Catawba KSE | ExpatWoman.com
 

Catawba KSE

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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 17:29
The school requested it this year ,well they wrote it in parentheses about what to send. If this were my kids' school I'd be having serious words with them about encouraging kids to take juice to school. At the very least, ignore the suggestion! The nursery and primary schools my kids have been to have discouraged juice and asked only water be sent. Nutrition should be part of any school curriculum and schools including unhealthy options on a list of lunchbox suggestions should be ashamed. Pity the teachers at the school!
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Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 23:32
They tried to ban them about a year and a half ago as well. I complained, and must have been one of many as Emaar backed down. Everyday I get carpet salesmen, random gardeners, fake DVD pedlars etc. and they want to ban the ice cream van? As a resident, tell Emaar as much!
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Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 01:11
We have accounts at both banks and unfortunately neither is perfect and we've had ongoing issues at both but......it has been widely announced that Barclays is closing their retail business in the UAE so there shouldn't even be an issue assuming Barclays isn't opening new accounts? If they are I'd be wary! Here is a link to one article. Google and you will find many more. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/09/03/uk-barclays-uae-sale-idUKBRE9820LZ20130903
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Latest post on 21 July 2014 - 10:47
I had my third child with Dr Salihi and have continued to see her in years since. She is wonderful and very caring.
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Latest post on 09 July 2014 - 19:53
I lost my drivers license and went this morning to have it replaced. My old license was in my maiden name but like you, my current passport, visa and Emirates ID are all in my married name. I was really worried they wouldn't issue a new license when the name was different to that on all my other documentation and I'd have to jump through hoops to change it. I didn't even mention it as I didn't want to bring it to their attention if they didn't notice.....the lady helping me didn't bat an eyelash and automatically updated my replacement license to reflect the name on my Emirates ID. Can't promise that if you go in specifically to change your name the process won't be different but it was not an issue today at all for a lost license (hint?). Despite reading on many different sites (including this one) that I would need a myriad of documents (as well as new photos and eye test since my license was over 5 years old) this was not the case. I went to two places to get an eye test only to find out I didn't need one. The only thing they asked for was my Emirates ID. No new eye test and no recent photo (they automatically updated the photo on my license using the photo from my Emirates ID). Having said that, I took copies of my passport, visa, ID, old maiden name passport and husband's passport and visa just in case. Always good to be prepared here! I went to the new Al Manara Municipality Centre on SZR at 11:15 this morning. I was out 20 minutes later. Could not have been simpler. During Ramadan their hours are 9:00-18:00. It is worth calling the RTA just to get the most up to date information. They were very helpful when at the second clueless optician this morning I rang to find out what I needed. They confirmed I needed nothing but my Emirates ID and directed me to the nearest appropriate centre (thankfully because I was headed to Al Barsha which issues new licenses according to RTA website but in reality no longer provides the service). I was prepared for a couple of hours waiting at best and multiple trips at worst and couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. Good luck! <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 09/07/2014</em>
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Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 19:12
I highly recommend - Suzanne Salihi at The White House Clinic - http://www.thewhitehouseclinic.com/#!gynae-scans/c14dv edited by pollydxb1 on 16/06/2014 I cannot recommend Dr. Salihi enough. She cares so much about her patients and has gone above and beyond for me. I have delivered with her as well as dealt with gynae issues unrelated to pregnancy. Would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone.
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 21:36
I have purchased these Pillsbury crescent roll cans at Waitrose at Dubai Mall. Occasionally Spinney's may have them but not always. I haven't seen them in any other supermarkets myself but perhaps others have. Yes,these are the ones. I find them regularly at Spinneys/WAitrose. Also often at Park n Shop.
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 21:36
I have purchased these Pillsbury crescent roll cans at Waitrose at Dubai Mall. Occasionally Spinney's may have them but not always. I haven't seen them in any other supermarkets myself but perhaps others have. Yes,these are the ones. I find them regularly at Spinneys/WAitrose. Also often at Park n Shop.
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 20:09
Net a porter have an outlet store called the outnet lots of good discounts. My wardrobe Matches fashion Shopbop or style bop I order from all these they all deliver globally Thanks for the introduction to Outnet! Great discounts and even better service. I ordered late Wednesday afternoon and my purchase arrived early Saturday morning for only 16 GBP delivery charge. Clothes arrived perfect in garment bags. Would use them anytime.
