Emurella83 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Emurella83

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Latest post on 02 January 2016 - 22:38
I am seeing Dr Nirmala. I haven't taken a package as my insurance covers me so I'm not much help there I'm afraid.
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Latest post on 30 December 2015 - 17:31
Congrats! I am also living in JA area and I am using the Al Zahra Hospital in Barsha so only 15 mins from JA. I have been very impressed so far and they are also the only hospital in Dubai to offer water birthing, if that is a route you want to explore. I chose them as they take a very natural approach they don't push c-sections or inductions and also have midwives similar to the UK. I would certainly recommend checking them out.
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Latest post on 20 March 2015 - 13:23
For veggies you can't beat the Farmers Market on the Terrace at Emirates Towers it is only open on a friday morning but is all locally grown stuff sold by the farmers that grow it (unlike the ripe market). You choose how much you want of stuff, the veggies last well as they are freshly picked and i find it cheaper then the super markets for most stuff and it is organic. Kale and spinach are 5dhs a bunch!!!It is very farmer focused, so no craft things like ripe i much prefer it, although they do have a coffee stall, honey stall and baker and spice have a stall selling breads and cakes. For fish i use Waitrose, as the fish monger is very good at prep and knowlegeable. For all other goods i tend to use Geant, they are quite in the week and quality of food is good, the bread is lovely! I tend to only use carrefore if i want turkey or rabbit as they are always available there and hit and miss in other shops. Price wise i find carrefore, geant, coop and lulu all much of a muchness. Spinney's, Waitrose, park n shop and choitrams are more focused to western expats these days and prices are generally higher but they also stock things you can't get elsewhere so they are good for a few bits. Happy shopping!!!
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Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 10:04
Many of the golf clubs are able to hold events, they can provide dinner, music ect but also if you want some fun they can arrange mini comps even for the amateurs, putting competitions ect which can be a good giggle. How many people are you looking at hosting the event for? Also how about a beach bbq and mini Olympics Duplays have packages they can tailor to your needs with things like tug of war on a hotel beach with bbq and bar.
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Latest post on 28 December 2014 - 16:43
I have a friend who is in a 3 bed in Al Badra at JA Waterfront, she is really happy there, they were the 2nd people to move into the villa's there and slowly they are filling. They have a small back garden which is big enough for a BBQ, table and chairs and a few plants and really spacious balconies as well, the kitchen isn't massive but it's not small either. I really liked it when I went to visit her, the landscaping was lovely, the villa looked well finished and the location is really peaceful. I would certainly recommend that you go and check them out. Good luck with your search!
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Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 10:28
I have used it in salads and it has been fine, it is similar to feta in texture, little milder and slightly less salty, try it you may enjoy :-)
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Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 23:02
Do you have contact details for Nig and what are her prices?
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Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 10:25
I am so lucky to both an amazing mum in law and an awesome step mum, who totally filled the gap in my life that my mum left when she buggered off years ago. My mum is law is joining us here for xmas again this year and is getting a nice watch, a dress for xmas day from LK Bennet and a stocking filled with little bits, a tacky xmas camel snow global, choccies, pashmina ect. My step mum is is very different and will be in the Uk so we sent her a t-shirt from her favorite shop, a beautiful silver jewellery set and some cute wooden boxes we found in Bali that she will love! I always do the xmas shopping for both families and I love picking things that I know the individuals will love and use, if I left it to the husband everyone would end up with cash in a card, hehehe :-)
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Latest post on 07 December 2014 - 17:16
If you have a UK passport you don't have to leave the country you can go to the department of residency next to bur dubai police station and pay to have it extended by another 30 days, it's doesn't take long they do it while you wait, think it was about 200 or 300dhs. As far as I am aware you will need to get your cert attested here as well at the MoFA, take it yourself your husband doesn't need to go and join the ladies line, you'll be served much quicker than if your husband takes it.
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Latest post on 07 December 2014 - 14:33
I cannot rate Rachel at SLaM highly enough, she is the best hairdresser I have ever had, and that is saying something as I used to be assistant manager of a salon in the UK back in the day!!! I have sent a number of friends to her and they have all continued to use her, we all have very different hair types (mine is very very fine, blonde and straight as an rod) so she is multi-experienced. She does both my cut and colour, when I first went she did exactly as I asked, no more or less, since then I have given her more freedom to have free reign and I have never been disappointed she takes into account my hair type, face shape and lifestyle so I can make it look just as good when styling at home. I have total faith in recommending her. Also as a salon, the atmosphere is lovely every one there is super friendly, loads of natural light which makes a change over here and they make a crackin' cup of coffee. Last time I was there I also had my nails done and will totally go back for that too, they did a fab job!
