laurelm | ExpatWoman.com
 

laurelm

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Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 12:32
I have them in my office too, they're very annoying! We are in a shop on the ground floor, and in Dec had flooding from the rains. We thought the remaining dampness under the floor might be the cause. Anyway, in late Dec we had pest control spray the place, but it only helped for a short time. They're back and we've had 2 more pest control companies evaluate the place recently, but they say it would be a waste of our money to have them spray. They say they're coming from the outside and will just keep coming. So - no solution. The flies continue. I want to pick up some fly paper and see if that might help, even a little? I'd love to hear any solutions to this!
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Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 10:11
So we have finally decided we will go to goa in July. First will it be really humid and wet at this time? Monsoon season in that region runs from June - September, so I think wet and humid will be a certainty. That said, I know that the southern regions of India have been pushing the monsoon to tourists as a very interesting time to visit, so could be neat? I've not been to Goa, but while in Kerala just before the monsoons I met some people who had just come from Goa, and they were saying much of the Goan area was shut down - many hotels, restaurants, etc. closed (It was the same in Kerala). I've had friends go to Goa in May/June who have said the same, as well. So might be something to consider if you wanted to leave your hotel and check out out what else is going on.
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Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 12:23
I was told to pay weekly as I'm a new customer? My service only just began yesterday, but I was able to pay for (what remained in) the month in advance. Paying weekly was also an option, if I preferred that. I'm sure payment terms vary from company to company, but if I were asked to pay weekly because I was a new client I don't think I'd really think twice about it.
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Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 12:00
I have literally just started having a weekly maid through an agency and I booked it over the phone, then received a T&C contract via email to sign. On her first day of cleaning, I was given an invoice for the payment due, and then received a receipt after the cash was handed over. So, I think the answer to your first 2 questions is "yes", although I have very limited experience with cleaning services, as it took me about 4 years to finally cave and get one. If you don't have receipts I wouldn't know what to do about payment being demanded in that situation.
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Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 15:43
Thanks for the replies :) i will check all the lodging suggestions....and as for the 6-hr drive vs taking a flight to Masaai, I think I will take a risk and prefer the drive (after reading Laurelm's experience ;)) Did you all plan the vacation and do all the bookings by yourself or did you go through the travel organizers? We usually like to roam by ourselves in our vacations....so we have all the flexibility but this one being a totally different country and different culture, we are not sure if its a good idea! Any suggestions there? I have no idea if my experience was normal or not. In the end , I think it was delayed due to a tour group who were also on my flight who were delayed getting to Wilson (thanks, guys!). I think my SO and I were the only people on that domestic flight who weren't part of said tour group. Leaving the Masai, I think the flight was only about an hour late, hah. I booked myself, as I have done for every holiday I have ever taken (and still would not have used a tour organizer, even if I was visiting multiple places within Kenya/Africa). I totally agree with you - love the freedom of roaming and flexibility to do whatever you please. I found the the hotels/camps were really helpful with any suggestions or aid needed when planning the trip, though.
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Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 15:05
Yes, Masai Mara was indeed wonderful. We stayed at Keekorok lodge which was also excellent. If you don't fancy the 6 hour road trip from Nairobi to Masai Mara (with the last hour being a very bumpy and dusty ride), you can always take a flight from nairobi wilson airport to Masai Mara. Though the view at one of the pit stops which allows you get a breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley was well worth the bumpy ride. If you miss out on the 6-hour car ride, you may, however, get the pleasure of endless boredom in Wilson, while frustratingly questioning if your flight is ever going take off at all? I was stuck there waiting for my flight into the Masai Mara, which was delayed for a good 6 hours. At no time were any updates on when the flight might leave be given. But still a great trip; that nuisance was a minor point in an otherwise totally excellent holiday. I did not go during the migration (went in autumn during birthing season) and while I can't compare because I've only been once, I was happy to have not gone during the migration. While I'm sure it's something to see, any time I see photos from the Mara during migration time, the amount of swarming safari cars all around looked awful. It was relatively quite, tourist-wise, when I went. Saw the big 5 and so much more. I can't say for the other reserves, but I did 4 nights in Masai Mara and felt it was perfect. A day less might have felt a touch rushed, and an extra day would have felt too monotonous.
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:29
Biker Cafe is amazing. http://bikerscafedubai.com/ oh really? will have to check it out Yes, Bikers is really tasty! I looove the Egg Malawach for breakfast.
