lulubaker | ExpatWoman.com
 

lulubaker

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Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 07:06
There seem to be no hard & fast rules and it's impossible to get a clear answer until you actually apply to the universities. We have lived overseas for 15 years & my 2 younger children were never educated in the UK. My son went to uni in 2010 and was accepted as a home student. My daughter went to uni last year, and although initially accepted as a home student, the university reassessed her & decided she is an overseas student. Of the 5 universities she applied for, two wanted all the documentation someone previously mentioned to assess her status. We do have a home in the UK by the way. It's a minefield - good luck! <em>edited by lulubaker on 30/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 06:53
Hi Macicdubai! I have friends who live in this compound and they are very happy there. The villas are lovely & spacious and the location is very good, just on the main island and easy to get anywhere. I think the only problem might be the compound is quite empty, so if you have kids, there might not be too many other kids for them to hang out with. Think the rents are high too, which puts many people off. I would have loved to live there, but our budget wasn't that generous. Very convenient for Brighton College.
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Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 10:15
I lived in Doha for 7 years and absolutely LOVED it! I used to get more than a little bit cross when people moved here from UAE and moaned & moaned & MOANED about how awful it was, nothing to do, blah blah blah. However, now that I live in Abu Dhabi I can kind of see why...... BUT having said that, there is more to do in Doha than you may think, you just have to search harder for it! They're not good at publicising events, you often hear (too late) of a concert, exhibition, etc that you would have liked to go to. Qatarliving is a good website for information, also dohanews Traffic is undoubtedly THE worst thing about Doha, it's just awful, no two ways about it. I reckon the amount of traffic trebled in the time we were there (2005 til last year) and as someone else mentioned, the roads & infrastructure have simply not kept pace. I'm finding it such a joy to drive in Abu Dhabi where the traffic actually moves & most people drive sensibly. Honestly, driving in AD is a piece of cake compared with Doha, so if you were apprehensive about driving in Dubai, you'd probably be better off with a regular driver, of which there are many. Doha is definitely a 'what you make it' kind of place, key thing being friends. It takes a bit of getting used to, but definitely gets under your skin, and I will forever have a fondness for it. In fact I'm coming back very soon for a few days to celebrate a very special friend's birthday, and I can't wait! Good luck.
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Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 11:22
There is no easy short answer to this, it's going to be hard for all of you BUT you have to do what is best for YOUR little family, and hold on to that thought. My very wise mother-in-law once told me 'You hold on to your children by letting them go'. How true those words are. I can totally understand that your mother & sister are upset at the thought of not seeing your daughter regularly but they are wrong to make you feel guilty - they should be supportive and happy for you in your new adventure. And as others have said, with Skype, Facebook, smart phones, etc it is so much easier to keep in touch. When I was first ex-patted in 1997 to Venezelua, there was none of that - it was still dial-up connection for internet (some of you won't even remember that!) Now the tables have turned on me somewhat - I have 3 beautiful grand-children in the UK whom I rarely see, and my own 4 children are all back there now, youngest one having left last summer for university. So much as I love my life here as an ex-pat and am thankful for the opportunities I've had over the years, it's time to think about moving back to Bonnie Scotland. Good luck to you. <em>edited by lulubaker on 23/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 10:25
Lovin' the sound of the Breakfast Casserole - going to have to try that!
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Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 10:18
I live in Abu Dhabi, so didn't look at Dubai, sorry. But I just googled 'cheap flights from Abu Dhabi to Davao' and it came up. She's not going until October though, so maybe that's why there were still seats available. Good luck!
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Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 10:00
I just booked my housemaid a flight with Philippine Airlines, much cheaper than Etihad, Qatar Airways, or Emirates. Plus you can book any onward flights to the Provinces if necessary. I also thought she'd be happy to fly with her 'home' carrier too.
