sarahlou123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sarahlou123

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 11:23
thanks for listening, just needed a rant. After taking a week off work I am glad to be back in the office for a rest! Am defo not going to let this happen again. Feeling very annoyed with myself, guess I just paid for stuff rather than having the awkward conversation to ask him to pay up or split the bill. My friends never expect me to pa for them they, they go grocery shopping, bring as much alcohol in as they can etc I always treat them to brunch at least once. One of my couple friends do my washing and ironing and the man does any DIY I need ha
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Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 11:19
Hi Ladies - just wondering if anyone knows if there is a bus service to the Rhianna Concert from Dubai? I can't seem to find anything on Google... I have never come across transport to Abu Dhabi concerts sorry
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Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 11:11
It was probably deleted as they don't like us organizing things amongst ourselves due to stranger danger ;-) giving out email addresses/phone numbers on an open forum :-)
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Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 10:27
Everytime I have visitors to stay I feel like I end up paying for everything. Considering people are getting free baord for a week I would have thought they would offer up a little bit more. Just spent nearly 6k in 8 days on paying for the taxi's everytime we go out (they seem to pay on card so never have cash) likewise for takeout food and when I also order in supplies for the cooked breakfast required every morning. When the bill comes at the end of the night I got fleeced a few times and at Sandance I paid for his ticket and a I even bought a bottle of Absolut. Considering how expensive hotels are here, If I was getting a free holiday I wouldnt think twice about offering to pay for all of my food/taxis etc. Is it just me or do you gals feel the same happens? 1100 a bottle are you crazy!!!!!!!! great night though ;-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 16:02
The labor law does not mention the need for her to have access to wifi... It doesn't for me either but I can use it at work
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 16:01
Taxi there, bus back. Have never had an issue with any transport in Dubai The free buses are fab! If you do want to drive then yes, easy to park as the car park is huge
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 14:31
Hi All We are going to Sandance for the first time tomorrow and as I won't be drinking was wondering if it was worth driving to avoid queues for buses/taxis? Has anyone driven to Sandance before and is it ok (ie traffic and parking) or would it be more trouble than it is worth? Many thanks Huge carpark but be warned do not go between 6-8pm as the traffic is awful We are going at 5pm as less traffic and people
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 11:16
Hi everyone My family and I are coming to Al Ain where my husband will be teaching at a British School. We have had a horrendous time in Jeddah and Qatar and although we have seen Al Ain online and have red about it, we have had such bad luck, we are still anxious....it looks like a good family place to live - we have a 21 month old and a 13 yr-old - yes, I know! Is it possible to have a chilled out life on a fairly low budget? Our apartment and utilities are paid for so our outgoings should not be high. Also is there anything I should bring from the UK that is hard to get in Al Ain? Finding tampons in Jeddah and Qatar was like looking for 4 leaf clovers...any advice would be great - we are due to arrive in December. You can get tampons in most if every supermarket In the UAE If you like vino then bring in from airport, then you can get your alcohol licence once here I find perfume, favourite brands of makeup more expensive here. Baby calpol, baby gaviscon ( They aren't here)
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:40
I found the sales staff in M&S were dreadful. It took me half an hour to return some of DH's trousers and exchange for the next size up - then they tried to fob me off with a pair that had a hole in, and then put them back on the shop floor when I rejected them. I said NO - someone else will pick them up, they need to go in the discount bin. And don't get me started on their bra fitting - not a clue. Ive never been measured round my waist then up by the n!pple for a bra. Apparently I am 1 back size bigger and 2 cup sizes larger than my actual size. Jesus wept. Sorry but the bra fitting story made me howl!
