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pinks

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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 12:26
Their website says October...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:27
PLEASE don't discuss which v things you are using on this or any other forum - that's how they get bocked. coco pops - the answer is yes, but you'll have to do research off the board - it's quite easy if you google it!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:25
If you would prefer a female oeseoptah I highly recommend Aziza Zubeidi from the Dubai Osteopathic Centre. She works from both the Al Wasl Road and Mirdiff practices. http://www.osteopathydubai.com/about_us.htm I second Aziza - she's put me back together many a time (hi CT!)
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:23
Ted Morgan on the Palm - if you do a quick search on here, you'll find lots of recent recommendations for them - all of the stylists there are super (in my opinion!)
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 13:26
Yes, it's in the first shoreline apartments as you drive onto the palm (map on their website). Never had just a cut, but pay about 300 if I remember correctly for roots and a 'blast' dry, and 600 for roots, cut and proper blow dry.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 12:47
Yes!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 20:27
I've used Pacific Prime too, and had the same good service. Would use them again.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 20:26
They are ALL good! I used to see Elaine, but she's often very hard to get an appointment with (even though I book two appointments in advance), and I've now had appointments with all of them (cut and colour), and have never been disappointed.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 10:48
...and if you want something to listen to, BBC Radio 4's Excess baggage has just done two fab prgrammes from Istanbul (available to listen to without a you know what), here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013f5jj
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 17:54
When I looked into this, there were way too many variables to say which was 'best'. Would really suggest contacting a broker, telling them what cover you want i.e. GP/no GP, accident and hospital cover, outpatient. maternity etc etc. Then they have different levels, ie whether osteo/chiro is covered or not. Really depends on what you consider to be essential.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 16:41
You can insure yourself on a month by month basis with all the international medical insurance companie - they all offer different levels too. I've always done this when I've been in between jobs and not covered by an employer. Just read the small print carefully as to what you want to be covered for, ie. you may not want to have unlimited access to a GP during this time, but you do need to have cover to be scraped off the road and taken to hospital if you have an RTA. Some will also refund your first months' premium if your employer cover kicks in within this time and you havent claimed.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 14:51
And (sorry, in discount mode this weekend!), there's still 20% off all the Jumeriah bars and restaurants with a Visa card!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 14:26
Don't forget there's 25% off all food and drink and all the Atlantis restaurants until the end of the month if you pay with an Emirates NBD card.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 12:17
You'd have been billy-no-mates this morning! CP and Jo in UK, and I blew October out as I'm writing my exam this weekend... Be with us next Friday instead! Hugs. :)
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 11:16
It was fabulous! And being a whole hour and a half (meant it comes down to 1 hour 7 mins on ITV player). Costumes and emotion on top form!
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 09:57
Are you sure you've selected the right 'cooking mode'? For example, on mine the dial can be turned to Grill, Grill with fan, Pizza setting, and three different 'oven' settings, one of which has a picture of the oven with a bar top and bottom, and this is what I use (and having checked with an oven thermometre, it does cook at the temp selected).
pinks
714
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 19:40
Ibroprofen = the generic name for Advil and several other brand names available here, so just ask at any pharmacy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 19:38
AXA cover 4x4s off road in the lower package - they actually went through this with me when I originally took the insurance out, and said as long as your car paperwork says '4x4' somewhere, then if you turn it over in the desert, someone will come and pick you up (their words!)
