SEY83 | ExpatWoman.com
 

SEY83

943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 09:02
Hello Ladies! I'm back! Well as much as I can be back, Snow White is right that I haven't logged on in a while and instead have been running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything sorted not to mention that work is incredibly busy :-( So unfortunately I never did my last Insanity workout, and that really upsets me. I was due to do it on the day my maid did a runner and then I literally haven't had a second to myself since then to do anything, let alone workout. I ended up getting my mom to come over to help out with my kids whilst at work as I couldn't find a daily maid anywhere. It was all a bit of a mess, but things are now sorted and my new maid arrives on Sunday. I haven't heard from my previous maid, all I know is that she ran off to be with her "lover" - absolutely no consideration for the fact that she has a husband and child back home!! I suspect that she will regret her decision, when the guy either dumps her or has her engaged in illegal activities. I had absolutely no warning at all other than she has been very off for the last couple of months, lots of attitude and my house was filthy! She left her passport and half of her clothes with us. We cancelled her visa immediately and submitted her passport to the authorities so we have no liability for her at all. So back to Insanity...I thought it didn't make sense to go back and do the last workout as the gap was too big. So on Monday I went back and did workout one and it felt good!!!! I have decided to repeat the program, but not on a daily basis - hopefully every other day. The every day thing was really hard, and now I really just want to maintain all of my hardwork. I didn't workout for two weeks straight and I felt awful...haha its amazing how long it takaes to build up muscle and how quickly they "deflate". The good news is that Plyo cardio circuit was actually really easy comparative to when I did it the first time around. i was nearly able to complete it all without stopping which felt good!! Snow White - how are you doing? Have you lost more weight?? I hope that you have fully recovered from your injury. Pepito - have you been able to keep up with the workout? I would love to know how you're getting along.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 08:56
I wish I could say that I have reached the end :-( My maid ran away and that has pretty much thrown everything in turmoil for me at the moment. Despite the anger and betrayal I feel towards my maid, I can't even begin to describe the inconvenience when I work full time and rely on her to look after my toddler during the day. Thankfully she didn't take anything or do anything to harm me or my family, but I am so frustrated. I am hoping to do the last session today - I feel like the final week of Insanity has been a joke, but I will finish it! I really miss month 1, so I'm sure I'm going to dabble in Insanity. I'm thinking of repeating the program but every other day rather than every day - the 6 days a week was tough! I also want to mix in some swimming, running and the gym and take it from there.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 10:22
I'm so glad it's not just me that is frustrated at this! I honestly don't even see the point of the detour. Like you said, it had better not be permanent!!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 09:08
Has anybody else heard the rumour about Carrefour opening up in the sales centre building?? Nope - but that would be pretty cool! Is anybody else as annoyed at me about the detour that the West Heights residents now have to do via the East Heights to exit Exec?? I cant even begin to explain to you how much that annoys me, especially as I watch the traffic light switch from green to red and the car infront of me is going at about 2kph!!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 17:10
Wasn't she also in the wrong as she was in the left lane turning right? It seems like you were both in the wrong lane to me - like others said, it really depends on which lane you were turning off onto.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 16:04
My last workout tonight!!! Although I'm going to do the fit test tomorrow as well. Snow White I can't believe your starting again from Day 1! There is no way that I could start all over now! Good for you though, you really are a trooper! How is your injury?? I hope that you are okay. Pepito - maybe the difference between you and Snow White ordering is that she used Shop and Ship and you tried ordering directly from Amazon? Do you have a shop and ship account? <em>edited by SEY83 on 10/03/2013</em>
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 17:07
Oh Snow White, that is terrible. Firstly, I hope that you are okay, your accident sounds terrible. Please tell me it was nothing to do with Insanity was it??!! Secondly, don't feel too bad about having to take a break - lol the exact advice that you kept telling me. I keep having to remind myself that I am not an olympian athlete and so what if we go off course for a few days for whatever the reason may be? The main thing is that you get better and that you are okay. Depending on how long you take off, I would just finish the program and thinking about repeating it later. Or if you have to take off more than a week, then maybe do the last week of month 1 again to ease in your body and then pick up with the last two weeks of month 2. I know that you feel annoyed, because that is exactly how I felt when I hurt my neck, but it is what it is I guess. Don't forget how fantastic you have done this - you didn't skip a single workout! I have also not trained for the last two days and I'm trying not to feel guilty about it. Honestly I have been working 15 hour days and just mentally I couldn't get myself to train. Every time somebody asks me I give them this big long reason as to why I haven't trained and feel like I need to over justify myself, and I guess that's because I feel bad. But, I'm trying not to think that I am a failure for not completely sticking to the schedule, I have tried my best but it's really really hard!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 20:56
TDB I'm not sure what your working hours are, but you do know that legally you are entitled to a nursing hour everyday right? I think it's supposed to be if you're actually breast feeding, but I know countless women that take advantage of this even though they are not breast feeding...who is going to check?! In my office we had the option to use the nursing hour at the end of the day and so I used to leave early. If that's not something you're already utilizing then make sure that you do! An extra hour a day is so vital.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 20:41
Visited DS the other day.He was soaking wet couldn't wait to show me why.....Insanity.Has been doing it for a month and is totally hooked,he says he has never worked this hard but loving every minute. That's fantastic Nomad! As hard as it is there is definitely appeal. Lol although for me at the moment I currently have five days left and i am so glad to see the back of it! Has he lost weight doing it?
