xanzec | ExpatWoman.com
 

xanzec

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 23:31
You should be able to find it at The Organic Shop!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 16:04
Hi Reva, I remember I had to email a scanned copy of my Indon maid's passport to my dh. Someone in the company did it for us. When she arrived in Dubai, she has to go through the eye scan, etc... Then, we process her contract provided by the Ministry, etc.. and pay all the relevant fees. Sorry, I can't provide exact details. You need to make sure her WP in Spore is cancelled before you bring her over to Dubai and you will need passport pics for the application and medical checkup. The procedure should be the same as getting your own maid. You can find the info from the Maid threads. <em>edited by xanzec on 22/08/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 18:05
Have you had a chance to visit Dubai to have a look around? I personally prefer Springs/Meadows/Lakes area as the area is closer 'centre'. With the highways coming up, I am sure the roads will be less congested. And I do personally find AR too far out for me. Meadows have lovely huge villas! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 16:14
I would suggest the OP to go around and have a look at the different houses in Springs and AR. My place is walking distance to Spinneys. Therefore, it is extremely convenient for me. However, if I were to live at AR, I would definitely need a car. I do agree that the quality of the houses at AR are better than Springs. As for design, go around and have a look. Different area of Springs have different layouts. We've seen so many area of Springs when we were house-hunting and we were surprised that there are differences even if you are comparing a 2M with another 2M as an exammple. The 2br villas are really small. If your budget permits, try to get at least a 3M which is 3room plus study. Its a bit more spacious. Otherwise, I personally would prefer to stay in an apt with facilities rather than the 2br villas at the Springs. JMHO.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 20:40
We're into our 3rd year in Springs. We only had the problems mentioned by faireycakeyumm in our first year and it wasn't that bad then as well. We have not got anyone knocking on our doors nowadays. Its quiet and convenient. :) We had thought of moving to Ranches 2 years ago but find that it was not as convenient as Springs. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 09:42
Bring all your dinnerwares and bedsheets and linen from US. Its so much cheaper there. If you are shipping by container, the weight won't matter. I think most of the things in US will definitely be way cheaper than Dubai. I would suggest you to bring as much as you can from home... except for electrical items.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2011 - 09:07
I think 27k is too low. Do not count on getting another job to supplement your household income and I wouldn't want to take the risk of taking loans in Dubai. Try negotiating for a better package or stay put in NZ. Its not worth getting into debts here. The cost of living in Dubai is also very high. AdviceSeeker have already done some basic calculations for you without all the other costs. Put everything in a spreadsheet and work it out for yourself.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 12:00
If its for burnt, Aloe vera gel is highly recommended. I got badly burnt by hot oil and there is no evidence of any burnt marks on my hands now. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 11:45
Thank you very much for all the info. I will inform my dh and let him decide what he would like to do. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 01:11
xanzec - Sorry, I don't check the boards that often - I believe they bring their current medical records card (that they get when they did their physical from last year - shows their immunizations, etc), their passport, etc (I would call the medical clinic first to make sure you have all that you need. If the current sponsor is providing a NOC, and isn't needing to get his deposit back on the same day as the transfer, you can wait until after to get the medical. DinAces21 - There is a typing center attached to the immigration building (that is where dh had it done) - he did it all the same day - went there with the current sponsor, had it typed, paid the fee, and then moved on to the next step automatically. Good luck! Thanks CdnExpat70! I will be transferring my maid to another employer as I am leaving Dubai. All my dh need to do is to provide NOC to new employer? I am just wondering if it is easier to cancel her visa and then let the new employer apply for a new visa?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 23:34
I've checked out the Yamaha U3 price and it cost AED30+k at the Music shop at Ibn Battuta Mall. I assumed the U1 would cost around AED20+k. Definitely not 8-10k range if its brand new.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 00:43
If its ants, sprinkle some baby powder around the skirting area. Flying ants? Maybe its a different type of insect. Switch off the lights and move to another room? Is that possible?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 22:53
Have you visited the school with your LO? You can do a search for DIA as well for feedback. HTHs.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 22:11
May I know how can you get the medical done if her visa is not process yet? I will be transferring my maid to a new employer and I am wondering if its going to be easier for my dh to cancel her visa and then her new employer can hire her? Would that be more straightforward? I am not too sure if dh will have the time to go to immigration to meet her new employers as he travels quite often. TIA. <em>edited by xanzec on 23/06/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 12:31