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 16:00
DH is with RSA, I'm with AXA. Both so far so good with call outs and repairs over the last few years! ETA, having the 'lower' of the two insurance choices from AXA, I don't get to have my Kia fixed at the dealership, but the AXA repair centre is on the Um Sequim road between MOE and Al Khail road, which is super handy for me and the guys there have been wonderful, to the point I'm very happy to use that garage when I'm paying for myself. Communication levels are high and professional. <em>edited by pinks on 16/09/2011</em>
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 15:03
Havent been for a while, but it's about AED 5 for adults, and less for children! A good thing to do in the heat - there's a few exhibits outside in the fort when you entre, the rest is underground. Afterwards, walk down to the creek through the textile souq and there's a few places to eat/drink.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 14:16
Their 'official' reason was that it would cost them too much to set up in the region, if I remember correctly... (Lots of sugar free jelly in Choitrams too!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 13:46
WW really don't want anything to do with the Middle East - there were a group of us with CycloneT when she tried and tried to get them to support us (tried both Europe and Australia over a long period of time). They tried to send lawyers after out little group too, so just a warning if you do want to set up a group (and I wholly support the idea having lost 2 stone during that time and kept it off!), be very careful about not mentioning them :(
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 10:12
Always fly BA, never been, thankfully, hit with the strike action. Service has been fine, and when I was sick and needed additional assistance they couldn't have been nicer. BA all the way for me. Won't fly Emirates due to the cost, way too expensive in my book, I'd rather have the extra in my pocket and spend at home. Completely agree wuith twocats (service and price), and the chances of them striking during autumn are nil - IF they do do it again, it will be over the Christmas holidays.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 14:22
It certainly is possible, and hence the majority of airports have hotels 'attached' (i.e. you can get to them from within the airport, just like in DXB). Obviously, the other alternative, time of day and transit time permitting, is to pop out and explore the city you are transitting through, however quickly!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 21:30
There are SO many people in the Greens with more spaces than they have cars... we've never had a problem in renting a space from someone that doesn't need it for a small fee (we have one allocated space and 2 cars). Just something to consider!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 21:26
Absolutely not! I went a whole 11 days without whilst DH was fasting, but with him in snappy mood through lack of food/ciggies combined with me in snappy mood through lack of red wine, I thought better of it. Peace restored ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 15:39
Food was unmemorable, but again, the view from the buffet terrace was great. Have to add though if you go at this time of the year (i.e. too hot to sit out) then there's nowhere to sit and look at the view!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 15:37
Yes, dreadful, don't waste your money. There's nowhere at the hotel to sit and enjoy the view (even from your room - the balconies are too tiny to even put a single chair out there). We stayed for one night last summer, couldn't check in until late as they 'were having problems', and three times got locked out of our room and had to ask for new keys, got double charged for items... the list goes on. Food incredibly average, and the pool and pool area was inundated by young local boys who were on the rampage - security and lifeguards were unable to do anything. Oh, and on both days when we went to the pool we were told that the pool towels 'were finished'... it was just one disappointment after another. I did write to the management but got a template letter back saying "We're glad you've had a good stay with us" !!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 21:37
Any printshop will be able to do it for you - all 'modern' photocopiers/printers should have this feature. When I was between jobs earlier in the year, I used the machine in the internet shop in The Greens. I only needed a couple of pages scanning and they charged a fairly high AED 5 per page, but I'm sure if you have volume (and don't have a friend with access to one at work), then you an always ask for volume discount!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 14:51
Definitely not in Waitrose Marina Mall (went in specifically for it last night!). There's often a dip in harvesting in August for some reason (it's then back in September and October), and hence there may not enough to warrant shipping it overseas.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 13:33
Tax Free Shopping before you leave - that way you get 10%+ back AND your Advantage Points! <em>edited by pinks on 08/08/2011</em>
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 12:23
Gold & Diamond Park mOre is open, but be aware it's very busy - not a spare seat just after 10am yesterday!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2011 - 14:35
She has completely emasculated him!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2011 - 13:36
Picnic rug, bottle of vino, that view. Bliss!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2011 - 07:56
