summer breeze | ExpatWoman.com
 

summer breeze

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Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 10:12
Churchill, nationwide. Try moneysupermarket.co.uk for a comparison. Oops forgot the .uk bit! <em>edited by summer breeze on 23/09/2012</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 12:20
My blood group is on my driving licence.
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Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 11:20
What about doing the Gulf For Good challenge in November? http://www.gulf4good.org/en/challenge/the-challenges/the-road-to-mandalay-challenge-2012 That way friends who cannot be with you could donate to your fundraising. It certainly would be a memorable way to turn 40 and give back at the same time......
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 12:16
Don't know what people are getting so worked up about. It's some baps. Not even very big ones :) Lol
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 11:53
I wonder how many of the protesters have actually seen the film? IMHO it's just another excuse for violent behaviour by a minority. I doubt there will be any such protest here. I've not seen the film so cannot and will not make comment on its content. As I mentioned earlier, those who are protesting are mainly in countries that have been going through political trouble, conflict etc. So they are in a permanent state of anger, and now they have another thing to be angry about. I am sure most have seen it, it's widely available on YouTube (I didn't watch it, I really don't want to see it) In the end, media has a big role in making it look even bigger. Less that 1% of Muslims is protesting. It may be on You Tube, but in Sudan only 10.2 % of the population has Internet. My point is that a lot of the protesters get caught up in hype generated by the media....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 11:45
Don't know what people are getting so worked up about. It's some baps. What's the big deal? Most women and a lot of men have them...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 11:38
I wonder how many of the protesters have actually seen the film? IMHO it's just another excuse for violent behaviour by a minority. I doubt there will be any such protest here. I've not seen the film so cannot and will not make comment on its content.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 06:52
Change your locks NOW. Remember to keep the old ones so when you move out you can change them back. As far as I am aware in order to be evicted there has to be an official letter from the courts or the police. LL cannot come round and threaten you. If he/she does lodge a complaint with the police. Do not allow LL into the property. ETA - make sure you have all paperwork to hand including rental contract, proof of payment and receipts. <em>edited by summer breeze on 12/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 05:52
http://www.7daysindubai.com/Ego-warrior-mission-wipe-MIES/story-16860281-detail/story.html .......
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 09:14
Go to Satwa. There is a good picture framers near Ravi's restaurant. They will custom make your frames and are cheap.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 07:01
If the person is a UK resident there are plenty of cheap options . Look on Comparethemarket.com or money supermarket.com or try Churchill.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 20:18
Adding to an already large problem IMHO. Hopefully, other emirates will not follow. If this is health reasons, why not have shelter for 1) morons that can't drive and 2) those who think that hocking a loogie is acceptable? I'm sure these to groups are more of a danger to my health than a few dog turds!
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Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 19:50
Maybe you could book the silver or gold merhaha service. They get you through a dedicated customs channel instead of having to wait.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 18:43
Wow! That's a massive loss. Well done. Don't get caught up on the number on the scales. Instead focus on inches that you are loosing. Difficult to give advice as not sure what you have been doing at the gym, but here are a few things you could try: 1) do 12 mins on the X-trainer, but do 40s at a comfortable pace and 20s real going for it. 2) on the bike do 12 mins, doing 1min comfortable pace followed by 30s at higher rpm 3) weights. Use either free weights or your own body weight as these are more effective that machines. Try using gym ball, TRX, press ups, squats, lunges etc. 4) and my personal favourite find a kettle bells class. This is great exercise - very tough - but it keeps your metabolism burning higher for a longer period of time than most weights. With regards to eating make sure you are eating 5 or 6 small portions per day. Sorry if this is what you are already doing, but these worked for me, especially the kettle bells, when I hit a plateau. ETA - keeping mixing up your excersie programme so that your body doesn't get used to it. <em>edited by summer breeze on 10/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 20:19
I have a fear aggressive desert dog. I take him to Dr. Dominick at Vet Care at the polo club. Highly recommend. Very good vets.
