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blimey

blimey
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Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 12:27
I stayed at K+K Hotel Maria Theresia for a couple of days when I visited Austria a few years back. Really good rate for the size of the room and I think their breakfast were pretty good as well. Easy access to public transportation but I walked to most places. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g190454-d231985-Reviews-K_K_Hotel_Maria_Theresia-Vienna.html Have not been to Budapest though. But DH stayed at the same hotel in Prague and had good experience as well.
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Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 12:40
http://www.babycenter.com/400_it-is-safe-to-get-a-massage-during-your-first-trimester_825228_650.bc Balance 360 at Oasis Centre does provide pre and post natal massage.
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Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 14:00
My family go to Aster Medical Centre in Karama (04-3374767) near Lulu supermarket. If I am not mistaken, tooth extraction is AED150.
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Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 17:54
Based on my experience, travel expenses are based on a company's policy and procedure and your grade (flight - economy or business, daily allowance, hotel rate, laundry, etc). Great - Do you think I should ask for a copy of the policy before I have the contract signed? I am interested in finding information (like what is the daily allowance, food allowance, hotel rate, entertainment etc) edited by Ebright80 on 17/03/2012 All my previous employers provide Employee Handbook once I signed the contract......never before as they are considered confidential document ;-) Can't you ask the person who you would be reporting to for such information?
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Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 17:25
Based on my experience, travel expenses are based on a company's policy and procedure and your grade (flight - economy or business, daily allowance, hotel rate, laundry, etc).
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Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 15:55
Sugarbeach, aren't you living in KL now? I do wonder why it is so easy to get lice these days. The last time I had lice was when I was 13... living in boarding school. My gyno in KL recommends this product on his website if you would like to try. I thought about buying it the last time I was there but just didn't have time to do so in the end. http://www.liceninja.com/ <em>edited by blimey on 15/03/2012</em>
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Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 13:50
Going to France this summer too. Renting a cottage in a small village with park, market, shop, cafe, etc. It's not south of France but about an hour from Paris, Versailles, Giverny, Disneyland, Asterix Park and 2 hours from the beach. Had awesome time staying at a cottage in Ireland last year, hoping this year would be even better as a lot of amenities are within walking distance. Hope OP will find a good area to go to as well :)
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Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 09:43
Thank you both, just needed other opinions. Yes, salary is paid at the end of the month for the month just worked. If we pay her now for March, she wont get paid again until end of April. We are thinking of giving her half now and half when she gets back. If she absconds we are out of pocket. She may well be right and it is the law, but I really dont feel happy about it. Thanks again for opinions. Maybe she doesn't understand what "Paid Leaves" actually meant. The first time my maid went for her holiday, she asked me about the money for her holiday. She genuinely thought that we will give her money for her holiday. I explained to her that paid holiday meant that even when she is on holiday, she will still get the salary for that month. Then she asked me whether she could get the salary in advance so that she would have spending money during her holiday. I did give it to her and then deducted the amount advanced from her salary for the next 3 months. <em>edited by blimey on 26/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 18:24
Oh, thanks for the note on the airport blimey, I did not reallise it was a different airport/terminal. I am guessing 4 hours is enough time for transfers? Both airports are probably about 20 minutes drive from each other. If she is aware of it, at least she knows that she shouldn't be tardy at LCCT. The moment she collect her bags, she has to get transportation to KLIA. 4 hours is not that long in my opinion. Hence, I would suggest she use taxi to be safe. Budget taxi to KLIA will cost her MYR43.....maybe about AED50. They will take her directly to the main terminal. She can also use airport liner (http://airportcoach.com.my/v1/bus-schedule/airport-liner/) but as I have never used it myself, I can't confirm how quick the service will be ;-) HTH. <em>edited by blimey on 23/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 15:25
It was the Sunday i was trying to book her on and the emirates flights (cheaper for us) where all heavily overbooked so could not by a ticket. Thanks a lot for the tip of air Asia, did not know about them, the flights are much cheaper than the ones I was finding and the times much better. You are a superstar!! Decided to fly her here mid March as my in laws are coming in a week so will be easier to train her once they are gone. She is on an employment visa, since I will just have enough time now to DHL the documents, would it be better to send her the original or would it be better to email a copy. Is it ok to board at kuala lumpur without the original? And if she decides to go home on holiday, since she did nt exit properly, do you know if she would need to do some equivalent course in Dubai so she can then exit Manila direct to Dubai? Or can I just get from the consulate the OEC. Thanks so much for your help I have not used Air Asia to travel outside Malaysia for years but I am pretty sure all their flights use LCCT airport now for departure and arrival. Just make sure you remind your maid that she will land at LCCT airport and then will have to go to KLIA for her flight to Dubai. My maid didn't go through such training either. My maid registered with the POEA while she was on holiday as it's cheaper. Her contract has to be stamped by their embassy / POEA here if I am not mistaken. I remember she brought all documents back with her but forgot to do that. Luckily she has sisters here who helped her getting the contract stamped. Sorry, I can't help with the visa. I used agency to bring her here under visit visa.
