em2san | ExpatWoman.com
 

em2san

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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:14
[u'>Things to do to remove existing bad odors[/u'> A couple of lumps of coal in the fridge absorbs all the food odors so no unpleasant food-y smells when you open the fridge door. Have an open jar of baking soda in the rooms as they act like odor absorbers. [u'>Things to do to add nice smells[/u'> Take a [url=http://www.craftyjungle.co.uk/images/small/black-white-sq-oil-burner2.jpg'>scented oil burner[/url'> and in the bottom part, place a tea candle and in the part above, put some water and then place half a lemon with the rind facing upwards -- divine clean smell! Also, instead of using fruity or flowery air freshener sprays -- take a starch spray and spray on blockout lining of curtains before guests arrival -- a very crisp and clean smell. And, find sandalwood from Indian/Pakistani stores [or any other wood that you find pleasant smelling'> and keep a few sticks in an open vase on the bathroom sink. <em>edited by em2san on 27/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 08:17
Reem Al Bawadi on Sheikh Zayed Road. But you will have to call them and check -- I think they may have the belly dancer only on weekends [or weekdays or something of that sort'>. The food is a la carte and nothing to write home about. The place is more of a shisha den so you might want to check the exact time the belly dancer comes on and then just go for tea and manakish.
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 23:43
Tried it 5 years ago -- didn't really need it but was trying to support my dorm room-mate who was trying to fit in a special dress for her brother's wedding. We did it for a week, then a 3 day break and then a week long session again. She was 85 kgs in the beginning and 73 in the end. I went from 48 kgs to 43! I've heard that the weight loss is just water weight but I have to say that my friend looked pretty good at her brother's wedding. Having said that -- the diet itself was torture. The soup is foul and the recommended food is not much fun either. It is very restricting, I felt weak for the entire duration of the diet and binged the second it got over :) I'd say its more of a short fix or a weight loss starter than a long term solution. ETA - Google also tells me that the diet was never created or endorsed by GM and it's just a gimmick: I trust in Google! =) <em>edited by em2san on 25/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 18:58
Babyshop -- MOE, Ibn, et cetera .. I believe they also have a discount nowadays
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 22:59
Thank you, H.A.K -- any chance you remember the approximate price?
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 20:24
Thank you so much -- I must've been having a stupid-google day earlier cause I completely missed it! Thanks again :)
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 11:49
I remember seeing some "Lytess" at Boots, Mall of the Emirates
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 11:46
Just Go With It - Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston No Strings Attached - Ashton Kutcher, Natalie Portman Marry Me - Lucy Liu [more romance than comedy'> From Prada To Nada
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 10:46
Hello, You can make contacts and get interviews here but don't get disappointed if you don't get results immediately. Regarding his CV, if you are on good terms with someone in the HR department of your company. Ask them if they can look over it and give you some pointers to make it more appealing to the employers in this region. For a professional, such as an engineer, I would recommend that he lists not only each company that he has worked for but also any important job title's that he may have held [such as; Team Leader, Project Director, et cetera'> and maybe in 2-3 bullet points, jot down exactly what he was entailed to do. You said that he has applied for jobs online but ask your DH goes to Media City and Internet City and drop off his CV and Cover Letter at the reception table at Siemens, Cisco Systems, DU and Thuraya [can't think of the names of any more system/equipment focused companies right now but you get the drift'>. Also -- Knowledge Village/Academic City often have conferences, panel discussions and workshops for professionals. Sign up for their newsletter and your DH can select events where he thinks he will get the best chance to network. I know this must be a stressful time but don't worry: you're not alone and your DH seemingly has good qualifications and experience so though he may have to lower his expectations a bit but I'm sure something will work out for him.
