laura321 | ExpatWoman.com
 

laura321

laura321
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Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 16:45
If anyone is still interested i started pre natal yoga sessions at dubai yacht club on a saturday morning. I started at around 12 weeks and am now 23 weeks and still going - definately recommended A lady called Shelley sheehan runs the sessions and they are aed 75 each and last for about 1hr 15mins including some discussion time which is great. She also helps you focus on birthing techniques and how to get through contractions etc and loads of other helpful info. Anyway, she is on facebook - Yoga Mama Dubai and you can say one of her pre natal students laura recommended her.
laura321
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Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:00
Hi ladies, Im due on 29th July and going to City Hospital - so thought i would just say hi and jump on this group :)
laura321
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 13:24
Thanks for all your help. Fairycakes - your friend is mental if she pays 270! they are up on dubizzle for 180 - 200! I think the address at the marina is too far - i dont really want to have to get in a car to go to the gym or pool. Luxury of living where i am in an apartment i suppose. Thanks again
laura321
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 13:02
yes. the 3 bed maisonette is walking distance from the golf club. Im viewing one on friday. They are all up for around 180 - 200k - fingers crossed if we like it we get one for around 170- 175. Do you reckon thats feesible or am i dreaming? oh...the club doesnt sound very good then. Will you stay in emirates hills or move to another location? Are there any other options for pool / gym membership close by. Sorry for all the questions and thanks for your input
laura321
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 12:49
Sorry wasnt clear, yes the maisonettes in emirates hills. And yes joining the montgomerie golf club as a social member to use the pool and gym etc. I believe its AED 14,000 a year for a family membership
laura321
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 10:54
Aston1 - you are correct some insurance policies like AXA and Bupa allow horse riding as long as your not competing professionally. Unfortunately my insurance (green crescent) doesnt allow horse riding what so ever. Chocs01 - Your right - I had to say i slipped out the bath. Thats fine for minor injuries..but something more serious happened - ...Im sure once they see me in sand and riding boots they will know i didnt just fall down some stairs. Id rather be covered properly. Thanks Jubes - let me know if you hear anything. I contacted Catherine De Buyl Insurance which is really for professionals - but she said they do offer Amateur insurance so will let you know the cost when i get some info back cheers girls
laura321
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 10:47
Yeah totally. We were on the 3rd floor and there was a lift. The waterloo apartment also said they would provide a cot..but they also had a put up bed if your child is old enough. They had a full functional kitchen (microwave and dishwasher too) and a bath.. Im not saying it is super luxurious or anything but for a central location and reasonable cost it was great. I dont have kids myself, but if i did - i would stay there no problems. Especially as the good location. If you email the place rather than just book it straight away im sure they will answer any queries you may have. It wasnt noisy when we were there as parties etc are not allowed (although we did have a little party with a butler in the buff before we went out, lol)
laura321
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 09:58
Last year i booked a few apartments for a friends hen do. Imnot sure what your budget is but these are the places i looked at - The Saco ones in Holborn were the best value and the cheapest http://www.sacoapartments.co.uk/destinations/uk/london-west-end/ http://www.boutiquelondonlets.com/ - This is the place we ended up staying (the waterloo apartments)- Also negotiuate - i got around £50 off...just say if they discount you will book straight away. . Five mins walk from waterloo station (so a food m&s nearby, sainsburys and loads of bars and restaurants. so a great location! - Also have a off license opposite - Excellent :)
laura321
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 08:49
Are you landing in Heathrow? LegoLand www.legoland.co.uk/ If so i would suggest staying near there on the first night and doing legoland on the first day. You maybe tired - but better than travelling all the way into london and then back out to legoland (near heathrow) - great for children of all ages. I believe if you book on line you are more likely to get a better deal Runneymede www.runnymedehotel.com This is a nice hotel on the river thames - very child friendly - in Egham which is very close to Heathrow and LegoLand. (Better than all the premier inns etc) They also have a nice small spa and you can walk along the river and hire boats. I think they also do a package deal with legoland so maybe cheaper Godstone Farm www.godstonefarm.co.uk/ Great for kids - you can actually get in the cages and hold the animals - like rabbits etc The nearest station to the farm is Caterham, Surrey which can be reached from London Victoria, London Bridge, Clapham Junction, Norwood