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Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 15:34
Yeap, love it!!! Rachel does my hair, cut and colour (blonde highlights and ombre) she is fab, highly recommend her. She used to work at Chill in media city until she started Slam. The salon has loads of natural light and all the girls are really friendly. have also had nails and eyebrows done there and have to say was also very impressed with those services.
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Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 08:29
Hi Ladies, I recently came back from Bali where I brought a beautiful canvas painting. In order to bring it back the wooden frame was removed and the canvas rolled. Does anyone know a framer that will be able to re-frame it for me in south dubai (I am based in Media city) I know there are places in Satwa but this end of town would be much easier for me. Thanks
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Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 14:24
I have the small Russell Hobbs one that is available in Carrefour. I looked at a few different ones and this had the best reviews for what I was after. It easily does me and the husband with plenty of left overs for freezing. I have to say it was the bet 120dhs I have ever spent. I have done so many dishes in it, including deserts! <em>edited by Emurella83 on 29/09/2014</em>
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Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 13:20
Hahaha, knew I'd forgotten something ;-)
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Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 15:51
I have been having struggling to find a suitable lady also, looks like we may now have succeeded, however I'm not counting any chickens until every thing has gone through, one hic-up and we could be back were we started, I also found a lot of them saying they are on husbands visa, if that is the case it would be illegal to hire them. I completely agree that they should call themselves I have lost count of the amount I spoke to who said it was for friend or family, can I speak to them....umm they are out! pfft, don't believe it! Anyway just wanted you to know your not the only one and to wish you luck, hope you find the perfect lady just in time :-)
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Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 20:04
Thanks Mama5 but really looking for someone who is already in the UAE. I appreciate the response though.
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Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 17:13
Bus, taxi, limo, depends what suits your timings and budget best.
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Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 17:11
You go back home or on holiday elsewhere and say Shukran automatically instead of thank you and get some very odd looks. <em>edited by Emurella83 on 10/06/2014</em>
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Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 16:49
The Ivy are definatly still doing thiers on a Thursday I was there for lunch today and it was advertised on the menu and black board.
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Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 16:48
Search Makeup by Michelle on either google or facebook.her name is Michele Cooper, she is very good and will come to you with all her supplies and ensure your make up suits how you'll be wearing your hair and outfit.
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Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 11:38
Where I am they look at 3 flights to the destination and adverage them out and thats the amount you get. Prehaps go in with a simlar suggestion, rather then a flat out amount. the worst they can say is no, so it's worth a try.
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Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 11:23
yeap call ruth Chris too, I've had 2 sets of friends do it recently.
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Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 09:34
Most of the hotels will have iftars, some in their resturants but many set up special tents for the duration of ramadan and produce some lovely middle eastern food. There are lots of good ones about so you'll have plenty to choose from.
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Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 09:11
Ruth Chris in the Marina do one, I think it is one Mondays, it includes bubbles as well and is really nice!
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Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 08:39
I actually really like Ramadan in Dubai. The malls still open at 10am and are generallly quiter in the daytime, they stay open till around 1am and are very busy in the evening. Most cafes food courts ect will be closed but each year there are a few that open (they just keep them curtained off so no-one can see inside) you'll find which ones on here, time out and through word of mouth. The traffic during the day is quite but come about 2-4 it is crazy! because of reduced hours everyone is trying to get home to have a siesta and the quality of driving decreases greatly (the number of accidents raises sharply during ramadan according to police data) so if you can avoid the roads at this time do. Yes do try and go for an Iftar if you have the chance, the atmosphere at them is always really lovely and if you go for one of the more traditional ones you'll get to try some fantastic foods you may not have had the chance to try before. There is also a great chance to do some good during ramadan, there are often Ifter tents set up for those that cannot afford such things and volunters are often needed to serve food, drinks ect. if you can spare 1 evening or even a few hours in the day to set up you'll find it very rewarding. You'll likely see lots of people taking food to houses at this time, it is tradition it visit family and friends in the evening and people will bring a plate of food. I do find that the level of service during the day decreases during Ramadan due to staff being tried and hungry, I can find this fustrating at times but I try to rememeber that they have likely been up for many more hours then me and haven't eaten so try to be patient. Hope you enjoy your first ramadan, and do try to fit in an iftar :-)
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Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 13:08
Part of me is loving that they are all available at the same time and the other part of me is like Nooooo once I finsh I'll have a year to wait till it's back again!
