Emurella83 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Emurella83

107
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 11:18
head to the spice souq (near the gold souq) they have some great spices, amazing dates and beautiful almonds, they also have nougat and chocolate covered dates as well, they just put them in little bags for you but you could always grab some little wooden boxes from somewhere like day to day for about 10 dhs a pcs. These always seem to go day well as gifts when I have given them. For the ladies you can get some lovely pashminas here as well and they make for beautiful scarfs come winter in the UK.
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 09:31
If you're coming from the trade centre roundabout take the exit for Satwa (you will now be on 2nd december street), at the first roundabout take the third exit, stay in the left hand lane, you will see a mosque on your left and after the mosque there is a carpark, pull in and park here (emirates post office is also in this carpark.) on your right you will see loads of fabric shops, all very reasonably priced, have a look around for wnat you want and don't forget to barter a little. On that same strip and directly opp the post office you'll see a shop called Fida, go there for you bias binding or ribbon, whatever you want to use as the string, they have a huge choice. As you exit the shop turn right, go straight and you will see a small butchers shop (opp medical centre) next to the butchers is an alley go down the alley and you will see 2 tailors, go to the second one it is called Iswars. He will be able to put it all together for you and is very reasonably priced. He does a good job, i have been using him for 5 year now, he has done alterations, made stuff from stratch, made curtains ect, he even made my wedding dress!
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 08:23
I think this mum is doing a good thing (as long as she is giving him plently of water) a mile really isn't very far, kids need plently of exercise and so do adults also by doing this with him she is show that is very possible to walk some place and not have to drive everywhere a habit likely to stick with him as he grows up if she keeps doing it (it certainly stuck with me) I used to me walked about he same distance to school when i was kid in the UK, come rain, shine or snow, there we were (and it was very hilly) I still walk alot not. IMO I think you are being far too concerned by this, I am more worried about all the kids sitting in cars eating crisps and drinking fizzy drinks!!!
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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 14:00
Appear the link didn't work try www.elearnuk.co.uk
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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 13:59
If her english is good why not try her with a basic accounting (or whatever she chooses) course via correspondence, this way she can do it in her own time without a strict timetable causing restriction for you or her. Have a look on [url=www.elearnuk.co.uk/'>link[/url'> and see if there is something suitable for her, I have used them before and found them to be, very helpful if I ever had questions, if she gets on well with that maybe try the International School of Correspondence for a higher level course after. Both these instiutions are UK based and have reputable certificate programmes including city and giulds and ncef. I think it is great that you want to help her achive this, education is a lovely gift to give to someone. And you are very lucky to have found someone who fits your family well, you hear so many negative stories.
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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 13:29
Can you let us know what sort of area you'd prefer, will give me a better idea of where to recommend.
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Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 08:41
This is great, you're going to have so much fun with your husband and daughter as a family in the waterparks! I wear a regular bikini and visit the water parks here often. There are always plently of ladies wearing the burkini's so you won't be alone. As for looking silly, not a chance, some one who is happy and having fun with their family only ever looks lucky and never silly :-) Personally I often think the ladies wearing the burkini's look quite elegant. Your husband is likely being very genuine when he says you look nice in it, and yes he may also being teling you take because you are his wife (and he wants you to know he likes it) Go and have a great time and lets us know how you get on....and remember happy people never look silly :-)
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Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 09:20
Holland and Barrett have them. I know they are in the city walk branch, would assume they are in all branches, if not they will order them in for you, their very helpful whenever i have been.
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Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 14:28
We did Pierchic on Friday, the starter and main were amazing but the dessert was a let down, we spoke to management who apoligised and said we weren't the first to complain about it that evening so they would be speaking to the chef. We are booked for Tokoyo@TheTowers tomorrow night, I haven't been and love Japanese food so looking forward to that one and then we have Junsui at Burj al Arab on Thurday evening, I booked it two weeks ago and the friday was already full and limited times for the thursday, so it filled up very quickly. Having lived here for 8 years now I have never been in the burj, so that will be a good one to tick off the list :-) Love hearing everyones reviews, keep them coming ladies.
