WhiteOrchid | ExpatWoman.com
 

WhiteOrchid

WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 16:17
Sorry to hear about your experience, what a pain. I can't believe extensions cost 4k! What a rip-off. I don't mean to sound facetious but would it not be cheaper (and easier) just to grow your hair?
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 00:27
Maclaren all the way. I had a Buzz and used it with the Maxi Cosi carseat for a longtime as I was traveling around in taxis. BUT as soon as I could, I got a Maclaren Triumph. I absolutely love my stroller - it is very light and handy, comfortable, reclines almost fully *and* is very robust. Absolutely no issues with it in over 3 years. In fact I'm using it with ds now even though it is bright pink as I just don't see any point in buying another one (and he doesn't mind the colour).
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 01:44
Hi I have just returned from a 2-week holiday spent at my in-laws' in Buckinghamshire. They live in a lovely village called Wendover which meets all of your criteria: excellent schools, lovely shops & restaurants, easy access to London and Bham, beautiful surrounding countryside. I would highly recommend it.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 15:23
Whatever you do, don't sign up to a portfolio bond or a savings plan set up by an insurance company. Many of these products have been banned in properly regulated jurisdictions around the world. Note: Financial advisers offshore do not have fiduciary responsibility (i.e. an obligation to put clients' interests above their own). They are essentially sales people pushing certain products.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 15:11
Hello, I would advise you to Google this organisation before having anything to do with them. I can't go into much detail here but let's just say they were known under a different name (resembling that of a diamond dealer) before but for 'some' reason changed to PIC.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 15:08
Ladies, quit complaining! I am in the uk and made the mistake of leaving my stroller outside overnight. It is drenched and will take the whole day to dry! Oh well. At least I get to go for runs in the countryside (assuming the rain holds off). Lol.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 14:59
I can't stand the DF. Not only is it badly written, it is sooo right-wing, eurosceptic and even islamophobic. But I think the saddest part is that it is a misogynistic paper targeting women - just encouraging us to slag each other off based on our appearance! Pretty much an own-goal for feminism.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 July 2013 - 08:54
Diana Victoria Elizabeth Spot on. Although it would be nice if they could be more adventurous, I think they'll err on the side of caution (as Kate does fashion-wise) and go traditional. And as William re-used his mother's engagement ring, he's obviously not squeamish about Diana associations. Another middle name could be Mary. For a boy I'd say George as all the other royal names (Charles, Edward, Henry/Harry) have been used in the past couple of generations.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 07:58
I would ask the school about FS2 asap and, if they say no, then contact other schools - e.g. Safa and the new ones (Victory, Wellington Al Khail, Foremarke, Kings). They should have spaces. Good luck x <em>edited by WhiteOrchid on 19/06/2013</em>
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 18:45
Personally I would go to Latifa as that is where all the most serious cases go.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 15:07
Hi I recently had a brace with Nicolas & Asp in DHCC - overseen by v v experienced orthos from Uk and Sweden (one even owns patents on certain models). They told me the best and quickest were the old-fashioned metal ones. They're more visible but so many ppl have them nowadays that it really shouldn't matter :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 14:58
I have at least 5 long dresses from carrefour. Perfect for school run in hot weather.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 11:14
Hi a friend of mine recently moved her dd (Yr 1) from Safa to ECP and she feels that she is in a more academic and challening environment. She had worked at Safa previously so is in a good position to compare the two schools. She says they are both good, but Safa is more progressive and ECP more mainstream. Personally, I have advised newcomers to Dubai to enroll foundation age kids at Safa (where it is reasonably easy to get a place given that they recently expanded) and waitlist them at ECP until they get an offfer, then move them. The advantages of ECP are that it is a small school, quite academic, provides automatic entry to EC secondary *and* is great value :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2013 - 08:57
Hi I'm not Afrikaans speaking (or even Sth African) but I just wanted to let you know that I am currently reading Melanie Verwoerd's book and I love it :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2013 - 22:08
