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pinks

pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 09:06
Had an amazing 10 days in Sri Lanka last October - spent first night in Columbo in Galle Forte Hotel (go for the breakfast and machine gunner guarding the beach, if nothing else!), then drove up to Sigiriya (Hotel Sigiriya), stayed overnight and climbed the rock the next morning (stunning, but there's nothing else there so wouldn't plan to stay long. Arrive in the evening, climb in the morning, as the cloud often comes in in the afternoon). Then we did a couple more temples on the way to Kandy, had a couple of nights in an old tea plantation (The Mansion), did the elephant orphanage, then took the train from Kandy up into the tea hills at Bandarawela which was the most amazing trip - original single track and rolling stock that the Brits put in over 100 years ago - 5 or 6 hours of 'wow' in the observation carriage for US$7 each! Bandarawela Hotel is a gem - it's an old tea planters' club house, and from here there are lots of days out to do and good walking. We even got the tea pickers' bus to the factory that Mr Lipton built. Then drove down to the south coast and had a couple of nights in Galle Forte itself - amazing luxury villa for just a few dollars. Last night back in Columbo (Galle Forte Hotel again).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 07:57
Bumping for the morning crowd (that might be an exaggeration considering 75% of EW's seem to be away!). Can anyone offer me any help? Please! 75% is a low estimation! ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 12:03
go to wolfies on SZR Was going to suggest the same - the staff at Wolfies are super
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 09:58
Go Team GB, overpaid footballers did rubbish aswell!!! dock their million pound salaries and give it to the other GB athletes! *like*
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 08:48
The best quote I saw posted over the weekend was "Britain's Got Talent - and Simon Cowell's got NOTHING to do with it!" :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 08:38
What a weekend - FANTASTIC!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 08:20
meetup.com is also very good as it has lots of groups that don't all revolve around going out and drinking (but also lots that do!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 13:13
Can't recommend anywhere for seafood in Columbo, but had super food in the Galle Face Hotel (stayed there on the in and way out) - breakfasts of local food were fabulous. Had wonderful seafood in Galle Forte on the south coast - stayed there for a few nights and were either cooked for in a villa or used recommendations from the Lonely Planet - all were spot on.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 14:15
Dubai London Clinic are super - both ends of town too. There should be lots of recommendations for them on here if you do a search. I haven't had a 'steady' GP since Dr Carole and her husband left, but I've always been happy with whomever I've seen since. www.dubailondonclinic.com/
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 10:59
Wine and cheese evening at The Westin - can highly recommend it!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 10:57
I've always worked longer hours during Ramadan... same deadlines, same amount of work to be done and less bodies on the ground to do it. Am just grateful for very little traffic on the roads between DXB and AUH which makes my journey to work and back very pleasant!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 10:03
You made me laugh and forget my hangover for a minute, thank you!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 16:12
I would be curious to know whether the people who are having problems are on Du or Etisalat. I have had tons of problems over the years with people not getting my texts in the UK and I have always put it down to being with Du, as pretty frequently I don't get messages that have been sent or generated by me within the UAE either! Also a recent problem that I've been experiencing is that if my handset is off, even for a few hours, Du does not deliver messages to me sent during that time. Because its an intermittent problem I have not managed to challenge it with Du. I'm Etisalat, and as mentioned below it's not just between the UAE and UK at the moment...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 15:58
Same here - problems for the last two months with my Mum and sister in the UK, who are on different networks. I sometimes don't get their texts, and vice versa. Have been assuming it's a UK problem, as my uncle who is in China is having the same problems - either that or his texts arrive three days after they've been sent!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 14:58
And another Greens vote!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 14:56
Around Emirates Towers area? Rib Room would be my first choice :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 08:58
Marooj branch was definitely not open one of days last week at lucnhtime - call before going!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 08:04
Personally, I wouldn't take much notice of the larger estate agents 'reviews', as in all the years I've been renting out my property, they have always been pessimistic and have every excuse in the book why you're property isn't renting. That's another reason why I'm a huge fan of Darren - he's an independent, so goes the extra mile when looking after the property and you/the tenants. I've had three sets of tenants in in four years, and only had a week's gap between them. Plus he vets them financially and has good maintenance men :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 18:27