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Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 15:42
Anyone been to any of the restaurants in the Atlantis? Any recommendations? Been to Nobu, but found it highly overrated. Same for their French Brasserie. All restaurants in Atlantis are crowded with tourists, so it's definitely not romantic. I intend to never go there again. I agree. I've been to the Nobus in NYC, much better. Have somewhat recently eaten at Ronda Locatelli which was simply average, and I wouldn't recommend.
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Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 14:46
How about Reflets? I have found it to be a very good special occasion restaurant.
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 11:50
I think if you look for resorts around Munnar, you should find some quite nice ones in/around tea plantations with good outdoor activities. It's a beautiful area, but unfortunately a bit of a drive after you land. In a couple weeks I'm heading back to the beach town of Varkala in Kerala, and staying at The Bohemian Masala. I'm quite excited as it looks interesting (tried to stay there last year but was being renovated), but I am not sure about their outdoor activities. They seem more focused on yoga (not that I'll be doing any of that, either, hah).
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 16:06
Kinokuniya stocks lots of moleskine as well.
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 10:52
Dentro: So if you were heading down to Dubai Mall to watch the fireworks and going by car, what time would you need to get there to get a park and what time do the fireworks start? Do people take rugs to sit on while they wait for it to start? How long do you expect it would take to get out of there and up Al Khail road home to the Meadows area? I know they're requesting everyone to be in Downtown Dubai by 8pm. Since yesterday morning, just about all parking has already been blockaded (*all* parking here for tonight, not just Dubai Mall, I believe must be prepaid) and it's been a general nightmare. When I left work yesterday it took me AGES to get out of the Downtown area, that was at 6pm, not even on NYE. I dread going home after work tonight. Working here, I've some info to my place of work to prepare for tonight: *Road closures in the area from 8pm. Expect the entire Downtown Area to be closed off from sometime between 9-10pm. Road closures do not only include Emaar Blvd, but also Financial Center Rd and Doha St, and side roads throughout all of the general Downtown area and neighborhoods. *"Light residue" (ie. fire warnings) from the fireworks display has been noted as a warning to businesses with outdoor terraces in Stand Point, The Lofts, The Residences, Claren, Boulevard Central, and Boulevard Plaza. From 11:30pm-12:45am business' terraces/seating in these areas will be covered and/or closed. Just something to consider, I suppose! A colleague has been downtown the past year or 2 for NYE, and she lives in Nad Al Sheba, said leaving as soon as the events finished, it took her until appx 3:30am to get home.
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 11:15
The Road (2009) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898367/ The most saddest, agonizingly and depressing film I have ever watched. Did not cry but spent the remaining part of the day gloomy and dull. Brilliantly shot but truly depressing.... Will never watch it ever again... sigh!!!! edited by ecochic on 30/12/2012 This was shot in my hometown (mostly)! Chosen for looking so depressing (or so I understand), I suppose I am a bit desensitized to this film and other depressing things, after having grown up there.
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 10:53
Melancholia. Beautifully shot, though.
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Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 10:48
I was on this diet for a while, and I think I can answer a couple of your questions! 1. I think it's any 2 days you like, but best they are not back-to-back (ie. Mon and Tues). 2. Don't know about that. 3. Shiritaki noodles are made from yam. They don't taste like much, but when you open the bag and rinse them they do stink. I've bought mine from Dean's Fujiya supermarket behind Lamcy Plaza.
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 09:01
Another vote for Loca. Was just convincing a colleague to make plans to go there yesterday, very yum!
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 08:54
Not exactly sure, but at least 8am, because that's as early as I've been there.
