MrsPacioli | ExpatWoman.com
 

MrsPacioli

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Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 22:42
Email sent, thanks.
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Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 10:28
Hi Ladies, I hope that one of you can help with an explanation on the following: My niece has just completed a rather exciting program proposal and now wants to approach a TV station (Dubai 1 is her preferred choice) to see if they are wiling to produce and broadcast the program. She has made lots of calls, met with lots of people from production companies, etc, but she has unfortunately not been lucky as most people turned out to be 'timewasters'. She now wants to go straight to the TV Stations and ptch her proposal. She sent emails, made calls, etc etc but so far no luck. What is she dong wrong? Does anyone of you know how she can best get in at least to sit in front of a decision maker to whom she can pitch the idea? I am hoping one of you knows how she can do this.... All hints and tips are welcome. Also if you can give insights into how it all really works, this might help her. Thanks!
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Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 11:37
Well, it is technically not illegal. Article 116 of the UAE Labor Law states: ARTICLE (116)* If the contract has been terminated on part of the employee, for reasons other that those provided for under Article (121) hereof, [b'>the employee becomes liable for compensating the employer against losses incurred by him in consequence of contract termination,[/b'> provided that the amount of compensation, may not exceed half a month's pay for a period of three months or for the remaining period of contract whichever is shorter, [b'>unless the terms of the contract provide otherwise[/b'>[u'>[/u'>. So, the 80k clause is not illegal. What is equally relevant is article 121, which states: ARTICLE (121) The employee may leave the service without notice in the following cases: a. If the employer does not fulfil his obligations towards the employee as provided for in the contract or in this Law. b. If the employer of his legal regal representative has committed an act of assault against the employee. So, should the employee leave for any reasons other than the ones mentioned in Art. 121 she would be liable to compensate the employer the stated 80k. The amount is excessive, but claiming compensation in itself is not illegal. You can find the labor law here if you want to know more: http://www.mol.gov.ae/newcontrolpanel/Attachments/21062012/labour%20law%20no.8%20year%201980.pdf
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 19:18
This is a catering company. The minimum order applies to a catering order for 100 people. Also, for that 5000 AED, a service team, buffet table with disposable cutlery, crockery and glass are included. It's in the small prints. And, no, I'm not connected to the company nor foodonclick! :) <em>edited by MrsPacioli on 14/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 14:33
Does this mean that even if you get a job in the freezone, you will have to pay the MOL penalty fee to lift the ban? IMPORTANT UPDATE: There is a new law in place (came into force about 2 months ago) whereby the Freezones now fall under the wing of MOL. Therefore if you have a ban from an LLC company it is now applicable in the Freezones also. There are ways to overcome a 6month ban though. Hence now when you apply for a visa in the Freezone you have to provide Labour Card Cancellation docs, the circular was issued in the Freezones in this regard at the end of May.
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 00:43
Hello, I will try to explain this as briefly as possible. I was working for a company from November 2009 till November 2011. I had signed a limited contract of 3 years, but left only after 2 years because the job wasn't challenging enough. I have always been on my father's visa, never on the company's visa. They were very supportive of my decision and let me go without any issues. In May of this year I found a really good job after searching for 6 months and they have just now told me that they are unable to get me my labor card because apparently I have a ban imposed by the labor department. I am really confused because I was never on my previous company's visa, and even now I am still under my father's sponsorship. Is there an automatic ban that is imposed if an employee leaves the company before the end of their contract? Is this ban for 6 months of 12 months? I would hate to lose this job over some technicality :( Is there anyone who can shed some light or has any experience with something like this please? tia. Hi bazinga87, Your father can only sponsor you for a Residence Visa, which gives you the right to [b'>reside [/b'> (live) in the UAE. This does not automatically give you the right to work. Only once your father issues an NOC stating he has no objection to you working, can an employer apply for a Work Permit, which results in you obtaining a Labour Card. This specifically gives you the right to [b'>work [/b'>in the UAE. When you left your job, your Labour Card (and hence your Work Permit) was cancelled. An automatic ban applies for those on a limited (time-bound) contract that break their labour contract prematurely (this is a labour ban, i.e. you are not allowed to work for 6-12 months from the date of cancellation) . The ban is normally for 6 months. You are able to lift the ban by paying a penalty to the MOL. However, that must also be backed by an NOC from your previous employer stating that they have no objection to your ban being lifted. Your new employer's PRO can do this as part of the application process and you may agree with them that the cost for lifting the ban will be covered by yourelf (this amount used to be around 6,000 AED but that might have changed). If your new employer is based in a freezone, all of the above will not apply. I.e. your work permit application process will not go through MOL (but through the respective freezone authorithy) and as such the ban will not affect you. Should you be able to lift the ban by paying the penalty, and take on the new job, it'd adviseable to enter into a contract for unlimited period to avoid the above situation from reoccurring in the future. Mrs. P
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 16:18
Thanks Ladies. I have proof of payment, all email communication and a contract. I would love to be able to just write it off, but we have saved way to hard to realize this dream to not fight to get the money back. Thankfully we didn't pay in full, just a deposit but it is simply too much to write off. As a start up I just can't afford it, especially since we are yet to make profits. So, I googled DED and Dubai Police to see what the procedures are and made some calls. I will post the result when the whole process is completed so that anyone who starts a business tomorrow knows what to do. Thanks again!