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Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 14:15
Safa School is relocating to Al Quoz (near Dubai Bowling Centre) next September. With larger premise and better facilities, I heard they are increasing places for FS classes. HTH. <em>edited by blimey on 22/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 21:19
Banks are regulated by UAE Central Bank. You can lodge your complaint to them.
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 11:44
No worries, I found this in the meantime http://www.outwardbound.my/ Looks like just what the boys want to do.... That's awesome but can your 7 y,o join the fun though? His size probably equal to a 10 y.o Malaysian boy ;)
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 11:20
A friend of mine used to work for company who organize building character/motivation type of camps. She is Iban, so very much in her blood ;) Let me asked her if her former employer does any camp for children or youngster or perhaps have any contact. How old are your boys? 7 and 10 :) GM, still waiting for my friend to respond. Most camping in Malaysia are organised by the scouts and girl guide. Whenever I see camps advertisement during school holidays, there are always.....study or religious related :( Anyway, I found a few websites but some of them, I am not sure whether they are still in business or not. I just give you the links, just in case you wish to contact and make an inquiry ;) Will let you know if my friend come back with any recommendation. http://tropicalmountainholidaysmalaysia.com/services http://www.mvfra.org/NATURERRANGERCAMP-new.html (the last photos was in 2006. Not sure whether they still doing it) http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/borneo
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Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 18:57
blimey, if you're reading - do you know anyone who does "survival camp" for boys in Malaysia could you let me know? Many thanks! A friend of mine used to work for company who organize building character/motivation type of camps. She is Iban, so very much in her blood ;) Let me asked her if her former employer does any camp for children or youngster or perhaps have any contact. How old are your boys?
