cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 14:16
Prime is quite grown up we took DS who is 14 and he felt it was a bit la de dah but loved the automatic toilet doors! Food was fab but little atmosphere and very quiet/sedate. If you don't mind the journey Seafire at Atlantis does a good steak and there are always children in the restaurant - vouchers in fine dining book. Convenient for us here at The Villa though! <em>edited by cymraes on 16/06/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 12:02
Much appreciated TheMrs, will give them a buzz. x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 11:06
Hi TheMrs, thank you that's really helpful - the reason I want to go on a Saturday is that I should have started my job by then and I don't actually qualify for any leave during my probationary period, so if it had been possible to do the medical in Dubai I could have done this after work ... ah well. I'll try to find out if I can do the medical on a Saturday in AD, any suggestions? Thanks again
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 10:10
We're in an A1 Mazaya in the last phase (Centro) so not very landscaped, we rent - I would have been horrified if I'd paid the 4.3mil that our LL paid for the property! Have to say we love living at The Villa and we too have a great LL (bit if a shaky start but that was all to do with him paying so much for the villa and the value has halved, so he couldnt rent for his original inflated price) our pool is fixed, and I don't want to move from here x. We previously lived at Ranches which was fine but value for money in a rental at The Villa is fantastic, and for us it's convenient for school (Wellington DSO) and DH's work. Have recently heard that rental properties are getting scarce up here.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 21:40
it is supposed to have a thickish runny consistency, if you put it in the fridge (which you should not) it will become more solid. I think they highlight the skimmed milk so you think it could be healthy!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 08:59
Chocs01, I read somewhere (Gulf News/National or somewhere similar) that only one name should appear on the tenancy contract now ... in the three years we've been here it's been DH's name once, DH and the company name twice ... who knows what it will be tomorrow. I love living here in the UAE but sometimes I do think that some laws etc change on a whim, ah well all will come out in the wash no doubt. DH renewed his visa in March and mine is due in July, so I'll brace myself for that one! Thanks for your reply :) Where do we actually get the 'right' info on these things, it seems everything is heresay
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 08:28
I didn't hear the whole thing on the radio this morning (trying to get DS off to school!) apparently there is something about having an AD visa and not being able to live in Dubai, they said something about wanting people to repopulate the empty accommodation in AD!! Can anyone can shed any light on this, DH's company HQ is in AD and we have AD visas, but his actual place of work is in Dubai ...... can you imagine the upheaval for so many expat families if this is the case, change in school (DS going into GCSEs next term!), moving house - all of a sudden these things happen with what appears to be no foresight!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 18:20
I miss Sainsburys and family. Thats about it. Same .... but in the opposite order!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 17:49
Help .... well thankfully I am all sorted, DH and I have sent a gold bracelet but now my father in law (the 90th birthday girl's son) has asked me what to get. She's quite fussy, has everything and doesn't want trinkets. A party is sorted with cake, photographer etc .... do you think if I said to him some jolly hellium balloons that would be a good idea, or do you lovely ladies have something else different to suggest? She has a digital photo frame already ... which is in a cupboard! She is also wheelchair bound but has all her faculties!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 17:28
I read many threads on here about how expensive childcare/nurseries are and was curious to work out what I paid in the days when DS was little and attended nursery full time. I did a quick calculation of what I used to pay in the UK, 12 years ago, for a middle of the road nursery for DS. It worked out at 55,000AED a year in those days (4,500AED a month) - so in comparison to the UK I think prices are somewhat cheaper here for nursery. With the majority of people earning far in excess of their UK salaries (and tax free) I don't think people are paying over the odds for childcare. I fully understand that this is a lot of money, but what price to you put on your child's welfare and care, I can only speak for the UK costs. A very wise boss I had gave me a good bit of food for thought when I was considering whether it was cost effective to return to work - was the money I took home in salary enough to cover