If you come from Greens/Marina end of town, head towards MoE, but on the service road parallel to SZR, and you turn right into the road with the Seven Sands apartments and Chimes in. At the end of this, the road goes round to the right, and you'll see Kebab Rolls in front of you, and the other good place (though no buffet) is in the same block. Lots of parking at the other end of the block if nothing immediately outside.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 21:36
Thanks everyone. Tried to book Lal Qila today but it's fully booked! Buffet is at 70 DHS per person so I've booked a table for tomorrow - will let you know how it goes. Pinks - I'm in Marina so Al Barsha is great for me....going to go for a little drive at 6pm to see if I can find these places you mention...I think I've been to the Taxi joint - is it called Sarad Darbar (or something like that)...it had a family room and I remember it being cheap n cheerful. Sherry - we went to Kebab Roll tonight (next to Sarad Darbar) - AED 65, really good selection and very fresh, better than last year.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 22:01
Hi Sherry Which area are you looking to go? If you are near Barsha, then there are some super Indian/Pakinstani restaurants, and certainly last year the buffets were around the 60-75 AED mark, and the food was fab. Handi, Kebab Roll (and the one next door which I can't remember the name but is full to bursting with taxi drivers which is always a good sign! (there's a nice family room too)) to mention just three.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 10:31
Restaurants should start serving food immediately after prayers (i.e. just after 7pm tonight). If you are going to an a la carte restaurant, they will generally let you order before this so you will get served when you can eat.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 13:24
...or if they are not ready yet, I'm going on 25th.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 11:56
IWOM - keep some lavender oil in your cupboard - if you burn yourself you can put this directly on your skin, and the next day you won't have any redness or blistering (see all previous threads on essential oils!). Magic stuff.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 11:53
A VERY strong cup of tea with three sugars. All his favourites (nehari, haleem, dhal, etc, etc,) that I got yesterday and stuck in the fridge as (a) I can't cook them half as well and (b) I'll probably be working late!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 22:12
I regularly send money back to the UK and put it in my offset savings account (linked to my mortgage) - my accountant knows all about this and has never mentioned anything about tax thresholds... and I am very honest in my self assessment every year and have never had a problem with it...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 20:51
Really seems to depend where you are. I lost my UK AMEX card just before I went back to the UK last time, and hence they gave me a temporary replacement without a chip and pin. I used it everywhere I went (around London, Bicester and Hampshire) and noone had a problem with me signing instead.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 20:48
NOW! If the US defaults, or the market even thinks that it will default, the dollar will get weaker (and hence the dirham will get weaker, being pegged to the dollar) and hence the GBP rate will get worse. The chances are the US will not default, but they are effectively just kicking the can down the road - this means that the dollar/dirham will not strengthen against sterling any time soon, so you might as welll do the transfer now. I am!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 14:20
They also do a smaller (5?) course menu, but both are covered under the voucher for 'main menu item' (rather than 'main course'), and both times we've been all the staff have been very clued up about the vouchers which makes a nice change. I also thought the portion sizes were perfect, as we did the Verre tasting menu a while ago, and whilst the food was sublime, I was completely stuffed by the end of the main course and couldn't enjoy the rest :(
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 13:30
Not sure if they have a decent somelier, but the 9 course tasting menu at Nobu is good - and the best bit is the whole meal is covered by Entertainer vouchers (Fine Dining), so you only need to pay for drinks.
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 20:41
Hotels? Both fabulous. The only downside I can think of is bumping into Colleen Rooney and the other WAGs in the RM lobby... ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 07:52
Sorry - manic too here and amost gave up looking to see if EW was back... I'm flying back to the UK on morning of August 25th for two glorious weeks, so would be wonderful to catch up, and meet Clairehdp too! Let's coordinate off line :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 07:49
So pleased you're on your way back! Anyway, with the VAT, every tme I've claimed it back, in the shop where they are doing the paperwork for you, either the till itself has done the maths (i.e. it's all been printed straight from the till - no human brain involvement), OR, if they are filling the forms in by hand (M&S and the likes) they have a printed sheet which lists all the values of payment, and then there are columns with the admin fee and tax reclaimable, so they just look up your total spend and write the relevant figures onto your form. Don't worry, I'm sure it's fine. Oh, I and promise to look after your husband today - will send pictures as evidence!
pinks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 14:08
Me too :( Last night was just about watchable, but far too slow the previous evening. Even downloading podcasts from BBC Radio 4 (tried both with and without V P N) was painfully slow, so not sure if it's a problem with a cable this time or UK sites in particular.
 
 
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