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Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 19:04
Park n Shop. They always have Mrs Smith's frozen deep dish pie crusts which I use for everything. My mom, aunt and granny made the best pies ever but I have never been good at making pie crusts from scratch like they did. Now that I found Mrs Smith....voila, easy as pie! They also sell another brand which I can't remember but have also used and it was fine.
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 17:07
Can you not get DHL to pick them up? I suspect the hotel would have given that as an option if it was viable but I will explore if can't find easier option. Practically I'd say it would be difficult and very expensive. There is a police checkpoint at the bottom and only 4 wheel drive vehicles are allowed to continue the 45 minute drive up the mountain. So I'd think that DHL trips up are few and far between.
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 17:01
I'm not quite sure what you're asking when you say through Hatta or Muscat. Sorry I meant Al Ain, not Muscat!! We're all UAE residents. It is easier to go via Hatta. Once through the border it is a straight shot to Muscat. As someone said, boring drive but at least two lanes in either direction. It took us 4.5 hours to drive from Muscat to Dubai a few weeks ago but that was during the week so the border was very quiet. I'd expect longer on a weekend. If you go via Al Ain you are on roads with only one lane in either direction for a good part of the drive and the overtaking is absolutely shocking. I was scared for our family the entire time we were driving on them. The only reason to go via Al Ain is if you are detouring to places like Jebel Shams, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar etc on the way to Muscat.
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 19:38
We love it! Dialogue is frustratingly hard to understand sometimes but well worth rewinding over and over. Really addictive and such great acting. I heard each season they are going to pick entirely different (famous) actors to play the part of the detectives. Will be a great concept if they do.
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 19:32
Feel sorry for her....seriously?! She has how many kids by how many husbands? Fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me. Quit running the day you lose one boyfriend to the next boyfriend and concentrate on you and your kids. Oh yeah, and quit courting the press.
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 19:06
We always travel with a Sit n Stroll. Unlike previous poster, we found it very easy to use and no problem with regards to comfort.
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Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 06:09
Funny you should bring this up, I just noticed a new battery and electronic disposal carton/stand at the back entrance/exist of Spinneys at the Meadows.. Yes, Spinneys Motor City now has same right by the checkout counters.
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Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 21:28
Wow this sounds fab Catawba. How scary is the steep drive? It is not really scary.....it is a well maintained road with two lanes at regular intervals to be able to pass slower vehicles or let the crazy fast ones pass you. It is more that it is a steep sustained climb/descent so you have to be alert and you are definitely aware your auto is working hard (hence the need for a 4 wheel drive). It is very worth it...the view at the top looking over the terraced villages is stunning. It is just a really different experience than you get in the UAE.
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Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 21:03
Would you be willing to do something a bit more adventurous? If you have time and don't mind going a bit further afield to do something really different...... We've just come back from a night's stay on the Saiq plateau in Oman in a lovely little hotel and we would have happily stayed for several more nights had we known how relaxing and beautiful the setting was going to be. Something very different than the experience you get at Dubai hotels. Probably about a 5 hour drive and you definitely need a 4 wheel drive (there is a police check as you start up the mountain to ensure this), not because it is off road but because the road to the plateau is such a continuously steep drive.....but it is so worth the effort when you get to the top and you couldn't feel further than Dubai. If this would be of interest, I can provide more details. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend to friends and would be back ourselves in a second.
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 20:01
Dusha, I'm very sorry your friend is feeling unwell. I suspect she didn't expect the overwhelming response to be that her actions are not excusable and her company's actions are justified. Honestly, the thing to do now is own up to her actions and take responsibility rather than try and get rid of threads that condemn those actions. She made a mistake and needs to accept it. Hiding it by deleting the thread and feeling unwell feels like she's still in denial. We have all made mistakes that make our stomachs turn when we think of them. I know I have! It's how we face them, learn something and move forward that defines us. The way you can best help your friend is by talking through the responses to your original query, not by deleting it and hoping it just disappears. You are not doing her any favours by getting rid of dissenting opinions so she can justify her actions. I hope she works through things and finds a sort of 'peace' with it soon. edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2014 I agree with your point but I wonder if she wants it deleted because she is more identifiable now I understand, but in some ways that's even worse. It is what I mean about denial...... She does something unacceptable at work and is censored for it. However, she doesn't think what she did is wrong is so she goes on a public forum hoping that people will support her. They don't so she wants it all erased. No responsibility. Her judgement at work is suspect at best having accessed confidential files and sharing them.....and then she comes onto a public forum with the story hoping for support? She needs some tough love as I suggested to her friend.