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 02:18
Can't help you with accommodation, sorry! Regarding things to do on an AD weekend .. Thursday night -- bowling at Marina Mall followed by dinner Friday daytime -- Ferrari World and YAS Marina Circuit Friday evening -- drive and dinner by the AD corniche Saturday morning -- Zayed Mosque Saturday afternoon -- picnic on one of the islands [cannot remember the name but a really nice one is about 20 mins away by boat and has good facilities for showers & changing rooms by the beach and pool + jet skis on hire, et cetera'> <em>edited by em2san on 24/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 02:13
Downloaded skype on all our computers on DU network [in UAE'> and runs without any problem, VPN not required for us.
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 02:11
I had a bank statement as proof that I have the funds to pay for my travel, accommodation and associated costs but the interviewer just gave the balance a cursory glance and returned the statement to me. As far as I know, they did not contact my bank. And my family and I had a 8 minute interview at the end of which she said "Your visa has been approved, please hand it in for stamping at the courier desk." We got our passports with our stamped US visa within 10 days of our visit to the US embassy. HTH :)
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 01:55
*hugs* I'm sorry you're going through such a tough time but from personal experience I can tell you that you will be immensely relieved after you see your dad and he will really appreciate it too .. If you need any help sorting out food, grocery, et cetera while you're away -- just email me em2san at gmail dot com
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 22:11
You should go to Jumbo -- I've noticed that the salespeople on their phone counters are better informed than those at Carrefour [they always come across as bored and disinterested to me'>. I checked the full phone specifications of the i9003 on [url=http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9003_galaxy_sl-3761.php'>gsmarena[/url'> and it seems like it [i'>does[/i'> have swype! Can't help you with the app prices -- I actually don't know if they have paid apps cause I've only ever used the free ones. The apps and games that I've downloaded free from android market and I can absolutely recommend are: whatsapp, ebuddy [multi-messenger'>, skype, angry birds, angry birds RIO, talking tom cat, photoshop express, twitter and facebook. Also, I cannot remember the exact names but they have excellent apps for fertility calendars, weight loss support and expense managers.
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 19:30
I bought my samsung galaxy tab from Etisalat but inititally could not use android market on it, it kept on displaying an error message. It was preinstalled with another program to use for downloading but a) It didn't have so many apps and b) They didn't look like apps from trusted sources. So I used the steps detailed on this [url=http://samsunggalaxysforums.com/showthread.php/892-Don-t-have-Android-Market-Don-t-worry-here-is-your-solution'>forum[/url'>. And now I can use android market and download all the apps, themes or games I want. HTH p.s. I was under the impression that SWYPE was already installed on all new phones in the Galaxy series
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 07:37
Click on the facebook application, and then Click on the menu button [with the bb logo'> Go to "options" Select "logout" A pop-up message will come up, say "yes" It will automatically logout, and will require the password to be re-typed if you want to log in After the last step, you can also go to the phone's main menu and choose "options" and then "applications" and then filter "add-on" and then delete the facebook application and restart the phone to complete the action IF you want to remove facebook app entirely from your bb instead of just logging out HTH :)
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 23:32
I love my blackberry, couldn't spend a minute without it.
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 18:48
Why is that the only two posters who have recommended Sheba Iranian Carpets have only one post each and that is about Rashid at Sheba Iranian Carpets?!
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Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 22:35
Just to add -- If you contact Etisalat's branch near Dubai Mall and talk to a manager and show the sms's and explain the situation, they may block the number from contacting you. They have been helpful in the past when a classmate was sending harassing sms'es to a friend of mine.
