Tru Blu | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tru Blu

Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 21:08
0% chance of a refund. We once lost 11 months!
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 12:07
Hello Ladies, I have some important documents on the way from Australia and the sender has put the physical address of my villa rather than the PO Box. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do or where it would go? Thanks in advance!
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2015 - 13:49
Thank you for your reply Tru Blu! May I ask which school your child goes to? Most of the school application forms ask if your child had any sort of therapy in the past. I'm just worried if I fill that out, the application Wil go straight in a bin. Any experience here? My kids are at DESS. An amazing school and I am so happy that is where we ended up. The question on the application reads "Has your child ever been referred to an Educational Psychologist or Speech Therapist?" If you were not referred but rather decided to go because of your own wish to speed your child up a bit and keep on top of things then you could technically answer no, as you were not referred by a GP etc...
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 11:00
Many thanks Ladies. xox
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 10:12
Hi Ladies, Can anyone recommend a good place to sell gold? I don't feel like being ripped off at the moment so somewhere tried and tested is what I am looking for. Many thanks Elisabeth Gold in which form? 100gram bars <em>edited by Tru Blu on 15/01/2015</em>
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 09:40
I didn't read the replies, just your first post, but I have to say, there are a lot of red flags there. You know it otherwise you would not have written it. It won't be easy to end it, in fact it can feel like a real nightmare and you will question yourself, feel like going back to him, etc.... but you need to do it, because this guy is not going to make you happy. If you stay with him you will wind up very sad and insecure. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 15/01/2015</em>
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 07:04
My son was a June baby and I held him back. He should technically be in year 2 but is in year 1. It is the best thing I ever did although it was really hard and difficult at the time, I won't lie. In fact, I didn't get a spot for him at the beginning of September. It was January before he started FS2 (he also did FS1 at Nursery). I also had three (yes three) younger siblings at home so a bit of a nightmare to be honest. You shouldn't have a problem finding a school that will allow you to hold him back although you have to state your case, maybe write a letter or something. Say that it is for social reasons rather than academic reasons. Most teachers are aware of the fact that very young boys in the class can struggle. I only had my son's name down at Horizon School, and even though he passed the assessment, he was not given a spot, only waitlisted. They were utterly dreadful to deal with and by the time they offered a spot I told them to take a hike! I found a much better school in the end so it all worked out great. I know that DESS will allow a very small percentage to be held back, Horizon as well, they are the only two that I know of. As long as you are being pro-active with the speech the schools should be fine.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 21:19
Thank you Pinks. All noted. I will contact him. Its for a range of things like mugs etc... boring!
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 19:27
You definitely need to cut ties with his mother. Nothing good can really come of that relationship anymore, even if she is a nice person. It is still early days and you will get stronger and stronger as time goes on. In fact, you may also get more angry and angry about the things he did as time goes on. Just feel relieved that you got out when you did and start walking forward without looking back.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 20:40
Doesn't sound good. Thoughts and prayers to those close by.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 20:38
I'm probably going to sound like a broken record mentioning Nabbesh.com over and over again, but I know of many people who found good freelancers on there to help them with setting up websites including wordpress! Thanks for the replies. My website is already set up but just needs a little TLC I really only need someone for about 3 hours. I just need a few changes, additions and questions answered. Any other suggestions? <em>edited by Tru Blu on 10/01/2015</em>
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 January 2015 - 07:58
I have had a few bad experiences and would only go to City now.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 December 2014 - 20:31
Dear Plano...need some advice regarding schools...you were at Kings earlier and then moved to dess...we have been offered places at JAPS and kings...which would you recommend... edited by Champs1 on 25/12/2014 JAPS
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 07:23
as a last attempt to resolve it nicely I have emailed the new sponsor and kindly asked them to pay the deposit as she is now their Maid. will see...
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 22:14
Completely unfair situation, rising from trusting the new sponsor with take over the responsibility. At the moment the only person missing out is you and you are owed 3000aed. The maid is not bothered nor her sponsor and the embassy doesn't have to bother because she is covered, the box is ticked so who cares. However I wouldn't let it lie, I'd get some advice from government service UAE, if you can or know someone with Arabic even better but not necessary. This is the UAE not Sri Lanka so the Sri Lankan embassy has to abide by the rules here. In effect this maid could do anything to lose you your 3000aed without you having any control over it at all, don't let it lie. I'd inform the embassy that you will take out a formal complaint against the whole three of them. Demand your deposit back! edited by belle979 on 18/12/2014 edited by belle979 on 18/12/2014 Thank you Belle for re-affirming how I feel. You have given me some drive to pursue it further...
