singingcanary | ExpatWoman.com
 

singingcanary

304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 19:30
Well, in virtually any of the mentioned skills, (including ballet) it can be an investment which pays of later in life, provided she reaches a certain degree of proficiency. My mother was a strong believer in extra curricular activites as she knew they kept kids busy, out of trouble; motivated to study hard; and better social skills, not to mention expanding their own general skill set. I took swim lessons, joined the swim team, joined the band and orchestra, music lessons, art lessons, ran track, acted in the school musicals, took karate classes, ballet, gymnastics, all sorts of things throughout childhood. This payed off later for me in two ways; I was teaching private music lessons to children and lifeguarding at the university pool, both of which payed 2X more than my friends who were waitressing and working the cash registrar in university. And now that I'm working in my career field and not using any of those skills exactly, they still stay with me and if I needed to go back to those jobs I could easily. Plus, it gives you hobbies - I enjoy music as a side thing, I never get bored of trying to find fun stuff to do, because there's always music. In terms of choosing which one, I guess you must first think about her personality and what you think she might have more enthusiasm and aptitude for. For instance if she doesn't have great hand/eye coordination and is shy like I was, contact sports such as football, etc. won't be for her, and maybe music or the arts will. Once you decide a few options that you believe would fit her than sit down and ask her, show her videos of what it's like, etc. and she can help in the decision process.
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 18:27
We exchanged with dollars at the airport. Not sure if they take Aed, sorry. But make sure to get two desks bidding against each other if you are exchanging a relatively large amount as they will outdo each other to get you better rates. Not sure about the cash estimate either but keep in mind that sometimes AI does not include alcohol or even any drinks at all! Our hotel's half board did not inlude even water when we were there. For activities, the best thing we did was a Dolphin/Whale watching boat tour. A bit pricey but you get to get right in the water with the dolphins and snorkel with them. Absolutely amazing experience. Wild dolphins, and they are careful to instruct you not to touch, or get too close or bother them. They only allow a few ppl off the boat at a time, and they don't chase the dolphins if they have enough and leave the area. So its ecologically friendly as well as an incredible experience. Casela is okay, but not the best. The most fun after the dolphins I had was renting a moped and just driving around the northern part of the island. Really neat to see the local culture. Sunsets over the beach are amazing. The Botanical garden is nice too, and the 7 sands are worth a look. Our hotel had a free snorkel boat going out to the reef in the mornings, take advantage of this if you don'tdive- so many types of fish.Try mauritian food, spicy with a cajun kick! Sorry I got carried away, I got married in Mauritius earlier this year so some great memories there! Hope you enjoy your trip.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 20:59
Yep it's near Kuwait street. I can't remember exactly how to get there but here's a hint, do not use the online google map posting, it's wrong!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 20:35
Al Mankhool Health Clinic is the only one who issues international certificate when they give you the vaccine, in case that matters to you (you need it for going to Tanzania)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 18:54
Hi, update for anybody who is looking for diamox in the near future. It is NOT available at Binsina, Life Pharmacies, JBR Care Pharmacy, JBR Real Pharmacy, Jebel Ali Ceders International Hospital, or American Hospital. It IS available at Jebel Ali Lifeline Private Hospital but you must get the prescription from their doctor, they won't take another hospital's prescription. Finally I found Nakheel Pharmacy in Dubai Healthcare City which has it and will take our prescription from American Hospital. Cheers to anybody else trying to track it down. I was even told at one point it's 'not available in the UAE'. Arggg!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 17:35
In my early 20s and currently have no desire whatsoever for children. However I assume that by the time I'm 30 the maternal instinct will kick in? But this thread is making me question that assumption...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 14:22
Thanks BMAP. We've already sent a copy of last years contract so basically he has all the info he needs to make this years (all terms exactly the same). So I guess we can't do anything but wait for him to take initiative on getting the papers for renewal settled. We will insist on seeing the POA documents as well as getting a copy for ourselves before signing contract/ handing over any checks. Starsouthern, is the 'checks directly to owner' a rule? Because after speaking to other friends they have all written their checks to the POA rather than the LL. It makes me nervous but what do I do if he insists on this? We assumed as much re: security deposit. Fortunately LL isn't insisting on a new one and we've just accepted that we won't get any of the original back. <em>edited by singingcanary on 04/02/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 12:00
a cobbler maybe? Satwa? =)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 11:40
Craftland doesn't but they told me to call Sew It Trading. I did, and they can embroider a tag for me, but can't stich the tag onto the suitcase. Any ideas on who could do that!?
