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pinks

pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 18:14
It's always been free the last couple of years - just drive down to the land site and park, or watch from any convenient beach / cafe within a mile or so! Previously there's been a very good opening ceremony (first evening) with fabulous fireworks and aerial acrobatic displays. First year we went down and watched on-site, and last year we watched it from a balcony in the Greens.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:48
Don't know the exit number, but after going through the second SALIK gate, the exit is there and VERY well signposted. Plus you have the added visual clue of the Burj Khalifa itself! Just stay on the ground level, and don't go up on the flyover (stay to the right).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 08:10
Here: Dr Houriya Kazim. Breast specialist / surgeon. Can't recommend her highly enough. http://www.wellwomanclinic.ae/team_kazim.html
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 20:10
Call Dr Houriya first - she'll refer you to see Dr Alex, which you'll need as Dr Alex is currently fully booked until February/March :( However, she IS seeing 'new lump' cases (I spoke to them only a couple of weeks ago when I went for a follow-up). Trying to get through to the breast radiology department on the phone through the switchboard can be difficult, but I think their direct line is 044359623. Failing that, they are on the 2nd floor of City, and there's free underground parking.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 19:46
Dr Houriya Kazim (http://www.wellwomanclinic.ae/team_kazim.html) is a fabulous breast surgeon, and the specialist breast radiologist she works with is Dr Alex (again, female) based at City Hospital. You'll find many recommendations on EW for both of them, and I can't recommend them highly enough from personal experience over the last couple of years. They are both amazing, and incredibly reassuring. Good luck - I know how scary it can be.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 10:05
Thanks so much for the recommendations!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 09:12
Thanks for all the answers - I was hoping that might be the case as I've been to AquaV myself several times, I'm itching for an excuse to try WW!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 18:39
I was invited to an evening function last week, and the invite clearly stated that the dress code was "Business Attire or National Dress", so went in a smart black pencil skirt and long sleeved black top and heels. I was the only woman there NOT wearing a cocktail or evening dress...
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 11:38
Clear as mud as per usual! ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:43
Why don't you call them an explain the situation - I'm sure (as you're giving them money) they'd sort it out without spoiling the surprise.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 10:09
Oh no, I can't think of anything worse than adding sweetener to it! It's got a lovely taste all on it's own. I roast it and add salt and pepper!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 08:21
ooo - that's made me feel all autumnal! Going to have to buy some now and put a big dollop of jam in the middle :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 08:19
We recently went on a desert safari. We had terrific time and were blown away with it all - the dune bashing, the camp, the BBQ, and the door to door service. We went with Adventure Plus, Mr Amin Hussain. We booked directly through him, on recommendations from our neighbours. Amin's number is 050 7557596. Really, can't recommend him more highly - he is polite, knowledgeable about Dubai and the desert, interesting to talk to, and speaks excellent English. Enjoy!!! Mrsb can you let me know a rough cost and how many people you can get in the car... presume it's 6 passengers? TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 19:42
Bring them on Friday if no one wants them - I'll give them a go! :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 18:58
Yes, queues can be horrific. Best suggestion is know what you want, and go as soon as it opens! A wife of a colleague went in some time ago and demanded that she get the 20% off all the time as she was far too busy to come in once a month, and she got it! Might be worth asking...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 18:54
Short answer, yes. You can 'authorise' several computers under your account, and the music you have purchased will (should!) be there. On the menu bar, go to STORE and AUTHORISE THIS COMPUTER.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 16:04
Some of the Choitrams have a surprisingly good supply of bakeware!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 15:45
Best place for them is on the ocean floor in bits as far as I'm concerned. Couldn't agree more. Again, yesterday the idiots riding them along the beach between the Palm and the palaces were coming within feet of swimmers. There'll be another death before soon.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 10:45
I would suggest booking at Agency - every time I've been there recently at the weekend, every table has been pre-booked as it's a popular deal!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 09:56
I think there is a FB page where the announcements and updates are posted. Not sure about the name maybe some of the ladies here know. "Shamyana Tenants" and "Shamyana Victims"
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714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 07:49
As has sadly been proved recently with those of us affected by the Shamyana (Sam) situation, even if you do use a RERA registered agent and company, you can still get scammed. Just make sure you see all the paperwork yourself, try and meet the owner if they are in this country, and do extra checks yourself like making sure the person named on the title deed is actually the person who has paid the service charge (I found out there's a website for Emaar properties so was able to check that this week). Sadly it's the agent that should be doing the due diligence for you, but I'm never trusting an agent here again.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 07:21
Fitness First has the Les Mills classes - they are AED 50 per class if you're not a member (Lakes and Meadows - not sure about the other gyms)
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 19:08
Any ladies living in DXB while commuting daily for work in AUH (somewhere around the Airport area)? Would it be nuts to do so? Not nuts at all. I live in the Greens and commute daily to right next to AUH airport. 50 minutes there, 55 or so back. Straight road, no problems. In fact after working for several years in Dubai, I thought the drive there might limit my time working in AD, but I find the drive much less stressful than going to the other side of Dubai! I've been doing it almost two years now. And with regards to the 'you must live in AD rule', nothing has been set in stone yet (I work for a government subsidiary) and there will be at least 12 months notice IF (and it's a big if) that rule ever comes in. Our 'powers that be' are suddenly realising that they would lose a LOT of staff if they enforce it. Yes, you see some really bad driving, but no more than anywhere in Dubai. I just sit at the same speed as the rest of the other traffic, keep a good distance between me and the car in front, as I try to do anywhere here. My best advice? Try it - download some really good podcasts, and you'll find your journey is over before you know it!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 07:31
