coffee_mate | ExpatWoman.com
 

coffee_mate

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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 12:48
Unless anything has changed, I've always understood them to be illegal
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 10:57
I got a machine as a wedding present a couple of weeks ago and I have become obsessed with it. (started using it yesterday as first day back from honeymoon). I am going to get the 7lbs in 7 days book and give it a try. I am already addicted to the green power juice. Who would have thought spinich, brocoli, cucumber etc could taste so delicious! Even if I don't loose weight, I don't care. Just think of all those wonderful natural vitamins and minerals getting into your system. Watch some Jason Vale videos on you tube or his website and join the 'Juice Revoloution'!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 10:46
Is the wedding of Friday? If so might be harder to find a salon that is open in the morning. when you say 'hairdo' do you mean a simple blow dry, or a more elaborate 'up do'?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 17:33
Hi Eunice! I don't have children, so can't help on that I'm afraid. I am a keen cook myself though. Off the top of my head Wehave 2 branches of Spinneys (large one and a small one), a choithram, and a 'non chain' supermarket called Green Belt. As for safety, I live in one of the gated compounds with 24hr security, so feel quite secure (i would always take common sense precautions though, security or not!) your last point about transport may be your biggest concern in my opinion. I drive so it doesn't concern me. However, having previously lived close to good metro/shuttle bus access in the springs, it's the one negative I would have to say about DSO. In the Springs, our visitors used to love that they could jump on a shuttle bus cheaply and easily. Now they either rely on us for lifts or have to use taxis, which obviously cost a lot more. There is a bus service but I haven't looked into the routes.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 15:26
What would you like to know. I live there and love it!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 10:02
Without knowing the full background, I think you should see a dr in the first instance. There are many brands of mini and combined which don't suit everyone. It can be trial and error to find which one suits you. Your bp should also be monitored. As for insurance, I doubt it would be covered. To be honest, they are dirt cheap here anyway. Most under AED20 for a months supply and no prescription needed.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 09:55
Yes, we have it. It was on the 'to do' list for a while and finally got round to it! With Axa and thought it was reasonable.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 19:27
Just wondering - why does it have to be a mum?! :cool:
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 13:26
What tax office are you referring to?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 11:02
I had my wedding on Friday. We were outside from 4ish until 9:30pm and I didn't think it was too bad. Granted, we were in the garden and there was a lot of shade, trees, a breeze and everyone was given fans. There was also a couple of those large electric fans about, so if anyone was too hot, they could just stand infront of one for a couple of minutes! Maybe we got lucky and Friday was a bit cooler (Saturday seemed hotter in my opinion!) I was always worried it would be too hot. Now it's all over, would I choose the same date again? Yes!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 08:14
call Maureen @ 050 535 3382. she cuts at her home, if that's ok with you (she has pets) but her work is amazing! she lives in Mirdif. She doesn't live in mirdif now oh, good to know, thanks! do you know where she is now? JVT
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 18:26
call Maureen @ 050 535 3382. she cuts at her home, if that's ok with you (she has pets) but her work is amazing! she lives in Mirdif. She doesn't live in mirdif now
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 08:24
Thanks girls! Jophiel, that is a brilliant idea! Hadn't even thought of that. I will check the pharmacy nearby later. Failing that, I'll hit Dragon Mart! Thanks again
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 16:22
I'm sure there would be demand, however, I don't think it's allowed - that's why there is no one doing it here
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 16:06
Call the church. Lorraine at Christchurch Jebel Ali is very helpful
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 12:06
Exactly - it's certainly not 'the easy thing to do'!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 12:04
And to get married in Sharia'a Court in Dubai, doesn't both of the couple have to be muslim, OR the male has to be (if not he must convert) The woman can be non-muslim, but the male cannot. That's what it says on the British Embassy website
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 08:38
I have attended two weddings here, one was conducted at the couple's home in AD by a Christian preacher and another at the Montgomerie Golf Course Address Hotel by the same preacher, he does the Christian service and then completes all the formalities\legalities for you. I don't know his name but if you contact Emma (wedding coordinator) at The Address Montgomerie, she might have his details. But that would mean your future DH would have to agree to a Christian service, but ut is doable here. I believe that's only a blessing? I'm about to be married myself and the church (and embassy) told us that the legal part can only take place in a physical church (either Jebel Ali or Oud Metha.) A 'blessing' could then be performed by the same Reverend, but it is only that - a blessing. The religious part preceeds it in a church. (referring to Dubai only, not AD)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 11:44
