sabrina123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sabrina123

sabrina123
204
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Latest post on 10 April 2016 - 15:53
Hi Ladies,can somebody recommend a good events company for kids birthday parties? thank you Hi Ayka, have heard really good things about Little Angel Events, saw their website and am thinking of using them for my son's next birthday, we'd normally use Cheeky monkeys who are good but turn out to be quite pricey by the time the total bill arrived with all the add-ons! Good luck!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 16:25
Any of the golf clubs are good for large parties..Montgomerie and Emirates do nice traditional fare
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 16:22
hi sjpbingley, are they asking for the full amount? If so then no that's not standard practice as far as I have ever experienced. Credit card details as guarantee is normal especially for brunches on Xmas day or large groups but not full payment. Some ask for a deposit which we have paid before - sorry I can't remember the percentage though
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 11:56
Meat Company - consistently good food and service Not sure about desert view but Bab Al Shams is nice for visitors, Al Hadeerah (or something like that) is a great outdoor restaurant with a range of food (grilled meats, Emarati dishes, grilled fish, salads etc) and put on a show every night.
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 15:21
I agree - all my stews turn out watery and gross - would much rather stick in the oven in a caserole for a couple of hours. The only thing it does well is dry, slow roasted meats. Ok it's not just me then :-) Yep sauces end up like pond water that needs loads of cornflour to even try and rescue it. Haven't tried a roast joint in there yet so I'll give it a go - if that fails it will continue to be used as a storage box for small tupperware!!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 15:13
I'm obviously doing something wrong as I find ALL my slow cooker dishes have turned out a disaster - cuts of expensive chicken and red meat go very stringy...ribs turn out ok but thats mainly because of the bbq sauce Any full proof recipe suggestions would be much appreciated
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 14:59
you can get boneless thighs in park n shop
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 11:46
I find Dr Keith Nicholl amazingly caring and very experienced. He takes time with the children and asks lots of questions regarding symptoms and general well being to try and get to the root of the problem. He tries not to over medicate and explores every option to get children fighting fit again. He has also followed up on our appointments a few days later by ringing and asking how progress was going He is based on Al Wasl if that is feasible for you - hope your baby gets well soon. Worst thing about being a parent is when they get sick! :-(
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 15:17
Have seen minced p**k and sausage meat in Spinneys Al wasl.
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:22
Think they have them in the gadget shop opposite Virgin in MOE
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 14:52
LOVE this recipe for roast cauliflower http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/roasted-cauliflower-in-lemon-tahini-sauce/
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 14:26
Rosemary marinated lamb chops with garlic and mint green beans Lemon and coriander marinated sea bream, roasted cauliflower topped with tahini and pomegrante Chicken with curried okra (fry off onions, garlic, madras curry powder, pinch of garam masala and then add okra, cook and cover for 10 minutes, add a chopped tomato and cook for another 10 minutes and top with coriander)
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 15:01
Because they're bored, have very little else going on in their lives to fulfill themselves and resort to online bullying - it's cowardly. Just ignore it and don't take any of it personally
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 15:39
Also Lulus had some giant, surprisingly fresh looking ones yesterday
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 15:37
If you like Italian, how about Alta Badia in Emirates Towers. Haven't been personally, but lots of friends and colleagues think it's fab. We're going, but not until the end of October. I was just looking at there! but could only find 1 review, thanks for the feedback. Am now considering At.mosphere, Alta Badia or Reflects par pierre ganaire, just can't decide on one!!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 15:28
Hi Ladies, can you recommend a great restaurant for me to take the DH. We'd like somewhere new, we have done Pierchic, Le Petit Maison, Rhodes, all the madinat...any new restaurants that would be suitable? Preferably new Dubai as don't want to go as far as Deira TIA! Ask Polly she knows all the best places :-) Bumping for Polly and anyone else that can give me some inspiration!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 11:33
Another vote for Tom & Serg - great choice of coffee, amazing fresh food
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 14:24
Does anyone know if it is true that a British citizen/school-leaver has to live in the UK for at least three years before university entry in order to be assessed fees-wise as a British citizen? In other words, if the student does his A levels here, he will have to pay foreigners' fees at university in the UK? We have had conflicting information regarding this and have also been told it varies from university to university. Does anyhow know? Yeah unfortunately it's true. Someone I know has just done so, born here but British passport holder - has a UK address (her grandparents house) but had to reside their for 3 years prior to university to be legible to pay the normal fees. She has lived here all her life so is classed as an International student and is paying 12k GBP as oppose to 9GBP for her fees. One positive to this is that International students do get priority for the campus accommodation
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 11:37