Usually (but not always), the cheapest way for a short trip is to buy a pre-paid local SIM when you arrive in the country and put it in your internet enabled phone. Sometimes it's ridiculously cheap, i.e. in Sri Lanka last year, we bought a SIM for about AED60 and it lasted us nearly two weeks, and for anyone that's been there, you'll know you spend the whole time looking at google earth wondering where on earth you are!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 10:37
I had a savings account linked to my salary account with Emirates NBD for a long time, and often left little or no money in there without a charge. The only downside is that if you didn't use it regularly (money in or out), then they would 'freeze' it and you'd have to go to the branch to re-activate it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 10:35
I've got everything crossed they have actually caught this b******** ... and will deal with him properly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 09:55
Churchills - I found the recommendation on here (EW) or them and have used them for curtains, couches and mattresses - super professional and I thought good value for what they did. http://churchill-gulf.com/contactus.asp
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714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 07:31
Just pop into Cara's in the Gold & Diamond Park - they'll probably do them then and there for you, and might even be free (it was when I took mine in to make it smaller!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 12:44
Sisters (salons all over Dubai) use Lycon wax and have very clear price lists. You should find quite a few recommendations for them on here. You do get what you pay for though - I really wouldn't go cut price with anyone using hot wax on or near my bits! :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 12:10
ITV is one of the terrestrial and free to air channels in the UK. Back in the days there was just two channels: BBC and ITV!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 10:12
I just have a wifi one and keep the wifi turned off unless I'm actually downloading. I use the 'on/off' switch when I finish reading at night, and my battery lasts for weeks between charges. If you bought it here I'd just keep a log of discharging times for a few days and then go back to the store to discuss? Amazon were super with changing my first one when after a few weeks a portion of the screen failed to clear when switched on - sent me a new one within 24 hours without question, and I had 30 days to return the original.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 10:05
Currently a 3 month waiting list in the UK/US, so a good deal after that!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 11:14
Strictly on Saturday, new series of Downton Abbey on Sunday - winter's here!!! :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 11:07
What I would like to know is: 1) What are my legal rights? Can I stay in the flat or not? 2) What do I need to do? Open a case? Against whom? 3) What is realistically going to happen? Do I need to start house hunting again? I am now super stressed, can’t sleep and do not feel safe as I don’t know what these people are capable of doing to top off being ill and completing my course. Any help/advice/guidance/pointers are welcomed. Thanking you all in advance. Hi Savannah Sadly you're going through an incredibly similar situation to all those of us (currently standing at almost 400 tenants that we know about) scammed by Shamyana Entertainment Services (another thread of here about that...) If you search on Facebook there are a couple of open groups for victims that have some information on it, but basically, having spent a day last week at RERA, the Rent Committee, the Police and DEWA, this is what we were told by the authorities: (1) You have signed a lease and paid in good faith, therefore both the police and RERA said the only way a LL can get you out of the flat is to take out a court injunction against you. Both told us to 'sit tight' and wait to get taken to court, which, given the amount of cases about to hit, may take some months. If anyone comes to your door and threatens you, the police said to call them. Make sure you change your locks - forget the permission route - we're all supposed to adhere to this, but CHANGE THEM. If your landlord goes to court, you will be called. At this point you take all your documentation with you (get proof of payment from your bank, plus details of any losses you've incurred such as the deposit you paid). Chances are you may be eventually told to leave, but you should be given 30 days. (2) You can open a case, but your case can only be against the PMC if that's who you had the lease through (same with your LL - if they don't have a contract with you, they have to open a case against the PMC). A case will also cost you 3.5% of the contract value, so I would suggest not doing this. (3) Again, sit tight. That's the official advice and I would go with it! The only other option (which I have managed to take with my LL) is to offer to spilt the losses with them. My contract was due to end on January, so we've agreed to both lose 2 months' rent. I've already lost 5k deposit, plus a year's DEWA that was supposed to be included in my contract, so didn't want the additonal costs and stresses of moving from an apartment I like. I'm very lucky the LL agreed. Another note on DEWA: Unfortunately we've discovered that despite not being the quite proper process, LLs can go to DEWA with the title deeds and get the connection cut in order to drive tenants out. Another reason you might like to try and negotiate with your LL if there's any possibility you'd like to stay there... Good luck, and if there's any other questions I can help with, please ask. ETA when you are back, make sure you take all your documents up to Jebel Ali police station - they are dealing with all the tenants from The Greens and surrounding areas and are completely aware of the situation. You may be in for a long wait, but it's worth having your case 'registered' for free for if/when you go to court. <em>edited by pinks on 12/09/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 13:31
I love Quinoa - I just use it in place of rice sometimes, or in recipes where you might have used cous cous. No specific recipes, but great for a low carb diet if you love the mouth-feel of carbs!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 13:29
Hilsbils, yes it is. Over 400 registered complaints at Jebel Ali police station as of yesterday, and lots of us still haven't been up there. They've even allotted staff to deal with it and a time every evening for victims to go there's so many of us :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 11:50
Good luck Silvia. I'm one of the 'luckier' victims that has been in my apartment for 8 months already, and I'm hoping I've come to an amicable agreement with my real landlord where we split the rental losses 50/50 although of course I've still lost all the DEWA costs, housing fees, the original AED5k deposit, and the agency fees for services that weren't worth the appear they were written on. Please keep us updated.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 16:36
Oh super! Worth knowing they'll still do that, thanks.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 16:14
Depending on how soon you want to do this (thinking of the heat), Rivington Grill at Madiniat is perfect - lots of different outside areas on different levels, some with their own bar, all with good food and fab views. I've asked about reserving these areas before and was told no problem.