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 14:07
I adopted my lovely little girl from Bark and Purr in Al Dhaid.
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Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 14:15
Wow. Glad you put that on here cos I never would have got the message from the umpteen old threads you have resurrected to do some blatant advertising!
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Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 06:50
I would recommend going to Selous. It is a very peaceful game reserve, not busy like Ngorongoro Crater or Serengheti. In fact is was my favourite of the three. 3 years ago we stayed at the Selous Lodge. The did everything for us- river cruise, safari and nature walk. They had an incredible guide who was so knowledgable. And a really lovely, remote location on the Rufuji river. http://www.selouslodge.co.tz/ Eta Patrick was the guide we had. If going here try to get him. <em>edited by summer breeze on 03/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 12:36
I dont think the basics apply to me. I go some weeks with very low calorie intake and no weight loss. The moment I eat something a bit higher in calorie my weight rockets up again. Argh! If you eat below a certain number of calories your body will go into starvation mode and your metabolism will slow down accordingly. When you then eat more your metabolism does not automatically speed up again. For the average woman this is around 1000-1200 cal per day. The best way to lose weight is not by fad diets - it is a lifestyle change. If you are overweight now your current lifestyle led to that. So the best thing to do is eat sensibly - small portions 5 or 6 times a day of healthy foods. Never cut anything out completely or you will cause cravings. The old adage of a little bit of what you fancy does you good (with an emphasis of a little bit) is true. And of course exercise 5 times a week, including cardio and weight. The most important thing to remember is don't get caught up with what the scales say use your clothing as a better guide to becoming healthier. As you gain muscle you gain weight but become trimmer.... Eta not a nutritional expert but a successful weigh loss story.... edited by summer breeze on 02/09/2012 <em>edited by summer breeze on 02/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 10:46
The reason DC get good results is because it is a selective school: the kids that go there can loosely be compared to grammar school kids in the UK and therefore should be getting good results. [u'>[b'>If you want to know if a school is good what you should be looking at is value added. How much better are kids achieving compared to a standardised predictor? Although I doubt schools are going to share that info with you.[/b'>[/u'> As for the original question, it doesn't just depend on the school it depends on the teacher. Some schools which are perceived to be amongst the best in Dubai have teachers which range from outstanding to down right incompetent. Same for the not so well thought of schools..... ETA some kids return to the UK for A levels so that they stand a better chance of getting cheaper university fees. edited by summer breeze on 30/08/2012 edited by summer breeze on 30/08/2012 You think they have that here? :\: I know that some schools do....... PS The going to school in the UK for A levels has no effect on fee status. It used to but not any more. edited by spongemonkey on 31/08/2012
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Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 18:03
The reason DC get good results is because it is a selective school: the kids that go there can loosely be compared to grammar school kids in the UK and therefore should be getting good results. If you want to know if a school is good what you should be looking at is value added. How much better are kids achieving compared to a standardised predictor? Although I doubt schools are going to share that info with you. As for the original question, it doesn't just depend on the school it depends on the teacher. Some schools which are perceived to be amongst the best in Dubai have teachers which range from outstanding to down right incompetent. Same for the not so well thought of schools..... ETA some kids return to the UK for A levels so that they stand a better chance of getting cheaper university fees. edited by summer breeze on 30/08/2012 <em>edited by summer breeze on 30/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 12:05
Not sure about online payment, but have a look at Couture Cupcakes and Cookies http://www.facebook.com/CoutureCupcakesandCookies?ref=ts
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 17:06
Sill operating. Mine have just come back. Happy and healthy as always.
