OPMUM1 | ExpatWoman.com
 

OPMUM1

OPMUM1
116
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Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 14:37
Debbiech and Salamander....I have a full time job but I still feel the same way as you! I can totally relate to how you feel. I have been here for over 2 years now and have 2 friends....it isn't easy to make friends here at all in my opinion and you really do have to put in a lot of time and effort! I am now moving back to the UK in May and I can't wait to slip back into my comfort zone and be within my large social circle again! Good luck, I hope you have more luck than I did :-)
OPMUM1
116
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 11:20
I have a friend who just got one in Mercato, not sure where though... I've had a few made for family in Cara at the Gold & Diamond Park. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for the one's from Cara as my mum and sister would both like one and their birthdays are coming up... Thanks!
OPMUM1
116
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 14:58
I did exercise, and still do, but not regularly! I should visit the gym more often! I was probably going 2-3 times a week, for 45 mins a time....mainly cardio but I never went on my fasting days because I don't think its a good idea to work out when you don't have much food inside you.
OPMUM1
116
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 13:00
I tried to have a meal that was 250 calories in the evenings and then use my other 250 calories during the day to graze on. The best thing I found to help was an app called 'My Fitness Pal' it basically adds up all of your calories, everytime I would eat something I would add it to my daily intake....you can scan things aswel, it really is quite clever!! I have a great receipe for a soup and a veggie casserole, both of which are 1000 calories for 1 batch so I would divide it into 4 and pop it in the freezer, giving me 250 calories in each portion and then you can just defrost it when you need it. There are some microwave meals aswel that are under 250 calories, I know they aren't the best nutrition wise but if you don't have time to prepare anything they are handy to have. I will try and find the receipe's for you....they are laying around somewhere at home.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:52
Showforce also hire...not sure on contact details but I am sure if you google it you will find them
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 12:47
It rained here (Jebel Ali) at about 10am...for about 2 minutes! Pathetic really, but was nice while it lasted! Hopefully we get some more, I would love to see a good storm!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 08:58
Thanks for all the suggestions, I will have a look for all of the products mentioned and buy, what I can find, to try! Hopefully something will work! Thanks again ladies!
OPMUM1
116
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 16:52
This diet worked for me....but I did alternate days so one day fasting, one day eating and so on. I did it for about 7 weeks in total and lost 7kgs! I have since stopped and the weight seems to be staying off but I try to only eat between 9am and 5pm so my body has 16 hours of no food and gets to digest the food I have eaten during the day, obviously if I have dinner plans this goes out of the window, but I try and stick to it as much as possible! Much easier to do during the week than the weekend and the big plus is I don't have to cook when I get home from work!! Good luck!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 15:45
Rupee Rooms (Indian) In the Fine Dining Entertainer if you have that one. Food is great too!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 16:06
So the boys are all prepared and booked on my flights ready to go to the UK!! Here comes the next question..... The selfish side to me wants them to stay with me at my mum's house, but as I have previously mentioned there are dogs in the house so they will have to be confined to my room all day and night until we are ready to introduce them to the dogs and then they can be let out to roam as and when they want to.... However, the other option, which I feel may be better for them, is that they stay at my aunties which is going to be like home from home to them. She lives in an apartment so they won't go out, it is just her and her teenage daughter so a nice calm environment which is what they are used to now? I don't know much about how easy cats adjust, I know I will miss them like crazy, but will they miss me? Will they even remember who I am if I don't ensure I go to see them everyday?! What would you do??
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 09:55
Thanks so much ladies! This has been really helpful!
OPMUM1
116
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 12:52
Have sent you an email :-)
OPMUM1
116
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 11:35
Thanks ladies, great advice. Will definitely be visiting a water park and eating out while we are there, so the entertainer book will be needed. I will also be searching out the walking group when I arrive. Which water park would you recommend? Atlantis and Wild Wadi are both great! And if you fancy a trip down to Abu Dhabi for the day they have a brand new waterpark called Yas Waterworld, which is also a lot of fun! All 3 have vouchers in the entertainer!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 11:33
Hi BellaUK When do you plan to do the garage sale? I am leaving Dubai so have lots of things I can donate but most of it we will still be using until end of April? Let me know :-)
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 17:56
The signs say no eating or drinking on the metro, and if you get caught you will incur a fine of 100dhs. They have camera's on the metro also so I wouldn't risk it...I even get paranoid if I am chewing gum!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 17:45
Is this is same cat Mau10? http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic198187-can-you-adopt-my-cat.aspx?Page=2
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 17:37
Clarins Everlast - best coverage ever! stays on all day, doesn't budge, not oily. Was using Estee Lauder for 3/4 years before i tried this but really love this a lot, with the Clarins powder over it <3 Agreed! I love this foundation! Although I tend to use it more for when I want a fuller coverage. Day to day I use Estee Lauder Double Wear Light.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 17:36
