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pinks

pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 14:07
Yes..... Yes, I only have the ONE Child...... No.... No.... Just her!!! This is said on a regular basis!!! And then they say "but you can have/must have more" to which I reply "no it's our choice to have only one and we're very happy" then to be stared at with a bemused look! And I've had: Them: "How many children do you have" Me: "None" (and as I know I'm going to get asked why, I then tell them not everyone that wants children can have them" Them: Big pause... "Ma'am, are you sure you don't have any children?" Me: "Yes, no children" Them: Bigger 'thinking' pause.. "Ma'am, are you SURE you don't have any children?" Me: "Oh, silly me! There they are!" :\::\::\:
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 11:48
I do like the occasional cigar (I've never even tried a cigarette, so not sure how I got into cigars!), and buy mine at the Smoker's Centre shops in the malls as they are cheaper than getting duty free ones most of the time. I prefer Cubans - Cohiba Siglo VIs... I have a home made humidor, as you have to keep them in a relatively moist environment, so perfect for this morning! Not sure where you could learn more though...
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 09:24
Same as here but about a third cheaper Yeah that's the answer I was looking for **happy dance**.. :) Thanks for your help, I will save my Dirhams and wait till I get there. And don't forget to ask for Tax Free Shopping when you buy the clothes, then you'll get about 12% back at the airport.... If you're tight for time I really wouldn't bother with Oxford Street - you can waste so much time going from shop to shop and get very frustrated dodging all the tourists! Westfield has everything in one place, plus easy to use find cafes (and more importantly) toilets!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 08:48
If you're staying in Paddington, 5 stops away on the Tube is Westfield! All the UK shops under one roof (great for when it rains ;) ). http://uk.westfield.com/london
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 07:31
Hate to use the phrase, but there's a lot of it about! Most of my office has been off for a couple of days with really nasty cold/chest/throat, but no infection, just a virus, but everyone's really had trouble shaking it off. So basically you are doing the right thing (paracetamol, vits, and lots of liquids), as there's not an antibiotic in the world that can touch a virus and any GP who prescribes it for you is wrong. If you have an infection, that's a different matter... Hope you feel better soon.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 13:54
That's one of two things that's always in my suitcase when I come back - Kallo Organic chicken stock cubes and Taylors of Harrogate Hot Lava Java coffee - can't live without either! Pinks my Mum brings me both of those! Ah! So glad I'm not the only one! (going back for a major restock in a couple of weeks :D )
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 13:41
Ooooo no - I'd want someone experienced doing that for me! I was very lucky and mine are dead centre and pointing the right way, but it wasn't until this was pointed out to me when I was buying earrings in a high end jewellers in the UK that I noticed. The sales lady said she saw so many women with piercings that were off centre and at weird angles, and now I look... be careful!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 13:37
That's one of two things that's always in my suitcase when I come back - Kallo Organic chicken stock cubes and Taylors of Harrogate Hot Lava Java coffee - can't live without either!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 10:47
Thanks GoodMorning! That's just what I'm after.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 09:47
Why don't you call AXA or RSA and ask them? As for what you would be paying, that's a bit of a piece of string question, as we have no idea if you're opening a shop, or a restaurant, or taking people sky diving!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 12:57
Also went to The Ivy for the fist time this weekend, although we went for the a la carte menu rather than the set special offer. Food was nice but not overwhelmingly so, but it was all the little attention to details that were lacking that will mean I won't be returning - no tissues in the bathroom (I gave feedback at the beginning of the evening, still none there at the end), they'd run out of the lower end bottles of red wine, service was very patchy, bread was taken away whilst I was still very obviously eating it, and despite it being only half full when we got there, we were shown to a pretty bad table.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:39
Don't know about beauty products but Veuve Clicquot (champagne) was cheaper in Sainsbury's than Dubai. But Pimms is super cheaper in Dubai Duty free than anywhere in the UK - we are stocking up our UK summer supply from Dubai!!!!! How bizarre is that! Probably fell off the back of a lorry! :D
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:34
kayak.com and skyscanner.net
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:33
Definitely in the UK - my tinted moisturiser (Estee Lauder) is AED 190 from the UK, and 280 here! <em>edited by pinks on 27/05/2012</em>
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 18:33
Sadly, not possible, else we'd all be doing it! If you fail to take the outbound leg of your trip, not only in the small print will it say that this will invalidate your ticket, but the airline will re-sell your seat if you fail to show, and hence you'll find your name won't be on the list if you try to check in for the return leg.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 15:04
Tell me your user name is a co-incidence! A complete coincidence, I promise!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 14:04
Pink Slip Dubai is a great professional networking set up. I have been to many and you pay a fee of AED100 and that then gives you access for the evening usually at a bar with a few free drinks included. Here the recruitment agencies are also attending together with other professional and it gives you the chance to network within your sector. I found them very useful and it was a great way of getting yourself infront of all the recruitment agencies at one time and place. There are also industry leaders who give presentations, last one was from Disney and was about marketing. Pink Slip is very different from the horror stories that you read about where the actual recruitment company charges you. As for saving AED 100, I would say that you just lost out on meeting a lot of useful and important contacts that could help you find your next perfect job!!! I agree - I went to this about two years ago when I got made redundant. I went with a goal to increase my exposure to recruiters and spent the evening doing just that. There were lots of people standing around 'waiting to be talked to', but like most of these events, it's what you make of it. I thought the AED 100 fee was reasonable given the organisation, speaker, and free drink.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 17:44
I'm thinking of opening up a small-bore pipeline back to the UK (using all their redundant hosepipes) and make a quick killing... cut me in for half the takings or I'll send this comment to the Ministry of petrol or whatever they are called :D Done deal (as long as you've got your own funnel!) ;)
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 16:01
I'm thinking of opening up a small-bore pipeline back to the UK (using all their redundant hosepipes) and make a quick killing...