my childcare fees, and leave me with enough money to make it worth my while. Luckily, for me it was, but it is a predicament. I do feel for you parents who have young children - childcare and ultimately school fees are a massive chunk of money from our monthly budget. There is definitely a gap in the market here for good afterschool care, and in time hopefully that gap will be filled ... sadly not soon enough, I really don't think the UAE is geared up for parents of many expat families to work .... in our home countries the demand for this care has evolved, or some have parents to help out. I really hope that someone will bridge the gap - it could be an absolute goldmine ..... Sorry to hijack, and i am sorry I don't have a solution for you but I wish you lots of luck in finding a solution. x <em>edited by cymraes on 12/06/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 14:53
Both of these are convenient, and excellent value with nice facilities, close to Dubai Mall and great down town dining and adventures: Al Manzil - http://www.southernsunme.com/almanzil/ Qamardeen - http://www.southernsunme.com/qamardeen/index.html?gclid=CPqrpZvEyLACFUUb6wodn3T8YA <em>edited by cymraes on 12/06/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 15:30
I was at Deepak this morning in Satwa and they had lots of blackout fabric .... I think they will tailor it too.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 13:53
Personally, the idea of a non-profit school appeals to me... Any money that JESS makes goes back in to the school. We changed from a not for profit (not JESS) to GEMS DSO, as we were disappointed with the lack of support DS was getting. I am thrilled with the level of teaching, the feel of the school and the management. I too was originally swayed and to be honest, blinkered, towards a not for profit school, but as it turns out GEMS DSO has far exceeded our expectations. DS is in KS3. I would take a look at where the GEMS profits go, back into the schools and into funding education for less privileged children in third world countries, that sits well with DH and me. Although I don't think all profit schools have the same ethos. Visit both schools and see how you feel about them, each child is different and thrives on different things. Talk to as many parents as possible for their views.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 13:31
just reporting back ... declined to pay 39aed for two in M&S, so today I picked up 4 garlic naan and 4 tandoori naan (N King brand) from the frozen cabinet at Lulu's in Al Barsha 4.50aed a packet ... hopefully they'll be good, but worth a try for 4.50!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 13:37
[i'> so, for example in my case my company does not have anything to do with my accomodation. I am on a local contract and my housing allowance per month is a ridiculous small amount!? So why now this should have anything to do with my company??? [/i'> If you are on a local contract who is your sponsor? In which case I guess that legally they are responsible for you. Just a question - what is your visa status or are you a GGC national, I guess that makes a difference to your status if you live independently of your sponsor? <em>edited by cymraes on 09/06/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 12:43
Had exactly the same problem got a UK visitor to bring one out, in the meantime I measured the board and got a 'local' one in Hyperpanda which needed a tweak - keep the old 'suspenders' so you can get it to fit a bit better
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 16:58
How contemporary? Try Monili at Gold and Diamond Park https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150588691994442.383975.178403734441&type=3 Thanks Nannymcphee, they're lovely, however I would like just plain gold jewellery with no stones, a bit more like the Elsa Peretti or Frank Gehry styles that Tiffany sell (without the price tag!) and I don't really want to copy these .... http://www.tiffany.co.uk/Shopping/CategoryBrowse.aspx?cid=288188&mcat=148206 http://www.tiffany.co.uk/shopping/category.aspx?mcat=148206&cid=288187 Or Georg Jensen http://www.georgjensen.com/uk/jewellery
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 14:09
Hi, you could do a search on the search facility (on the top of this page) for 'moving to dubai' 'recruitment' etc, there are lots and lots of threads. I understand that females can share accommodation, search also 'cost of living', many people earn lots of money here but sadly admin jobs can be relatively poorly paid as there are many from other countries who are willing to do the job for a lot less money (I would say an average admin reasonable wage in the region of 10,000aed = £1700 a month) this is a low salary when you have to take into consideration the cost of living. There are also lots of threads on recruitment agencies, so I'd search that too - I'm familiar with www.gulftalent.com but there are lots of others - are you looking for an admin job? Just in case you're not aware, if you come into the UAE on a visit visa you can only stay 30 days, and you'd either have to do monthly visa runs if you don't get a job in that time. Good luck with your job hunt :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 13:55
