LadyBee

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EW GURU

Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 11:25

My Aussie hairdresser, Katie, has been working in Dubai for years (and I've been following her via various salons for the entire time I've been in Dubai). She currently works at De La Mer in Jumeirah, and is THE best cutter (and a great colourist too). Such great fun too. Always good for a goss. ;) She's also straight-talking, business-like, and loves her work. Despite all the offerings available -- nails/spa treatments/pool/etc -- getting a cut/colour here is NOT expensive. Can recommend the salon -- and Katie -- very highly. . Hi lady bee, didn't intend to login today but could not resist. Are you talking about Katie who was working for sometime in "Beauty Spot"? If so, you saved my life. I was wondering where did she disappeared from there. Needed her badly. She is such a nice person to talk to. Most of all, unlike other hairdresser, she dies spend 10-15 mins discussing clients needs and desires cut/color. P:s btw, link u posted has no information ☹️ YES! Beauty Spot Katie! And Roots Katie! And Robert what's-his-name from TECOM Katie! Sorry the link didn't work -- here's the info. The salon is at 783 Jumeirah Road. And their telephone number 04 328 2775 .... but if you have Katie's mobile, it's still working. ;) The parking isn't easy, but you CAN park 'in' the front of the salon (just check that you're not parking anyone else in first, I guess). Or there are side streets dotted around where you can find a spot too. First time I went, there was a marathon (or something) on in the area, so it was a bit of a nightmare, but you'll be okay. Thrilled I could help. Katie's the best, isn't she? :)

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Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 11:21

Thank you, everyone! All sounds ... doable. Guess I'll be perching myself on a hard chair near the gate then? Ha ha ... HATE that I have to be there two hours before fly-time because I'm on an international flight, but hey-ho. No dramas. *Steels resolve* :D

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Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 09:08

Oops ... all the info to contact (and the address) is available here: [url= https://www.facebook.com/DeLaMerDubai/'>link[/url'>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 09:06

My Aussie hairdresser, Katie, has been working in Dubai for years (and I've been following her via various salons for the entire time I've been in Dubai). She currently works at De La Mer in Jumeirah, and is THE best cutter (and a great colourist too). Such great fun too. Always good for a goss. ;) She's also straight-talking, business-like, and loves her work. Despite all the offerings available -- nails/spa treatments/pool/etc -- getting a cut/colour here is NOT expensive. Can recommend the salon -- and Katie -- very highly. .

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EW GURU

Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 08:57

You could also try hitting one of the tailors in Satwa and getting some made for your daughter. I find it difficult to buy 'shorts' of a decent length -- even as an adult -- so this is how I cope! The beauty of many of these tailors is that they have pattern books that you can flick through, and there are definitely patterns/designs/drawings of shorts that should fit your bill. After you've done that, and the tailor has given you the yardage you require for material, you can go down the street and buy good-quality cotton/linen for the clothing. It's far cheaper than the regular shops, and you'll get to decide on the look you want. Good luck.

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Latest post on 05 February 2016 - 08:44

I had extensive (three operations) surgery on my ankle in 2009-2010 following a severe dislocation/ligament damage/fracture. The doctor I then used was at Medcare, but has now moved on to Saudi German Hospital. I can highly recommend his care (and after care). I was also diagnosed with post-operative complications -- due to chronic pain syndrome (CPS) -- and my surgeon was wonderful in his support and referrals to a fantastic physio. He's been working in the UAE for many years; give him a call (the link below has his experience/CV). [url=https://www.sghdubai.ae/en/doctor/Dr-Mohammed-Ashfaq-Konchwalla.html'>link[/url'> .

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Latest post on 05 February 2016 - 08:37

I think you're just looking for palm jaggery, yes? Palm jaggery is made from sugarpalm/date palm. I have found this in the 'exotic' spices section in Spinneys. It's in a plastic pack in big shards. It's called Palm Jaggery on the packet, and is the best-quality (ie date palm) version. You may also find it in the spice souk, but it may not be pure date palm jaggery (or may not be labelled as such). Good luck.

