jophiel | ExpatWoman.com
 

jophiel

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Latest post on 15 September 2015 - 22:24
Here. Since early spring this year. Absolutely love it. Not a single problem with the current wave of migration that is so severely hitting other parts of Europe, especially the North I'm sad to say. Whoever finds our little Rock ? and wants to call it home gets quickly integrated into the society just as NannyMcphee has mentioned. Gozo is a paradise you should visit, OP. For starters, if looking for an inspiration and a fascinating historical review on Malta, I recommend an edutainment show called [url=http://www.themaltaexperience.com/'>the Malta Experience[/url'> at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Still one work project in Dubai to oversee, but feels a lot lighter on so many levels already.
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Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 18:12
Elsewhere in the world there are [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_cooperative'>Housing Cooperatives[/url'> that have a right to take over apartments that have non-payment issues/negligent owners/LLs. Tenants are not punished directly. Rents of such apartments are being collected to cover maintenance fees etc. until the debts are cleared. Also, if there are other serious issues due to LLs/owners negligence, an owner might lose one's ownership (one's property) entirely. Maybe the newly established OAs (with their management companies) could get that kind of right?
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Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 12:36
Clarks and [url=http://us.shop.ecco.com/men/men,default,sc.html'>Ecco[/url'>. :)
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Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 14:50
Thanks for reply. I considered yearly licence fee of 22,000 AED to be expensive and this is before all other expenses ie. Medical, TPL insurance, Office space/desk are even added on. Hi, I believe RAK FTZ is (among) the cheapest and most flexible at the moment, but even with them your annual license renewal fee would be around 21,200 AED + accounting and auditing, the fees vary depending on the amount of financial records/activity the company has. Then there is the Share Capital worth of which you'd need to keep on your company bank account as maintaining those funds at least used to be required for the annual renewal of your trade license. Then there is the fact that by the law you may do your business within the limits of your registered zone only. With businesses operating online not sure if there are ways around it. Setting up costs are higher, of course, as they would include medicals et al. visa related. To be considered as well is how many visas would be included, and what kind. Using a reliable corporate service provider for setting up would really pay off, I believe. <em>edited by jophiel on 25/02/2013</em>
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Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 19:36
I read a lot but mainly non-fiction. Recently got done with by Robert Lacey - it's about KSA and very interesting. Going to get the earlier book now! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-Kingdom-Robert-Lacey/dp/0099539055 edited by celticcavegirl on 24/02/2013 Thank you, just what I needed. Have it now. Started to read [i'>Driving the Saudis[/i'> (while the royals are on an LA shopping/plastic surgery spree) yesterday and this might get a bit deeper. Not that the driver's autobiographical account isn't interesting as well. She does have a good and perceptive head on her shoulders. Oh well, and it's been an entertaining read so far. :) <em>edited by jophiel on 26/02/2013</em>
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Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 15:48
Thank you, Shahina123 and imolinar! Was hoping to keep it simple, DHL or Fedex need corporate paperwork in order to be cost-effective and would not like to bother our busy professionals for that - this is just our private project. If all else fails however, might just have to give it over to them The option with Etihad sounds enticing. Will find out more. Many thanks, both of the replies were very helpful!
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 12:14
Brilliant, Beany! Many thanks.
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Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 22:40
Manynthanks, busybee2! Any idea how often the one from IBN leaves/ stops to take passengers at IBN?Is it close to the metro station, perhaps? Approximate fares?
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Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 22:25
Dear Ladies, Would anyone of you have any recent experience of taking this bus route, namely Dubai (Ibn Battuta) - Abu Dhabi - Dubai (Ibn Battuta)? Have been asked to find out details for someone else and not sure how to make this a safe journey. RTA pages were not too detailed, actually could not find any mention of there being a bus stop at IBN at all. Found E102 timetable, but it starts out at Al Ghubaiba Bus Stn and there was no mention of any other stops before AD. What bus would we be speaking of when getting on it from IBN? Also, any details of the fares (adult)? TIA :)
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Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 23:49
Found the following. Bugs that Commonly Eat Cotton • Carpet beetles of the family Dermestidae are responsible for most damage to cotton or synthetic clothing. The larvae of these beetles have a voracious appetite, and will subsist on anything available, even dryer lint. Carpet beetle larvae can survive for weeks without any food source at all, and they are extremely persistent unless you use chemical means to eliminate them.

 Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles • Any items that are infested with carpet beetles should be thrown out or destroyed. If this is not possible, freezing them for 48 hours is advised, or exposing them to temperatures above 120 degrees F for four or more hours is indicated. Clean your house or environment thoroughly, including all fibrous and non-fibrous surfaces. If you have a pet, pay special attention to areas where pet hair accumulates.
 Could it be them? [url=http://www.ehow.com/about_5195856_do-moths-eat-cotton-clothes_.html'>More[/url'> [url=http://www.desismileys.com/'>[img'>http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_6648.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 13:40
Hmmm size 40-41 and that has never stopped me getting the heels of my liking, here or anywhere else. Unfortunately! *hides a box of new Louboutins deeper into the closet* For comfort, have been very pleased with my trusted Fit Flops. Getting my size in them was not a problem, either. The only real problem is getting a pair of decent sports shoes (for tennis i'm good, but otherwise). Not sure how this would help someone open a new shoe store, though… ?[url="http://zaazu.com"'>[img'>http://images.zaazu.com/img/shoes-anim-female-girl-happy-smiley-emoticon-000544-medium.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 13:37
Have just received good news and indeedy, the date has been marked as important. Happy 12.12.12 to you all! :)
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Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 23:36
Excellent..... Could you please tell me where you got the cute dummy smiley ? I know I am totally smitten LOL. Hi, It's from [url=http://smileyjungle.com/'>here[/url'>. Or, while logged in go to my post containing the said smiley, press quote and you'll get the "raw" text [i'>corpus[/i'>, go to the code that's within [ '> -brackets, copy the entire code with brackets and all. Then paste to your post of liking here, or, for other codes for the same smiley if posting elsewhere (depending on forum type etc.) go [url=http://smileyjungle.com/Disdain/'>here[/url'>. Voilà. [url=http://smileyjungle.com'>[img'>http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/disdain0.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 23:08
Success!!! Just off the phone with a charming Emirati who sorted it out for me. Happy!!! [url="http://zaazu.com"'>[img'>http://images.zaazu.com/img/Graduate-graduate-graduation-elementary-smiley-emoticon-000186-medium.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 22:12
Did you try just replacing the sim (same number)? Done and done. But no, did not help. Worked perfectly in their new [i'>handsets[/i'>, though. At the same time, homeland sim works as a charm (generating me a hefty phone bill as a bonus).
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Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 22:08
Sorry can't help but I just love the little dummy smiley !!!! My kids call my cell phone the dinosaur.....so know exactly how you feel.;) Sweet comment, thanks. And yes, this one's a bit more ancient as well. :)
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 17:11
OCRA and Sovereign Group, though hard to recommend without knowing your specifics (which you probably should not post here :) ).
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Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 22:45
Did I delete desertdoc's question? Is that possible? She asked whether this person does leather upholstery and yes, he does. It seems to be beyond my bedtime. But hope this was helpful.
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Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 12:36
An update: had our tour renegotiated (downgraded the package, though it's a private arrangement still) and reserved. It looks like we're all set to embark on a new adventure, then. Thanks everyone!
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Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 12:33
Found it adorable, too. Now that I got to know it was from him, that is. My Arabic skills embarrass me. Happy National Day! And yes, that flag was a great find, Di@DXB. [url=http://www.desismileys.com/'>[img'>http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_2600.gif[/img'>[/url'> ETA Oops. My homeland will be celebrating our treasured Independence Day in just a few days, thus the "typo" I guess. <em>edited by jophiel on 02/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 23:56
I'm so sorry for your loss, Zeynab. My father is similarly dear to me. I take solace in knowing [url=http://vedabase.net/bg/2/17/en'>this[/url'>. Deep down. But these departures or [i'>transfigurations[/i'>, as much as they are part of our human existence and growth, are not always easy nevertheless.