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 20:39
For me, like you, the huge appeal of insanity was being able to train from home plus still train hard. I'm not good at aerobics type workouts where you have to be coordinated. You don't need to be coordinated at all to do Insanity! I work full time and have two children, so I like being able to workout in front of them. They usually come in and out of the room the whole time I am working out - its nice. So how to get it? Unfortunately Insanity is not sold in Dubai so you can either order it online from Amazon or I know people that have been able to download it but I doubt it is legal :( I currently have a massive queue of people in line for my copy once I am done with it! The problem is I don't actually want to give it to anyone as I want to do it again at some stage...lol I'm going to have to keep making excuses not to part with it. I have 5 days left to go...for now I'm happy to see the back of this program but I know that on some odd way I will miss it! From what you have written I definitely think you should give Insanity a go. Let me know how you get on!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 20:28
You are definitely not the youngest mom! Yes lots of women are having children later in life but there are still loads of women that start having a family when they are in their early twenties. I had my first daughter when I was 24.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 14:05
Hi pepito! Well done for even thinking about doing Insanity! The first question i will ask you, is how strong is your willpower? Honestly, this is one very very tough program, and there have been so many days where I have had to force myself to workout, because I just don't want to do it. I'm lucky to be one of those people that refuses to quit something I have started (I even force myself to finish reading books that I hate!) so quitting was not an option for me. But, I can see many people giving up after the first couple of sessions. So firstly, I guess you have to ask yourself if you do have the willpower or not. I'm speaking on behalf of me and Snow White here, so Snow White please object if you disagree! In terms of weight, neither of us have dropped masses of amounts on the scales. I have lost 2.5kgs and I think Snow White is around the same. I think Snow White has dropped at least a dress size. I haven't dropped a dress size, but my body type is such that I need to lose about 10kgs to go from one dress size to another, but my clothes are so much looser on me now. My whole body is toned, I have muscles! My stomach does not hang out anymore, my face anad neck are more defined, etc. The difference is very noticeable so much so that everybody thinks I have lost loads and loads of weight. I 110% guarantee that you will achieve your goal of toning up and at least looking like you have lost 5-6kgs IF you commit to the program as it is intended to run. Basically, you have 4 workouts that you need to do in the first month. They are tough, and when you first start out your body will absolutely ache. But don’t give up if you can’t do some of the moves because eventually you will be able to. I couldn’t do a push up at the start of this and I pulled off two sets of 16 pushups each times three last night (well I collapsed half way through some of them!). The first month workouts are about 40 minutes give and take. You then have a recovery week, where you still do a workout but it’s not as intense. Second month is a whole different story – if you think month one is hard then month 2 is a killer! The workouts now range between 50-60 minutes and the level of intensity just goes up – if you can even imagine that to be possible! So what am I trying to say? Yes the pain is definitely worth it, because the results are incredible for what you can achieve in a two month period. But, you have to committed, you need a whole load of willpower, and you will hate Shaun T!! And Snow White and I promise to cheer you on!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 13:09
I need some advice on all of this because I am completely clueless unfortunately. I haven't been sending any money back home, although I know I should. I want to buy a house in the UK and I want to fund the deposit of that through my savings here. How do I transfer that money to my bank account in the UK? I assuming that the bank will question where the money is from, but is a letter and my employment contract from my employer enough evidence of income? I think I have declared that I am working overseas (although not entirely sure, although my tax returns get sent to my work address here). Also, is the money taxable, and if it is, how is this calculated? Any advice would be much appreciated.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 12:14
