zoco | ExpatWoman.com
 

zoco

zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2017 - 19:02
You can find them in most big supermarkets in the fresh prepared veg secion. They definitely stock them in C4 and Union Co-op.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2017 - 16:43
I think you'll get more responses if you give us some more details - What is your budget for dinner? Do you have access to any discount cards or the Entertainer? Any particular area of town you want? Budget for a gift? What does your husband like? Any hobbies? What are previous gifts you've given him that he's liked?
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2017 - 16:37
We're returning to Dubai after some time overseas and want to buy a house as soon as new residence visas etc are all set up. I have a couple of queries on which I'd appreciate any input if anyone's been in a similar situation... Any recommendations for mortgage brokers in Dubai? Does anyone know if it's still the case that ready to move properties require a 25% deposit while off plan require a 50% deposit? I recall hearing a rumour of this a few years back. Anyone know how many months back of bank statements/salary/ employment evidence you have to supply to get a mortgage in Dubai and if UK records will be taken into account or if all evidence must be Dubai based? Any experiences with brokers/banks/agencies (good and bad) welcome! TIA
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2017 - 10:37
I've seen nice copper ones in the larger LULU stores in the past
zoco
162
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Latest post on 15 February 2017 - 14:58
No idea about the exact frames you linked to but what about something small from Gallery One?
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2015 - 16:42
RERA may not help though as the default position is 4 cheques according to the law so unless the LL is significantly inconvenienced by 4 cheques rather than 2 (especially as the tenant has explained why their financial circumstances have changed) then perhaps it might be better to just let it go this time and be kind.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2015 - 16:35
I've received hampers from both Milk and Honey and Carluccios recently - both were gorgeous and had a really good variety of things in them. A friend got one the other day from Eataly in Dubai Mall and said that was great too...
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2015 - 16:34
Love Actually... loads of cheesy laugh out loud bits but I really like that it reflects that the festive season is often full of little sadnesses for many people as well as the fun and jolly stuff - a bit more real life if you see what I mean.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2015 - 08:14
Always had good food but the service is shockingly bad. It's local for us so every now and again when the memory has faded we venture there again as the setting is so lovely.... each and every time when we leave at the end of the evening we have the same conversation remembering why we don't go more often and saying we won't go there again!
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 14:27
Do you have a budget in mind? And have they been to Dubai before and done any of the touristy stuff?
zoco
162
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Latest post on 05 March 2015 - 15:56
Same here - we're also DU and it's been like pulling teeth this week, I had to go work in a cafe on Tuesday as the connection kept going for half an hour at a time and I had conference calls :-(
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 07:08
I make savoury muffins a lot, usually zucchini, carrot and cheddar or feta, olive and sundried tomato. You can also make sweet zucchini carrot muffins where the kids won't even know there's veggies in there. I also do savoury flapjacks (English kind like a granola bar) with cheese rather than sugar and raisins etc. I'm running out the door now but I'll post recipes later if no one else does :)
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 20:28
Cherpie, can you take the kids on holiday back to your home country and file for divorce from there? I don't have any experience I'm afraid but it seems like this might be one way to start proceedings and still keep custody of your children on firmer ground so to speak?
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 16:00
As Stix said, if you didn't arrange travel insurance before your in laws traveled then I'm afraid there's nothing you can do now - there's no one to claim from as you don't have a policy. Do they have a local policy where they live - it's unlikely that will cover the treatment but it's a worth a try if you have no other options. For the future you need to arrange insurance for them before they travel - they should either do this themselves in their home country or you can do it for them here - I recently did it for my elderly in-laws with AIG (it was AED 45 per person). This was the only company I could find that would do it from here for a non resident and for over-60's.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 19:17
Thanks ladies, I think I'll go with Book Depository as at least I'll know what I'm paying in advance. I'd forgotten about the numerous deliveries for one order (thanks Cherpie!) which I find can really add up with Shop and Ship not to mention numerous trips to Aramex! Appreciate your thoughts x
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 14:18
I have a box in Rashidiya - parcels usually come Rashidiya post office and I get a slip in my mailbox to say I have a package awaiting collection. Just take the slip into the main post office and collect (so if you're expecting a package make sure you go in working hours as you cannot collect 24 hours a day unlike the PO Boxes - I learned the hard way! :) ).
