KCR | ExpatWoman.com
 

KCR

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 August 2016 - 18:11
360 has a sunset brunch on a Thursday night, know its still a brunch as such but its a pretty iconic location for a special birthday? Or find a hotel deal in another emirate and all go there for the weekend?
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Latest post on 20 August 2016 - 18:04
Double yes to the dish cleaning brushes with the sponge on the end!! And enough refills for a year, we never buy enough and I've only ever found them once here in many years! Liquid chicken/beef stock in the boxes, vitamins and supplements are far cheaper in Oz with more brand selection, organic beauty and food products (Aus made stuff), also shampoo and conditioner is much cheaper and has a much better selection I found in Oz. And I agree about the underwear too, I always stock up when I'm back home. Lastly bring some bacon over in your suitcase (to go in hold) if any of you are as addicted as my husband is (bacon here is pretty sad looking and expensive for what you get). And bring a compact bbq, selection here is really limited. Good luck!
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Latest post on 20 August 2016 - 17:55
Dr Munira at Dubai Mall Mediclinic is fantastic but as I'm sure you know, PCOS cannot be fixed by medicine alone, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Usually a big permanent change in lifestyle is needed to reduce the hormonal imbalance and inflammation in the body which causes PCOS (cutting carbs, sugar, alcohol & caffeine and increasing exercise) combined with the Drs medication. Its not very fun but if you want to fix it the best you can, there are some great websites online now with easy to follow PCOS diets and exercise guides which should get you on the right path, just google PCOS diet.
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Latest post on 20 August 2016 - 17:44
I would go direct to the Nakheel office behind Ibn Battuta and speak directly to the man there who is responsible for Shoreline Apartments, there is basically one person per community in this office as well as a cashier where you pay directly afterwards. This is where you go to lease the basement storage cages so I assume he would also be responsible for any additional carparks if there are any available. Good luck!
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Latest post on 20 August 2016 - 17:40
I also highly recommend Dr Munira at Dubai Mall Mediclinic, she is known to be very experienced with PCOS/D cases and is very proactive with fertility treatment without rushing you into IVF which I liked, her nurse Lourdes is lovely too!
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Latest post on 19 March 2016 - 11:47
Sorry for the delay LB 101 and Coco Pops, I've had guests staying with me all month. I'm not sure this is allowed but maybe send me an email at kristy dot charman at gmail dot com and we can start from there. Thanks!
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Latest post on 04 March 2016 - 19:25
Can anyone recommend an interior designer who doesn't cost a fortune? Moved to a new villa and would like some advice on a few pieces and colors but not looking for a complete make over. Hi LB101, I've just completed my diploma in Interior design from Australia (last week) and am looking for some free clients to build my portfolio. If you're interested in having a chat, please let me know and I'll send you my details. I've helped many friends with colour schemes and random furniture pieces so would be happy to help :)
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Latest post on 21 January 2016 - 13:21
I have NO idea about anything golf related but my mum's coming over in March for a few weeks and I'm looking for some fun things to plan for her whilst she's here. She loves social golf and I was wondering are there any casual social days for ladies that she could join onto whilst she's here at any of the golf clubs during the day? Also can anyone tell me which golf clubs have the best pro shops for ladies golf gear as she's mentioned she'd like to visit a few and I would prefer to narrow down the selection beforehand ;) Thank you!
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Latest post on 21 January 2016 - 13:06
I've never heard of Borderlinx before but I have previously used MyUS who I found were much easier to deal with and faster than Shop n Ship. I've also seen a lot of advertising recently on FB for Stacky/Stackry (something like that) - has anyone on here used them yet and have any feedback?? I see they don't charge a membership fee and seem to have a few more shipping cpy choices than My US? The cynic in me thinks maybe it's too good to be true...
