Sarah Joy

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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 13:04

hi there just saw ur post now... hope it's not too late... for ALL your items you're better off going to the Union Coop that's next to Safa Park... they have a department store level upstairs that has all the items you mentioned... :) happy shopping :) Hey Abby! Thank you so much :)) I am just heading out the door. Anyone know if the Safa Park store has a dedicated taxi rank outside somewhere?? (that would be really handy...but if not - can I pick one up from the street easily over there if I have a shopping trolley full of items?)

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Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 20:05

Hi ladies, I've been into this supermarket/department store only once for a quick walk through quite a while ago. Just wondering if someone who shops there can give me an idea if I'll find any of these non grocery couple of things there or if I'm just better sticking to somewhere else when I'm running all around tomorrow: -Birthday greeting card -Birthday wrapping paper -Large stainless steel cooking pots -Any asian type cookware/cutlery section (basic chopsticks & soup/ramen spoons etc) -Things like travel adapters/power plugs for other countries -Camera memory cards -Office stationary, like document flip files etc -Also wondering if the fresh food department does any catering platter type orders Sorry it's such a jumble of things - I'm running short on time to action some things this week so looking for a close one stop shop. Thank you! :))

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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:43

Ok this might make me sound dense, but I didn't know that was a whiskey bar. I have been there for an after dinner cocktail a couple of times with my DH and I didn't consider it anything special. Are you looking for a whiskey bar/cigar bar specifically? For a classy type atmosphere in that area, I have been to Bar Below in the Le Royal Meridien--think it is called something else now. Had a great lemon basil martini there. Their happy hour is late; 10-12 midnight. Assuming it is the same; I haven't been there since springtime. It is right next to Rhodes 2010 steakhouse. The mezzanine part of the bar is nice, and the attached downstairs lounge area is rather clubby. Beebers you're a star. Yeah I'm confused too - when I looked on the website for habtoor grand it doesn't seem they promote any of their bars as specialised 'whiskey bars'. I'm actually totally open to ideas... Needs to be: Somewhere that has a good/rare range of whiskey on the shelves Somewhere not too posh, but nice for a small birthday occasion gathering Somewhere reasonably priced so each drink doesnt cost an arm and leg Don't mind where it's located will catch a cab for the celebratory night to and from! (bonus points maybe if it's up the world trade centre way) Hmmmmm.....????? :)

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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:35

Definitely flank steak at C4. As mentioned below it is called bavette. There is usually sliced bavette ready packaged in the meat display. I just show them that and tell them I want a whole one and they get one from the back. I have never tried for brisket but at C4 they do have a picture of cow hanging up with all the cuts on it so could try pointing and asking. Thanks so much Cata :)

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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:33

Thanks for all the contact suggestions!! :)

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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:22

Sorry - I have the cookbook and this is an exact replica of the Wagamama Chilli Beef Ramen recipe - http://www.uistwholefoods.com/?p=455 - I also add some other veggies (pak choi or mange tout) because the more the merrier. Thank you!!!!

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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:21

For the brisket either rump (best) or chuck would be a good substitue. Just ask the butcher as they have it in the back. For the flank steak I would substitute sirloin steak. If you cut it very thinly and put it in the broth it will cook through as you're serving. Good luck. Wish I'd had you tucked into my pocket the other day when I was trying to talk to the butcher!! Thanks for these great swap tips :))

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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:16

Ladies you are fantastic!! This is what I was searching for :) Hubby really also missing the society appreciation nights back home. We have reserved seats at the malt dinner night in madinat which if my memory serves is the rivington grill event yes? Hmmmm now I'm wondering how he already knew about this event - maybe he found this mmi club already and signed up. Ahhhhhh the DYI malt tasting nights hosted at home whenever someone just received a new order - fun times. We've also just reserved seats for this. Would anyone else going like to get together there? We would love to!!

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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:08

Thanks so much ladies!

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Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 00:30

Can not believe I found this thread from 2009 which is the same question that's bugging me. Yippppeeeee for EW :) So even though this was a long time ago - the best bet is C4 butcher section for brisket and flank??

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Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 00:15

Hi ladies, Is the whiskey bar in habtoor grand hotel called the polo bar??? Or - is it one of their others? Anyone been? Loved it? Hated it?