Found out they are making updates and adding new features, which could explain it?! Be careful on installing iOS 8 today as many have had problems due to how heavy the new upgrade is and lost photos/apps/contacts....reports recommend that you back up everything to your itunes and then make the upgrade in case you are one of the unlucky ones - sorry to diverge!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 11:33
Mine stopped working on my iphone last night so I have just uninstalled and re installed and now it's fine - maybe give that a go
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 10:50
Never Filo, M&S do sweet shortcrust or regular shortcrust mini cases for filling.. You could make your own with a mini muffin tin, they don't take that long to make with a bit of melted butter and a sharp knife!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 10:31
The only drawback with Cash Converters is they'd want your furniture to be in really good condition and they don't always take all of it. You'll probably have more luck selling it on dubizzle..lots of willing buyers. Also they can be slow in selling your stuff and take a cut from your selling price....it took them 3 months to sell a standard dining room table I sent them once, although a bit more hassle it's much quicker to go with Dubizzle
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 10:08
Thank you all the details Solo - I booked into the last family suite available last night and cannot wait! Thanks again for your time in giving feedback
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 16:14
I am worried about the tablet, the electronic variety, as it seems my children's school is introducing it slowly with may be a view to having it usurp our old-fashioned pen and paper completely over the years to come. My oldest son will escape the world of the tablet, thank God, but my youngest age 9, will he be able to pick up a pen and write in ten years' time? Or will he just know how to press buttons on electronic gadgets? It all just seems so way out and robotic to me; how are others feeling about this gadget overtaking schools and classrooms and education as a whole? And are all schools going the same way? I wouldn't say I am worried it per se but I would be if I judged solely from the first school I visited this year. It was unbelievable, EVERY classroom in FS1 - YEAR 2 had at least 5 ipads in them..it really put me off as even the 'freeplay' area had a tablet station which I thought was really unnecessary when the children have the option to run around outside in the playground or play on an ipad. I then visited another school and yes they had around 50 of them but they were all in the IT room - I thought this was fine as the kids have 2 session a week in there and could take turns between the PCs and Ipads, fine as in this day and age we can't stop tools and technology growing in the way that it is. So in answer to your question and from my experience I think all schools approach this new found obsession differently. I won't name schools but if you are looking into them then have a good look at a few as they all seem to have a different ethos..
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 09:37
Holiday Inn Resort Hi Solo, just looked at this - the family or kids suites look great! Have you stayed there before? Was there enough to do for toddlers?
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 15:14
we stayed at the movenpick karon beach in april and its great for families. there is also a clubmed nearby we are thinking of staying next year which also looks great. Thanks alot Mrsg, looked into them, the movenpick does look great - unfortunately a bit too far from Bangra which is where most of the other people in our group would prefer to be Anyone other suggestions highly appreciated - thanks again
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 15:12
Healthbay Polyclinic on Al Wasl road provide this service
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 09:25
My apartment building is platinum one next to miracle garden. Hmmm Barsha 3, sorry I can't be of any help as I don't know the Miracle Garden area well at all
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 15:42
Whereabouts in Al Barsha? We live in Barsha 1 on a main road so there are taxis frequently or bus' that go towards the Greens or MOE. Barsha 2 and 3 are a bit quieter for taxis
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 14:50
Have you tried the Maya brunch? We loved it. You get beach/pool access all day, food was fab and brought to the table and then later on in the evening it's a nice place for drinks. I can't remember how much it was though - sorry! I've been wanting to do this one for ages, it's around 450 including house drinks
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 13:09
Tavola have them
sabrina123
204
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 11:17
There is an existing bouncy castle and slides/merry go round at Al Barsha Park. Might save you the hassle of getting one in
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 10:53
Not sure about Frozen but Cheeky Monkeys in Barsha Mall sell a range of them LOL i think the OP mean Frozen as in the disney movie not as in ice cold! Haha I worded it badly, I'm sure they will have Frozen amongst the range, now that you mention it, it does sound like quite a nice cocktail!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 10:45
Not sure about Frozen but Cheeky Monkeys in Barsha Mall sell a range of them
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 14:38
My DD (now 5) went into nursery from 6 months and I've never regretted it. She always loved nursery and is now loving school. For me I needed her to be around other babies/children rather than with a nanny. I felt more relaxed at work knowing she was in the company of other kids and adults. Everyone is different though. Just figure out what is best for you. My 2nd will be going to the same nursery with the same staff in January when she is 6 months just the same as the DD. Good to hear good stories and no horror stories! Do you mind if I ask whats the name of the nursery your little ones go to? Blossom Village - it really is a great nursery run by a lovely team - good luck with your decision!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 13:50
Blossom Village take children up until the age of 5, think you can drop of at 1 and pick up at 6 at the latest.