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 13:23
Hi The husband and I did Paris last year for 4 days in july and it was beautiful, I highly recommend it. As for hotels we stayed at the Best Western in Trocadero, the room was very small we really only used it to sleep and shower as we were out all the time, but clean and the staff were lovely and very helpful. the window had a view of the Eiffel Tower and there were lots of places to eat and drink as well as a small supermarket all near by. We took the ParisPass and I am really glad we did, we totally got our monies worth out of it. I loved the Big Red Bus tours which we jumped off and on the whole trip and loads of walking in between (take comfortable shoes!) one of the days we walked over 20k in an afternoon (we didn't even realise) if you stop for food and drink it really is worth walking down a couple of back streets where the prices drop consideribly from those right near the sights. Keep a close eye on your valuables there were lots of pick pockets with many clever tricks and we saw a number of people who had been got. The metro system is also very easy to use and a good way to get around town. There is so much to see and do there 4 days really wasn't enough for me and I can't wait to go back! Hope you both have a fantastic time there.
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Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 14:15
Hi, I commute from media city to Sharjah (not to far over the border into sharjah) takes on adverage 30 mins as i'm going against the traffic. Hope this helps
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Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 14:04
I have a russell hobbs slow cooker I got it in Carrefour about 6 months ago for 120dhs, they also have a larger kenwood one for 180dhs it is the best thing i have ever brought for the kitchen! i have cooked so many thing in it from soups, stews, ribs, whole joints of meat, curries etc. i have also made desserts in it rice pudding, chocolate cake and umm ali. I often throw everything in the pot the night before and stick it in the fridge and then i the morning i take it out, turn it on and go to work, when i get home delicious dinner...yum! I also batch cook for the freezer if i knowi have a busy week ahead, so i'll spend a few hours one weekend making large portions of curry, chilli, lasagna, soup ect and then put them into portions and freeze them. then each morning i just take it out and then heat it through when i get home, makes a quick and healthy dinner (and stops the husband ordering pizza hut...yuck!) Plan all you meals a week in advance and put it on the fridge, makes life a little easier. As for cleaning, i don't do much throw a duster or hoover around if it gets bad but mainly the husband does that while i cook dinner and do the laundry (we both work long hours so he has to help- out too) and once a week we get a cleaner in to get the worst of the cleaning done. Relazing and fun always come before cleaning for me...life is too short!
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Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 16:00
They will be open the evening of the sunday 25th and all day as normal on the 26th.
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Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 15:10
Hi, First of all like most places Dubai is what you make of it, but you need to be realistic at the same time. Rent-Most landlords ask for between 1 and 4 cheques (all cheques are given at the same time and post dated) you will also need a deposit on adverage 5-10% as well as agency fees. You'll also need cash for setting things up such as tv, internet etc. Rents are climbing fast and you may find that you need to live shilghtly out of the main western expat areas to get something you like within budget, taxi's are abundent and resonably priced so this isn't the end of the world while you get on your feet. I lot of people live with their partner but it is a big risk to take and if caught you can face jail time and deportation. Most apartment blocks have communial pools and gyms. Jobs-the areas you're in are at the lower end of the pay scale but there are jobs available and it may mean that you take something lower down the racks to gain that UAE experience, one plus of living in a transient place is that promotions come up with more regularity than in the uk experienced , alternatively have a look at applying for Emirates, they will provide you will bill free accomodation (your bf won't be able to stay with you but if he has a place thats not a major problem) you'll get to see the world (i did it for a few years when i first came out here and saw and did some amazing things) and gain UAE experience. the salary isn't mind blowing but it is more than enough to live on and have a decent life. For Admin work make sure your CV is top notch and sign with an agency such as Miller Hay, they found me work in the past very quickly. As for your partner I currently work for a construction company and they are all very much hiring at the moment get him to send his CV out esp to international companies that have branches here. Dress Code- No where near as bad a the papers would have you belive, you'll see loads of girls in the clubs with short dresses and low cut tops, i have always tried to be a little more conservative then that just as a sign of respect, my dresses are normal just above the knee and if low cut i will cover my legs and shoulders. bikinis at the beach, pool or on a boat are fine. Infidelitity-As with anywhere this does happen, but I refuse to tar every guy with the same brush. I meet my now husband out here and have always trusted him, however i dated guys in the past who thought they could get away with it, they didn't! (by the by i have found the women are just as bad as the men for this out here) There are alot of young single people out here and a big nightlife scene so it can get very salacious within that sceen. Culture-The great thing about Dubai is that their are so