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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 22:29

In the event that you need one quickly, with no time to dash out, I've used a white tube sock with a couple cups of dry rice added. Knot the top of the sock, toss in the microwave and heat. The rice has a tiny bit of moisture in it which will provide a comforting heat as opposed to a dry hot heat. What a resourceful genius you are :) Thank you very much for sharing this tip!

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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 12:07

I was looking up something else and came across this recipe! http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2008/07/star-anise.html Let us know how it works out if you do attempt it. Instructions are very clear - which is a good start for me :) If I can pickup most of these ingredients with my grocery shop this week I may very well have to try this on the weekend. Although - perhaps my initial idea of serving/buying this dish as a surprise birthday treat for hubby should be put on hold until I see if I can be successful in my efforts hehehe Thanks for sharing the link Dragon! Okay Ladies - dont judge me :P In Waitrose <dubai mall> I have never seen these cuts of meat available - although, I've never cooked with them either so maybe I just was not looking for them - anyone know if they are there? <maybe there is another name for them used here?> 1-1/2 lbs beef brisket, point cut 1/2 lb flank steak Also, for anyone who has read through that recipe - can I just confirm you dont actually cook the flank steak at all before dropping it into the bowls with the hot stock etc right? Thank you!

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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 11:58

Thanks Di and Expat, You're right - I def should have done some more checking around before placing the order. Paypal sent me a notice this morning saying seller has refunded my money - with a note "Dear Customer, we are not delivering at this time". In light of this - does anyone have a recommendation for an online order/delivery & payment option offered by a delicious and reliable local company? <thinking box of cupcake type gift but open to suggestions>. Thank you!

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 23:32

Calling all South Americans and those who appreciate good steak! It's DH's birthday next week and I'd love to take him for a meat extravaganza. I noticed there are a few churrascerias and rodizios here and I know he would LOVE the idea of basically all you can eat meat. There is Pachanga in the Hilton or Ember at the Address Dubai Mall but I haven't been to either - but I have been all over Argentina so would like something as authentic and tasty as possible. He is not a fancy restaurant kind of guy so somewhere lively and fun with good "hops". Can anyone recommend either? Next time we are in Abu Dhabi I will also take him to Chamas at the Interconti but for Dubai - can anyone pass judgment on these 2 or suggest somewhere else? TIA!!! :) Hi dangerous blonde, Read through your post and saw the words 'all you can eat meat' which caught my eye as my hubby it a big meat eater and we've had fun times at a Brazilian BBQ all you can eat restaurant back home. Just had a look on the sites for ember, pachanga and la parilla, but couldn't find any details of literal all you can eat packages. Can you point me in the right direction? Or tell me that I just won't find actual all you can eat meat restaurants here? Thanks :)

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 22:53

Hi ladies, I placed and paid online for an order with twinkle cupcakes here in Dubai after seeing the company name mentioned in an article on timeoutdubai. Since placing the order today I tried to call them, but no answer - sent an email asking for order received confirmation, no reply yet. There is every chance they'll contact me tomorrow but im just wondering...Has anyone placed a successful order with this company before?

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 22:34

By the way home services r extremely common in Dubai.there r even spa companies who come home..never used em so no idea how they conduct it but this particular company does everything from nails to hair. Thanks for this insight Sam, I've seen the ads for home salon services and thought about giving it a try - but did end up hesitating once I started to think 'hmmm where am I going to lie down properly here to have waxing done - do they bring a salon type bed/massage table with them or....etc etc?' I'll have a look at the brush n co website. :)

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 22:21

Hello. Have read in an old post she has left Dubal London Clinic at Festival City, will be away until end of August and then start in a new practice. Does anyone have a contact for her? If not, would appreciate a recommendation for a GP. TIA. Hi mom, I am extremely happy to have found Dr. Gordan Bland - Dubai London clinic, festival city. :)

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 22:15

Feet first have lavender ones, not sure of the price as it was a gift. Thanks perky!!

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 21:51

Actually yeah, the same thing happens to me. I also seem to have the problem of the site not being able to 'remember me' even when I tick this option box on the log in page. Have I been doing something wrong?

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 21:47

I use brush & co They come home,charge the same as salon.bing new packed towels/strips etc. The girl I use is marry and is awsome. Hi Sam, This lady goes to your house for the appointment? (I have not used a home service before) Where/which room are the waxing treatments/services conducted in your home?