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 23:33
Thank you, desertdoc! Aden War, really? Wow. Fair warning, then. Will try and re-negotiate our package with the tour operator (once we're over the shock of their initial offer). Empty Quarters would be a bit too distant. Also, this lovely lot would be into[i'> flora[/i'> and [i'>fauna[/i'>. So a conservation reserve sounded tempting. Would all else fail, there's always a good old camel farm that could be paid a visit. I'd hope. [url=http://www.desismileys.com/'>[img'>http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_1906.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 22:13
Hmm. Downloading music from iTunes is not possible without downloading iTunes as an application first. Or did I miss something? Why would you need VPN or torrents? Just use your legitimate homeland details for your iTunes billing. With a homeland address there should be no issues. Safe and sound. :)
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 21:37
Thank you, ShopGirl12! [url=http://smileyjungle.com'>[img'>http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/greetings0.gif[/img'>[/url'> We got quoted a hefty sum by one of the tour guide companies and it made us want to look for alternate routes. At present, am contemplating on a day-trip to [url=http://meydanhotels.com/babalshams/activities.htm'>Bab Al Shams [/url'> (with a lunch/coffee reservation). Let's see, if a simple hike there would be a possibility.
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 20:03
I take it that you have downloaded [url=http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/'>iTunes[/url'> already? As far as I'm aware of, the only way around this is to open an Apple iTunes account using a foreign CC and address. Local iTunes site or CCs do not seem to work. Will stand corrected, if wrong though - this is just something that solved the problem for us some three years back. So it's been a while we did it. Hope this helps. :)
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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 18:32
You can also try ABM Care - 04 452 0055 - located in Tecom. They're iStyle's service center and the authorized people for Mac stuff here. I recently used them and was really happy with their service. If you need to replace a broken part (or even a dead laptop battery) they'll take your dead one and give you a new one at a discounted price. Second ABM Care. Really happy with their service.
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 15:15
Thanks Jophiel, Is Napisan part of Vanish? I have been looking for a blue box. Maybe I should just be looking for Vanish napisan??? I have ordinary Vanish, but it doesn't work. Will have a look at that site thanks.. You're welcome, One of Napisans is, [url=http://www.vanishstains.com.au/'>yes[/url'>. It appears there's at least [url=http://about-australia-shop.com/napisan.htm'>one other one [/url'> as well, but am not familiar with it. Was it that one you meant? A little rave here. And again, just something we've found helpful. Supermart.ae takes [url=http://supermart.ae/pages/Product-Request.html'> product requests [/url'>. It's a smart company and has made our lives easier at times, have loved their deliveries. Prompt, too.
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 14:18
I have been hunting high and low for napisan, been to 3 different Waitroses, C4, Geant, Al Maya, no luck so far. :( Anyone seen any recently, I am not near a Spinneys. In emergencies we get ours from [url=http://supermart.ae/search.php?search_query=vanish+stain+remover&x=0&y=0'>here[/url'>. You'd need to buy several items though, as they require a minimum spending (AED50-100, depending on where you live). Actual deliveries are free of charge, however. If all else fails, maybe give them a try? Other than that, there might also be some more organic options available [url=http://www.organicfoodsandcafe.com/'>here[/url'>.
