m_king | ExpatWoman.com
 

m_king

m_king
618
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 13:18
I keep hearing how amazing the carrot cake at Lime Tree is and maybe I'll have to give it another go... perhaps when I went the chef had had an off day... but I thought it was absolutely awful! It wasn't even "not great"... it was really rather bad. Planning to try baking one today.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 13:02
Ya think?? Didn't really want a king size mattress sitting outside our house and don't know how quickly something like that might disappear! But can give it a try I suppose. Will try Take My Junk too. Thanks
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 09:16
How horribly sad!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 21:17
Love it S_D and GM! <em>edited by m_king on 13/05/2012</em>
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 21:11
Most welcome. Thought it might come in handy for some what with it being end-of-lease season!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 11:44
Huh! Thanks ilovewine. I guess it really is all a matter of what you do with your own place and then whether or not there's easy access in and out. I'm currently int he springs and I guess if the road access is ok then even though there isn't anything in JVC for now, it's hardly a big deal to come over here to Spinneys/gym etc... We really like that we can just walk to Choitrams on a nightly basis (when it's nice out!) but such is life. REALLY like the idea of the 3-bed with a second living space. I looked at the floor plans of the 2-beds in JVT and REALLY don't see how they can be converting them into 3-beds. The upstairs area that I imagine is what is being converted into a 3rd room is TINY. Do you mind letting me know which area you're in? Are there any other areas that are equally 'lived in'? And do you know what 'type' your house is... so I can look up a floor plan? Thanks so much.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 08:56
Oh gosh! Thanks for letting me know GA!! Doesn't sound a pleasant experience at all!!!!! And thanks for saying re JVT/JVC. Good to know.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 23:17
of course... why make things simple and give areas just one name???
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 21:36
Ah! GM.. Was about to ask what on earth Jum Village South is but like the labelling you're talking about, I think JVSouth is in fact JVC. Thanks Dylis, got it!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 21:27
Thanks ladies. GM, as the map shows, I thought it was just JVT, JVC and Islands with Islands being out of our budget but apparently there's Islands 2 & 3 which aren't islands at all. And a lot of places in JVT are 3 story and/or 2-bed but we want a 2 story 3-bed. Dilys, what's yours if you don't mind me asking? Plus need to know about current/future road access to different areas as DH's main office will move but not for another year. So really need someone we can discuss it all with. Surely someone knows a real estate agent who knows their stuff AND is half way decent!?! (LOL ... No offense to the actually good real estate agents out there... I know you exist... You're just so elusive!)
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 07:59
Mjadara and kushari are basically the same only the former is Lebanese and the latter is Egyptian. Hang on... correction... Egyptians have Mougadara AND Kushari. I think Kushari is the version with the pasta and tomato sauce, is all.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 08:20
You need to burn 3500 calories to lose 1 pound. So, if you're burning 250 more calories than you're taking in per day and you do this EVERY day, then you'll lose a pound in about 2 weeks. The trick is to figure out how many calories you're taking in and whether that's enough for your body type/weight/activity level and whether the 250 you're burning at the gym are over and above what you're body burns normally through the day. Good luck!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 16:33
You'll likely find that you greatly broaden the opportunities for meeting people if you don't restrict yourself to the Hills. The Lakes, Meadows and, yes, even the Springs are home to some perfectly nice ex-pat families. :-) How old are your little ones?