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 13:47
Hehe, this gave me a wee chuckle :) As to the actual question - I've seen the mini sausage buns in Choitrams. Not sure about sausages, but if you can't find any the right size I'd just halve the regular chicken franks or whatever you can find.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 10:57
We took my in-laws last week and it was a hit - they spent a good hour taking photos. I have to say I think it was much better than it's been in previous years. If you are able try to go mid week as we were there on a weekday afternoon and it was still pretty busy so I dread to think how full the place must be at weekends.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 09:53
Yes Izzy, I could decide this for myself but if anyone has had a particularly bad (or good) experience then I'd like to hear from them as that may influence my decision as at the moment they seem to be more or less the same and I don't have experience with either. I hope that's answered your somewhat unnecessary question. The old adage, 'If you haven't got anything nice to say then don't say anything at all' springs to mind when I see many of your comments.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 08:50
Finally! I often didn't comment as I couldn't be bothered with the hassle...
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2014 - 19:08
I'm going to try that Sakhifa... the simple ones are usually the best :cool: For anyone wanting to seriously declutter, this website was suggested to me... I haven't done it yet.. I'm far to disorganised ;) but I love the ideas! http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2014/09/24/31-days-clutter-free-life-promo/
zoco
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2014 - 16:30
In past years we've had cotechino (a type of boiled salami), polenta and lentils... a throw back to my Italian life pre-Dubai, where it's as much a must as turkey for Christmas in the UK. Lentils are believed to bring good fortune for the following year. This year I'll be doing smoked salmon on chive blinis (quick and easy but they feel decadent as they're not something I make regularly) and then we're having a cheese fondue (at the request of my sister who's visiting from Beijing and misses cheese!). Pudding will probably be molten chocolate cakes with ice cream and berries... it's all VERY 70's!
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 12:18
You can get lovely gourmet goody gift boxes/hampers at Milk and Honey stores. I received one as a gift last week and was delighted!
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 12:55
I also HATE wearing heels and spend most of my time in Birkies... even for work (I slip a pair of heels on before meetings and off again straight after!). Last week I bought a pair of heels from Clarks, they're not super high but they look nice and I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable pair of heels I've ever had. I actually wore them all day yesterday and have them on again today without any discomfort. I just popped into Clark's as they had a sale on but I'd definitely recommend them.
zoco
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 12:46
I think it depends on how close you are to the gift recipient... If it's for someone special I think personalising something like a watch, cufflinks, or a swiss army knife (my brother in law has a SAK that he treasures for this reason) is nice (or a photobook of their life if you know them really well). If you're not that close I'd probably go with similar items but not necessarily the expensive or personalised versions.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 12:33
I was able to get mine from the British Embassy in the country I was marrying in (it took 24 hours and was just a matter of me signing a declaration that I was single in front of someone), so it may be worth checking if you can get it in Vienna if you have the time and it's convenient.
zoco
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 21:59
Mini sausages, Mini fritattas with cheese and sausage/bacon/diced chicken (baked in muffin tin for easy portioning), String cheese, Strips of beef/chicken baked or grilled (can be eaten hot or cold) with a little dip (ketchup, dijonnaise, ranch etc.) Boiled eggs/Egg Mayo, Turkey ham roll ups (roll a slice of cold cut around cream cheese/cheese string/sliced peppers/cucumbers), Nut butter and apple slices, Veggie sticks and houmous HTH
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 21:47
The craft shop, 'Creative Minds' on Um Suquiem Road has them :-)
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2014 - 18:16
Sorry Marthebelle, I can't remember the name - when they arrived they were individually packaged in generic medical supplies packets and all just in a big clear zippy bag - so definitely no frills! I can remember that they were literally the cheapest option as I thought I'd just give them a whirl but wasn't convinced enough to spend any decent money on them...