Hastings - I actually spoke to Darren today and he said there's a shortage of property in SJW and hence if you have one there, should be no problem renting it out at the moment!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 18:23
Surely it's just the same as making any other fruit juice... I'd just carefully wash the grapes, then crush them, and pass the resultant mush through a sieve, or muslin cloth, and stick in the fridge straight away. No reason at all it shouldn't be halal, unless of course you leave it to ferment!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 18:19
I bought a block after seeing a recipe on Saturday Kitchen some years ago - something with prawns if I remember! The BBC has lots of recipes using it, sorry should have posted this first! http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/tamarind
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 17:05
*like* How are you feeling?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2012 - 16:35
It's very easy - just cut off a block about the size of 2-3 dessert spoons, pour over about 150ml of boiling water, let it soak until it's a paste (only about 10 minutes if it's fresh, it certainly doesn't need as long as overnight), and then drain it through a sieve, discarding the pulp and seeds - use the remaining liquid.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2012 - 15:07
I have the most fabulous agent - my flat is Hampstead, but he deals with all the areas you mention too. He's been looking after my flat for over three years, and as it's a 1930s block and I always seem to have young female tenants who are living away from home for the first time, you can imagine it's not exactly been trouble free! He came very highly recommended to me, and I'm happy to do the same. If you'd like any more details of what he's dealt with for me and how we organise the rent payments because of the UK tax system, drop me an email sallywingate@hot mail dot com Darren Bloomfield Sapphire Property Search t: +44 (0) 208 954 3344 m: +44 (0)7768 743605 e: [email protected]
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2012 - 07:52
Hi - there are two providers, Etisalat and du - both with websites with all their deals listed. Having gone down the prepaid route initially, I actually find it much cheaper with postpaid deals (with unlimited data bundles, etc. as I have an iPhone). So many places you can buy handsets here - best to come and see who's got the best deal of the week, check out both providers' websites, and as you'll be arriving at the end of Ramadan there may still be special deals on too for that. Good luck with the move - it's hot! ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2012 - 20:44
Thanks for the info:) How long does it usually take to get out of heathrow airport? Does it depend on the terminal? Depends more on which passport you hold than the terminal - I've been through both T4 and T5 in the last couple of weeks and am registered for Iris scanning and have been the only person both times using it and hence have gone straight through. Sadly the non-EU passport holders have been in a VERY long queue...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2012 - 09:15
Plus: A tax free salary, larger than I could ever earn at home. Minus: working (and to some extents living) in a completely common sense and logic-free zone :\:
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2012 - 10:33
Helen Williams (www.counsellingdubai.com). You'll find lots of recommendations on here for her. I've seen her for both marriage and personal issues, and can't recommend her highly enough. She gets booked up fast, but she's really worth waiting for if you can get an appointment. Good luck.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2012 - 10:29
This is the new Daywear they've just released: http://www.esteelauder.co.uk/product/688/20703/Product-Catalog/Skincare/By-Category/Moisturisers/DayWear-Advanced-Multi-Protection/Anti-Oxidant-Oil-Free-Creme/index.tmpl Bought some last week in the UK and it's lovely...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2012 - 09:51
Another huge EL fan here too. As Kelly says, I swear by the Idealist serum in the morning, Advanced Night Repair (normal and eye versions), and the Daywear (both normal and tinted) and BB cream. The newer versions aren't available here yet though... the newest Daywear is oil free and SPF 35. Not sure where you're from, but if you can buy it out of the country, it's much, much cheaper (up to a third off). I get all mine in the UK, and if you are from there, places like Bicester Village have a selection at about half retail price which is ideal for stocking up (the Estee Lauder in the UK say it's fine to stock up ahead, just keep products in the fridge until you want to use them). EsteeLauder.co.uk is also a great sight with offers and free samples.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 12:52
Back in the UK I had all sorts of SMEG products over the years, fridges, an electric oven and a ceramic hob - personally liked them and never had any problem with any of them. I haven't ever heard of Le Germania, but that's possibly because they weren't imported to the UK?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 12:19
