Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 18:21
The Farm at Al Barari do lovely breakfasts. I also love breakfast at the Al Badia golf club, Best brunch surely has to be Bubbalicious.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 13:36
We left our home empty when we were in Dubai. for the first couple of years we had a house sitter who stayed and looked after the house and the cats. Then when she needed to move on we informed the insurance, flew the cat out and just used the house when we needed it. Our neighbours checked on it for us and would put the heating on and full the fridge with essentials when we were coming back. It was lovely to walk in and know that as soon as our cases were empty it was like we had never been away. Made summer breaks so much easier and we used to do the odd last minute trip back which was lovely. We are now back in the UK but we now have a place in Spain which we shut up and open when we need it. We have a key holder and she checks it every week for us just to make sure all is fine. So far, in both properties we had no issues at all. We have never been asked by people to use our properties. I have offered them to friends before but have never been asked.
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 15:16
I watched a report on this the other day on the news - very shocking. People do desperate things in desperate times.
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 12:31
We used DASA and they were superb nothing damaged great packing team easy to deal with and did what they said they would do. My friend used allied pick fords and had no end of trouble and a lot of damage. We went with DASA because they were the company at Dubai end who unpacked our container and they were so good we chose to stick to what we knew. Where are you coming back to in the uk?
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 15:35
the Arabian Knights rugby is close to AR. they used to train at Jess but I think they now are in Sports City - lovely group of people many living on AR - that would be a great thing for him to sign up to.
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 15:33
The Ritz Carlton at DIFC are supposed to do a superb friday brunch - a friend of mine went and raved about it. The Address always do great brunches. If you go onto the entertainer website you can search and see all the vouchers that are in the books which will make your organising of your trip so much easier. Be careful though as some of the vouchers are not valid for friday brunches - check the small print.
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 13:08
If you use the search facility there are loads of recommendations - here's one I responded to last week which has some great recommendations. Happy pirate cake hunting! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=197090
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 17:26
I got some like that ges ago from the antiques museum they ave loads dotted around would be worth dropping by and taking a look. Lots of different ones at the dragonmart too
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Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 18:54
Jenn from Frosted is superb! She's made some fabulous cakes for me. She can be contacted on 0562743944 I've also had some wonderful birthday cakes from Manuri http://decorativecakes.piczo.com/ Chocoa also do wonderful cakes have had a few at different parties and they were delicious too.
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 16:59
have you tried hypnosis?
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 16:50
Both - fantastic ! Would be happy to meet up with both of you sometime, we'll be back by June latest. My 2 boys are nearly 7 and 9 and my little one especially hates the heat and sweats like mad, they love the rainy UK ! Even my eldest was on the sofa the other day sleepy and said "I wish I was back in England" I said why and he said 'because it's cold, it's too hot here" !!! lol. And that's in January We are all quite excited except for DH who is a little worried about coping with the endless grey days ! To be perfectly honest with you - I was really worried about the endless grey days that everyone talks about - my experience is very different - we have far more blue skies and sunshine than I ever thought we would have. We even had a gorgeous blue sky and sunshine but chilly day on new years day. We have recently got 2 dogs and I am out with them most days - we got them in the summer and I've only had a handful of days where I've not been able to take them out - I'm getting far more fresh air than ever now! Your boys will absolutely love it I'm sure! Look forward to hooking up in June then!
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 14:10
Wow isn't it funny how we all view things differently - I think that's very enterprising - they will go far in life! I'd be very happy for my kids to work hard and earn some extra pocket money - as long as they do a good job! It's better than spending all day in front of the telly.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 23:38
Every year a new plan is announced - it's so, so, sad that apartment blocks and shopping malls are more important. I don't understand why Dubai would not want one of the best zoos in the world..... they want the biggest and the best of everything else. Why do they keep on taking on these consultants at huge expense..... just mirror Al Ain - that's a lovely zoo and get those poor animals out of Jumeirah.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 22:16
Shame, I should have gone there when I first heard about it! Ah well. Perhaps it's worth a trip for the food anyway. Thanks all! :) It's an experience DubaiCat - one you should do! The placemats are magazine pages! It's so funny - if you want to call the waiter/waitress they give you a tamborine to rattle! We have had some amazingly good Thai food there - warning - some of the dishes can be super super spicy. Don't look in the kitchen though cos I think you might be shocked!