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Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 11:42
Well, Marjorie works and is paid for her job as a "reporter". Majority of her works that the newspapers published definitely does not reflect the definition of reporter ;) You've read last night's thread on Marjorie, eh... ;) But still, [i'>same-same[/i'> for Shuchita Kapur. Perhaps all their reporters are [i'>same-same[/i'>! You caught me there :) I actually left a comment last night but when I checked this morning, it seems the moderator don't think it's appropriate to publish it ;)
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Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 11:13
So what's the difference between these reporters who get their stories from Expatwoman for the newspaper compared against that lady Naveen (remember her?) who also got stories off Expatwoman for her blog? Well, Marjorie works and is paid for her job as a "reporter". Majority of her works that the newspapers published definitely does not reflect the definition of reporter ;) "[i'>A reporter is a type of journalist who researches, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media (newspapers and magazines), electronic media (television, radio, documentary film), and digital media (such as online journalism). Reporters cultivate sources, conduct interviews, engage in research, and make reports. The information-gathering part of a journalist's job is sometimes called "reporting," in contrast to the production part of the job such as writing articles. Reporters may split their time between working in a newsroom and going out to witness events or interview people. Reporters may be assigned a specific beat or area of coverage[/i'>." No comment of blogger though :) <em>edited by blimey on 20/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 11:43
I have not done this but my family have used homestay a couple of times in other part of Malaysia should you wish another option to hotels. The home owners are registered under homestay association, so they must follow the association guidelines. I give you the link for Sabah. This is definitely a cheaper option. http://www.sabahtourism.com/en/homestay/ Reasonable as well: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/kota-kinabalu/22478 But if you wish to spend ;) a much splendour option would be: Kota Kinabalu http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p382508 http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p457139 http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p95546 Kudat http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p89429
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 10:20
How many celebs can we name that have died (most likely) from a drug overdose? An absolute shame. :( 1) Elvis 2) Whitney (we will see) 3) Anna Nicole 4) Heath Ledger ...........? edited by americanfamily3 on 19/02/2012 Way too many :( Talent, fame and money don't buy happiness obviously. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_drug-related_deaths http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deaths_through_alcohol
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Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 22:27
I agree with TheMrs, the website doesn't look right at all. There is no physical address or contact number. Did your husband get any confirmation email from them when he made the order? I use my paypal account all the times for my online purchase and never have any problem. Please lodge a complaint with paypal as I am sure they could help you track the member and if anything, they would take action to prevent other people from being duped in the future.
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 13:09
Hansten, you're 37, you're not on your deathbed. Agree with this. Being 37 is not an indication to settle with any man who just happen to show an interest just because you or some people think your clock is ticking. Better be single than be with the wrong man. Nevertheless, there is no harm in trying. Try going out on a date, a completely different setting than your current outing with him. Maybe you will see him in a different light ;) Maybe there is a spark after all. Sometimes, you can't see what is right in front of you. And if you still not into him after that, well, at least you know you have tried.
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Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 13:16
Thanks mushypeas. I called the agencies who told me that the going rate is 750 for an experienced maid (shockingly low!) , this lady is saying she was paid 2000 which is a massive difference. What do you think, is this what she should expect? This is more than we pay our current lovely lady from the philippines (not by much admitedly) Do you doubt the Ethiopian maid's word about her previous salary or do you feel that you are not willing to pay her as much? My maid signs payment vouchers to confirm receipt of her salary. Does the Ethiopian maid sign anything with her previous employer? How long has she been working in UAE? A friend of mine paid her maid 3000 but she has been working in this country for almost 10 years, I think. When we hired our previous Indonesian maid a few years ago, the agency told us to pay her 700 as she had worked in Saudi previously for 5 years. However, considering we would have paid USD400 to a Filipina maid, we paid her 1200 instead. We then increased her salary after she completed the 1st year.
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 21:06
I once strained my neck due to incorrect way of doing core exercise. My neck was in pain for many days even after rubbing with deep heat and put salon pas on the neck. In the end, I went for a therapeutic massage with Anna at Inshape gym (http://www.inshapeme.com/index.php/en/contact-in-shape.html). Whenever my body feel overly tired due to stress at work, I always go to Anna for a nice massage. Maybe you could give it a try ;) <em>edited by blimey on 06/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 15:36
That was hilarious! So much for desiring a perfect first date.....the one where you revealed yourself usually have a happier ending ;)
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Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 11:27
Q home decor at Oasis Centre or Dubai Mall or The Ones at Jumeirah Mosque or MOE. HTH.