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2014 - 18:03
I bought loads last year (I think it was 50 for around 30 dirhams) from Amazon UK, and found them reliable. I passed on the remainder to a friend who has also found them accurate. I'd happily recommend them - why pay a fortune here when you can get the same thing so much cheaper elsewhere?! Also, if you have a smart phone try downloading an app called period tracker, I found once I'd logged my period dates for 2/3 months it was remarkably accurate.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2014 - 20:30
I have been on a Star Cruise as mentioned by Thaiger in the link below. It was excellent, I would absolutely recommend it. We only did 4 nights, boarding in Singapore, stopping in Malaysia and Thailand. One of the nicest things was that the majority of pax are Chinese nationals who only come on board to gamble and so spend all night in the casino whilst in international waters and all day asleep preparing for the next night. Effectively this meant that we had the ship to ourselves - well not quite, but not far off!! So pool, restaurants, entertainment etc were all lovely and easy to access.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 12:23
I have just used a company called Travel Counsellors for a Thailand trip in May and they were absolutely fabulous, even for a budget trip (and ours was definitely budget!). It was a lady called Ramona and she sent through a number of quotes for budget, medium and luxury options and we emailed back and forth til we had the package we wanted at the price we happy with. We ended up going to bangkok for 4 days and then to a resort for the rest of the holiday - we're in love with Thailand - it was the best holiday we've taken so far! I'm happy to recommend her, found the service excellent and I assume she could arrange for anywhere. Her email is [email protected] and the website is http://www.travelcounsellors.ae/ramona.rusu Thailand would definitely get my vote as a reasonably priced honeymoon destination but wherever you decide to go have an awesome time! :-)
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2014 - 07:51
Hi LeoBan, Welcome to Al Waha, it's a lovely community. There are a couple of very active facebook pages - one for AL Waha and one for Layan which will give you all the info you need and are a great way to make introductions. HTH
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2014 - 18:23
Hi Gunscoley, Yes, if you follow the recipes you'll get a much thinner pancake - kind of a soft crepe. For the lemon sugar experience you just squeeze some lemon juice onto the pancake, sprinkle with a little sugar (about a tbsp of both is probably about right), roll up and enjoy! It is an acquired taste though - even after 6 years of pancake days with lemon and sugar my (non Brit) husband still reaches for the nutella! :) Have fun trying them out :)
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 11:36
Oh great news, we're heading there this evening... Hoping for some true Christmas spirit!
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 08:59
What about a trip out to the Christmas market at the Madinat? Madinat's always nice this time of year just for a wander and it should be suitably festive, and has plenty of options for dining too :)
zoco
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 20:58
Think I saw one in Debenhams in Dubai Mall on Monday... HTH
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 09:23
Izzy has covered all the traditional side dishes and sauces well, but don't feel too overwhelmed if this is your first time cooking it all! There are short cuts available for lots of the options (ie. gravy; Bisto - just add hot water, stuffing; Paxo or you can order it fresh from Spinneys/Waitrose, sausages in bacon; again you can order them pre-done from Spinneys/Waitrose), Cranberry sauce; you can buy ready made in jars/cans) Obviously it's not quite the same as doing it all yourself however I remember the very first year I made Christmas lunch just being overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of dishes and having to have everything timed to perfection and all ready at the same time (unfortunately there's hardly any aspect of a traditional Turkey roast dinner that sits well for longer than a few minutes). Best advice is to find a full countdown time plan online (try bbcgoodfood but there are loads online) so you have something to follow and guide you and if you have a chance do a trial run with a chicken ahead of time so you know what to expect and can work out how to juggle space in your oven and the timings. Good luck and enjoy!
zoco
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 07:11
I've also searched high and low for baking paper/parchment for months and had no luck. Finally found some in Carrefour in Motor City - Carrefour own brand - 3 days ago. Christmas cake finally made and put to bed! :)
zoco
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 23:31
We had the same - couldn't pre book for a taxi to the airport at 4.30pm this afternoon, had to call back closer to the time.... Called at 4.15pm to be told it would be at least 45 mins til we could get a taxi sent to us!!!! Very helpful! Jumped into the car to drop hubby at the airport and passed an empty taxi not 2 mins later who happily agreed to take him! What a performance!