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 21:49
Yes, smiling bkk used to sell ("special tea"), but not any more. Still a great place though. No not to buy - you used to be able to take your own.....do they not do that now? Such a funny place have had some good times in there! No, they are very clear you can't take your own, that's what the signs on the tables say... aaaahhhhh shame!
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 21:47
i grew up using and still use dove and even use it on my kids from the time they were born... they both have sensitive skin (eczema) and it was recommended by the dr (non scented one)... we also use aveeno but haven't seen that here... we use wash cloths as well. the pharmacy opposite the nail spa in ibn battuta usually stock a full range of Aveeno products.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 21:45
I always used Dubai Laundry - used them for over 5 years and always had excellent service.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 21:44
Yes, smiling bkk used to sell ("special tea"), but not any more. Still a great place though. No not to buy - you used to be able to take your own.....do they not do that now? Such a funny place have had some good times in there!
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 21:35
Yes - smiling BKK on Al Wasl Plaza (if it's still there -not been for a while). Love it there - a real experience!
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 14:42
you need to put him in Dubizzle Lost and Found rather than Pets. Call K9 and put him on K9s facebook page if you can Call Municipality in the morning Knock on doors, ask maids, gardeners. post his picture everywhere...send to vets offices starting with al Safa in your area....do mailings to friends in Dubai and ask them to mail as well. Post grocery store...get the little guy out there. fingers crossed!!!! All of those great SueB ideas plus.....give every gardener you see a little picture and mention there is a reward. they get to go into all the gardens closeby and may well find him sheltering under a bush somewhere. I so hope you find him fit and well - I know just how you feel as we lost our cat - she was missing for over 10 days but we did find her thanks to a lovely lady who spotted her in her garden (she had my details from one of our leaflets) and it re-focussed our search and she was found later in the evening having given up all hope of ever seeing her again.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 14:37
I'm on the Surrey/Hampshire border and am very happy to meet up. We have been back for almost 18 months although this will be our first new years eve in the UK for years and years as we went back to Dubai last year! I hope your move back goes well. If there's anything I can help with having done the move please let me know. Sleepy - would be great to meet up with you too when you get back. We are loving being back - the kids only ever did school in Dubai so I thought that was going to be tricky but they slotted into UK schooling easily. We spend so much time outside (even when it's raining!!!!). It's been a really easy transition - no where near as hard as i thought it might be. Enjoy your last few days/weeks/months in Dubai and make the most of all the lovely things you can do there. Hi clairehdp Thanks s much for your post... All sounds great news... Glad you enjoyed your 1st NY in UK. We will be in Bournemouth and my son is 9 and he can't wait, as he doesn't like the heat! Please keep in touch and Happy 2013. Lin My little boy is also 9 and would be happy to be in touch with your little boy. you can contact me on claire dot damamme at ntlworld dot com and we can get the boys in touch. My boy is enjoying being here so much - he'd be a good person for your little one to talk to about life back in the UK if you think that will help.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 14:20
Al Arrab are superb. Eat and Drink on Al Wasl road do great outdoor catering too
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 14:18
I know of a lovely springs villa coming on the market with really nice landlord and super neighbours in springs 1
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 22:47
I'm on the Surrey/Hampshire border and am very happy to meet up. We have been back for almost 18 months although this will be our first new years eve in the UK for years and years as we went back to Dubai last year! I hope your move back goes well. If there's anything I can help with having done the move please let me know. Sleepy - would be great to meet up with you too when you get back. We are loving being back - the kids only ever did school in Dubai so I thought that was going to be tricky but they slotted into UK schooling easily. We spend so much time outside (even when it's raining!!!!). It's been a really easy transition - no where near as hard as i thought it might be. Enjoy your last few days/weeks/months in Dubai and make the most of all the lovely things you can do there.