School starts 6 September 2011 according to the mini booklet that I have. The calendar posted online was for 2010/2011. <em>edited by xanzec on 13/06/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 16:24
I got Xylitol for my diabetic uncle. It taste like normal sugar. Stevia can't be used for diabetics. Just google for info on both. Whatever it is, stevia or xylitol is better than aspartame and splenda! JMHO!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 00:41
You can check out the abmd on yahoogroups.com on biomedical research. Google for Andy Cutler if you are looking at chelation and other DAN MDs such as Jacquelyn McCandless, Amy Holmes, etc...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 00:08
Just a slight correction on the maid issue. You do need to sponsor the maid eventhough they come under Ministry of Manpower. It is cheaper and easier to get a maid there depending on the agency fees. Starting salary for an Indonesian maid(new and inexperience) is now SGD450 plus you will also need to pay a maid levy of SGD265 per month. Agency fees will most likely cost a few hundred dollars only which covers processing, medical and insurance fees(which you need to top up a little). If you are looking for experience Filipino maids, their salary will be higher. Public transports are easily accessible. There are many nursery and childcare centres. Can't advise on the housing as it would depend on the location of your child's school. Check out the propertyguru website to give you a general idea. You can still negotiate from the published price! HTHs.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 23:14
I think most of the jewellery shops at Gold and Diamond Park have diamonds that are GIA certified. Just go there and check out all the shops there! <em>edited by xanzec on 11/05/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 17:55
I normally goto Wireless and Network, Mobile networks, Access Point Names and then tap on the du Wap or Etisalat, etc.. depending on your phone network... Wait a little while and you see a long list. Scroll right to the bottom and look for APN type. I change this to MMS only. When this is done, I don't have to worry about using data line. I only use WIFI and it saves battery power. HTHs. I love the free download of books on Laputa and Aldiko on my Galaxy S. I use Fring to do video call with my sis back home. <em>edited by xanzec on 11/05/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 01:43
I think 1 week is far too short. I had 2 weeks to cover Rome(7d), FLorence(4d) and Venice(4d) 3 years ago and I found that I did not have the time to cover so many things.... LOL...we've now spent a combined total of 5 weeks in Tuscany and feel that we only just scratched the surface of what there is to see, do and eat (!!) in Italy. splash...given you only have a week, I really think you should stay in Rome and do day trips out once or twice. Rome is AMAZING and I think you'd need a month to see it all. :) edited by Green-ish on 13/03/2011 I agree with you totally Green-ish! I think I can spend months and it still won't be enough. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 01:40
A really beautiful spot in Italy is the Amalfi coast south of Naples. You could base yourself in Sorrento and from there visit: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and islands of Capri and Ischia. It is a truly beautiful coast with wonderful food and so many places of cultural and natural beauty to visit.... I had to cancel Sorrento this trip coz I couldn't handle the luggages and MIL climbing the stairs at Naple station, which means I will visit Italy again! :) I'll suggest OP to stay in Rome for the week and take the train to Pompeii or Herculaneum on her own. Personally, between Rome, Florence and Venice, I enjoyed Venice the least eventhough I went there for my 10th anniversary. I very much prefer Rome and Florence. I could spend the whole day at Sistine Chapel alone and the view of Vatican from the top of St Peter's Bassilica is amazing. You can join one of the many tours at the Coloseum and Palatine Hills when you're there. Hopefully, the weather will get better so that I could visit Sienna. When is OP visiting Italy? Start looking at some of the popular hotels as it can get full quite fast. Enjoy and have lots of fun! :) I would highly recommend that you check out tripadvior.com for more info! <em>edited by xanzec on 14/03/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 03:26
I think 1 week is far too short. I had 2 weeks to cover Rome(7d), FLorence(4d) and Venice(4d) 3 years ago and I found that I did not have the time to cover so many things. Florence is my favourite! I would probably consider staying in Rome for the week and do a trip to Pompeii/Herculaneum as day trip? There are just too many places to see in Italy. I am currently doing Rome/Florence with my MIL for 2 weeks. Check out tripadvisor for ideas and itinerary. The forums give you good ideas and suggestions. Don't forget the travelling time do take up almost half a day eventhough the train ride is only 1.5 hours. I am sure you will enjoy Italy whichever place you choose to vist.:) <em>edited by xanzec on 13/03/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 22:53
I've got 2 Black locust trees with sharp thorns in my garden. We just chopped it off but its growing so fast. I think its worse than Conocarpus trees! Landlord wants to keep the trees. So we just have to cut off every stems that grows. :(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 22:21
I would recommend Swissotel, Stamford. Its just beside Fairmont. You can also get great views and the rates are cheaper than Fairmont! City Hall MRT is very convenient. Everything is underground. You can walk to the Esplanande, Marina Square Mall, Suntec City etc... without getting wet if it rains. Orchard Road is only 3 MRT stops away. Shangri-La is a bit out of the way and Marina Bay Sands(MBS) is too far to walk. You can take a short cab ride to MBS from Swissotel Stamford. Have fun and enjoy all the food!