laurelm | ExpatWoman.com
 

laurelm

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Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 08:48
When I was home last year I picked up a pair of these, and I am in love with them. There are some funky styles (mine are a rich brown leather covered in funky turquoise hand-stitching), are ridiculously comfortable, and age beautifully. They can be a bit pricey, but should last ages, and IMO the quality is beyond outstanding. Finding knee-high boots might be tricky though, most only go as high as the calf. The people working at the shop are stars, too - I'm sure they would be very helpful if wanting to order from abroad. [url=http://www.robertaweissburgleathers.com/i7:Web,RobertaWeissburgLeathers,shop,lucchesew~~00000000.00000000.00000000.01010002.10412022.050400A0.01A000DD.6E874249'>link[/url'>
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Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 13:56
Personally i think top of the list should be a new zoo!!!! get them poor animals out of the **** hole there living in at the moment !!! I think there's currently a new zoo/safari park under construction opposite the Desert Palm? Just dug this up: http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/xpress/news/dubai-zoo-s-last-summer-in-jumeirah-1.1204873
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Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 11:09
Pokhara's amazing - have fun! It's just a really nice place to relax. And I second the Annapurna Base Camp (Annapurna Sanctuary trek) - it's amazing. You need 10 days, give or take, to complete it. If you don't have that much time, you could look into a shorter, closer hikes (don't know any to recommend off-hand, though). It's great fun to take a boat out on Lake Phewa - very relaxing.
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Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 08:12
Have you tried the plant souk in Khawaneej? I've never looked for water features out there personally, but I feel like I've seen them there, along with the other garden decor.
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Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 07:05
I think it varies from person to person as well. I have been to India 3 times and Nepal once (several weeks all told), am only kinda-sorta careful, never taken any tablets or vaccinations, but have never been sick. I had a greasy chicken curry go through me rather quickly once, but that was about equivalent of the experience I get if I eat fast food. My SO however, is more careful than me, but has gotten properly sick for an extended time. Another friend was very, very careful, yet ended up with dysentery. All the suggestions given below are very good ones to follow, though. I'd also add to even brush your teeth with bottled water.
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Latest post on 27 September 2013 - 16:30
In Kerala, there are some really peaceful and beautiful cardamom plantation home stays and tea plantation resorts in Munnar that might suit you. On Kerala's beaches, I love Varkala, a really chilled out clifftop beach town (Bohemian Masala is a very peaceful place to stay there). Outside of India, Naxos in the Greek Cyclades is really nice - no cruise liners and short on tourists. Or what about a trek in the Nepalese Himalayas? Annapurna Sanctuary trek is great, and the town nearby the start/finish, Pokhara, again, is very very chilled.
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Latest post on 27 September 2013 - 07:50
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look in to that!
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Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 11:27
Funny, I was just looking through a recipe that I want to make tomorrow that includes cream of tartar, and was wondering where I might be able to find it! How convenient! I'll let you know if I find any - I'm hoping Spinneys in Motor City might. edited by laurelm on 24/09/2013 Yay! Please let me know and I'll do the same should I find it. Found some - in my kitchen cabinets! That was an unexpected surprise. Now on to making some snickerdoodles. I don't recall going out of my way to but it; I think I must have grabbed it from a Spinneys. Hope you find some!
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Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 17:48
Nope, didn't feel this earthquake - or any other that we've had here somewhat recently.