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 11:07
B2B, for me now that my ski-bum days of only wanting to ski are long gone, my preference is for nice skiing in a nice mountain village atmosphere with nice restaurants. So I prefer to ski in Switzerland and Austria rather than France. All of our recent ski holidays have been to Switzerland though, just because we find it easier to get to ski resorts in Switz rather than Austria. Pretty much, all the Swiss ski resorts are expensive, and their lift system is not as high tech as the French resorts, bothers DH but it doesnt bother me ! Have skied several times in Verbier, big town, great skiing, great restaurants, good range of accommodation, it's close to Geneva airport, but it can be expensive. I think you can ski Verbier from Nendaz which is much less expensive resort, but not 100% sure about that. My favourite Swiss ski resorts are Zermatt, Saas Fee and Wengen, they are all picture perfect, pedestrian and pretty much snow sure because they are high. But they all have their inconveniences. I love Crans Montana too, but it is a low resort and if it is a poor snow year than it is a disaster, we were there 2 years ago in February and there was literally no snow, I am not exaggerating ! Megeve in France is also a beautiful resort, it's low. The other French resorts I like are Meribel and Courchevel, but it's years since we were there and it seems the rich Russians have taken over and prices are through the roof. A very good all round ski town is Val d'Isere (my DH's favourite), nice town but big, incredible skiing, great lift network, restaurants and accommodation for all budget's. I have never skied in Italy, would love to though ! Good luck, I probably have confused you more than helped you ! I second Wengen! Granted, it is the only European ski resort I have been to, but the past two years that I have gone have been excellent. It's a lovely village, with loads of great skiing all around (I have some complaints as a snowboarder there, though...but not enough to dislike the place). We've gone in late January and the snow's been wonderful, so I'm sure in February it's really fantastic. From Dubai, we fly to Zurich, then grab a train up to Wengen (about 2.5 hours, I can't recall?). It's a pretty easy journey, all in all.
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Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 11:29
Strangely, I've also see antique Arabic jewellery in frame shops, such as Hammadco in Karama.
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Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 12:57
Is it not available anywhere here then? (It's just appeared on DH's wish list!) I was actually looking for it this weekend, too, and could not find it either. If you happen to find a retailer who carries it, please share!
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 15:54
Came and went in Downtown Dubai already, but looking dark again out towards Al Khail Rd.
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 12:47
Thankfully, I've not had a funeral happen since I have lived here, but to go home (to the states, and not even a city that I can access directly) it would have to be a funeral for an immediate family member. Of the weddings I've been invited to, I've only attended one. No-one tries to guilt-trip when I decline; it's a long and pricey journey (of course I still wish I could have gone). I can only imagine there would be one other wedding I'd go home for, and that would be my sister's (should she ever become engaged). I know lots of people who get guilt tripped for not going home for special occasions, though, and I don't think it's right. I'm thankful my family and friends are sensible about it.
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Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 10:49
Agree with Zuma for Japanese and brunch (probably my fave restaurant of all in Dubai) Reflets for French Loca for Mexican The Farm is a nice experience with an organic/locavore vibe (but not licensed) Love Khan Murjan in Wafi for Middle Eastern foods (also not licensed) I've been disappointed by Italian here, and am keen to try Roberto's in DIFC (any reviews)?
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Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 14:36
I concur re Loca and Maria Bonita. Loca is fantastic, love the place!
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Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 15:02
For me, my company's PRO/HR handled getting it done, but I had to pay all the fees pertaining to the attestation and any delivery fees.
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Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 12:57
Masala in Bab al Shams is amzing too, might be a bit too far... In the past I have highly recommended Masala, but they have recently moved locations within Bab al Shams and is now served from the Al Forsan restaurant. Since the move, I don't find it nearly as good (less options, the food just not as outstanding) - especially when you consider the drive out there. I think if you visited prior to the move, you'd find yourself disappointed now.
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 11:45
Technically, they are not allowed to, or so I have been told when trying - unsuccessfully - to hail a taxi with my caged cat. Shortly prior to receiving this info though a driver did take on a fare with my cat and I. Despite the rule, it seems like the drivers make the judgement, but it may be much more difficult if your dog is not caged.
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Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 11:11
Was wondering if anyone had seen any wreaths made from real tree? Not going to be in town for Cmas this year, so don't see the point in getting a tree, but would like something. I recall seeing them last year, but can't recall where? Visited Satwa this weekend, saw plenty of real trees, but no wreaths made of real pine branches.
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 15:57
I agree with coffee_mate and Desi girl! Love researching and planning a trip! Honestly if I could get someone to pay me to do this, I would quit my current job in a heartbeat. wikitravel.org can be pretty useful as well.
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 12:20
Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire is another one I would highly recommend for a special dinner. Everything was excellent.
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Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 10:51
I've only been for lunch, but found it to be fantastic. As for the 2-hour limit, I think that is the standard for popular/upscale restaurants, at least on weekend evenings. I don't disagree it's annoying but over the past several years (and even more-so in cities outside of Dubai) I've come to expect it, unless I'm doing a tasting or chef's menu.
