laurelm

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Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 10:42

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.

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Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 11:35

There's also a bead shop in Satwa on Mankhool Road (in the Al Hana Center) called "Crystal House". They have lots of types of beads and beading accessories.

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Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 10:22

I agree Bahri Bar is nice. Rivington Grill in Madinat has some nice cocktails and outdoor seating as well.

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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 09:56

Typical. Just purchased a flight from Emirates yesterday. Xmas isnt on there though :-( Again, typical. haha. I am selfishly relieved to see that my flights also did not get the sale price (late Jan flights). The flight i wanted for Xmas was sold out and overbooked by September! They need to put another plane on the route :-) Oh no, how awful! I got my Xmas flight about a month and a half ago, reasonable price, but not so pleased about the airline. Oh well.

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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 09:44

Typical. Just purchased a flight from Emirates yesterday. Xmas isnt on there though :-( Again, typical. haha. I am selfishly relieved to see that my flights also did not get the sale price (late Jan flights).

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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 09:14

Typical. Just purchased a flight from Emirates yesterday.

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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 09:12

I think it probably depends on the landlord and what the demand for your property is like (among other things, of course). I had been living in a flat for just over 2 years, then suddenly decided that I wanted to live in a villa, with about 10 months left on my flat contract. My landlord let me go, no penalties whatsoever, despite the fact my contract said otherwise. There was a waiting list for the building I was living in at the time, so I think that helped. As others have recommended, talk to your landlord, it is likely you can negotiate something.

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Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 12:26

I'm so sorry to hear this. Just a couple weeks ago my cats (indoor only) got out in the middle of the night, first time missing as well and it was awful, but I finally found them about 3-4 days later. My cats are also very vocal & friendly, but I think they were so terrified outside they just shut up and stayed hidden. I'd recommend that your friend search for him in the evening, calling out to him and shaking a bag of food/treats. I found the first cat when he popped his head out of a bush at the sound of a shaking treat bag! Good luck, hope your friend finds him soon!

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Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 11:44

I don't save anything. It was never my intention to, though. I came here on a salary [b'>less[/b'> than I made back home, almost purely with the intention to simply travel more. I certainly do travel a lot more than I ever did while living in the states, but in some ways my life back home was a bit more "glamorous" - ate out more, went out/partied more, had purchased more designer items, better flat, etc; the opposite of many people I know here. I'm more of a homebody here and I do feel ashamed at times that I don't save, but I don't mind so long as I'm traveling. Given the opportunity, or if my lust for seeing the world went away, I would likely start saving. I'm just not working in a field that's very conducive to it, hah.

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Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 12:33

Yeah, any trusted website should be fine. I've sent many-a-gift abroad using my UAE cards online. While I don't know anywhere specific in Bethlehem, in nearby Philadelphia, there was this cute little shop around the corner from my apartment where I used to snag some neat gifts for people, and I see they have a website: http://scarlettalley.com/ Don't know about gift baskets, though... OMG I miss shopping in Philli. So. Much.

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Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 08:48

What annoys me back there are the thick rope "speedbumps" laid across the road. They look quite innocuous, but give my car quite a jolt no matter how slowly I take them - definitely worse than a real speedbump, I think. It was quite a surprise the first time I came across one!

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Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 16:06

HI cafelate, I lived in Pennsylvania my whole life before moving to Dubai. Depending on her locale, I might be able to help recommend something/somewhere - what part of the state does she live in? I only worry my suggestions may be a touch dated!

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Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 13:56

thanks all of you :) will talk to my Doctor today. I hope there is no side effects of these pills. I think you should be fine. My doctor had recommended to me the same as Louisedvs and I found no problems. For medical reasons, I've been on the pill for more than half of my life and have never noticed anything negative come of it. But definitely talk to your doctor first!

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Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 10:58

Try Park n Shop. I'm not a sausage expert, but I think they do some of the better sausages in Dubai.

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Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 13:04

The past 2 seasons on my balcony, I've had basil grow at a ridiculous rate, so would definitely recommend it if you would like some fresh herbs. Thyme has done quite well, too. This season, I've planted basil and coriander, but it's not sprouting to my disappointment. I know I've planted earlier in the season with success, so don't know what's going on now. First tried 2-3 weeks ago, then started over and replanted this past weekend. Fingers crossed. If you're looking for some other nice flowering plants for your balcony, desert rose does great, and a potted bougainvillea should also do well (I'm in a villa with a garden now, and the stuff grows like crazy), as well as an allamanda vine.