300 - 400 calories??!! That's it??!?!? Noooo!!! I refuse to believe that! I read on some fitness forum somewhere that a girl was burning 900 calories on her HRM for MIC. I read others around 600-700. I know it depends on the person and how hard you push. To be honest I don't really think these things are incredibly accurate, but at least you now have some indication. Plus we can actually see the results in our clothes and weight (kind of!). You are right that the workouts seem to get easier, I just hate the length of them. So I guess that will definitely rule at P90X for me. Yesterday I had cardio and abs and felt nauseus during and after - I have not felt nauseus during a workout since week 1! Charlean Extreme did look appealing to me, haha she just seems incredibly irritating! I think my next step will be Jillian, but like you I don't want to do a 6 days a week intense program for a while. Plus next time I decide to do something like this I will not plan it when I have masses of family over and a huge party in the middle! The lack of sleep has been killing me, I'm actually proud of myself for not quitting. I think the JM Full Body Revolution is cardio and weights, the huge appeal of it is that it's only 30 minutes per session. I think my friend is going to give me her box set after she is done. She's probably just over half way through it and has lost a few kilos, but she has also been watching her diet. For now...bring on next Friday!!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 09:57
Snow White I officially hate Insanity! Lol I'm so over it now...I cannot wait to be finished. Having said that I do think I will go back to it at some point in the future (definitely month 1!) but for now I seriously need a break! 9 workouts to go!! Lol @ your comment about Zumba...unfortunately I'm pretty much the same, I cannot keep up with dance classes, I'm completely uncoordinated in that sense - I can't even keep up with the 1-2-3 heismans (how do they go so fast?!?!!). I just feel Iike I need something light hearted and fun after the intensity of Insanity. I'm very tempted by the hip hop abs CD, it looks like so much fun! Jillian Michaels definitely appeals to me. How does it measure in terms of intensity compared to Insanity? I have a friend doing the full body revolution (I think it's called that) and I'm not sure that it is as tough as Insanity. So do you think i would be taking a step backwards doing it after Insanity? I guess anything is a step backwards after Insanity... I will definitely go and explore the HRMs this weekend. How many calories have you been burning per session? Is it anywhere near the alleged 1,000 calories per session? My gut tells me it's very far off that number.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 14:19
Sey, did you get awesome results from this?? Hi Beebers! Yes!!! I'm thrilled with the results, I've had so many compliments lately and it feels good!! I have only lost 2.5kgs, but I know that I have lost so many inches all over my body. My clothes feel a lot looser and I'm wearing things that haven't fit me in a while. Having said that, I injured my neck about two weeks ago and so I had to take some time off (three days), it's also affected the way that I now train as I am scared of injury and the ridiculous amount of pushups and jumps in month 2 will always get my neck hurting :( I have ten days left and then I will be done. I can't wait!!! The intensity of month 2 is on a whole different level to month 1 and my body is exhausted! I'm looking forward to be done with the program but I'm also worried about how I'm going to keep up the exercise level! I think I might do round two of the program in a few weeks but right now I need a break!! I'm pretty sure that Snow White will also attest to how awesome the results are yet how hard the program is!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 13:12
Hi Snow White! I'm still here, but things have gotten a little crazy for me at the moment. This weekend has been a whirlwind of events, between the party, dinners, lunches, and a whole load of family and friends reunited I pretty much need a holiday!!! The engagement party was fantastic, such a good night. Unfortunately as a result I have kind of fell off the Insanity wagon :-( Actually it's not that bad, I have managed to do everyday of week 2, but yesterday I had an additional rest day (so two in a row). Honestly, I'm exhausted both physically and mentally! We have been sleeping at 5am for the last three days and have then been running around at full speed, so yesterdaya I couldn't for the life of me sum up the willpower to workout. Plus my neck still isn't at 100% so I figured I'd would rather have two workouts than do a halfass attempt at working out yesterday...I do feel guilty though :( So I start week 3 today, and honestly I can't wait to finish now! I hate MIC which is what I have tonight - it's the three rounds of three sets each. It's funny how we all have different workouts we prefer and hate - Max Cardio is actually my favourite out of month 2! I doubt I'm going to do the fit test tonight (or at least not combined with MIC) , I'm just going to do the last fit test at the very end of the program and see how much I have progressed in month 2 from start to finish. I have to admit that being injured took away some of the joy I feel doing the workouts. I have a slipped disk in my back and know what that pain is like so I'm trying to avoid it at all cost (luckily Insanity hasn't irritated my back again at all which is what I orginally feared). I feel the strain on my neck during a lot of the pushups and jumps and it stops me giving that extra push. I'm definitely not going to repeat Insanity anytime soon, but like you, I do want to find something else to do. I'm thinking about Zumba which I have heard so much about! i can see myself doing the odd Insanity workout two or three times a week, but I will pick and choose what I want to do depending on how I feel - i also don't want this hard work to go to waste!!! You have to tell me the results of the HRM. I think I should get one myself - which one did you get for how much if you don't mind me asking?