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Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 12:59
It is well signposted off emirates oaf
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Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 00:08
Book them onto a cultural breakfast - it's so interesting http://www.cultures.ae/cultural_lunch.php Book the Jumeirah Mosque tour too that's a great thing to do with visitors. http://www.cultures.ae/cultural_lunch.php Book them using the entertainer vouchers onto the Big Bus Tour - they get to see the museum and do a dhow cruise too. Take them on Bateaux Dubai afternoon tea Burj Al Arab afternoon tea is worth every dirham but is expensive. Book last sitting and in the Skyview bar for an amazing view Book At the Top tickets on line (much cheaper) for Burj Khalifa Go watch the fountains Book a nice brunch Do a Satwa visit Go around the spice souk and gold souk Desert Rangers do good desert trips. One of the favourite trips that our guests did was a camel trek inthe desert with desert rangers. use the entertainer vouchers. Afternoon tea at the One and Only Royal Mirage is lovely and won't break the bank. Take them on a dive out to Hatta for lunch so they can see some real desert. I used to take some of our guests for a lunch at eat and drink on Al Wasl road - great juices and fantastic shwarma. So many fab things to do - we always ran out of time with our guests! Take them to Bab Al Shams for cocktails on the roof at sunset. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 29/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 19:39
I use the Delia recipe it's super easy and produces perfect pavs every time. In fact, i've got one in my oven right now! 6 oz caster sugar 3 large egg whites Method Place the egg whites in a large clean bowl and have the sugar measured and ready. Now whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks and you can turn the bowl upside down without them sliding out (it's very important, though, not to over-whisk the egg whites because, if you do, they will start to collapse). When they're ready, start to whisk in the sugar, approximately 1 oz (25 g) at a time, whisking after each addition until all the sugar is in. Now take a metal tablespoon and spoon the meringue mixture on to the prepared baking sheet, forming a circle about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Then spoon round blobs next to each other so that they join up to form a circle all around the edge. Now, using the tip of a skewer, make little swirls in the meringue all round the edge, lifting the skewer up sharply each time to leave tiny peaks. Now place the baking sheet in the oven, then immediately turn down the heat to gas mark 1, 275°F (140°C) and leave it to cook for 1 hour. Then turn the heat right off but leave the Pavlova inside the oven until it's completely cold. I always find it's best to make a Pavlova in the evening and leave it in the turned-off oven overnight to dry out. It's my belief that the secret of successful meringues of any sort is to let them dry out completely, which is what this method does perfectly. To serve the Pavlova, lift it from the baking sheet, peel off the paper and place it on a serving dish. Then just before serving, spread the whipped cream on top, arrange the fruit on top of the cream and dust with a little sifted icing sugar. Serve cut into wedges.
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Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 19:32
Nippy - what an awful, awful thing to happen. I'm so sorry this has happened to you. I am back in the UK now so if there is anything I can do to help you please let me know. I'm not sure where you are staying or how old your boys are but I'm in surrey and we've got lots of toys so you and the boys are welcome to come over - my kids are 8 and 9 years old. you can contact me on claire dot damamme @ ntlworld dot com. I am in awe at how you packed up and got out so quickly you are amazing! Please do contact me if there is anything I can do to help you - if you are nearby I can drive over and pick you up - I always have wine in the fridge!
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Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 03:11
Thanks Ladies - Zabeel Saray looks beautiful but I think I am going to book Madinat this time. Any recommendations for restaurants? Look at the Dar Al Masyaf there - it's gorgeous each villa complex has it's own pool so you can be quiet if you want to be or you can use all the other facilities of Al Qast and Mina a Salam. The private lounge area with free cocktails is lovely. Restaurant recommendations...... Pier Chic is super romantic..... I love Pai Thai, We have had a superb meal at MJ Steakhouse - also really love the Italian Segreto. I absolutely love the location of Shimmers but have never been that impressed with the food/menu but I think that might have changed - perhaps someone who has been there recently can recommend. One of my all time favourite restaurants is the Rivington Grill - probably not overly romantic but great food! Enjoy every minute! Lucky you!