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Latest post on 26 October 2012 - 11:14

Thanks Punks, but I am relieved to say I finally found them last night! One was hidden, petrified, in some bushes. I took him home and leashed him up in the garden knowing that he would start yowling for his sister, and sure enough after about 3 minutes (sorry if you are a neighbor and had to put up with his crying!) she started calling back...from up a palm tree. That was a difficult rescue. But back and all's well!

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Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 08:06

Thanks Paddie! Just came back from a morning search along with a bag O treats - at least the weather's lovely now!

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Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 07:56

Just a litte bump in case they might have made an appearance to anyone who did not see this yesterday! Have been scouring the neighborhood with no luck, sadly. I did actually have 1 cat turn up in my kitchen late last night to refuel on food, but he wasn't one of mine.

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Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 08:13

Thanks for the help, all! Will let you know if they turn up!

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Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 07:44

In all of my years of cat owning, I have never lost a cat before so am not sure what the usual is! A couple photos: [url=http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522591_10151832162340335_1957538983_n.jpg'>link[/url'> [url=http://instagram.com/p/QO3SPFzQr-/'>link[/url'>

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Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 15:53

sorry 44; anyone have any plans.... I'm having a full filled Spring cleaning weekend - woo hooo :( I still have a couple hours left! ...but then on to a very long flight to a US city that doesn't have an very easy connection. Looking forward to being in-transit from tonight until early Saturday morning Dubai time. Poor you - good luck Thanks! I just keep reminding myself of all the delicious hometown food awaiting me on the other end, haha.

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Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 15:42

sorry 44; anyone have any plans.... I'm having a full filled Spring cleaning weekend - woo hooo :( I still have a couple hours left! ...but then on to a very long flight to a US city that doesn't have an very easy connection. Looking forward to being in-transit from tonight until early Saturday morning Dubai time.

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Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 14:46

There are some great okra curry dishes out there. Don't know any recipes off the top of my head though. I hate cutting okra up, rather icky you're right, but have no issues eating it! I pop some radish into my home made hummous. Not that you'll go through a ton of radish doing that though. And I don't think this is what you're looking for anyway.

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Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:37

I heard last week on a radio show as well that the deadline was Oct 18th, although I don't remember the source, sadly (I want to say it was someone from Etisalat or the TRA). Whenever I hear "the 18th" it's never clear if that's for all or just those who have received the SMS. Anyway, I haven't yet received an SMS from Etisalat, but I re-registered mine last weekend just to be on the safe side. I'll be out of the country at the time of the supposed deadline and the last thing I want to do on holiday is deal with (more) Etisalat nuisances. <em>edited by laurelm on 10/10/2012</em>

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Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 09:24

I saw ~1~ box of them in the Spinneys Market in Burj Residences yesterday evening!

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Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 15:57

Any idea of the square footage? 1 beds are 880 - 1130, 2 beds are 1120-2200. Just got the email too - I'd love to live in that area and snag a 2-bed, but I just moved in the spring and don't think I have another move in me just now, or when my lease comes up for renewal. Shame, I really really miss living in town. <em>edited by laurelm on 08/10/2012</em>

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Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 12:08

Hi laurelm, Could you pls tell me which shop sells Etro in outlet mall. I like their products. Thanks. Yes, love how full of color Etro always is! The shop is Annex, near Burberry.

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Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 09:16

You can always check the outlet mall - I got a ridiculously cute pair of Etro platform wedges 90% off last weekend! I imagine sales will crop up all over later this month during the Eid celebrations.

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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 11:19

I have been keen to get my hands on one of these, and might be interested! Will keep an eye on the classifieds...

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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 10:20

I need a moist Vanilla or white cake recipe. There are a zillion on the internet and in my recipe books, but was wondering if anyone had an easy recipe that they would recommend? My favorite is the vanilla cake recipe in the Magnolia Bakery cookbook, which you can see here -> [url=http://www.food.com/recipe/magnolia-bakerys-vanilla-birthday-cake-and-frosting-139518'>link[/url'> I haven't made it in a while, but I recall it being fairly moist. This link also has the vanilla buttercream recipe, which I also loooove.