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2013 - 18:26
I've been there a few times and think the food is worth going a little out of your way for. It's more of a Lime Tree Cafe type concept with salads and some hot casseroles, however, unlike LT, you can mix and match a bit more. It's been tasty both times I've been though the selection is not huge it's adequate (includes, salads, soup, few hot dishes and cakes). Only downside is the location - no natural light or outdoor area so not necessarily somewhere you'd want to sit for hours.
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 20:27
Thanks ladies for all the info - although I hoped it would be different news unfortunately it is exactly as I suspected. Oh well, hopefully the situation will not arise anytime soon and better to be forewarned I suppose!
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 08:09
Hi A Rancher, yes, we have been told the same (that a Muslim man's estate will be subject to Sharia regardless of any will made). Accordingly we try to keep as much as possible in my name (ie. most funds in bank accounts, cars, property etc). I don't really know any other way around it tbh :(
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 21:03
Pottery barn or Lifestyle
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 11:32
In festival city I'd recommend Al Fanar - which is the Emirati place - it's not posh, just good hearty home food. It's arranged like a little heritage village so a bit cheesy but big portions of tasty food and a reasonable selection with nice juices etc. If you want something a little more standard Lebanese fare there's a Karam Beirut on the waterfront overlooking the Marina and you can see the SZR/Burj Khalifa skyline. Japengo also has a Lebanese section in its international menu. There's the Belgian Beer Cafe and Trader Vic's in the hotels, 2 mins walk from the restaurants or the Skyyline or Vista bars in the Intercon if you fancy something a bit more schmancy and 'Dubai'! :) Century village in Garhoud (next to the Irish village) is also lovely but the atmosphere comes from the outdoor buzz which you may not get much of in this weather....
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 11:14
What about Festival City or Century village, both are near the airport. They both have a number of Lebanese restaurants (and there's the Emirati restaurant in Festival City too which is pretty nice) and both within metres of bevvies for an after dinner drink if you feel like it...
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 11:05
Welcome to Dubai! For mall coffee mornings Mall of the Emirates (often shortened to MoE) is your closest. However, if you have metro access, Dubai Marina Mall and The Dubai Mall aren't a million miles away either. If you have free time on your hands exercise classes, book clubs etc are a great way to meet people. It's also worth searching on facebook to see if there's a community page for TECOM. Many communities now have them and arrange various get together's through them. If you can't find one for tecom try the Greens' page as it's right next to you and there's plenty going on there. A few nice places to try in your area if you're out and about are the Asian restaurant, Toshi, and the Belgian Beer Cafe (particularly friendly on football nights!) in the Grand Millennium hotel in TECOM. The Media Rotana in TECOM has a pretty friendly English pub too. If you go across to the Greens there's a lovely little cafe called Bert's as well as a Wagamama's and the organic foods and cafe store is just across in Emaar business park which also has some coffee mornings I believe. Hope that helps! X
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:54
Try booking.com or agoda.com. Otherwise it's worth approaching some of the hotel apartments as you can often negotiate a discount with them directly. If you're planning on doing things like Aquaventure/ Yas Waterworld/Wild Wadi, take a look at the packages for the attached hotels as it often doesn't cost too much for a room when you consider you get free access to the parks and meals/spa are often thrown in too! :)
zoco
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 10:50
What about vouchers? A voucher for a gents salon massage A dinner voucher to a nice restaurant Mall voucher - so he can spend on whatever he likes An 'experience' like race car driving at the Autodrome - something he could go do with your DH? Tickets for a concert/show 'Real' gift wise... Perfume set Scarf/tie/socks Coffee table books Money clip Nice coffee (or whatever else he likes) hamper Not the greatest list I'll admit but, like you, I find men so difficult to buy for!! :)
zoco
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 18:21
I could just kick myself for imagining it would all be fine! After being here more than 10 years you would think I would have thought of the old UAE 101 'rules' - Oh well :) Di@DXB, do you have a number for said carpenter by any chance? TIA
 
 
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