marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 15:38
I don't know about Babyliss or flat irons but I use a Rowenta rotating brush with hot hair that comes with 2 sizes of brushes - it smooths the hair and (if desired) gives it a little turn under at the bottom (or out). Bought it at Carrefour - my hair is not like yours so you might want to look at it carefully before buying.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 17:38
And if you don't drive, you will want to be in an area where taxis are usually available (not generally around compounds) or get yourself a private driver who is reliable (which a lot of people do).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 17:35
Doha is pretty much like Dubai but on a smaller scale and more expensive. It is probably more conservative as well, but not to the point where you feel that you're under a microscope - just wear sensible clothing and be polite - what you'd do anywhere in the world.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 03:46
Ticks are not something new, but maybe something new to your area. They like inside and around ears, around the eyes, under the 4 armpits, between toes and around the tail area. They are the devil to get rid of. You can buy a collar called preventic (I bring in mine via Aramex and also use frontline). For the house, I go to a large animal vet and buy Amitraz. It is used on cattle and sheep for ticks - DILUTE IT A LOT and buy a garden sprayer and do the areas where the floor meets the wall and if you have a wooden or tile skirting above that too. Do it every 4 weeks for 3 months - ticks have an extensive life cycle. As a precaution keep small children and your animals away from the sprayed areas for a day or too - then you can wash as usual. Ticks here are carried by anything with hair or feathers, rats, mice, birds, goats/sheep (used to be lots in my neighbourhood) and of course camels. In my own experience, ticks like to sit back on grass/shrubs and latch on as one passes by. I've never heard of "sand" ticks but I've only lived here 10 years and in relatively suburban areas. Ticks like the floor skirting to hide in, die and hatch their eggs, the skirting needs spraying.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 January 2012 - 18:41
Remember not all schools are back in session yet, traffic gets worse over the next week or so, not better.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 January 2012 - 14:27
Get a second opinion ASAP - your doctor may or may not be correct, but get her diagnosis/prognosis verified or disqualified by a second competent physician too. I hope things work out for the best for you. Good luck.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 January 2012 - 17:51
I doubt if you'd find a Western doctor at the American Hospital (the name has nothing to do with what nationality the doctor is or where they trained). There are usually some Western trained doctors at Al Ahli or Doha Clinic (I know friends liked an Italian woman doctor at the latter).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 15:26
If you have already done this you can ignore this suggestion. Sit down and write out some lists - pro and con of both staying in Dubai and returning to Canada - be sure to include finances, schooling, medical, quality of life, etc. etc. Make another list of where you would like to be (within reason) in 1 year, 3 years, 5 years perhaps as far out as 10 years - are your goals achievable in Dubai (given current circumstances) or in Canada. Sometimes putting these things down on paper makes it easier to put them into perspective. Good luck
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Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 23:28
I had a dog flap installed in both my villas so puppies could get outside as necessary but had access to the AC and cool tiles in the house. The cats learned how to use it in about 6.7 seconds - it took the dogs a few days.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 20:41
Have you tried the cleaning supplies or laundry detergent aisles? I've seen it stocked as a cleanser or deoderizor but it's still baking soda (usually Arm & Hammer brand in a bright yellow/orange box).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 05:32
Saw it at C4 (Landmark) a few weeks ago. However, you can find it usually in any store under the name bicarbonate of soda in the baking aisle in smallish containers. Same as baking soda.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 December 2011 - 14:18
Why not write something like "for feedback pls call xxxx xxx" then put a line all the way down to where you sign so that the delivery person cannot fill something out themselves - if the company is really interested in feedback, they will call you.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 22 December 2011 - 13:30
Often dogs dig because they are bored. Is puppy getting enough exercise? I had one who would dig a hole to get to cooler ground to lie on (he had a doggy door to the house but preferred the garden). I've heard of your remedy but not about it being successful - I didn't try it myself because wouldn't the dog just move onto a new hole (and then you'd have one full of poop and a second brand new hole)? For cats digging, when I first planted the garden I laid some chicken wire just below or on the surface, cut holes big enough for plants - kept the cats out. Might work for dogs too.