Junction and East Croydon. (Both the 409 and 411 buses stop directly outside of the station and will take you to Godstone Village - see below). www.thehopfarm.co.uk/ if you purchase tickets through national rail at the train station - you will be able to get discounted entry tickets If you want to catch the train, our closest station is Paddock Wood. Streamline taxi’s offer a special rate of just £4 for our visitors to be transported to The Hop Farm. It has shire horses, loads of animals and heaps of summer activities and used to have tractor rides etc. www.mudchute.org/ - This is a city farm. I have never been so no personal comments but its free and close to town incase you cant make it to the countryside. Looks like they have some great childrens activites etc. Apparently has lots of nature walks etc too so you feel away from london www.leeds-castle.com/ www.hevercastle.co.uk/ www.boroughmarket.org.uk/ Borough market is great although only open on a friday and saturday - best to get their very early- Have a walk around and get some free tasters - then hit one of the nice restaurants for lunch - Go somewhere in the afternoon to keep your little one entertained. http://www.zsl.org - As someone else mentioned - london zoo would be a great day out http://www.londoneye.com/TicketsAndPrices/the london eye would also be great and you can get a combined ticket for a thames river cruise. That way you will see most of the main attractions without having to go to them all - Tick, ha ha St Pauls, Parliment, MI5/6 building, Tower Bridge - etc etc - can all be seen from the river http://www.timeout.com/london/kids/ - check out timeout for the specific dates you are going. London holds some great special events for children during the summer Tower of london / st pauls cathedral / covent garden / parliment / buckingam palace / Greenwich park (and greenwich market) are all great - but your little one may get bored http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk - this will show you the national rail 241 discounted tickets and may have some other places you are interested in (will apply to hop farm and london zoo definately) With all these things - booking on line will probably save you time queing at these places :) I suppose i had better get back to work Have a great trip and i hope some of that helped
laura321
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Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 14:46
Good spot Summerdream, maybe i am a child bride of 13, hehe Polly Dxb - thank you for looking. I tried that too and as the insurance is a company one - they wont let you add a premium. Ridiculous ay! Just wonder if everyone i used to ride with either hasnt thought about insurance or they have a good insurance that covers them. Anyway - if anyone comes up with a company / insurance idea - please give me a shout. I cant live here without ponies :(
laura321
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Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 12:38
That would be amazing! Thank you
laura321
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 17:47
I know you've already done the stable tour at the dubai polo club, but if he cant ride but loves being with horses there are a few other things you could do; 1) Go to a polo match - there are lots of other pl aces except for the polo club - however im not sure if the season is or will be finished (love horses, but not really into polo) You could try Ghantoot or the clubs in Abu Dhabi? 2) Go to a horse show...jumping / dressage. Emirates Equestrian centre have a number of shows (although its outside so the season may have finished) call the centre and see what they are up to. You could then have lunch at bab al shams next door. Sharjah has an indoor arena..so may have some shows on? 3)http://www.hoofbeatz.com/hb-entertainment.php You may have seen the hoof beatz horses at the polo club. They do a horse show..again not sure if its still on - you would need to contact hoofbeatz direct or call the polo club "The 90 minute long family entertainment show traces the history of the Arabian horse around the world, and features an array of acts including trick and stunt riding, traditional Arab ‘horse-whispering displays, an American rodeo, Spanish dressage, and humorous pony acts, among others. The scenes are set to global music, dance, and a variety of special effects" see this website or enquire at the dubai polo club - not sure when there are shows on 4) I know hoofbeatz also do a "horsemanship" lesson. This looks really good - have watched it but have never participated myself. Basically, each person is given a horse (no riding involved) in an arena and basically its a form of horse whispering. You get the horse to follow you, lay down for you...etc etc. You really bond with the horse and it looks like fun...could be a great option! This is also run by hoofbeatz at the dubai polo club Sorry if ive rambled..dont normally post on these threads! Hope you find something suitable
laura321
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 16:07
not sure i would go to egypt at the moment!
laura321
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:51
Not sure about that - but i have really think hair and have had a treatment on my hair after they wash it - its like and intense conditioner - around 20aed i think. altantis hairdresser tried to sell me what you are having for 160 aed but is was a tub i could use at home myself?