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Latest post on 28 January 2012 - 19:05
During our last visit, we stayed at Garden Residence. It's next to Garden Mall and Mid Valley Mall. There is access to train but we used taxis to go everywhere. http://www.booking.com/hotel/my/gardens-residences.en-us.html?sid=2af43aaaa67f7be36235ca904b7a74cc;dcid=1;srfid=2c90cfe0dcfa6d2e38c06989ba462e11X1 We used to stay at PNB Darby Park previously. It's near to Ampang Park LRT station. The executive floor provides better breakfast ;-) Don't book directly as it's always more expensive. http://www.kl-hotels.com/pnbdarbypark/
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 10:44
I believe the closest landmark to Shangri La Hotel is Financial Centre Metro Station (Tower Rotana/Crown Plaza side). If you come from Trade Centre roundabout, you will exit after Crown Plaza and go straight until you pass Tower Rotana and FC metro station. If you come from MOE side, I think you can take the Defence roundabout (do they have new name? not sure) and take Jumeira exit. I can't remember the exit or street name but there is a turning that will take you behind the hotel. HTH....I am not very good at giving direction.
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 16:51
If they sell laksa here, GM and I would form "I love laksa" group and meet every so often to have laksa ;) ROTFL. Thanks a lot. My cravings were diminishing, then you had to-[i'>lah[/i'>... Sorry-lah...can't resist ;) @Carol2012 - No, it's not a soup. It a Malaysian noodle dish that whenever a western expat say they love it, I can't help but feel surprise. The noodle's gravy used fish, so the smell is strong. My DH not loving it at all :( <em>edited by blimey on 18/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 16:41
I'm here since 2 years and i found it very hard to make new friends or to socialize as I'm married, no kids and don't like to go to night clubs etc. exactly! What do you like to do - have you tried looking for groups of similar interest? If they sell laksa here, GM and I would form "I love laksa" group and meet every so often to have laksa ;)
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 16:29
In all cases I do think children do end up picking up there parents accents anyways :-) A former colleague of mine has a German father and a Filipina mother. She definitely speak English with a strong accent but I honestly couldn't tell whether it's a German or Philippines accent. She recently asked me about the nationality of most nursery teachers here. Apparently, she is worried that her kid would speak English with Indian accent. Hello....you have accent too!! :\:
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 15:54
I would caution anyone to jump in with both feet. I have been badly burnt 3 times doing this. Fair weather friends are seeminglhy more prevelant in Dubai. I honestly believe that when you meet a person for the first time, your instinct would tell you whether or not you should see this person again. Even here....based on what people write or comment, you sort of know those who you wish you could meet in real life and those who you wish your path would never cross. Maybe it is just me :)
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 19:59
Lots of Chinese restaurants though...hope to see Chinatown to catch a lion dance for the Chinese New Year. KL would be very quiet during CNY weekend as most people would "balik kampung" (go back to hometown) or travel outside KL. You will notice a lot of foreigners near KLCC but if you can't tell the difference yet, you might think they are Malaysian ;) Most shops are open anyway. Have you been to Kopitiam yet? That's my favourite cafe....really miss it. As for mossies.....well, hard to say. DD is their favourite meal every time we visit my parents' house and she really dread the visit. But when we are in KL and staying in hotels, there are no mossies. I used electric mosquito repellent. It does help but AC would be better. I wonder when you go to chinese restaurants or cafe in Malaysia, would you think.....hmmmm, these food doesn't taste like chinese food in UK ;) Anyway, enjoy the lion dance....you will see them a lot, I am sure. And the mandarin oranges too. Gong Xi Fa Cai/Kong Hee Fat Choy :) I hope you and your family will enjoy your stay in KL. I hope you will not start using LAH in a few months time :) <em>edited by blimey on 17/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 12:11
Wow, blimey - I often had meetings in KL. Could never imagine living right smack in the middle of the city. OneUtama, Bangsar and Mont Kiara I can handle. But KL.. pheww... Just wanted to add to blimey's list: there are Jusco outlets too (like Giant, Carrefour) which I preferred for overall weekly shopping (clothes, homeware, food) - liked their selection much better. I only know there's one in KLCC. KLCC used to be a monthly "treat" trip for me! What can I say GM...most financial sectors are located around Golden Triangle area and DH's office was at Desa Pandan too ;) Sugarbeach, the closest Jusco to Ampang probably in Setiawangsa and Wangsa Maju. Not sure about Suria KLCC as I believe it is something else now....Cold Storage? (http://www.jusco.com.my/jusco/store_location.html)
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 11:44