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Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 22:42
Spinney's is a supermarket - they carry some items that are hard to find in Doha - although they don't have the variety of items available in UAE or Oman yet - fingers crossed they'll bring in more variety over time.
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Latest post on 16 December 2011 - 22:40
I know you can get chopped frozen leeks at C4 now. They may also have just onions but I think they were whole (or perhaps they were breaded ones which aren't what you need). You can get garlic paste in a jar nearly everywhere - haven't seen it frozen. If they are something you use regularly and can't find in the shops, perhaps an online search would give you an easy way to do it yourself in advance?
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Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 06:31
Saw them 2 days ago in the flower shop outside C4 at Landmark - they are also selling/taking orders for "real" Christmas trees (if you're prepared to sell your soul for one;)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 19:24
Take her to the vet now, respiratory infections run quickly from cat to cat. Sounds like one in this case.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 19:37
There is also a 3rd Home Centre just past Jaidah Flyover heading from Ramada junction towards the corniche.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 19:36
From the Qatar News Agency website Qatari citizens must: Reach the legal age, (18) years for light driving license, or motorcycle license and (21) years for a heavy driving license or construction and agricultural equipment license). In order to get any kind of license.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 17:05
I've done Fujairah to Education City in 75 minutes .... once, and it was before the speed cameras were installed. Whoever is doing it in 40 minutes, highly doubtful - must use jet fuel and a battering ram
marycatherine
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 06:36
It's not weakness, it's a fact. You only have to state it once. After that, refuse to participate in what is obviously HER problem. Do not mention the cats to her, if she brings it up, change the subject. If she persists, call her on it. "What is your problem? This is not a topic for discussion so please drop it." AND WALK AWAY. If she continues tell her flat out that you choose not be part of a conversation AND WALK AWAY.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:13
If someone asks about your cats who has made fun of them/you in the past - just say, let's agree to disagree agreeably - let's talk about something else. As for the one who said (I think) that I hope your cat dies. Just say, that hurts me very much, I will not be a part of this conversation. AND WALK AWAY. You do not judge her, you tell her how YOU feel. Your feelings are yours and your feelings are valid, if she is hurting you, tell her it hurts you when comments are made like this AND WALK AWAY. You do not have to justify or explain yourself or your opinions or thoughts about animals - you just have to make sure your feelings have been made clear without commenting on what might be thought of as rudeness or cruelty in her comments. <em>edited by marycatherine on 04/12/2011</em>
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:07
I want to be 1.8 metres tall, natural blonde, curvy but not overweight, and blue eyed. None of which is happening soon, despite the fact that there are some of these types around me. Granted, a BB is not the same as genetics (although medical science is working "wonders") - but disappointment is a part of life. I can understand your DD wants to fit in with her peer group, but are gadgets really going to accomplish that?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:01
I have been fortunate in that I have a cleaning lady who (a) likes my animals and (b) is more than willing to stay in my home (and I am happy to have her there) to look after my pets while I am away. I know I am very lucky and others are not in the same position. That said, can you trade pet sitting duties with a pet owning friend?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 18:03
I bought mine at Carrefour but you might have to visit all of them to find one - and even then (like much else in Qatar) it might not be available right now.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 18:01
As you mentioned, just the various exchanges available at the malls etc. - however, shop around for a few days before you decide which one to use - some may give a slightly better rate (not much than another) - and of course that might change from transfer date to transfer date - thats FOREX trading and how much they want to attract customers. As for the HSBC option Ausgirl mentions - I've never dealt with them personally, but the 4 letter bank often seems to lead to the use of 4 letter words by customers - some accounts allow "free" transfers to HSBC accounts abroad, but HSBC sometimes "forgets" that the transfer was supposed to be free and then you have to try and get the charges reversed. If you can indeed get a reliable free transfer with them, it might be worth your while even if the FX rate is not as good as at the FX houses - more research I'm afraid. Everything, even bank charges are negotiable. It helps a great deal if you already have an established relationship with your bank - it never hurts to ask - the worst case scenario is that you are where you are now.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 21:21