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 14:03
Yes, Karkafi are good. And not too expensive either. <em>edited by lulubaker on 22/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 13:56
I think teens start smoking for the reasons others have said - to look cool, keep weight off, etc. and with the arrogance of youth, they can't think beyond the next few years, or how it will impact them later in life. My husband is a heavy smoker (40+ a day) and I HATE IT. He knows that, yet doesn't want to stop. He's tried half-heartedly over the years, but the truth is, he enjoys it too much. I feel very resentful about it, especially when I think how much money he's spent over the years on cigarettes, and how much it will cost when we move back to the UK in a few years' time. And all the while it's ruining his health. The only upside is, that because they've grown up with a smoker, my 4 kids hate it as much as I do and have never and will never smoke. But I'm amazed at the number of their friends who do, especially here. Maybe it's because they're so cheap here? In my opinion, there is nothing good about smoking. Nothing at all. <em>edited by lulubaker on 22/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 16:50
I go to Sisters beauty salon on 28th Street to be waxed. They use the lycon pink wax there which is DEFINITELY less painful than the normal type. (I was a bit sceptical until I tried it) It's quite an expensive salon, but very VERY clean, and the staff are all very attentive and well trained. In fact, a new wooden stick is used for each and every application. I also have my nails done there, by a lovely Polish girl called Joanna. She is simply the best, an absolute perfectionist. Sorry, can't comment about a men's salon!
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Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 12:18
I've messaged my friend, and she's just registered as a new member on here, so is waiting for approval. If you want to email me, I can give you her contact details. lulubaker at gmail dot com
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Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 07:15
When we moved to Doha (and when we left!) we used Pampered Pets Kennels & Cattery. They are super organised & will collect the cat from the airport if you wish, or from your hotel, apartment, wherever. They are located about 20 mins out of Doha however, which may be a problem for you if you are new to the city & a bit worried about driving anywhere. One of my friends is in the process of setting up a Cattery in her villa in Doha - I'll get in touch with her & ask her to post details here. Good luck!
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Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 14:52
Oh I REALLY hope you find a good forever home for Oscar - he sounds adorable. I'd take him in a heartbeat, but with 3 cats of my own (and 2 dogs) I'd be risking divorce... Well done for caring so much and rescuing him from the streets and taking care of him. It's nice to know there are good people out there.
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Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 10:53
Which holiday is this?
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Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 10:22
Just to add, I also have a Q7 which I absolutely LOVE, but it is really big, and reversing and parking (even with the aid of all the beepers & sensors) is always a challenge!
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Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 09:37
Oh no! You poor thing, I do feel for you. If the car is brand new, might be worth contacting Audi direct to see if their workshop can patch it up. Not sure what the rules are regarding police report, etc so you might have to beg & plead & maybe turn on the tears! Good luck.
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Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 09:35
My friend recently sold a load of old gold at Cara jewellers in the gold & diamond souq. She had it all shoved together in a plastic ziploc bag and thought she might get a few hundred Dihrams. She got about 14 thousand!! She was thrilled to bits. She didn't have a receipt, most of it had been given to her as a teenager when she lived in Bahrain. Cara gave her the up-to-date price for gold on the day, and I think at the time she was selling, it was particularly high, so might be worth keeping an eye on that yourself and make your decision on which day to sell. It spurred me into having a rake into my own gold jewellery, and I intend to do the same soon!
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Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 10:18
Oh I'm so so sorry - what a nightmare! My friend shared the K9 photo of your lovely pooch on her facebook page today, so let's hope more people do the same. I can't imagine how I would feel if anything happened to one of my little dogs - they truly are part of my family. Fingers crossed someone kind finds her and you are reunited. There ARE good people out there, so let's hope for a happy ending.