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Latest post on 19 January 2016 - 19:18
Awww I love Bali, lucky you!! If you have a family I would recommend the Intercontinental Hotel in Jimbaran Bay - pay extra for club rooms, well worth it for the bigger rooms, awesome cocktail hours and high tea. The pools/beach and kids club are great but its not kiddie overkill like many big hotels in Nusa Dua. Jimbaran Bay is traditionally known for the seafood on the beach at night but also outside the hotel there's now some really great cafe's/restaurants within walking distance and even a little mall. If you are a couple/single without kids (or maybe with a young baby) then I would instead recommend staying in Seminyak (or Canggu) with maybe 1-2 days in Ubud which is up in the mountains. In Seminyak we always stay at Uma Sapna private villas and they are incredible (Seminyak is the area where all the amazing restaurants/bars are) but there are loads of choices, check TA. In regards to security, normally anything happening in Jakarta has little to no impact on Bali. Whilst Bali is part of Indonesia, it is quite separate with 90% of Balinese being Hindus which is very different to the rest of Indonesia. Of course check your country's travel warnings just to be safe. Have fun :)
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Latest post on 19 January 2016 - 18:43
If I were you I would go nuts and fill a 40 foot container with furniture from the US and ship it all over when you move!! America has a much better range and prices simply due to their huge population and economy. Dubai is still relatively small and whilst there are definitely some BEAUTIFUL furniture stores here (and cheap alternatives too) there's realistically not a great selection compared to the US and the mark-ups for well known international brands can be rather high. I would recommend researching the area you plan to live in online and the average floor-plan of the villas/apts you are considering before buying any big items... Good luck!
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Latest post on 13 January 2016 - 12:27
I use Moonpig for international birthdays and Typo for local, Typo is an Aussie (or maybe Asian??) stationary brand - there's a store at box park - know its painful to get to but I just get bulk when I go as their prices are great and their cards are really gorgeous. Otherwise I am sure I saw husband cards in Waitrose the other day? I refuse to go into Hallmark stores here bc of their criminal mark-ups, especially when you can clearly see the correct price in pounds/dollars on the back of the card...
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Latest post on 13 January 2016 - 11:53
Was also disappointed that Kitchen 6 and Al Hadeerah both disappeared from the Fine Dinning. I used to buy it only for these 2 outlets. And it is really frustrating to have to pay a higher price for the useless travel book that they are attaching/forcing "as free" to all other books. You are right, that travel book is completely pointless, think that's why they keep bundling it with the more successful products... I had family coming to stay last year and called Fairmont Palm for rates and asked about using the E voucher, it was 20% cheaper to book on booking.com at their standard advertised rate than use the entertainer travel app - the reservations at Fairmont explained BOGOF is based on the rack rate of the hotel which is only normally charged during peak peak season - complete time waster... I have the updated fine dining app and I am finding it so much harder to even search for items compared to the 2015 app, plus all those annoying 'featured' restaurants from other books, Entertainer seems to be selling their soul for whatever extra advertising money they can make. So frustrating!
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Latest post on 13 January 2016 - 09:48
Hi Sky-high, I'm toying with the idea as well. I've done a bit of research and I've heard Tip Top Painters (Mohd 050 140 1374) now remove kitchens and then I would get an Ikea kitchen, their designs have improved substantially, they offer free installation and their kitchens have a 20 year warranty. Nakheel are challenging to deal with (on a good day) but normally you only need an NOC for structural changes like removing a wall etc, so if you are just replacing the kitchen in its existing space, then I would just apply for security approval for 'kitchen repairs' and play it down to avoid unneccessary drama... Good luck!
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Latest post on 01 January 2016 - 20:06
@Namaste123 we used Allison from The Doghouse for relocating our cat from Dubai to Melbourne and then back again a year later... We picked her because she seemed to have the best reputation and knows Dubai & Australian customs procedures very well which is important considering the strictness of Australian customs. After using her twice I would highly recommend her company, she took care of everything seamlessly during a stressful time, she loves animals and her fees are transparent - 050 457 8874. Good luck with the moving plans :)
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Latest post on 14 November 2015 - 21:03
I don't like it so far, I'm hoping this is only temporary as it just feels like a pushy selling tool for next year's versions. The font is smaller, the search options are more limited (can't search by cuisine anymore) and it is constantly upselling for 2016, quite annoying when there's still 1.5 months left of this year that we paid for. And I lost all my saved favourites... I love Entertainer but enough with the hard sell. Buy Buy Blah...
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Latest post on 05 November 2015 - 15:49
I would keep an eye out from late November or early December, most TDM stores go on pre-sale usually 3-4 weeks before DSF starts and that is always when the best bargains are to be had, simply because there is the most stock and unless you regularly visit the mall you won't know. There can be a blackout period from DED where stores are not allowed to go on sale unless they are a major sponsor but usually Bloomingdales is part of the DSF campaign so will be on sale. Good luck!