Depends on the shop. Food (grocery) stores usually open earlier - Food Palace behind Royal Plaza opens about 8am. The phone and clothing shops usually open after 930am - many will close for the afternoon 1330 hrs to about 1630 hrs and then will be open quite late into the evening (compared with my home country) 2200 - 2300 hrs.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 21:19
OK there are 3 or 4 "Exchange houses" who should be able to handle a straightforward transfer from Qatar to the UK. However, you'll probably either need to come in with cash (a pain and a big risk) or a bank/manager's check. For the latter, check with the exchange house (a) if it's acceptable and (b) if there's an extra charge for processing. It's one of the things you pay for with the banks, slightly more convenience and a lower risk potential. I'd be tempted to sit down with the bank manager and discuss a lower rate on transfer charges for a regular transfer.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 16:54
I can explain a little bit about banks and transfer fees and the FX rates as that's what I did for 10 years in the bank. You are perfectly correct, the banks are your worst option for (un)competitive fees. The rate often depends on the amount of the transfer, you get a better (market) rate if you are transferring a substantial sum, but the bank views substantial as being at least USD25,000 or more and that's just the entry point might get you that .0005 "extra" on the rate - to get a better rate it's probably closer to the equivalent of USD100,000 or more - not many of us do that. I would suggest you continue to use the exchange houses to change to USD and transfer to the USD account in the UK. You may be able to arrange with your UK bank that once a certain FX rate (USD/GBP) is reached, they convert the USD to GBP at that trigger point. I know we could (and would) do this for our customers and that was 20years ago and was done manually, surely it can be done with an electronic monitoring system nowadays. Good luck.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 17:26
I'm assuming your money here is in QAR which is pegged to the USD so transferring it to the UK to a USD or even a GBP account at any given point in time doesn't gain you anything except you are poorer by the transfer charges. What is your ultimate goal - to convert the QAR to USD or GBP? That would significantly affect what strategy you might want to pursue.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 17:21
I'd be surprised if it was the neighbour's cat - have you caught it "in the act"? In many years of owning and living in neighbourhoods with cats, I can honestly say they never been accused of this type of damage. However, crows have been known to cause similar damage (and eat the windshield wipers) - which I also found strange.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 16:54
As for the terror that is a child of friends - friends don't allow their terror to run amok in another person's home (no matter what they do behind closed doors). Sorry, but I've told friends "the dog is permanent, you are expendable" when they try to feed her junk, get her wound up for no reason, etc. (And when they do surreptitiously feed her junk - including my Aunt - they are advised they get to clean up anything coming out of either end as a result.)
marycatherine
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Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 16:49
Do you have a good supply of chicken wire, a motion detector and one of those water guns kids use in summer?
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 16:33
ACE sometimes carries them
marycatherine
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Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 16:32
I brought my dog (and cats) with me - it was the one non-negotiable item with my employer (and my employer's PRO helped with the Emirati paperwork). One thing I had to do was change my lifestyle somewhat in that we go out at 5am for a good hour to get most of her energy worked off and, during the summer, another 30 - 45 minutes in the late afternoon, early evening (she gets out between the "big" walks and before we go to bed too but they're mainly bathroom breaks. I have never regretted it, after the first summer in a kennel, I asked my cleaning lady to come and stay in my villa and look after the animals - win, win, win situation for me, the animals and my cleaning lady - she gets to stay in a place all to herself with no worries about rent or utilities, I know my animals are being well looked after, and the dog and cats get to stay in their own home with someone familiar to them. I know not everyone can make the same arrangements but it actually works out cheaper for me than kenneling them
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 19:27
It's a great educational thread with good info about how and why it's important for you (as a family) and for puppy (as a new family member). IMHO it would be a shame to delete it as it contains good information about how and why to go about selecting a new family member - the example being demonstrated helps others understand the importance of being careful. Good luck with puppy - hope you find a great dog - because your family sounds like a great family.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 17:50
Is there any particular reason for choosing a Maltese? I don't know how old your DDs are but some small dogs are fairly "fragile" for lack of a better word and do better with older children. If you haven't already, I'd do some research on Maltese dogs in particular to make sure they're a good match with your children and lifestyle. I have seen some Maltese mixes available through K9 and other rescues but small dogs are very desirable and, as you've discovered, some are not suitable to be rehomed in some households because of trauma issues. Hope you find a good companion soon - good luck.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 19:39