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Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 08:20
Good Morning, Would any of the pharmacies close to you be stocking [url=http://www.google.com/search?q=tongue+depressors&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=zph3UNuJE4a8rAe6tIGYBQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1345&bih=582'>tongue depressors[/url'>? Might be an idea as well. :)
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 17:40
I'm looking to buy a Mac Mini (well that's what i think i want). Basically, i want something that i can use for photoshop/ lightroom - for photography. Currently i'm using a PC, so I don't know whether this would work for me. Can anyone give me any feedback? Otherwise i'm thinking about a Macbook Pro (15") With [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macmini'>MacMini[/url'> you'd need to select (connect it to) a monitor and there's a wide range to choose from as you can use almost any monitor on the market. I'd think it's a matter of preference and practicality. Are you more comfortable working with desktops or laptops? Also, what size of screen you'd like? Otherwise, I don't think you can go wrong with [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Pro'>MBP15"[/url'>. But thats just me. For its lightness [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macbookair'>MBA11"[/url'> is superb, but its performance is not well-suited for working with larger photo/video/movie libraries.
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 19:09
Blue Abaya [url=http://blueabaya.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-i-met-my-saudi-prince.html'>Now there's a romantic story...[/url'>[url=http://smileyjungle.com'>[img'>http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/love17.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 13:52
Sometimes i could strangle my husband watching TV or the children eing loud. Its really affecting my life. Wondering if a doctor can give a few crazy pills to pop, so i can tolerate them. Really can't do it, anymore:( I take it you already gave[url=http://di1-4.shoppingshadow.com/images/pi/1f/f9/94/95765324-400x499-0-0_Flents+Flents+Quiet+Time+Comfort+Foam+Earplugs+for.jpg'> these ones[/url'> a go? Some just are more sensitive than others. Would not overly-medicalize it, but that's just me.
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 23:48
Hi, Nina-dubai! We're not big on cupcakes ourselves, therefore no real experts, but ordering/buying cakes and cupcakes for B-days has been mentioned in at least these quite recent threads. They are not in any particular order. [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=181379'> Thread #1 [/url'> [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=188792'> Thread #2 [/url'> [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=187749'> Thread #3[/url'> Occasionally, we've bought cupcakes from a stall right outside Waitrose in Marina Mall. Not sure if it's there regularly though. Can't seem to recall the name of the bakery either. But. HTH :)
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 19:02
you can also just wrap them unpeeled in foil and stick in the oven, then peel with rubber gloves on (no pink fingers here) and then eat with butter and salt :) I just knew there was a way to put them Marigolds in good use. Like it when after cutting bits from root and stem ends the peel can just be scratched away. Mixed reports wrt health aspects when using Al foil though. But your idea sounds practical. We have plenty of foil (DH got us 3 rolls for 1 from somewhere a while ago), so will keep your suggestion in mind. Did some beetroot shopping yesterday and out of that harvest there's something cooking for tonight's dinner now. Thanks for the thread. [url="http://zaazu.com"'>[img'>http://images.zaazu.com/img/Pot-pot-cook-cooking-smiley-emoticon-000723-medium.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 15:13
You can go in and register anyway if you want to preserve that number, [u'>you don't have to wait until they sms you.[/u'> Hi, did anyone do this already though? How was it? I'm waiting for the sms from Etisalat. I would guess its going to take the same amount of time it took when we first bought the chip, ie waiting in queue with number, making photocopies of passport and ID. and filling forms. Oh, ok. :) Will remain waiting as well, then.
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 15:10
Have any of you had a problem with the Nespresso Aeroccino machines? Which Aeroccino are you holding, KateK? Have recently bought Nespresso Aeroccino 3 at the Nespresso MOE Store (at a salty Dubai price, not the likes of GBP40). Hope the gadget holds up...
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 14:56
You can go in and register anyway if you want to preserve that number, [u'>you don't have to wait until they sms you.[/u'> Hi, did anyone do this already though? How was it?
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 14:46
Sharing this a bit late in, but... [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/laksmi_w/5194831080/'>Beetroot koftas with sour cream dressing[/url'>. It's an art to get them right so that they are not too dry and it's been a while I have done them myself. But delicious, if you're not dieting. I love beetroot. Often just end up boiling beetroots as whole and non-peeled, then quickly cooling them off a bit, peeling, cutting into cubes and adding to well-seasoned soups and stews (vegetarian subjis in our case). Not a real recipe as such, more like a rave about this vegetable, but have had vegetable juice fasts with beetroot juice included and they've been great for boosting the energy levels. In that case beetroots need to be be impeccably organic in every way. It works a bit like wheatgrass juice (healthy ugh). That's just for an ultimate detox though.