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Latest post on 05 November 2015 - 15:42
Great brunch, we went a month back and highly recommend it!! Just try not to sit anywhere near the singer, she's really good but SO loud :lol:
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Latest post on 29 October 2015 - 12:02
Try Etsy, so much range on here from around the world and most deliver direct to the UAE. Their prices are really competitive and shipping won't be much so long as you buy the cushion inners from Dubai, maybe just read the reviews from your seller before buying to ensure they are reputable.
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Latest post on 29 October 2015 - 11:54
My favourite for WOW factor is Nobu and its definitely an adult brunch. Amazing food, full table service, great cocktails and quality champagne. Others I love are Traiteur sitting outside (but its just too expensive now), Imperium or Rib Room at Zabeel Saray and also Maya at Le Royal Meridien. Have heard from friends that Hakkasan is also brilliant and a stunning venue so that's next on my to do list...
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Latest post on 29 October 2015 - 11:43
I've heard that rents are going or should go down but I'm not sure they actually are. Any thoughts? In the newer communities or less popular areas I think rent will reduce but in the popular areas no, its all about supply and demand. The reality is that most people have to rent here and many only want to live in specific areas due to traffic/work/kids schools/facilities/personal preferences so to expect substantial rent reductions in popular communities like the Greens, Motor City, Palm, Downtown, Emirates Hills etc is probably not so realistic. With Dubai Government adding the extra 2% to land transfer fees and the increased mortgage cap, less owner-occupiers are buying now because they can't/won't afford it, so the gap between landlords and tenants is growing. Whilst property prices might be dropping in some areas, this does not automatically mean the rent will also drop in the same area if there's still lots of people who find that area desirable and want to rent there. If you are willing to live further out in the newer or less popular communities to take advantage of the cheaper rents then you can definitely get some great deals, maybe thats why AR 5/6 bed villas have rent decreases because of all the newer communities that now surround them potentially with more affordable options?
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Latest post on 29 October 2015 - 11:23
Contact Allison at Doghouse on 050 457 8874 - she is really lovely and can give you the most accurate information on Canada's requirements as from my experience all countries have completely conflicting fees, regulations, timing and breed requirements. Allison relocated our cat twice (leaving Dubai and then returning again) and she was brilliant.
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Latest post on 29 October 2015 - 11:16
Tundra if you are saying you are plastic free, can you please advise me where you get your water from? I have been unsuccessfully trying to find an alternative online to plastic water bottles and am hoping you have the answer!! I see a lot of people in my building have the large water refillable filter machines but I also see the delivery man once a week and his large BPA bottles sit in direct sun for a long time whilst he's making the door to door deliveries which is just as dangerous as my plastic Arwa bottles so I don't see the point in switching from one bad option to another. Are there any recyclable glass bottle water companies here that you can share? Or something else? Also Lime tree sell lovely wooden chopping blocks with safe wood :)
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Latest post on 29 October 2015 - 11:06
Maybe its just the area you are looking in? I am also looking atm and the 4 agents I have interacted with so far are british (2), pakistani and indian. One of the agents made me laugh so hard the other day, he told me he didn't understand why I wanted to actually inspect the property as most of his clients buy property directly off whatsapp now... And then he proceeded to send me 40 of the most random pictures of apartments, why I would want to see a close up of someone's microwave or bathmat I really don't know...
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Latest post on 26 October 2015 - 17:58
I did the Platinum Heritage safari recently and that was incredible! Goes into a private wildlife reserve where you ride in open air vintage land rovers and the camp is really small & intimate compared to other safaris, about 500pp and there were loads of great photo opportunities. You also get to see the professional camels training which is also great for photos. I think we booked PH on expedia?
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Latest post on 26 October 2015 - 17:53
Hi saggi_1, I would suggest calling Mohammed at TIP TOP painters 050 140 1374. I don't know if they do bathrooms officially but he is really good with giving honest/realistic feedback so he should be able to point you in the right direction (what's the best paint, price and how much you need etc) Otherwise I saw this company the other day that produces gorgeous linoleum tiles that you can place on top of your existing tiles - allegedly DIY... (harveymaria dot co dot uk) Please let me know how you go because I want to try the same thing next year!! ;)