I didn't say it was a good quality machine, it works, for now (and I know it could die tomorrow) but I'd only be out the 120 dirhams less the use I got out of it. When compared to a loss on a 1500 dirham appliance or buying hard to find "stuff" to make it work properly (which I imagine isn't cheap) - I'll take my chances with the 120 dirham loss. That said, I use it once a month or every 6 weeks (it's only me - so I have to pace myself ;)) so it probably will last longer than a family who might be using it once a week or more often - then it makes sense to invest in a "real" ice cream maker that can stand up to the usage. Hope you find one that suits your needs and budget. <em>edited by marycatherine on 27/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 20:40
OK you win
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 18:49
Because she asked for a golden Lab??? in her post. Sorry, but if she isn't aware that there is no such thing as a "golden" lab perhaps she isn't aware of the breed characteristics either? Sorry if I tried to help her if that was the case - what was the point of your post as you don't have any relevant info to her inquiry (at least mine was relevant to the breed in general). Have a nice day. <em>edited by marycatherine on 26/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 16:32
For the weave poles you can get some bamboo garden "stakes" and just stick them in the ground. IKEA has a kiddie tunnel that could be substituted for the dog tunnel (maybe two, they're kind of short. Greenish's idea about the tire and maybe a board on a saw horse somehow for the teeter totter portion? Good luck
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 16:29
Expats being able to own property is less than 6 years old here - it could change again tomorrow if those in power decide to rescind it. If (and it is a big IF I know) that happened, not only would you have to sell, but probably at a big loss. I would never buy property in a country where the rules can be changed without the rule of law governing it. And it doesn't here.
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 16:25
The biggest problem is the commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, I'd decide where to live after you arrive. Of course, living in Abu Dhabi has issues as well (parking being a major issue for many of my friends there).
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 16:23
There's no such thing as a gold Lab, there are black Labs, chocolate Labs (nearly all of them named Hershey in my experience) and yellow Labs. Labs are a LOT of work, especially when they're young because (a) they're mouthy, being retrievers, they put everything in their mouths and chew on them and (b) that tail should be registered as a weapon, it can clear a coffee table in one swish. If a Lab is indeed what you want - please do some research, they are wonderful dogs and love their people, but they are extremely active, subject to hip displaysia (very expensive to correct) but well worth the time and money you have to invest in such a great companion.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 07:11
If you do try to use a North American appliance you can buy a step down transformer (from 220V to 110~120V) for them at Carrefour or Ace. Just make sure the transformer you buy can handle the wattage of your appliance - they range from 300W to 1500W. I use several appliances that I've bought from Amazon.com but always read the specs on them before purchase (i.e. the wattage) ETA I bought a "basic" ice cream maker at Lulu (think the brand is IKON) for about 120AED - it makes ice cream, that's it, and doesn't require and special liquids or solutions. <em>edited by marycatherine on 26/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 07:41
Every kitty is different (as are their worrywart mothers) - pick and choose and reject whichever hints/tips work for you and your kitty.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 07:39
Have you tried the Italian restaurant in the Sheraton's sport complex? I believe they have outdoor seating in the evening, it's very reasonably priced and the food was very good. Another I like a lot is the Beachside Grill at the Four Seasons - their menu is a little limited (but the food is very good), you might want to drop by and check it out before deciding.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 07:02
You could add a little water to the dry food (OK it looks disgusting) :\: however, it's just a suggestion and maybe one to consider in a couple of weeks then. As you're already following a vet specified diet and the kitty is tearing up the house ;) it sounds like you're on the right track.
marycatherine
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 06:59
Russet potatoes are very good for making mashed potatoes. Spinneys should have labels specifying which type of potato is which
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 20:32
I've relocated my animals to North America - you have to find out what the country of destination requires. Mine was very straightforward on the documentation required. A clean bill of health from the vet, certified by the Dept of Agriculture (usually within 10 - 14 days of travel), current vaccinations including rabies with papers to prove such and microchipping, making the proper bookings with the airline - did all of it myself except for delivery to the airport as I had to stay in a hotel for a few days before flying (they were booked as excess baggage at the time, which was cheaper - don't know if you can still do that). So I had to pay for kenneling and transport to the airport to someone else.
 
 
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