WhiteOrchid | ExpatWoman.com
 

WhiteOrchid

WhiteOrchid
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Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 07:59
This is a v informative thread. As you mention, kooky, the airbag issue is also a consideration. I heard that when an airbag is *not* de-activated, it could kill a child under the age of 10 seated in the front row. Hth x <em>edited by WhiteOrchid on 14/05/2013</em>
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 17:21
Lol! I wouldn't say that this is a middle class problem at all. A lot of people with flashy mobiles are definitely not in that category ;-)
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 12:02
Sorry to hear about your loss. Apparently there is a pet shop in Sharjah where a lot of stolen pets wind up. A friend of mine found her dog there after it had been snatched from her car in the school car park. Sorry I don't know more than that, but maybe K9 friends know where it is?
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 21:49
I honestly don't think a facial can achieve what you're after. Just get you hair done, buy some new clothes and you'll feel much better about yourself :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 11:47
Lol feefmick! Thanks, just had a look and was about to post the same thing :-) 65k not bad at all for a 2 bed right next to MCC (and not far from airport).
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 11:43
I agree ... We changed banks after becoming very disappointed with their service - now with NBD and extremely satisfied with their service. Same here! We were with Emirates NBD to begin with... then got talked into moving to Lloyds (now HSBC). After over a year of *awful* service I was delighted to move back to ENBD! Still with Lloyds and HSBC for offshore but thankfully don't have to deal with them much. Lol.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 09:17
I'm pretty sure the price of Ghoroub has increased beyond AED70k Any idea how much these are going for now?
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 16:05
Hi I recently had a (day) dress made by a tailor in Satwa. It was quite complicated but he did a vg job. When I went to pick it up there was a wedding dress hanging up which looked v nice (although it was quite simple). They had been recommended to me by Deepak's so must be quite good. They are called Etifaq 04-3859300 and are behind Emirates ID. Hth x
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 21:29
I can't believe they have cancelled the bus service. At our school around half the pupils use it and there are 42 buses!
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 17:33
This is a great thread. I don't feel so guilty knowing so many ppl spend as much as I do (lol)... usually somewhere around AED800 per week for 2 adults, 2 kids and an infant. I'd say a good way to find out how to save is to ask your helper. My babysitter shops for her flat (5 adults) and only spends AED400 per week! She says C4 is cheapest for most things, but I'm still not sure how she does it. <em>edited by WhiteOrchid on 06/05/2013</em>
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 08:36
Hi just had a look on dubizzle and cheapest areas for villas are still Mirdif, JVC and Al Furjan. You can easily get a villa for 110k in Mirdif or JVC and about 120k in Furjan.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 08:19
Where is it being performed?
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 08:16
Dr Tadros at Al Zahra private medical centre. He's fantastic although there is usually a long waiting list to see him.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 May 2013 - 11:49
Have you tried arenco? They have affordable villas in many of the areas you listed (e.g. around 120k for a 3 bed near iranian hospital). They are not new but many of them are well maintained.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 21:42
Hi there is a brand new apt building in Jumeira 1 v close to the Iranian hospital. I believe the 1 bed apts are only 65k and 2 beds 85k. No contact number but you could always pop in and ask reception. It's on 21b street (between The One and the Lime Tree cafe). There are also lovely ground floor apts across the road in Al Maskan Jumeira building (with Saladicious restaurant on grd floor). They all have patio areas (leading into beautiful shared gardens). Apparently 2 beds are 125k and 2 beds + maids 135k.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 21:15
Hi I used to work at difc and quite a few ppl there lived in Mirdif. None seemed to complain about the commute. I'd say it takes around 20 mins but I may be wrong.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 21:11
Hi I agree with kissymac. I went on a tour of the school a couple of years ago and was really impressed. A friend of mine also sent her dd there and worked there as a TA so I have heard quite a lot about it. It's a very progressive and nurturing school, although it has recently expanded so is not as 'cosy' as it used to be. But there are also positive changes - e.g. better facilities, more diverse intake. I would definitely not judge a school based on what it looks like from the outside on a weekend. If I had done that I would never had sent my kids to their current school (lol) and yet I am very happy with it.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 21:05
Where do your kids go to school? If Jumeira 1/Al Badaa is convenient for you, there are some nice Arenco villas in that area for around 120k. You could try calling them directly and seeing what they have within your budget. They also have properties in Umm Suqueim and Knowledge village. http://www.arencore.com/property.php?propertytype=2
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 16:32
Lol! I had no idea ppl drank their own booze on RB. Will not tell dh so as not to give him ideas.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:12
The problem with Royal Brunei is that they don't serve booze and that can be quite problematic if you're flying back to the UK, or so I've been told. AnonDubai, you are the last person I would have expected to post that. Good to see you're still in touch with your roots ;-) Personally I love the fact that there is no booze on board as passengers are better behaved and dh does not arrive with a hangover!
