Yorky

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 12:21

There is usually a good selection of floats / inflatables / toys in Geant

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 12:03

I have totally stopped buying discount vouchers from websites after terrible customer service from Cobone (I gave them the opportunity to resolve the issue but they obviously did not want to). For spa and beauty treatments the Entertainer Body Book has some good deals but not worth buying now as the current vouchers expire at the end of March. Also quite a few places now have websites / facebook pages that advertise special offers.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 11:56

Yes you should have a contract for a regular cleaning service. I usually receive a monthly invoice via email, which I pay within the specified payment terms (usually cash in an envelope handed over to the cleaner). I'm not 100% sure if I get an email receipt each month, but if they have ever had a query they have contacted me and resolved any issues promptly.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 08:31

The Nail Spa at Ibn Battuta mall is very good. (It's located near Geant)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 15:30

Depends what you are looking for? There is Speedex near Oasis Mall but not sure what you would get there that they dont stock in ACE.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 15:28

What about Mina A Salam? Pre dinner drinks on the beach at Shimmers followed by a meal at The Wharf.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 16:10

I have been using Howdra for the past couple of years and are generally very good. I had to change my regular cleaner because she went back home and I didnt like the replacement but they changed her without any fuss and the new lady is great.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 21:34

So glad you have had a positive experience with the Kerastraight. :). I also had it done the first time at Pastels and found them very professional, I only moved to Ted Morgan's due to convenience of location. I like to give advice on this site but sometimes feel this subject gets debated too much as there are too many 'offers too good to be true' or inferior products but I stand by my original advise that if you visit a qualified hairdressers you can get the latest products applied with the experience necessary. I will also add that Kerastraight is different to having your hair chemically straightened.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 21:16

I've stayed at the Crowne Plaza a couple of times. It's in a great location and has its own small private beach.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 11:26

Yes I guess they will be basic enough but as far as I can see we get 20kgs each and 7kgs hand luggage. We are flying with our two DDs (19 months and 3.5) so should have ample luggage allowance. Getting in at 6.15am, the agent said we may have until 7.30 to wait until the sea plane transfer but we would be waiting in the resorts lounge at the airport so that prob won't be so bad. Emirates are 9,260 where as Fly Dubai are 4,252 so 5k saving to go towards spa treatments and babysitting ;) I'm with you on that Dangerous Blonde As long as they are safe and clean then that's great. Cheers all, Curly edited by CurlyOB on 05/02/2013 You will be fine waiting for the sea plane if its just over 1 hour. You get on a mini bus from the airport to the sea plane terminal, which takes 5 minutes. At the sea plane terminal there are lots of tables and chairs plus a cafe so you can get refreshments, use the bathrooms etc. You can also watch the seaplanes take off and land. The problem I found with the Fly Dubai flight times was the return journey departing at 8.50am (?), as I dont think the seaplane transfers would work and the alternative flight is the early hours of the morning which would mean hours of waiting at the airport.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 11:10

UK Aprll is often lovely and warm so I am keeping fingers crossed for pleasant weather Really? April lovely and warm? Two years ago we went back to the UK in April and the weather was beautiful. We spent days sat in the garden having bbqs and drinks with friends. I also think that was all the sun they got in the UK as I remember it rained quite a lot that summer, so for once we picked a good time to visit :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 11:07

Thanks for your feedback SEY83, good to hear a positive experience with Air Berlin :) I think I need to review the prices and flight times and see what suits us best as its just a week long trip so want to get the most from the holiday rather than traveling more than we need to. For this trip I have picked a hotel close to the airport in Phuket and its got excellent reviews so can't wait. We are also considering going back later in the year and staying at the Dusit so really great to hear you loved it.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 08:30

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.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 17:35

I've used them to fly to Muscat and they were fine. The plane was quite new and very clean.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 16:46

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 :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 14:12

Ive had great experiences at Ted Morgans and Pastels. Both have several branches so you could use whichever is more conveniently located or has the earliest appointment.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 21:14

The golf clubs such as Arabian Ranches and the Montgomery are very family friendly and if you sit outside the kids can run around a little. There is also Le Veranda at Jumeirah Beach Hotel which is next to the beach, obviously you would need to watch the kids but its a casual restaurant and many lids play on the sand.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 20:59

I have been twice to Banyan Tree Al Wadi in the desert and loved it. They have two types of villas and both are very nice and spacious, plus having your own pool is fantastic. I haven't been to the beach resort but I have read very mixed reviews on trip advisor and you would have to travel (20 to 30 minutes) to the other resort to use spa facilities or the other restaurants so it doesn't have the same appeal to me. In previous years the Travel Entertainer book have buy one get one free vouchers so it might be worth checking and buying the book before making a reservation. Also some restaurants were in last years Entertainer but I haven't checked for this year. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing weekend getaway you will love it.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 16:36