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Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 12:54
Watched up to episode 9 last night, just waiting for the next 4 now, so good!
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Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 17:17
Definately start looking over there and then arrange a visit here for inperson inviews if needed. As OP said you need a visa to rent here so short term you would need cash for a hotel. I work full time as a marketing executive and am currently on a 20k a month package, however I am married so we have a joint income. Saying that I have a fair few friends who are single (and in there 20's/early 30's)and on between 15k and 25k depending on their role and they survive just fine and have a great time, they are just a bit savvy with it (esp now the prices here are rising so fast), they look for ladies nights, special offers ect and they either share accomodation or live in slightly cheaper areas. It is a great lifestyle out here if you make the most of it, like everywhere it has it's ups and downs but in my experience the ups far out wiegh the downs. Most of the office jobs aimed at westerners will include a housing allowence rather then actual accomdation and this is often less then what it actually costs to rent somewhere so do take that into account, however it is often a much better option then actual company accomadation if that is offered as it is normally not the best location, and can be poor quality.
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Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 15:00
If you have the right skills and experience you shouldn't have too much trouble getting an office job, just make sure your CV is top notch, as you'll have the disadvantage of not having any UAE experience which a lot of people look for here. (some ladies have complained that it is hard to get something here but I have never found that to be the case and recently landed a new job myself) Contact some of the recruitment agencies and keep following up with them, they can be helpful but do get busy if you don't follow up you get forgotten about. As for rent, the price of property is sky rocketing here at the moment and you'll be limited as to what you can afford, have a look at propertyfinder.ae to give you an idea of price as per location. While not technically legal there are a lot of girls/ladies over here that do choose to flat share as it means they can have a better location/ nicer appartment. Any more questions just shout :-) <em>edited by Emurella83 on 05/06/2014</em>
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Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 14:14
Hi Sam, Try contacting Rachel at Slam salon (they have a facebook page) she is a Brit and dead friendly she has been out here a few years now working as a hairdresser and has just opened her own salon, which also offers beauty treatments so she may be able to tell you a bit more about the market here (not sure if she is looking for someone to do brows but worth asking). let us know how you get on.
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Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 09:29
Ok I am gettign really bored with my lunches, so want to see what tasty healthy ideas you ladies have. I like to have a lunch I can heat up at work (in the microwave or toaster) as the office is cold. I am trying to cut down on my carbs as I eat far too many I can't have leftovers from dinner the night before [i'>everyday,[/i'> (though i do this when i can) as we often have things that don't reheat well in the mircowave. Currently I have and am very bored of: Toasted sandwiches (made in toaster bag) Soup, Jacket potato, tuna wraps, pasta with sauce and if I have anymore cous cous with stuff I may scream. I don't currently have a maid, so need to make it mayself each evening or morning and the husband doesn't eat lunch except at the weekend so need to be 1 portion stuff that doesn't take hours to make.
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Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 09:21
Try either Call Print or Dorint, we use both at work and they are very good, ask for Richard at Call Print or Sam at Dorint
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 15:44
I used to use Racheal at Chill Salon in Media City and she is Fab! I am blonde with extra blonde highlights and she gets it spot on everytime. She has now opened her own salon in Al Qouz (near the lime tree cafe) called Slam (they have a facebook page with contact details) I highly recommend her for blonde hair. She is a brit and has a lot of experience dealing with blondes.
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 15:17
My Friend who is a teacher said the best thing she was given at the end of term was a group gift from the class (a couple of parents arranged it) a small photo album with a picture of each child (the childs fav pic of themselves) and next to it a little message from the child to the teacher. She stills pulls it out now and wonders what some of them are up to and how they are all getting on. She also loves getting things the kids have baked such as a plate of thank you cookies (she says they taste like happiness, when they are all handmade and mis-shapen :-) ) She often gets mugs, frames, pens etc. at the end of term and although she is very gratefull for them she has no need of them and so they get passed on or donated to charity. She would never say it as she would feel ungrateful and she is very humble but I know she would rather have a nice letter, a voucher, an experience ect. Teachers arn't paid much and their accomdation can be on the smallish side or shared so often the letter or voucher is much more practical for them.