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 08:30
Hi I would definitely favour buying locally grown produce. It's worth noting, however, that the regulation here is much more 'relaxed' so what is labelled as 'organic' here may not meet western standards iyswim.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 22:54
Hi if you are after a French-speaking school then you can choose between a) the Lycee Francais Intl (commonly referred to as Aflec) in Oud Metha and b) Lycee Georges Pompidou in Oud Metha and Academic City. They are very similar, although LFI/Aflec pushes English from an earlier age. My 2 dds are there and so far we are happy with it. Applications are handled differently to those for English schools as you normally apply in the Feb/March of the calendar year in which you would like your child to start. You cannot place them on a waiting list before that.
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 22:46
I am looking forward to the new one opening in Jumeriah 1, walk able from my house! Me too :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 22:40
Hi TDB If you're British, want a good academic school but don't have a company debenture then i would suggest you approach DESS. Not sure when though... no harm in calling to ask them now :-) Good luck x
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 22:39
Unfortunately foul play involving kittens does take place in Dubai. A few years ago, there was a very sad story on the front page of 7 days about a group of boys who had fun throwing kittens onto SZR near Crowne Plaza and seeing how long it took for them to get run over. Everyone was very shocked but I'm not sure anything was done about it :-(
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2013 - 18:53
Hi it's over the safestway supermarket, not far from the Business Bay metro (but on the Jumeira side of SZR). It's a fab play area - enjoy :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2013 - 18:52
Hi I have heard fantastic things about Hoofbeatz although they are quite expensive. A friend of mine recently marched out of Desert Palm due to health & safety concerns (not sure what exactly... possibly too many different skill levels in a class).
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2013 - 18:47
This is great thanks. Although I don't have a maid I do worry about my kids being independent enough. Unfortunately Dubai kids don't seem to score very high on this scale. Last week a few classes at my dd's school went on a residential school trip for a few days. One girl told me that she couldn't bare to share a room with others who left their clothes strewn all over the floor and even threw dirty Q-tips and tissues under the bed. Ewwwwwwww....
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 18:55
TDB they are taking the p1$$. I was carless in dxb for 6 years (including 3 with a baby) and I can count on one hand the number of times I got a lift from a friend. You could accidentally on purpose have a drink before going out to a restaurant and say "Oh sorry I can't drive now!" Alternatively, find a reason not to drive ppl long distances e.g. baby doesn't like long drives and would scream most of the way. That should put them off. LOL. As for just dropping someone off somewhere, you could always say you need to go via another location to run an errand first which would mean a much longer journey. When they look reticent just give them the number of Dubai Taxis. Et voila.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 09:40
Hi sorry to hear about your friend. It's very considerate of you to look into pnd. There is a support group of pnd sufferers in Dubai run by a really nice girl called Andrea (previously AndreaA on the forum, not sure if she still goes by that name). Check this out: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/health/dubai-mothers-form-non-profit-group-to-fight-baby-blues-1.1155664 Hth x
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:59
Hi TruBlu, sorry to hear about you situation. As PP suggested, I would get in touch with both schools and explain how you are feeling. In my experience, schools tend to exaggerate slightly to drum up more interest. Some of my friends were told the same thing at this time of the year previously (long waitlist, hardly any chance) and they all got places in the end - including one at Horizon. Alternatively have you tried Safa? They are similar to Horizon (were formerly owned by same group), are normally easier to get into and have been expanding.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:16
We spend a low percentage (well below a quarter). I agree that you shouldn't spend more than a third, although some people simply don't have the choice. It's a good idea to factor in Dewa costs too as these can tip the balance considerably. RuthM - 17% doesn't seem that high but everyone is different and if you are feeling stressed about it then why not have a look around. You may actually conclude that you have a good deal.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 09:21
Hi Keyamom, there was recently some discussion on this topic. If you do a search a couple of threads will come up :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 08:32
Hi my dd's nursery is done out in a lovely shabby-chic style with a lot of reconditioned furniture. When I asked the owner where she bought it all she said 'brocantes in sharjah'. Not sure what that means exactly... can ask her if you like? Btw love your username... v fitting :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 08:22
I put a couple of versions in - one based on owning a property, the other not - and I still came out as elite. I agree with suze! Not much academic value there methinks ;-)
WhiteOrchid
493
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 08:03
As far as I know, the Body Shop do that (in the uk at least). I'm pretty sure they do make-up for events here too as once a sales assistant/beautician in there told me she had made up a girl for her prom and she ended up winning prom queen prize (lol).