Thanks Pinks. That is really helpful to know - out of interest, how much do you pay the firm to do your tax return? We have a really geeky spreadsheet that I punch numbers into. Also, what is an offset mortgage? Repayment? ashnaisbitt1986 I like your idea about remortgaging before we return. Need to think about this as an option too. Given that school fees are 12K a year for one we might need a bigger mortgage! haha! I pay them a couple of hundred pounds a year, but they do other stuff for me too. An offset mortgage is super, and is basically a mortgage with an instant access savings account attached to it. Say my mortgage is 100k and the rate is 5%, but I put 20k into the savings account, I only pay interest on 80k of the mortgage (whatever the rate of interest on your mortgage, that's the interest rate they give you on the savings account, except you don't actually get the interest, it's just taken off your mortgage payments). It's a great product if you don't want to/can't tie spare money up by putting it into your mortgage. I've had one with YBS for the last 10 years.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 11:19
You shouldn't be liable for any tax - I've got a flat in London which I've rent out for the 4 years I've been here. I've got an offset mortgage with about 80k left to pay on it, I choose to pay the same into the mortgage as I get from the tenants; plus there are the service charges and agent's fees. I actually get a firm to do my tax return every year, and I'm always told that I have no liability for tax (but have to do the return sadly...) ETA - I keep it all simpler by getting the tenants to pay rent directly into my UK bank account, that way the agent doesn't charge me extra to deal with an 'overseas' clients. Less paperwork for him, and actually no hassle for me, as I just declare the income on the tax return. <em>edited by pinks on 04/07/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 16:44
Sadly they are not moving... it appears that Nivea is getting out of the spa business and concentrating on what they've been doing well for the last hundred years, body products. The current manageress (apparently) is looking to set up independently and take the staff with her, and they promised me that they would phone all current clients if and when they do. :( <em>edited by pinks on 23/06/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 15:44
It's strange, thinking back this only started after I had a massage on Thursday... Ah, well you have your answer then. Obviously an allergy to not working :D (missed you!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 15:13
emlsnre you have mail!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:13
emlsnre, if for any reason that doesn't work out, I'll be in north Hampshire (Yateley/Camberley) from tomorrow until next Friday. Ooooh you're in my neck of the woods! I hope the sun stays shining for you. I just saw the 80mph winds and several inches of rain forecast for next week!!! But at least I'm there to see family, not get a tan ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:12
Can you post your email address and I'll send you various methods of contact for next week!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:07
As Monkey Face says, it depends what you drive and where the two end points are, but to give you a rough idea, I live in the Greens and work next to Abu Dhabi airport, which is exactly 1,000 km a week. I drive a Kia Sportage, and have to fill up twice a week at a cost of AED 90/95 per tank. Before that, I worked on the other side of AD (Next to Emirates Palace) and I was filling up three times a week. ETA you also have to factor in extra servicing due to the much higher mileage, and more frequent tyre replacement... <em>edited by pinks on 14/06/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 08:48
emlsnre, if for any reason that doesn't work out, I'll be in north Hampshire (Yateley/Camberley) from tomorrow until next Friday.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 13:02
Thanks Kelly - might have to give it a try then!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 22:06
Hmmm... I'm flying back on Thurs night for a week's 'holiday' in the south! My Mum says she's still got the central heating on :\:
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 17:35
Not masses, but I've never not got a space. Just drive past the main building, and at the end there's a fairly tight turn to the underground carpark.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 15:25
Punam at Nivea is super - she's quick and uses the proper wax for 'down there'. Nivea's 'full bikini' wax is what other places call a Brazilian.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 11:30
Try Dubizzle first - always lots of people wanting flatmates, and at least she'll get an idea of costs for the various areas. She'll probably have to share if she's only looking for 6 months... <em>edited by pinks on 11/06/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 10:35
Let's hope he didn't have his usual 'three of four glasses of wine' before rushing back to collect her. Oh dear...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 13:50
Go for the interview - you have absolutely nothing to lose! If they really want you, then you may be able to negotiate a better package (and remember out here it's not all about the salary as you may be also offered other allowances - my base salary if low, but I get housing allowance, travel, and utilities, hence the overall monthly take home is nice). And it's always easier to get a job if you in one, as you're better placed to widen your contacts in the industry...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 07:21
You have mail!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 07:17
Just done Greens to AD airport - thick-ish fog all the way, but traffic moving fine.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 21:36
Obviously I haven't seen the photo, but it should be a relatively simple thing to do - if you can't find anyone to do it that you know, let me know, as I'd be happy to help (I've even taken spots off a promotional photo of a young Duchess of York back in the days when she was a patron of charities!) I've got a full professional version of Photoshop and use it for work.
 
 
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