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 19:49
Can't comment specifically about the costs but I cannot recommend Nicky Roffey highly enough. We moved from Doha to Abu Dhabi last summer, with 3 cats & 2 small dogs. It ended up being a lot more complicated & arduous than it should have been, but Nicky was simply marvellous throughout, always very calm & reassuring and took care of everything in our absence. She's wonderful, and ALWAYS has the animals' best interests at heart. During our moving process (which took much longer than we thought) our pets vaccinations ran out, and she took them to the government vet to be done, supplying the vaccine herself, rather than take them to a 'normal' vet which would have cost a small fortune. Animals are always a worry and an expense during an international move, but we really have little choice as they're family members. Good luck! <em>edited by lulubaker on 09/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 May 2013 - 18:10
Try Rakib 5569 5776. We used him and his team of drivers for years when we lived in Doha, always reliable. He used to pick my daughter up every day from Doha College and lots of the kids there use his limos. Knows Doha like the back of his hand too, which is always good. He's a lovely guy and would ALWAYS pick my daughter up if she'd been out, even if she didn't have the necessary cash to pay him, as he knew we'd always reimburse.
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 11:27
Airlines won't even tell their own staff about potential new routes, they are hardly going to reply to emails asking about it. How do they know you are not a competitor looking to get the jump? I remember one particular route expansion was denied by my company up until a few days before they flew it! I hear what you're saying SkyKitty, but a simple acknowledgement of my email is surely not too much to ask for? Even if just to say they had no plans at the moment. And I agree about Air France being an awful airline - flew with them many times when we lived in France. Never impressed. That's why I'm happy flights will be with Etihad & KLM via Schipol. CDG airport is the pits! Oh for Star Trek technology!
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 10:19
aww the guys are really getting it here lol.....so. on the other side, Women wearing 4" heels but cannot walk in them...they take tiny baby steps and lean forward like a comedy show. or Women buying a lovely classy dress that should look great but, they buy it 1 or 2 sizes too small!!!!! not a good look,certainly not posh,rather the other way..... Now I will take the jeans and a great jacket anyday with a fab Tshirt :)...... Women that can't walk in their heels is quite amusing to watch! Women that can't walk in heels when they step out of a bar is just something else. I assume they wear them because they want a bit of height, accentuate what could be a cracking set of pins and feel sexy. Just 3-4 steps in...... Jeans that fit, casual jacket, semi smart t-shirt and slight heel, classy. edited by lulubaker on 01/05/2013 Car to bar shoes. <em>edited by lulubaker on 01/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 10:18
I'm flying back to the UK with Air France, via Amsterdam. Looked at Emirates, Etihad, BA and the prices were just ridiculous. So did a bit of homework and Air France was the best option. Best times, best connections, etc. BUT - here's the funny part - the flight going to Amsterdam is operated by Etihad, and the flight coming back is operated by KLM. Not an Air France plane in sight! And just for the record - when oh when is Etihad going to start flying to Edinburgh? I heard a rumour ages ago that it was in the pipeline, but so far, nothing. I emailed them to ask and they didn't even have the courtesy to reply. It would be such a popular route with all the Scots living in the M.E.
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 16:25
Grown men wearing shoes that fasten with Velcro is another heinous crime.
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 16:19
There are loads of unmarked police cars in Abu Dhabi. Saw one today - small black Toyota Corolla on 4th steet - and another yesterday, out by the golf club, an old white Nissan Patrol. I guess if we all obey the rules of the road we've got nothing to worry about, and personally, I'm really happy to know that there is such a high police presence. Personally, I find the standard of driving here to be pretty good, but then again, I did live in Doha for 7 years......you haven't seen crazy drivers until you've seen a Qatari behind the wheel! <em>edited by lulubaker on 30/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 16:01
We moved to AD in September and used Alison Gorton, The Doghouse. Check out the website, lots of useful information. She was fantastic, did everything for us and it was easy. Cost a bit mind you! However, it was totally worth it, and she has the benefit of knowing how the system works, plus the people to deal with. www.dubaidoghouse.com Good luck!
