ecochic | ExpatWoman.com
 

ecochic

425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 11:37
Thanks, will give them a call, was hoping I could get the place in the greens as we could continue their daycare and could walk them easily. Thanks again :)
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 11:22
We are looking for pet friendly hotels or serviced apartments for a less than a mont, as we are leaving the country. I have done a search on the forum, but have not found the names of any definite place. I do remember, a long time back reading about a place in the greens, google searches have yielded nothing. Don't want to put the dogs and cats in a boarding facility for this long. Any help will be appreciated :)
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2016 - 08:53
Deira Fish Market, they always have a lot as hotels buy directly from them for their stocks. You might have to go there early morning or if your a regular, call one of the shops and they will keep your required quantity aside for you.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2016 - 08:51
Thanks GE, didn't know Blue Oasis were offering pet relocations, will contact them today. Missy Moo and Cocotoro, may I ask, did you choose the door to door service or did you take your pooches as excess baggage? Yesterday I came to know that the relocation agencies can arrange all the required paperwork and clearance at both countries and our pets will travel with us on the same flight. It's cheaper but I would like to know first hand from others if this would be a better option or is door to door better and safer? Honestly, as this is the very first time I'm moving with pets, I'm worried. Thanks again ladies :)
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 August 2016 - 11:29
Within the following few months, we will be leaving Dubai with our cats and dogs to begin a new life in Stockholm. Since DH's company will be relocating us, they have asked us to generate quotes for our pet relocation. I have contacted Snoopy pets and DKC but need quotes from 3 additional reputable agencies. Would really appreciate feedback / advice regarding this and what hurdles we may face in Sweden with regards to pet imports. As this is our first international move with our pets and since we have multiple pets, we do not want to do it ourselves and much rather have an agency do it all. Both cats and dogs have updated vaccinations as per DM. Not sure if there is a quarantine period for pets coming from UAE. Looking forward to any and all advice from all you ladies :)
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 August 2016 - 13:17
We only use Urban tails at DIP. They may cost higher but I am guaranteed peace of mind as they give us access to their webcams which are available 24x7. The staff there are qualified professionals who are great and friendly and our dogs love it there. Can't go wrong with them.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 10:39
You do not have to pay him anything. He is trying to be a typical greedy LL. I would suggest calling or visiting the rent committee and seeking advice on this. You do not want to leave the country without getting the cheque cancelled or returned as you never know what can happen in the future.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 July 2016 - 16:16
a neighbour is leaving his small dog all day alone at home. Seems he is locking the dog in the dark bathroom and then goes to work... the dog starts barking for hours. We can hear it clearly and it is very very annoying. Even fridays or saturday it happens. We contacted security and they gave several warnings and everytime this guy promise it will not happen again....but it does. What kind of person is that? how can you have a dog and then not care? I would like to put this guy in a small bathroom ...dark...for hours. Wonder how he would feel. the climate here is not good for pets in general but how bad is this person treating his pet like that? If you have to leave your dog alone all day and there is nobody to take care don't buy a dog here.... Is there nothing that can be done? Any organisations here that care about pets? The loud barking is annoying us, that we live exactly over his apartment, especially as it is our bed room where we here it is the loudest... I am sure the neighbour the side can hear the barking clearly as well. In this country, people don't take security seriously, hence the barking dog is still barking. Best way forward is to meet with the neighbor directly informing him of the issue and you can also suggest options such as daycare or leaving the dog with the tele or music on (mental stimulation). If it still happens, the sadly this doggy needs to be taken away from such an irresponsible owner. Contact Dubai Municipality as a last resort.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 June 2016 - 13:01
I have 2 employment contract signed actually. One was for Jafza and another with the company. I wonder if I want to resign which contract will be used for end of service calculation. The jafza one has bit lower base salary then the company one. I could show my payroll....not sure. anyone has experience ? The JAFZA Contract will be used, however, if your company does not honor your current salary structure, you should visit jafza along with your payroll slips and bank statments, they are very helpful and tend to resolve matters like this quickly.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2016 - 14:09
Hi ladies, Ramadan Kareem! It would be useful to post of any places you know that are open for lunch delivery in Ramadan please :biggrin: TIA! Handy site as it list all the restaurants open and serving lunch during the holy month of ramadan. http://www.therealgeordiearmani.com/fancy-lunch-breakfast-ramadan/
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 April 2016 - 22:44