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:32
Hee hee - the only reason was I asked someone where I could get it and she pointed me in the direction of HN - never actually been to get it yet! Really fancy trying out the Surf Spray stuff, especially now that I've gone blonde blonde - thanks to Sharon :) Blondes do have more fun ha! I had mine done last night, it looks such much better today x
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:17
Does anyone know if you can get this in Dubai? If not, where can I order it from without paying 100% markup? TIA. I think someone said you can get it in Harvey Nicks Of course you knew :-) x I imagine it will be waaay overpriced here ha
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:16
Sit him down, tell him this applies to him, if he doesn't get act together he will be fired! Give him a timescale on when you expect to see improvements etc ... Give him a verbal and a written warning and if he doesn't adhere you can fire him That is part of the labor law I believe
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:10
I wouldn't pay it. If she wants to have expensive unnecessary injections that that is up to her but it should come out of her pocket. To be honest, if my maid insisted on running to the hospital for a jab and expecting me to pay for it every time she had a cold I'd be looking for someone new. As for the 'cultural difference' would she be getting it if she had to pay herself? I very much doubt it. I agree. I doubt she would be getting this "jab" if she was working illegally here or was at home. If she wants to go to the hospital for a cold (a virus and therefore no cure as such) she should do it in her own time and at her own expense. If the cold is a bad one, perhaps lighter duties for a couple of days and some warm lemon, honey, and ginger tea would do the trick. That is the treatment everyone in my family gets for a cold. We use exactly the same remedy for my family! Tea, lemon, honey and drinking a lot of OJ/water plus some chicken soup. Well, I've already declined to pay for the jabs, which is part of the problem. She seems to think that I'm totally unfair and unsupportive of necessary medical interventions, forcing her into choosing great (unending) suffering or forking over hundreds of dirhams for the jab (to end the cold). I have told her why I can't pay for it, but she clearly thinks I don't know what I'm talking about. We're both missing each other's points, I guess. If my husband weren't so adamant, I would probably negotiate to pay half. I have had a cold for over week now and a nasty cold sore. No injections for me Rest,fluids, paracetamol and vitamin C plus a daily gargle with soluble aspirin! I wouldn't pay for the jabs either and if this a regular thing then they obviously aren't working Get well soon, sarahlou! Thank you :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:09
A while ago I was promoted and part of my new job involves managing the company driver. This guy is nice enough but a "free spirit" in that he doesn't seem to realise that company policies apply to him. He'll do things like leave the car on reserve so when someone needs to go somewhere they have to wait for him to go and fill it. His uniform includes shoes but he keeps reverting to sandals, even when he goes to collect visitors. He ran up a 1100 dirham phone bill out of which 60 dirhams was business use. It took the admin girl a whole day to analyse his calls and he doesn't see why that's a problem even though he has happily agreed to pay it back to the company. He was asked to replace wheels on some other cars and days later when asked why it wasn't done, he said nobody had given him money! Ridiculous because he knows exactly who to go to for money. There are loads of little examples like this. Individually they seem petty, but together it's driving me crazy. Enough that I want to get him replaced with someone who is more rounded. I don't know how to deal with it. I have already had many many conversations with him and each time he makes out he understands but then he b*ggers off and does something ridiculous the very next minute. Any advice? Issue him with a verbal warning and if he doesn't pull his socks up Adios!
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:06
Does anyone know if you can get this in Dubai? If not, where can I order it from without paying 100% markup? TIA. I have never seen it in Dubai You can order online however some couriers will not ship liquids ( That is if you are ordering liquids)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:59