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 13:25
Thank you ladies for sharing your experiences! @sabrina123- your post makes me feel a bit better.. so was he okay in terms of someone looking after while at nursery? Cause mine needs 2 people realistically running off behind him otherwise hes falling over and eating all sorts of things that he discovers along the day.. hence the concern with the 3-1 ratio :/ Hi 2dogs, my son was the same but remember he'll be in a baby proof play room as oppose to a household where he can climb or bang onto anything. Also, he'll either be following what his peers do so playing with them or being entertained by the teachers so won't have as much time to think about getting into mischief! Have you had a look at any yet? I'd go and visit a couple so you get a feel of the environment to put your mind at ease
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 12:57
I'll offer my experience which is different to the other ladies posted so far..I put my son in nursery at 6 months old. He too was very active and like yours started walking at 10 months. He was probably too young to actually realise what was happening hence he settled pretty much straight away in the baby room. The staff managed as our nursery have a very busy schedule daily ie. waterplay followed by music time, snacks, puzzles and books, lunch, naptime, freeplay and the schedule changes on a daily basis so there is always something for the children to do or keep entertained. 2 years on he is still just as active and expects weekends to be just as busy!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 15:44
Thanks for the detailed replies! Sabrina 123 Have you been to the Saturday Family Brunch at Mazina? Do they serve alcohol? Does that question make me seem like a terrible drunken mother!? I'll only be having one or two it's for the 'others' that are coming - honest! edited by tinaspewson on 10/09/2014 I'm one of the 'others' on most brunches! Yes they do, we went last Friday and it is exactly the same set up on a Sat...there's cocktails, house vino, spirits and a hops option on the alcohol package
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 14:02
Went to Mazina last week and both adults and kids loved it! Mainly because we requested to sit near the play area and could see all the 2 and 3 year olds play while we sat at the table and enjoyed. All adults actually managed to sit down and eat at the same time! There is a bouncy castle, slide, wii, train sets and a kiddie buffet. Also, the staff really keep an eye on the kids whilst on the bouncy castle Latitude is bigger in terms or food selection but the kids area is small. I love the food there but there is only a small set up for the kids to colour and have face paints done which my 2 year old got bored of after an half an hour Marketplace - haven't been whilst a parent, used to go loads when we lived at that end of town but a lot of people on EW recommended it last week as a toddler friendly brunch option so I assume it is still very good.