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Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 18:19
http://www.dkc.ae/info/pesky-competitors.php I always use Bark and Purr. Cannot recommend it highly enough. One of my dogs is not very friendly (is known to bite strangers) but loves the people here. They are there at the moment and the day they went they were so relaxed. Not a plush place, but my dogs love it and are well cared for which for me is more important that having a plasma TV. Tel no is 050 519 5991 <em>edited by summer breeze on 06/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 12:27
We had ours made, but what about this? http://www.ic4uae.com/Product.aspx?productid=57852 Then just buy an ac unit.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2012 - 13:10
I'm sure the teachers will not be well rested. They have to complete 12 weeks of kids, you are already fed up with them after 3 weeks....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 13:01
Antarctica (great scenery) Rio de Janeiro (carnival is amazing) Hoi An, Vietnam (lovely relaxing place) Luang Prabang, Laos (loved watching the monks in the morning collecting almes) Borneo (love orangutans) Dreaming of Bhutan.....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 17:26
VetCare are at the Equestrian Club at the Ranches. Number is 04 4309797 or in an emergency 050 5501698.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 19:46
The kennels are outside, but the ac dog houses are good and there is plenty of shade. My dog is a desert dog so he is OK with the heat. He is going in next week and I have no worries - Christine will look after him well. In fact our dog is a bit weird with people, but she ensures that he is happy and healthy.
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Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 14:06
I have used them and I think they are fab. I won't trust anyone else to look after my dog now. Christine has a great way with dogs, as do the rest of her staff. It may not be the plushest of places, but the fact that my dog loves it there is what matters to me. When we drive him there his tail starts wagging as soon as he realises where he is going!!! He has already packed his bags for his next holiday..... <em>edited by summer breeze on 02/07/2011</em>
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Latest post on 30 June 2011 - 19:37
Bark and Purr are a little further out in Al Dhaid (Tel: 050 5195991). I cannot speak highly enough of Chrisitine. Her and her staff are nuts about animals and will take real care of the dogs!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 14:01
The Turkish property market has had a bad press for several years and for good reason. Lots of expats have lost lots of money as they became too trusting. It is a relatively simple process, but there are issues. This is advice based on a different area of Turkey. Firstly you need to ensure that you can legally buy property in a certain area. This is done by obtaining military clearance. In my area this took us 5 weeks, but we were told it normally takes 3 months. It is best to get a company to do this for you as they will be able to obtain the correct documents from the seller and get it to the right office to get it processed. Once you have MC you will then need to obtain a Tapu (title deeds). For us this was a quick procedure and was done in 1 day. This involves submitting MC, the sellers tapu and some other paperwork to the land registry department. All parties (all sellers and buyers or your power of attorney) then need to go to the land registry and sign official documents. If there is a debt on the property the transfer cannot be made. The problems most people have had in Turkey is that, particularly for a new build, they have paid for the property upfront before getting the tapu (which is standard). However, a lot of builders have gone under and the purchasers have been left with nothing. There are also some unscrupulous builders out there who have just done a runner or sold the property to someone else. If you are looking to buy, get a property which has been finished and has something called a habitation certificate (this is to say that it has been 'approved' by the council). You can tell by looking at the sellers tapu - the box called KAT MÜLKIYETI will be ticked. You have to pay a yearly tax for services but this is very cheap! we have had some issues with our builder - he basically could not afford to pay his half of the property tax so we ended up paying but that secured the property in our names.
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 18:15
I would be doubtful if Qatar would pay anyway. I cancelled a flight with them as allowed in their rules and it took me approx. 15 e-mails, about as many phone calls (to the rudest "customer service" agents) and 35 days to even get my money back! They are a buch of oxygen theives and best avoided IMHO.
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 20:22
Well I eventually managed to get a refund after 35 days!!!!! Was completely shocked to have it since they appear to employ the most incompetent people on the planet to work in "QA Customer Service" - a great example of an oxymoron. Still I have learned a valuable lesson - you get what you pay for. QA have cheap flights, but they certainly do not live up to their advertising and in no way can they claim to be a 5* airline.
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 13:10
Unfortunately I booked online so cannot get a refund from the office. But I did book using a UK credit card and my bank will refund me under the consumer credit act. Let this serve as a warning to anyone else using QA, don't. This is not the first bad experience with them but it is certainly the last as I refuse to use them again. Hopefully, if enough people take this approach and hit them where it hurts -in their profits - then they will get the message.