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Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 03:00
There are lots of places to pick from, and definitely some of the suggestions below would be on my top 5 list. just to add to the confusion though, if it's really about just you and the hubby having a night away, have a look at The Banyan Tree Al Wadi. The desert resort is so peaceful and the villas are beautiful. Each villa has it's own pool and I thought the room service was excellent, so much so that on our second visit we just ordered food in as you have a great patio area. The Spa is excellent, you should get 60 minutes free in the rain shower experience which is great and if you have the Entertainer Body Book you will have buy one get one free vouchers for other treatments. Enjoy wherever you stay :) Sounds like heaven - on my list now for when we are back for a holiday!
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 21:58
I would book into one of the villa rooms at the Dar Al Masyaf at Al Qasr. Private butlers, complimentary cocktail hour, a beautiful hotel within the Madinat complex. All the restaurants are easy abra rides or buggy rides. Without doubt my most favourite hotel in Dubai. Have not stayed at the Zabeel Saray so can't comment on the rooms but the hotel is absolutely stunning and I would think would be a great option for you too. Again - not yet been but on my list of places to go - Al Maha Desert Resort - that would be my choice http://www.al-maha.com/ <em>edited by Clairehdp on 20/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 14:22
Life Pharmacy on Al Wasl road hire out these type of aids.
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 14:20
I've not been through IVF but have many friends who did. I suffered multiple miscarriages over a number of years and resigned myself to the fact that I probably would never have a child of my own. when I was least expecting it I found myself pregnant (naturally) at 41 and again at 43! I now have a boy and a girl who are such fun. The reason I am responding to you is to give you hope that maybe if you give your body a rest you might find you fall pregnant naturally. You know, from earlier that you CAN get pregnant so that's a good thing. Now you just need help to hold onto the pregnancy and be able to deliver a healthy baby. I had to deliver early for my first but was looked after beautifully (in the UK) and felt really well. I was monitored closely and looked after myself. Why did you not stay with the Fakih clinic? They have a good reputation and, having got you pregnant I would have thought it would have been a good plan to stay with them as they know you. I would give myself a 6 months break - pamper yourself, eat beautiful fresh food, relax and indulge in some relaxing treatments - if after 6 months you are not pregnant naturally I would go back to the clinic where you had a good result and have another try. My sister in law had a number of failed ivf treatments and decided on one last time and she now has the most gorgeous little girl. She was not able to have a child naturally so this was her only chance of having a baby. I wish you lots of luck - it is worth all the tears and anguish. Remember above all though to look after yourself and your husband.
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 14:08
I used Earlybird for all my water and soft drinks so I never had to cart loads of canned drinks around - excellent service and they delivered Oasis water at the same price as Oasis but with the added benefit of getting all the extra goods. they would call every week to check what I wanted on the order and come to AR on a set day a week for free delivery or will come within the hour for a delivery charge. I used them for over 4 years and they were absolutely superb. 043387090 I used to call George for gas - can't remember the company name but he's always driving around AR.. Would put a call in and he'd be there within half an hour usually - always helpful when you are cooking and run out of gas!!!! 050 514 1778 Enjoy AR - such a great place to live.