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 11:30
Have you tried Craftland? Thanks polly, where are they located? Any other ideas ladies, in case they don't?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 11:27
And my purse is always stuffed to the brim with receipts / all my cards / so it would take ages to swap all this stuff into a different purse every day! no - my purse is a Gucci one which was gifted to me, which I then put into whichever handbag I'm using. Same - I have one wallet only, which I keep money/cards/other important docs/papers all together and organized. If I switch my handbag I just pop in my wallet and keys into the new handbag. I can't imagine changing the wallet every time just so it matches? I didn't even know that having them match was a thing..! ETA: I already thought it was enough trouble trying to match handbags to shoes! <em>edited by singingcanary on 04/02/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 11:25
I used Scuba Steve with my DH both to get Open Water qualified and also do weekend trip to Fujeirah. He also does 2-3 day dhow trips to Mussandam which we want to do eventually. He's great and with him you get 20% discount on all equipment at Al Boom Diving Shop. Google Scuba Steve UAE and it'll pop up.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 11:20
Is this to collect your Emirate ID?? I went to exactly the same place as you and then rang Emirates ID to ask them the location of the media city post office and it is actually in Knowledge Village Building 8. So why it isn't called Knowledge Village post office who only knows :-) Knowledge village building 8 is simple to find and very well signposted lots of parking too :-) Yes this happened to me last year, first I went to the old location in Media City then I was told no moved to Internet City Bld 14, then I got there and was told no, KV Bld 8! It's very easy to find right opposite Bld 7 which has the food court.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:02
Bump? Any ideas?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 11:22
I always use the one in JBR. I've had cuts by both Nabiha and Uzme. They are both great, never had any complaints with Nabiha, she's great, but one time I switched to Uzme when Nabiha was gone and she somehow got just the perfect cut for me, so now I go back to her as it's just exactly the style I want. Love the wash and treatment ladies as well, never had any bad experiences there.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 13:26
Well, just had to rant about qatar airways qmiles... I was so excited to save money on flights for our vacation, looked online at the qmiles calculated which states 25,000 miles per person for a round trip flight to our destination; found out if I converted all my credit card points this would add to 55,000 miles so just enough for my and my DH's flights. I sent the go ahead to cc company to convert, called up qatar today to book with points, oh woops turns out for the flight dates that I need its actually 44,000 miles per person not 25,000 and by the way even when you hemorrhage all these miles you pay 1,080 AED in taxes and fees, okay fine but the original flight price is only 2,000 AED !?!?!?!? Should have transferred them to skywards instead...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 19:57
Thanks Daza, will look into it. Yes by 'some' wine I meant 1 glass each haha! It really adds up otherwise...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 19:54
Has anyone tried Vision Express at the Marina Mall? My friend just went and got a pair of glasses and said it was good, BUT the prescription they gave her was half of what her UK doctor gave her. Seems strange...but she says it works! DH uses Vision Express. His prescription is never be accurate but that's because he cannot help but 'guess' the letters correctly rather than admitting that it's blurry! I think that if you've had previous history elsewhere with a real optometrist, then doing a checkup prescription and fill in the vision centers are fine. At least, that's what I plan on doing this year.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 19:48
I agree with Sakhifa on this. I can speak only on the experience of myself and my Western acquaintances, but the case seems to be this. If you have an MA and the experience to amplify your certs, you will either be one of the lucky ones who makes a pretty sick salary, or you will find employers that want what you have, but don't want to pay your worth. I got completely lowballed on my first position here. My commissions were *supposed* to make up for the meager salary, but in the end, I found out they were fudging the sales numbers to try and get away with paying me less. Didn't take long to figure out, as I was head of marketing and sales. I resigned on the spot and promptly received a 1 year ban. Didn't matter that I took the documentation to the MOL and exposed just how screwed I had been. Everyone seems to have friends, you know? So my advice is along the lines of other posters here--do not take a BS offer and stick to your guns, because working for peanuts 6 days a week will just drive you insane;[b'> don't expect employers to make good on their promises of raises once you've "proven" yourself.[/b'> Agree agree agree agree agree agree agree agree agree with that statement! Burned badly by previous employer in that regard... <em>edited by singingcanary on 16/01/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 11:04
I know a lady starting a studio up in the JBR area. She does flute and violin, not sure how helpful that is for your area though. She might do home lessons? Let me check for her contact details. <em>edited by singingcanary on 16/01/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 12:02
Really!? Huh... If you could, could you tell me where to go to do the AD registration renewal in Dubai? That would be sooo much simpler...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 11:52
I tried to do this and I soon realized it was way more hassle than it was worth. I would recommend that you go directly to the Dubai Traffic Department and ask them all these questions. I had an Arabic-speaking friend call for me and ended up speaking to several people before getting some sort of answer, but it was going to be more paper work than I could be bothered with so I just left it. My license is from a different Emirate than my visa and I've never had any problems. Thanks Sakhifa, so do you mean that you simply renew the registration in Abu Dhabi every year? It's a bit of a pain isn't it since it's only open weekdays and to drive all the way down there? If I decide to do that as well, can I still change my insurance to Dubai or do I need to have Abu Dhabi insurance?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 13:09