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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 21:26
Hi Safaa, You can find a sample here: http://merida.usconsulate.gov/root/pdfs/samplecontracteng.pdf You should look into the minimum wage requirements for the state you are moving to (check online, I'm sure you'll find the info for your state) and do note that there are very strict labor laws with regards to working hours and overtime payments for domestic helpers. Their rights are different than in this region. See also: http://merida.usconsulate.gov/merida/domesticvisas.html Mrs. Pacioli edited by MrsPacioli on 29/04/2012 <em>edited by MrsPacioli on 29/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 15:24
Thanks! You can email me on ********* It's definitely not an advertorial, more like pitiching a feature/story to an editor (- and stating why they shld be inerested in the story). I was told this is done by a freelance PR or publicist, but as you can tell, I do not really know what this profession is called :) I just know I need someone for this. <em>edited by MrsPacioli on 07/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 14:07
Just a small tip that just popped in my head: Look at how other businesses in the same sector/ competitors are doing or try and do some research as to whether there is a demand for this type of business. That may help you decide.
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 09:41
Hi Sizzles, Let's say that the total amount needed to set up their business is AED 300,000. They have already spent AED 30,000 (let's say) to buy the license (i.e. to set up the co.) They are now lookingfor an additional AED. 270,000. OK, now, technically speaking a company is broken up in shares. Your friends say, we will issue 30 shares at 10,000 each. That means, with their 30,000 AED they already own 3 shares. That means that 27 shares are left. They approach people and say: Hey, we have an idea. Do you wan to invest? For AED 10,000 we are willing to give you 1 share. You say, hey love your idea, I will definitely invest. I'll give you 50,000 AED. That is 5 shares. They then go to another friend who say, I love that idea too. Can I buy in? Sure! He gives them 220,000 and they now own 22 shares. So, what is the ownership breakdown? They own 10% (3 out of 30 shares). You own 16% (5 out fof 30 shares) and the other friend owns 22/30 shares, which is 74%. So, this means that if you give them money but they have no further money to invest, you do not own 100%. You own that percentage of the total investments made. You have to include the money they already spent to calculate this. So, in your case, you add the amount they spent already to the amount yuo will give them and objectively base your ownership percentage on that. Everytime you invest money in the business, you are essentially buying shares and that should be reflected in the legal papers of the company. Now, if you want to be a partner, your name has to appear on the license, so this means that the PRO./ service agent they employ will have to fill out the appropriate forms and go to Dubai Economic Dept (DED) (or if it is a freezone, to the freezone authorithy) to make the ammendments in the Articles of Incorporation and on the license. It is not a difficult process. You can decide for yourself if you want to be a 'silent partner' or actually be active in the business. A 'silent partner' basically invests money and is only concerned with his return (the increase in the value of his/her investment). So, I hope this clarifies the issue of ownership percentage calculation. However I would like to add that the other poster, amandamusic, has some other great points you may want to consider. My advice is to sperate friendship from business and put EVERYTHING on paper. Business is business. Also, if you think you'll need access to yoru money in the short term, just lend them the money with a clear repayment term and call it a day. It is very tricky to get involved in someone else's business as you are essentially borrowing money to the business and NOT them. So, it is always the BUSINESS that will owe you money, not THEM. So, I would actually advise to go for option 2. But again, you know the idea, so only you can judge if there is great money making potential. Good luck and I'm more than happy to help with more info if need be. I'm sure you'll make the decision that is right for you! MrsP.