How do you choose the right foundation colour? I always go for bare minerals and buy from Sephora .. I just pick a shade that I think matches my face and thats it.Not a good way ... i know... I googled about foundation shades and that is even more confusing with NC, NW etc... Is there a make up store here where they analyse and tell you what shade we should go for ? Best place to test the colour in on the jaw line but if you already have make-up on then do it on the inside of your wrist...not on the back of your hand! However, most brands should colour match you to their foundation anyway if you ask them too. You will find that all brands will vary so in Dior you may be a light beige where as in Clarins you could be a medium, therefore it is always best to be colour matched for each and every brand before you buy.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 14:45
I have always let my two boys graze on dry food...Whiskers...they eat as and when they want to. They are both healthy, gorgeous shiney coats, good teeth, and weigh in at around 5kg. Oh and they have the odd bit of tuna as a treat!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 14:28
DR- if I allowed my maid to stay in our home alone, for two months with the " understanding" that she is not to work for others, exactly what should I expect her to do for 2 months? Stare at the wall and not leave the house?? I am sure you could find plenty of things for her to keep busy with whilst you are away. A deep clean for instance, pulling everything out of cupboards, washing walls, windows, curtains, blinds. Things that she doesn't do day to day as they require too much time and cause disruption to the household. If you don't want her to stay in your house then that is your choice but you should definitely consider her reasons for preferring to go home at christmas as DR mentioned. Maybe you can conpromise and come to some agreement that suits both of you.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 09:56
I have to agree with how overcrowded it was, so much busier than previous years I am sure! Also, my friends DH had his toe sliced open when an extremely drunk girl stood on it in her sky high heels! But...we still enjoyed it! And I got to eat lots of yummy food which is always going to be a winner for me! :-)
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 11:49
Thanks ladies! He seemed really bad last night, having spasms and really licking and biting himself but was still eating and drinking so I decided to wait and see how he was this morning. Good news is he is back to his normal self! Must have been a side effect to the vaccine, glad he is ok though, I was really worried.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 12:09
Yikes, I do like a good drink myself I have to admit but I like to go out after brunch as well so not really into the falling down at 3pm stuff. Me thinks this is not the parting image of Dubai I want! I did look at the Talk a few weeks ago and it's walking distance, but no vodka just beer and wine :-( edited by lanarkwitch on 14/03/2013 Just thought of another one....Dusit Thani. Definitely includes spirits and you can use vouchers from the entertainer!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 11:28
I like the sound of this, I am just about prepared to brush hair and change from PJ's and no more The last 2 times i have been to Saffron there has been a punch up and chavvy Brits drunk and disorderly ( I am from the UK) horrid place but nice food I have to agree! It really gets quite wild in there, I wouldn't suggest it if you want a relaxed casual brunch. Plus, when I went I was wearing a maxi dress (a nice one, not one you go to the beach in) and I felt really under dressed!! Everyone was glam!! The Talk at Movenpick JBR is relaxed, good food, about 300dhs each, but I'm not sure if vodka is included, think it is just wine beer and cocktail of the day. Have a look on the Time Out website, you will find lots of suggestions :-)
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 09:48
I would choose RB over BA everytime! If you don't mind not being able to have a vodka to calm your nerves then definitely book with them!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 09:03
It took me about 18 months to feel settled and then on my 2 year anniversary I handed my notice in at work and on the apartment and I am going home in May. I don't regret coming here but it has taught me that the grass isn't greener on the otherside! There are things about this place that I love and equally things that I hate. I am sure that I will miss it when I am home and it is going to take me a while to adjust as I am now used to the 'Dubai Lifestyle' but for me personally there is no place like home and Dubai isn't my home. Good luck with your move and try to enjoy every minute even when you do think...'what have I done!' Even if you don't stay here long term it definitely is a great place to experience! :-)
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 10:46
I know that Rupee Rooms deliver to AR, and the food from there is great! They also have vouchers in the fine dining entertainer that you can use for delivery and if you order over AED300 they give you 20% off.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 10:44
There is also a farmers market in JLT on Friday's from 10.30am....same people that were trading at Souk Al Bahar! You can park at Cluster U (near to the Marina metro station) and then walk down the steps towards the lake. There is also an organic shop there called Blue Planet Green People and from what I have found so far[b'> it is cheaper than the Organic Foods & Cafe.[/b'> Isn't everywhere cheaper than Organic Supermarket? True!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 10:42
I agree! I've been there almost every Friday for breakfast the last couple of weeks. Food is really good! Have you tried the Sweet Potato Fries yet? They are so yummy!!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 10:39
There is also a farmers market in JLT on Friday's from 10.30am....same people that were trading at Souk Al Bahar! You can park at Cluster U (near to the Marina metro station) and then walk down the steps towards the lake. There is also an organic shop there called Blue Planet Green People and from what I have found so far it is cheaper than the Organic Foods & Cafe.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 16:22
Ooopps....sorry, forgot to mention that part! CNN Building, Media City. They also have a website so you can see the menu...