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 19:20
Dusha, I'm very sorry your friend is feeling unwell. I suspect she didn't expect the overwhelming response to be that her actions are not excusable and her company's actions are justified. Honestly, the thing to do now is own up to her actions and take responsibility rather than try and get rid of threads that condemn those actions. She made a mistake and needs to accept it. Hiding it by deleting the thread and feeling unwell feels like she's still in denial. We have all made mistakes that make our stomachs turn when we think of them. I know I have! It's how we face them, learn something and move forward that defines us. The way you can best help your friend is by talking through the responses to your original query, not by deleting it and hoping it just disappears. You are not doing her any favours by getting rid of dissenting opinions so she can justify her actions. I hope she works through things and finds a sort of 'peace' with it soon. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 18:37
Yes, definitely a thing here. Rude but fairly common unfortunately. We have a class distribution list so I follow up with parents directly via text or email. You don't have anything similar? What's even worse is when they don't RSVP but show up any way......with multiple siblings in tow (of course expecting party bags). <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 17:43
I have a lovely husband but ..... Counting down the top 3: 3) Turns music on in every room he enters, never shutting it off in the one before. The radio will be on in the bedroom and kitchen, I-tunes on the computer in the study, tv in the living room etc.....I have three kids, I just want peace and quiet! 2) When we go on holiday, uses my toothbrush rather than packing his own (even if I put a spare one in for him). 1) Calls from work to say he'll be home in an hour. I get dinner ready.....he gets caught up in something and comes home 3 hours later without ever bothering to call and let me know. If he ever reads this thread he will know 100% this is me because this is such a bugbear for me! ETA: Oh man, one more. I send him to the supermarket to get something very specific I need for a recipe and if it isn't available, he comes home with something completely different. 'Honey, where's the basil I asked you to get?' 'Sorry, couldn't find it but I got sage instead.' Just because they are both green leaves doesn't mean they taste the same! <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2014</em>
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Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 21:23
Are you looking for authentic Japanese food? Then Tomo at Wafi Raffles. Extensive menu, knowledgable staff, great view if cool enough for a table outside. I went the first time a few weeks ago and thought it was great, as did all the others I was with. If you want 'real' Japanese food, go to Tomo....I lived in Japan and it is full of Japanese patrons so hopefully testament enough.
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Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 17:38
Has anyone seen it? I can't find it anywhere, and have just used my last can. I use it for many recipes. It was always available at Spinneys and Park n Shop and then it disappeared completely 9-10 months ago (as did cream of chicken soup). I search for both at every shop I go to and have not been able to find it since (besides Spinneys and Park n Shop I am regularly at C4, Geant, Lulu and Waitrose). A real pain as I use it for many things as well. I'm not a fan of stock powder so I have resorted to making my own but I use it as fast as I can make it. Let me know if you ever find it! <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 28/04/2014</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 19:03
Galeries Lafayette at Dubai Mall usually has lovely ones. Every time I go I could find a new one I'd love to have. In general, they have a lovely kitchen department.
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Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 08:19
The head teacher at Emirates British Nursery at Motor City is amazing. She was at the branch in Mirdif until the MC branch was opened. She loves her job and is always looking at ways to keep the children interested and learning. My DD loved the branch in Mirdif. I don't know anything about Building Blocks so cannot comment on them. Agree. My son has been at Emirates British Nursery Motor City since it opened over a year ago and he loves it. The head teacher is generally at the reception desk each day at drop off and pick up greeting each child by name. Fantastic facilities. Frequent communication about what children are learning, newsletters, events etc. We've been very happy with the nursery. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 23/04/2014</em>
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 21:01
We are in Saheel 1 and haven't heard anything about it. Who did the letter come from?
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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 19:06
Yes, I've been looking too. We also just got reminder that it is non uniform day so definitely open.
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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 19:00
Yes it is open. A note went out saying pre-school activities such as swim squad are canceled but nothing about the school being shut.
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Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 08:00
We've used Zain Car Care and we were very happy with the service. They picked up the car and delivered it back but I believe they are located in Al Quoz.
