Can't miss apps for expat wives

Earlier this year, I presented you some mobile applications that may become handy to a newbie in Philadelphia, and more specifically to the expat wives like us. Take a look at my updated list of some new apps. Let us know if it useful or if you've discovered some that might be useful to other expats.

When I came to Philly more than a year ago there was a lot to discover and to adapt to. New measurements, new currency, also new TV channels, new pubs and restaurants for the night life. Luckily, we live in the 21st century and the process of discovering my new life was a lot easier thanks to new technology, the apps in particular!

Diversity and Funny Accent at School

     Are you planning to go back to school? Have you already signed up for summer classes or still researching and have plans for fall when you have energy after your summer vacation? In any case I bet you can be a little nervous as I definitely was.

Life savers updated

I have updated my life savers (originally posted last November), thinking of newcomers specially.

Many things are done a lot faster (and easier) in the US than in my home country. My guess, partially because of Americans driven spirit, or lack of time to dedicate to things that shouldn't take much time. Anyway, integrating myself to this lifestyle did make my day-to-day routine less time consuming, creating room for more me time (gracias!)

Moving help

• White Fence for all home services price comparison and purchase.

• If moving to another house or other state, try quoting what is best in your region using these: Moving, Unpakt or 123Movers
• Housecleaning or home repairs: Handy

Household products
• Multi surface disinfecting wipes (aka Lysol wipes, but any other brand does the job): it is self explanatory. Just keep in mind it also kills cold and flu viruses. Trust me, you will end up using it more often than you can imagine. I find it superefficient on bathroom/ kitchen sinks - swipe and shine!

• Instant stain remover pens (aka Tide To Go or Clorox pen): if you are known for keeping you head over the clouds, carry one in your purse too. Accident happens, and you don't wanna wait for that coffee stain to dry up! I always keep one handy when hosting a party, your guests will appreciate fast and efficient help to save their attire from wine or tomato sauce slip.

Findings

• Zocdoc is an amazin app! Think of Yelp but designed to health services... Great, huh? You can filter doctors by specialty, location, have access to reviews, calendars AND book an appointment on a click. This is gold, ladies!
• Instacart for online grocery shop. Delivery rates and prices are better than FreshDirect, just saying.
• Restaurant delivery: Caviar or GrubHub
• This is super right now: Airbrush tan at your home! Make your appointment at SPF (safe personalized faux) Tanning
• Dying to try v-steaming? I haven't tried yet, but here is the place to go: Total Serenity Spa

Out and about

• Uber!! Can't get enough of this app. Cars and drivers are totally clean and nice, they pick you up wherever you are and don't need cash... and UberX is super cheap. Totally saved me many times!

City
• Call 911 for any emergency
• Call 311 or *FIX for street department (in case you wanna report a pothole or cave-in).
• Check Philadelphia school district to find schools nearby and assign your kids.
• For information on school and university closings: tune KYW radio 1060, call the hotline 215-400-INFO, or check and subscribe to FOX 29 school alerts online.

Thank me later.!!!

Peace

To dispute or not to dispute?

     If you've been living here for a while, you may have noticed some differences between your county and US. Depending on your case, you may admire many of these differences like pride to be independent, free speech rights, a reassuring justice system. All conquests of a democratic country. It is great to live in such a country. But do these rights apply to you?

Self-development opportunities?

     There are lots of ways for self-improvement. My way is not a panacea. And my advice would not be applicable for everybody. But one thing I know for sure, if you are not happy with what you are at right now, you need to change something.

Doctors and Medical insurance

    Sooner or later you will face the necessity to go to the doctor. Let's talk a little bit about medical insurance and going to the doctor as it may not be exactly the same as in your native country.

Moving again...how to get organized

This time we are going to talk about moving. I know that for many of you who moved from a different country and crossed the ocean to reach their husbands, every future move can be considered a piece of cake. A few months after my arrival I had to start looking for a new apartment. When we finally found the best place for us,

Expat adjustment stages?

Since we have put our hearts out lately, sharing our experiences for your understanding of your own emotions and thoughts too, I find appropriate to go over the expatriate adjustment stages in a little more detail here to improve your self-assessment process - I hope!

Cash or Credit?

     When you arrive to Philly, a whole new world of museums, shopping, and dining opens in front of you. But to fulfill all your plans you need to be ready financially. If you have enough cash, you are probably covered. But is it safe to always carry $100, $200 on you being prepared to buy something in case of emergency?

How to get things working when you can't work

Many of us don't have work permit, or intention to get back to work. But even when staying at home is a well thought decision, it is important to be busy somehow. It prevents depression, which in some level is already common among expats.

Get the discounts recycling! In Philly you can!

One of the biggest cultural and life-style differences you may encounter first months in the US is a strong pro-client approach. This is a huge topic I can talk about in the future Expat Wives posts, though. What I'd like to point to today is that getting discounts and recycling get together perfectly in Philly! Sounds weird? Just continue reading!

Your ID Please

One of the first things you will have to do once you move in Philadelphia is to get your ID card. You certainly don't want to go around (and go out clubbing in the night) with your country passport…
Since you will be asked to show your ID very often, get yours as soon as possible!

Need English?

There are several places to improve your English skills, here are some to take a look at