Thanks everyone! Here is a list of the vaccine availabilities and costs at the American Hospital and Al Mankhool just incase someone else down the line needs to know... AMERICAN HOSPITAL Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine – 45 AED DPT – not avail Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) – 101.50 AED Hepatitis B – 101.50 AED Meningitis – 417.50 AED Typhoid - 59 AED Polio – 9.95 AED Rabies prev – not avail Yellow Fever – not avail AL MANKHOOL HEALTH CENTER (DROP IN Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine – 50 Diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine – 50 Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) – 120 Hepatitis B – 50 Meningitis – 100 Typhoid – 50 Polio – 50 Rabies prev– 250 Yellow fever – 200
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 20:20
Thanks Bird! Yep we're aiming to leave in 6-7 weeks so I'm trying to get everything organized by the weekend re: doc appointments.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 20:18
Yes, we are probably going to def get Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Tentanus updates. I'm waiting on getting our records to see when last we had all the rest to check if they need to be updated. 9 shots sounds like a lot but of course we'll ask the docs to see how many we can take. Re: malaria tabs, why would they be not-recommended, Bird? Is it to do with the climb itself? We are thinking about not taking them for the climb but beginning them immediately after for the safari portion of our trip.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 20:15
Ooh, that's a helpful thread, thanks!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:59
Thanks all so much, looking into those options now... Bird, did you take all the ones I mentioned? Why were you advised not to take malaria tabs? Did you take Diamox? Sorry so many qs but I have no idea about this stuff, this is our first high altitude trek/climb!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 14:16
It was over a money issue, things were fine until I asked for compensation for something, then he blew up saying all sorts of things about my work quality and professionalism, I replied saying fine I won't pursue compensation but defending myself against his accusations, he replied again saying I was outrageous, and that's the last email I won't be responding further.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 13:46
Thanks girls. He did reply and it was still pretty heated, and I will not reply now anymore, there is nothing left to be said in any case. You are right it was a disagreement which could not be compromised on as both sides saw the situation in a very different light. I am just disappointed and I wonder how much of it is my fault and it makes me doubt myself and my abilities especially as I have no other work experience to reflect on. Fortunately my DH and family are supportive and I just need to find a way to mentally and emotionally get over this...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 November 2012 - 16:52
Hi Beebers, I switched back to more weights less cardio as I mentioned in my last post so not sure what your comment refers to? Anyways I ended up losing the last few pounds from stress (which I know because I stopped working out the last week before!) and everything turned out fine... lol. Thanks ladies for the tips, I am still incorporating them and hope to continue improving - and the blue bonnet vanilla protein powder with milk is amazing by the way.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 20:05
Thanks ladies helpful as ever! I thought bicarb of soda was the same as baking soda? (But NOT the same as baking powder)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 18:07
Just an update incase anyone else randomly is looking for a bowtie, Whistle+Flute tailor shop will make a custom fit velcro one for 100AED. =)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 17:59
try thomas pink ikea bicarb of soda works wonders - just dip toothbrush in and clean as normal Thanks, will defo try! (I heard back in the day ppl brushed with baking soda?)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 17:58
Thanks! Ikea is a bit far for just one item and Home Center at MOE didn't have last time I checked a few weeks ago - but if I end up near Ikea I will definitely try there, thanks for reminding me!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 19:35
Thanks Betty - are there any fees I've forgotten? - Downpayment - Annual Mortgage (with applicable interest rate) - Annual Service Fee (Can this be increased randomly?) - Title Deeds % - Transaction Fees % - Any maintenance issues that come up (ie AC needs fixing, water boiler breaks, repainting, etc) - If we are living there obviously DEWA, AC, and DU - but what is this I hear about a housing fee? We don't pay one currently as tenants... - If we are renting out to tenants are there any additional fees? Like this housing fee? - Fee to use an agent % - Fee to register with RERA
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 19:22
Paying 30k annually now for a 3 bed apartment :\: and paid 7k in the past for a 4 bed independent villa.................... - you can see why I am saying it really depends on where you are and what type of property etc. I see. Thanks so much for your personal experience. I shall add it to the notes I'm making for OH. It just shows that we won't be able to expect or predict how much the fees will be.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 19:17
SC, there is no way of telling you this, some properties are very high (15 AED per square foot) while other areas are quite low (3 AED per sq ft) Are you referring to annual service fees? I know there is a huge discrepancy. I am just asking what people in their own experiences have had to pay. Have you paid both 3/sq ft and 15/sq ft annually in different properties you've owned?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 19:15