many cultures here and they are often embraced, during dwaili (indian festval of lights) lots of places are lit up there are fireworks, at christmas there are trees and xmas songs and signs and during Eid there are lots of celebrations, there are few places in the world where this works. You'll get to experience a whole scale of lifestyles here if you try, from eating delisicous pakistani food in Deira which will cost you about 20dhs for 2 of you to be full to the brim, to drinking champagne on a boat as you sail around the palm island, to watching the camel racing and camel beauty competitions. There is culture here, just sometimes it's not what you expect. Do be aware that public displays of affection are illegal, while you can hold your husbands hand, cuddling and kissing in public is not allowed, this can take a little getting used to but in the long run is very easy (I never realised how openly affectionate I am until i came here hehe) Food-Every cusine you can think of is catered for in Dubai, and of course it is famous for it's friday brunches. Shopping-Again most things are available here, however do not be fool by the tax free lifestyle most items are marked up from the uk prices. Safety-Dubai in conparison to other countries is very safe, however it is always a good idea to be wary as you would anywhere. Alcohol- it is illagal to buy or consume alcohol without a license and to get a license you must be a resident. However even if you have a licence it is illage to under the influence in public, drunk driving and fighting are all zero tolerance and can result in jail and deportation. Weather-winter adverages the mid 20 degrees and summer often hits the early 50's...it's very hot! but most places have AC. My advice to you would be to go for it! Although i would say the sooner the better, rents and job competeition are increasing with speed. You don't know unless you try and it can be a great experience as i said it is what you make of it. Hope this helps and if you have any more questions just shout.
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 14:22
Thanks Cherry Ripe, I have seen him and that machine unfortunatly it doesn't spiralize, everything but! :-)
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 13:54
Hi Ladies, I would love to get my hands on one of these (idealing the small hand held one) any clues as to were to find them. Lakeland used to have them but they no-longer currently stock them and can't tell me if they will again. Thanks
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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 10:15
Thanks so much Ladies, have read just over half your book suggestions already so that still leaves me with plenty to try...I feel a trip to the booksjhop this weekend :-)
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Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 15:40
I have two books left on my bookshelf, that I haven't read yet and they won't take me long to get through. So I need to hit up the bookshop/raid friends selves, any recommendations? I have no preferance on fiction vs non fiction and I like all genres (I am a total bookworm) as an example the last 4 I have read/am reading is Gone Girl-Gillan Flynn, Code- Kathy Riechs, I am Malala- Malala and Wedding Night- Sophie Kinsella so a complete mixed bag.
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Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 10:24
I get the same thing from people all the time (not the sort of thing your boss said, just the whole Kid thing in general) Why do people suddenly feel compled to remark on the fact that your married and don't have a child? I am also sick of comments such as well you want to get a move on your not getting any younger! ect. DH and I like you haven't decided if we even want any so I know how you feel.
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 16:42
There's now an F&F in Oasis Centre. :) :) :) Are the prices the same as the UK thereabouts? I usually buy beach stuff and work bras as their sales are fab Examples of prices (not in sale) Dresses are between 100-200 The bra I got was about 60dhs and matching knickers 25dhs Basic tops 30-80dhs Saw bikini tops for 30dhs as well! all very reasonable i thought.
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Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 16:21
I have ordered a few times and had delivered to both my work and home (no PO Box) the stuff always arrives on time and is decent enough quality for the basics. F+F also have a store in Oasis mall as well now, which is also reasonable price wise, tho not a massive selection. On another note has anyone one been to the George (at asda) store that has opened in Al ghurair shopping mall yet and if so what is the selection like? I used to like their office basics and swim wear back in the UK but have so far been to lazy to brave the traffic in Diera to go check it out.
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Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 16:32
Kcal do delivery and it's all healthy stuff with all the nutritional info included in their on-line menu.
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Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 16:28
As another option, you can get good net and the rubber seal in ace, they are very simple to do and don't take long at long, I'm practically an expert at it now as our oldest dog likes to leave Rocky shaped holes in ours bless him :-)
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Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 10:12
I looked in to this 2 years ago as I have my diploma and wanted to do my degree but I couldn'r find anywhere that did it. I would love to know if that has since changed and it is now available.
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Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 21:12
Certo in the Radisson Blu, 30 second walk from amphitheatre, it's an Italian and the food is beautiful, staff are attentive and have good product knowledge.