German Neuroscience Center at health care city. Only good things to say about them and they have helped me greatly.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 March 2016 - 10:07
Haven't found pectin, ordered it online. Rennet not available too however saw a cheese making kit (beginners) at Jones the grocer which included rennet.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 March 2016 - 10:03
German Neuroscience center - http://www.gncdubai.com/ I use them and they are really good.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 14:07
Izzy, try Dyna-trade, we are waiting for our service contract to finish and will be moving to them as they are cheaper then Al Futtaim and the reviews so have have been good.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 February 2016 - 18:17
Maybe you can contact Dubai Senior Dogs Project. They home abandon older dogs, bet those doggies would love to meet you and your girl. https://www.facebook.com/Dubaiseniordogproject/?fref=ts
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 00:09
If I had a dime for every time people mistook me for a maid, I'd be a millionaire by now :lol:
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2015 - 16:30
Please let me know as well if there are 4 beds in Umm Suquiem or about any area for less than 200 k, I would like that too! Try Nakheel Garden View villas. I know they have availability for 3 bhk villas. Also Vento by nakheel is below market rate as of now due to location.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2015 - 09:20
DH generally places an order for brisket or chuck roast a couple of days before at spinneys motor city. We have done the same at carrefour midriff city center, It's easier to explain to them as they have a chart with the various cuts of moo moo the cow. Prime Gourmet also sell brisket.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 09:44
Christina Burmeister at German Neuroscience Center
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 November 2015 - 09:44
Catty85, do you mean the dots which look like a blood clot?
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2015 - 17:33
Check out Grill Master Middle East. They sell the Primo ceramic kamados. Not sure if they sell other pits. Cymraes, may I inquire, are you looking for a pit that offers long indirect cooks or just simple direct cooks?
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 August 2015 - 23:53
Your best bet is weber here in the UAE. The store in Al Quoz is simply expensive and sell outdated napoleon grills, not impressive for the price. Ace at Festival City have a few sad charcoal grills apart from weber. They do have a brinkmann smoker (charcoal) but they are notoriously famous for leaking heat. They sell an offset smoker (made in China) which can be used as a grill too. Stay away from the charbroil grills as they are not good quality. Check firecraft.com, they ship to uae and we use them on a regular basis. I have heard that there is a shop in satwa that sell primo ceramic kamado's, Ace sold kamado joes last year and they were sold out in days, check with them if they are expecting any this year, you cannot go wrong with a good kamado.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2015 - 18:40
Have you thought about boarding schools back in your home country? Could this be another alternative.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 July 2015 - 18:35
Do you have any control over your daughter's future, as your husband seems to control both you and the children at the moment? You mentioned before that he organised their passports to his country of origin. Do you think he might get them into an arranged marriage? I can't imagine how it would be like to raise my children, in to a religion I don't practice, surly your daughter's will feel it's not genuine and they will feel that you are doing it by force and they will not have a positive reaction of religion at home. I am sorry for asking so many questions, but I am genuinely concerned about anyone living under your circumstances. And I just don't know what solutions you have. Would getting a job get some independency? I know that you have mentioned that you are staying married because of the children. Once they move away, will you be able to support yourself? Please join a support group or something, there will be women out there that has been going through similar experiences. And I understand that running to relatives when times are tough, isn't always an option. I'm really sorry, I wish I could give a more cohesive response but their vacation is looming over me like a dark cloud at the moment. I was supposed to take them for a fun vacation too but unsurprisingly, that was nothing more than a ruse. Yes I did/do have fears about him arranging a marriage but I don't know what I could do to prevent that. I'd have to make a hasty decision to flee with her and leave my other two behind? I don't think that would be an option. I really don't know. But as far as the situation right now, yes she knows it is forced and I do not think there is any requirement of me encouraging her to practice a religion that I dont, the only requirement is that I don't introduce her to anything else. I can't get a job here, it's just not something I can do, really, even without the paperwork requirements it is very competitive or low paying here anyway but I'm sure later on and on my own, once this painful weight is lifted I might be able to contribute positively in that way. As far as joining a group, this is a very shameful, degrading, repulsive situation that I got myself into and I think I'd rather stay anonymous. I know my response might raise more questions than it has answered, but that's all I can do at the moment. Cherpie, you need to stop feeling ashamed as that is not going to help you to