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Latest post on 18 January 2016 - 10:26

Just one example -- which I recommend -- is Modern Vet on Al Wasl Road in Al Quoz. They on-sell the DVDs to raise money to help abandoned dogs/cats (doing spaying/neutering, re-homing, and more). There are other charities around, but I particularly like this one because Mod Vet do so much to help, giving their time/service for 'free' to so many needy animals who so desperately need it.

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Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 18:38

LadyBee, we ordered the tree through them last year and got it in first week of December. This year they have told us the trees are due to arrive in Dubai on Nov 28 and they'll endeavor to get them through customs ASAP and start delivering by Dec 3. I guess the timing isn't ideal with the holidays for organizing all the paperwork once they arrive so there could be delays. For me, it's by far the best value for money - you get a gorgeous, huge, dense, dark green tree with an amazing smell that lasts for ages. We finally took ours down in the last week of January and by then it had only lost about a third of its needles. I had a look at the ones they had in Spinneys last year, and they pale I'm comparison. We had the tree outside in the garden and DH 'watered' it diligently every day after standing it in a pot filled with soil. That seemed to keep it going for a while. Fingers crossed our experience is the same this year! Will report back when it arrives. Thanks for the feedback! The first year we ordered from them? Utterly brilliant ... and they set everything up as well. And -- as you say -- great tree/great value for money. I guess when you get 'burned', it sort of taints things though! Look forward to reading that it goes beautifully again this year. We may be tempted to go back to them next year if you have a good experience again. :)

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Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 18:34

If it's just for a costume/fancy dress ... there are ideas online so you can make one yourself out of paper ... but if you want a real chef's hat/cloche then Al Difaya Catering Supplies in Al Quoz will sort you out. It's in The Courtyard, next door to the Lime Tree Cafe. Prices are pretty good there because they sell to 'the trade'.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 16:42

SH12 ... Have a wonderful time whatever you decide! Thanks for your post too. :)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 16:36

Too late for this year, unfortunately, but here's an option for next year: www.christmastreesuae.com They import fresh Canadian Christmas trees (Fraser Fir) from Quebec, Canada. You can also get stands, wreaths, and tree bags. The trees are around 2-2.5m in height and they last for ages. You do need to pre-order in October and the trees usually arrive end of November/early December. The trees are Dhs 495 and they charge Dhs 50 for delivery in Dubai (but you can also collect it if you have a big 4x4). More details on their facebook page: [url=https://www.facebook.com/christmastreesuae'>link[/url'> This is a fine company ..... when it works. Last disastrous order we had from them (2012, or around then?), the trees were delayed at Customs and didn't arrive until a week before Christmas. I'm afraid that after that experience, I no longer trust online tree delivery companies. rawla, if you ordered via this company, can you let me know how it goes? Or anyone else who used/uses them? It would a great option if their service was trustworthy. :) PS. I managed to snaffle the last 8-9 footer (450dhs) from Spins Town Centre half an hour ago, but they are getting another delivery by 8 December, so people can put their names down at Customer Service (the cash-only till near the entrance) if they want one ...

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Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 09:05

Gulp. :/

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Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 08:59

I really really don't want to be a downer, but unless you are planning to fund the bulk of the Hen trip for your friends, please do consider doing something low key and fun rather than pricey and OTT. There are so many wonderful bonding things you can do with your friends pre-wedding that don't include airfares and dressing up and shelling major ducats on what is essentially just yet another girls' get-together, irrespective of how much you want to 'do something special' leading up to your Big Day. Hosting a fun 'at home' with in-house massages/beauty treatments/nails/etc, with canapes and drinks for all isn't such a jaded idea, and it allows people to relax without worrying about spending a huge amount of money. Same goes for an evening catered dinner party, or just heading out for tapas and cocktails. One of the best hen things I went to was simply a picnic in a lovely park; the food was lovely, the view perfect ... and those that wanted to, kept kicking on into the afternoon at a fab local outside bar .... I went through over a decade of weddings and pre-wedding parties and hen things and all the rest, and while wonderful, it almost broke me from a money perspective. I know that everyone thinks that their wedding is THE occasion to celebrate, but dialing down on all the random miscellaneous celebrations on the lead-up is being kinder to your friends, unless they are rolling in money .... in which case: go nuts! But avoid NYC until March because it's bl00dy freezing! Have loads of fun, and also: just want to say, am not trying to be unkind or nasty: this truly comes from a place of kindness: I do wish you the best and most beautiful wedding and pre-wedding fun ... Promise. :)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 08:46