I took one of the 'limo' cars from AD airport to Dubai. The car was a 7 series BMW and it cost AED 350. I thought that was pretty reasonable considering it was a very luxurious car! ETA - Sorry, I've just realised my journey was the opposite to what you've asked - AD to DXB, not DXB to AD <em>edited by coffee_mate on 07/10/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 15:09
reflections on al wasl road do a great geleration
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 09:29
I've found 'gelleration' by Jessica to last longer than any of the other brands ie shellac, gellish etc. I've also started wearing those exfoliating gloves in the shower which seems to protect from snagging on my hair as well. And the bonus is, it reminds me to exfoliate!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 09:20
It's been discussed a couple of times lately - check this link from yesterday: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=190551 Good luck, your items sound lovely
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 17:02
Who are the undesirables of Dubai? Anyone (male or female) who goes to check out what people look like in a wet t-shirt! Dirty perves! :) They can perve all they want on the beach or at any of the bars here. Besides i doubt it will turn into a wet t shirt concert Competition or not, t-shirts + water balloons = a fairly obvious result! (especially if they are white! hahahahaaaa)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 14:04
Nice Arabic meal over looking the creek? Keep it casual and simple. Anywhere too posh or pretentious is likely to scare the guy off - unless you're willing to go Dutch and pay half the bill. Simple is always best I reckon. On our first date we met at Barasti for lunch, then I took him wakeboarding and we hung out on the beach - awesome. i am invited to choose the place i like,i dont want to broke his pocket too I wouldn't suggest the ones you mentioned originally then!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 12:28
After 2 years ,2 horrible landlords and total lack of facilities we have finally had enough of The Villa. We would like to move in a more established community and we have a budget of 200 k .We need a minimum of 3 bedrooms with a decent size garden, preferably independent. I have checked dubizzle and so far I am considering saheel and savannah in the ranches..Is 200 k realistic for those houses or not really? What else can you suggest ?[/quot# What about DSO? I heard the don't rent there anymore? Not directly from DSO but you might be able to find one via a private LL
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 11:37
Can you explain a bit more what you mean? Wouldn't it be determined by the theme of the day, what look are the B&G trying to achieve, etc (what the bride wants?!) The Wedding Shop hires mens formal attire.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 11:34
I just learnt this lesson - if you use s&s make sure the vendor uses registered mail (I had to pay an extra US$20 but was worth it after my first purchase went missing on the way to New York)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 21:20
Yes- Oasis fashion in Wafi are very good,they have ready made ones for sale or they can custom make to match your outfit.They are good value for money ,I'v had a few from them over the years. That's the one!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 20:57
I have a feeling the dress shop in wafi did. Might be worth asking. Someone else may remember the name of the shop (it's upstairs)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 14:26
You can use some bank cards to access the lounge. Yes it does serve grape juice.. No, I have never used it, but have had to call them to ask the same questions as you for someone else! Thanks CA! Will check the bank cards, but I don't think any of ours have that benefit :0( Thanks all! I do have an Emirates NBD CC so will investigate further... If I can't fly BC on my honeymoon, this will have to be the next best thing! <em>edited by coffee_mate on 25/09/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 14:14
There's actually a Club Stretch in the Marina, that might sort you out. I've never been to that one, but have visited the Club Stretch in Bur Dubai...and loathed it. The heat wasn't much of an issue, but I hate the way the class is run, the instructors are kind of drill sergeant-ish. Which, from my understanding, is simply the way of Bikram yoga. Just wasn't for me, but clearly it was doing something right because the instructors', as well as many of the regular attendees bodies, were fantastic. Ah yes, I forgot they opened on in the Marina. Like you Laurelm, I loathed it too. They say you have to go more than once, then it's ok. Not my bag either.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 14:12
Ladies, Is the Marhaba lounge pretty much the same as EK lounge at Dubai airport? (ie do they serve grape and hop juices?!) My DH and I will be flying EK for our honeymoon soon but we don't quite have enough miles to access the lounge. So, I was thinking it might be worth paying to use Marhaba lounge as a treat. Anyone know? TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 14:07
I thought the only place licensed to actually call itself 'Birkram' Yoga was Club Stretch. Maybe wrong though...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 13:12
My husband is still owed 70k by a small company he did some work for, he had to write it off in the end as it was impossible to make any progress without it costing him more. This is what I suspect....It's so infuriating
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:19