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Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 22:28
Chicken turnovers -- Preheat over. Fry diced chicken cubes [1 cm size'>. Make white sauce and stir in chicken. Take puff pastry squares. Add dollop of chicken + white sauce mixture in the middle and fold in a triangle. Press down with damp hands to close ends. Use a brush to spread some whipped egg over the pastry [to make it a nice golden color'>. Line an oven tray with foil. Place turnovers on the tray and pop in the oven. After about 6-8 mins [or whenever you think the tops are a nice color'>, turn over the turnovers so that the other side can bake. Ta-da! :)
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 21:55
I don't know if this would help, but i had an "over" billing problem that lasted almost 4 months. The last time I went in (don't bother with phone -- it will get you nowhere), I went about 45 minutes before they were to close and I refused to leave until it was resolved. In the end, they did finally pay attention to my problem, they agreed that I was right and they were wrong, and I ended up with a rather larger credit. When I left the shop, it was 1/2 hour past closing time and the doors had been locked. Give it a try. Make sure you have your reference/complaint number as the person you will see won't know you from anyone else. Good luck. This is the best suggestion ever. All the "high-up's" at DU are at the DIC office. So go over there and talk to a customer service representative and if they are not able to solve your problem, just stick your a$$ in a chair and refuse to move until you've talked to someone with authority. It's actually quite funny seeing them running around trying to solve your problem before one of the Executive's discovers you camping out in the lobby :D
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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 20:13
Madeline Grace sounds beautiful - Congratulations on your baby girl :)
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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 11:39
Cheque's don't expire; they get "stale-dated" -- There is actually no international policy for the exact time period after which a cheque gets stale-dated and cannot be cashed. You have two options: Go to the bank and try to get it cashed. If they refuse, go to the Nursery and request them to issue you a new cheque.
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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 00:27
For veggie cutlets: take mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, bean sprouts and potatoes. Boil them until soft and then mash them. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make vegetable patties and coat with whisked egg and breadcrumbs. Make a dozen or more at time and freeze on a tray. Defrost and fry as needed.
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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 00:22
Tandoora Man and Abaya Woman Salt and Pepper Shakers are also available in the booth opposite Galler Cafe, Mall of the Emirates.
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Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 13:09
CROCS warehouse sale. Does anyone have directions how to get there? The map on their Facebook page is so small, by the time you blow the pic up, the map is so fuzzy you can't read it. Zoomed in map for the CROCS sale [url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150121631611619&set=pu.197484816618&theater'>link[/url'>
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 19:25
there's the CROCS warehouse sale starting today... and then the DragonBoat Festival Any more info on the CROCS warehouse sale? More information from the event page "Because of the huge demand Crocs brings you another Warehouse Sale! Original Crocs 20-80% off Crocs Warehouse Sale Al Marabea' Street (close to Grand Mall) Al Quoz Ind. 1 Thursday 7th April 15.00 - 20.00 hrs. Friday 8th April 10.00 - 20.00 hrs Saturday 9th April 10.00 - 15.00 hrs For more information contact 04-3216003." Here's the [url=http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186089961427409&index=1'>link[/url'> to the facebook event <em>edited by em2san on 07/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 19:19
I had the same problem when trying to book an appointment for Dubai - it didn't show any available date. So I instead chose to get an interview appointment at Abu Dhabi - more dates available. Only issue was that in AD, I had to wait a bit for them to pull my file because I had filled out the form for Dubai. Sorry if I made it sound complicated. ETA: You can get an appointment at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi even if you have a Dubai visa EXCEPT if you have an Iranian Passport stamped with a Dubai visa [then you need to go to Dubai for the interview'>. Clarifying just in case this scenario applies to you. <em>edited by em2san on 07/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 19:13
Went today and was disappointed :( Even the shirt and cap giveaway didn't make up for it <em>edited by em2san on 07/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 19:08
Correct me if I'm wrong but I always thought Karachi Darbar, Ravi and Student Biryani were Pakistani! If you like vegetarian, Sukh Sagar has the yummiest dosa's =)
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Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 14:24
Go to DEWA office and inform them that you will be vacating the premises and need to pay your final bill. They will give you a printed bill and ask you to come back after 3-4 working days. This is the period in which they switch off your utilities. After 3-4 working days, return to DEWA office and pay the total outstanding amount and get your DEWA deposit returned. Take the receipt of final payment, all copies of the keys for your house, the original security deposit receipt for your house and a copy of the tenancy contract and submit to landlord representative [Make sure you ask them to give you a receipt for the keys and original security deposit slip'>. The landlord will ask someone to inspect the house for damages, wear/tear, et cetera and then authorize the return of your deposit. This should take no more than 4 days. Unfortunately the last bit has never been easy for me. One landlord actually deducted money for painting the house and it was an exorbitant amount [I could've gotten it done for less from "my guy in Satwa" but the landlord didn't ask me'>. Also, the representative said 4 days before I could collect my money but it was actually it took more like 15 days and repeated calls -- Apparently the guy who signs for the money to be given was conveniently out of town. Hope this helps and you have a smooth transition.