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 22:45
Thanks girls!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 21:07
Thanks ladies. Good to know. She's terminal 5 but Will tell her to look for an electronics shop if having trouble! Didn't think of that. Thanks again.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 10:08
I got mine from M&S!! And it's shockingly good! (no pun intended) I was really surprised because I'd bought all these brand ones that were awful and this one is great. I don't know how to say which it is though. They have a few different ones. But it's the one not in a box, with underwire and at the moment they have them in purple with grey accent. I'm a 34 DD
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 21:17
LOL
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:50
Unless I'm doung something very wrong, V Oz only do AUH-SYD and DH really wants to go direct to MEL. So looks like we'll have to do Etihad or Emirates. Maybe do EY as have the miles to upgrade to bus then!!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:01
Horrible situation to be in... for you and the poor bird! Here's hoping that someone else on here might know of somewhere you can take it but to the best of my knowledge, the poor little thing doesn't stand much of a chance if it's wounded enough to not be able to fly. I doubt it will eat even if you try giving it some grain. Maybe the only chance is try to keep it in as large a cage as possible, outdoors and see if it heals in a couple of days or so. Sometimes it can be that although they look in a really bad way, they actually mend very fast. Generally, sadly, they don't recover. Good luck.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 19:38
Thanks very much!!!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 19:37
Thanks BMAP. Interesting. I guess then that it's only if you have issues where you need the Rent Committee's help that you don't have to worry about registration of contract. At least, that's what the lady said, that I didn't have to worry about it and it's only the LL who might be penalized for not having done it. I did also check with RERA though and they didn't seem to be interested in me registering either. Hmmm... maybe I should just in case! But it does say something about contracts signed in 2012 so maybe it doesn't apply to current ones that started in 2011.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 19:23
Ah. Ok. This is what I was thinking. Will stick with Madinat then and leave Bahar as a last resort. Haven't been to Bahar in ages myself and can't remember stores with that sort of thing. Lower level? Upper level? More than one? Just curious in case we have to go. Probably will have to go!!!!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 19:20
Thats ok, I got to write and sign my own authorisation at an airport the other day...to use my husbands credit card to buy tickets and fly ;) hee hee... love it!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 19:19
Just curious as to why, as the tenant, you feel a need to register it. Just had a long conversation with Rent Committee and they aid it was none of my concern whether or not LL registered contract as doesn't affect me in any way, shape or form. If the contract states you're supposed to do it then I guess that's different. Although, even then... I wonder. I only say this as the lady at the rent committee also mentioned that you can have all sorts of things in the contract but that this is simply "an agreement between the two of you, but there is a higher law above you both"!!! Ex: My contract states no painting without LL consent but as we have a terrible relationship, I went ahead and painted my LO's nursery. Asked lady at Rent Committee and she said that, yes, I AM in the wrong as I agreed to this condition by signing the contract BUT if I put it back as it should be when I had the place back, then I have no problem.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 18:54
I just don't have it in me to head to Bur Dubai with my mother and toddler! Will stick to Souk Bahar and Madinat Jum. Can easily do Madinat Jum quickly one nursery morning and can drag little miss along to souk Bahar. But she's not in nursery long enough to go to Bur Dubai, allow my mum the time she will need to do her thing and get back in time to collect her!! Promise to let you know what she buys if anything!! Thanks ladies.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 18:02
Oooh... you got yours from Madinat Jumeirah??
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 17:24
Depending on your situation, it really isn't necessary. It's far more important for the landlord than for the tenant.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:46
Claire, it shocked me that they aren't better informed but they really are that clueless. The wife came to the house from Abu Dhabi where they live to tell us we HAD to go because it's THEIR house. DH said we didn't and that "according to the law" and she cut him off and started screeching, "WHAT law??? What LAW???"
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 12:39
Same thing happening to us at the minute. LL tried this last year at the end of our first year in the house. Wanted it for his family. And when we said it wasn't enough time, he said we could stay but for a lot more money. And now he's trying the exact same thing on again. For those who aren't aware, it is the Rent Committee and not RERA that you need to be speaking with. The number given earlier in the thread is for RERA. The Rent Com. is 8004488. I found the former useless and the latter exceptionally helpful.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 22:13
Panic... Could you tell me how you booked with Virgin Oz?? I tried but it won't let me book a flight originating in AUH. I can only book MEL-AUH-MEL. I can do AUH to SYD and then on to MEL. Is that what you did? Or did you fly direct?? Thanks
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 20:38
Thank you, thank you, thank you... Will check it out right away!!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 18:56
Ugh... just found the info on the EK website... Yup, they sure do fly to MEL... but not until 1 October! Too bad!!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 14:58
oops... forgot all about this post and never saw all these replies!! Thanks ladies. Skykitty, thanks for the info but would much rather go with a direct flight if at all poss. Can anyone tell me if they're flying the 380 to MEL as well?? Thanks so much.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 20:34