I agree that a weekend meetup would be good for working women... when I first came over and was working (with no kids) I was disappointed to see I couldn't make any of the meetings. Another coffee morning suggestion (this time for mums) is Fun City in Lamcy. They have a fantatsic deal for groups of 10+ including coffee, a snack *and* all-day entry to the play area. May be worth looking at for August (after ramadan). Hth x
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2013 - 22:04
I need to lose some 3 to 4 kgs of weight... but that's not my worry...i can do it easily... it's my pot belly that's my biggest concern. I cannot do crunches and rigorous exercises because of my back problem. But I need to reduce this ever increasing bulge. HOW? I cannot wear beautiful clothes anymore :( I would try losing the 3-4 kgs through diet and general exercise first, then re-assess the situation.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2013 - 22:02
Tiamona, I am like you. I have managed to stay the same weight as I was when I was in my 20s but my stomach is so big and I could at any time pass for being a pregnant woman. I am sorry AnonDubai but that is a gross exaggeration! You look fantastic and I wish you would just learn to appreciate yourself.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 17:46
But unfortunately most diners to be encountered out late in posh restaurants are probably like that... which is why I never bother going to thos places anymore. Wow what a generalization! I don't think that is true at all. edited by Ilovechoos on 07/06/2013 Yes, you're right... I was generalising. Which is why I stated 'most' and 'probably' as opposed to 'all'. In my experience, people who focus on expensive restaurants *tend* to be of a certain type. There are those who are real foodies and appreciate fine dining for sure. But for the most part, people tend to go to those places simply so that they can post on fb and tell their colleagues about it the following day.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 17:20
I found that to be a dumb article. It is mainly based on his discussions with drunk people. If he cares so much about the laborers, he could try to petition the UK government to give them all visas to work in the construction industry there. Quite! This is a perfect example of lazy journalism.... all he seemed to do during his visit was eat out with a few drunk people and probably spent the rest of the time by the pool. Lol. But unfortunately most diners to be encountered out late in posh restaurants are probably like that... which is why I never bother going to thos places anymore. The article *is* unbalanced but alas a true reflection of a certain demographic in dxb... most commonly spotted at expensive brunches.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 22:42
Sorry to hear you've not had much luck. What sort of property are you looking for? If you're interested in an apt, I would say the best idea is to drive around the areas which you like and to ask security whether there are any apts available. Tey may put you directly in touch with the landlord. This is how I found both of my places, so didn't pay an agent and have been happy with the landlord (both times a company as opposed to an individual). I'm guessing it may be similar for villa compounds.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 08:11
Hi feefmick Sorry to hear you're going through all of this. I've been thinking about your situation and it sounds as though your dh is addicted to change. He just doesn't seem to realise how it affects you. I know it sounds extreme, but have you considered speaking to his boss? Sorry if this has already been raised, I haven't read all the responses. If you can explain to him/her what a big deal it is (and how it may badly damage your marriage), they may re-think things. Afterall, who wants a member of staff going through a divorce with all the stress that entails? Just do so discreetly and ask them not to tell your dh you contacted them. Maybe they could then approach him just to 'verify' that the project suits him on a personal level e.g. whether his family is on board with this arrangement. I completely agree that the issue is your marriage, and that you need to communicate with your dh. But if as you say he is completely disregarding you then maybe this is your only way of avoiding the situation in the short term. As PP said, you come across as a very helpful, competent and supportive person. I am sure things will work out for you in the long run. Good luck x
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:19