laura321
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:48
I would say italy but its def not a cheapy - what about one of the greek islands or cyprus - cyprus flight isnt too bad from here
laura321
68
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:44
My friend is in the process of doing her padi with Al Boom. They are good and also linked with some of the good hotels in Ras al Khaimah. Also Arabian Diver. Both have dive clubs and do 2 dives at the weekend from either jebel ali or ras al khaimah to mussandam (2hr drive) where all the good dive sites are - hope that helps
laura321
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:37
Yep done westin - not really rowdy but 2 mins to barasti where it def gets rowdy. best fun is grandgrill (but not best food and no champers)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:35
yes they use disposable sets :)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:29
Ive had the same, they tried to get the sides out which gave me an ingrown toenail - so painful! never let them touch the sides. although the places i have been have always opened up a sealed file etc (sisters in dubai mall and nails style / inc dubai marina and moe)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 15:24
Its the same as waitrose..if you look at the size of the chicken breasts on " black trays" in comparison to the whole chickens you would realise that the breasts have been pumped full of water to make them bigger! Gross. I never buy chicken unless its a whole chicken..or the normal size thighs and wings. Even so in the uk i never used to buy the sainsburys / tescos value chicken - so sometimes i wonder why i bother here. scares me to think how the little things have been looked after - or not so the case maybe - sorry rant over - have a thing about chicken lol
laura321
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 11:22
You could go to the one and only hotel for a drink..then catch the boat to the one and only on the palm for dinner? with a drink afterwards in their cool bar?
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 17:00
ha ha - so true..my mother in law is coming over and i wont be taking anytime off work as im far too busy :)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 17:00
* back of the building (not bank!)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 16:59
yep - its near carre four... If carre four is on your left and your on the main road (airport road i think) Turn left past carre four, so the carpark entrance is on your left. You reach a roundabout. Go straight across, then turn right, then left and then it should be on the right. Look for a sanded carpark next to the gold building. The entrance is up some stairs on the sand at the bank of the gold building. Im not sure about weekends, but during the week it closes between 2pm - 4pm.
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 16:45
afternoon tea, to the top burj khalifa, nice lunch somewhere (meet the guys at the golf club)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 16:43
The pool is pretty good - but no bar or anything.. there is a pool/ gym per building There is also a gym, sauna, steam and jacuzzi. Kitchen appliances are good too - nice stainless steel bosch american style fridge freezer and oven and a integrated dishwasher and washing machine. did have a slight problem with the shower leaking, but maintenance have fixed this.
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:33
yes i think i have seen it too! the ground floor bit near the cupcake section?
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:28
Oooh yeah im also sure i saw one in - is it called "sia" there is one on the top floor of moe and the ground floor of dubai mall
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:27
Hey SD1, no we dont have access to the beach - thats a downside. We looked at shoreline and went for marina as the apartments are generally bigger and have nicer tiles. fittings etc and a huge balcony terrace. However we dont have any kids, so shoreline is great for this as you have beach access, the kids pools, bars and restaurants and there are loads!!! i mean loads! of kids (the reason we didnt move there, lol)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:24
Do Laura Ashley have a home section here? If so they would be worth a try? Or Pottery barn in Dubai mall - although maynot be totally vintage looking - or crate and barrell in MOE have pretty but plain white ones?
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:12
Sunbathing, golf, a massage and lunch and dinners with the girls...i really should go to the gym! the boys are in beirut so the girls are having a holiday in dubai lol
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:04
Also...we managed to get 30,000aed off our rent this year! so maybe he just needs the money and wants to rent it quickly as it was overpriced for the market in the first place!
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:02
Whenever you hand over a cheque to an agent. Photocopy the cheque and get the agent to sign, date and stamp the photocopy with his business credentials hope this helps
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:08
I reckon emirates are much better than BA...but then BA are cheaper
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:07
Hi, I live on palm jumeriah in marina residence 5 and love it. this year we negotiated with our landlord so he now pays the central charges for the air con (palm utilities) are bills for this are really cheap now. Also our dewa (elec and water) bill is prob around 250aed a month. And we have our washing machine and dishwasher on everyday.
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:04
Im sure they would also do you a deal if you emailed them direct :)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:02
http://www.morehotels.co.za/cape_cadogan/ cape cadogan hotel is nice - Boutique hotel - a converted house - no more than £125 a night? Its on the hill near table mountain - 5 mins cab to camps bay (went there for dinner) and also at the end of the road are cool bars and restaurants....
laura321
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:02
http://www.morehotels.co.za/cape_cadogan/ cape cadogan hotel is nice - Boutique hotel - a converted house - no more than £125 a night? Its on the hill near table mountain - 5 mins cab to camps bay (went there for dinner) and also at the end of the road are cool bars and restaurants....