Where?! That's why I'm here! :D We normally do the DGC/home delivery service but am looking for other options (not Satwa; too far) because the DGC versions were heinously $$$ last year. Nice tree, but ohhhh .... wow. The cost! And Spinneys had their (usual) problems with Customs so their trees weren't delivered until 15th or something ... a bit late for us. Even IF they were seriously reduced in price as a result. Cheers.

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Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 08:43

Dubai Garden Centre does fresh pre-made wreaths -- big, lush, beautiful!; all you need to do is add your own decorations/lights/etc. We use them every year. In fact, I am just popping into EW to see the Christmas Tree updates because we're in the market (obviously!) and I wanted to know which vendor has received what for purchase so far .... We generally use DGC for tree etc but dates of arrival can vary.

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Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 08:43

Have bought in Boots at MoE in the past. Pretty sure they still stock it.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 August 2015 - 17:18

Oh LadyBee I love your updates........I though I was the only do lally who named and chatted to the birds. When I walk the dogs in the winter ,- 40*c some days ,the little Chickadees follow me down the drive buzzing back and forth in my face wanting their daily nosh. This little fellow won't battle to find a home what with the personality you describe but be very picky when deciding on his "new mom" . There are all sorts of unsavoury people out there who will tell you what you want to hear to get hold of the little one just to sell it on...... *Taps nose* Absolutely understand, Nomad! Now that I feel like I have a 'vested interest' in this little guy's future, I am even more determined that he should either get back to his real home OR have absolutely the best new forever home. I'll definitely be on my guard when screening potential adopters anyway!

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Latest post on 16 August 2015 - 17:13

Awww ... thanks, guys. *Blush* CouchPotato: I do feel like I've been adopted! Or something like that. He's definitely enjoying the picnics, that's for sure. My biggest concern -- still -- is that he's bored (as well as missing his home and/or playmates). But so far, so good, I guess! Nomad: I am definitely one for chatting to the birds (and 'assigning' them personalities and all that!). DH used to call me the Mad Bird Lady of Brentford (way back when) because of my slight, er, obsession with them. I used to put all sorts of treats out for the different t!ts and robins and so-forth (and would have 'decoy' feed for the squirrels too) ... I even used to order meal worms once a week as a treat. The robins were so used to the exact day the meal worms arrived, that the cheeky things would fly through the skylight and hop on my dining room table if they felt the food was late. *Whispers* I do miss English birds! ;) So the hunt continues for the owners! Everything is burbling along as usual in the garden, and I can hear our little screechy guy chatting away right now ... so it's all good. Keep spreading the word! Thanks, everyone. x

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Latest post on 12 August 2015 - 09:18

Day 15 of the Lovebird Diary. Call me weird, but the birds which hang out in my garden every morning definitely come with personalities; even the 400-odd sparrows have their quirks. Perhaps the 'scariest' -- to our little Lovebird -- are the two/three crows that stop by every three-to-four days. I call them Avon, Stringer and Wee-bay (if you've watched 'The Wire', you'll understand what I mean!). But as of this morning, while all the *other* birds scarpered for heavy foliage when the Barksdale crew arrived, the Lovebird stood his ground. He just set himself up on the corner of a marble table where I place brekkie, and chirrupped and pecked away at his feed. The crows were ... surprised. Anyhoo, it's Day 15 and everything's continuing on merrily. Apple is a #1 food, but baby carrots aren't a particular favourite. He picks out the sunflower seeds from the mix -- bird junk food, I call it! -- but has a good graze on the budgie mix at least. And he likes raisins ... but not cranberries; red peppers but not green. Picky little guy! Still waiting for an owner to claim this little cutie. Please continue to spread the word, especially using the maid tom-tom! If we haven't heard anything by back-to-school -- while I am now desperately attached to him -- he will need a new home (thankfully, adoption offers have been steady at least). Thanks, everyone. :)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 August 2015 - 09:52