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Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 12:37
Off to Portugal next, have been many times but love it! Would love to go to Bora Bora one day.
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 22:14
Thanks KH, thats good to know.
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 16:16
Deffo the 6th from everything I've read.
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 16:07
The Farm- used to be good not heard such good thing recently but lovely setting. Breakslow at the Fairmont on the palm- good for a long lazy breakfast Pascal Temper in Media City - good food but not the best location Berts Cafe in the Greens- again good food but location not that pretty Sophies on the Palm I love going for breakfast so will also keep on eye on here for new ideas!
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 13:10
I am sooooo excited for this!!!
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 09:27
Yes please emma h phelan at gmail dot com
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 13:19
I am looking at getting our first maid shortly and I have to say this is something I hear of alot. If it is happening that regulary tell her you want to take her to the doctors as it is not normal for someone to be that ill and you are worried about her. if she says no it's ok i'll be fine you'll know she is trying to pull a fast one, if she goes maybe she really is really ill and maybe it is something the doc can help with, could be as simple as a vitamin or mineral defficeny. If she is trying to pull a fast one you'll need to decide on a way to make it clear that you won't put up with it as Izzy said get her to make the time up or if you ever give a bonus tell her she won't be getting it due to sickness. We all get ill sometimes but not 2-3 times a week, thats just crazy!
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 10:33
We're also looking so i'm afraid i don't have anyone to recommend, but i can share a learning with you - Nepalese maids are no longer allowed in UAE. If they're already here and the previous employer agrees to a visa transfer, then it's ok, but if the previous employer cancels her visa and she leaves the country then tries to come back under your new visa, it won't work and she'll be stuck in Nepal. See the Nepalese embassy website for more details. Good luck with your search. Thank you for this information, that is great to know. Good luck in your search.
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 10:32
Hi, We just hired (3 months ago) a maid for the first time. I resisted for 2 years but finally gave in. Our lady is from Sri Lanka and is just wonderful. I have a house full of kids and it has made my life so much easier and I am a happier person for it. I asked her if she has any friends who are looking for work and she told me her friend is coming next week from Cyprus (where my lady had been working for 3 years) and would like to stay in Dubai. She told me she is a very kind person and hard worker. She is coming with medical papers and is ready for work. Contact me and I will send you her details as soon as I get them. i love dubai at yahoo dot com Thank you for this, unfortunatly if she is coming in a week or so it is too soon we are going away for a couple of weeks mid/late June so we don't want to start the process until we get back, however if anything changes I will certainly get in touch with you. So happy you have found a great maid, i have been resisting for a long time, and you hear so many negetive stories, it's nice to hear something positive :-)
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Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 08:35
Morning Ladies, I have finally given in and have agreed to get a live-in maid. However I am keen to get a lady who has already been with family in Dubai and comes with a recommendation (prehaps the family are leaving and are helping her look for a new position) I am very reluctant to use the classified. We would be looking for the contract to begin any time from the end of July onwards, we are willing to wait for the right candidate. Ideally I would like a maid from one of the above countries, though I will consider other nationalities. Ideally over the age of 40. She will need to be a non muslim (we regulary have pork and alcohol in the house and I would also require the maid use them when cooking occassionally) From our side my husband and I are from the UK and Ireland respectively and currently have no children, though we do have two large dogs who are a massively important part of our family, we have a four bed villa and work long hours. We also often have family and friends visiting us. Basic duties will include but are not limited to: Sweeping the garden and cleaning garden furnature Keeping the house spotlessly clean (all normal cleaning tasks) Laundry and ironing Preparing breakfast and lunches for DH and I to take to work Ocassionally cooking an evening meal, if I am delayed at work ( I enjoy cooking so this will not be an everyday event) We are looking for someone who wishes to stay longterm as having already been here 8 years we are likely to be staying for another 5-10 years minimum and hope that our new maid will stay with us. If you are looking to find a new placement for you maid, please let me know.