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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 15:27
I am looking to get a new (either new or second hand I'm not fussy) car but I just can't decide what I want! A year and a half ago my Pajero was written off when I was T-boned by a large bus on SZK and since then I have been driving a lease Tiida and trying to decide what car I want to purchase. Anyway long story short I still haven't decided and have test driven pretty much everything going :-) which has just made me even more indecisive...opps! I have managed to decide that I would like to have another 4x4, am not willing to go above 200k dhs and would have trouble finding parking big enough for a Ford 150 Raptor (which I apparently looked hilarious test driving as I am resonably petit) but thats about it. So my question to you is, do you own or have you driven a 4x4 that you loved and if so what was it and why did you love it? Thanks ladies
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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 11:37
Hi I am in the Rocks Compound which is also by Al Khawkeb but in Media City (I love it and they are great landlords) We originally wanted a 3 bed in the compounds your looking at but they offered us a four bed in The Rocks and we decided it would be silly not to take it, and i am so glad we did! All of their properties are really hard to get into, do you know anyone in the compounds you are looking at that could maybe let you know if they hear someone is leaving? Alternatively you really need to just keep calling and checking with the compound manager, the more you call the less likely they will forget you! Good luck and hope you get one soon, you certainly won't regret it!
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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 09:36
There is a Holland and Barrett here , one in Dubai mall, one on beach road near Village mall one in festival city and I think there is one in Mirdiff as well but not 100% on that one. If they don't have something from the UK store that you need they will bring it over for you as long as it is legal here.
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Latest post on 26 March 2014 - 09:59
You can get them in Home Centre they have a range and they are all very reasonable
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Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 17:13
Thanks for the replies ladies. I know it's pretty lazy to not make my own as they are meant to be simple, will see how I feel at the weekend, if the sun is shine I feel we may have to go with out ;-)
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Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 14:29
Thanks ladies tried waitrose and choirams in my lunch break, no luck. Staff in waitrose knew what I was talking about and apoligised for not having them (bless them, I do like the staff in waitrose) and I just got blank stares from the staff in choitrams, will try spinneys and lulu tomorrow
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Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 13:19
They are available in all of the malls, a number of outlets stock them including Go sports, Hamak, Athletes foot etc.
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Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 13:18
Try the Chefs House at the Radisson Blu in media city. They have different theme nights but any time I have been it has been very pleasent, not sure what thursdays is but there is normally a bit of selection aside from the theme it's never more than 225dhs all inc.and if you have a time out city card you get 20% the bill. If you want something the other end of town the Blue Elephant in the airport Rotana do an all inc thai buffett which is nice think it is about 275dhs from memory.
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Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 17:20
Splash used to sell Kappa clothing, not sure if they still do
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Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 14:59
I have taken people to the Saudi German Hospital A+E and they were very good, the waiting room was quite and staff kept us well informed.
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Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 13:51
Amazing, thank you ladies you have made my day. I shall check LuLu this week and if I have no luck i'll have to venture out to MC spinneys :-)
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Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 11:25
If you find it can oyu please let me know where, I have been trying to find rabbit here 8 years with no luck. It is by far my favorite meat and I grew up on it so would be over the moon to get it here. Thanks :-)
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Latest post on 21 March 2014 - 21:36
On a friday morning try the Ripe market in Safa park, they have food stall, coffee, juices, crafts all sorts and people sitting around eating and reading, all sorts loads of people by themselves so you won't be out of place. Or try any of the beach parks, also nice of a weekend. But I have to say don't be afraid to ask if you can join in with stuff, most people are dead friendly and if they mention something they are doing and you ask if it's possible for you to join and meet some people they'll often say yes, we were all new once. Good luck and hope you settle in well, it's a great life here if you do :-)
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Latest post on 20 March 2014 - 10:22
I use Tresemme Heat Defence spray, can somethimes get it in boots or I get people to grab it from Ireland or the UK.
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Latest post on 20 March 2014 - 08:40
GHD's are great, there not cheap but they do last and you can straighten and curl with them. Alway use a heat protection spray whatever heat your applying to the hair and a tiny bit of serum once straightened will help to keep it glossy and fizz free for a few days. hope this helps :-)
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Latest post on 20 March 2014 - 08:38
Yay! I will be heading to the farmers market, sitting by the pool with a trashy mag, baking walnut whip cupcakes, giving my doggies loads of cuddles and going for some lunch and a stroll down at JBR with the husband (I want to see the sand sculptures) :-)
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Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 13:38
The ARTE Market is held in times sq centre once a month. Ripe have markets on friday and saturday in safa parke and the courtyard respectively. There are also flea markets held twice a month at mirdif and ibn. Also worth checking when schools and such have their spring fairs and generally regulary checking what is one locally vis the media and google. I would also advise her to approcah some of the local boutiques as they maybe willing to sell for her for a percentage. Get her to print some professional business cards and set up a website, facebook page and a linkedin account all of which she can use for low cost/ free marketing. hope this helps, out of curiousity what does your friend make?