I wouldn't pay it. If she wants to have expensive unnecessary injections that that is up to her but it should come out of her pocket. To be honest, if my maid insisted on running to the hospital for a jab and expecting me to pay for it every time she had a cold I'd be looking for someone new. As for the 'cultural difference' would she be getting it if she had to pay herself? I very much doubt it. I agree. I doubt she would be getting this "jab" if she was working illegally here or was at home. If she wants to go to the hospital for a cold (a virus and therefore no cure as such) she should do it in her own time and at her own expense. If the cold is a bad one, perhaps lighter duties for a couple of days and some warm lemon, honey, and ginger tea would do the trick. That is the treatment everyone in my family gets for a cold. We use exactly the same remedy for my family! Tea, lemon, honey and drinking a lot of OJ/water plus some chicken soup. Well, I've already declined to pay for the jabs, which is part of the problem. She seems to think that I'm totally unfair and unsupportive of necessary medical interventions, forcing her into choosing great (unending) suffering or forking over hundreds of dirhams for the jab (to end the cold). I have told her why I can't pay for it, but she clearly thinks I don't know what I'm talking about. We're both missing each other's points, I guess. If my husband weren't so adamant, I would probably negotiate to pay half. I have had a cold for over week now and a nasty cold sore. No injections for me Rest,fluids, paracetamol and vitamin C plus a daily gargle with soluble aspirin! I wouldn't pay for the jabs either and if this a regular thing then they obviously aren't working
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:55
A few people where we live have mentioned this and we all suspect it's greedy landlords trying to scare them into moving out, so they can ask higher rents. I do know though, that a number have also won their cases when they have taken the landlord to court. Unfortunately a lot of landlords have no idea of the laws regarding tenants. Thank you If you can wait till the weekend I can let you have a copy of a document that someone created with all the info required for tenants in situations like this. I'd be more than happy to share it with you. Yes please thank you so much for your help
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:33
A few people where we live have mentioned this and we all suspect it's greedy landlords trying to scare them into moving out, so they can ask higher rents. I do know though, that a number have also won their cases when they have taken the landlord to court. Unfortunately a lot of landlords have no idea of the laws regarding tenants. Thank you
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:22
I have had an email today from my LL asking me for a vacating letter ( As per a new law apparently) I trust that you won't provide anything until you've confirmed the existence of this "new law" with RERA? She also states that is up to the new owner if they carry on with my tenancy contract which expires in May 2014. My understanding is that if she sells then the new owner has to provide me with proof of said sale and give me 12 months notice by notary public Is there any links etc I can quote regarding this "2.12 Eviction at Contract Expiry–12 Months’ Notice (Article 24 (2)) 2. Landlord may demand eviction of tenant upon expiry of tenancy contract limited to the following cases: a. If the owner wishes to demolish the property for reconstruction or to add new constructions that prevent tenant from benefiting from the leased property, provided that necessary licences are obtained. b. If the property requires renovation or comprehensive maintenance which cannot be executed while tenant is occupying the property, provided that a technical report issued by Dubai Municipality or accredited by it is to be submitted to this effect. c. If the owner of the property wishes to recover the property for use by him personally or by his next of kin of first degree provided that he proves that he does not own a suitable alternative property for that purpose. d. If the owner of the property wishes to sell the leased property. And for the purpose of clause (2) of this Article, Landlord must notify tenant with reasons for eviction [b'>at least twelve months prior to the determined date of eviction[/b'> subject that such notice be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail. Things to note here, firstly these 4 reasons are the ONLY reasons a LL can seek to evict you at contract expiry. Secondly they MUST give 12 months’ notice and that notice cannot be by email, text, phone etc. but by notary public or registered mail. Thirdly the date of eviction is 12 months from the expiry of your current contract i.e. if it is now 1st March and your contract runs until 30 July then eviction is on 30 July the following year" Hello, no I haven't. I have seen the above and have also spoken with a friend who is a company lawyer for a real estate company here. He said he will help me prepare a reply. I have never heard of this new law? and want her to prove this to me Thank you so much for your reply
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 16:30
I know this topic of plastic surgery has been done to death but was hoping there might be some of you who can offer your advice and/or recent experiences on Dr Dany Kayle or Dr Khan (in general but also for rhinoplasty). Would really appreciate it! DR Khan did another area for me and I found him and his team fantastic from start to finish After said op he gave me his personal mobile number for any emergencies! I had my op at the Belhoul in Satwa and couldn't of been happier Thanks for your reply Sarahlou123. Another point for Dr Khan. Naturally I'm pretty nervous and want to go with the right doctor so thanks for your input. You are welcome :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 14:39