Concur that Ralph Lauren is great for tall guys, but -- pro-tip -- use their US online site and get stuff delivered! They have loads of casual clothes for tall men online and even if you use Aramex (which I do), it's way cheaper than buying in the shops out here. Bigger selection too. Delivery is very quick. Last RL order I had delivered was here within five days. Actually ... I think four days! Worth a look anyway. :) PS. OP, I know you said that you weren't interested in Big'n'Tall, but you can strike it lucky at the Marina outlet every now and again. When I'm in the area, I stop by just to see what they have in stock in casuals + business shirts for DH, and have often been pleasantly surprised. They also have sales every so often as well. If desperate: again, worth a shot.

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Latest post on 08 August 2015 - 19:40

Thanks so much ... not sure adoption is the way to go yet, but if by the time the holidays are over no one has come forward, that might be an option. They'll have to catch him first though! He lets me get quite close, but isn't at the hopping-on-my-finger stage. ;)

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Latest post on 08 August 2015 - 07:28

You can buy -- or hire -- reasonably priced pianos in Dubai. We bought an upright grand a few years back from Juli Music Centre, which is just off SZR (Sheikh Zayed Road) -- a Yamaha -- with a great tone, action etc. It was delivered (and tuned), and I had no complaints with the service/price. You can also scan the ads on Dubizzle (an online buy/sell mart) to see if anyone is selling a second-hand piano there. Just haggle (lots!) and make sure you get professionals to move it into your new home (Mr Li, from Juli Music Centre above, can recommend a company for that). Personally, I wouldn't consider moving a piano from my home country to here (hence why I bought one in UAE) unless it was properly packed and sent by professional piano movers. Having it packed by furniture movers and sent as extra 'baggage') is so risky, especially if you don't have the insurance to cover its cartage. It costs a huge amount to move a piano 'properly'; don't just use ordinary furniture removalists, even IF they say they have 'moved pianos before'. Just my 10 fils. If it was me, and you're not emotionally attached to your current instrument, I'd sell it and buy one here rather than go through the very expensive process of moving it. You should be able to find a piano that suits you (with a bit of time and luck!) whether it's new or second-hand. I'm not sure what the going rate is for instruments right now, but if someone is moving back to their home country and need a quick sale, you could get a bargain! Good luck!

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Latest post on 08 August 2015 - 07:12

Oh, bless! That's sweet, but despite being a card-carrying RSPB member (and a great lover of birds), not sure that I'm the person for the job! For one thing, he *has* to have been in an environment where he had toys and a varied diet, and affection and play with other birds (or even a mate! Wow ... what if he has a mate back 'home'? This breed is so monogamous and adore their partner -- if they have one -- I would hate to think the 'other one' is bereft!). We're totally cool with him being safe and happy (we hope!) and well-fed -- well, as well-fed as he can be, based on my Googling! -- but I'm still on the look-out for his real family. You don't, surely, just let a little cutie like this fly away ... at least, I'd hope not (though the evidence on abandoned dogs/cats in Dubai isn't crash-hot). He's 'chatting' away as I type now. Noisy little thing (sorry, neighbours!), but hopefully that means he's in a happy place. :)

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Latest post on 07 August 2015 - 17:57

Bumping to keep it on Page 1 (sorry, but needs must!). Day 10 of The Lovebird Diary. He (or she -- I still have no idea really) is still here. He's basically moved into our gazebo and is 'holding court' there for most of the day, squawking away at the top of his voice. He bounces over the garden furniture, waddles on the ground, hops up and down and all around, has a drink and a play in his water bowl, has a nibble at the food I've put out for him ... he's not a pet, but he's a pet to someone, I think! In the early mornings when I feed all the other birds that descend on the garden, he's right in there too. The other birds (mostly sparrows, bul buls, and some wood pigeons and collared doves) are used to him now, so at least he's getting some social contact. No news from anywhere or anyone about having lost this precious little guy. He is just adorable though! Hoping that his family come back from holidays (or something!) in the next few weeks. We'll miss him, but he deserves to be back at his real home. Keep spreading the word! :)