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Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:47
We had a charcoal BBQ for ages, and recently switched to a gas BBQ and couldn't be happier. I do love the nice, smoky quality you get from a charcoal BBQ, but the ease of using a gas BBQ just can't be beat. We never used to BBQ after work because it was too much of a hassle, but that's not the case at all with the gas version. We even pop sausages on in the morning sometimes! You can get stuff like mesquite wood chips to put in your gas grill to help with the smoky quality of a charcoal BBQ. I haven't actually tried anything like that yet though, so can't say as to how well they work.
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Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:40
Yes, I have the same issue with not being on the approved list. The most annoying aspect of it for me however, is that my bank calls and calls and calls and calls AND CALLS trying to get me to open a CC, get a personal or car loan, etc - and my company is not even approved! Once or twice I said yes, I would like a CC, and the instant the process begins it gets shut down because the first thing they check after I say "yes" is if my company is approved. I wish they would check [i'>before[/i'> calling me incessantly. I understand that is a lot to ask for though. Good luck getting your CC! But I agree with what others have said: do not hand over a security cheque, it is illegal for the bank to request that.
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Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 09:51
I went through this ordeal recently. Forget finding a disk (to purchase in Dubai). After talking with people at iStyle, I had to take my Mac to ABM Care (iStyle's service center and an authorized Mac center) where they can install Snow Leopard, but will need to wipe your entire computer, and then install it. Note that I then wanted to upgrade to Mountain Lion as well, but they recommended against it because my MacBook Pro wasn't a new enough version (appx 4-5 years old). I don't know about the specs your Mac is on, but just know that Mt Lion may not be recommended to install even if technically you meet the installation requirements. It was 250 dhs, took only a couple hours, and the contact # is 04 452 0055. Good luck!
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 16:17
I suppose it would depend on my cash availability/flow. Ultimately, I'd spend it outside of Dubai as much as possible, traveling. But if I had to stay in Dubai, I guess I'd try to up my work-out game (I'd have to because I'd definitely be cooking and eating a lot more with all that free time!), get back into horseback riding on a regular/steady basis, and maybe try to set up a mini art studio to grease up that Fine Arts education from years gone by. It would also be nice to fit in a language course, Arabic or otherwise. I would definitely have to keep myself busy with (home?) projects, create things. I would go crazy with nothing planned to do.
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 14:35
You'll definitely see a good bit of fancy dress, but most people wear pretty casual clothes. I usually go for a pair of shorts and a tank/shawl, or even a casual sundress. I think this year I may dress up a bit more than usual, but in more of a fun than smart way. I really don't ever recall thinking the dress for the Sevens was "smart". To be honest, I find it's rather messy, at least once everyone crams into the stadium at the end of the night, and I wouldn't want to wear anything nice there.
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:01
Which would be your *one* most favourite book of all time on the bookshelf? Just one. Simple. Atlas Shrugged. Yours? :) Ah, that is an excellent choice! I don't know if it's my #1, but it's in my top 5. #1 for me...it's a toss up, can't pick one! I think I'd have trouble even settling on a top 5, to be honest.
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 16:41
I think with people getting married later in life and more 2nd marriages (after one party is divorced), the traditional way wedding finances were handled has progressed. Personally, I didn't want the 'traditional way' because I felt it gave other people too much control! Sorry to side step the original question! I think anything goes these days. Whatever suits the individual couple and their circumstances. Same here coffee mate, [b'>myself and my husband paid for our own wedding, it never actually occurred to me that either of our parents would pay[/b'>. Plus with my parents twice divorced if each of them had a say in the day it would have been even more stressful than it was trying to keep things happy. Granted, I'm not married, but that's exactly how I feel as well! I actually had no idea that the bride & groom's parents' still covered any costs of the wedding, but reading this thread I was very wrong! But back to the original question, I was recently asked to be a bridesmaid and would have had to pay for my own dress (I was given many options to choose from as well, although all were complementary to each other). I didn't think twice of it or find it strange at all. At least where I'm from, and in my social group, it seems to be the norm. This is actually the first I've heard that paying for the bridesmaids' dresses is the bride's responsibility. (Full disclosure: I am pretty daft about weddings, though.) <em>edited by laurelm on 22/11/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 09:34
"Shantaram" was recommended very highly to me, too, by many people so that's next on my list. I read Shantaram. I did really enjoy the story, but i found it to be a difficult read. There are a lot of pages in there where it gets philosophical which I didn't enjoy and struggled to get through. My friend gave up reading it. Having said that the story was excellent and was a huge eye opener for me. I definitely recommend it, but i would say go into it with an open mind. I also recommend "Shantaram"! Loved it, thought it was a rather fun read. I've read precious little recently, but when I get a minute I often find myself going back to Paul Theroux's books (specifically his travel writing) and Hunter S Thompson's journalism compilations. Both are quick, easy, and entertaining. Earlier this year a stand-out read was "Infinite Jest" by David Foster Wallace. It's...different. Definitely worth a go if you want a book that really requires your full attention.