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 13:07
I didn't find that to be honest. I did 9 GCSEs, each had three of four exams per subject, and our day at school was back to back with lessons. I actually think going into IB was an easier transition. Yes the subjects are obviously harder but you only have 6 to focus on. The extended essay was probably the hardest part of it, because 4000 words seems so daunting (but then you get into uni and find that 4000 words is just another assignment). Then CAS and TOK were actually really enjoyable. We had a few free periods throughout the week, so it definitely didn't seem as tough as the prep for GCSEs. You might be right that the MYP helps build a better foundation for IB, well I guess you must be right else what's the point?! But, I also think the GCSEs are a good enough foundation so I wouldn't be too worried. I think the IB is a fantastic program. My DD is currently in a British school (FS2 mind!) but I would ultimately want her to do IB over A Levels.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 13:01
I found a dress!! It's gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it! At least now I will look somewhat better wearing it than 6 weeks ago :D I don't really have a specific target in mind - at least not a weight one. I just wanted to fit better in my clothes and be able to buy new clothes and look good in them! I would love to lose about 10kgs, but with the way our bodies are transforming in terms of muscle building and fat going, I don't think having a weight target in mind is reasonable anymore. Yeah I definitely don't wobble anymore! Lol my boobs have also shrunk, but I'm not complaining about this at all! I think, although don't hold me to this, that most of the moves in Max Cardio you have seen before, or if you haven't they're not that bad. I think there are only two or three pushup type exercises. I think the hardest are push up abs, kind of like the low plank obliques, but you have to do pushups at the same time. Honestly I found this a walk in the park next to MIC and MIP!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 12:43
I think most IB schools do the IGCSE's first anyways (I might be wrong). Anyways from my own personal experience, I did the GCSEs and then IB. My school was an International School, but it didn't have the PYP program, at least it didn't when I was there. Usually with GCSEs you do a broad range of subjects, at least 8 or 9 subjects, with multiple exams, so to then do the IB Diploma I think is good preparation as you also do a range of subjects. Anyways I don't have anything to compare with, but I would say the GCSEs are good prepartion for IB. Hope this helps!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 10:55
I was looking to buy a Maclaren stroller about 7 or 8 months ago, and I could only find two or three models - I searched everywhere! I'm not sure what the situation is like now though. The places that had the ones I saw were Mothercare and Babyshop, although probably only one or two models each. I actually ended up by a Silver Cross pushchair from Mothercare (http://www.silvercross.co.uk/pushchairs/). I was looking for a pushchair for a 9 month old, so I didn't need all the trimmings of a newborn pushchair. The price was reasonable, it's light weight, easay to maneouvre. So just something for you to consider if you can't find a Maclaren.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 10:43
I had MIP last night as well. Actually it's much better when you do it knowing the moves, rather than dicovering them for the first time. I remember the first time I did it I was very conscious that there were about ten different types of pushups but this time it was a lot easier. Having said that I still took a gazillion breaks - but then I look at the guys on screen and so do they! I prefer MIP to MIC though, simply because I like that the last round is just a few one minute exercises rather than 3 sets. I feel MIC is too repetitive in that respect. I did a lot better on the level 3 drills, although for each set I can do 16 pushups, then 16 runs but then I need to break before going into the next 16, so I end up doing about 9 or 10 pushups on the last set...I'm hoping I will eventually get there! The squat pushups and the power pushups I find difficult though. With the squat pushups I dont have the strength in my triceps to pull myself back up in one move, and with the power pushups I cant go from plank and jump onto my flat feet, I end up on my toes with bent knees! I figure though whatever I'm doing is better than nothing. I know what you mean about sweating. I actually dont sweat at all generally, in the gym I sweat underarms, neck, and thaats pretty much it. Now I'm sweating everywhere, although I still don't drip, but for me this is huge amounts of sweat! My brother told me he spent half the workout mopping up the floor! My back is a lot better, i was worried about plyo due to the huge amounts of jumps and pushups, but I feel better than I did 2 days ago, so I'm happy. I'm currently getting loads of compliments to say I look a lot better and people keep asking me how much weight I have lost. In reality I have only lost 2kgs, but I look like I have lost more. How is your body changing? You have Cardio tonight right? I actually find cardio the easiest in month 2. It's similar in format to month 1, in that you don't do sets. It's 29 minutes of one minute exercises, but, you take breaks between moves whilst Shaun T shows you what to do so it actually isn't as bad as month 1 with 16 straight minutes. I'm thinking the rest of week 2 actually isn't bad for me. I have max recovery tonight, then cardio and finally I do the core conditioning from recovery week. Probably a good thing as I have my brother's engagement party on Thursday and a million family members have descended on us! Have you got the normal box set or the deluxe edition? I think with the deluxe edition you can switch a couple of the workouts. i just have the normal edition.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 14:55