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 15:41
But will the new family get the 3000 dirhams once the maid exits the country? No. They would have to go to the Sri Lankan Embassy and actually request it which I don't think they would do. Plus, they don't have the original receipt.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 13:04
Thanks for your reply Asti. I have spoken to the Head of the Labour section at the Sri Lankan Consulate in Dubai and she simply said that is the rule and they can not force the new family to pay the deposit.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 December 2014 - 17:15
I don't mean to sound rude but why didn't your husband ask the new sponsor for the 3000 as a condition of release? I think the Sri Lankan Embassy assumes that the old sponsor would get the money from the new sponsor... We sponsored her through Sharjah where my husband works. They simply cancelled her visa and that was that. There was no "transfer" that took place like when a maid transfers to a new employer within Dubai. The process was different and we never met them. I actually phoned the Sri Lankan embassy just before her contract finished and they would not be able to sponsor her unless they paid the deposit. This was not true, obviously. Thank you derien, I will do just that!
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 December 2014 - 09:14
Bump
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 December 2014 - 19:38
Any suggestions for a family photographer that would work well with teenagers? I have done a search of past threads and I was just wondering if there was anyone new out there. TIA Nektar. She doesn't take the orchestrated fake family pics of everyone sitting around smiling at the camera. It is more natural, less posing and teenagers will feel comfortable for sure. Not sure of her contact details but she is on instagram under stephnektar <em>edited by Tru Blu on 15/12/2014</em>
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 December 2014 - 19:29
Will check it out. I have wanted to go there since it opened so will check it out.... thanks!
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 December 2014 - 10:53
The current sponsor who has employed her should deposit the 3000dhs for you to get your refund back since she is not under your sponsorship anymore. I don't know if they will. They have no incentive to at all. Technically speaking they should, but what if they won't? I have previously asked them to call the Sri Lankan to enquire about it and they haven't (this was a month ago)
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 December 2014 - 10:19
so glad that some people are getting out safely.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 17:19
Sorry, I don't have any experience with this but just wanted to send some cyber {{{HUGS}}}. It sounds like a really tough time you are going through, hang in there and try to work through the jet lag (make sure you are all getting sun during the day, this always helps. I have four kids and my first is very mindful/thoughtful/sensitive and I imagine that if we had have lost someone when he was 3 he would react much the same way. Hopefully someome on this forum has some constructive advice for you. Take care of yourself! xox
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 16:47
There are two so to speak. One is a volunteering/free session that is on a Friday morning opposite Umm Suqeim Park. It starts 8.30am but the season will finish on the 28th Nov. There is also a pretty serious Nippers program that runs at Kite Beach. I think the kids participate 2 or 3 times a week. It depends what you are after.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 10:18
I heard this too. I heard she was leaving City and opening up her own Clinic in Dubai.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 13:45
I have heard that Sara (not sure of spelling and not sure of last name sorry) at Kids First is really great. She spends 2 hours with your child and will refer you on if necessary.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 November 2014 - 15:39
No name yet officailly, we are establishing the agency , hand picking staff and training at present, hence requesting feed back to ensure quality and consistency of service to clients. anything up and running as yet?