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Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 07:54
Dragon Mart
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Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 19:13
Al Fahidy is in AR every day. Their number is 050 467 0043 (they often give you another number to call for a truck in the vicinity). They will come quickly....same or next day. I'm amazed Carla says a cylinder lasts only up to two months....I love coking and make meals every single day for my family and in the five years I've been in my current villa I have only changed my 'big' cylinder connected to my stove/oven about four times so I'm very suspect if a cylinder only lasts two months. My stove is gas and my oven electric but still that shouldn't account for a cylinder lasting 2 months v. a year or more. I think I probably have my stove or oven on way more than average (I'm ashamed to say). New connection charge is about Dhs 500/600 deposit.....however I just did it to connect a new stove we bought for our maid.....they gave her a MUCH lower price when she called than when I called.
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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 07:20
I have never found them here. However, I have not yet looked in the Chinese supermarkets in International City, Cluster A. Try there and let us know! I tried three shops in Cluster A and didn't find them.
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Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 15:23
I have looked everywhere for them at two different times and never found them (checked C4, Lulu, Park n Shop, and several Spinneys including Motor City which is my local). I even drove to International City and checked out some of the Chinese stores there and didn't find them. Ended up making my own which is fairly simple.
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Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 11:02
I have unfortunately had the need to go to the emergency room with my kids 7 times since we've been in Dubai; 6 out of the 7 we have been at Latifa. The first time we had only just moved to Dubai so had no clue where to go. Our friends all had differing opinions. We ended up at Latifa when we couldn't find the American Hospital. The next day I spoke to our paediatrician (one of the most recommended on this site) and he said always take kids to Latifa in emergencies as they are the only hospital with paediatric specialists on-site 24/7 (the other hospitals often only have them on call). I was in an ambulance once with a 1year old that was having severe breathing difficulties and the American Hospital turned us away. We ended up at Latifa for 6 days (which cost less than 1000 AED!). It is a no frills ward environment unlike the private hospitals but they have always been prompt and attentive. Only once have I been unhappy with the care we received. The doctor recommended a procedure I was not sure was necessary for my son. I had second thoughts (and took opinions from two other doctors) and cancelled the procedure. They were very aggressive, rescheduling it without my consent and calling several times when I said we were not going to do it. I believe the doctor we had seen wanted to observe what was a rare procedure to be undertaken by a specialist. So if in doubt, get a second opinion (which of course goes for any hospital).
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Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 18:21
Portobello mushrooms. Brush with olive oil, season and grill or pop in oven. Easy as that. Serve them just like a burger with bun and all the garnishes or they are great with aioli sauce. We aren't vegetarian but love portobello burgers.
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 19:46
It's just about making an extra effort for schools tomorrow. Those who act in the interests of their kids and parents look for solutions, those who just ripp us off our money look for excuses... Couldn't agree more
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 19:46
It's just about making an extra effort for schools tomorrow. Those who act in the interests of their kids and parents look for solutions, those who just ripp us off our money look for excuses... Couldn't agree more
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 19:00
I would have been really upset if our school closed tomorrow when it is not mandatory to do so. As it now stands, I actually have reason to be really proud of them. Not only did they not close, but they will have staff on hand to mind children for almost 3 hours after pick-up time for parents that get caught up in the traffic....on a Thursday afternoon when all anyone working at school wants to do is get home for the weekend. That's putting the kids and education first and I'm really impressed they kept their wits about them and responded sensibly when others closed at the drop of a hat.
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Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 18:44
I'm all for such an event, just annoyed they should have informed us sooner so we could plan! DD's nursery just e-mailed now that they are closed tomorrow and now I have to scramble and figure out what to do, since DH and I both have work. If they had told us a week ago, could have planned better, thats all :\ People who don't have children in schools/nurseries don't quite understand such things. You can't rest Lolacat, can you. I do understand and have said so before, read my posts. But these things happen in Dubai all the time. Get used to it. While you might be used to it and accept it as the norm, many of us hope and aspire to something more than total chaos anytime a major event is staged. No matter how many times it happens I will never get used to it -- I will always hope that somebody somewhere learns from experience and improves things.....and that goes for here or anywhere else I live. Mediocrity is not ok if you want to stage world class events.