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Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 23:35
Hi Sizzles, You have a number of options, but I will try to explain 2 or 3 straightforward options and you can decide what works for you. Let's say you are able to lend or put in AED 50,000. First thing you have to do is ask yourself the question: Do I want to be a PARTNER in the business (meaning you OWN part of the business) or do I simply want to lend the money to them and agree clear repayment terms? [u'>[b'>Option 1: You want to be part owner/ a partner.[/b'>[/u'> If you want to OWN part of the company, your AED 50,000 is essentially used to buy SHARES in the company. Let's say the total cost of settnig up the co AED 150,000. Your friends put in AED 100,000 and you put in AED 50,000. Your share in the total set up cost is this 1/3. Their share is 2/3. In other words, you own 1/3 of the company, and they own 2/3. What does this mean? It means that if the company is sold (i.e. you sell your 1/3 share in the company), you will get 1/3 of the net sale. Let's sale it sells for AED 600,000 and there is nothing to deduct (no debts to pay, etc.) Of that AED 600,000, 1/3 goes to you. That is AED 200,000. This means that from a 50,000 AED investment you made AED 200,000. Your investment has thus grown 400%.e BUT, equally, if the business goes bust, your share in any debt or cost that remains to be paid is 1/3. That's legally speaking. If you beleive this idea will make great money and you can see your investment grow,than this is the route to go. You don't have to wait till the business is sold to get your money. You can decide to ask your friends to buy you out (meaning, you sell that 1/3 to them). You will need someone (accountant) to valuate the business (tell you the value of the business at that time) and based on that you objectively decide how much your 1/3 is worth. They pay you your 1/3 and you get taken off as a partner/ shareholder. [u'>[b'>Option 2: You want to lend them the money.[/b'>[/u'> You draw up a document and get it notarized. In that paper you state that you are lending them AED 50,000 for the purposes of investing in a business. You state clearly how you want to be repaid. E.g. Repayment shall occur in 24 equal installments of AED 2500 bringing the total repayment to AED 60,000. You also have to state what happens if no payment is made, i.e. what charges apply. What happens if the business goes bust before the 24 months, who will be liable for repayment,e tc, etc. I have tried to keep it simple, and straightforward. Let me know if you need any additional clarifications. MrsP.
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Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 20:29
Hi, you can get a FREELANCE license at Knowledge Village or Dubai Media City for AED 7500 per year. The company name must be your own name (sole proprietorship) and you can only obtain a visa for yourself, thus cannot sponsor anyone else. Go to: http://www.farahatco.net/registration-business-dubai-knowledge-village.asp?q=11 and scroll down all the way to the end. You can also deal with the KV directly. Their website is www.kv.ae HTH, MrsP <em>edited by MrsPacioli on 08/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 20:19
I just wanted to share that there now is a compounding pharmacy in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and that Bio-Identical Hormones are now available here in Dubai! Nakheel Pharmacy Building 26, Ground Floor, PO Box 505137 Tel : 971-4- 437-0530 Email : [email protected] The blurb from DHCC website: An individual dispensing and compounding pharmacy in Dubai Healthcare City under the strong management of Dr. Nidal Abdulbaki, a registered pharmacist in the USA. Nakheel pharmacy provides the highest possible level of pharmaceutical care to patients and assures quality practice and competence in a safe and secure environment.
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 17:11
Loved City of Life! There is a new emirati movie coming out (other director) that looks really interesting too,.... Will definitely go and watch it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGX_O2jLI6k
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 13:51
LIL, you can do meditative yoga at TALISE SPA at Al Qasr. Each class is 80 AED and if you buy a package of 10, it's just 600 AED. http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Dubai/Madinat-Jumeirah/Spa--Healthclub/Talise/Yoga-at-Talise/ Mrs. P
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 21:51
Forgot to mention: http://www.bumble-box.com but deliveries start in sept. You can pick up a box of organic veggies (80 AED) from them at the Dubai Garden Center. They're there every sat. As stated, they will start delivering in sept.
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 20:40
http://salatafarms.com/ (Farming method ishydroponic but this is considered organic since no chemicals, etc).