What do you mean by an avoid list? Like this one ;) : We live in a family owned property by Damac and I would not recommend them. Ah. No not yet. OH thinks Emaar is a safe bet (although I have warned him that there have been problems with them for others in the past). Again, this would require research and any input from ladies here is appreciated. (There goes Damac on the "avoid list" then!)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 19:14
just one note about service fees; they have little correlation with the condition of one's place. Even if its a new building with no problems, service charges may be high and my understanding is that, in some properties at least, they are set arbitrarily and books are not open. Thanks. This is one of those 'unexpected' things I am worried about. Could anyone give input on a rough percentage of your total price that all the annual fees are adding up to in your experience? Or, a rough percentage of what you rent the property out for annually?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 19:04
invest in an apartment rather than pay yearly rent Where would you consider buying and have you an "avoid" list? OH is interested in a new building in Dubai Marina. What do you mean by an avoid list?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 18:59
Thanks for your reply TDB and the other threads Ex. More stuff to think about... The problem with your suggestion TDB is that FIL wants us to stay in Dxb so would not give us a gift to invest/live elsewhere!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 17:42
Thanks all. I know that it is a personal decision and that there are people who have had good and bad experiences - this is what I'm asking for. Without too many personal details of course, I was hoping ladies could share what made property owning good or bad in their personal experience? For example, Who has had issues with law, developers, maintenance issues etc? In hindsight, could this have been avoided or solved or do you think that it was totally unavoidable? Every thing I list, OH seems to have an answer for - - He says we will have it inspected before buying so no need to worry about problems with the developers (with faulty building or non delivered facilities etc) - He says we will not use an agency or use a reputable one to avoid scamming - He says that since his father will be putting the majority of the downpayment we will really not be making a huge risk investment as we will pay mortgage only which would be similar to rent anyways. - He claims if the building is in good condition maintenance fees / etc cannot be that high - When we leave he says it will be easy to rent out if all we want is to cover the fees and mortgage and we're NOT counting on bringing in an income with it - I mentioned the new law that uses sharia law instead of foreign wills to determine inheritance and he claims that in the event that he died and the property was supposed to go to me but went to his family instead they would give it back to me - He seems to think that in the event of a court case the losing side will cover all fees and charges in addition to payment of whatever compensation you've sued for - can I get an example from someone that this is not true? - Besides, he likes the idea of us having a home base with all our furniture, etc. since we likely will be leaving and coming back to Dubai intermittently throughout the years. He thinks that in the event that we sell it in the future, it will not be a problem either. What do you ladies think of those arguments? Is he being overly optimistic or am I being overly paranoid? What other considerations am I missing? <em>edited by singingcanary on 07/10/2012</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 16:50
I know - that is why my gut instinct goes against. But without specific scenarios my OH is not convinced. That's why I was hoping for some specific pointers ie) people's experiences or if people know about actual laws that I could show to my OH.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 00:17
Tresseme is good and affordable. My first hairdresser here said no way to Pantene and was fine with Tresseme. Make sure its the right one for your hair though - I used "for oily hair" for awhile and it turned my normal hair dry. (Combined with the water here probably). I then switched to "Hydration" tresseme and it helped. Then I changed hairdressers and she said tresseme had lots of harsh chemicals, and recommended organic/bio shampoos which I get from Boots and they are great, especially with a hair mask every once in awhile. I guess for you I'd get a filter and try organics or bio shampoos, something really natural and soft without a lot of chemicals. Although tresseme does smell amazing!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 23:04
Yeah you can even go into the factory and watch! Or wait in the store and they'll give you tea and you can even contemplate a new purchase ;)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 14:44
Me too plz! <em>edited by singingcanary on 01/10/2012</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 13:50
Thanks! Where do you buy your products?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 13:49
Thanks Cheezu, I know avo and dairy are high in fat but they are also very high in protein for a veg diet. I am more after toning up the area than just losing weight. But I will lay off the dairy in particular I think for this month and replace with the whey powder instead. Never tried tofu here... where to get it? How do you prepare it? I've heard negative things about soy and tofu? Thanks Apricot, unfortunately I am allergic to many nuts which is why I have such a hard time sometimes - I can eat peanuts, hazelnuts, and pine nuts... but can't eat almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashew, madacamia, etc... And I'm allergic to banana!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 11:36
Thanks all! I think I will give Blue Bonnet a try. Hils, do you like Berry or Vanilla flavor better? I was doing lots of weights and didn't like the results (large shoulders and still had the underarm flab) so then I switched to all cardio. But I think maybe by combining weights with more protein I'll be able to firm up the tricep / chest area as well so will give that a try... Thanks Purple I do eat lots of cheese and eggs and will try adding quinoa to my regular diet as well. I was looking for something to really pack in the protein the next month though so will be trying out the powdered stuff for the first time...!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 19:47
Where are you located? If its near marina/jbr/jum areas I have lots of recs. What do you like to do?