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Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 11:04

My parents used to 'employ' a nanny/au pair type when we had long hols (okay, this was a long time ago!) and in exchange for babysitting, helping out at parties, keeping an eye on us, and being a bit of a dogsbody, would get time off so she could hit the beach/piste etc and have a mini-holiday of her own. I think they gave her a bit of 'getting-around' cash, but that was it.

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Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 11:00

No, no ... you don't need glasses. ;) But an au pair -- as I understand it -- is [i'>a young foreign person, typically a woman, who helps with housework or childcare in exchange for food, a room, and some pocket money[/i'>. Do we do this in Doobers? :D

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EW GURU

Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 09:13

That's right: hence the different job description given to those from non-maid-sourcing nations eg governess, tutor, teacher etc. I was chatting about this with DH and he said that he knows people he worked with in AD who were able to bring in super-skilled types, but in every instance they were employed as PAs or similar under company auspices. Sure, they were doing driving/dinner/homework etc, but it looked -- on paper -- as if they were employed in an office job. And they were paid very well indeed. They sure as heck weren't 'maids' anyway. It's a tricky area. But as you say: the people who do this (with the good English etc), are paid a fabulous amount for the job, far more than 'normal' maids/nannies from the usual countries receive ... and their visa would NOT say that they were being employed as maids/nannies. Only a small selection of countries can become that out here (and they have a whole 'nother set of rules attached to their visas too, in terms of payment, travel, time off, insurance, healthcare etc). The very idea that someone would do this work for free, out here, is mind-boggling for me though (sorry, OP). I guess you might find a teenager between school/uni to do something like it ... but I'm positive (well, hearsay, really!) that being an au pair -- as one understands the role in UK anyway! -- just doesn't exist here. While it's true that there are internship opportunities (non-paid) in the UAE, for the most part, this country has a system where people are paid for their efforts, have a contract, yada yada yada ... and because there is a maid 'system', working for free as an au pair just isn't a thing. That's why, as I've said, people who are employed in a more highly-skilled housekeeper/tutor/governess role come from non-maid countries, and are paid accordingly (with different visas to boot).

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Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 08:53

Day 7. All chirruppy on our home front. Our little visitor is quite at home now, hanging out with the other birds in the garden, entertaining itself by swinging on tree branches, having a sing-song, eating food etc ... Maybe it doesn't want to go home? It still hasn't ventured too near me (though I've been within two feet of the bird, to refill his water bowl), so if its owner IS out there (somewhere!), your little Lovebird is safe and well, and seems quite happy. No response from anyone on social media. Guess we'll be playing the long game ... or accepting our new resident. Please continue to spread the word to anyone you know. If you have maids/helpers, ask if they know anyone who might have lost/mislaid a bird in their care too! Thanks, everyone. :)

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Latest post on 03 August 2015 - 15:48

Hi. I am looking for a special person to Aupair for my family. Must be English speaking and experienced with children. Primary responsibilities will include after-school pick ups, homework, grocery shopping and cooking. All recommendations or interested applicants welcome.:) I know a couple of people, over the years, who have employed staff who have all these skills and they are paid a LOT of money (far far more than the wages paid for maids/nannies from Philippines, India etc) and they're generally brought to the country as 'governesses'. I'm sorry, but the way the visa system works out here, you would never be able to have someone do this kind of work for free (as an au pair), and there is a limited selection of countries from which you can hire people to be nannies/maids (and I'm not even sure whether these countries could provide you with a person with the skills you've listed unless, again, you pay over the odds, and source someone from their home country via an agency, which will also charge major ducats for doing it!). Sorry to be a downer, but Dubai isn't like London, where one can provide food/board for a student who wants to learn English, travel etc, and will work for you as well. Good luck sorting out your situation though. :)