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Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 17:42
Funny, I was just looking through a recipe that I want to make tomorrow that includes cream of tartar, and was wondering where I might be able to find it! How convenient! I'll let you know if I find any - I'm hoping Spinneys in Motor City might. <em>edited by laurelm on 24/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 15:22
Hello ladies! I've got family coming to stay with me during the last two weeks of November. They have two LO's, 2 and 4,5yrs old. I'm desperately trying to think of things we can do together during daytime which will be fun for everyone (our daughter will be 15 months in Nov). One idea was to go to a picnic polo match at the Polo Club by the Ranches. Unfortunately there is no information whatsoever on their website. Does anyone know how it works? What does it cost, can we bring our own picnic, is it suitable even for small kids (with 4 adults), is it actually a fun thing to do or will it be a nightmare reigning the kids in before they are trampled by horses? If you've been - please let me know what you thought of it! Thanks! Keep checking the website, they should have info up soon, as polo season will start in October. Last year, it was 100dhs to park your car on the field and you're welcome to bring your own picnic. There are always plenty of families and young children (looks safe for the young kids running around). I think it's a great way to spend afternoon, even if you're not very familiar with or interested polo. We have some people visiting through November, and definitely plan on spending a Friday afternoon out there.
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Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 11:29
Yes, upgraded on my iPad mini in about 10 mins with no probs; upgraded my iPhone 4S with some probs. I think I didn't really have enough space available on my iPhone and things went wacky. It tried to upgrade, but then as it appeared to be finishing up, it error'd, and I had to do a factory reset to get my phone working again, with or without the new iOS! Nuisance, but it's all upgraded and back to normal now (thank goodness I backed up first). The second go after the factory reset only took about 5-10 minutes to get it all installed and back in order again. Considering others' comments, I would definitely recommend making sure you have ample space available before trying to upgrade! So far, I like it.
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 15:08
I think in the cooler weather walking would be fine, but not this time of year. I'm not too sure about how easy it would be to hail a taxi from one of the metro stations there, either. It may be best for you to simply take a taxi from where you're staying to Al Serkal. Have fun! Some of the galleries there are closed on Saturdays or have shortened hours, but most should be open in the afternoon.
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Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 19:19
Zuma is my top choice (one of my top Dubai restaurants, full stop). Okku is also good, but as mentioned can get loud and dark and feel a bit clubby. I wouldn't suggest Nobu; I don't find it as good as others here, nor does it rate against its US (and likely UK, etc.) counterparts. Plus: Atlantis, ugh. Love Beno-Ya, too! The toilets are interesting, if nothing else. Hah.
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Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:57
On a lighter note, I always chuckle when I pass one of the damas tree removal signboards. The illustration of the evil-looking tree they use cracks me up.
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 16:53
Yeah I just noticed it started looking very overcast in AR recently - I was hoping for rain! As I started typing this it was only gloomy, not windy - but by the time I finished the sentence above the sandstorm has begun to rear its head. Yuk.
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 07:36
There is a small riding store in one of the four short towers on SZR next to the Dusit hotel - its around the side / back and not sure which one. Yep, it's called Emirta, I think. Haven't been there in a couple years but I recall they had a large selection of riding boots. Alternatively, maybe give your riding club (or any other) a call and see if they have any suggestions?
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 07:08
So, I've got it figured out for any PA residents who happen to come across this: You can go to the PA DMV website and renew online (it's very simple and straightforward, however you will need to pay with a card that has a US-based billing address). After that happens, a picture card will be sent to the address listed on your DL, and once you're back in PA, you can take said picture card to the DMV and get your new photo taken - even if it is after the old card's expiration date. The important thing is to renew online before the expiry date.
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 17:00
I did it online with no issues and I did not need to redo the photo but that was for the state of Massachusetts. I know that the state of Connecticut, for example, doesn't even allow online renewals! Why don't you just try to do it online and see if you can get through? Your Mom may be wrong. And if you have any questions, see if your mother can call them so you don't have to pay for the phone call with those ignorant people. Well, that's somewhat reassuring, thanks! I am definitely going to give it a go once I get home and dig up my license. Fingers crossed the PA DMV will be magically efficient for once.