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 21:41

I was looking up something else and came across this recipe! http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2008/07/star-anise.html Let us know how it works out if you do attempt it. Instructions are very clear - which is a good start for me :) If I can pickup most of these ingredients with my grocery shop this week I may very well have to try this on the weekend. Although - perhaps my initial idea of serving/buying this dish as a surprise birthday treat for hubby should be put on hold until I see if I can be successful in my efforts hehehe Thanks for sharing the link Dragon!

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 00:33

Hi Sarah Joy, I do have one I use....and did buy another one - just in case - you are more than welcome to come over and take it. it still in it's original packaging edited by Gorobattie on 28/08/2012 Awwwwww Goro - that is so incredibly sweet of you - you've just made my week :) I will keep your extremely kind offer in my mind incase my next little foot search is fruitless hehe Thank you!

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 00:17

I never would have looked at these places for a heat pack - thank yoooooou!!! Now im pushing it....Anyone know of a store in the Dubai mall though?? :))

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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 00:06

I am being really cheeky and butting in on your Perth thread - I wonder if anyone can help advise me - my daughter (aged 20) is about to head over there for a year. She is dong a years work placement at ECU in joondalup. There are 4 of them from her Uni in the Uk going and they are trying to find a house to rent. Some of the other girls are already there and looking around but they haven't found anything suitable yet and they are now wondering if it would be better to live in Perth and commute (by train as they don't drive) to ECU or whether to live in Joondalup and then travel to Perth for entertainment etc. Thanks for any advice for a bunch of youngsters!?? Hiya Quick - what a helpful mum you are!!! Seeing as you mentioned they don't drive, have you become familiar with this very helpful website... http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/ This site has all info on public transport options in Perth. It allows you to plan a journey from door to door and I was thinking you could use it to get an estimate of just how long (minutes) the travel time would be for her to get from Perth city centre out to Joondalup each day. Then I'd be thinking about - will she actually be required to attend classes at the Uni campus every day of the week? Lots of 'full time' study loads can have classes scheduled so there's a day or two you might not have to go in. If she will be on campus everyday - then I'd personally stick with accommodation closest to where I would spend most of my time. But please check the travel time estimates and see how you both feel about them (as i don't know what kind of commute time she is currently accustomed to). Also, I'm not really familiar with the Joondalup area as i have not lived out there and my first thought was 'there's going to be nothing to do there for her except Uni' - but my husband just said Joondalup apparently is a busy place now with a good choice of hangouts/restaurants/clubs etc. http://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/Homepage.aspx As for housing - isn't there a student housing/oversea student assistance department at this ECU campus who should be leading this search for them??

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 20:18

You could always make your own as recommended to me by a specialist at City Hospital. Take an old pillow case, drop in 1kg (or thereabouts) of Jasmine rice, twist the fabric around and seal with a freezer clip to secure, leaving some space for the rice to move a bit. Then wrap the excess fabric around it to tidy it up. Put in microwave for about 1.5 mins on high. Et voila, done! Works a treat, may need to adjust time slightly but does the job just as well and can be used time and time again. Don't think it matters what kind of rice, but we had Jasmine and it smells lovely. K Oh wow how clever! That's an awesome trick - I didn't know you could just use rice inside. Thanks :)

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 20:15

Ladies you are fantastic!! This is what I was searching for :) Hubby really also missing the society appreciation nights back home. We have reserved seats at the malt dinner night in madinat which if my memory serves is the rivington grill event yes? Hmmmm now I'm wondering how he already knew about this event - maybe he found this mmi club already and signed up. Ahhhhhh the DYI malt tasting nights hosted at home whenever someone just received a new order - fun times.

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 20:07

We love the Noodle Room in JBR (never had a bad dish!) But I have never tried the ramen there :( I think there are mixed opinions about the food. I have a friend that swears the place off because of a bad experience which she will not elaborate on :( The atmosphere looks nice enough for dine in, but we've always done takeaway. Thanks for replying beebers! Whenever I need to ask a question like this I'm always reminded I'm living at the wrong end of town :)) I'll look the noodle room up. Thank yoooooooou!