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Latest post on 26 April 2013 - 17:03
Agree with JillMV - choose wisely depending on where you live! We used to be members of the Diplomatic Club (long time ago mind you) which is lovely. Great pool and beach area. However, we didn't renew our membership when they banned ladies from wearing bikinis. Lots of locals go there so I guess that was the reason why. Don't know if that is still the case.
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Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 13:05
I've never heard of this in the Middle East - no Tesco, Sainsburys, Ocado, etc on-line shopping here. Unless someone else knows different?
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Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 13:01
Royal Thai Massage on Al Waab St is excellent. Very clean, lovely staff and not too expensive. From memory, its around QR130 for an hour's full body massage. It's on the left-hand side after bill-board traffic lights on the way to Villaggio. Tel 4414 2400
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 10:29
Hi Maria74 - we live in a 4 bed villa in Al Maha Complex. It's a great location - just off the Old Airport Road, near Carrefour. Easy to get everywhere. the houses are very spacious and there are a lot of families here. The gardens are very small, however. There is a large INDOOR pool on the compound and a gym. Price is in your budget. Worth a look.
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 19:58
They're just as difficult to spend in the UK (England) !! lol Pikachu - I don't understand what you mean - do you mean the UK is England??? Last time I looked, the UK consisted of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Keyamom - there is NOT just one monetary authority in the UK. In Scotland we have three banks which all produce their own notes - Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank. NONE are affiliated with the Bank of England.
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 12:43
hahahahah JoyceB - that really made me laugh! crinolines.........lol
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 12:41
Agree 100% with busybee2 & mrsb. Even if you've been told not to bother getting certificates attested, DO IT!! Wish we'd ignored the (wrong) advice we'd been given, would have made our move here so much easier.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 22:00
You can get most things here, albeit maybe a bit more expensive. If you have a particular brand of shampoo, favourite make-up product, might be best to stock up on those. As someone else mentioned make sure you have any legal things formally attested by the British Embassy - marriage certificate, degree certificate, etc. We were told it wasn't necessary to have this done by my husband's HR manager - WRONG!! It was a major oversight and caused many, many delays with getting ID cards, bank accounts, etc. And although it may sound pretty obvious IT WILL BE VERY VERY HOT IN JUNE! Outside activities will be virtually impossible, so make sure you have lots of books & dvd's to keep your little ones occupied (and you too!) June can be quite a difficult time to relocate to a new country, as most ex-pats will be leaving for the summer months as soon as schools break up. I know this from experience, as I moved to Venezuela (first time as an expat) in July, just as everyone else left! However, on a plus side, the city will be quieter with less traffic, so it's easier to get orientated. You'll LOVE Abu Dhabi. It's a very easy, safe place to live. Good luck. <em>edited by lulubaker on 16/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 18:09
Nails at Marriott Renaissance is good.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 17:59
Both of my sons had this done at an early age. My eldest son had it done as his hearing was very bad (only about 30% we later learned). He didn't suffer from ear infections, but the glue ear affected his hearing VERY badly. I think he was 4 when he had the op, and he also had his tonsils and adenoids removed at the same time. His adenoids had become enlarged as he used to breathe through his mouth so much. This was nearly 30 years ago, and it absolutely cured the problem. My younger son had grommets inserted TWICE! His hearing wasn't affected but he used to get terrible ear infections - in fact, his eardrum burst twice, with horrible nasty, greeny-brown gunge running down his neck. Really horrid. The grommets work their way out naturally by themselves, usually after 9-12 months. I wouldn't hesitate to have it done, going on my past experience. Remember, your son is at a vital stage of speech development, and poor hearing can hamper that (my elder son had very poor, indistinct speech for a while as a result). Get it done as soon as you can, it's a very minor procedure with fantastic results. The only thing to remember, is that swimming is not advised for a while - water can enter the ear through the tubes. Good luck! <em>edited by lulubaker on 14/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 13:47
I always give my maid a small gift (usually toiletries - body lotion, shower gel, nail polish, etc) and a card with money. Money is appreciated more than anything. How much is up to you and how long your maid has been with you. Personally, I think it's nice to celebrate their birthday with them - they're separated from family, and just to know someone cares and remembered their birthday means a lot. If my maid is planning on meeting with friends, I'll make sure there's a cake and refreshments too.