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 November 2014 - 15:24
So my Nanny came back Saturday afternoon and basically slept the whole afternoon. This morning, she called me at 11am to say that she wasn't feeling well and that she needed to monitor her blood pressure so she is off to the hospital with her friend again. She said she may or may not be back tonight depending on whether she needs to go to the hospital or not. So..... what do I do? She owes us 2500 AED and I will lose 7 months of the visa if I send her back now. She is not doing anything at the house at the moment. She can't work. What would you do if you were in my shoes? I would let her go. We once renewed our Maid for her third year and a month after the renewal she started being really difficult and we had to let her go. My husband was really annoyed with the whole situation but I just couldnt have her in the house anymore. The trust and respect was gone. I feel particularly sad for you because she has been with you for too long.... but sometimes, the Maids get too comfortable and really take advantage. You should probably send her packing and cut your losses.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 17:01
Hi Cherpie, I haven't been on the forum much lately so am not in the loop with your situation. Just reading this though, I wanted to send you love and hugs. Stay strong and safe and I hope that one day you manage to get yourself (and your kids) through this and out of this! If you really can't find a way to get out of it, and you are resigned to the fact that you need to stay in the situation for now, then try to find some nice things to do that will make you happy, sports, activities, writing, yoga, I don't know, just something to distract you and keep your soul alive xoxooxox {{{HUGS}}}
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 11:10
yes, we currently sponsor two ourselves but my husband is employed through the Sharjah SAIF zone and it is more expensive and complicated sponsoring maids in Sharjah (although that is what we have been doing). Was just thinking that Howdra or a similar company would be much less hassle. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 14/10/2014</em>
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 13:21
I've tried a few. Tobi wasn't reliable and I also got a pretty expensive one from Sharaf DG (can't remember the name) but it was way too heavy and I wouldn't travel with it again. Saw one that looked promising in Carrefour a few days ago: Philips GC310 Steam & Go Handheld Garment Portable Travel Steamer Iron edited by Gentle on 28/09/2014 ahhh, okay. thanks. And thanks Izzy, - seems like there are a lot of them around.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 13:20
http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/hand-held-steamer-tobi-4021447/i/ fab, thanks!
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 12:15
Hi Ladies, I am trying to avoid buying one online from the UK or US. Has anyone seen one in town? TIA
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 20:33
Hi ladies, I chose not to send my summer 2011 DS to school this year for many of the reasons already covered on this thread. However, I was recently told by a couple of teacher friends that he would not be allowed to join FS1 in 2015 as he would have turned 4 by then, he would have to join FS2 (providing there are spaces) This would defeat the purpose of my holding him back to begin with. I hope this makes sense I haven't had my coffee yet ? edited by Gilly3 on 12/09/2014 It all depends on the school. I was initially told the same thing as you but I know first hand that there are a few schools that will allow it.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 18:40
When I worked for Cunard it was compulsory that all crew had a flu shot each year. I had the flu shot for 5 consecutive years and then, when I was done working on ships, I returned home, where the next year (when I DID NOT have my flu shot) I got the worst flu of my entire life. I couldn't move for 2 full weeks and I never ever get sick. It felt like I had 5 years of flu rolled into one horrid experience. Seriously, it was really bad. I think that when you get the odd flu or cold, you probably build up some sort of resilience. I had zero. All I can say, is that if you decide to go down the route of flu shots, you want to stick with it, year in, year out.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 14:26
I am the opposite. You couldn't pay me to go back to Moorefields (we were there for 18 months with our son). Dr Grimm is cheaper, just as good if not better, and if you book an appointment there, you will see her every time (as opposed to Moorefields where you rarely get to see an Ophthalmologist). <em>edited by Tru Blu on 31/08/2014</em>
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 14:26
Thank you Izzy, I just called them. Definitely looks good, just need to see if I can fit in with their timetable....