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 18:59

For Japanese ramen I would suggest Bentoya on the SZR near the DIFC. It is excellent traditional Japanese food, the ramen taste like you're in Tokyo and it's clearly where the Japanese expats go. It's not plush by any stretch so might not suit a bday, but def take him there at some stage - also try the Chicken Tsukune meatballs! And there's lots of sushi if you don't like ramen yourself. Another idea if he loves chilli beef ramen from Wagamama is to make them yourself - the recipe is available online - we're actually having it for dinner tonight! Oh my goodness then the pressure is on to have a go at them myself in the kitchen eeeeeek!! Will look up the recipe - thank you! Hubby not fussed by decor - would probably rather something authentic than unnecessarily pricey :) Will def have a look for the bentoya restaurant website - thank you!

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 18:42

Both the buffets at Saffron Atlantis and Mazina TADM have excellent live chinese stations with freshly prepared ramen soups Ahhhh of course. We have loved Saffron when we have gone there - although come to think of it - with the millions of food choices available I don't recall hubby ever trying the ramen there :)

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 18:38

I think I may be 'hiding' very close by to you Sarah Joy, would be happy to meet up as I don't know anyone else here from Perth either. As for losing your accent, when we were home on holiday over summer my daughter's friends all told her that she talked 'funny', and we had only been here 7 months! Hahahaha!!! How old is your daughter? My sister and friends after phone calls have recently told me I now sound South African - which there is absolutely nothing wrong with sounding South African - but I've lived in Perth my whole life and have never even been lucky enough to visit South Africa. Would love to catch up at a time that we are both free! In ur building today - Did you happen to see a grumpy and tired lady, covered in cleaning dust and barely presentable - plod down to the foyer a little while ago to go get a big box from a courier that I'd been stuck home waiting for all day... that security staff would then not let into the lifts to get to my floor?? If so - that was me!!! Hahaha :)))

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 18:17

Nope, not found any in Dubai I'm afraid. In HK I was spoiled for choice. You might be better of trying to recreate it at home. You could try some of the Japanese restaurants? I have read that there is a new Vietnamese restaurant opened in JBR so they may do something close? Oh Dragon thank you! So he is right - there may be a gap in the food market here hehehe. Hmmmmm probably should try at home - will need to research though my Asian inspired chef skills are lacking. Vietnamese restaurant might work - anyone been?!?! Was hoping someone may know a little family restaurant in the back streets of somewhere on the out skirts of the city that is busy turning out traditional but award winning class ramen for a few bucks a bowl. Or failing that - a super flash five star experience doing the same. :) :)

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 18:11

Where are all you lovely Perth ladies hiding in Dubai?!?! I've only really met with one other Aussie lady (east coast though) since arriving. Afraid I might be at risk of losing my Perth accent hehehe :)

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 16:11

Was looking around before starting a similar thread of my own! Thank you for the habtoor grand suggestion - anyone recently been to this bar and loved it?? (for good/rare selection) Also wondering if there are any ladies here (who may have whiskey husbands or be lovers themself) who might know of a local 'whiskey club/group/appreciation society' here in Dubai???

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 13:50

Thanks Sarah Joy! I really should have re-read my post before posting it! I wanted to ask if there are any other communities that we should consider that I didn't mention? Looking forward to getting over there now - although there is so much to do before we leave. Yep - big big job packing up your life and shifting countries :) Hopefully you gets lots of mummies recommending their expat/villa communities which can help your decision. I have a friend whose husband works in sharjah and they have been living in a lovely villa in The Springs. There seems to be lakes and green areas scattered throughout the suburb. They are about to move into a villa in the Jumeriah Village Triangle area. (but they don't have children). I think some of the well established primarily expat communities like the ranches might have their own forums/web sites/fb groups - maybe???? (have you had a look?) Hopefully you hear from someone who does the daily Sharjah commute for tips though. My own husband has to visit an office there on occasion and has mentioned that the time you choose to leave/return to dubai can make a big diff to your travel time/traffic problems.

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 12:46

Tchibo have some wheat filled microwavable bags if you don't mind it being an animal shape. They are not expensive. Hiya - thanks for your help. Where's that shop located? (anywhere near Dubai mall area) No prob with animal shapes here hehehe :) Do the wheat ones have that funny smell when heated?