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Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 02:17
These are quick to make foods. For appetizer - a Turkish recipe for "Sigari Borek" - Crumble feta cheese in a bowl and mix with parsley. Lay out puff pastry and spoon the cheese-parsley mix and roll in a thin roll [like a cigarette'>. Deep fry and serve hot. For dessert - a cake, pudding and whipped cream trifle. In a clear dish, lay out thin slices of chocolate pound cake. In a measuring cup, take 1.5 cups of chilled milk and a packet of Jell-O Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix, mix well and pour over cake. Wait 10 mins for it to set, then have another thin layer of cake topped with pudding. Freeze for 1 hour. Add whipped cream on top before serving.
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Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 02:08
Why not sponsor her as an employee for your husbands company. Have her as admin staff or secretary etc. Have done this with with our current nanny. edited by Ghetto Barbie on 05/04/2011 edited by Ghetto Barbie on 05/04/2011 Not recommended. Someone I know incurred heavy fines for doing so and since then, if they try to sponsor even a legitimate employee for their company, the approval for visa takes a long time.
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Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 00:17
Gardenia, I had Proactiv to help with my acne and my skin cleared up considerably. However, other friends had little success with it. I suggest you definitely go to a dermatologist before starting any over-the-counter treatment for your daughter because there is more than one kind of acne. Depending on type and severity, the dermatologist can recommend the best course of treatment whether it is Vit A or Benzoyl Peroxide [main component of Proactiv'> or other OTC meds. ETA: My dermatologist was Dr. Kiran from Zulekha Hospital - unfortunately she is no longer on the staff so thats why I can't recommend anyone. <em>edited by em2san on 06/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 00:09
I was so disappointed - they hyped up the musical episode so much and the spoiler video actually spiked my interest cause everybody sounded so beautiful but the actual episode was just blah!
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Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 00:06
I dont have the numbers yet, will let you know once Ive got it all sorted. Ive been advised its more expensive than taxis but I need one to drive me all over, to work and back, shopping, to FF gym (pool only sadly ...), friends, other appointments etc. I will need to be very organised with my planning for each week, and stick to it - especially when I leave work, mind you that will be good discipline. Oh thanks! So will they be working for the month say 9-5 all day or more of a x amount of trips per day basis? I may be needing a driver for a month too and would prefer my own car driven rather than a different taxi so would love to know TIA AdviceSeeker, its best to contact them and tell the dates that you require them for and whats your schedule like [i.e. fixed office hours or out of office weekends, et cetera'> They are very professional and provide personalized plans to suit your routine.
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Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 19:14
Contact Puranmal. They are at several locations including Knowledge Village Food Court and another near Discovery Gardens. They do "Punjabi Samosas" that are AED 1 each and the perfect size for serving as finger food. I don't know if they sell them fried though. We always get dozens of fresh samosas and then throw them in the freezer. And defrost and fry as needed.