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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 08:45

Bumping up .... Day 5: it feels like we now have a permanent 'member' of the garden. This is NOT a problem -- he chirrups away, eats the food I leave out for other birds (plus a bit of apple!), and there is no danger from predators so far ... but I grow ever more worried that he is being missed at his real home, and that his owners may not even know he is missing. As I mentioned above, maybe his owners are away and a helper is 'in charge' and he/she doesn't know what to do to find this bird (which we've established is a Fischer, not an African, due to his eye markings/colouring). I've posted everywhere to alert people that this little guy is here. No response yet. I know it's still summer holidays, but SURELY someone knows where he belongs! No matter (for now). We'll keep feeding/watering him/her until hopefully we get a response back.

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Latest post on 31 July 2015 - 18:09

Ad placed on Lost & Found in Classifieds. Tried to upload photo but it was too big and reducing the MB size made it impossible to tell it was even a bird! Sorry. Gave full description however. PS. The bird has now 'taken up residence' ie has been in the garden all day now (not just for breakfast). I'm sure it's missing its home! Hope the owner or whoever is looking after it sees the ad. My biggest concern is that its owners are on holidays and whoever is looking after it may not read EW or Facebook (or, if a helper, might not know who to contact or what to do). :(

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Latest post on 31 July 2015 - 08:01

Get a doctor's letter as well. Prescription + drugs is okay (and should be fine) but best get a letter giving approval for her to be taking these drugs so it can be shown to officials if requested. Best cover all your bases. It's absolutely fine to bring in prescription drugs which are on the 'banned' list JUST SO LONG as you have permission from your home country doctor to do so, and it's only in an amount which is for the duration of the visit/trip (ie not a traffickable amount, if that makes sense). I was on a Ministry-approved prescription for Tramadol a few years back and made sure that I had my orthopod's letter AND prescription when leaving the country, just so I could be sure I could bring the leftovers back. As it was, no one checked, but I felt better for having the back-up letter. .

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Latest post on 31 July 2015 - 07:42

Thanks! I'll try and take a photo ... er ... tomorrow! I was planning on trying to snap one today (day 3) but my camera battery was dead (silly me). He/she obviously now 'knows the routine' and is showing up when all the other birds do, so ... pretty sure it'll be back tomorrow. And yes, I'll make sure I take a pic when that happens. Such a cutie. I'm sure it's a pet (not a random stray) and am worried for it, because they are generally pets not wild out here. In the meantime, it looks like a Fischer lovebird (or perhaps an immature African). Green body, yellow breast, and red (perhaps going to turn black eventually) head. Thanks, admin. :) .

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Latest post on 29 July 2015 - 18:50

If price isn't a huge issue for you, try the Q Room in Dubai Mall. I buy all my Prima Donna bras there (used to get them at Rigby & Peller London), and they are just so fantastic for size/fit and wear (long-lasting). You may pay a bit up front (no pun intended!) but they are seriously great and last for ages. Agree with others re having to know your size and how things fit because there aren't very many good 'fitters' out here, but if you know what fits you/feels good, Q Room is wonderful. And the Prima Donna brand is great.

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Latest post on 10 July 2015 - 09:24

Hi Frazzled, most 'dry cleaners' do dry cleaning and normal laundry so you can take it to any of them and just ask that the duvet is washed and dried normally. Mine dry cleans DH's suits but washes the bed linen - so nice not to have to battle with large sheets and duvet covers at home! ;) Ditto. We use Dubai Laundry -- pick up/deliver -- and they do everything. Agree: hate doing sheets etc at home, and love getting them back pressed and fresh! And yes, they do duvets. Nice'n'fluffy on return. I generally divide our load into 'dry-cleaning' or 'wash/starch/press' or 'you decide what's best', and they have never let me down. Okay once. Once in eight years. But I was compensated for the shrinkage that occurred that one time! :D

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Latest post on 04 July 2015 - 11:43

Just to add: Interesting, though, that at least one of the more 'factually'-oriented newspapers has quite a different take on the Mirror's tabloid beat-up. [i'>"The Ilgin family had placed the child in the flotation device and were apparently settling in on the beach when they realised she was not where they left her."[/i'> While I still agree that the parents should have been absolutely focused on their baby's welfare etc, there was no mention of the parents going off to sunbathe while they'd abandoned their child (or similar wording). It looks -- according to the Torygraph and several other reports at least -- that they put her in the float thing, and were sorting out themselves before they proceeded on with their day. No mention of them entertaining themselves while they left the child to float out to sea.