Muu, I am a Saffer and trained in nursing with Post grad. The nursing schools coffee-mate mentioned below were brilliant 15 years ago, but sadly the standards have dropped so much I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole - the only exceptions being University of CT. Uni of Jhb has good standards but your practicals would be at Baragwanath or Johannesburg General - dirty, understaffed and unsafe. Anther option is to study through UNISA (you can start that here but will have to find your own facility for practical components) or also one of the big Private Hospital groups - Netcare or Mediclinic - here you will get training while you work but in a safe, controlled environment. Mediclinic recently bought out the City Hospital group here; perhaps they will offer training here going forward - it's worth investigating. Yes, I should mention that the places I referred to would have been where the nurses studied a few years back, before embarking on their careers. Aryanwynn's info sounds much more upto date for someone new to nursing.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 10:52
I'm not SA, but I have recruited many SA nurses to the Middle East. Some examples of nursing schools I have come across are: Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College, University of Johannesburg, Kwazulu Natal College of Nursing, Cape Technikon, University of Cape Town. To name a few
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 10:46
Jellybaby, I am in exactly the same situation, so will be watching this closely! Praying for some advise for you (and me!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 14:13
Just popping back to finish this story.... The original item was not located in New York, so I gave it a few more days... Still nothing. I contacted the vendor who kindly agreed to resend the items at no extra cost, however I would have to pay an extra US$20 for her to post it with tracking. I agreed to this as it was a cheap price to pay for peace of mind! I am pleased to say the item landed on my desk yesterday morning. So you can imagine my surprise today when ANOTHER Aramex parcel arrives on my desk! That's right, the original missing parcel.... Unfortunately I wasn't in the office at the time, so my colleague paid the AED 41 charge. If I'd have been there I would have refused and told them to keep it! Anyway, the main thing is I have the items in time for my wedding. It just cost me a little extra cash and stress!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 11:48
Ceroc looks like great fun! And for the pole dancing, i used to take classes in Ireland, and it was incredible for toning and upper body strength, core workouts and I loved it. But to pay 100aed per class is a lot, and double of what I was paying back home, which doesn't seem to be right. Ceroc is a lot more affordable than pole dancing here
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 11:31
There is a ceroc group here. Check out CerocArabia.com
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 20:37
Sad isn't it. All in the name of 'progress' :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 12:22
Abby_n_christina, did you call the shop opposite Welcare Hospital? I was just in there and thought of you because they did have the bubble wands you asked about. Really sorry, I didn't see the price though.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:58
CM they just did a bunch of summer deals and have promos running a lot. They do a full beach day including use of a room, and brunch for about 600dhs I think. Standard rooms for a night are about 1200aed, a lovely splurge if you're treating yourself. Loads of Abu Dhabi deals going on as so many new hotels - Rocco Forte, Westin, Mangroves etc. Actually, I've just remembered that we have some Gold Passpoint points left over from the wedding package. That might do the job! Ours are getting "spent" at the Park Hyatt Maldives - honeymoon :) Oooh how fabulous! Enjoy!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:54
CM they just did a bunch of summer deals and have promos running a lot. They do a full beach day including use of a room, and brunch for about 600dhs I think. Standard rooms for a night are about 1200aed, a lovely splurge if you're treating yourself. Loads of Abu Dhabi deals going on as so many new hotels - Rocco Forte, Westin, Mangroves etc. Actually, I've just remembered that we have some Gold Passpoint points left over from the wedding package. That might do the job!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:47
Looks really nice...I think I just might book it and report back. Hehe! ;) Please do! PS. Where did you find the fab deal, might need to book in there myself! DH's employer gets 50% discount there. I just emailed them and asked as they didnt advertise it. AWWWWWW!!! I was getting excited there for a minute!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 14:18
Its quite a common flaw in the PS3 apparently.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 13:36
Is it the 'red light of death'? If so, my OH was told it couldn't be fixed and ended up buying a new one
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 18:20
For make up, I'm paying AED750 on the day and AED350 for a trial, plus AED400 each for any additional people on the day.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 17:18
Dawn is an excellent photographer. She did my makeup for my wedding (had Ugly Duckling booked when I met her) but is also photographer. I don't know what she charges but worth contacting her. She's a really lovely person ETA: Forgot to add link - http://www.theyaregorgeous.com/www.theyaregorgeous.coms/info.php?p=7 edited by Gra on 17/09/2012 I'm assuming there is an error on her website (AED 6000 per person hair/make up on the day seems rather steep?!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 16:37
Thanks Gra, I check Ugly Duckling's website and their average price is 10k -12k these days. Still worth actually contacting them though. I found them to be quite flexible