I've heard lots of bad experiences with Groupon but never Cobone, but I could be wrong. My advice would be to ring the hotel and let them talk you through the T&Cs over the phone so that you have no surprises.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 13:55
Hi Snow White! Your results are amazing!!! Well done you! I know exactly what you mean about some just staying the same, that happened with me, but I guess they were the exercises that you can only get so much better at. The pushup type exercises, like you, I'm thrilled about my improvement considering I could only do about one at the start of this! How did you find month 2?? You had MIC right? I hate that one, because you have to repeat three sets of three rounds...it's so long! Haha only good thing about it is that Tania is not there...lol I don't know why she irritates me?! Probably because she is always smiling!! My neck has improved I am very very happy to say. So much so that I restarted training on Saturday. All in all I missed one plyo session. I took four days off but one was my rest day, and I have picked up at the start of week two so I only have missed one session. Having said that I am trying to take it easier (if that's possible!) so as not to injure myself again. I did MIC last night, and the good news is that in general it feels easier than when I did it the first time around (although I still collapse in a heap on the floor after doing the full body drills and plank punches - lots of breaks!). I have to say I miss month one still!! Honestly don't know what Shaun T is thinking with these exercises...plus I have a theory that he himself could not get through a full hour of Insanity!!! xxx
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 16:02
I have no idea if this place is any good, but I received a leaflet for them through my door a couple of weeks ago: www.mantrafitnessclub.com They seem to have a range of classes, no idea about the prices. They're in one of the towers in Business Bay - not sure which one! Lol no idea if I am being helpful here!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 11:18
I know I've done the right thing by stopping, I'm just really upset about it! Actually that's probably a good sign as it shows that deep down I actually am really enjoying this program - I feel like a lost soul after work not knowing what to do with myself! I'm glad that I feel better today because surely that means I am recovering, but yeah I might go and get it checked out if I don't make huge progress. I think doing the fit test on the same day as your last recovery workout is a great idea...I honestly don't know what Shaun T was thinking by putting it on the same day as your first month 2 workout. i know that the fit test is short, but its probably then one video where you push yourself the hardest because you want to prove to yourself that you are improving...I'm usually exhausted by the end of it. I'll bet you're now reaping the true benefits of recovery week, I remember I found the first couple of days hard (probably because in my mind I was expecting a week of stretching!) but then towards the end I felt my body actually had "recovered". Having said that, I think the shoulder plies at the end might have been a contributing factor to how my back is now feeling - I would force myself to keep my hands up even though I felt like I was going to dislocate my arms, and the place between your arms where it burns the most is exactly where you back/neck is hurting me now. Then add to that the pushups, jumps and 8 hours at my desk on the computer each day... Looking forward to month 2 is the right attitude. Haha I remember the amount of times I swore at Shaun T when I watched him show us how to do the month 2 exercises, but then when you do the workouts the second time around it isn't quite as bad because you have seen/tried the moves before. i can only imagine that by the end of the month they will get easier, but even the fitness professional at the back are close to passing out at some stages!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 10:30
Just about...altho officially on a break from Insanity :( Absolutely gutted mind. I've badly injured my lower neck/upper back I'm just hoping it's not a serious injury because I'm pretty sure it's not muscular. There are so many push-ups and jumps in month 2 that I think the high impact has taken it's toll on me. I've been in pain for the last week I would say, but i was training through and progressively getting worse, so I decided on Tuesday I would skip that day's workout (especially since it was plyo which is the worst for push-ups and jumps) and then Wednesday is my usual rest day anyways. I was hoping to get back into it today, but I think I'm going to give it one more day off. The good news is that I do feel a lot better today. I don't want to quit!!! I feel like a failure :( I will try my hardest to complete the program though. How are you doing on recovery week? I actually really enjoyed that workout towards the end of the week.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 10:55