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Latest post on 24 July 2011 - 22:22
By the way, the cost is as follows: 150 AED per session (30 mins) 750 AED for 6 sessions I am planning to go next weekend, I will post re. my experience then. Mrs. P
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 21:23
Hi dreamc, I have a friend that works for du and she is more than willing to give you the email addresses and numbers of those concerned so that you can deal with them directly and send them documents directly to put an end to this. If you leave your email, I will give it to her to contact you. (She didn't want me to leave her email here, sorry.)
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 21:09
Thanks for this, candyfloss! I have now made contact with the Queens Beauty Lounge! Thank you soooooooo much! <em>edited by MrsPacioli on 20/07/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 20:46
No one? :(
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 12:53
It is called 'Burqa'. The burqa from the UAE region is a piece of fabric which covers the nose and upper lip; something quite different from the burqa worn in Afghanistan for example, which covers a woman from head to toe. The burqa came into use in the pre-Islamic period, when nomadic tribes lived in the desert. Supposed to resemble the head of an eagle, it was worn by engaged or married women to demonstrate their pledge.
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 12:42
I would also like to know. Have looked around and cannot find it. Anyone?
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 12:34
Apologies if what I'm about to say is not exactly what you want to hear, but this is done in an effort to offer clarity in the hopes it can help you decide your best next step. From your outline, I conclude that the money is owed to your husband by the COMPANY (not the OWNER) and that the company is an existing legal entity in the UAE, not in Europe (I.e. the company is registerd in the UAE, and it is not closed down, it still exists in the UAE as the main partner absconded and didn't close it down). 1- The company is a legal entity in the UAE and most likely does not exist in Europe. Even if it existed, the EUROPEAN company never entered into an agreement with your husband and as such you will NOT be able to enforce anything through the courts in Europe. 2- If the company is a LLC (= [b'>[u'>Limited [/u'>Liability Company[/b'>), it literally means that owners have [b'>limited [/b'>[b'>[u'>personal [/u'>[/b'>liability for the debts and actions of the LLC. What does [b'>limited [/b'>mean? It means: the liability of the shareholders (=owners) is [b'>limited [/b'>to their shares in the company's capital. As you might know, the [b'>minimal [/b'>capital requiremnts for an LLC here in the UAE is 300,000 and a non-local shareholder only hold 49% of the shares. In other words: his liability is [b'>limited [/b'>to 49% of 300,000 (AED 147,000) as a MINIMUM. If the capital is more, off course the liability is higher. But in your case it sounds like the company has no capital. So the 147,000 applies. 3- Salary and benefits payments are owned TO employees by the COMPANY, NOT by the owner. In short: The owner can use COMPANY ASSETS to pay you, but is in no way obliged to use PERSONAL ASSETS to pay you. That is ONLY the case if someone undertakes commercial activities as a SOLE PROPRIETOR where both the company and the owner are one and the same legal entity. In the case of the an LLC, the owner is ONE legal entitiy and the COMPANY is another, separate legal entity. The owner is NOT personally liable for debts of the LLC. In short: You probably won the case against the COMPANY not against the OWNER. If that entity (i.e. the COMPANY) does not exist in UAE, you basically won a case against a non-exisitng entity (I am assuming that the boss did not extend his annual license, so after 2 yrs, in essence the co itself does not exist- correct?). If the entity still exists in the UAE, the COMPANY owes you the money, not the owner. Even in Europe you will not be able o enforce anything as your case is against the company and not the owner. He does not personally owe you anything. Mrs. Pacioli
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Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 21:26
By the way, I noticed the other day that there were street signs near JBR saying [b'>'Marsa Walk'[/b'>..... is that the official name of the JBR Walk? I also noticed that people call that area Marsa? Is that supposed to be'marina' in Arabic? Just curious.Mrs. Pacioli Before there was JBR it was Al-Marsa and yes that is what it means :) Thanks for this, I had no idea. Interesting. I notice that more and more the area indications are Arabic names. I saw that TECOM has a sing saying 'Al Thanya'. I hope this continues. I always find it strange to have to say 'The Greens', 'Meadows' 'Motor City' (i.e. all English names/ words) while I'm on the Middle East. Anyways, thanks for the confirmation.