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 10:52
You definitely cannot cross the border with alcohol. You can certainly buy booze in Oman's hotels, much like here, but I don't know what the deal is if you just wanted to grab a bottle of something to have with you. I would not think it's very likely. As for getting to/from Muscat, you can take the road along the coast (the road marycatherine described) and get there in about 4.5 hours. It's pretty straight-forward, not very exciting. I've never stopped anywhere along the way. You can also take the (longer) route through the Hajjar mountains that leads you to Nizwa before you get to Muscat, which is pretty nice. I like to drive back this way, and stop in Nizwa (it's an interesting, very old town that used to be Oman's capital) and take in some hikes in the mountains and wadis on the way back. I think with this route you'd exit and/or enter from Al Ain. <em>edited by laurelm on 04/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 10:42
You might need a new laptop, but that sort of thing also sounds like you might have a virus (assuming you're on a PC, not a Mac?). Have you tried running any software that will scour your system for hidden viruses or malware? I often find that's a culprit when my PC at work starts acting up, particularly when I try to open a browser and it immediately shuts down or is unresponsive.
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 13:24
Join the party. I was made redundant in July and have been looking ever since. Trying for the same type of role, or even roles I carried out years ago and still no luck. :( Same here & have been looking since late June - only have a couple more weeks of work here left, then I'll get my final paycheck. Trying to get into something slightly different, but still using the same basic skills. Keep being told things should pick up this month, though. We'll see... Good luck, ladies! Hopefully things will turn around this month for all. <em>edited by laurelm on 03/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 10:35
Yeah, I order the water for the office and about a month or so ago, it became a big ordeal with Masafi. Just a massive wild goose chase with multiple numbers that no-one would answer, and even when they would, completely unhelpful and never resulted in any water delivery after a good 2 weeks of trying. We now order water from Jeema water, try 04 333 5566.
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Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 07:36
Noticed the other day that a Daiso is now open in Dubai Mall, too, near Waitrose. Although that may be old news!
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Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 13:02
We traveled through Java (Jakarta until JogJakarta) before heading to Bali for a couple of days relaxation. Great trip, easy to get around with train, backpack and a lonely planet. Flight back from Bali to Jakarta to save some time. You get to compare the complete different atmosphere from Java compared to Bali, loved it! I agree with this. Did Java, flew into Jakarta, then train on to Yogyakarta (very interesting town, and great sites of Borobudur and Prambanan nearby), then a train-bus combo up to Mount Bromo, and eventually back down to the east coast, where we caught a ferry over to Bali. At the end flew back from Bali to Jakarta. Love Java, and definitely think it is well worth tacking it on to your trip. My personal train experience was mixed, though. It was comfortable enough, but Java is a huge island so they are long trips. That's not really an issue, but all of my trains arrived hours late, and one just stopped/broke down for about 4-5 hours somewhere between Jakarta and Yogyakarta with nary an explanation. So that got a bit frustrating (even the ferry crossing, which should have taken only 45 minutes took more like 3 hours due to mystery delays). Could have been a bit of back luck that I had, though. I just went with guesthouses for accommodation, shopping around for them upon arrival, and I was quite happy with it. Clean and interesting, no complaints. <em>edited by laurelm on 28/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 15:20
If you've not already tried the following... In settings, go to "carriers" and if neither Etisalat or Du is coming up, maybe swipe the "automatic" option on then off (or vice-verse) and see if that will jog it. If not, try a hard reset (hold down the home and the wake buttons simultaneously until the phone shuts off and then it will turn itself back on). HTH <em>edited by laurelm on 25/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 09:40
I think Franck Provost does it? I remember having the same issue when I moved here 5 years ago. Eventually, I bought all of the waxing supplies from Nazih Trading, and now I do it myself (although I wasn't a total newb; I occasionally did it myself prior to moving to Dubai as well because I hate going to salons/spas). I find it practically painless, and I get exactly what I want, instead of a surprise after the salon finishes up with me. It's not too tricky or expensive to do yourself. You might not get it right in the first go, but it's not the hardest thing to figure out either.