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 12:28
I've heard Embassy at Grovenor house does a really nice ladies night with food and drinks. YOu could check with them. I recently went to Embassy on a Tuesday and really enjoyed it. You get vouchers when you enter and then there is a menu where the drinks value is in vouchers, for example a glass of wine is 1 voucher but a cocktail would be 2 vouchers. The music was good and it was busy....I suggest you call and put your name on the guest list. If you want somewhere to go before hand try Blends at The Address in Dubai Marina, again, you get 2 vouchers to use on whatever drinks you like and they serve food. You can go to the quiet wine bar or through to the club where there is music and its a bit busier. Enjoy!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 16:28
I said exactly the same when I read the story this morning!!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 16:23
I am going to probably get a lot of stick for this comment but I rarely tip, unless I have an amazing experience of service.... My reason for this is... if your job is a delivery driver why should I give a tip to you for simply doing your job. Do you tip your dentist when you go for a checkup? Do you tip your childrens teachers for teaching them everyday? I doubt it! A job is a job, you get paid a salary regardless how big or small and you should do your job to the best of your ability....to me a simple 'thank you' and a smile goes further than a tip that they may not even be allowed to keep.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 14:59
How much approx would u pay there for a handbag. Depends on the brand, material and size....I got a Mulberry bag for 200dhs and then a Hermes Birkin for 550dhs (which started at 800dhs) You definitely need to be persistant when trying to get the price reduced because they will reduce it eventually!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 10:01
Thanks for all your suggestions ladies! It has really helped!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 09:59
I go to a guy called Ali who works from a shop called Sina...always good quality, he gives me reasonable prices because I always send friends, family, etc.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 19:12
Sounds great! Thanks....and enjoy yours if you decide to have it too!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 16:52
This is my friend's company....she has villa's in Dubai http://www.villaworld.co.uk/
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 15:07
What phone do you have? Etisalat do great packages for BlackBerry's, I think you can pay 79dhs a month and you get internet, social networking, instant messaging, etc. Have a look on the Etisalat and Du websites, I am sure you will find plenty of information on there.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 17:18
We have been invited to go tomorrow evening for the Far Eastern theme buffet...AED199 per person and there are vouchers in the entertainer...just wanted a few reviews incase it was awful and not worth the journey in Thursday night traffic! Thanks ladies!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 16:52
Have you tried Geekay Games....there is one in Dubai Mall and one in Mall of the Emirates....if not maybe Amazon and get it delivered.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:04
I thought apartments had more than one water tank because of teh number of people involved. Maybe something got into the pipe and died. Is your bathroom tap affected too? You'll probably need maintenance to check the water pipes. No that is the strange thing, it is only coming from the kitchen tap....the bathrooms are all fine! We have the maintenance guys coming to have a look today, so fingers crossed it gets ressolved soon. I'm currently using bottled water to wash the dishes, it is that bad!!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 11:28
Check the roof tank and be prepared for grossness. Sometimes the cap isnot tight. I will not add more details. Depending on what you find have the tank thoroughly cleaned and capped. I am in an apartment....so would we all be sharing one water tank? I have spoken to the neighbours and no one else seems to be having the same problem.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 17:22
We are in Al Barsha....to be honest I hardly ever see the neighbours so I haven't asked anyone else, but maybe I will when I get home, or even ask security.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 15:13
I recently had my hair cut by Georgie at Pastels (Al Wasl Road) she did a great job! She also colours my step mum's hair and she is very happy with the results every time.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 09:16
LL already has a tenant ready to move in.... I don't seem to have any friends that love cats like I do....none of them seem overly keen on the cats being there, I would keep them contained to one area, maybe like the bedroom and en-suite, but I suppose I understand non-animal lovers not wanting animals in their house.
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 16:32
Oh I hope you find a home for him! I am leaving Dubai next month and taking my two babies with me, if I was a millionaire I would take home every cat that needed a mummy including William!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:20
Thanks all, I will definitely try to make the effort with an evening skincare regime! I suppose even if I am too lazy to cleanse, tone and moisturise in the evening I should at least use some baby wipes to clean everything off. OPMUM1 which moisturiser would you recommend? A Clarins one? I have recently started a Clinique one and they last forever so won't be buying for a while but good to bear in mind for when I do. Also night creams - waste of money or should they actually be used rather than using the same in the mornings and evenings? If you can use babywipes you can use a cleanser and toner....babywipes will dry your skin out, try to avoid them, plus these days they are made to be gentle on babies bums so they probably won't remove everything as they aren't strong enough. As for creams, again, if you are only going to do your skincare routine once a day then do it at night. Night creams are stronger than day creams to help the skin repair and because of this are more expensive. But, you can use the cream you are using now in the evening there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I haven't used Clarins creams only the cleansers and toners. The moisturiser I love is Dior Hydra Life Pro Youth Sorbet Creme....I have oily skin so I go for the sorbet as it is lighter and more like a gel consistancy. If you have dry skin they have a Comfort Creme which is thicker. It has an SPF in it, hydrates the skin which is great for the conditions we live in and helps to prevent those lines and wrinkles!
OPMUM1
116
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:04
For bikini and brazilian wax, i'm personally a huge fan of the LYCON wax. I find it leaves your skin smoother and gets all the tiny hairs- and not mention a wee bit less painful. But that's just me. The only salon I found here that uses Lycon is Sisters at Dubai Mall (there may be more), but I like the technician there who does my wax, Savita is her name :) Pastels also use LYCON wax! I agree with you Cleo...slightly less painful and gets all the tiny hairs!
 
 
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