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coffee_mate

coffee_mate
683
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 16:35
Ugly Duckling charged us under 10,000. I don't want to say exactly how much because it was a special rate. Worth contacting them for a quote though. Lovely ladies! As for 'wedding decor' we haven't gone in for all that. We felt the garden was beautiful as it was and didn't really need much extra, especially once the sun sets and all the twinkly candles will be lit. The only decoration will be the organza chair ties, table decs, flowers and some hanging tissue pomanders. (all provided by myself) I found lighting very expensive, especially PH's inhouse company. I am using my DJ's contacts for sound and lighting.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 15:41
Hi Anya, welcome and congrats. We are 'venue twins'! My wedding is in Palm Garden next month. My photographers are Ugly Duckling. Happy to help with any suggestion - I've probably already covered the ground you're on as I'm 99.9% done with planning!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 15:20
Hi elle 13211 ...ive just joined the ExpatWoman forum !! Im getting married in December and im going crazy with all the last minute stuff !! Can you please advise me on the photographer that you had suggested who cahrges a reasonable rate ? LOL you literally just beat me to it! Same, all the photographers I've contacted are asking 10-12k - er no! Also good flourists for bouquets and button holes if anyone has suggestions. edited by Chocs01 on 17/09/2012 I'm using Black Tulip in Sharjah for my flowers. I was happy with their quote and they came recommended
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 09:05
I find the best curls come from my GHD straighteners!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 08:11
You need to look into licensing as well. Assistant Nurses need licensing by the DHA. Probably best to contact the DHA first to make sure all your paperwork is in order http://www.dha.gov.ae
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 19:49
Love Jamie's Italian, especially good for a casual lunch or dinner, food is of really good quality and service is efficient and pleasant. Personally I don't think the prices are high at all, around 80 -90 Dhs for a main course of lovely prawn linguine made with handmade pasta, much better value than the expensive and highly processed garbage served up at those awful American chains that are popping up all over the place!! Totally agree with you Josephine! I didn't find it over priced, either here or in the UK. Infant, the group I was with all agreed that it was a nice change to go somewhere that WAS good value and we all really enjoyed our meals. Gets my vote anyway!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 12:05
Don't know what people are getting so worked up about. It's some baps. Not even very big ones :)
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 09:26
It was the 'Rebekah Mabrooks' that did it for me!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 16:43
How about a locket? You'd probably find them in a shop at the Gold and Diamond Park maybe?
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 12:09
You need a nursing degree/diploma (min 3 years full time study) from a recognised training school, licence to practice in your home country and minimum 2 years post grad full time experience. You can find more info on www.dha.gov.ae (for Dubai) www.haad.ae (for Abu Dhabi) and www.dhcc.ae (for Dubai Healthcare City) HTH
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 08:34
I saw some in Pottery Barn DM. AED 515. They were probably more for decorative purposes, not for actually using as suitcases.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:57
I'm on their case so fingers crossed! As Spongemonkey said, I have no way of knowing for sure that it even made it to New York, so searching in their depot could be fruitless :( Lesson learnt - ensure the seller uses recorded delivery!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 20:07
Thanks for all your input. I contacted aramex and they said they will ask NY depot to search for it. However, if the issue is with the US mail service and they've lost it, it would never have made it to s&s depot in NY in the first place! The more I think about it the more annoyed I'm getting! They are items relating to my wedding day (personalised presents i wanted to give to my parents on the morning of the wedding) I can't believe the woman just stuck a couple of stamps on it and chucked it in the mail! Now they appear to be lost, I really wish she used recorded mail!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 16:21
its irish food i am looking international caterer ??? please advice No, it's not only Irish food. If you contact them, they will send you their catering menu. They do BBQs, finger food, buffets, etc. Can even provide the tables/chairs!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 15:49
I recently got a good quote from Fibber Magees.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 15:46
I'm not sure what to do really, so thought I'd ask for your advise. I ordered something from etsy.com on July 30. The seller sent the order to my S&S address (New York) on August 12th. So far, I have had no notification from Aramex that the item has arrived in NY. I contacted the seller who said it was posted by 'regular mail' - therefore no way of tracking where the parcel is. What should I do? Should I contact Aramex to see if it's been misplaced? Or if it is missing in the post, can I ask the seller to resend? I don't really want to pay again, but I don't think it's my fault either! What do you think ladies? I was originally told it would take 7-10 business days within the US. Do I need to be a bit more patient?!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 10:53
I saw them in Dragon Mart yesterday. There is a stand near the front entrance
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 21:16
Ladies, a million thank yous! I've just picked up the dress and had it packed into the box all very neatly.I can't believe it actually fit in!! I guess really the box isn't any bigger than some wheelie trollies you see people use as hand luggage. I'm sure it will be fine, I was just having a bit of a panic attack about it. Emotions running high and all that! Thank you so much to all who replied. I really appreciate it xx <em>edited by coffee_mate on 29/08/2012</em>
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 14:15
I bought an almost identical one to the one groupon are offering for 30 dirhams in Dragon mark (in the department store upstairs at the front entrance)
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 18:43
Leave early! The boarders can get very busy at holiday times.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 14:03
i KNEW you ladies would be fabulous! Coffee mate - did this include an initial briefing meeting or did that cost extra? No, they didn't charge for an initial meeting. We did meet them, told them what we wanted and then they provided a quote based on that. That price does not include the album though. We're paying extra for the coffee table type album.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 13:55
I have no idea what they charge but the wedding photos from Ugly Duckling Photography is stunning AED 8,500 for 10 hours x2 photographers
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 13:40
A friend of mine he bathes only once a week, ie every saturday... how do i convince him to bath regularly... he hates if i nag :( Tell him to his face he stinks like garbage and is disgusting!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 13:25
She's asking for places she HASN'T already been!! Sri Lanka gets my vote
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 11:27
Is this it: http://www.boots.com/en/Clearblue-Fertility-Monitor_23625/ If you can't get it here and no one has one to lend you, how about Shop and Ship from UK or US?