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:51
How about the new jebel Ali international hotel opening on the walk? They will be open before Xmas so are bound to have space for Xmas lunch. Jebel Ali international always do fabulous Xmas lunches
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:49
Roomservice.ae will deliver a full Xmas lunch from various different hotels - here's the link with all they can do for the festive season http://www.roomservice.ae/Index.aspx?RegionId=2&ArtID=24
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 11:21
Both my babies were born tongue tied. My little boy was booked in with the tongue tie specialist but on the day they realised that he had cut his tongue tie himself with a sharp piece of his nail! So he didn't need to have the procedure ( this shows how tiny and thin the membrane is). My daughter had a bad tongue ie and was booked in at 5 dys old to a specialist unit in the uk. They asked me to swaddle her and have a bottle ready. They took her to the next cubicle - only a curtain between us and within 30 seconds she was back in my arms. She slept through the whole thing! They told me to feed her straightaway the only problem I had was trying to wake her up to feed her! .So for all those with tongue tied babies I would say most definitely get the procedure done. It's not an operation just a medical procedure so get that whole putting my baby through an operation thing out of your heads as its frightening. Don't know who I would have gone to in Dubai but have only heard good stuff about dr delphine. It's not just speech that cn be affected - the one thing that stuck with me ( which sounds really silly now but it's the thing that upset) me is they won't be able to lick a lolly! My midwife was the one to pick up my tongue ties and she was most definitely in the get it sorted camp this was in the uk so no pressure because of spending money privately it was done on the NHS and when I see my little girl sticking her tongue out o lick a great big ice cream I know I made the right decision. I hope my experience has allayed any concerns about the decision to cut or leave.
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 18:19
We used DASA and they were excellent. Had the usual suspects over for quotes and was amazed at some of the costings. DASA were easy to deal with, professional, the packing team were excellent. Our stuff arrived pretty much on time according to their estimates. We had no complaints everything arrived in good shape.
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Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 14:54
Most of the hotels do a turkey take out. The golf clubs also do them. You can also order to have delivered from roomservice.ae. We have had superb turkeys from the Counter Culture restaurant at Marriott near the Marina and I got this note from them this morning: Good Day. Festive season is fast approaching. Celebrate with family and friends and enjoy a traditional turkey prepared by Our talented Chefs, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy this festive season. AED 499.00 turkey and trimmings, 7kg Turkey ( serves 6 to 8 people ) AED 599.00 turkey and trimmings, 9kg Turkey ( serves 10 to 12 people ) Traditional trimmings includes mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes, jus and cranberry sauce. To order, please call Counter Culture at 04 3194793 / 04 3194786. Please note, orders must be placed at least 72 hours ( 3 days ) in advance. Best Regards, John Rico F. Fondevilla | F&B Supervisor| Counter Culture | Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites I always do my own roast potatoes because there's nothing nicer than your own roasties done in goose fat and I make a big tray of fluffy yorkshire puddings and a great big tray of sausages wrapped in bacon but other than that - all the other stuff that the turkey comes with is superb. I also make my own fresh cranberry, orange and cointreau sauce!
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Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 14:47
How about drivint to Oman. we stay at the Shangri la resort - so much for the kids to do there. we just got back from a weekend in Paris. Such a fabulous city. Lots of lovely walks, the christmas decorations were gorgeous, fabulous restaurants, nice parks and of course the Eiffel Tower. My kids love Paris but we went this time without them which was lovely! another great holiday we did with the kids was to Phuket - they were only 4 and 5 but we stayed at an hotel with a great kids club which they loved. we did an elephant trek which was great fun. If you ask my 2 where their best holiday was they will say The Maldives - again a lovely kids club but they just loved being on the beach and swimming in the clear water and collecting shells.
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 02:41
start a file documenting everything. put everything in writing to your LL. Take photographs and, if in a months time things are still awful - go to the rent committee armed with your file and ask their advice. they are really helpful and will guide you on the best thing to do. If it was me I think I would move out and ask the rent committee if they can get you out of your contract and get a refund on the rent you have already paid as it sounds like you were lied to from the beginning. good luck!
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Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 14:22
yeah we have snow! It looks beautiful! It's also not very cold so couldn't get the kids to get in the car for school as they wanted to throw a couple of snowballs! It was forecast so the roads are all clear which helped on the school run. My 2 puppy dogs are loving it they can work out whether to roll in it or eat it! Its too warm for it to stay and it's stopped snowing now so i would imagine it will all be gone by lunch time! Everywhere does look magical though!
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Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 04:27
the Madinat theatre always do a great panto. this year they have the wizard of oz. this will be our first year not being there for the panto - my little girl is off to see peter pan at our local theatre with the Brownies on saturday. Enjoy!