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 14:49
They are called The Rocks Villas and they are directly behind Arrenco tower, next to HSBC. They are 4 bed (2 en-suite) plus maids room and front and back garden plus open garage. 24 villas in the compund and 1 shared pool. The lady that manages them is called Cathy and her number is 0504529694. there aren't any vacant at the moment in my compound but if you registar your interest when one comes up they will contact you. they also have a lovely compound called Al Fullaj (not sure how they spell it) which is near the Paladium (and the epco station) in Media City and another compound call the Al Nakheel villas which is right at the end of media city. Cathy looks after those three and she can give you the contact numbers for the ladies that manage their other villas in Jumierah and umm sqeuem as well. Let me know if you need anything else. * I case anyone is conerned I promise i don't work for these guys it's just rare to find decent agents and well looked after villas so I'm happy to pass the details one*
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 14:03
There are also villa's in Media City (I live there) though not many and you have to be lucky to get one contact Al Khawakab Properties, they have a few compound all with pools and the villas are lovely, the maintence service is great and we are very pleased with them. From media city it is a 15-30 minute walk to the marina (lovely in winter but getting too hot now) very close to hospitals, shopping centres and the beach, but come the evening and weekend it is very peaceful there (which I love). As for your food bill I don't have kids so it is just me and the husband, we spend about 2000dhs a month including things like toiletries and cleaning products, I do my big shop in the cheaper supermarkets and then get things i can't get there from the pricer places (ham, bacon etc) Rent is paid using post dated cheques and on adverage you have to give 4 cheques depending on your landlord. all the places mentioned by the others are also nearby. It is often worth leasing a car at the beginning and once you get settled sort out purchasing one, it's just one less thing to have to sort out right at the start. Getting around is very easy and as mentioned petrol is cheap, there are also plenty of taxi's and depending where you want to go the metro and very soon the tram as well. If you embrace it, it can be a great life out here. If you have any other questions just leyt us know.
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 11:54
When I get the dates from the souq I always speak to the guy selling and he tells me which he recommends he lets me taste them as as well, so I always leave full and then I just pick my favorites and do a little mixture in each box. As for Pashmina i don't have a favorite place I tend to pick them up from all over, whenever I see a pretty one I grab it and it goes in the cupboard for when we go back or for xmas, birthdays etc. Day to day do some lovely little arabic style wooden boxes in all sorts of sizes, they are great for dates, chocolates and all sorts of other little bits and pieces, the boxes end up being popular as the dates and nuts when I go back :-) Would love to try the camel milk chocolates must try and find them!
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 11:39
Try Zen yoga they have a few branchs and cover all levels. I am trying the morning yoga this weekend at Mina Sheyhai, i'll let you know how that on is, as that is a mixed class. I know you specified yoga but if you at all interest in pilates i highly reccommend Real Pilates either in palm strip or JLt i have been using them for years and the instructors are great, they also have mixed classes and cater to beginners as well.
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 11:34
This is very interesting to read, as husband is very keen to get a maid in the near future as I have just accepted a new job with more hours and a longer commute and I slack with the house work as it is (I love cooking but dispise any kind of cleaning) I am very apprehensive about it for several reasons, 1) you hear so many stories about prolems people have with maids, weather they leave, steal, whatever. 2)though we have a 4 bed villa with gardens and we have family visiting often we don't have any children (except our 2 dogs) so i am concerned that she may not have enough to do and get bored. 3) we both work full time, if she sneaks off to work part time for someone else we can get in alot of trouble for that. I seems like a massive risk, it would be great to hear any possitive stories you guys have. I did speak to DH about geting a part time agency maid but he is keen have a live in maid so that there is someone there with the dogs if we have a weekend away as they are getting on a bit a hate the kennels, so everytime we go away we have to try a find a friend to look after them. He also reasons that with me doing a longer commute if i want a meal cooked for the evening she could do that and prepare lunch in the morning to help save me time. i get where he is coming from, but it still makes me very neavous.
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 11:21
Burj al Arab for dinner tonight (Jumeriah resturant week) lived here 8 years and have never been so can cross it off my list. then beach yoga friday and sat morning. the rest of the weekend will be made up of reading, tanning, napping, watching Chicago Fire (my new TV addition) and making a batch of soup. so all in all very relaxing indeed, I can't wait...roll on 5:30 :-)