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Latest post on 19 August 2013 - 12:14
It might be partially to do with Movember, but I've been noticing for some years the mustache movement gaining in popularity. The jewelry/accessories is new-ish, but when I lived in the states over 5 years ago, I definitely recall the scenesters in Philly and NYC taking a liking to old-fashioned mustaches (and facial hair in general) along with their interest thrift store fashion. Women, unable to grow a mustache, would wear paper or cloth ones or tattoo a small one on their index finger to "wear". Originally, I think it was meant to be one of those "ironic" scene fashion statements, but it's gone on for long enough now (and the hipster scene has since grown to massive proportions), that I think any irony that may have been there is well and truly gone, and it's evolved into something properly trendy/mainstream. <em>edited by laurelm on 19/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 15:14
I think most of the undergarment/lingerie shops should be able to help you out. I've gotten fitted at a La Perla boutique, and I thought they were very helpful. They keep my size for purchases on record so that I can easily buy the correct size at any of their shops around the world. I am pretty sure Victoria's Secret do them as well (they definitely do in America, anyway).
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 10:14
I'm in Al Reem 1, and it's been fine. Although I have noticed a few large tankers parked outside of Al Reem 3 (I think?) the past few days. I've been wondering what that's about; perhaps it's related?
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 10:12
Another for Gazebo. I love their stuffed mushroom biryani!
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Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 07:28
I love planning - particularly travel planning - and generally do it way in advance, so at any given time may have 1-3 trips lined up. Already penciling things in for 2014!
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 12:11
Not too sure about that. I was traveling from Jakarta over land across Java to tour it, and when I reached the eastern side of Java, I took a ferry to Bali. I think, at the time (and this was 3-4 years ago), yes you did have to stop in Jakarta before going on to Bali; however I feel like in the past year or so I heard of an airline offering a direct flight to Bali (if not from the UAE, maybe Qatar)?
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 11:33
Bali is really beautiful. I stayed in Ubud and Lovina while I was there. Ubud has remained one of my favorite places I've ever been and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's worth noting that it's in the middle of the island and not on the beach, though. I avoided Kuta as I heard from multiple people that it was filthy, overcrowded with tourists, and just not worth visiting. But again, I didn't go so don't know personally - that's just what I heard.
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Latest post on 23 July 2013 - 11:53
I think it should just adjust, but if you're not sure if it has - I would turn it off and un-plug everything from it, let it sit for a minute then re-plug it all back in.
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Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 13:27
I'm in the little-to-no-work category. It's always slow in the art world here in summer (and especially in Ramadan) but this year is extra slow as my place of work is shutting down at the end of next month, so there are no autumn exhibitions or events to plan. We did just agree to work on a charity project that will happen next month though, so I'm excited that that's giving me a little to do!
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Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 08:47
Hey brunchgoddess, I'm on an unlimited contract, and I was made redundant last month (although will be kept on through Sept to close up shop/accounts) and my understanding is that, outside of my normal pay for working through September, I get nothing except my gratuity and un-used annual leave days - although despite my questioning they won't even confirm that. As others have mentioned there is no redundancy pay here. Good luck! <em>edited by laurelm on 21/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 08:36
Another vote for Wordpress. I was on Blogger years ago, and definitely prefer Wordpress. I recently purchased a theme as well, and found it worth the money over the free themes.
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Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 10:05
The best framer I have found in Dubai is Hamad Frames in Karama. I can give you more details if you wish. He has great ideas about art and will frame your Korean scroll very well. He is Jordanian and has a good eye for art and antiques. He does great box frames for jewellery, Asian art etc as well as modern and European art. He is great - I don't go anywhere else now. I work for an art gallery and I agree - we use Hammad Co very often! His prices are also very reasonable. If you're looking for very high quality framing, I would recommend Art House Dubai on Wasl Rd in Jumeirah 1. They're extremely knowledgeable and produce amazing frames. Jodie, the manager, can give outstanding suggestions. We've used them when preparing artworks for the Prime Minister's new offices earlier this year.