find a solution and there is "always" a solution. Do you have any friends? do you do anything for yourself? sometimes, you just need to make it all about you to feel good from within. Personally, I would recommend a Psychologist to speak with, just speaking to another human being (not children or family) face to face and not online is a blessing in disguise and can be the first start of regaining your self esteem. Psychologist are legally bound by confidentiality and please do not take it the wrong way, abused victims can gain a lot from the mental health professionals out there. If you don't want to do it for you, then do it for your kids. With regards to your kids and religion, you are not required to teach them a religion you do not follow nor know anything about. If one parent wants their kids to follow their faith, they should be more involved and not expect the environment to work it's magic, so, just go about with what you do. Sending you a virtual hug :)
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 13:07
What is it about Customer Care with DU?? 10 days without internet at work following the 'fibre optic upgrade' carried out by Du (some upgrade!), finally tell us it's one of the new cables - no sh*** Sherlock!. 3 days with engineers working on it and they can't find the problem. No body rings to update us as to what is going on (obviously nothing!) an whenever we ring Customer Services they read out what's on the computer screen but won't pass our call to a more senior member of staff. Virgin Radio asked this morning is there anyone/anything at work that has made you cry.... YES.... So suggestions on a postcard please as to what we should do next. Rant not over by a long way :angry::cry: We have in the past faced issues similar to yours and some worse with du. The only way to get them to find a solution, escalate the matter to Qualified techies and Sr. management is by informing them first that you are going to lodge a complaint with TRA and after about 5 days follow through with the complaint. Make sure you note down every person who you have spoken to and every engineer who has done a site visit. The moment you start talking with them using their employee names, complaint numbers and TRA, they generally work overtime and resolve the issue. TRA complaints can me made online.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 14:18
The british red cross http://www.redcross.org.uk/en/About-us/News/2015/April/Donate-to-the-Nepal-Earthquake-Appeal
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2015 - 12:22
Better then store bought are freshly made pizza bases. Here is a recipe http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-pizza-crust-recipe/
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2015 - 12:20
Al Quoz has a host of building material supply shops that sell good quality products. Just make sure they are stainless steel.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 April 2015 - 13:47
The safety of my dogs come before any garden :) You can politely refuse the landlords gardner if you enjoy gardening yourself. I have done it a few times and have never faced any issues, only once a landlord was unhappy but he soon realized that his gardner was unless and we did more for his garden then his gardner. On another note, if the gardner is unhappy with the dogs they could just as easily leave the gate open and the dogs run off, this happens a lot and everyday all across the country. I am more worried about my dogs being stolen by the hired help's friends.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 14:56
As others have mentioned, it's all about the decision and him sticking with it. I quit cold turkey after 15 years this new year and have not smoked since. I knew last year I wanted to get healthy and live smoke free and watched Allan Carr are mentally prepared myself. I started to realize how horrible it tasted and how everything around me smelt like smoke. You need to want to give it up and once you realize the want you will find it easy later to resist the temptation. It's not easy still, I've got crazy mood swings, soaring appetite and low depression but I know it's all well worth it as I do not crave for a stick no more. I have been drinking every weekend and have not felt the urge to light up, so yippee to me :) I socialize with smokers and it's all good, I did however keep all things stressful and all smokers away for the first 2 weeks.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 08:42
Positive Paws at al quoz (Laura and Amie) are excellent and only use positive reinforced methods. Please stay clear from Caesar Milan type trainers who use harsh punitive methods which do no good for any animal. If you want to try training your dog by yourself, the late Dr Sophia Lin, Dr Ian Dunbar, Dr Patricia McConnel are just a few great behaviorists who have put up loads of videos on youtube and have info on their respective websites on understanding your dogs body language and working with them to make a well behaved pet. Kikopup and Victoria Stilwell are also great trainers on youtube.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 09:36
Excellent time for tomatoes and flowers to be started. Tomatoes can be started indoors in the summer too and transferred to the shade outside in the summers. If you have any used coffee grinds, feed a teaspoon every couple of weeks and the tomato plant will grow really well. Last year I germinated blueberries from the store bought pack of blueberries. You should be able to do the same with raspberry, strawberries and any other seeded fruit without any problems. Blueberries did well in the winter but did not make it through the summer, Strawberries have done fine in the shade of the summer here.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 09:17