The people who are shocked about how little maids earn here have no idea about economics. Huge salaries ruin the economies of places like the philippines, cause brain drain and aren't as helpful as people think. Some people in Dubai are paying their househelp the equivalent of CEO or Doctor's salaries in the Philippines. Why would someone stay in Manila and be a teacher or a nurse when they can come to Dubai, look after someone's kids and earn more? I remember reading a thread not long ago about a TA looking for a nanny/maid position with western expats. Can we blame her? The thing that annoy me the most about the Philippines government is that they seems to care only about the welfare of their citizens who work as maids all over the world.....hence, the constant change in rules and regulations...the minimum salary, the annual ticket, etc. How about the welfare of their other citizens? Sure, they ban their citizens from working in certain countries but that's about it. Even the insurance coverage under their Overseas Workers program doesn't really cover them when they are abroad. My maid's brother who went to Kish Island prior to receiving his employment visa relayed to his family the sad and anguish feeling that he felt upon meeting their compatriots who are stranded there. Their government should help all those stranded citizens but it's like a none story to their government.
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 11:01
I wasnt trying to justify anything, I can see why people might pay 700 a month- to the person who pays 2500 a month.... I am just putting out some interesting information. The TAs at the nursery are picked up by bus a little after 5 am....and return about 5 pm.....they are paid 1100 a month... How did I get this information? a friend of mine works as a teacher. I just thought it was worth knowing. Mainly because in my mind a professional , even a lower level one, should be making more than a maid does. Not applying western wages here, or labor laws, or phillipino/ sri lankan ones....just my own assumptions. Just surprised about the monthly incomes. If you chosse to do this or that fine, I just thought it was worth knowing what the salary scale is here. Look, we all aware about this. I used to question this a lot when I first arrived here but these days, I think it's pointless to drive myself crazy about it. When I worked in USA and UK, I got the same salary as my British and American colleagues. But here, well.....I have to comfort myself that it's still a good salary for the same position if I still live in UK. It's just that here, mine is still lower than the western expats doing the same job ;) The salary that the maids got here is the salary that fresh grads in my country will get. The salary that I get here however is the salary of people with very senior positions in my country. Hence, I obviously shouldn't pay my maid based on what I think my maid should get if we are living in my country or her country. At the same time, there are also people here with lower salary bracket and couldn't afford to pay the minimum amount set by certain governments. I won't judge them either if they don't pay the maid the minimum salary. Maids who have experience working with locals and expats who pay the required salary obviously would not work for their compatriots as they know that they would not be paid the same. Nevertheless, they are those who would and happy to do so as they feel more at home and apart of the family. Based on what I know of and read about other people's experience with their maids, it's not always about the salary that you pay, how many off days or rest time a day or what additional benefit you give. It's so subjective that I personally couldn't really pinpoint the "best practice criteria" that would result in us getting a good reliable maid. I have been so lucky with mine and my friend who gave so much was unlucky with hers 3 times. With the current one (No. 4), she didn't give anything additional other than a promise that if the maid do a good job till the end on her contract, she would be awarded accordingly. Surprise..surprise.....she started to feel lucky this time around....touch wood ;) <em>edited by blimey on 17/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 08:45
- Where best for weekly shop? There's got to be better places to shop than Cold Storage and Tesco's!? TIA EW's....someone on here is bound to know....I hope... When we lived at Setiawangsa and Jalan Ampang area, we did our grocery shopping mainly at Giant (Ampang Point) or Carrefour (Wangsa Maju). Have you been to wet market or night market? Most Malaysian buy their fresh products from there. The closest night market (pasar malam) to your area would probably be Desa Pandan (Monday), Seksyen 10 Wangsa Maju (Wednesday) and do go to Jalan Telawi Bangsar (Sunday). For cheap stuff, you can always try Mydin (http://www.mydin.com.my/). I have only been to the one near Jalan Masjid India. I think they have more outlets these days. I had my c-section at Gleneagle but in Penang. Have the most wonderful experience with the gyno, nurses and paediatric at the hospital. My sister also use Gleneagle Penang following my experience. I am sure the KL one has the same level of standard as well. Can't really recommend on dentist as for a normal check up, scaling, extraction and filing, I just use government dentist at Cahaya Suria (opposite Menara Maybank). Been going there since I was 13 and only cost me MYR2 ;) Btw, if you ever go to Ampang Point, do try to eat at the Taiwanese House (can't remember the exact name). It's on the first floor next to Korean cafe. You should try their beef rice and beef noodles.......really good!