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 12:43

Hello ladies, I will be relocating to Dubai before the end of the year with my husband and 12 month old daughter. I am trying to gather as much information as possible and have spent ages reading threads on this site, it is great! My question is regarding areas to live. We would like to live in a villa with a decent size garden preferably with 4 bedrooms. I have been looking at all of the real estate sites at different communities and from our research we feel that Arabian Ranches, Victory Heights and Green Community may suit our needs. We want to be in a community with pool/s, play areas etc, and ideally other expats with young families. My husband will be working in Sharjah so we do need to take his daily commute into account as well. Our budget is around AED200k. I have also been looking into Childrens Garden Nursery in Green Community and will be looking to enrol our daughter there (if we can get her in) next Sept - primarily for the bilingual aspect as my husband speaks to her in French. If anyone can recommend any other bilingual nurseries I will have a look at those too. Thanks! Laura :) Hiya Laura :) You must be very excited! My husband and I moved here last year - also both from the ever glorious Perth hehe. We are still working on the children part so I'm sorry I can't help you with your nursery questions etc but there are many others here who will have lots of valuable first hand advice for you. I'm by no means an expat expert - but am very happy for you to throw any "what's really different from home" questions my way that you might be worried about and I'll help wherever I can. Wishing you much luck and as much stress free planning as possible while your move date comes closer. Sarah

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 12:36

You can stay at the Oman dive centre. We love the Shangri a bar al jissah have had some really lovely short breaks there. As others have said the Heidi is highly recommended too. We took a dhow cruise out from by the dive centre which was fantastic and we saw lads of dolphins. The Omani people are so friendly. Definitely a beautiful country to visit. Would you recommend staying at the dive centre even if we are not divers?? Dhow cruise sounds like a must! :)

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 11:33

Lots of different options for OMan: 1) Mussandam cruise which is basically north of RAK and around the Khor Fakkan / Dibba area. This is the northernmost tip of the UAE (near to Iran) and very mountainous but absolutely beautiful. You typically take a day dhow trip for snorkelling / dolphin spotting / BBQ and stay at Golden Tulip / Zighy Bay / Khor Fakkan hotels. Takes 2 hours to drive. 2) Muscat 3) Salalah Both Muscat and Salalah you can drive or fly altho Salalah is a looooong way away to drive. Muscat takes about 4 - 5 hours. I've stayed at the Shangri La Barr al Jissah and really enjoyed it - gorgeous weaving drive up to the resort which has its own lazy river! The next day we wondered around Muscat city centre (teeny) and checked out the Oman Diving Centre which is amazing - this perfect bay with crystal clear water. Have not done Salalah yet but it's on the list. Have also heard good things about the Sifawy Boutique resort - friends have stayed and loved it. Perhaps try and time it for the next Eid (5 days, in October I think) That was my secret little idea!!!! Shhhhhhhhhh :) Maybe no one else will think of it haha - guessing it's tough to get flights/accommodation when Dubai has public holidays?? ha! Loads of people go on little trips during Eids so you're wise to book now. Prices will prob go up a bit but it's better than mooching around Dubai for 5 days. Have a look at the current deals and check Air Arabia holidays too as they often do packages for Salalah. Fantastic!!! Never thought to lookup air Arabia. You're a gem :)

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 11:27

Lots of different options for OMan: 1) Mussandam cruise which is basically north of RAK and around the Khor Fakkan / Dibba area. This is the northernmost tip of the UAE (near to Iran) and very mountainous but absolutely beautiful. You typically take a day dhow trip for snorkelling / dolphin spotting / BBQ and stay at Golden Tulip / Zighy Bay / Khor Fakkan hotels. Takes 2 hours to drive. 2) Muscat 3) Salalah Both Muscat and Salalah you can drive or fly altho Salalah is a looooong way away to drive. Muscat takes about 4 - 5 hours. I've stayed at the Shangri La Barr al Jissah and really enjoyed it - gorgeous weaving drive up to the resort which has its own lazy river! The next day we wondered around Muscat city centre (teeny) and checked out the Oman Diving Centre which is amazing - this perfect bay with crystal clear water. Have not done Salalah yet but it's on the list. Have also heard good things about the Sifawy Boutique resort - friends have stayed and loved it. Perhaps try and time it for the next Eid (5 days, in October I think) That was my secret little idea!!!! Shhhhhhhhhh :) Maybe no one else will think of it haha - guessing it's tough to get flights/accommodation when Dubai has public holidays??