He on his own is residing in Business Bay. However, with 2 kids and a lot more junk we need a bigger place and are looking at options. I like Mirdif however what we ideally want at Al Shurooq is not available. If he is happy in the Business Bay area then why don't you look at the podium villas in the Executive Towers. They're massive, and there is a good community where kids go out and play everyday. Just make sure you get one facing out to the road, as the ones facing in mean that people walking on the podium can see straight into your living room. I'm not sure what you budget is but the location is fantastic
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 10:08
Dubai Mall next door to Zara by the fashion runway thing.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 10:05
BHS have proper bridesmaid dresses for girls but they're actually very overpriced here in comparison to the UK, you're talking about 350+ dhs. I bought a bridesmaid type dress from BHS in the UK for my daughter which was around 28 GBP, here it cost 350 dhs. kates01 is completely right about the Bustan Centre. There are thousands of dresses there, for girls and women. I have been there three times in the last couple of weeks looking for the perfect dress for my brother's engagement party. You do need patience though to sift through the dresses, they have pretty much every single style under the sun from very simple to very bling. It's worth a trip there, but Debenhams/BHS will be cheaper.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 11:42
so two votes for Shakespeare's... Cheesecake factory is out as wild horses couldn't drag me to DM on a Friday afternoon...... insanity :\: Still a nightmare on a Friday but the branch in MOE is a much better option!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 09:01
Cheesecake Factory? I'm also a fan of the Lime Tree Cafe carrot cake.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 13:59
Definitely available at Home Centre, I have seen them there recently.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 12:42
Another update...I did Max Recovery yesterday. I didn't really like it. Probably my least favourite workout of the lot. Lol first of all Shaun T is in leggings! Lol secondly I felt like it was ballet training! Ok I'm being harsh, but this wasn't really one for me, I have never been a fan of yoga type exercise, and whilst this isn't yoga there is a lot of slow stretches. The shift has definitely moved from lower body to upper body in month 2. Again there is lots of plank work and push ups in the Max Recovery workout. I was working until exhaustion, but I still can't do 16 straight pushups! Lol I might be bias about this one because my kids were running around like crazy and trying to interrupt me even though I was in my room.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 09:57
TDB you will hear back from them very quickly if your application is rejected. Best way to ensure it has been accepted is if the money gets charged to your credit card (which is the first thing they do), my understanding is that they don't charge you unless the documents are complete. I think we got charged 4 or 5 days after sending the application. I dont advise you calling them unless you absolutely have to. I once did this because my DD's passport was late coming back to us. You can't speak to an operator until you give them your CC details. With me they give me the wrong information and told me that my DD's passport was en route to Uganda. I can't remember the exact details of how it happened, but I could only verify the information after I closed the line, and then I had to call them back because it was their mistake and I still had to give my CC details to speak to an operator and we had to start over from scratch. Whole thing cost me around 200 dhs, I was so annoyed!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 10:03
OMG so month 2....three days in and I am stiff and in pain :-( It's a whole different level to month 1. The moves become more complex, Shaun T combines a lot of the old moves and then makes them harder if that is even possible!! So here's the low-down on the three I have done so far: Max Interval Circuit - first of all my one big piece of advice is DO NOT try to do the fit test and then this workout straight after each other. If you can do the fit test in the morning and then do the workout in the evening. Or possibly, do the fit test on your day off. I think I'm so exhausted now because that day just took so much out of me. As for the actual workout, firstly it's one hour long. The warm-up is tougher than month 1, it involves switch kicks and something called s-s hops where you basically get down with you palms on the floor and then kick your legs up from the right side to the left side - and thaat's the warm-up!! The good thing about the warm up is that round 3 is only 15 seconds an exercise but you go full power. The actual workout is then 3 rounds (as oppose to two) or 3 sets each. The exercises are difficult! Max Interval Plyo is also very hard, it's 55 minutes - I think I counted 7 types of pushups?!?!! Side push-ups, balance push-ups, one legged v-pushups, level 3 drills (16 pushups then 16 runs), and the list goes on. There are also a lot of jumps involved. Many of the exercises are new. It's 2 rounds and then about 6 or 7 minutes at the end of one-off exercises. After doing this, and the fit test and MIC the day before I was on the verge of collapsing :( Max Cardio isn't that bad, I think it was 48 minutes. The main workout is around 30 minutes of one minute per exercise. The good thing is that you rest a few seconds between exercises in order for Shaun T to explain how the next move is done. I much preferred this to Max Plyo and MIC, but my body feels like it has been abused! Today I have Max Recovery - I will let you know how that goes...I doubt it will be a walk in the park :( Net net I'm in pain...give me back month 1! This is a whole new level of exercise...