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Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 12:04
I'm a big fan of the Zuma brunch. Great food, and a really nice atmosphere. However, it seems to book up pretty early, so wouldn't be surprised if it's already full for Friday as well.
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 16:08
Hello! I don't know Satwa very well. Where is Plant Street? I know where the Emirates ID office is and that's about it. Are you familiar with the Iranian Hospital on Wasl Rd? If you're on Wasl Rd with the hospital on your right, take the right immediately after the hospital, and that's Plant St. Down that road past the hospital, you'll start to see lots of shops with plants on the sidewalk (and Christmas trees, possibly!) on the right side of the street.
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 15:12
I can't help much, but a couple years back I was in a partnership with a large, well-known charity to raise funds for orphans and vulnerable children. My colleagues and I were interested to visit the children we were raising the funds, for but the charity made it clear that visiting the children for a short period of time is not something they recommend; indeed they simply wouldn't allow it. As you already mentioned, I was told bringing people into their lives (or even objects) and then removing them a short time later is stressful, disruptive, and not fair to the children. It was a shame to hear, as I really wanted to get a bit more hands on, but I could understand where they were coming from. Good luck - I hope you find something that works out for you though! Nepal is an incredible visit, and even if you might feel hesitant about helping at an orphanage, there must be other opportunities to help out a bit there?
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 13:51
Pls can you tell me how long does a real one last! How do you stand it up? A bucket of sand? Does it need watering to keep it going lol any tips tia Yep if you're watering it properly, then it should last about a month. It will need watered every day most likely, and within the first couple days, it may need to be re-watered a couple times per day. Never let it dry out - it only takes a couple hours for the base of the tree to "close up" or "heal" (I'm not sure what to call it) and once it does that, it can no longer take the water in. When you buy the tree, have them chop a few inches off the base so you know the cut is fresh, and then get it in some water as soon as you get home. When I got my first tree, I made the mistake of not doing the above (let it go for several hours) and it would not drink water and died/shed most its needles within about 2 weeks.
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 12:09
Thank you kindly for the wishes!
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 11:27
have you tried shaking a box of cat biscuits? this brings mine in like a race horse!!! Mine too - shake the cat nip treats and you think that she's not been fed for years...... I wish mine were as receptive to food! They'd much rather be outside and stopped coming to the call of the treat bag once they put 2 and 2 together and realized it meant they were going to get shut indoors.
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 11:18
On the one hand: a thunderstorm on my birthday would be a pretty good gift! On the other hand: I left towels outside to dry this morning, because of course.
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 11:11
I'm pretty sure you can get a real Cmas tree in the plant souq, however I've always gotten mine from Plant St in Satwa, as mentioned by coffee_mate, and have been really pleased with them. I cannot really recall the prices though. I want to say depending on size, they range from about 300-600? I'm really unsure though. In addition to Spinney's, Ace will also have some, and I think also the Garden Center (but I think they're more pricey there).
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 10:44
I got a massive bottle of it in the grocery in Lamcy Plaza a few months back. I think I've also seen it it Dean's Fujiya Japanese supermarket located behind Lamcy. Love the stuff, practically addictive.
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 12:19
Is anyone else having issues with the Emirates website? For over a week I have been trying to book a flight but it keeps coming up with an issue on teh web page when I come to confirm the flight!! I am going to have to go to Dnata tonight to book the flights :( I haven't been very recently trying to book a flight through Emirates online website, but I think I know the problem you're referring to and it's been a nuisance to me more than a few times before. Really irritating,as I would figure they must have enough money to support a properly functioning website. Wanted to add - sorry I can't offer a solution. I ended up at Dnata as well. Good luck! <em>edited by laurelm on 19/11/2012</em>
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 09:40
Get these from Lakeland! http://www.lakeland.co.uk/15206/Lakeland-20-Poachets like tea bags - the silicone are a waste of time! These are the best! I think the egg tastes better after having been poached in them as well, since the water doesn't mix with the egg.