Hi Chuckyducky Multilingual families... my pet topic :-) Don't worry re: your child picking up English. It sounds as though you have a good strategy (OPOL - one parent one language, great to avoid confusion). And as the English language is soooo dominant here, your child should be fine, esp as you speak it to your dh. If you have any concerns, you could always send your ds to an English-speaking nursery (there are so many to choose from). If anything, I would say in a few years time you are more likely to be worried about him picking up Arabic, which appears much more challenging to learn (esp from one parent). For that I would suggest a tutor once he goes to school, as well as maybe summercamps/holidays in your dh's home country. As for Dutch, assuming you are the primary carer, that shouldn't be a problem. But you may wish to send him to a school where they provide extra lessons for Dutch native speakers. Not sure, but JAPS may be one of these (??) Good luck and congrats on giving your ds the best possible gift in life :-) xx
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 22:38
When We Dance - autobiography of Melanie Verwoerd, first white member of ANC, South African ambassador to Ireland and partner of Gerry Ryan, well-known journalist who dies recently. Brilliant insight into life in apartheid SA.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 18:22
An ounce (roughly 25g) of flour is around one heaped tablespoon. So 8oz = 8 spoonfuls. Hth x
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 14:52
Arch, that's exactly what one lady from Miami told me, that Jacksonville is more 'southern' in feel that south of FL. I'd love to stay somewhere more south, but West Palm Beach is the only other option and I'm not entirely convinced on that one either! I have never lived in the US, so I have no point of comparison, just going purely on where I can 'survive' the year alone... As they say in Fla, the further north you go, the further south you get :-) My brother has been living there for 20 years and has a lovely lifestyle. Previously he was in Melbourne Beach, Cocoa baech and Indialantic. All v nice beachfront community areas. I once got stranded in Jacksonville during a hurricane but all I saw was the inside of Hooters. Lol.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 08:05
If he already has everything, then there is no need buying him anything. Nowadays, my dh and I only get each other small symbolic gifts (e.g. a book we have wanted for a while, pictures from kids). These are worth far more imho.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 12:21
I've heard townhouses are over 200k so 2 beds would def be more than 95k. Fab location though :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 10:51
By the way what is the marble arch ? Pretty sure she means Repton. In my opinion, I think DESS is as good as a state school in the UK. " Funny choice of nickname... makes me think of M&S Marble Arch in London which happens to attract a similar clientele, esp during the summer months. Lol. Incidentally, I think it's difficult to compare to state schools in the UK unless you have actually been to one.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 10:45
I have no direct exp of either DESS or DESC, but have heard a lot of good things. If my kids were to attend a BC school DESS would be top of my list. Main reasons are a) the fact it is 50 years old, b) its non-profit status and c) the high standard of teachers. DESC also seems good but is obviously not as established as its primary counterpart. Incidentally, I know someone who went to an extremely well-known (top 5) school in the UK and had only good things to say about DESS, where her dd goes.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 12:05
Although I liked Anne Frank's museum and the quaint houses along canals, I have to say I was quite disturbed by the sleaze and crime in Amsterdam. Watch your handbag.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 12:03
If you don't mind self catering - Citidenes have various central locations. True but they are quite steep. 360 EUR per night in Paris last time I looked.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 08:57
I've heard witch hazel is great for large pores. Never tried it though.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 08:56
They have some nice stuff in Matalan at Lamcy atm although no sales on.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 08:52
No exp to share... but have you tried being v upfront about it - i.e. sitting her down and asking if she wants to move with you or not? If she is reticent, you could always say she is free to look for another family, and that you will look for another maid too. That may spur her on to make a decision. You could always help her to find a family too if, as you say, you have had no issues with her.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 13:18
I have been here nearly 10 years and have always tipped. I'm pretty sure they expect it :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 13:15
Don't worry! Take it a step at a time. Friday mornings on your own, then gradually more and more busy times. Then take your baby out with you. At least she won't comment on your driving ;-) If you're still too nervous you could always take a refresher course. I did this with Bellhasa and it was fab. They took me out on Al Khail Rd, SZR, Trade Centre you name it!