laura321
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 16:24
glad your in agreement about the place and im not just a moaner. for the record - i have nothing against male receptionists - just ones that fancy doing the odd massage - he blatently wasnt trained! and before anyone says anything - one of the best massages i ever had was from a man in a surrey spa! :)
laura321
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 16:05
hmmm. thanks for your responses - think i will just head to a hotel beach then lol
laura321
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 14:08
my dh made me an amazing dinner and i returned the favour by falling asleep on the sofa watching sopranos whilst he cleaned the kitchen - what a legend
laura321
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 14:03
Understand the worries...but Dubai would have hardly any tourists if the hotels all said you had to be married to share a hotel room My best friend and her bf have been coming here for the last 6 years and always share a room. no problems. My sister and her bf came last year and shared a room - no worries at all. Im sure when you book, they just put your reservation under one name (remember the hotels take photocopies of your passport so they will be well aware your not married)
laura321
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 13:52
I know this is only a personal opinion - so dont shoot me down - but i have been to dreamworks and would not recommend that at all. The walls are thin, you can here the phone ringing in recption and the guy answering the phone - also the massage girls talking loudly. The decor is dark and dingy - the tables are covered in plastic with a thin sheet and so you squeek everytime you move. not relaxing at all and not worth the money they charge there. oh and to add to all that..the receptionist ....a guy...asked if i would mind if he did my massage. Considering it was a balinese massage and they do your boobs...i was like uh no! i must sound like one of those wingers. lol Going to Angsana spa at the weekend - entertainer vouchers buy one get one free 250aed each. Also i heard urban spa on palm jumeriah is pretty good and is 300aed.
laura321
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 10:48
Have you tried massimo dutti? (dubai mall & moe) You can buy the trousers and jackets seperately and they also have a good alteration service. The suits are pretty reasonable and quite often they have a skirt and trouser that matches the jacket? I also found some nice ones in duba mall - a french shop 1-2-3? first floor i think? Or i agree hobbs and laura ashley do nice suits too Good luck
laura321
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Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 12:16
Ive done the commute for a just over a year now - since i arrived. We have a pool car and so the drive is split between people and the palm exit is pretty easy - no traffic compared to dubai marina, emirates hills and the greens. Funnily enough - the far right lane is the worst! you are best to stay in the 2nd to fasted lane and people just go around you. I dont find the traffic bad in the mornings - we leave at 6:50am. Although if my office was in the centre of AD i would think twice about the commute as it can add another 20mins -30mins to your journey
laura321
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Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 10:51
Hey, I do that commute everyday and i think its fine. In london i would spend an hour door to door to get to work (walk, train, walk) so its not actually that different apart from im not standing in the rain waiting for a late train, haha. Yes the traffic can be bad when there are accidents and there are some crazy drivers - but get out their way and its fine. Anyway - hope that helps. Only thing i would say is that it depends where you live in dubai and where you work in AD. I live on the Palm and work near AD airport/ Yas island and its 45mins door to door?
laura321
68
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Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 16:21
If you like sushi - Yo Sushi - especially sashimi is prob one of the healthiest take aways you can eat :)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 16:59
KMM - nice to hear someone else is moving in..we are on the 11th floor and i think its just us lol. We have been in MR for nearly a year and have just signed for another, so please Feel free to ask if you need anything - or fancy meeting up. To be honest - we have only had a few problems; 1) the shower leaks - but luckily ginabeana is in the know..so hopefully that problemo will be solved for us all shortly :) 2) access to the pool - not really that bad - just a pain - as being lazy you sometimes have to walk around to the front of the building. However - since moving here ive put on the dreaded "dubai stone" so i doubt an extra 2 min walk will do me any harm, ha ha 3) the pool is friggin freezing! but hoping they will turn off the chiller - or turn on the heater soon - as last year the pool was lovely! Overall, We love it too - so dont be put off :)
laura321
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Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 16:18
Yeah one guy tried to change the seal...i was like..as if that is going to solve the problem...not get me started on the access...luckily i dont have children yet apart from one big one - husband lol so access is just frustrating - but i feel for all the parents :( Other than that - i love the apartment and the big balcony :) That number would be great please as i also need some piccies hanging! Thanks x
laura321
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Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 15:54
haaaa no worries I will bring the manuals to work tomorrow and photocopy for you -will leave a message on here for you when its done. Jeez you have had a nightmare - keys an all. There is def not enough storage in that kitchen, there is only 2 of us and i struggle. Although i have used a whole cupboard for drink :) OMG - the shower drives me insane! I practically wash towels everyday as use them to mop the floor - for fear of falling over or flooding our bedroom - we were told it is a design fault with all the properties and to basically lump it! As you have had yours fixed - im going to insit ours gets fixed...again! Whilst were on a rant about MR - getting back from the pool to the main building - pain in the ass!
 
 
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