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Latest post on 04 July 2015 - 11:39

Agree: nightmare scenario. Might want to remember that there was a DAD involved in this as well though. Both parents share responsibility for their addled-pated actions, however: they went to the beach as a family, and while I take nothing away from the horrific situation, one would hope we're long past the days where mothers have to take all responsibility for these sorts of catastrophes. Glad everything turned out well in the end though.

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Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 09:51

Anyway, back to the house plant - isn't this how the UAE got red back spiders &lt;glancing sideways at the Ozzies&gt; Ahem. 'Aussies'. Eyethangyew. ;)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 04 June 2015 - 08:39

I think girls at that age prefer baking specially cakes, cupcakes and cookies rather than other types of dishes , this out of experience as I was that kind of girls when I was young so don't think knifes is a good idea in this case. Totally depends on the girl. Me? I was baking cakes in primary school (and by the time I was 12, hitting the yeast/bread cookery as well). By the time I was in my 20s, while I still enjoyed dipping my toes into Baking World, I'd 'graduated' to more challenging areas. Also .... giving a gift of a great knife can be an inspiration. For someone who loves cooking, getting a professional piece of equipment in order to improve and challenge oneself in the kitchen can be a boon. It's also a recognition by others that you have skills that should be encouraged and celebrated. Nothing like someone giving you a GREAT cooking tool to point you in a more professional direction (even if you don't want to become a professional cook). I'd just like to add that pâtissier-related cookery is all well and good, but cooking and being ABLE to cook/follow a recipe means more than that. Women *can* cook everything, and should be able to try their hand at things beyond the pretty stuff. If you're interested in cooking, it's totally fine to just be interested in cakes etc, but the big picture stuff is even more valuable (and fun!). Just my 10 fils.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 04 June 2015 - 08:39

I think girls at that age prefer baking specially cakes, cupcakes and cookies rather than other types of dishes , this out of experience as I was that kind of girls when I was young so don't think knifes is a good idea in this case. Totally depends on the girl. Me? I was baking cakes in primary school (and by the time I was 12, hitting the yeast/bread cookery as well). By the time I was in my 20s, while I still enjoyed dipping my toes into Baking World, I'd 'graduated' to more challenging areas. Also .... giving a gift of a great knife can be an inspiration. For someone who loves cooking, getting a professional piece of equipment in order to improve and challenge oneself in the kitchen can be a boon. It's also a recognition by others that you have skills that should be encouraged and celebrated. Nothing like someone giving you a GREAT cooking tool to point you in a more professional direction (even if you don't want to become a professional cook). I'd just like to add that pâtissier-related cookery is all well and good, but cooking and being ABLE to cook/follow a recipe means more than that. Women *can* cook everything, and should be able to try their hand at things beyond the pretty stuff. If you're interested in cooking, it's totally fine to just be interested in cakes etc, but the big picture stuff is even more valuable (and fun!). Just my 10 fils.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 04 June 2015 - 08:31

We do what Ladybee does, book from Thursday -Saturday as most don't do drop offs on Friday. Woof works out 180 dhs which I think is reasonable and I know my dog will have fun and be looked after. Yep: our dogs love it too! And they come home tired and oh so happy. Fine by us! :)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 04 June 2015 - 08:18