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Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 14:15
Other than these postings there were no actual announcements made on EW, blondie007. I just cried my eyes out the weekend after learning about it and decided to post here. Can't even imagine what her nearest and dearest are going through. [url=http://youtu.be/rLLzkLO8Sh4'>This was her favorite song[/url'>. God bless.
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 21:58
Thank you all the ladies who've contributed @ jophiel - we are just casual investors, probably 8-10 trades a year. Interactive Brokers apparently required us to be in a county which was party to some particular banking regulatory body, which my DH believes the UAE is not. I'll get him to check with them directly You're welcome. Always good to check with IB directly. We've been here 3 years and never has our residency been an issue for IB. Initially went through the same routine procedure as described by suze63, no complications there. Sorry to hear that you will need to change your broker, such things are a hassle on top of everything else. Hope you get everything sorted. :)
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 15:13
OP, might be that your broker had issues with their volumes here. Are you looking into this as casual investors (ca 8 trades a year), active investors (ca 40 trades per year) or traders (ca 40 trades a month)? As to holding an online trading account while being residents of the UAE, so no, we've never had any issues. We're with Interactive Brokers though.
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 14:15
I was just trying to find her on here tonight and am seeing this! AM I understanding correctly?? It's a bit inconceivable. But yes. I think you are.
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 23:12
Hi, We had this last week, after being away for a couple of months. Our maintenance team went through all our faucets and apparently the aerators were clogged and had to be cleansed. Now all our faucets work brilliantly. HTH :) <em>edited by jophiel on 19/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 10:43
Absolutely brilliant, GM. Got it going now. Many thanks! :)
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 10:07
Have been summoning up the courage to pack for a 2-month journey we're about to embark on… Not quite there yet. Woohoo! Sounds superb - make sure you come back & tell us about it! Aww, thank you. :) That's encouraging. Start with the end in mind, forgot that. Fun. Quite not there yet...
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 09:56
Have been summoning up the courage to pack for a 2-month journey we're about to embark on… Not quite there yet.
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 09:53
Put your hands together for..... water reservoirs? [url=http://www.desismileys.com/'>[img'>http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_3191.gif[/img'>[/url'> As to hinting there's rationality involved… It's overrated. We do live in a city built on dreams.
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Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 23:30
Been very pleased with [url=http://www.net-a-porter.com/'>Net-a-Porter[/url'>. Prompt service in neat black boxes. Very quick and efficient. The only thing that takes a bit of time is browsing through their website to find the right, reasonably priced and wearable pieces. Well worth the time, though. Helpful videos, too. They do charge GBP20 per shipment, but for that you'll get a relatively hassle-free shopping experience. IMHO, that is.
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Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 21:47
A bit late in... But [url=http://goo.gl/maps/884o'>a celestial conch[/url'> hit the desert? [url=http://www.desismileys.com/'>[img'>http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_6597.gif[/img'>[/url'>
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 19:36
[url=http://www.picgifs.com/glitter-graphics/'>[img'>http://www.picgifs.com/glitter-graphics/glitter-graphics/candles/glitter-graphics-candles-562714.gif[/img'>[/url'> It has been such a shock to learn about [url=http://www.mylucky9.com/beauty/in-memoriam'>her sudden passing away[/url'>. As 30-Day Fitness Challenge was her idea and this thread on EW is where I first got to know her, I felt like offering my condolences here. We did have some inspired correspondence outside of EW and I visited her blog often, but other than that I did not know her family or any of her 'real life' closest friends. However, she put a lot of herself into her [url=http://www.mylucky9.com/my-lucky-9'>blog[/url'> and was often found referring to it, even here on EW. I feel blessed to have been in contact with her. She was and continues to be an inspiration. Heart goes out to her family. May God bless them and soothe the pain.