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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 09:17

I once cleared up a UTI on my own drinking absurd amounts of cranberry juice. I wouldn't recommend it though, and am still shocked that actually worked. I was young (dumb) and on holiday in Ibiza, and in no mood to see a Dr. I would definitely recommend seeking out a doctor or a pharmacist. They should give you something that should sort it our very quickly.

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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 11:15

Another vote for "Breaking Bad" and "Homeland". My all time fave drama that's no longer currently on, is "Deadwood". True, it got canceled before the story wrapped up, but the show (IMO) is SO excellent, it's still worth getting in to. Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant knock it out of the park in their roles.

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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 09:22

I've used Blogger and Wordpress, but I much prefer Wordpress. It's pretty simple, too. Once you put up a post or 2, you'll have it pretty down. As for limiting who can view your blog/posts, I am not sure about that. If you want to keep your writing private with the exception of those who you have approved to read it, you might look into signing up to a journaling website, something like LiveJournal? Although, anyone you want to be able to read your blog will have to sign up for the site, too.

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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 09:12

Another to add... Thursday evening, call for a taxi to grab me in AR at 5:55...I patiently wait until 6:30, at which point I call Dubai Taxi customer service for an update. - Oh madame, but you canceled the order only 4 minutes ago exactly. I can see here that the driver said he called you and you canceled. No, no I can promise you I never canceled the taxi, and the driver never called me. CS gives me the cab driver's mobile so that I can tell him there was a mistake, he can come back and pick me up (and if he doesn't I'm recommended to tell him I'll lodge a complaint). Call cabbie, insists that he spoke to me and that I canceled the order and no he would not come pick me up. Any statement or question (have you left AR? Did you pick up another client? Where are you?) I made to him only garnered the response, "No madame, you canceled the order". Even warning him that if he did not return, I would file a complaint got the same response. Very frustrating. And so, after 4+ years, I finally filed my very first complaint on a taxi driver.

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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 10:45

I love visiting the plat souk, going this weekend! I am awful with directions though, and couldn't begin to explain how to get there easily. You can also check out Plant St in Satwa, which likely will be a bit easier to access than the plant souk outside of the city.

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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:41

I can't say that I've seen them, but I haven't looked either. There is however, an interior design show, INDEX, going on in Za'abeel Hall that is loaded with lighting options (I meant to go yesterday, but am hoping to make it today now). My understanding is that many of the booths within the show will sell you their floor models...or perhaps they can point you to a/their location in Dubai with a proper stock of items. The last day is Sept 27.

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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 17:38

Fried dough sprinkled in sugary deliciousness! My ultimate "good behavior" treat during mall trips as a kid. I haven't had one in years! I've never tried a filled one, though! <em>edited by laurelm on 25/09/2012</em>

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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 14:38

There's actually a Club Stretch in the Marina, that might sort you out. I've never been to that one, but have visited the Club Stretch in Bur Dubai...and loathed it. The heat wasn't much of an issue, but I hate the way the class is run, the instructors are kind of drill sergeant-ish. Which, from my understanding, is simply the way of Bikram yoga. Just wasn't for me, but clearly it was doing something right because the instructors', as well as many of the regular attendees bodies, were fantastic. Ah yes, I forgot they opened on in the Marina. Like you Laurelm, I loathed it too. They say you have to go more than once, then it's ok. Not my bag either. I went about 8-10 times (I had purchased a package). I was really hoping to come around to the teaching methods, but no such luck. The studio was located across the street from the flat I was living in at the time, and I figured the convenience of the location at least made it worth a try. Oh well!

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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 14:11

There's actually a Club Stretch in the Marina, that might sort you out. I've never been to that one, but have visited the Club Stretch in Bur Dubai...and loathed it. The heat wasn't much of an issue, but I hate the way the class is run, the instructors are kind of drill sergeant-ish. Which, from my understanding, is simply the way of Bikram yoga. Just wasn't for me, but clearly it was doing something right because the instructors', as well as many of the regular attendees bodies, were fantastic.

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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 09:15

Really looking forward to season 2 of Homeland - it's so good! Happy to see Aaron Paul win for Breaking Bad too. He does such an absolutely incredible job playing Jesse. And dying for the dress that Lucy Liu wore!

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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 12:37

We use Rashid Printers (rashidprinters.ae) in Ajman for booklets, flyers, etc. The fact they are not located in Dubai hasn't been an issue as of yet, and we do a lot of regular work with them. Much better prices than Dubai based printers, too. We occasionally use Modern Printing Press (modern.ae) in Dubai as well (mostly for our letterheaded stationery, etc). Very high quality, reliable, and you pay for it. Before the job I currently work, I was in publishing where I dealt with loads of printers, and Modern are the most expensive printer I've come across here.