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Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 11:39
I used to go to InShape gym until I changed to the gym closer to my office. I only went to their exercise classes though. However, I really like the owner, Layla, and the other instructor, Farah. I think they are good but it's really down to you as well. You have to put 110% effort into the routines that they would program for you. Personally, I believe that whether or not you will put on the weight again once you continue on your own depend on how discipline you are on your own. Some people are really good at designing their own workout routines and follow them through and some people are just really **** at that. I have seen people at the gyms on the machines who seem to work out half heartedly. I am not good at motivating myself, so I participate in exercise classes 3 to 4 times a week for the instructor to tell me what to do. I never go for easy options and burn between 650 to 1200 calories each time I go to the gym. A lot of commitment and hardwork required to be healthy and look good ;) You will notice the difference but again, depend on how much work you put in it. So, good luck.
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Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 10:48
Hi ladies I know there are some beach apartments near to The One/Jumeirah Mosque but can't find them on the internet.... Any ideas really appreciated. Thanks http://www.booking.com/hotel/ae/beach-apartment.en-us.html?sid=eb2b5659a9e26c0b54fc944e6d04d91a;dcid=1;srfid=ae5269efc2ab9acd3c7ed244f37e3d12X2
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Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 08:35
We used to live in the Springs, 2 bedrooms. Our previous maid stayed in the study downstairs and used DD's bathroom to shower......no condition about using hot water though ;) Our maid however did not have any UAE experience. If the maids already used to living in big villas with spacious living area for them, this living arrangement would not be something they would choose.....at least based on my experience in interviewing some of the them.
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 13:57
(illegal, incidentally - there is a specified minimum for maids from the Philippines; or don't you think that applies to you??) Sorry, you are mistaken. This is from the Philippines Authorities, not UAE. It is nevertheless the law; and has been agreed by the UAE authorities, who have to approve your official contract. If you obtain your maid's visa by fraud (saying you are paying a salary you are not) you are in breach of UAE law. If your maid gets her papers from the Philippines by saying she is accepting a salary higher than the real one, she is in breach of Philippines law. No it is not the law. I can guarantee you that they accept lower than what they say. Call Al Ahliya now and ask them. That's what I thought as well. Otherwise, people at the Immigration would not be making "that's too much" comment while processing the maids' visa. I also know that my Filipina friends do not pay their compatriot the salary stipulated by their own government or provide them with a room as most of them stay in a studio or 1 bedroom apt. And surprisingly, they don't seem to face the same issues that other employers who follow the rules keep on facing.