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 11:05

We went on the bus from Deira...it cost about 60 AED each and took about 5 hours. It was very easy and quite a relaxing way to do it. We hired a car when we got there but I don;t think that would be necessary if you are going to stay in Muscat. I found the taxis more expensive but that's probably because we got ripped off!! Hiya suze, I had no idea bus ride was an option - thanks!! Ahhhhh....Beware the rip off taxis huh - so no mandatory meter running then in the cars??

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 10:58

Long weekends in Oman are great! We like to drive to Muscat, basically hugging the coastline all the way down (4-5 hour drive). In Muscat there are loads of options for hotels, but my favorite place to stay is is The Chedi (going back in a couple weeks!). It's 5* all the way. I've never stayed at the Shangri-la but have heard it's nice (looks nice - I've walked the grounds). There are also less luxe options in the Hyatt, Crown Plaza, Intercon etc, and from what I've seen they're all perfectly good. To entertain yourself, if you're a diver you can head down to the diving center next to the Shangri-La, and if not the old souq and corniche are great to stroll around. In the evenings I like to head up to Mumtaz Mahal for curry, and a few drinks at Left Bank - there's a nice up there atop the hill. I've also had local fishermen take me out and drop me at unreachable coves for a bit for some peaceful beach time...I can't recall exactly where I've done this from, but in/around the area by the Shangri-La. On the way back into the UAE, it's nice to drive inland, to Nizwa, a properly old town that used to be Oman's capital, which has a fantastic fort and souq. The hotel accommodation isn't much to speak of but it's passable. You can continue driving through the Hajjar mountains to get back to the UAE, and along the way if you have a 4x4, you can take some detours and head into some wadis or up some peaks. I think for the latter a 4x4 isn't really even necessary as there are decent roads. You sound like an expert road tripper!!! :) Maybe novices like us should just hide in the back of ur car and tag along hehehehe This might sound dumb but here goes - are there ample cheap national taxis in Oman like there is in Dubai?

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 10:54

Hiya, Just saw this and remembered your post: http://www.groupon.ae/deals/dubai/Sadaf-Designs/9663983?nlp=&CID=AE_CRM_1_0_0_240&a=1910 :)

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 10:40

I would go into Nine West store here and check what's written on the shoe box of your size as sometimes different brands do their own conversion (I've seen size 8UK being 11US or 8UK=10US) Totally agree - even in nine west from one shoe style to another shoe style I need diff sizes.

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 10:37

yes but only muscat. i've heard salalah is gorgeous and if you like camping there are an abundance of places you can drive to where you'll be surrounded by nature and wadis and the temperature is (even in the summer) in the 20s! so that's my next trip. muscat is easy to fly to with flydubai. be aware that there are not many hotels in the centre of muscat and many are closer to the airport (and so a 20ish minute drive into muscat proper). muscat is tiny and easily do-able in a weekend (or a day!) go to the souk, haggle for everything, wander around the town and meet the wonderfully friendly omani people. then go diving at oman dive centre. Ooooooooo that sounds fun! Okay have just worked out from ur info we will need to narrow options to somewhere with hotel type accommodation (as have no camping gear). And flying is a nice option as we don't have a car yet and so were thinking we should hire one for the weekend. But sounds $$$$ Fly or hire car drive ?!?!? Anyone stayed in a hotel there they loved that was central?

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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 10:04

Hi Sarah Joy I used to use the contact lens delivery service in the UK because they were great value, but nothing like that exists here I am afraid. I daren't try to have them delivered since they are in "solution" and shop and ship would reject the order, so I haven't tried. It may be worth checking altho the minimum spend on SnS deliveries is 41aed so it might cancel out any discount. I just buy mine from any optician (usually the one in the Greens or Motor City), I pay around 130aed - 150aed for a pack of 30 daily disposables (ie 15 days worth). Sometimes they do deals which are cheaper for a 3 pack (ie 90) which is buy one get one free. I don't pay particular attention to the actual optician as they are all about the same price. Annoyingly it is just one of those things which are more expensive here than at home. I found monthly lenses irritated my eyes with all the sand and dust so changed to daily disposables. Once my eyes are the same prescription for 2+ years I will probably get the surgery done. Thank you so much!! Actually I've been using the two week ones since i arrived here and first switched to contacts and had decided to switch to daily sets with my next purchase. (finding the two weeks ones never last two weeks and really irritate my eyes quite often) Those prices will be good thanks. May I ask the brand you've bought from the eye stores here and been happiest with for the daily ones? I believe I use One Day acuvue - but I'm not sure as I just recognise the box and pick those up! Try a few and see which ones suit you best. I bought some cheaper ones recently and noticed the difference so I stick to the ones I like. Best to really take care of your eyes as I had an awful eye infection here, lasted a month - had pinkeye for 5 weeks. turned out on a desert trip during a sandstorm the top layer of my corneas got scraped off (I had lenses in) so I couldn;t wear lenses for a month without my eyes streaming. Needed all sorts of medication too, so am fastidious now about my eye care! :) Oh my gosh you poor thing, that would have been awful!!! Nod nod - will try to be careful - thanks for the heads up :))