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Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 14:32
Stuck at work...but only until 3, thankfully. Even so, it's completely dead. There's next to nothing for me to do. Summer's always very quiet, but the company I work for is closing up, so without autumn projects to be working on, I'm so bored. I found out in June that I was going to be losing my job at the end of summer, and like you, have been applying to jobs left and right. Got a couple interviews, but nothing is really panning out - no offers. It's really frustrating, especially as if I don't get a job, I think I will have to leave my life in Dubai and start over again. Good luck with your job hunt! Everyone keeps telling me that Dubai is on the upswing and in September a lot of job opportunities will arise. Hopefully!
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Latest post on 11 July 2013 - 08:53
Yes! I've noticed it for the past week or so, every now and then the water pressure (in my garden, specifically) is very low. It was low earlier this morning, too, but I now see my sprinkler is going at full force.
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Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 14:50
I met my OH here, after being lonely and single in England for nearly 10 years. We will have been together next weekend for 5 years. I would suggest joining Twitter - and going to Tweet Ups - loads of lovely guys go to them, join a Business Club like BBG - if your company has business with Britain, you can meet loads of "business" type guys. Don't lose hope, like you say - you will meet him when you least expect Congrats Polly! My SO and I just had our 5-year anniv last weekend, hah! But back to the OP, as I've read another person or two say: I think it's best to simply be yourself, do as you'd normally do (ie. throw "rules" out the window), and the person for you will come along eventually - even here in Dubai (it's where I met mine). I would argue that it's hard finding the right person anywhere, not just Dubai, to be honest. Personally, I think meeting (although not being set-up) through friends works well - it's how I got into my current relationship. I wasn't looking for anyone or to be a relationship, but we met at a get-together at a mutual friend's place one evening and hit it off. A chance meeting through a mutual friend is also how I got into my previous long-term relationship, which was also with a really fantastic guy. So, with that history in mind, I would definitely recommend keeping an eye on guys your friends know. I kind of figure if you respect and enjoy your friend's company, they probably keep with other people worth knowing, too! <em>edited by laurelm on 10/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 10:02
Absolutely! Just wish I could be home for all of the cookouts and fireworks and fun (and 4-day weekend!). :( Anyone planning any celebrations here? <em>edited by laurelm on 04/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 09:19
Yes, I believe every 30 mins from 6pm (through 11 or midnight?) and also at 1:00 and 1:30pm.
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 16:53
We had covers, too but they were still sneaking through. Fingers crossed the guard thing will work for you, too!
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 16:22
We had them SO bad where I work. We got something called TrapGuard, and while it wasn't an immediate fix, within about a week or so the situation was much, much better and then soon enough they were gone all together. http://www.cheqpoint.com/miscellaneous.html <em>edited by laurelm on 27/06/2013</em>
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 14:55
For me, it's varied from company to company. I've had it finished and back in my hands in less than a week, but another time it took almost 3 months. I should mention that in the 3-month case, it's at a company that has really, really dreadful management and HR. <em>edited by laurelm on 27/06/2013</em>
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 10:53
Zuma - bubbly, great food, and a really nice, civilized atmosphere. Always my top pick!
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Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 13:24
When ordering burger in TGI's they asked me how I would like the burger cooked to which I replied 'Medium/rare'. The waitress returned 2 minutes later saying, 'I'm sorry Maaaaam we don't have Meduim/rare Burgers left, Only Well done'. - Not quite sure how it gets to well done without passing Medium :) I then asked why they could not do the burger Medium/rare, to which she replies 'Because it at a dangerous level to eat maaaam' - They would explode if they saw Steak Tartare :D You have to sign a disclaimer here if you want your burger cooked anything less than Well Done. I've been here for 5 years and I've never experienced that when myself or my SO have ordered a Med Rare burger (which we fairly often do) - until last weekend! It surprised me, but whatever, didn't bother me. Then, of course, they never brought the disclaimer out to be signed, so...oh well, I guess? Hah.
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Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 13:53
Oh those are dreadful. I use an aloe cooling gel (the stuff for sunburns), it seems to help all right. Especially if i put it on [i'>immediately[/i'> after the bite, it keeps the swelling down and there is significantly less itching in the following days.