This system seems to work well as long as I am still in the villa, but should I move out after my 12 month notice, how would I know if the landlord had sold the villa before it was rented again etc. Seems this would be difficult or not worth following through once one has moved on. Speak to the rent committee. All tenancy contracts are supposed to be registered therefore they should have a copy of any tenancy agreement
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 14:28
12 day 6 night Would that require heating? No, it has to get down to 3 in my house ha Why not ask your family to sleep in the freezer? I don't have a family
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 14:27
This might be a stupid question, but I haven't gone out in a long time let alone during Eid, but is Tuesday night a dry night? Sunday is
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 14:18
I did not think it was possible to sponsor a live-out maid? Are these maids under your visas? It is and yes they are under your visa
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 14:13
12 day 6 night Would that require heating? No, it has to get down to 3 in my house ha
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 14:13
Hello Does anyone know if the store is still open at DCC and MCC? as the MOE one closed Thanks No way!! I was annoyed when MEXX closed next door to that as well :( I wont buy from here just try on haha. My S&S account is getting a battering x
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 14:10
(ii) businesses suddenly become prepared to make less profit (unlikely) or (ii) customers are prepared to put up with paying higher prices to cover increased labour costs (also unlikely). It's the way it is here. . The businesses are more to blame and this is why: Prices of everything is similar to that in the West; but staff salaries of shop workers and laborers are much lower. So the customer effectively pays first world prices for stuff that is sold/built by people on 3rd world salaries It sounds crude but there is a big gap there, all of which can be traced to the business benefitting. Couldn't agree more. There are some extra costs for businesses here like shipping costs and import taxes, but there are also some very greedy people here. Did I read that prices here are similar to those in the West? M&S here is sooo much more expensive than the UK. Shipping costs and taxes aren't expensive its the distributors that set the prices that is why costs are higher here. Some items are 50% more expensive here <em>edited by sarahlou123 on 09/10/2013</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:59
High beam, is that a foundation? Where are you from? UK Its an illuminating liquid but you can use it on cheeks, forehead etc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:58
I'm looking for somebody to help me with the house and children from the 15th of November to the 30th of November so I can do my night and Saturday shift while my husband is away. I lived in Arabian ranches. The person could stay, eat and sleep at my place and have Thursday and Friday afternoon off. Thanks in advance. Hello You will have to use an agency for this Maybe some OP can recommend an agencies for you
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:54
BubblingCreek, if this is the case you should contact M&S and report the incident particularly which store this occured at so they can do something about it. Feedback for any retailer is the only way they improve things, whether good or bad. Twitter is usually a good place to start
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:53
I was walking past Faces in Ibn Batutta when I was set upon a sales lady from inside, wanting me to try this new Pore Minimiser. I was feeling tired and could not bother resisting, so I let her apply it to one of my upper cheeks. I looked in the mirror and was honestly knocked over by the instant change. Wow! I have never seen a fast and extreme result. I thought I'd pass the info on. It's by Benefit and it's called the Pore Fessional. You can apply it underneath and over your make up. I'm really amazed, and no, I do not work for either company :) I love Benefit products :-) It's the first time I've tried it and I also bought the lip and cheek stain :) Have a lot of their range. I like their high beam which makes dull skin glow! It just annoys me that it is so expensive here so I stock up at home
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:50
I am sure should there have been a problem the sales staff would have found one of the Arabic speakers to translate. Thanks, but there was a problem, so do not be so sure, or call me on my word. In fact, it was a big problem, the mans wife was feeling unwell, and he was trying to calm her at the same time as figure out the money for the bottle of water that she was much in need of. This may not have been a big deal to you, but I can promise you that it would have been had you have been the Saudi. When I was at home last I was in a shop browsing, I couldn't see my size on the rail so went to leave the store. The saleslady actually chased me to see if she could help, she rang round all the stores for me and found the size I needed. I think I am so used to awful CS here that I never bother asking staff in any country anymore.