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 13:47
Hi Ladies Would any of you know where to find pumpkin oil? Any information would be appreciated thanks what do you use it in/for? sounds interesting... <em>edited by Tru Blu on 26/08/2014</em>
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 13:46
Hi Tru Blu, where is John McEwan to be found? Sound like he could be helpful for my DS. thanks. Also, we use Putty Buddies and the headband, they do a really good job keeping ears dry. He works from City Hospital but I go to him at the Mazaya Centre where he has his clinic Sohar. Number is 04 346 5262.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 13:45
thanks for the advice ladies. Stupidly I've never thought if taking her to an ENT. Always just go to the paed who prescribes oral antibiotics but I feel so bad for her as the side effects of the antibiotics seem worse than the actual infection. Great to hear antibiotic ear drops are possibly an option here, looks like you've just got to see the right person for them. Its actually this thurs we're going away. Anyone know of any off the shelf ear plugs I could get as I wont have time to get anything shipped. The putty ones sound great tho. Tru Blu, out of curiosity, how old was your DD at the time? mine is 2 yrs and goes absolutely feral just at the sight of a dr! :( DD is 2 as well. I think she was 20 months when it all started. She is 2.5 now. You should take your little one to John McEwan, he is amazing with kids. Very kind and gentle. My little one does not like Dr's either, and I'm not saying that she loves him, but she does tolerate him unlike other Drs. He works out of City Hospital and also has his own rooms at Mazaya Centre.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 13:42
Well ladies, I am only a few posts off 3000, and I vowed to retire when I hit that magic number so it is time to say goodbye. (wish I could have hit 5 stars though lol) I can't imagine there is anything more I could possibly say that I haven't said before so time to move on I think :). I'm posting here in the preggy/baby board because I have made many good cyber friends on here over the years (Yes FIVE years) that I have been an EW member. A lot of you have already joined me over on some facebook groups like breastfeeding Q&A Dubai UAE and UAE Natural Family Living Networks so it will be nice to keep in touch (Nice to see you there Sydneygal! Have you joined yet Daza??). Anyway, congratulations to all the new mummies, wishing you all the very best and thank you EW for helping ease my fears when I was anxiously preparing for my move to the Middle East and helping me find a lovely network of both online and real life (lol) friends once I arrived. Keep taking care of each other and thanks again xxxx Emma edited by kiwispiers on 20/08/2014 oh no, love your posts. thanks for all of the advice. all the best and lots of love xox
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 14:34
My DD had recurrent ear infections for about 18 months. In the end she ended up with a hole in her eardrum which is not so good. We have been taking her to John McEwan and he is amazing. When she first starting getting the infections she was prescribed oral antibiotics by our family GP and they really did nothing. Dr John prescribed ear drops and they worked better than anything. Also, he has made her little ear plugs for swimming. He pushes this green play-doh substance in the ear and it sets quite quickly (in a couple of minutes) then you can use them after 24 hours.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 17:25
was going to ask the same thing, but I am after labels (just plain and simple) for lunchboxes and drink bottles. All of the companies around seem to do these fancy, colorful ones and I don't really want that.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 12:22
thank you polly!!!!!!!! got it.
Tru Blu
1029
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 12:11
Hi Ladies, I can't seem to find her contact details, even through the search engine as previously suggested. Does she have a facebook page or anything? TIA
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 13:10
Gulf Eye Centre (Millicent Grim) is better than Moorefields. We started with Millicent Grim but decided to go to Moorefilelds as they have a specific Child Ophthalmologist there. After 18 months and a very average over all experience we moved back to Dr Grim and couldn't be happier. Seriously Moorefields is three times the price and not worth it (although DS really liked the hot chocolate and biscuit service ;-))
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 09:04
I would probably leave it too. If she is a good tenant you are lucky. You could tell her one more year at the current price but next year you will have to. That gives her 12 months to figure it out, otherwise, do what you have to do. <em>edited by Tru Blu on 20/05/2014</em>
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 08:33
You can't really go wrong with Croatia. It is one of the most beautiful places I have been to. I had a boyfriend from there years ago and lived there for nearly a year. It is all beautiful. Dubrovnik is lovely as stated below but the islands of Hvar and Bol (I think it was Bol) were heaven on earth. A bit touristy and crowded in the middle of summer but it doesn't take away from it. The food is amazing everywhere you go. Split, Rjeka, Cres, Pula, One of the most beautiful places I visited there was Plitvica National Park (its sort of smack-band in the middle of the country) but worth the detour if you ask me) SO SO beautiful. Zagreb is an interesting and charming city as well.
Tru Blu
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 19:27
Hi Over the last few weeks we have noticed an increased number of cockroaches in our kitchen. We are relatively clean people and I have cleaned out all of our cupboards but we are still noticing a few here and there. I am keen to get rid of them as they are gross. I would like to call in a pest control company, like rentokil but I am 17 weeks pregnant and we have cats (which are house cats). Does anyone have any experience of using pest control when pregnant -- is it okay or should it be avoided?!? I avoided it. Also, with a newborn baby or even toddlers in the house I have tried to avoid it. Try natural methods or perhaps check yourself into a hotel for a few days while pest control go in and work their magic.
 
 
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