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. i'm not sure if it was Kerastraight that she had but any reputable salon would not use Kerastraight and colour on someones hair on the same day. If I want mine colouring I have to wait a minimum of 3 days before or after having the Kerastraight treatment. They normally recommend to colour afterwards to avoid fading.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 16:24

I'm sure I have seen telescopes in Sharaf DG at Times Square

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 15:36

Its just another way for them to recoup some of the discount offered with the vouchers. I'm not saying that I agree with it but I do think they are within their rights as the voucher does say 'food only' The family entertainer does have other brunch vouchers which include drinks that might work out a better deal.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 15:31

I've had it done several times at Pastels and Ted Morgans. I get it done a couple of times per year and I love the results. My hair is so much easier to manage and I no longer use hair straighteners (i used them daily before trying Kerastraight).

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 19:33

We stayed at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower last year and it was a great hotel in an excellent location. I think I paid approx 1500 dhs per night last year and we hoped to stay again this year but prices were higher for the dates I wanted so might reconsider and stay somewhere else. Sorry I can't help with something within your budget but if you could get this hotel at the right price I would highly recommend.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 16:06

I haven't been myself but I am pretty sure the Cove Rotana have a Friday brunch.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 18:39

Thank you for all of the replies :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 12:41

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/india.aspx I wouldn't recommend taking a dip in the sea in Goa. A friend of mine was swimming in the sea and she turned her head to see a bit of solid raw sewage floating by...... But on the plus side I went to India and lost 10kg in 10 days! I wasn't planning on swimming in the sea so I should be okay, just need a nice swimming pool :) Although my diet could do with a kick start I am not sure dheli belly is what I want! What is the hygiene like in 5 star hotels? I don't plan on eating out of the hotel and would avoid ice in drinks etc.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 10:52

Hows about Oman then? There are lots of lovely resort hotels all over. Salalah is supposed to be a lovely place to go to. I agree there are some lovely resorts in Oman but we have been quite a few times already so wanted to try somewhere different.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 10:31

Thanks for the replies, I have had no experience of either airlines so its good to get some feedback (good and bad). Hopefully others will have some advice for hotels in Goa. I have read so many conflicting reports I just don't know if its the right destination for us. I would go back to the Maldives but we have been three times already and we though we should try somewhere different! The only thing putting me off Sri Lanka was having to travel so far by road once you have landed at the airport, or are there nice resorts close to the capital? I also thought of the Seychelles, but again many conflicting reports.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 21:52

I noticed there are quite a few afternoon tea vouchers in the family entertainer book this year.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 11:34

If you don't want to travel too far, Jebel Ali / Palm Tree Court is great for a few days away. I also like the Hilton Resort and Spa in RAK.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 14:26

Just search Air Fryer on here and you will see all the great reviews! I mainly use mine for making chips but some of the other ladies have suggested some great dishes that I will eventually try out. Its definately one of the best kitchen appliances I have ever bought.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 15:21

I usually go to the branch at Uptown Mirdiff but there are a few different stores. http://www.2xlme.com/location.php I honestly cannot remember how much we paid for the sofas but I am sure it was reasonable. We got 1 x 4 seater and 2 x 2 seaters which are a modern design and the leather has worn really well. I do remember it being one if the last things were bought because I just couldn't find anything I liked, unless it was way too expensive. I had almost given up hope until we stumbled across this store and they had lots of furniture in stock that I liked. I have been back several times over the years and sometimes I don't like what they have in stock but you can find that at any store. If you haven't found anything yet I would definitely say its worth a trip.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 14:58

We bought one from 2XL just over six years ago and it's still in great condition. I have had lots of different furniture from them and found the quanlity very good.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 14:36

The Wharf at Mina A Salam, great outdoor terrace with a singer on most nights. They also have a daily happy hour (5pm to 9pm) and daily specials on the food menu. There are also vouchers in the fine dining book.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 08:33

I've been here for the past couple of days staying at the Westin. Yesterday it was busy and lots of families about, some walking around the course and others sitting in the village with the younger children. I guess it depends how old your children are and if they require much entertainment. There are food and drink outlets in the village, with some activities (didn't really notice if they were aimed at children) and a giant tv screen to follow he golf. I've really enjoyed it but I was here to watch the golf. It might be quieter today though as Rory and Tiger both didn't make the cut.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 13:40

Al Qasr, Mina A Salam and The Westin all have vouchers in the family entertainer books for afternoon tea, maybe there are others too. If everyone pays for themselves you could use the maximum four vouchers and use this saving to purchase some alcohol for the group? You are welcome to my vouchers if you need them.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 08:45