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:38
I was walking past Faces in Ibn Batutta when I was set upon a sales lady from inside, wanting me to try this new Pore Minimiser. I was feeling tired and could not bother resisting, so I let her apply it to one of my upper cheeks. I looked in the mirror and was honestly knocked over by the instant change. Wow! I have never seen a fast and extreme result. I thought I'd pass the info on. It's by Benefit and it's called the Pore Fessional. You can apply it underneath and over your make up. I'm really amazed, and no, I do not work for either company :) I love Benefit products :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:37
thanks Cheeky Monkey for pointing that out. I am looking for a job. Since I am not there yet I am not familiar with all the salons there and just wanted to know good place I might be able to apply. I hate asking this question but where are you from? I know certain salons will only hire Irish/Australian or European stylists If you are from any of those countries I could give you the name Thanks I am from the USA. I have worked in high end salons most of my career. edited by suzieanna on 09/10/2013 Salon Ink Ted Morgan Maria Dowling Toni and Guy Roots ( Barsha and Jumeriah) Pastels ( Jumeriah) I don't know how well paid hairdressers are in this part of the world though
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:14
I thought this moving to Dubai lark would be a piece of cake - pack a suitcase and off we go! But the more research I'm doing the more questions (and sometimes panic) it raises - so sorry for all of the questions - but presumably everyone goes through that the first time! So - having paid our years rent in advance (yikes), is it really the case that you kiss goodbye to it if you leave within the year? (Because we are moving in December at some point we'll probably leave at the end of a school year in June - six months out). Or are there still notice clauses in the agreement (in which case we are relying on the landlord to re-imburse us?) Would we need to ask for this clause or is it standard? Or would we need to find someone to take over the tenancy? I have tried searching for this - but no luck - maybe because I'm looking for an unofficial answer. And I'd like to have some info / knowledge when we come to sign... Thanks (again!) Most LL I have come across will ask you to pay 2 months penalty for leaving earlier than 12 months If you could find another tenant then you wont be out of pocket. Even if you have it written into a contract I do not know if it is legal and the LL could still cash all cheques I would try and contact the rent committee in Dubai for advice
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 12:11
Hi all, Just a question about doctor visits and having a cold. I'm curious why my maid insists on going to hospital when she has a cold because, she tells me, she "needs an injection." I've never heard of this before, but she does it every time she's sick, which is several times a year. Has anyone ever heard of this? b Ask her what the injection is for? I've asked her every time - she said she doesn't know what it is, but she has to have it. And she complained that it's very expensive. That is scary that she is being injected with something but doesn't know what it is!
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 11:45
thanks Cheeky Monkey for pointing that out. I am looking for a job. Since I am not there yet I am not familiar with all the salons there and just wanted to know good place I might be able to apply. I hate asking this question but where are you from? I know certain salons will only hire Irish/Australian or European stylists If you are from any of those countries I could give you the name Thanks
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 11:44
Am after another VIP ticket if anyone is selling? I'm not but see you there :-)
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 11:43
NO!!! Stop eating. And exercise :-)
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 11:39
Hi all, Just a question about doctor visits and having a cold. I'm curious why my maid insists on going to hospital when she has a cold because, she tells me, she "needs an injection." I've never heard of this before, but she does it every time she's sick, which is several times a year. Has anyone ever heard of this? b Ask her what the injection is for?
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 10:36
Does anyone do this kind of sport for fitness? If so - any suggestions on where to practise it in Dubai? Have a look on Time Out Dubai Most of the gyms do KB classes
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 10:30
Never heard of her?
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 10:25
Flu Jab perhaps?
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 10:24
....buying a slimming belt? do they actually work? My friend bought one many moons again and said it was rubbish They may of advanced since then though <em>edited by sarahlou123 on 09/10/2013</em>
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 10:22
When I lived in Germany if you didn't even attempt to speak the language to staff in shops then they wouldn't speak back to you in English. We had no choice but to learn the basics, please, thank you, can I have, do you, numbers etc. If you tried then they would speak to you in English
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 10:15
Some of the posts on here make me howl!
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Latest post on 08 October 2013 - 16:33
Thank you everyone I will check all three out. I look forward to a pet-hair-free home in the near future! I nearly bought a Dyson but couldn't spend that much. I went on Which magazine and found one in the top 3 It is Hoover Airforce pets, half the price of the Dyson. It is so good and the cord is really long with many attachments. It is that powerful it lifts one of my rugs I bought it from c4 MOE
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Latest post on 08 October 2013 - 16:24
Had 2 rings from them, never an issue, would go back again I sometimes pop in so they can clean my ring which they do for free
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Latest post on 08 October 2013 - 16:17
I am a keen ocean swimmer and I have been doing this 3Xweekly since I arrived in January. This morning I was strung badly and I saw a few very long, scary jellyfish. I am so dishearted about this and my morning routine. Does anyone know whether this is a one-offf or a regular occurence for this time of year.... and for how long?? They usually hand around for a month of so There are many close to the shore at this time of year as the weather is cooling. I remember Dubai having a spate of blue ones, be careful!
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Latest post on 08 October 2013 - 16:12
I really want to get the Dyson DC34 Animal Handheld Vacuum with Longer Run Time for Pet Owners. I've found it on amazon but wondering if they sell it here? Thank you. Try ICE4uae.com C4 website they only deliver though I am sure i have seen it on there