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714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 13:10
Correct me if I (and my team!) are wrong, but Thursday 25th should be a public holiday as it's Arafat Day. Eid Al-Adha will then fall on Friday 26th, so you'll get at least a three day weekend.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 09:17
Go economy and do what these parents did! ;) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2197969/Parents-young-children-hand-candy-sweet-message-flight.html
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 09:14
Last year there were two Nobu vouchers in the book - one for a 'main course' and for a 'main menu item' - the latter of which could be used for the tasting menus which was fantastic value. Sadly they are not in this year's book, just the main course ones, so I think it's best of you phone and ask. They've always been very good with the voucher situation - the first time we went they even asked if we had one and explained that we could use it for the tasting menu - 9 courses for AED 600 between the two of us - bargain!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 08:11
I've been told that someone from the office rang the landlords saying that she thought Sam was about to do a runner... After RERA, DEWA and a lock change I'm going to call my 'real' landlord and start negotiations, but I will ask how they got my number.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 18:10
Thanks - I'll be there too - just leaving Abu Dhabi so may not make the start of the meeting
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 17:38
I've just had a call this afternoon and am in exactly the same situation (renting in the Views) from the same company. Have been in since January with one cheque, and have just been sent copies of the actual owner's rent agreement which was four cheques from last December... <em>edited by pinks on 02/09/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 13:40
I think this depends on whether your holiday entitlement is "working days" or "calendar days". For example, I get 30 work days, but several of my friends get 40 calendar days. Hence I'm on holiday this week and have to take 5 days - a friend of mine who's also on holiday this week is flying back early so he's back in the office on Thursday, meaning he only has to use 7 days of his entitlement - if he went back on Sunday he'd have to take 9 days. I've seen people come into work for a couple of hours on a Sunday and then take the rest of the week off in order to save two days' holiday. It's a completely screwed up way of dealing with holiday allowance (just to add we both work for different government departments) and I'd hate to be the HR person who had to work it all out!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 12:50
I've had serious problems with Expedia and won't ever use them again - different scenario, but booked a holiday to the Seychelles for my DH's 40th (paid them for flights but had a voucher for the hotel with said we would pay the hotel direct). To cut this long story short, arrived early evening to find that the hotel had no room for us! They said they had this problem countless times with Expedia, and despite the hotel saying to Expedia that they could not accommodate during peak season, Expedia continued to allow people to book. Couldn't get through to Expedia - all phones just had a recorded message saying to email them. Ended up staying in a fairly grotty beach place as everything else was full :( Kicked up a stink when I got back and could finally reach Expedia, but after several months of frustration and no apology, all they offered me was AED 300 off my next holiday with them! As if...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 19:24
I have to agree with egg - my Ikea mattress was the most comfortable one I have ever slept on, and guests often said they had had a super night's sleep. Would definitely get one again.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 18:11
That seems crazy! I'd fight that, as it will make it very difficult to get tenants, I would have thought. I have slightly different circumstances as I used to live in my flat and then rented it out when I came to live here, told the mortgage company (Yorkshire Building Society) and they kept all the mortgage conditions the same for me as long as once a year I write to them saying who the tenants are, and what my circumstances are, even if nothing has changed. Good luck.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 13:45
If you want to know the service charges for the different buildings in the Greens, drive round this week, as everyone who hasn't paid is listed on boards on the entrances of the individual buildings. Most of the buildings have floor plans in the entrances too, so you can work out how many beds they have for what service charge.
 
 
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