Not that I've seen, I can't recall any of the Next stores here in Dubai stocking homewares, plus the prices are much more than the UK, so I'd stock up before you come.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 12:00
DH keeps bugging me about what to get me for my birthday, which was in early May! I would really like some simple, contemporary gold jewellery but I can't seem to find anything that falls into that category, I'm not very imaginative and therefore to have something made is difficult, and I don't want blingy. Can anyone recommend somewhere where I can look at simple, yet stylish modern gold jewellery?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 16:57
I had always assumed that TA jobs were local hires, I could be wrong. I don't believe it costs your husband anything to sponsor you - it will be in his T&Cs, they have to earn a minimum salary to qualify - but I understand that's quite low (10K a month or something like that). You are right however a labour card is required anf they are not as expensive as a visa I am going to be a local hire and the company are covering my labour card, I needed to pay only for the police criminal check thing - 150aed if I remember correctly.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 16:10
I had always assumed that TA jobs were local hires, I could be wrong. I don't believe it costs your husband anything to sponsor you - it will be in his T&Cs, they have to earn a minimum salary to qualify - but I understand that's quite low (10K a month or something like that).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 15:44
Ranches is lovely, we lived there for two years when we arrived in Al Reem 3. It's a beautiful place to live, lovely manicured surroundings and lovely clean pools. Handy shops, now there is a Shakesperes for yummy coffee and food, food delivery and taxis are plentiful. Lovely walks around the lake in Al Reem 1, 2 and 3. Rents are in your budget - a year ago our 3M was 135,000 (originally we paid 150,000). Make sure you get a maintenance contract though, which your LL should supply. We moved to a bigger property for the same money at The Villa, as there are 3 of us and we have lots of visitors and wanted our own pool and 4 bedrooms (+maid and study now paying 135,000). Gardeners you can negotiate with from 150-250 ish per month , our DEWA bills were pretty good about 700-1300aed roughly per month (edited to add we didn't pay a housing fee then which they have introduced). I can't comment on your commute as I used to do the school run to Academic city which took about 15-20 mins each way and DH went south. Personally I think Ranches wins hands down over JVC/JVT and your journey time will be longer plus less facilities. Not sure if it's in your budget but Silicon Oasis is a good option and a good commute I think to DIFC. Good luck.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 15:41
Ranches is lovely, we lived there for two years when we arrived in Al Reem 3. It's a beautiful place to live, lovely manicured surroundings and lovely clean pools. Handy shops, now there is a Shakesperes for yummy coffee and food, food delivery and taxis are plentiful. Lovely walks around the lake in Al Reem 1, 2 and 3. Rents are in your budget - a year ago our 3M was 135,000 (originally we paid 150,000). Make sure you get a maintenance contract though, which your LL should supply. We moved to a bigger property for the same money at The Villa, as there are 3 of us and we have lots of visitors and wanted our own pool and 4 bedrooms (+maid and study now paying 135,000). Gardeners you can negotiate with from 150-250 ish per month, our DEWA bills were pretty good about 700-1300aed roughly per month. I can't comment on your commute as I used to do the school run to Academic city which took about 15-20 mins each way and DH went south. Personally I think Ranches wins hands down over JVC/JVT and your journey time will be longer plus less facilities. Not sure if it's in your budget but Silicon Oasis is a good option and a good commute I think to DIFC. Good luck.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 15:13
Thanks so much for the quick replies - the hotels look great although unfortunately le grey is a little above budget! :) Thanks for the article cymraes, very informative. You're welcome, I've saved it for DH for when he takes me (whenever!), they say it's the Paris of the middle east. Have a super time and don't forget to report back x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 15:09
My only concern about working in UAE is that if you decide to resign before your contract is over, moving onto another job can be hard if they refuse to give you an NOC. There are (sadly) a lot of companies here who still refuse to give NOCs if you leave. Perhaps ask them what their policy is before deciding. If she is under her husbands visa she doesnt need an NOC from her employer if she quits her job and goes to another one.. Oooh thanks for that Mushypeas, I didn't know that :) good to know!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 15:06