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 07:42
You, me and Cornish Pixie! So glad I'm not the only one!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 07:33
Has anyone else had this? I know of several people who leave sliding doors open with the a/c on because either a) they don't pay their DEWA bills themselves, or b) they don't need to watch the pennies, and am not aware of this being an issue here. I know who this was aimed at LOL!! But, you'll be very grateful tomorrow night as you relax on a certain balcony with chilled glass of something in your hand ;)
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 13:40
Anybody else thinking of David Bellamy? ;)
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 12:41
Normally see it in the Organic shop...
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 11:55
No, but if you are going on the strength of the trailer, I would urge you not to go. I wasted 2 hours on Saturday morning, eagerly awaiting the fun and laughter promised by the trailer and the super cast, but it failed to delivery on every level. Very, very disappointed. :(
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 10:56
Why do you think you wouldn't be able to? As long as you keep within the legal limits for import for the UK (there's been another thread on this yesterday with a good link) ie 200 ciggies, one litre of spirits, GBP xxx (can't remember the value you're allowed) of goods, etc. per person, and you keep them in the original sealed bags (for liquids) until you reach your destination, you should be fine.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 20:28
Have you been to the Rivington Grill at Madinat? They have several terraces, most with their own bar area, and they are very happy for people to have these areas roped off for private functions - no 'rental' charge, and most would be perfect for around 30 people. I love it, as they all have stunning views (how many places can you see both Burjs and Atlantis at the same time?) and the finger food is fantastic! <em>edited by pinks on 20/05/2012</em>
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 15:34
EK direct to Manchester, then car/train/taxi from there?
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 19:53
Oh yes, you can use it for all sorts of meat replacements. I'm not a veggie but certainly out here eat meat less and less... You'll find a huge array of recipes if you just google TVP and whatever you want to make. Enjoy!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 18:52
TVP - textured vegetable protein! Haven't looked for it for a while (not my most favourite thing) but used to be available in the Organic Shop, both 'chunks' and the small 'mince' type. Can't be fussed with the soaking time. If you want a vegetarian alternative for protein, don't discount lentils, soya beans (frozen Birds Eye ones are fab), quinoa (excellent rice/cous cous replacement)
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 15:09
Can also highly recommend the Charles Worthington salons in London (http://www.charlesworthington.com/salons), plus their drinks and nibbles are fab - a standard GBP 2 charge for unlimited tea, coffee, water and grape based (including bubbly) beverages!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 15:06
If you do want to claim your VAT back (20% currently), you need to spend more than GBP 50 (I think) and ask the shop/retailer to complete the relevant forms. They will deduct a small % from the claimed amount in most cases. You then take the forms and your items (in your suitcase) to the VAT claim desk at the airport BEFORE you check in. They might ask to check that you have the items and that you haven't worn/used them. I have never been asked. They then give you the option of cash there and then or to credit it back to your credit card/bank account. Although you do have to have the items with you (hence you have to go to the VAT counter before you check in) there's nothing in the HMRC rules about not wearing/using what you have bought and are now exporting - I'm generally wearing at least one thing I'm bringing back with me! Note that you'll pay more of a 'service charge' if you opt getting cash back rather than it going on your credit card...