I have been in April (high season) and August (low season) and had fantastic weather both times. You can get rain at any time of the year and when it does come its usually a heavy downpour for a short time and back to being hot and sunny within a couple of hours. I would definitely consider the Maldives as a holiday destination in August. We have stayed at Lily Beach twice which is an all inclusive resort. Everyone gets the same package which is very extensive, it even includes the mini bar in your room. I'm not sure what options there are for family rooms but I am sure you can find out from their website. I found Agoda.com very competitive on prices when I booked.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 19:36

If you are planning to go this month and have registered your book there is an online special for brunch at La Parrilla at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. There was a thread on here a few days ago and it sounds really nice.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 19:04

I have always rented my property out but a couple of years ago in between tenants the pipes froze and then burst causing extensive damage to the property. Luckily I was covered by the insurance, including any loss of rent whilst repairs were ongoing. The insurance company were great but it took almost 12 months from start to finish before I could advertise for new tenants. I never go back for more than two weeks so would not consider leaving it empty although I am not a fan of staying with family or friends as I prefer my own space. Last year I booked a hotel which suited me fine and this is what I will do next time. If I did go back for longer I would also consider renting a furnished property rather than leaving my own empty and paying for the bills throughout the year.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 16:33

The food at Table 9 is excellent :) We also had an excellent meal with great service at Hakkasan recently.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 10:31

We were approached by a man with the same scam in Ibn Battuta mall just before Christmas. Luckily I wasnt on my own and had heard about it already so I just said no and got in my car.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 12:29

morning everyone! thank you for your replies :) so even on short term lets (a month or two) they'll accept to lower the rate? We have put people in serviced apartments for 1 or 2 months through work and always managed to get a reduced rate from what was originally advertised. I guess it depends on how much they need your business.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 08:39

I lived in the Greens for almost four years and loved it. I really liked the apartment blocks as they were not too high rise and the one we had was really spacious (not sure on the newer builds, they may be smaller) It has a great community feel and the playgrounds, pools etc were great. If you don't drive its great having the shopping centre there but equally very easy to get taxis. I thought it was very centrally located for where we needed to be for work and socially so it ticked a lot of boxes for me.....I actually found it hard to move from this area as I found it so convenient. Hi Yorky, I arrived in Dubai three days ago from Australia and we are staying at The Nuran Serviced Apartments in The Greens for a month or two. I have an 11 month old daughter and I desperately need activities for her to do and other babies for to play with. Could your recommend any activities/organisations in the area please? We are going to the EW coffee morning at the Dubai Mall today to get some ideas too. Thanks Hi, sorry I cannot help with the activities as I do not have children. If you post a message on the babies and toddlers forum I am sure you will receive lots of helpful replies. :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 08:36

Hi Savannah, i am looking through an agency called p.k.properties (anybody knows them?) and have seen that one bedroom appartments at greens are roughly 9k... re-Nuran at Greens, i'm not sure if i'm typing something wrong in the research but the total amount for a month is much (much!) higher. e. The prices on the website are always higher than what they will accept. The best way to find out what they will accept is to phone them. Unless it has changed in the past couple of years this has always worked when we have inquired for short term lets.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 22:49

Just to add, when you say short term let, how long do you mean? Most private landlords will be looking for tennants for 12 months, and to take a shorter lease they may expect a higher rent. I haven't looked at the rental market for a while so I may be wrong but this is generally what I have found in the past. If it is literally for one or two months (and you dont want to buy furniture) you may want to look at the serviced apartments in the Greens operated by Nuran. Alternatively there are several serviced apartments avaialble over the road onTecom.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 22:24

I am not sure if this will help your back but at the Nail Spa the therapist is obviously sat in front of you but you place your feet on a foot stool. I actually prefer this rather than resting my feet on someone's lap as I don't find that very comfortable. They do have different branches so not sure if this is the same in all but I go to the one at the Arabian Ranches golf club.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 21:07

I lived in the Greens for almost four years and loved it. I really liked the apartment blocks as they were not too high rise and the one we had was really spacious (not sure on the newer builds, they may be smaller) It has a great community feel and the playgrounds, pools etc were great. If you don't drive its great having the shopping centre there but equally very easy to get taxis. I thought it was very centrally located for where we needed to be for work and socially so it ticked a lot of boxes for me.....I actually found it hard to move from this area as I found it so convenient.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 19:45

Lurpak lighter, slightly salted or the Lurpak lighter made with olive oil. <em>edited by Yorky on 06/01/2013</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 12:36

I've used the travel agent at Arabian Ranches (Prime Travel) and found the service really good. On one occasion we found their prices really competitive and booked through them with no issues at all. Other times I found the same holidays quoted by the travel agent cheaper by booking via Agoda.com and getting flights seperate. I find it quite hard to get better prices than those offered on Agoda.com and Booking.com but someone else might know of better offers.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 12:28

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