I have a friend who was a TA/LSA in the UK and commented that the salaries out here are pretty poor for the role, even if you are a qualified TA. If you have a passion for this work then I would go ahead, if it helps you out and you like your job. Also the TA roles here are term time roles and that fits nicely if you have children at school. Plus it will enhance your CV. Someone mentioned to me that my new role was ultimately only as secure as my husband's role, if he loses his job then my sponsorship goes with that and I would probably have to give up my role as it's a local hire, so I could not support my family .... someone with more knowledge will be able to comment on that as I don't know the legalities. Good luck :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 14:59
I read this in last week's time out ...... http://www.timeout.com/travel/features/1137/beirut-a-weekenders-guide Maybe some of the lovely EWers can comment&gt;? It's on my list of places to visit.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 14:57
Just had a feeling, no exact science. Like I wrote, I always imagined having a boy. Is it uncommon to feel a bit shocked? I also thought I was carrying a boy, however we weren't bent on having either a girl or a boy and were looking forward to the surprise of what 'it' was going to be, it was a feeling yes and 'he' arrived but it was only a feeling .... but I don't think that's a strong enough feeling to buy or accept a certain gender of clothing items, personally I didn't buy anything until I was 10 months gone, and then only neutral stuff. Good luck and I wish you every happiness x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 14:29
Just curious how were you 'convinced' it was a boy, had you had gender selection and why you were shocked when the doctor told you it was 85% a girl? I too know someone who was told she was having a girl from the scans then had a boy. Good luck to you with you baby.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 14:25
I have recently accepted a position and the salary stated is low however the amount doubles once the living allowance and transport are added, it means they only pay you your leaving benefit on the base salary. In addition there is a flight and healthcare - it is a secretarial role. Is this the case in the role you are considering?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 13:17
Time out list some good offers every week in their magazine now out on a Wednesday, it's towards the back in the travel pages, they list UAE offers and further afield.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:50
Hi there, I recall there was a website in the UK that told you about the demographics, schools, facilities, services etc for towns in the UK, I thought it was called upmystreet but that seems to have been taken over by Zoopla and just lists houses, anyone know what the website is called? thanks in advance You're right cymraes, it was called upmystreet and that has been sold to Zoopla. I just did a quick search online, try this link instead: http://www.siteslike.com/similar/upmystreet.com Uh oh site not available in the UK! Some bad UK towns out there no doubt! thanks SEY83 x will continue my search
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 10:26
general info really, there used to be a website as I said, it gave info on demographics of who lived in which areas, ie retired, young families, single people etc. I'm trying to get a feel for some areas in which we might consider moving to in the UK within a wide area, as as I can't spend a lot of time in the UK doing my research would like to have a short list so I can do some more in depth looking.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 07:18
normally get 4 hours good sleep then drifting sleep for 4 if I'm lucky - and then I wake up early at the weekend, grrrr. I thought it was my age, seems I'm in good company :-) Read this thread last night and had the worst nights' sleep ever! Went to bed early at 10 as DH had gone out and I was shattered, woke at 12 to find he wasn't home, then had texting conversation until 1.30 saying he was on way in taxi, 2am he came to bed, started snoring, 3am poochie came into our room with his lampshade collar on clattering against everything (had surgery at the weekend), 3.30am DH decides he needs to go to the bathroom, 4am snoring, so switched the TV on ..... 6am alarm goes off. Think I will be having a nap this morning!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 16:44
I'm thinking that the breakeven point would be above the level where you would be eligible for tax credit (I don't know what the level is), but I do know the cost of full time nursery for a child. If you're earning 100K you will not be entitled to any tax credits I don't think. I didn't get any tax credits/help I believe they take it away from you after earning in the region of £30-35K. Tax and national insurance will be a kicker on your salary as some have said 35-40% taken off your basic, I don't know the true figures as I've been out of the UK for a while. Having said that £100K is a BIG salary in Wales. I know, I am from North Wales! <em>edited by cymraes on 04/06/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 16:30