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 15:30
DH likes to walk through the door after work to a plate on the table, whereas I like to unwind of an evening, shower, change, crack open some vino and sit down to a meal much later on. He likes to eat 6:30ish whereas I'm more European and prefer an 8 - 9pm meal. Plus - 6:30pm is when I'm giving baby her bottle, and getting her down to sleep, so it's not really feasible for me to cook and have things on the table then either or even 7pm. Also - he is of the mentality that when he's eating, he's eating and it's over within 10 mins. I prefer to take my time, have a conversation, talk about the day and spend some time together. Quite often he will be finished while I'm still halfway through eating and will get up, put his plate in the sink and that's that! What is everyone else's dinnertime routine? Do you eat early with children or do you have a separate meal later on? What is the average dinner time. DH is convinced I'm weird whereas I think he is!! Are we married to the same guy?!?!?! Drives me crazy!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 15:29
I couldn't just not do it. Here are my fit test results, going to do Max Interval Circuit in a couple of hours: Switch kicks: 90 &gt; 110 &gt; 109 Power jacks: 50 &gt; 47 &gt; 51 Power knees: 62 &gt; 78 &gt; 80 Power jumps: 23 &gt; 26 &gt; 31 Globe jumps: 4 &gt; 7.5 &gt; 9.5 Suicide jumps: 11 &gt; 12 &gt; 12 Push-up jacks: 8 &gt; 12 &gt; 18 Low plank obliques: 20 &gt; 30 &gt; 38 All in all not bad. I'm not surprised that some didn't improve or only improved slightly - my muscles still feel tired! I'm happy that my upper arms have gotten stronger with the push up type exercises though :-)
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 10:51
I just made the huge mistake of going on YouTube and watching a video of a supposed Beachbody Coach completing Max Interval Circuit and he looked like he was about to pass out (him and his 67 abs!). So the video is an hour, and lets just say the warm up alone makes month one look like a walk in the park... I'm getting serious advice from my brothers to not bother with the fit test and if i insist to do it then certainly to do the two trainings straight after each other. They said it will completely detract form the actual workout. I miht try and do one early afternoon and then the second in the evening. I'm confused now! I downloaded the nutrition booklet and made the same calculation (although I have now forgotten my result!). It's very helpful and seems accurate. I would just love an accurate calorie count for the actual workout itself!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 12:32
Hahahahaha @ the spade!!! I'm so scared about tomorrow :-( It's fit test and workout!!!! I will definitely keep you posted! I have felt a lot stronger doing recovery week. It's odd but somehow you do recover, my muscles arent tired any more. You're right Snow White, I'm also a working mom so Insanity work well :-) I haven't done any recovery shakes at all...I'm thinking I should now in month 2 at least. Do you wear an HRM?? I was thinking of getting one as I'd like an idea of how many calories are being burned per session.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 10:06
By the way, if you're lazy like me then Lifco sell kousa and aubergine with the cores already removed :D
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 09:27
I do the following to stuff 10-12 small-sized aubergines/courgettes so adjust the recipe accordingly: For the filling: - 200g mince meat - 1 cup of rice (I use the brand Sun White) - 1 large tablespoon of tomato paste - 1 tablespoon of margerine (or whatever you use) - salt and mixed spices (Aleppo Pepper) So you mix all of those ingredients together and stuff the aubergines/courgettes with the mixture. Don't fill them too much as the rice will expand during cooking and if they are too full then the aubergines/courgettes will tear. Then arrange them in the saucepan so that the openings are facing up. I put lamb bones under them to give more flavour whilst cooking. Then you need to use something to press them down in the saucepan. I cover them with a plate and put a heavy stone over them. I'm not sure why this is done to be honest, but this is what everyone I know does! I presume it's to stop them floating around! Then add water to the saucepan so that it covers the edges of the plate. Then add the juice of 2 lemons, 1 large tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of mint, about 8 cloves of crushed garlic and a teaspoon of salt. Once the mixture boils put it on the lowest heat setting and leave to boil gently for about 1.5 - 2 hours. I would check them after 1.5 hours to see the progress, you will know once the skin goes soft. The water covering them should be a little thicker than just water with the tomato paste. If you find it's watery then add more tomato paste - it's nicer for it to be a little thicker. <em>edited by SEY83 on 06/02/2013</em>
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 09:10
Sorry to hijack the thread but I am looking at booking a week in Phuket in April and found the flights with Etihad to be cheaper and at more convenient times so thinking of booking with them rather than Emirates. Has anyone done this and how do they compare to Emirates? Also I just looked at how much it would cost to park at the airport (1 week) and its over 1000 dhs!! I dont fancy getting the coach because we would still have to get to the Marina Mall for pick up. Do Etihad offer private transfers if you travel economy? - obviously i would pay! Or can anyone recommend a private company that are reliable for Dubai - Abu Dhabi transfers? TIA :) We flew with Etihad from AD to Phuket last year - not sure if it still is, but it was a collaboration with Air Berlin via AD to Phuket. Just to warn you the plane we flew on was very dated - no individual video screens at all and the food was dire! DDs were not impressed - I had my Kindle and had my nose stuck in 50 Shades so it didn't bother me :D Thanks for the feedback. It is still operated by Air Berlin and I have done a search for reviews and most of them are pretty bad. I think we will stick to what we know and book Emirates, that also solves the problem of getting to and from Abu Dhabi airport. I did the Etihad flight (co-shared Air Berlin) to Phuket