before I moved here and it was still in the box. I took it out and the engine blew! Apparently I was one of the rare cases where there is a problem with the motor. I brought it to Jumbo (no appt) and they delivered it to Dyson repair for free. It is a bit odd to be carrying it through the mall (MoE) but no other option. Dyson here worked with Dyson france to get me a new motor and didn't charge me for the repair. They were super and very quick about it once they got the motor.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 10:48
ACE hardware next to IKEA has the eggs and a few other Easter crafts. Spinneys at Mercato has them too.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 10:46
I took my 4 kids (ages 5-11) and went to the Sharjah animal hospital (the public one near the Sharjah airport) where we petted and brushed cats for about 2 hours. These are cats waiting for adoption and the vets told me i could come anytime and pet, brush and sit with the cats. We enjoyed it and hope the cats did too. Downside is that you can't be allergic since there is fur everywhere afterwards.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 08:21
We moved here in September and I am already starting to feel like this is home (for as long as we want it to be anyway). I am from San Francisco but have been living in Paris for the last 15 years. I had a thriving catering business and ran my own B&B but my husband had a great career opportunity and we couldn't pass it up so off we went. Life here is nice. Your have the option of having a driver, gardner, nanny, etc without too much expense unlike in the US. I don't have any of these but I find myself quite happy taking care of my kids, the garden, being the driver, etc. it is different as you need to drive a lot but I found i have gotten used to it. There are many ways to seek comfort and enjoyment here. From the cheap ways of pampering to great restaurants (not that I ever go, maybe I do need a babysitter!) to fun and amazing activities and sports, you will find what works for you. All my expat friends in Paris always told me it takes a year to get used to the new place, at 2 years you really feel like home and after that you might as well stay. I still have sad days where I feel like I am stuck but I get over my self when I think about the wonderful opportunity we have been given. I am still adjusting to the drivers who are h*ll bent on cutting in front of you to get that red light. I will have to adjust again to the heat when it arrives (it has been like a paradise here since October). I am adjusting to seeing my hair fallout in clumps (need to get a water filter for the showers). I have adjusted to super fast showers to try and keep our DEWA bill down ((4 kids and 2 adults means in and out quick). I am still adjusting to the cost of food and produce. I miss my affordable organic meats and veggies. I adjusted immediately to meeting so many nice ladies, so much nicer to say hello to someone and not have them frown at you like in Paris (French ladies here are super nice! Who knew) I think once you find a home and school everything falls into place. Good luck with your move.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 18:59
I would try AirBnB
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 16:46
If your baby has pin worms you will be able to see them. After your child is good and asleep for at least 30 minutes, take a flashlight and check in their bottom. You will be able to see tiny thread like worms scooting around. If it is pin worms you will need to treat the entire family. I think most anti-parasite drugs that treat pin worms are OK for toddlers but you must check with the doc first of course. It is a horrible thing to see pinworms coming out of your baby but they are harmless.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 09:00
She is probably just out on a date! Don't worry, your kitty will be back. if you are feeding her and she is accustomed to your love she will be back. I also have 2 rescue kitty sisters and they were older than I thought when they found us. It just took one night of hooking up with her 'boyfriend' and she was pregnant. I also had mine dewormed, vaccinated and given a checkup but was just waiting for my appt at the Sharjah shelter. She was apparently 3 weeks along but the vet said it isn't a problem to spay while pregnant and she is in perfect health today. I encourage you to get her fixed as earlier is obviously better. Good for you for taking her into your life.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 10:33
I had braces briefly when I was a child (for 9 months) but failed to wear retainers as I was instructed (bad bad bad). It ended up costing me lots of money, maybe my mom was right : ) As happens with many people as they get older, my lower teeth started to turn slightly and were slowly moving. I also had a renegade tooth that was moving sideways on the top and decided that I needed to do something about it. Wanting to wait until I was done having children i decided to take the plunge and get braces, yes, metal in places and clear plastic but braces front and center in my mouth. I did this in Paris where we were living. At first I was uncomfortable and self-conscious but got used to them. I wore then for 18 months. There are many options such as braces on the interior or invisalign but it depends on what needs to be done. Invisalign was no longer a choice for me as it cannot move back teeth if there is no space. I highly encourage you to make a consultation with your trusted orthodontist and see what the options are. You will never know if you don't go. Problems that can be easily and inexpensively fixed now can be more problematic if you wait too long. Oral health is essential to ones well being so go see what you can do for yourself.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 17:27
nickym1d, I might be able to help. We have our maids room that we have nicely fixed up (are still fixing up) in our villa in Jum 1. It is a lovely private 1 bedroom with private bath, kitchen and living room. We were going to wait a bit to rent it out until it is 100% finished (I know not allowed) but we would be willing to show your friend to see if it might suit her now. I will leave my email here, please let me know when you get it so i can remove. I love dubai at yahoo dot com <em>edited by ToutSweetParis on 30/01/2013</em>
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 18:37