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 23:05
You must have gone on a bad day .. They're generally very good
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 18:56
Love having visitors! And we must be really lucky because our friends and [near and extended'> families are really considerate and don't expect us to entertain them every minute nor do they expect us to pay for everything. We have a set of visitors almost every fortnight and we like it that way - we never mind doing the informal Dubai tour or the Northern Emirates tour or the endless rounds at the malls and creek and Karama and Dragon Mart: we figure its part and parcel of enjoying their company :)
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 09:52
Even if you're watching the road [which will be hard with impaired vision'>, at Dubai speeds, it will be difficult for you to instruct the driver. You've chosen the driver well by hiring someone who has no previous record of driving misdemeanor. Now you just need to sit with him and use the RTA brochure to explain the various traffic offences and how they will result in a monetary fine for you and black points for him [gently let him know that these are saved in records and will effect his future employment'>.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 23:23
Another lovely trip to do with visitors is to Ras Al Khaimah. We leave Dubai around 10 in the morning and reach RAK around 11:30. Then we drive outside the actual city looking at the Sheeba palace, Umm Nar tombs and Falayah fort. We lunch at the Hilton. And then spend some time at their beach. Then we go to Al Maarid before heading to the RAK National museum which is small but has very interesting information about the RAK Sheikh and his tribe. And then we visit the souq and round off the day by going to corniche for coffee, sweets and shisha before heading back home :) I always suggest that people look at this site before planning a trip to RAK [url=http://www.rakpedia.com/home.html'>link[/url'> <em>edited by em2san on 03/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 19:12
The used car market in Sharjah is called Abu Shagara. Location is very easy. Take Sheikh Zayed to Sharjah. Look out for sign on the right side that will say "Abu Shagara/Government Buildings" and take that exit. You will be on King Faisal Street. Stick to the right lane and when you will see a small entrance between "Choithram" and "Avenue", enter there. You will be in a residential area. There will be a small roundabout, go straight from there until you come to a larger roundabout, turn right from here. Keep going straight to the end of the street and take a left. You will see car dealers all around, find a parking and then take a walk around.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 19:01
bee, Most buildings in Greens have a not-so-legal car cleaning business. These car cleaning guys are always in the know about what parking is empty [tenant not in country or not using parking, et cetera'>. So just talk to them and ask them and if you are so inclined, get yourself an agreement to get the exterior of your car cleaned 12 times a month for AED 120 in total :)
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 01:01
Don't think they do house visits but in Al Barsha near Mall of the Emirates, there is this quaint little shop owned by an Iranian guy - has really good quality carpets and other Persian stuff. His shop is on the street behind Wrap & Roll.
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 22:30
Interesting facts: India has never conceded to Pakistan in a World Cup Match. Pakistan has never lost to India at Mohali. No host team has ever won the cricket WC final [in their home ground'>. Lets see which of these still holds true after this WC :) 2 stats blown to smithereens! =)
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 22:26
Both teams made the final a joy to watch, congratulations to all indian supporters :)
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 18:14
Tendulkar's gone - Might as well cheer for Murli now :)
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 16:04
I just had my drapes done by someone who was recommended by a friend and they turned out to be far nicer than the Everest ones I have personally seen - I'm sure some ladies might have had better experiences with them. The gentleman who did mine is called Fazal and his number is 056-602-8527. He has a nice shop in Satwa behind the Iranian Hospital, has a wonderful selection of fabrics but of course you have to know exactly what you're looking for since he can show you the most expensive fabric in which case each window will come to around 3000 or you could work with nice looking but reasonably priced fabrics in which case you would be looking at 900-1200 for a 2X2 window (minus sheers). If you're specific with them, they can bring you the catalogues at home and you can choose but we preferred to go to the store. I also had them alter all the curtains that we brought from our previous home and they've done a beautiful job with re-using everything we had. For anyone interested in re-upholstering, I also had ten dining table chairs upholstered by the same shop and done in silk with the braid, they cost me 700 which I thought was brilliant. Very neatly done and very quick as well. Fazal is great. Came to the house with catalogue and fabric samples. Made curtains and sheers to order in record time. And recommended someone for installation who draped them beautifully.
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 15:55
nice to know we have some SL supporters here! I think most of the Pakistan EW are supporting SL as well :) C'mon India! haha, t_t :) I thought I'd be supporting SL but I'm in two minds - two legends playing their retirement game today: don't know if I should cheer for Tendu or Murli! ETA: That is if Tendu FINALLY retires :P <em>edited by em2san on 02/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 15:50
This will involve more wandering. But Abu Shagara in Sharjah has some beautiful pre-owned cars with low mileage and the prices are always negotiable. The easiest way to go about it is to get the latest edition of autotrader, mark the cars you like in it, call the auto dealers to confirm their opening times and the car availability and then get a friend [preferably male and Urdu/Arabic speaking'> and head to Sharjah.