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Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 21:54
Thanks for that. I live in JBR so will be sure to try Tubers:) Lucky you, I wish it was 'just around the corner' from me too. It's all the way at the end of the walk though, past the Sheraton - go left and it's in that same building with that white and purple shop. Argh, can't remember the name now.... I'll post it if/ whenI remember it. By the way, I noticed the other day that there were street signs near JBR saying [b'>'Marsa Walk'[/b'>..... is that the official name of the JBR Walk? I also noticed that people call that area Marsa? Is that supposed to be'marina' in Arabic? Just curious. Mrs. Pacioli
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Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 21:49
Hi Pomegranate, I didn't really detect an usual smell.... If you ask me the smell really drew me in- for me it was the smell of real thai/ asian herbs and spices being cooked.... The place is dark (and very small- actually both places are very small. At Tubers you can only sit outside) so maybe the smell of different dishes beign cooked lingers? Not sure. I'd say try it and let us know what you thought. I might have gone on a good day... I really like Thai food but heard awhile ago that the food at Smiling BKK was really oily and the restaurant had an unusual smell to it ;) so hopefully this positive feedback means that things have changed? mrs mozz, Let's keep it a secret amongst us EW'ers! ;) Mrs. Pacioli <em>edited by MrsPacioli on 05/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 11:54
Hi Ladies, Just wanting to post my feedback regarding my stay at The Spa Resorts in Chiang Mai (as pomised). I opted for the 7 day cleanse and completed the program succesfully with the following benefits: - I lost 4.55 kgs (10 pounds) over the 7 day I did the fast/ detox. - My skin looks healthier (slight glow) - I feel more energetic and less bloated This was my first time doing a detox and I must say that it was slightly easier than I thought. I had to get used to the self-administered colemas, but after 2 days it was pretty easy to do. However by Day 4, I was 'deseprate' to have something tasty to chew on. Mind you, I did not feel hungry any day, but I did miss having something to chew and tasting something other than the juices they give you. Now that I have been there, I can also recommend The Spa Resorts in Chiang Mai. The place is simple, clean and the stafff is very friendly. There are complimentary guided meditation classes each morning in one of the most breathtaking environments (the image you see on the [url=http://www.thesparesorts.net '>homepage[/url'>of their website is the location I am talking about) and many additional services such as Aryuvedic Consultations, Aryuvedic massage, spa treatments (thai massage, facials, etc) and steam room facilities. The place also has 2 pools an two o three areas for meditation and yoga. Pricewise it is extremely cheap. All in all, a good experience. Mrs. Pacioli <em>edited by MrsPacioli on 21/01/2011</em>
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Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 13:34
I describe it as a city of many contrasts... :)
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Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 13:31
Funny, my Indian colleague JUST asked me if I knew someone who could give her elocution lessons- she wants to sound a bit more American. So, if anyone knows of a place where these accent/ pronunciation correction techniques are taught (in Dubai), please post.
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Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 21:56
Hi Safaa, My best friend (also in telco) who is from Holland and has no green card went through this and found the folowing to be the overall experience: - Some companies did not respond due to her presence being outside of the USA - Sme companies would not schedule interviews unless she was willing to go there and do face to face interviews (at her own cost). In other words, they would not pay to fly her over. - Some companies stated clearly they would not sponsor her as the process was long and tedious (I don't know the process myself - She found that applying online yielded zero results. She would get automated messages and no follow ups. She believes this might have been due to high level of response from internal (US based) candidates. Not sure, just guessing. - She used her network of contacts in the US to have her CV submitted to decisionmakers, but she never got beyong the initial informal telephonic interview. Eventually she got a job in the US by working for a company in Dubai and askign for a transfer to the US after 2 yrs. She is now there, but on a special visa. I'm not sure it;s a greencard. I think it's an H-1 visa or something similar. Basically, she has no permanent legal residency yet. Maybe this strategy might work for you? I think AT&T etc have offices here, or try companies like Cisco, Nokia, Siemens, etc. or ask your current co for a transfer? Mrs. Pacioli
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Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 12:01
Thanks Debsipoo, I really look forward to going.
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Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 11:42
Hi Ladies, After doing lots of research and reading all the recommendations on here (in all the different threads covering this topic), I have decided to go to The Spa Resorts (Chiang Mai) and do their 7 days cleanse. I will report back and let you all know what my experience was like. Here's to a healthy new year! Thanks ladies, for sharing. I have come accross a lot of great stuff by being part of this community. Thanks! BTW, leaving this thursday! :) Mrs. Pacioli
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 22:57
Thanks for this, SunDevil and Ms Happy. The inmaligner sounds like a real advanced solution... if it can straighten in abot 6-16 weeks, that'd be ideal. I'll look into this further. Thanks a lot.