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Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 11:39
Ok you will need to go to Abu Dhabi to the car registration place with them where they will test the car and sign the car over to you, you will then be told to purchase a 72hr insurance from one of the companies there so you can export it to dubai, once you have the insurance they will put blue export plates on the car for you and you can then drive it back to dubai (you can drive it for 3 days on export plates so don't worry if it is a friday and no salik fines either). once in dubai you need to go to the registration place here, they will test it again (yes you have to pay twice) and they will then put on the dubai plates for you and thats it, your done. hope this helps, this process isn't complicated but the registration places can be busy so recommend you getting there as early as you can. Good luck
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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 22:09
Sorry to hijack this thread, Izzy I was just wondering of you would perhaps point me in the direction of these positions as I am currently seeking a position. Thanks
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Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 14:34
I go to Renee at Sister MoE (she used to be at the Village mall branch) I pay approx 700 for a cut and highlights. She is really fab, best hairdresser I have ever had (and I used to work in Toni & Guy in the UK so I have had a few cuts and colours in my time.)
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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 16:03
Contact Al Kawakeb property management +971 4 343 4141. Not sure if they have anything at the moment but they are fantastic! We have our villa with them in Media City 4 bed +maids room in a small compound (24 villas) with shared pool. They have a number of compounds all in the Al Sufouh kind of area all are lovely. I really can't rave about them as a company enough, great villas, maintence is amazing they do the AC and Water tanks regulary they arrive fast if you need them and they paint the whole villa every 2years, neighbours are fab, pool is lovely, nice sized garden etc. Our rent didn't even go up this year. They are focused on having good and reliable long term tenants, rather than driving the rent up and having to get new people every year which is rare in Dubai. Good luck
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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 15:48
you can get them in all the big supermarkets here and arahlou said, you can also pick them up in Boots, claires and Dasio. I have all different sizes and I love them, even tho the Husband takes the mick when i ahve them in :-) I had mine in doing the hovering and was told I looked like Freddie Mercury in "I want to break free" video Hahahaha, I was told I was told was told "look at the state of you, you look like Mrs Brown!" (from Mrs Browns boys) now whenever I wear them he calls me Mrs B, he's such a charmer :-)
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Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 14:57
you can get them in all the big supermarkets here and arahlou said, you can also pick them up in Boots, claires and Dasio. I have all different sizes and I love them, even tho the Husband takes the mick when i ahve them in :-)
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 16:49
Surprisingly you can get them in Day To Day (Karama and Diera) and they are very reasonable, I got two the size of chocolate boxes for 20dhs a piece, I was shocked as they are wooden craved detailing and inlayed with metal. They have lots of different sizes. I will say this was back in Novemeber but they should still have them.
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 10:28
I agree that she will need to invest some cash into marketing her product. Facebook will only be effective once she has alot of likes to get those likes she needs to put herself out there and get noticed. Advise her to contact Ripe-me they run the markets in Safa park, The Courtyard and Shajah they have approximatly 150 differnt venders at the safa market and it is a great way to showcase what you have and interact with potential clients, she can tell them about the facebook page and offer a small discount if they "like" it. There is also the Arte marking that is held in Time Square centre, that would give her the same oppotunity to promote and network. Advise her to set up a linked in profile, she may make some useful contacts through that (networking rather than direct sales) why not contact some of the homegrown small Boutiques and see if they would be willing to stock her garments for a small cut. She will also need to set up a professional website and potentailly offer delivery (this cost can be charged to the customer) by ensuring she uses key words within the website will mean she will show higher on a google search, and therefore likely get more viewings. Phehaps she can contact some local venues (resturants, bars, cafes etc) and see if they would work with her to hold a pop up fashion show with all order made on the day recieving a small discount or 10% profit going to chairty. Also it is woth contacting some of the local magazines, they may only be willing to feature one item, but it will be seen by a large audience. Hope this helps a little.