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Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 02:15
Ranches Furniture have really high quality and good priced rattan furniture. Like Parasol but without the Parasol price! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ranches-Furniture/331718476879178
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 13:35
@Claire Do you have the contact details for the private home lessons? I would love to try the thai class in the meadows and the vietnamese class. Sorry only just seen this! Here's Juree for thai - i will check out Lan not sure if she's still in dubai but will find her details for you http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=91504 I can't find Lan's details - when you speak to Juree ask her about Lan - she will know if she's still teaching. Good luck, enjoy and say hi to Juree from me! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 29/11/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 13:22
Julia donaldson books are great for 5 year olds. My little boys all time favourite book was Charlie Cook and his Favourite book - we read it together every night like it was a new book! He still likes it and he's almost 10! The Gruffalo is great Room on the Broom is good The Stick Man plus loads more! Sorry to butt in but Claire, can't believe he's almost 10!!!!!!!! I remember the little three year old like it was yesterday! (got my own now :) four months next week!! Hoping time slows down a little!) Oh my goodness Moose - I didn't know you had your own little one! Many, many congratulations! We were talking about you (very fondly I have to say) the other week as O was doing experiments in science and he did the vinegar and baking soda explosion and was sooooo impressed - so I told him he'd done that with you when he was 3 - he then remembered and started chatting away about how much he loved being there and how lovely you were and miss patty etc etc - amazing what they remember of those very early days. M too - she joined in with her memories of her time with you too. I think i have your e mail - will send you a note and some recent pictures - please send me some of your new arrival. the kids are both loving their school here in the UK and are so busy with rugby, football, lacrosse, netball, swimming, shooting, horseriding etc etc we are outside all the time (even in the rain!). Super to hear from you. xx
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 13:09
I would not go on a special occasion if I only had 2 hours at the table! I would book Table 9 at the Hilton Creek - the most amazing restaurant, superb service and spectacular food. You are made to feel important and I love the extra touches such as the home made sweets in little bags - the lemon sherbert one is amazing! My friend who is a real foodie raves about Reflets although I've not yet been so can't comment personally but if she raves about it - it will be amazing! I agree also re Mezannine - loved it there too. I'm not a huge fan of Gary Rhodes on telly but he's not there very often - his team produce stunning food and it's a gorgeous restaurant. You could take cocktails or after dinner drinks in one of the bars in the Grosvenor House too.
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 04:04
Julia donaldson books are great for 5 year olds. My little boys all time favourite book was Charlie Cook and his Favourite book - we read it together every night like it was a new book! He still likes it and he's almost 10! The Gruffalo is great Room on the Broom is good The Stick Man plus loads more!
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 03:59
Also, there are some great finds at the Antiques Museum. A friend of mine bought some amazing stuff from there. Another had some beautiful jewellery framed there. You can get the shisha pipes there too as well as lots of beautiful pashminas and wraps. I bought my sister a gorgeous table cloth and napkins there and wish I had got one for myself - hey ho - next trip!
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 03:56
When we packed our container I bought lots of arabic lamps for our garden. We had a photo shoot done in the desert and i got all the pictures put onto canvas as it's far cheaper to do that in Dubai. I also got a favourite chair covered before it went in to the container because, again, it was cheaper to have done there than in the UK. I bought lots of spices but took them in my luggage as we were not allowed any foodstuffs in the container. If you are into rugs probably best to buy some nice ones in Dubai. We also packed some prints from Gallery One to remind us of our time in dubai. I also bought some light fittings that I knew would look fab in our new house. Any trinkets that will remind you of your time in Dubai would be nice to have in your home back in Australia. Hi Clairehdp - am looking for arabic lamps and rugs - where did you buy yours? TIA. I bought a whole load of beautiful lamps at the Dragonmart - almost at the end near lots of outdoor furniture shops. They had loads and all very different - because I was buying quite a few and was in a hurry as the container was being packed - I got a great price! Re rugs - I always used to drive to Hatta and barter there with the rug guys. Can;t remember the name of the guy I would use but friends bought some truly beautiful rugs on our day out to Hatta! also bought some pots for the garden from the pot stands on the way to Hatta.
 
 
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