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 11:08
5,000AED for 3 days? Is this normal? Blimey! It's cheaper to buy and sell it afterwards.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 14:28
Here you go, I had it saved: http://www.bridalboudoirdubai.com/
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 14:18
I believe there is a place on The Palm that you can rent from. The name escapes me at the moment though! Will post back when it comes back to me!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 13:40
Use an agency maid?
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 12:47
Forgot to mention, you can also add stuff to the bag for extra flavour. Sometimes I use fresh herbs, eg rosemary for lamb, sage for p**k, a glass of grape juice! The 'flava it' saches in Spinneys also work well (especially the BBQ one with chicken) Hmmm hungry now!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 12:41
CM what is a roasting bag if you don't mind explaining? Ive seen these in Lulus with all the plastic sandwich bags and have never used them. Do you just bung a chicken or lamb leg in there and let it do it's thing? How does it work exactly? Roasts are a staple in my house so would be keen to share your secret if you don't mind.... TIA! Yep, exactly that. Just bung the meat in the bag and secure with the tie provided. I also use them for roasted veggies. I guess because they sort of steam as well as roast, that's what makes the meat so tender.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 11:04
Whenever I put meat in a roasting bag it is 'melt in the mouth' tender. You'd need a big bag for a whole leg though. The 'large' ones I have at the moment are 35x43cm, not sure if that would be big enough.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 09:36
Sorry, that came across a bit blunt! I think what I was trying to get at was this - if he has a passion for for medicine, veterinary, dental, (for example) then it would be vital he studied A-Level science subjects. I have friends who stayed in Dubai for this, then went on to complete western medicine degrees in UK/US. At this stage if he's not sure, a business/economic A-Level is quite transferable even if he ends up being a chef. I certainly don't think A-Levels will do him any harm, especially if he wants to go to a UK university. Does he have a careers advisor at school he could talk through all his options with?
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 09:20
hi all... my nephew has just wrapped up with his o-levels in a school in dubai and is now confused whether to carry on doing his a-levels at school or then enter a foundation course at a local college and then transfer credits to a proper university in the UK or elsewhere later... anyone been in this situation... what's ur advice... Wouldn't that depend on what his ultimate goal is?
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 08:44
Just wanted to say that technically, driving licenses are not 'exchanged'. I still have both UK and UAE in my possession. The UK license just allows us to obtain a UAE one without the need for any additional driving test. I'm mentioning this to be informative to the OP because she may have seen the word 'exchange' and thought she will have to give up her UK license.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 17:41
I've also just seen it in the pharmacy in Silicon Oasis (the one where big spinneys is)
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 09:16
Yes - must be here. I wish she wouldn't refer to Somersaults as summies thou... Why?!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 10:47
I've been researching this a lot lately and it is cheaper to buy online and have it shipped over from this company www.wheelersluxurygifts.com (I'm talking about Mont Blanc). However, because it's a 'luxury good', I'm not sure if you'd have to pay import tax on arrival. If so, it might not make it such a saving. I am going to buy in the UK and claim back VAT at the airport when I leave.
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 17:41
Seriously? You don't care?!?!!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 12:09
I have to agree with what others have said about the maintenance contract. I lived in a villa that ended up being a nightmare because the landlord just didn't care and would not spend any money on maintaining his investment. The A/C, water tanks, plumbing, kitchen ceiling caved in.... I could go on (and on, and on.....!) If you can view a few before hand do so because some are well cared for, others not at all. It got to the point that I hated living there and couldn't wait to leave, purely because of the property I was in. Shame, because the community and facilities were great. A simple annual maintenance contract could have made my Springs experience so different!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 00:53
Quintessential British humour! Showcasing the 'best of British'
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2012 - 14:44
I took the plunge and went last night. I must say I'm very impressed with the shape. I was warned they would look a little dark for a couple of days, so fingers crossed by the end of the weekend the colour will have settled. Or maybe I'm just not used to having visible eyebrows and need to get used to them!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2012 - 14:36
[quote I went there 2 months ago and within a week they had all come off!! taking most of mine with them. Tips and toes are the best i have used however they are expensive This is what I'm terrified of - losing my own lashes! Maybe I'll just stick to the individual falsies for W Day and try not to cry!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 13:53
brought a tear to my eye!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 12:09
I'm not sure what size they go up to but for support and comfort, cannot recommend highly enough the wonderbra strapless bras (I have them in an F cup and they hold everything in place!). They are the ones with the 'hands' inside if you know what I mean... amazing bras! I got mine in the UK but Debenhams should stock them... definitely give them a try! I was just about the suggest the same! Nothing moves in this bad boy! Great support and the bra stays where it's supposed to (must be the helping 'hands'!!)
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 10:32
Worried about the maternity now, we are planning for a baby and don't want to switch insurers because of the exemptions. What are you worried about? Just read the policy documents and it will tell you what you are covered for. Or phone them up and ask if you're unsure!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 19:14
Just seen in spinneys DSO - AED 47!
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 18:11
Thanks. This is a really sad news..no closure for the family I can't quite believe someone can just vanish into thin air, but it seems there are no leads (well, not that they are publishing anyway). You can check the official website for all info: www.bringtimmyhome.co.uk
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 18:06
Sadly, no....
coffee_mate
683
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 17:46
Yes, he's mad :) A few years back it was perceived as being 'far out' but Dubai has grown and stretched so far now, I wouldn't consider it to be far away. And now the flyover is finished the access is easy.
 
 
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