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 07:58
Thanks Whiteorchid! Upcoming move is approaching at break neck speed! Well husband saw an apartment in Al Barsha this evening and is very keen on it as he feels it will suit our needs for the first year with settling in with new jobs, son starting new school and close for me to commute as well as areas to be 'busy' in. He has the longer commute to DIFC and I think from looking at metro map my commute is only couple of stops. So let's see - what have we got to lose? no sniggering please! Thank you for all your suggestions and advice which has been gratefully received and taken on board. Sure you will see me posting more threads before I leave UK. For now, back to sorting and binning and selling off furniture! Great news! Sounds good... if you're commuting to work on the metro then being near a station will make a huge difference (esp if you don't drive or are sharing a car with your dh). Sounds like you've been v organised in getting everything dorted, including a school for dh :-) Best of luck for your move. You'll see, dxb is a *great* place to live.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 22:45
I think it may depend on the industry...I wear dresses that are knee length, shoulders covered but arms aren;t and I do wear open toe sandals sometime. I see women around DIFC though wearing quite skimpy clothes, short skirts and very high heels (I don;t advocated that BTW) I agree that a lot of women in DIFC dress inappropriately. Interestingly, it wasn't the case at *all* when we set the palce up 9 years ago - I normally wore trouser suits. But it's worth noting that those who dress skimpily are generally in junior positions (e.g. PAs/receptionists). longhorn - you sound quite culturally sensitive so I would be surprised if you went wrong. Just avoid short skirts, strappy tops, low necklines, jeans and you should be fine. If you dress as you would to visit an office in the west iyswim.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 22:39
As I said on the birthday party thread I absolutely love the place as do my kids. Having been twice, I'd say it's easily one of the best play areas in Dubai.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 22:36
Hi the best thing about the Quinny from birth is that the car seat can go in and out of taxis until the baby is over 1 year old (13 kgs). For this reason it is perfect for mums who don't drive. I used it non-stop for over a year with my 1st child. If you do drive I would say it has less selling points. The wheels are *very* heavy and bulky and a complete pain for travelling. Don't even think about taking it to Europe where doorways are smaller. I couldn't even get past the metro ticket barrier in Paris! Within an hour I had ditched it in favour of a 10 euro umbrella stroller from C4. Once the baby is 6 months old (or even earlier) I would definitely choose a lightweight umbrella stroller. I bought a maclaren for dd2 and am still using it for my ds. Have fun choosing :-)
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 22:28
Hi BBmover, congrats on your upcoming move. Have you considered Jumeira 1? It's a v established old expat community, near the beach and a short drive from DIFC. It's also straight down Beach Rd frm Umm Suqueim. Although it's mainly villas, there is a brand new building behind the Lime Tree cafe (v popular expat haunt), near the Iranian hospital on 21B street. Last I heard was that 2 beds there were only 85k. It's next to a lovely little oasis with a Spinneys, restaurants, little malls and a beach club across the road.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 22:19
My favourite place for indoor birthday parties atm is Cafe Ceramique... creative activities, nice food and attentive staff. I also second Funky Monkeys - haven't been for a party there yet but my kids literally begged to return there for a playdate 2 days in a row. I can imagine birthdays there must be great as they have a special pizza-making kitchen, spa room and fantastic soft play area.
WhiteOrchid
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 22:16
Lime Tree Cafe carrot cafe is legendary. Spinneys mini-carrot cupcakes aren't bad either... and cheap at about AED10 a box!
 
 
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