Hi there ... in the cooler months, WOOF at Al Quoz offers 'play days' at their facility, but only if the owner is on site. Obviously, that doesn't help you, BUT: calling WOOF might garner some suggestions of other places that do a drop-off/daycare service for you on a Friday. Just to add ... we've had the occasional 'Friday' issue, and what we do is simply book our dogs in for a mini-break from Thurs night and then collect them on a Saturday day. It's just a two-night stay, we know they're fed/cared for/have a supervised play day on the Friday ... might be worth checking out -- if it's a one-off for you anyway -- rather than simply searching desperately for a Friday-only daycare situation. Sorry. Wish I could be of more help. Good luck.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 08:55

Blind date with a very tasty chef ??? :-) Guffaw. Love it. Still, when I was in my 20s and MAD about cooking, I would have loved a really really good chef's knife for my collection (together with the appropriate sharpening equipment ie steel or grindstone or whatever), OR a hardcover cookbook from one of the greats (I can seriously recommend 'The French Laundry Cookbook' by Thomas Keller et al) that will be both a work of art and an inspiration ... I was also given the Larousse volumes and they NEVER get old ... Still consult them today. One prezzie I received (from a chef friend) was a gift basket of stuff that I probably would never have bought for myself, which contained a lovely little selection of things that one uses to 'pretty' up food ie squeeze bottles, atomiser, dressing shaker bottles, a nutmeg grinder, a really REALLY sharp microplane grater AND a chef's torch (for creme brulee etc) ... all things I needed, true, but that I hadn't thought to add to my box of tricks as yet. Best. Present. Ever. Still use every little bit. Have fun. Tavola will sort you out but I can recommend Al Diyafa (catering supplies) in Al Quoz, right near the Courtyard (where one of the Lime Tree cafes is situated). Aladdin's Cave. GREAT selection of equipment for home/business cooks alike. I go there for everything now. Bliss.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 08:40

I can *definitely* relate with regards to the weather. Wow. What a hot one we have on hand today. That said, I don't think it's as humid as I felt it was, back in 08 when we first moved here, and we were DRIPPING from the heat ... I think one does get acclimatised. For me, really, it's just geography. Of course I miss so many things from 'back home', and yes, one day we'll go back and hopefully have a lovely life there ... but it is what it is. We're actually so blessed to be saving good money here for our retirement/future, and knowing that takes the sting out of the everyday pinpricks. Currently, I'm waiting on a dishwasher service guy (who was booked for 9-11am yesterday) and RE-booked for today at 8am (chance'd be a fine thing!) and it's at THESE TIMES I strongly suspect that the service providers in this little corner of the world are deliberately obtuse in terms of actual 'service' just to keep the 'wives' busy (even ones that work, like me, albeit part-time in my case). Grrrr! Yes, I just *love* waiting in for Aramex and non-showing air-con fixers and every other type of service one needs out here to survive! Ha ha ... sorry! Anyway ... I'm not sick of Dubai, but that's mainly because I know that we're building for our future. Not big brunch types -- we prefer having people over, when we do -- but we dip our toes into the UAE 'life' when time permits and have seen lots of great stuff on the other 'old' side of town, and in neighbouring emirates too ... And winter is fab out here. It's a good life, really, esp. when you know that you are working for something down the line. But we'll always be looking forward to That Day. That grand day when we can go home. This is home, for now, but it will never be a permanent home.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 24 May 2015 - 19:36

Okay, this guy isn't strictly a wedding specialist, but I know that he and his team have made all manner of formal wear so could be worth a shot. I personally have been using him since 2009 for new outfits and alterations and have never been let down. Moreover, I once had 12 outfits made in four days (yes, I paid extra!) so I could take extra gear for a last-minute overseas trip, so timing shouldn't be an issue. http://www.clifftailors.com/contact.html Cliff is in Satwa on the main drag (map on link). Very easy to park, despite it being a busy area. Shop is open 9-1pm/4pm-7pm every day but Friday. Good luck.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 15:10

They've certainly improved incredibly since the tri-series. Nice to see.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 14:45

Make that 13.30/over. :)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 14:41

Required RR: 12.64. ;)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 14:06

not so sure.... think Osstraaalia may be in the finals..... Inshallah etc etc. :D

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