This is one of those times when you have to decide to what extent you want to take things. Personally, when I finally got pregnant after 8 cycles of IVF, I wasn't prepared to take even a 1 millionth of a % of risk. At least, not intentionally. And I figured, would it really kill me not to have x, y, or z for a few months? Not saying it wasn't tough!! Wanted DH to bring me a bottle of merlot and a couple of eggs with runny yolks to the drlivery room!! And I know I was perhaps OTT but that's what worked for me. PS: nothing wrong with yolks that are cooked hard, or with pasturised cheese. But studies have shown that all sorts of things can adversly affect a developping foetus. Doesn't mean it WILL happen. But it can. Just like not all smokers get lung cancer. Not a nice analogy but you get my point.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 18:35
Thanks basil
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 16:10
Thanks Claire... trying to avoid steakhouses. Wasn't it you who quite liked Traiteur?? And I know I said Entertainer wasn't absolutely necessary but DH complaining that we have it and should use it!!! Anyone tried Lalezar? Turkish restaurant on the palm? Not that that's in the sodding book but just curious as Time out and Tripadvisor give very different opinions.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 15:41
Recently done Bussola and Royal Orchid in Marina Walk and Boardwalk. Where else can we have a nice outdoor dinner? Preferably in the Entertainer and not too far from Springs but neither is an absolute necessity. Was actually thinking of Traiteur... never been. Any thoughts? Thanks very much.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 13:08
Why tell them it was IVF?? I had the same concern with my insurance (which was not BUPA but Allianz) and they were also vague about it but I read something about them not covering you if it was IVF which makes no sense... once you're pregnant, you're pregnant... doesn't matter how it happened!! So my doctor advised me to simply not say rather than risk anything.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 20:53
Try melatonin if you have nothing against that sort of thing. Works wonders for me and DH.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 20:47
Agree... The music thing drives me nuts sometimes and I've been know to ask for it to be turned down / changed in many ocassions! Sadly, it's not just Dubai. Noticed it in Toronto last Christmas.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 20:42
Only been to Table 9 and was VERY disappointing! Not much atmosphere to the place, service was mediocre, linen was dirty, food was nice but nothing to write home about. Couldn't understand the hype re this place. Very keen to try Reflets next.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 12:40
Lost my dad - at far too young an age - 16 years ago tomorrow. And although the pain of missing him is not as desperate and raw, it's certainly still there. That said, this time of year always makes me think how very fortunate I was to have had him as my dad and I try to concentrate on that. Of course, easy for me to say that now after so many years. I was not as reasonable about it years ago. I wish for you strength and peace.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 23:29
Interesting that the only liquid in my recipe is oil !! Well... and the water for the yeast. Oh yeah... and the eggs! LOL But no milk. Hmmm... ok... seems that's the ONLY liquid difference. One cup of milk! Clearly not such a big difference as I first thought. Must be the extra glass of grape juice I had with dinner tonight that's making me weird!!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 20:26
YES!! Success!!! Thanks sobevan!! Took some looking for! Of course NO ONE knew what I was asking for and I didn't realize that it was the whole stones that you had found so I was looking for a powder. SO happy! primus.9, my family is very mixed but this recipe is from my greek grandmother on my mum's side, so I'm guessing it's pretty similar. This is my recipe... 3 cups flour 3 eggs ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon mahalab ½ cup oil raisins 2 packets yeast pinch sugar Place yeast and pinch of sugar in a cup. Add ½ cup warm water and dissolve. Cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm place approx. 10 minutes. Preheat oven – 200. Mix flour and mahalab in a mixing bowl. Make a well and place eggs, oil, a handful of raisins and the yeast mixture in the well. Mix by hand. Work the dough until it is smooth and no longer sticky. Form into a large ball, put in a bowl covered with a tea towel and place in warm oven to rise. 10 mins. Turn off oven when you put dough in. Remove from oven and allow dough to rest 2-3 hours. Should double in volume. Work dough once again. Shape dough as desired and allow to rest another hour (will rise more) Coat with milk or egg yolk. Bake at 350 approximately 20 minutes I'd be interested to know your recipes to compare. I don't suppose either of you ladies would have any idea where I can find Kahk... the date filled easter cookies. But I'm looking for the egyptian kind made with flour not the lebanese kind made with semolina (which seems to be what you find in all the stores and arabic sweet shops!!) HAPPY BAKING!
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 19:59
Yes, and I forgot to say that my DDs citizenship came through very quickly too... two or three months. But no need to worry about that anyway as you WILL have a passport.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 14:02
Yes, you get a temporary passport while waiting for the citizenship to come through. My DD's was for two years though, not one. And when her citizenship came through, we didn't need to do anything with the passport. Just had to wait for it to be up for renewal and went ahead and got a new one. It had to be a new one as the first was temporary so couldn't be extended. Now she was born in Nov 2009 so not sure if that means things changed before or after we went through this. Either way, useless though the consulate and embassy here may be, the gov't will NOT leave your child paperless in a foreign country... (to the best of my knowledge!)
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 11:22
I'm just thinking... If LuLu's don't have it then another place to try is Lifco supermarket on SZR.
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 11:15
Did you find it primus.9?? I'm heading over this afternoon to have a look. As for the recipe, waiting for my mum to give it to me! LOL But I'm guessing it's probably similar to yours as I know some people do add mastika to the one my mum does but we don't. Are you Turkish by any chance??
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 15:11
Thanks so much!! Yup... about eye-level for me too! Time to bake Easter brioche! mmmm....
m_king
618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 13:48
Thanks everyone. Have decided against Blossom / BV for no other reason than that they only give french and arabic classes and I really want her to have more french than that. I'm looking for bilingual or strictly french. So... anyone have any info or advise re Le Jardin Enchante or Mon Ecole?? Thanks again.
 
 
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