On the bills side of thing, we are in a detached 4 bed villa (at The Villa) with a pool and just irrigation on the borders, we are very frugal with the AC - our lowest bill was 900AED and our highest in 12 months was 5000AED - there are two adults and DS who is 14. I spend about the same on food here, I make everything from scratch as I always have (prepared stuff is wildly expensive) but no 2 bottles of wine for a £10 in the trolley .. vino etc is very expensive and we go to Barracuda's up in Um Al Qwain every 6-8 weeks to stock up. If you want to buy organic stuff that's very expensive too, and not widely available in the normal supermarkets, although things are getting better. The temptation in Dubai is to go out more, eating and days out during the weekend, doing the Dubai thing once in a while - and I feel these things are more expensive. Clothing and toiletries in my opinion are more expensive too, so stock up on clothes, especially everyday basics (M&S tshirts, shorts, swimwear, underwear) before you come.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 16:17
I've seen Tigi products in Charactere in Motor City, I think they also have them at the salon near Waitrose in Dubai Mall, between Waitrose and the exit to the carpark, hope this helps
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 16:14
I've just found out that I need to get a cheap men's suit jacket in black or navy for DS' school production, as he won't wear it again I wondered where I might get one cheap .... do the supermarkets (C4, Geant, Lulu) sell these or where could I go without trawling the whole of Dubai? Thanks in advance.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 07:17
I think the level of cover varies greatly, they all have different tiers so sometimes best to be on the higher tier of some rather than the lower one of another maybe well known company - if you see what I mean. I think doing your own in depth research on all of them is the way forward, don't know if you can get in touch with a broker here, someone else I am sure will know. Good luck
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 07:14
I didn't go but had a FB message from a friend to say that she was two hours late on state, but awesome!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 13:57
Yes..... Yes, I only have the ONE Child...... No.... No.... Just her!!! This is said on a regular basis!!! And then they say "but you can have/must have more" to which I reply "no it's our choice to have only one and we're very happy" then to be stared at with a bemused look!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 12:15
Be careful they don't rip it off and damage the wound.... Poochie is is a bit of a soft boy, if we have to leave him in his own we'll put the cone of shame back on, he seems to have had a lovely sleep this morning - was very unsettled last night bless him x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 11:36
Thanks for that Fairwater, let's hope DH likes the flapjacks with date syrup!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 10:43
Thanks Daza, here is the recipe I'm going to use for home made date syrup Date Syrup serves 2 cups / approx. 280 calories per 1 cup serve approx. macronutrient breakdown: fat 0g / carbs 76g / protein 2g Ingredients  10 Medjool dates, pitted (or 20 normal dates, pitted) 1 3/4 cup water 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Method Place all ingredients in a blender and process for a few minutes until smooth and completely blended. Start off slowing to allow the dates to break up initially, and then build up the speed. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 10:16
We lived in a 3m in ranches 15 months ago, very frugal with ac and had irrigation for a small garden, 2 adults and a teen, bills ranged from 800-1500 approx a month but at that time there was no housing fee
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 09:21
Most schools list their academic calendar on their website,for this and the next academic year, hope this helps
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 09:22
How about an acronym round, meanings of the following: DEWA ADNOC DIFC KHDA SZR etc etc, there must be some other good ones out there?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 09:36
Thanks, do I just walk out of the back of the mall along the marina walkway? Thanks everso
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 16:08
......am bowing out BB2, I simply wanted to share information not be bashed for it :( I know I am not the only one who doesn't know about it but then I guess that I and others are obviously not up on the news like others. Bowing out in the hope I've helped just one EWer today :)