A lot of the Emirati population keeps chickens. If you are living in a community such as the ranches, jvt etc then you are not allowed but if you live in local neighborhoods then yes, not a problem. Sorry cannot help with sourcing feed but I bet any neighbor who has chickens can help with this.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 October 2014 - 18:14
There is a way to block all friend request on facebook from people you don't know. Only friends of friends can send you these requests and keep your profile private at all times.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2014 - 10:32
But they are very much alive in UAE. I have had an ex-colleague pester me to join for the past 1 year. I wonder that if its so successful why are they desperate for people to join even when they have made it clear that they are not interested. I have had to block this person as I used to get constant calls/texts/whatsapp messages from him re this. edited by mumcurious on 28/08/2014 There are plenty of illegal home businesses which are flourishing in uae. This company has opened one of their subsidiary offices in uae but it's not tied to the Pyramid scheme they are operating. I have known many people who were arrested and deported for doing this business in the uae, guess they conned the wrong person. Even Etisalat and Du constantly block the business websites hence they have multiple websites so people can operate locally. Because they are trying to recover their huge investment they end up harassing / pestering people to join.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 22:09
If the tenancy contract is under your husbands name then you can renew it still. As long as he has a visa (your sponsorship) the tenancy is valid. Happened to me when I left my job and tenancy and cheques were under my name. Renewed without any hassle even though cheques were issued by my DH.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 July 2014 - 17:05
Hi all, appreciate your concern for the dog..the reason I don't want her in the house is very simple. We have plenty of friends with dogs and as much as their house is clean you can never get rid of the dog smell and dog hairs. I like my house clean, tidy and fragrant. She is well looked after and receives plenty of attention from all family members. Her kennel is being built tomorrow and her AC is ready for installation. Having a GSD and a GSD cross I can assure you that they are not going to do well even with an AC kennel outside. This beautiful breed needs human contact and will feel neglected when the family gathers indoors and the poor dog is left out alone. Please reconsider this move as it's unhealthy for the dog in the long run as other posters have pointed out. Daily brushing your dog will reduce the shedding and daily vacuuming will keep out the fur at your home. A healthy, indoor, well maintained dog does not smell, an outdoor dog does however and will require more maintenance.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 12:33
Hi ValineC and welcome to this forum. You mentioned big dogs, any specific breed? There is a law in Dubai where dogs like the GSD, Rottweiler (BSL type dogs) are not allowed to live in apartments in this city, not because they are aggressive but because they need space. While there are people who do own these types of dogs and do live in apartments, it all depends on one's landlord and if the building management permits it. Living with dogs in an apartment is absolutely doable as long as the dog gets the required exercise. There are many daycare facilities in Dubai where you can drop your dogs before work and pick them in the evening. This way they are supervised, socialized and stimulated. For a budget like AED 55K you will find it difficult to find a place in Dubai but do register yourself at Nakheel's 'The gardens'. It's best to look at the northern emirates where you would be able to find a great apartment for this budget. Make sure, where ever you do take an apartment that your landlord specifies that dogs are allowed in that apartment and it's mentioned in your tenancy contract. This will safe guard you from hassles in the future. There are many dog owners who have had to move out of Dubai because of the rising rents but have found villas and apartments in the northern emirates which allow dogs. The commute is doable as thousand do it everyday. All the best.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 13:09
Firstly, thank you ladies for your guidance and help. I was at the pharmacy when this happened and have a copy of the prescription along with the name of the pharmacy which illegally used my insurance details. The pharmacist who was attending to me was extremely nervous and did not give me the name of the dr nor other details but checked several times to make sure there was no error in the system and eventually gave me a copy of the prescription. Since this was the very first time I've used my insurance, it seems like I was an ideal candidate for this type of fraud. My husband immediately contacted his company HR who contacted the insurer and they have opened up an investigation. I contacted the police who have asked for additional details from my insurer and will open up a case of identity theft. They said maybe the dr could have my details (although, according to them it's highly unlikely as I've never used my insurance ever) so he would be charged and either way the patient would be charged too for illegally using a stolen insurance. The police have asked me to go to DHA and lodge an insurance fraud case with all supporting documents. The police said it could be an inside job, maybe third party involvement. Just have to wait and see now.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 13:43