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Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 17:45
Hilton Al Ain has a one bedroom villa with king bedroom and then living room with pull out bed, kitchenette and some have 2 bathrooms. Easily fits a family with three kids. Best of all they have little patios where you can sit and have a sundowner while the kids run around on the lawn. Miramar Al Aqah/Fujairah also has good family rooms. One room but it has a king bed and two day beds which are separated by sliding doors so you can close doors when kids go to bed and still have lights/tv on in main bedroom area. We've fit a third child in using travel cot or sleeping bag. Rotana Fujairah also has Family 'suites' which are very big rooms that fit 2 rollaway beds plus sofa for third child. Don't be confused by the term suite though.....it is just one big room. RAK Cove Rotana has villas that allow two or three bedrooms along with living room, kitchen and plunge pool which have loads of space for more than two kids. Pricey though.
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Latest post on 15 January 2014 - 19:20
I was not ready for my 2 year old to go into a 'big' bed but he is big for his age and twice fell out of his cotbed so I had no choice. I knew he'd be out of the new bed at every chance! We baby proofed his room so there is no danger and put a stairgate on his door so that he can't get out so he's safe and contained. Then just ignore. At the beginning he was getting up every night after I tucked him in and yelling for me for ages. I just kept telling him, 'No, it is bedtime, Mommy tucked you in and is not coming again.' Same thing when he gets up in the middle of the night and yells. I want him to know I'm there and he is safe but I won't go into his room and give him attention. At first, sometimes he got straight back to bed and sometimes he played for awhile and then got back into bed when he was exhausted....I just let him play until he did and sometimes he even fell asleep on the floor playing and I just put him back in bed. After about two weeks, he accepted it and pretty much goes to bed and sleeps through the night. He has two older siblings who thankfully are heavy sleepers so it takes alot to wake them up but I close their doors and turn on a/c or fan so they don't hear him and have not had a problem. With three kids I've found the trick is letting them know you are around and they are safe eg standing outside the door and saying 'Sorry, but it is bedtime please go to sleep' but not going in and giving them attention...attention just reinforces that their behaviour gets what they want and they will do it time and time again. ETA: Want to add I completely know the feeling of taking them into your bed so you don't wake family/visitors (not to mention it is lovely to have them curled up next to you even when you know it is creating a habit). I've definitely done that! Luckily at age two it doesn't take much to change the habit so everyone gets a good rest! <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 15/01/2014</em>
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Latest post on 15 January 2014 - 19:06
Few here even stop at cross-walks anyway; I do and people behind me lay on their horn as they don't want to wait. So many [b'>major[/b'>[u'>[/u'> traffic offenses the police turn a blind eye to which would be so much better time spent.....
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Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 19:08
Jim Will Fix It mounted ours
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Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 16:00
I got fresh turkey for Thanksgiving from Park n Shop Green Community. They have an extensive Christmas order form with just about any fowl (including capon and goose asked about below), rabbit, venison, salmon, many p*g cuts, etc. Last orders are taken 15 December. They had a very helpful American meat and deli manager - ask for Charles. Don't rely on the guys on the counter. I asked for fresh turkey and they told me they didn't have any. Shortly after I walked away with two!
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 17:32
It may not be customary to give a gift upon first meeting in-laws but if I were travelling to a different country to do so I would definitely take a small token from my home country. Like others have said it could be as simple as camel milk chocolates or dates. You mention you are going next month....if they celebrate Christmas there have been some lovely Christmas tree ornaments with camels on them in Spinneys, Park n Shop etc. My mother-in-law is here now and has bought some to take back. We've often taken little lanterns that sit on a table and hold a tea light candle from the Antiques Museum. If they are foodies.....my sisters-in-law loved little bags of dukkah from Lime Tree Cafe, which also does nice chutneys with a more ME flavour profile not so easily available in Austria I'd venture to guess!
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 17:39
Bought them recently at Candylicious at Dubai Mall (store is directly across from the aquarium). They had lots of colours and I'm almost positive orange was one.
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Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 18:59
If you leave your email address I'll send photos and if you like them they are yours. I also have some separates you might be able to use and can take what you want. I'd love someone to be able to use them! I live in Arabian Ranches so easy from Abu Dhabi.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 21:05
Have I been living under a rock for 6 months ? where is there a new eating experience in the Ranches please ? Yes, you have! We've been eagerly awaiting it for months. Sadly, it is not the 'real' Belgian Beer Cafe we had heard but a knock-off. When you enter the golf club via the main entrance, the entrance is a ways down on the left. At one end it has a bakery and at the other is the bar. Probably about the same size as the AR Golf Club dining room. Plus outdoor space with a small playground. Was supposed to open this past weekend....
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Latest post on 07 October 2013 - 03:14
Still in need if anyone can help. Thanks.