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 10:52
The article is very unbalanced. I agree that 80% sounds extremely high. I had previously read that there was a 50% divorce rate overall here (not just in the first year). Apparently a lot of Emirati 'marriages' break down in the v early stages, between the legal ceremony and the wedding reception i.e. before they have been consumated, which would explain a high(ish) divorce rate. But I think it's wrong to blame increased segregation. You only have to look at govt offices to see young Emirati males and females interracting freely, a trend which is on the up given that more and more women here work. I think that the reasons are a lot more complex, linked to a society which is changing very fast.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 10:33
No way. Some of my friends lost a *lot* of money in the last crash and the current market doesn't look v promising either. Plus as expats we're v limited as to what is on offer and a lot of construction is just not built to last. Better to look at investing in more established mkts (e.g. the west). if that's not an option right now, best to sit tight and save for a future opportunity.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 17:50
Dxb marine beach club is nice and costs about 17k per year per family.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 12:23
RamC... you have *no* need to worry about your lack of facials. I think I have had one in total and that didn't make any difference! The only reason I had it was that I was pg and wanted a massage but would have had to sign a disclaimer for that so opted for a facial instead. To staying young(ish) looking you just need to avoid the 4 S's: Sun Smoking Stress Sleeplessness (lol) Oh and don't drink too much either. I'm 39 and although my skin isn't perfect, I'm happy with how I look. I don't buy any expensive skincare products, but have a basic cleansing routine and that's it. If you fancy a lift, better to spend your money on clothes and a new hairdo. Have fun :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 09:12
Arabic girls' names I like are Leila (but v popular), Yasmine, Zeina, Noor(a), Kenza. Boys: Marwan, Zain, Adam.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 May 2013 - 22:26
Please try the dress shop in Mazaya centre on Sheikh Zayed road. Can't remember name of it but it is right next to front entrance near Homes R Us on ground floor. Lots of dresses for your budget! I just bought one last week. Lady was very helpful and gave me a discount xx It's Ekaterina & Maria. They also have a store at Lamcy Plaza. A freind of mine bought her wedding dress there 3 days before flying off. Her original one had been a complete disaster but she was really pleased with the one she got off the peg and it cost her about AED800. Lol. I also bought a prom-style dress there for only AED490 which was fab.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 May 2013 - 22:22
Hi, not sure about salary but I think TAs get about 5k at Safa without a fee discount.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 18:31
There is a 3 bed in Al Badaa on Dubizzle atm for AED130k. It may be the one you have already seen though (lol). http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/residential/villahouse/2013/5/16/-property-ref-no-418-jumeirah-one-3br-comp-2/?back=ZHViYWkuZHViaXp6bGUuY29tL3Byb3BlcnR5LWZvci1yZW50L3Jlc2lkZW50aWFsL3ZpbGxhaG91c2UvP3ByaWNlX19ndGU9OTUwMDAmcHJpY2VfX2x0ZT0xNTAwMDAmYmVkcm9vbXNfX2d0ZT0zJmJlZHJvb21zX19sdGU9MTImcGxhY2VzX19pZF9faW49JnBsYWNlc19faWRfX2luPTU2JTJDNTclMkMma2V5d29yZHM9JmlzX2Jhc2ljX3NlYXJjaF93aWRnZXQ9MCZpc19zZWFyY2g9MSZhZGRlZF9fZ3RlPSZmdXJuaXNoZWQ9Jmxpc3RlZF9ieT0mc2l6ZV9fZ3RlPSZzaXplX19sdGU9JmJhdGhyb29tc19fZ3RlPSZiYXRocm9vbXNfX2x0ZT0mb3Q9YXNjJm89Mw%3D%3D&pos=5
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 08:02
Dubai Properties set the prices as standard across their properties so I don't think you would be able to negotiate but maybe worth a try. The ground floor ends are AED120k, the middle ground AED110k and the upstairs ones range from AED100 to AED 110k. That's good to know. You are fast becoming our money-saving expert ;-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 07:58
I agree with mollydxb - keep calling arenco. You could also have a walk around the area and pop into the compounds you like. If you hear of any becoming available, call the office straight away and say that you have seen it and are interested.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 07:54
You could also try the Towers Rotana, Shangri-la, Rotana Rose Rayhaan and Ascot Park Towers. Hth x
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 07:48
I agree with Madge - most schools don't offer a discount to TAs. Imho the best way to look at it is to see the salary as the discount. Granted, being a TA is very hard work. But at least it doesn't impinge on your family life, given that you get to work exactly the same hours as your kids and have no extra costs for childcare and transport. And if you pay say 8k per month for fees but earn 6k, with a 10% discount you are *almost* covering the cost of the fees and - voila - no more worrying about the financial burden.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 17:29
Hi most summer camps are for kids aged 4+ but there are a couple which accept 3 year-olds, including the one at Jumeira Music Centre. Not sure if it's what you're after though.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 08:08
Prices at Layan used to be similar to Remraan but Dubai properties have whacked the 3 bed apartments..we got ours last Aug and pay 82k....same properties are now going for AED110k for new tenants.I believe they're bigger apartments than Remraam and access is easier than Remraam. Wow, you got a great deal on your apt. Even 110k isn't much for a nice 3 bed apt... but it would be worth negotiating and maybe a 'good' new tenant could get 10% off the asking price.
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

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