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 23:10
Have a look at Secret Diet Drops on Facebook. Similar product I think. www.secretdietdrops.co.uk <em>edited by lulubaker on 07/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 21:16
I can recommend Stacey at Curls & Colours at Al Maqta Village (next to Khalifa park). Lovely salon, easy to get to and easy parking. 02 449 6010. Look for the fb page and you'll get the exact location.
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 14:33
Oh that sucks, I do sympathise. Not funny at all. My eldest son had a favourite 'cuddly' which was lost during a house move when he was 4. He was inconsolable, and took ages to get over it. Incidentally, it was a pink petticoat with a lace hem.....and he's not a roughty-toughty pilot in the forces!!
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Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 23:21
robina123, if you DO go, please mention my name to him. I've recommended him to so many of my friends over the years, and they've all been very happy with him. He's a lovely man, very professional and speaks excellent English too.
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Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 23:49
Dr Eric Chavaux sells them. French Dental Centre on the Corniche. 4447 9817
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Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 18:36
JoyceB - I'm living in Abu Dhabi, and loving it. However, back in Edinburgh for a couple of weeks to see the kids, and I am FREEZING!!! Still having a great time though :)
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Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 11:24
I live in Umm Sequiem 2 and often see this monkey on a lead. I don't think it is a baboon, but either way it shouldn't be on a lead living in a residential area. Feel sad for it. Why feel sad? At least they are looking after it. Hamar, sorry to say this, but your ignorant comment is typical of how people have NO IDEA how to take care of an animal. How do you know they look after it? Poor creature will live a miserable, solitary life most likely cooped up in a cage most of the time & sedated by strong drugs. It's shameful. The owner will take it for a walk on the lead expecting people to 'ooh & aahhh' which, sadly, they do. Saw it in Qatar many, many times with a guy who used to drive around town in his Nissan Patrol with a cheetah chained in the passenger seat. Lots of people would stop him to take photos & he basked in the attention, people should have ignored him. Makes my blood boil! These creatures are wild animals, NOT domestic pets. Just because it is fed & watered doesn't mean it has a good life. Think about it, please.
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Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 11:18
Lanarkwitch - how's your ring, are you happy with it? Really interested to know if Cara did a good job.
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Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 11:22
Hi fh1018! When you say your husband will be working at Etihad, where exactly will he be located - at the airport or in the city? I've only been in Abu Dhabi since last September, so not really that knowledgeable about areas on where to live, etc BUT what I have learned is that nowhere is very far from anywhere here! We live on the edge of the main island, and it"s a great location for getting places. My husband works on the Corniche, and it takes him only 15 minutes to drive to work in the mornings, and that's in traffic. I also have 2 little dogs and it's easy to walk them in the neighbourhood - but ALWAYS on the lead mind you. Sorry I can't be more help, but if you let us know the exact location where your husband will be working, maybe some other ladies will have some suggestions. Good luck! You're going to love it here.
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Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 11:15
We had a big party to 'drink the bar dry' before we left Doha and gave away any booze that was left. You can buy duty free at the airport in Abu Dhabi on the way in, but quota IS limited. Something like 2 bottles of spirits each, or one case of beer each. Good luck with the move. You'll LOVE Abu Dhabi. If you need any more help, please feel free to ask :)
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Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 11:12
I guess it depends on what type of dvd's you have! We moved to AD from Doha last summer, and virtually EVERY box in our (large) shipment had been opened.
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 21:21
Thanks Spongemonkey, very interesting. And please do let us know how your ring looks when you pick it up lanarkwitch (loving the name by the way!)
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 12:10
Hilary Mantel - Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. All about Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII. Absolutely fascinating.