in August 2012 - absolutely no issues at all! I was majorly concerned that the flight would be of a bad standard, because I was the one responsible organising the trip for 18 odd people and I don't think I could have dealt with any criticism! I too read all the reviews online and I was very wary, but at the end of the day it was a direct flight to Phuket (EK didn't have a direct flight at the time) and so logistically it worked out much better for us all and so we took it. We had no issues at all with the airline. We each had individual entertainment and headphones were provided (I read somewhere that we had to pay for them!! This wasn't true). I actually queried it with the travel agent we booked with and she told us that Etihad had gone to great lengths to standardize the service to match that of other Etihad flights. I can't remember what the food was like, but I'm not a fan of in-flight food so it would never leave a lasting impression on me! I don't recall it being terrible. The flight times were great though which was a huge plus for us. About the parking, this was also an issue for us as I saw it was over 1,000 dhs, but then closer to the travel date Abu Dhabi did an offer over the summer where you paid something like 200 dhs for 10 days so that worked out great as well. I'm sure I read/heard that they still have such an offer on - I will check for you! We stayed at the Dusit Thani Hotel on the Laguna. It's about 30 minutes away from Patong but if we ever went back I wouldn't stay anywhere else. I highly recommend it. There are about 7 hotels there (the Banyan Tree being one of them). We were able to get to and from Patong very easily with tuc tucs.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 16:32
Yay Talia! There's one more of us out there!! Not even 45 minutes sometimes - the workouts in the first month range from 33 minutes to 42 minutes. Don't worry though, after 33 minutes you want to die! It's a VERY intense 33 minutes! If you have done P90X then I think you are already half way there. Let us know how you get on...I go into month 2 on Thursday and I am terrified!!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 10:05
Loool at least you can now start recovery week knowing what to expect! Lets just say that Level 1 drills are included during the workout...3 more days until month 2 for me eeeeekkkk! No more weight loss :-( I too have lost inches, although I don't feel like I have lost anymore than I did the first two or three weeks. I also now have a sore knee but I am training through! I have been told that the real results come in during month 2 so I am hoping for that! I think you are now feeling how I was, by the start of week 4 I too was physically exhausted which is why recovery week was a welcome break and I was so disappointed when I saw it was a proper workout. Having said that I do feel now that I am doing better at recovery week, I'm not as tired at the end of the session as I was on Thursday so I feel my body is recovering from the last 4 weeks. I also managed to get all the way through the shoulder burners without putting my arms down though (although I still couldn't fully hold the plie for 3 minutes!) - you will see what I mean! So what research did you do that made you decide to do Insanity? Let me know if you go for P90X, I like that we are encouraging each other to get through this! It's like my own virtual Insanity buddy!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 09:52
Edit to add, the ritz style cheesy crackers are called mini cheddars, OMG, I so miss those! lol. edited by Purple on 02/02/2013 You can buy mini cheddars all over Dubai! I saw them just yesterday in the Union Coop and i'm sure that Spinneys sell them too.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 09:00
Anyone else feel really sorry for these restaurants that are always empty?? I wonder how long it will take for them to shut down and move to a different location? I went into Auntie Anne's a few days ago, it was around 5pm on a Saturday - the guy showed me the sales of the day, he had 3 receipts!!!
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 16:31
I think my mom just had this done. She went in for what she thought was a keratein treatment, and the lady told her it may make your hair straighter. So I presume she gave her kerastraight. She also told my mom that her hair colour may fade. Anyways fast forward to the end of the treatment, my mom ended up with ginger hair (it was black before!) and her hair very straight (she had short tight curls before). It looked an absolute mess. My mom refused to leave the salon without them dyeing her hair black again. They did, and now her head is full of blisters, her hair looks a mess and my mom is very upset :-( It could just be that she had a bad reaction though, she went to a reputable salon and the lady said they have never had issues before.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 16:24
Someone recommended to me to read Operating Instructions by Ann Lamott, which is a diary she keeps of the first year of her son's life. It was a real eye opener for me and made me think that babydom is probably not for me. But having children is so much more than the first year. I think reading something like that book would put you off having children if you are already on the fence, because babies are tough!! My friend had her son absolutely hating the idea of having a baby, for her she wanted to have children for when they are 20 year olds. She had zero interest in the baby part, she's actually OCD and the whole idea freaked her out big time. However, when her son was born it was like a light switched on for her. She still didn't enjoy the baby chores (and couldn't imagine getting through it all without a maid!) but her son is her life. She says that the older he gets, the more rewarding it is and she could never imagine a life without children. For me having children was a no brainer, I have always known that I want them in my and even though my children are still young, I am enjoying every minute of it.
943
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 11:43
There are multiple options of summer camps for children, ranging in pretty much any activity that you can think of in all age ranges. I think you can choose the hours, so a full day or half day or whatever. Problem is that it is quite pricey and can add up.