206

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 09:22

Hi Sarah Joy I used to use the contact lens delivery service in the UK because they were great value, but nothing like that exists here I am afraid. I daren't try to have them delivered since they are in "solution" and shop and ship would reject the order, so I haven't tried. It may be worth checking altho the minimum spend on SnS deliveries is 41aed so it might cancel out any discount. I just buy mine from any optician (usually the one in the Greens or Motor City), I pay around 130aed - 150aed for a pack of 30 daily disposables (ie 15 days worth). Sometimes they do deals which are cheaper for a 3 pack (ie 90) which is buy one get one free. I don't pay particular attention to the actual optician as they are all about the same price. Annoyingly it is just one of those things which are more expensive here than at home. I found monthly lenses irritated my eyes with all the sand and dust so changed to daily disposables. Once my eyes are the same prescription for 2+ years I will probably get the surgery done. Thank you so much!! Actually I've been using the two week ones since i arrived here and first switched to contacts and had decided to switch to daily sets with my next purchase. (finding the two weeks ones never last two weeks and really irritate my eyes quite often) Those prices will be good thanks. May I ask the brand you've bought from the eye stores here and been happiest with for the daily ones?

206

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 09:11

Irish, Is this what you had in mind - the fibres in a bottle? http://thetestingpanel.blogspot.com/2012/05/divaderme-lash-extender.html "This works in conjunction with your own mascara. You start by applying your normal mascara to your lashes and then apply the Divaderme Lash extender afterwards in a rolling motion. You then have to seal the fibres by applying another coat of mascara; otherwise there is a risk of the fibres falling into your eyes, on your face, etc. " Hi Sarah, Just adding my two cents on this too - I've been using fibrelash for a while now and think it's fabulous, although not the cheapest lash product on the market for sure. I'm trying to find out also whether you can buy the fibres separately also as they seem to go quicker then the mascara. Here's a review on it; http://www.simonelovesmakeup.com/2012/07/model-co-fibre-lash-brush-on-false-lashes.html Hiya Irish, Hmmm after a quick search it seems everyone is asking the same thing as you! I've just ordered my first pack of the fibre mascara set to try out and will keep hunting for the fibre only bottle :)) That's what I was after! I've used it before and once you get the hang of it it is fantastic. Now how to buy some for cheap :) I did see it on eBay.au but if you find it closer to Dubai home do let me know :)

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 08:56

(sorry for the bump) So perhaps no one is really ordering their contact lenses online? May I ask where (which store) you've found reasonably priced contact lenses in Dubai? Thanks so much. :)

206

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 23:48

Irish, Is this what you had in mind - the fibres in a bottle? http://thetestingpanel.blogspot.com/2012/05/divaderme-lash-extender.html "This works in conjunction with your own mascara. You start by applying your normal mascara to your lashes and then apply the Divaderme Lash extender afterwards in a rolling motion. You then have to seal the fibres by applying another coat of mascara; otherwise there is a risk of the fibres falling into your eyes, on your face, etc. " Hi Sarah, Just adding my two cents on this too - I've been using fibrelash for a while now and think it's fabulous, although not the cheapest lash product on the market for sure. I'm trying to find out also whether you can buy the fibres separately also as they seem to go quicker then the mascara. Here's a review on it; http://www.simonelovesmakeup.com/2012/07/model-co-fibre-lash-brush-on-false-lashes.html Hiya Irish, Hmmm after a quick search it seems everyone is asking the same thing as you! I've just ordered my first pack of the fibre mascara set to try out and will keep hunting for the fibre only bottle :))

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