I tried calling DHA (dubai health authority) but could not get through :( I do not think this medicine would fall under the narc list or be controlled as it's used quite widely here and globally, it's a steroid.Was not sure the cops would get involved but will do that now, thanks Izzy :)
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 21:22
GANO..................is that anything like GUANO? Sorry, have no clue. Well that joke fell flat. Just googled GUANO... hahahaha....:-D
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 19:18
GANO..................is that anything like GUANO? Sorry, have no clue.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 14:19
BTW ladies, the company Wonder Herb is being marketed by a malaysian MLM / Pyramid scheme company called GANO DXN. When will people stop falling for such scams.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 12:57
We rescued a dog who prior to this new life had bitten adults, children, dogs and cats. She was not even near vicious but instead ill treated, beaten with sticks and iron rods, burnt with matches and cigarette butts, kicked, starved, the list goes on and on. She only did bite people because she was scared, traumatized and defenseless. Today, she is a completely changed girl who has never bitten us or any one else (including other animals) as she has gotten love and correction without any harsh means. I am a firm believer in giving such dogs a chance unless there is a neurological condition then yes the dog needs to be put to sleep. I know a dozen other people who have rescued dogs that have bitten in the past and have invested their time in behavioral modification. So it can be done and as Batsgirl said, you owe it to the animal. So you'll take Batgirl's biter? If I were a millionaire I would, in an instant. I have 3 dogs and 2 cats on top of that 3 foster dogs which we are working on behavioral modification so they can find forever homes in the future. Out of these 3 fosters one has bitten in the past and it's been 3 months he's with us and not bitten us or any visitors. <em>edited by ecochic on 27/05/2014</em>
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 12:45
We rescued a dog who prior to this new life had bitten adults, children, dogs and cats. She was not even near vicious but instead ill treated, beaten with sticks and iron rods, burnt with matches and cigarette butts, kicked, starved, the list goes on and on. She only did bite people because she was scared, traumatized and defenseless. Today, she is a completely changed girl who has never bitten us or any one else (including other animals) as she has gotten love and correction without any harsh means. I am a firm believer in giving such dogs a chance unless there is a neurological condition then yes the dog needs to be put to sleep. I know a dozen other people who have rescued dogs that have bitten in the past and have invested their time in behavioral modification. So it can be done and as Batsgirl said, you owe it to the animal.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 10:10
Completely agree with RuthM's sound advice. Within a week you will see a change in behavior.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 10:03
TTucker, have you ruled out any medical issues by taking your cat to the vet? Is your cat neutered? The easiest way to stop a cat from excessive meowing after ruling out any medical issues is by teaching your cat how to be quiet. The easiest way is to do this is by teaching your cat to sit. By giving him attention while he is meowing is only reinforcing this unwanted behavior, hence the constant meows. Use his kibble or a chicken sausage or a favorite treat and pointing it to his snout and face direct him to the sit position. It's real easy with cats to teach them 'sit' this way. The moment his butt hits the ground, quietly and immediately reward him with the treat. Once he has mastered this, start adding a cue such as 'sit' or 'quiet'. Gradually start increasing the time frame of him sitting and giving his treat. Every time he is quiet when your around, immediately reward him for this wanted behavior. Cats learn fast, and within a day or two he will learn how to sit and within a week he will learn how to sit for longer periods by being quiet. Gradually and with lots of patience you will have a wonderful quiet cat. Has worked for me and many others. Training is also spending quality time with him and do this several times during the day. Best to start this during the weekend so within the 2 days, your cat will have learnt that he is being rewarded to sit and stay quiet and please ignore the meows.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 14:30
Thanks Tattie Bogle, really happy to find a place where I can go on a cosmic adventure.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 12:37
Great if it's working and hope it continues to do so the entire summer. I tried this method when we lived at the ranches and did not work. Now living in barsha and grass is doing well with once a day watering.
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 12:22
Once a month seems very little - doesn't it dry out? I water twice a day - early morning and early evening. Maybe I am watering too much? My grass is lovely and green and lush. Apparently the grass experts are now saying to starve your grass of water so its roots learn to dig deep. The Grass experts are referring to countries where summer conditions are not as harsh as this country. Ground water in this country is not necessary sweet, most of the time it's salty and grass will not do too well with it. 2 years ago I tried this method of watering and starving grass and lets just say I had sand left and had to put in new grass. I water once a day (early morning or early evening) in summers and once a week during the winter months. Over feeding is not great for grass too. Just as mrsb, my grass has been lush green for the past 2 years now by this watering method.