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Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 15:01
When I went home last November, my family stayed at the Gardens Hotel and Residences. We stayed at 2 bedrooms apartment. There are a lot of restaurants in the Mid Valley and Gardens Malls and for cheaper option, food courts ;) There is a play area next to food court that cost MYR22 per entry and your children can stay there until they are tired. My DD stayed there for hours with my sister while I did my shopping :) http://www.booking.com/hotel/my/gardens-residences.html?tab=1&origin=hp&error_url=%2Fhotel%2Fmy%2Fgardens-residences.en-us.html%3Fsid%3D6d9bf47ce01f3b86a67356fdbb69102a%3Bdcid%3D1%3B&do_availability_check=on&dcid=1&sid=6d9bf47ce01f3b86a67356fdbb69102a&checkin_monthday=30&checkin_year_month=2012-3&checkout_monthday=2&checkout_year_month=2012-4
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Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 13:51
Tell me about it! Just reading that SS have it the other day make me hallucinating that I can smell laksa here :) Btw, the one that you saw, was it Singapore Laksa? I have eaten the instant noodles several times......not bad, actually.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 13:16
Sorry to hijack. GM, I found a better noodle than the japanese udon that my friend suggested. I bought rice noodles from Carrefour the other day.....can't remember the full name...Pancit something. It's thinner than laksa but with very similar texture. I haven't made the laksa (promised DD) but my maid used the noodle the other day to make prawn noodles.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 12:07
and will I lose weight by running every day, I mean serious tummy fat? Running will help you lose weight but you might want to try other exercise that would change fat to muscles such as body pumps.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 12:04
Hi amazingdxb..yes my bestfriend is a woman :)..she is meeting this guy for the first time after being introduced by friends - as she doesnt know him, she felt she would be more comfy suggesting the place for the 1st date. Won't your friend be more comfortable on her first date if she suggests a place that she is already familiar with? First impression is a big deal and she doesn't know this guy. The place one suggested can also reveal things about oneself. Anyway, good luck to her.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 11:53
Yes - be very proud of yourself. Everyone starts somewhere and soon you will be able to do more My heart rate was 170....is this normal? When I first started running after no exercise whatsoever, my heart monitor kept on beeping as my heart rate got really high. I stopped and walked and when my heart rate is a bit lower, I ran again. Once you body get used to exercise, your heart rate would get better. Btw, 30 minutes run is not an impossible dream. Start easy and you will get better ;) I love running around Safa Park but still could only do 2 rounds at 53 minutes. On the machine, I was just awful as I can't push myself beyond 15 minutes as I get bored with the surrounding. So these days, I opt for cardio exercise classes instead.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 11:36
I found this article. Maybe you can lodge your complaint to Central Bank as advised and copy your complaint to the bank. Maybe that would speed up the process. http://www.emirates247.com/eb247/banking-finance/banking/banks-must-return-security-cheques-after-loan-repayment-2011-12-24-1.434234
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2012 - 13:00
I think it all depends on what you are comfortable with, how much you can afford and what you think she should get in terms of working hours and days off. I dont listen to other people when it comes to my Housemaid as I know what works best with her. I agree with mushypeas. My maid is in her 4th year with us now. Every time we are about to renew her contract, we always give her option to continue or find a new employer who could give her better package than what we could afford to give her. She never tell us but based on what we know about her two best friends' employers, we are aware that her friends get a much better pay with added luxury here and there. We can't compete with them and would not try to do so. And touch wood, so far she has never once come to me to ask for increment (which we do give every year) or benefits (phone card, flat screen, pinoy channel, etc). We know we are very lucky with her as we know people who give so much to their maids and yet being taken advantage of. A friend of mine is about to hire her compatriot who has 4 years GCC experience. The maid's personal request? She want AED900 and 1 day off per month as none of her previous employers give her any.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 07:50
I do not shop at Hyperpanda or Lulu, so I honestly don't know whether they have kuih lapis there. Once in a while, Singapore Deli in Karama sell them in packs but I didn't see them the last time I went to SD. Anyway, lapis meant layers. If you would like to try it yourself, here is the recipe that I found in english :) There is another one called Kek Lapis.....completely different than Kuih Lapis. Kek Lapis is very famous in Sarawak. Different texture and took hours to make them. http://www.desserts-recipes.com/asian-desserts-recipes/kuih-lapis.php
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 16:28
Eating penang laksa as we speak :D Dang SS...I am salivating just thinking about you eating it :) Definitely have to make it ....soon!
 
 
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