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 14:33
Whilst I am hugely in favour of a more modest dress enforcement here, I really don't think it will ever happen properly while Dubai relies so heavily on tourism. It's far too easy to arrive in this country on a 'plane with absolutely no idea of what the values are here, just the fact that you're guaranteed a sunshine holiday. The airlines and hotels are not going to do anything to jeopardize their revenue streams - you just have to look at the material left for guest in hotels here during Ramadan that explain the rules of fasting to guest, but even then the dress code is squirrelled away as an afterthought. ETA - plus they'd have to empower the guards at malls to be able to approach the less-dressed members of the public, and as we've all seen too many times, they just won't do it. <em>edited by pinks on 14/05/2012</em>
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 10:58
Even though the range is small here, always worth having a look in Marks & Spencer - in the UK they advertise their shoe range as being good for wider feet because the standard shoe width fitting (if you're from the UK you'll probably remember getting your feet width and length measured at Clarks'!) in the UK is a standard 'C'. M&S shoes are a wider 'D' fitting, and their Footglove range is an 'E' width fitting. HTH
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 10:02
I went to mOre at the Gold and Diamond park at the weekend for the first time for ages, and noticed they are having a book swap initiative - until the end of month if you take 5 books in, you'll get a free cup of coffee!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 16:01
Oh, I'm so glad I wasn't the only person who brought bunting, flags and jubilee napkins back from the UK on my last trip! Guess it will be difficult for venues here to broadcast TV, given that it's going to be spread over a four day weekend (Sat-Tues) in the UK?
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 10:37
Correct (from my conversations with insurers, too). It's also worth noting that it's illegal to be a named driver on a family member's car in the UK if you are a resident here if you don't declare that fact. Plus you run the additional risk of being uninsured if you're involved in an accident. There are companies that will insure you, and there have been some previous threads on the subject.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 10:34
You should be fine - exactly the same thing happened to me 18 months ago - got made redundant, cancelled visa, final salary went into bank account, then popped back to the UK for some R&R before coming back to job hunt, came in on visit visa with no trouble.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 15:27
[b'>*121*1#[/b'> Save it under your contacts under Etisalat, and you'll never lose it again!. If you have data bundle(s), then text the word '[b'>data[/b'>' to [b'>1010[/b'>, and that gives you your allowance balance too.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 07:37
As the other ladies have said, don't take these results as the end - try an elimination diet for a couple of weeks and keep a very accurate food diary before reintroducing the alleged 'bad' foods one by one. There's been a lot in the British press recently about how inaccurate these tests are - one nutritionist (Channel 4 - The Food Hospital) did a study by using three different food allergy tests, and got different results on all of them! Like BFC, I'd be very surprised at you being allergic/intolerant to rice, as it's the one food that is given to people who do have low tolerances with other foods, or have intestinal/stomach problems.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 14:02
Plus, you also need to 'block' the person as well as unfriend them, if you don't want them to see things you've posted on mutual friend's posts. Blocking them also means you won't come up on their 'suggested' friends list ever again...
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:05
Do the iPhones direct from the apple store in UAE have FaceTime on them? I know the web site says they are unlocked, but that's not the same thing right? Correct - they are unlocked meaning you can put a SIM from any network from any country in them and they'll work, but no, they don't come with Facetime here. To be honest, even though I've got FT on mine, I use Skype all the time instead, so you do have that option too.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:03
I bought mine from DU as you couldn't go on a contract unless you bought a phone from them (?) Anyway I love it :) I sucessfully downloaded Skype too....how did that happen then Wish I had facetime though :( You CAN go on contract with both du and Etisalat without buying your iPhone from them - you just need to purchase a micro sim from them (AED25 if I remember correctly)
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 10:28
I second SEY83 on all comments - get it from the Apple store in the UK - not only will you get all functions, but buy it tax free and you'll get another 12-15% off the purchase price. Wouldn't be without mine!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 16:12
Scruffles that's super news! Personally, I'd get a booking now (for 3-4 months) with Dr Alex as she really is the best...
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 15:49
Yes, seriously expensive shopping area of London, plus you can very easily get to Oxford Street and the glorious Selfridges and John Lewis (IMO you don't need any other shops apart from these ;) ) So many restaurant to choose from depending on what you want to pay and what sort of food you want, but as what-evs said, there are some amazing British chefs in the area. Try Time Out London or Top Table as a starter for recommendations....
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 15:43
There isn't a book, but I get similarly good daily deals for when I'm home on email by registering with sites such as Time Out (www.timeout.com/london) and Living Social (livingsocial.com). Top Table (www.toptable.com) also has great deals on restaurants all over the UK.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 13:48
mOre does all those items very well!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 21:20
Also, in the baggage hall at Terminal 5 (and probably the others, I'm sure) there's a vending machine where you can buy SIM cards (different networks, normal SIMs cards and micro SIMs) for £10 each, which includes credit. Very useful if you want to make calls in country without roaming charges, or your normal SIM won't work.
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 11:55
What do you mean by 'private' insurance? Medical / travel / house / ???
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 15:24
It really depends on the company. I've been a 'local hire' in my last two jobs. The former one came with a base salary, full medical & dental, and an additional monthly allowance that covered everything, including a flight home (which they had just incorporated - people recruited the month before me got that as an additional benefit). My current job includes a base salary, broken down allowances for transport, utilities, housing, plus in addition (if I had them), schooling for up to 4 children, full medical and dental and annual b/c flights home for the whole family, AND I got a one off sum for relocation (even though I hadn't!) after 3 months. <em>edited by pinks on 29/04/2012</em>
 
 
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