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 14:56
PS wanted to add - if you want a really good one, The Palace in DownTown is brilliant! http://www.theaddress.com/en/hotels/the-palace-downtown-dubai/dining/al-bayt.aspx Looks great thanks for the tip - do you know if they have house beverages on offer if you want to pay extra for it? I know some venues do and some don't There are no alcoholic beverages served at Al Bayt :) if it is what you mean!? Yes exactly that! Shame as we have a baby shower coming up and some of the girls fancied a glass of bubbly with their cake, will give it a go on another occasion
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 14:48
PS wanted to add - if you want a really good one, The Palace in DownTown is brilliant! http://www.theaddress.com/en/hotels/the-palace-downtown-dubai/dining/al-bayt.aspx Looks great thanks for the tip - do you know if they have house beverages on offer if you want to pay extra for it? I know some venues do and some don't
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 13:18
Out of all of them I would say Rhodes - the service is great and as others have said the food is amazing. Apart from the huge array of sandwiches and cakes, there are amazing quiches, fish cakes...well worth the money
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 16:31
The Ritz still do the afternoon tea as does Rhodes Mezzanine in Grosvenor House. Atmosphere in Burj Khalifa do a high tea and it is supposed to be very good
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 13:09
Got the coconut flour - expensive, but luckily you don't have to use that much at a time. Does anyone know if Biltong is Paleo friendly? TIA It depends what it is seasoned with before the drying process...I would check the ingredients list, some are fine and just contain spices like pepper and coriander, some contain corn protein, soy sauce and corn syrup
sabrina123
204
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 12:50
Harrington Gardens - very posh! Not sure which zoo you've heard about? When I was younger we used to go to Chessington Zoo alot, it was great but then that was over 25 years ago! It's still open so have a look at their website to see if is somewhere you would fancy Sorry I haven't been to Peppa P*g park so no idea if it's worth the journey
sabrina123
204
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 12:12
Hi ladies We are visiting London very soon and this will b my very first trip with my DD so I'm a bit worried I have a few questions and pls add any more info u might feel necessary Whts the weather like end of sep? Shud I carry winter clothes? And even if it rains how shud I handle it, I've heard it cud rain for hrs. Shud I go home or just stay indoor. My DD will b too excited abt the rain. We hardly experience it bk home and in Dubai. Are there any of those rain coats I can buy for her as soon as I arrive. Wht are the activities we can do together? Any touristic attractions Tht I shud avoid. Bus or underground? And is the underground safe? how safe is London? When do stores close and open in London? Any shopping tips? Wht r the popular malls there? How abt eating out? child friendly? Any restaurants or cafés Tht r quite popular there? When do supermarkets and pharmacies close? Is there home delivery? Can I stay out late with my D or is it not safe? Will the underground b working or bus? Or will I have to take a taxi? I heard they r too exp I usually try to look up everything online but I do prefer ppls advise. Thank u :) Hi mrssak, How old is your DD? In terms of weather it is very unpredictable although London had a great summer this year that's not to say it will last much longer. I would definitely take long sleeved jumpers and a jacket in case it gets chilly. As Geordie Expat said you'll be able to pick up waterproof type stuff in most shops. Do the big red bus tour, it's cheesy but you get to see all the sights without having to jump on and off the tube. The underground is safe but of course like any big, busy city you just have to be vigilant and careful so keep wallets in front pocket, keep your handbag closed at all times etc.. Generally shops open at 10am - 6pm in central London. There is so much in terms of food that you will find child friendly places practically anywhere in the tourist areas, ie Piccadilly circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, along the Enbankment on the Thames from where you could do a boat trip to Greenwich which is great for their market and shops along cobbled streets beside the water. You can get delivery but why would you? There is so much to see and do I'd use every opportunity to take it all in and people watch Again I don't know how old your daughter is but my 2+ son loved going to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the Guards which happens every morning at 11am. I don't tend to stay out too late with DS but then London is home so we're not really having a 'holiday' and exploring when we go back. Black Taxi's are expensive but if you feel safer using them at night then I would Big supermarkets are open until 10 and some like Tesco are 24 hours in the week. If you're in central London you'll find small supermarkets dotted al over the place, Pharmacies are around aswell but NO WHERE near as many as here but then again I do think we have soo many here! You will find a Boots in most areas Hope this helps a bit, but I would also search the net a bit to get together a list of places that you definitely want to tick off Have a great time, rain or shine!
sabrina123
204
Posts
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 10:40
Karam Beirut is great for lebenese mezze and has a license, I know it's in a mall (MOE) but they would get views of the ski slope if they fancy somewhere a bit different. The cheese rolls are to die for!
sabrina123
204
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 09:49
Not quite a playground but Bounce in Al Quoz is supposed to be very good for older kids
sabrina123
204
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 09:39
I have the same rant all the time we go out for food! I have to say 2 places that do swap the juice for water without looking at you as if you're mad are Jamie's Italian and Hark Rock Cafe. I find both have a good variety on their kids menu including pasta with white/red sauce alongside the obligatory chicken 'tenders' etc...also Hard Rock offer a side of veg crudettes instead of chips
 
 
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