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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 11:43

I've only been for breakfast a few times (as recent as last weekend) but would recommend it. Lovely location, good food, good service. Agree with what Daza said, not quite value for money, but I'm not complaining about the prices either. The outdoor seating area is currently nicely enclosed and chilled so you can still get the outdoor dining effect, in a way. I might only recommend that you wait to go until the weather allows for open-air dining on the deck again; I'm holding out for that until I visit for dinner.

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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 13:51

a receipt is a good idea if it has all this info on it, didnt know that ! so thanks for the info ...and yes i came to know that its illegal for them to refuse a fair (which was my 1st incident) but he zoomed off so quickly i couldn't memorise his cab number :( ended up taking the metro that day.. Hm, had no idea it was illegal to refuse a fare. I used to take a taxi home (to Satwa) every day after work and I can't tell you how many times, like you, they've sped off in a snap upon envisioning the Diyafah St traffic (excuse me, 2nd of December St...hate the new name)! Literally, tires have squealed in the effort to get away from me quickly, before I could reach for the handle! It was annoying, but kind of comical at times, too, haha.

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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 09:14

There is a shop on the top floor of palm strip mall(opposite the jumeirah mosque and the one shop) on beach road.havnt tried them but I think they r the same as the other lady mentioned. Yes, that is Lovin' My Bags!

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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 09:00

I recently got my blue Balenciaga, which was in terrible shape and awfully faded, refurbished at Lovin' My Bags in Jumeirah and was really happy with the service. The leather feels more supple, it got re-dyed and cleaned up. The handles were really dark as well, they sorted that out...the bag, which was about 6 years old, looks almost like new again. To get the full whack, the service took about a month, so it's not a quick fix, but it is worth it, IMO.

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Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 10:18

I haven't been there in a few years, but the meal that had there was really memorable. Very delicious, ridiculously rich, great service. Atmosphere was a bit dead, but I recall it being early in the week. Based on my previous experience I'd say it's a fine idea for a birthday dinner. Don't have any recent review or opinion to share, though, sorry! I'd be interested to hear any recent experiences for sure.

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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 17:36

I worked in publishing for several years both here and back in the states (more on the graphics side than the writing/content side), and am glad to be done with it. For a while I really thought that print publishing was knocking on death's door (I felt that moreso back in the states than here), and while I don't feel very strongly in that way any more, I still believe it is a dying breed. I understand the allure of creating a print magazine, but perhaps it might be worth considering first starting something web-based, see how many readers/subscribers you can pull in, how much advertising you can get, and if it goes well, then launch a print version? Seems like an easier and less costly way to test the waters before blindly going all in. I think he'll probably also have more creative freedom doing it this way as well, considering it seemed to me publications are heavily ruled by keeping the advertisers happy.

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Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 09:59

I have poker straight hair that really repels being curled (too bad for it, I love curly hair) and hands down the best curler I've ever used is one of those beveled edge straighteners - gets the job done super fast, too. I got mine from Maria Dowling, but I bet most decent brands work just as well. I'm quite curious to try one of the conical clipless curling irons, though. I get quite tight curls from the beveled edge straightener and I wonder if the cone shaped ones would give me something looser or wavier?

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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 16:16

i have heard from people living there that they use a diferent material in the walls (gypsum or something ?) and the glasses are different as well to ensure residents dont get too disturbed . Apparently , said material is also tough to hammer nails in. I find this super-strength wall material par for the course in Dubai. I had it in my previous flat in another section of Dubai, and was looking forward to being able to hang things up when I moved to the Arabian Ranches earlier this year - but then much to my disappointment found the same problem with the walls in AR! I don't know exactly what it is, but it is truly next to impossible to nail or drill into.

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Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 11:11

hehe... I think I will pass on sky diving. Camping sounds interesting but for that you need equipment and a tent, etc. Also, is it legal? Plus the weather is horrible. =( Give it a month and the weather should be pretty decent for camping. Then I find once you get into Dec or Jan the nights in the desert are too cold to comfortably camp. But if you don't want to get all that equipment, you could still take one of those single-use grills out to the desert and have a little explore with lunch or dinner, then head back home.

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