We did something which is not for everyone. We rented a villa cheaply 110k and are putting in all the work ourselves. We have put in 100k of materials and labor and the place would probably rent for at least double what we are paying. I think you can find villas here in the 240k range but what I found was that they all needed work due to age. You can try and make a deal with the LL. negotiate always, you don't lose anything. Our lease is locked in for this rate for the next 3 years so we consider ourselves lucky considering since we had been looking for months. For us the most important was location, big garden (no pool), walkable/bikeable, and of course price. We moved here to save, not spend, but it is sooo easy to spend here. My husband was living here for a year and going between here and Paris and it was hard but we seriously started looking for a villa this June. We found it in July, started renovation immediately and moved in 1 sept. then we continued renovation and will soon be done. Everyone's experience and expectations are different but what I found was that housing was much more expensive than I thought it would be. I visited once in May to get an idea of neighborhoods since coming here previously for work did not prepare me for knowing anything about living here. We picked areas to live based on the schools we wanted to get into. For us the choice was very limited as our kids are in the French system. If you are looking into a GEMS school I think you have much more choice. I would love to meet up with you. Send me your info and in the meantime here is my email. ILoveDubai at yahoo dot com. I will remove it when you let me know you have it.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 16:38
We are in jumeriah 1 and there aren't too many compounds or anything like AR or CV over here. I have seen some compounds here but they are small but nice. This area is very different from AR. I think I would love AR for the ability to send the kids out and not worry about the crazy drivers. We happen to be in a very quiet street and there are many areas that are safe here. We are also 5 minute walk away from the beach which is why we chose this area, also that our kids are at AFLEC in oud metha. I think you cannot go wrong with AR if you have the budget for it. I would love the built in community feel with ability to just hop in a pool. If you want to come see our villa here in Jum 1 just write me back and I will be happy to show you around. I love that I am a minutes walk away from shopping, great restaurants, Mercato mall, and cafes. Our oldest goes to George Pompidou in academic city and it takes 20 minutes to get her there so it is possible to live over here and have schooling out there if that is where you want them to go. Good luck in your search.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 18:45
Thank you for those contacts. That is exactly what I need to get me started in the right direction. A happy weekend to all.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 15:02
They also have it fresh (not in cans) in the bulk section. Cap bon is good in a pinch but there is nothing like the fresh paste (just keep it covered with olive oil in the fridge). It is over behind the vegetables and near the bakery. We eat a lot of the stuff. I mix some harissa with olive oil, sea salt, fresh pepper and dip bread into it, also with some good tuna. The Carrefour harissa isn't too hot or tinny tasting. I would like them to have the smoked variety too, that is delicious stuff.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 05:46
You should go and bring your warmest clothes as it is fairly certain to be very cold. Keep an eye on the weather in the weeks leading up to your departure because it can change. I have lived in Paris for 14 years (moving to Dubai in 2 weeks) and more often than not it is freezing but fabulous in Feb. All the beautiful Christmas decorations will be down but lines will be short and hotels or furnished apartment prices will be low. Winter is my favorite time of the year in Paris. It can be so cold but the city is beautiful in the dark gray light and restaurants seem more romantic. If you need any advice on hotels/apt rentals feel free to ask. Have a great trip!
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 18:04
Many people use fondant because it is easier and less time consuming than to cover the cake with a beautiful smooth coat of buttercream icing. Getting that buttercream perfectly smooth and divot free takes a lot of time and is a real skill. You can make your own fondant but many stores and companies buy fondant which are cheap and taste bad. I have a catering business here in Paris (I am moving to Dubai in August) and import fondant because I want to make a quality product but I use it mostly for decorations, not to cover the cake. I make more fondant covered cakes for adult parties since they are more adept at removing the layer of fondant if they don't like it. If you are ever buying a cake it is important to ask where the fondant comes from. Wilton fondant is terrible but there are brands like Satin Ice which are delicious. Cakes with higher quality fondant or that use good quality fondant in their decorations will be priced accordingly. Many children do not like fondant as it can be chewy so it is better to make sure your cake, if you order one, is just covered with buttercream. Let's hear it for delicious cake!!
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 02:43
Hi, I currently live in Paris but am moving to Dubai end of summer. I took a look at the apartment and it is in a nice location. You are going to find the area quite lively and beautiful. Many restaurants, cafes and shops. The apartment looks very simple and comfortable to me but as a apartment owner who rents out as part of my work I would encourage you to keep looking. There are many sites you can use that will take very good care of you and have a great stock of apartments. I list my apartment through www.Cobblestay.com. The apartments are nice and it gives you more options than the site you listed. I have also had guests who stayed at apartments using www.Parisperfect.com as well as http://www.2binparis.com/ and have been happy. You didn't say when you will be coming to Paris but there is really not a bad time to come. August is slow but lovely as all the locals are gone and the city is quiet and calm. Have fun looking and hope you have a great holiday.
ToutSweetParis
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 21:06
I currently live in Paris and am moving to Dubai in September. We have a rental apartment that we list through cobblestay (Cobblestay.com) and they have a great selection of apartments. Another company is parisperfect.com. They also seem to have a big selection of apartments and I have heard good things about their rental choices. finding an apartment is really the way to go here. You can get a very simple hotel but for not too much more money you can get a whole apartment to spread out in. Many of the hotel rooms are so small. Renting an apartment gives you a feel for what it is like living here. Have fun visiting Paris.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing