Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 20:07
Thanks for your responses. I have been to see a Dr about this and they recommended the copper coil which I wasn't too interested in. A decent alternative to the copper coil is a plastic T shaped IUD. You can buy it off the counter, it's called Nova T, manufactured by Schering. Definitely hormone-free. From my understanding, Cerazette is distributed in limited amounts in Dubai. There are regular shortages of the drug. A friend was on it, and she relied on a BF in Saudi, where there were more constant supplies, to bring back 5 months' worth at a time.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 19:59
Depends on who you are going with (with spouse or with young kids?) and your budget :) I stayed on Mahe island (the big main island where the airport and central town is located) with my young kids at the Four Seasons and didn't have a good time. My neighbor has a bigger budget and took her young kids to a resort on a smaller island off of Mahe and didn't have a good time either. It is very pretty and relaxing, so if you pack your suitcases properly, you could have a great time there.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 21:42
I agree, it's been very cold, have avoided walking around Safa Park post school drop off.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 21:33
I make banana muffins for my kids' lunchbox using [url=http://www.food.com/recipe/banana-nut-buttermilk-all-bran-muffins-135874'>this recipe[/url'>. I make it healthier by using 3/4 cup plain flour and 3/4 chapatti flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, no nuts/dried fruit. Nigella has a fab chocolate banana cake and lovely white chocolate, banana, cherry cupcakes in [u'>How to be a Domestic Goddess[/u'>. (I've subbed dried zereshk berries for the dried cherries with no ill effect). Both recipes are very welcome among my in-laws. I've baked healthy oatmeal cookies with mashed banana in the batter and they are gross. <em>edited by Apricot on 13/02/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 21:18
you may find coconut vinegar in the Pinoy/Filipino foods section.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 21:10
Izzy, no prob. Good luck on the run! I just finalized DH's running playlist :) Am re-considering Organic F&C, it gets hairy after 9 am, and i think i can go on Sat also. Which gives us more time at the stables.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 20:38
Have you been to Socotra in Yemen? It's very off the beaten track and you might be able to snorkel there... DS1's teacher went with her husband during the winter break and reported that it was safe and beautiful and unforgettable.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 20:36
If you had more patience with the Internet then the Thorn Tree forum on Lonely Planet site is a fabulous starting point for planning your next adventure :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 20:33
Wasco is the same company that owns Creative Minds in Barsha, and I've heard that Creative Minds has more selection, etc than the Wasco branch in Beach Ctr (Burger King mall on Beach Rd).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 20:29
Marta's Kitchen?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 20:21
Just baked a big chocolate cake called Tunnel of Fudge Redux. Slathered in mint buttercream and chocolate ganache, and amazingly spared the indignity of dinosaur-shaped sprinkles by DS1. Bracing myself for early morning out with kids at Desert Stables in Khawaneej while DH runs the RAK half marathon. (I am not a morning person.) Followed by grocery at Organic Foods and Cafe (20% discount tomorrow) and lunch with kids at Business Bay shopping mall. Any suggestions besides Bobs Fish and Chips, which we have recently tried and loved?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 20:11
How about the island of Sabah in Malaysia? You can trek up Mount Kinabalu, then crash at Shangri La Kota Kinabalu (DH and I went there 3 times before kids, really lovely). It's very off the tourist trail, but you could rough it up even more, the LP Malaysia guide mentions a lot of independent dive/ snorkelling sites off Sabah. DH and I have also enjoyed Turkey. We chose a region, printed some itineraries using Google maps, rented a car in Istanbul from Sixt and had a relaxing time with nary a fellow tourist in sight. Singapore Airlines has great deals to Istanbul.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 20:01
Turns out the guests arnt coming until tomorrow now...how annoying!!! Poor you, all this stress for...delayed guests. You *could* nip out to grocery and get the full fat supplies to make a second, perfect cheesecake ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 23:08
There's a stationary shop in Mercato called Prints, they seem to have a wide variety of colors and paper finishes/ types. First floor, left from food court
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 20:30
Twin XL sheets from the States (those college dorm sheets) fit Ikea single beds.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 20:25
I'm a big fan of Pretty Lady in Satwa, have gone there for waxing, threading, hair cuts, hair up-do's, blow-dries, nails w simultaneous head and shoulder massage, deep conditioning hair treatments for the past 8 yrs. I ask for Eva for all my hair needs. She also relaxes and cuts my bf's hair. Currently I'm being disloyal and trying out Jumeira salons (Sasha, Roots, Pastels Mercato, Hello Kitty Salon, Essentials). Dollhouse in DLC is next on my list. Apparently they are known for their nail art. So far, I think that Pretty Lady is just as good at a better price point. I prefer their shoulder massage to other places!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 20:08
Besides the beach at Jumeira Beach Park, there's a nice kids playground on the left side of the park. If u forget to bring a picnic, there are 2 burger cafés, one closer to the beach-front. I plan to swim there after April when the sea is warmer. I went there last week for an afternoon play date and the wind really picked up around 4.30pm. Very windy for the past two weeks in afternoon.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 01:05
Kalemah ctr in Mirdif advertised a course for young girls [url='>http://www.kalemah.org/precious-muslimah[/url'> There's also Ro'yati Center in Nadd al Hamar, they have Saturday morning classes for pre teens.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 00:52
Pls tell us your preferred budget and time allowance. Akaru spa is meant to be wallet friendly as is Bliss Reflexology and Massage near Mediclinic hospital (formerly Welcare Hospital) in Garhoud.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 21:43
IKEA has a basic metal stove guard.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 21:21
Do you mean the Arabic Sinbad series from the 1970's? We have it (DH is a fan) on DVD and the sound quality is crappy, Arabic Sesame Street DVDs ("Iftah Ya Sim Sim") (also 1970s broadcast) have much better sound quality. Will ask DH where he got them from. Sometimes DH buys from Disco2000 in Um Suqueim Spinneys Ctr, or from Virgin in Mercato or the nearby Enoc petrol station shop. My kids prefer Iftah Ya Sim Sim to Sindbad btw.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 21:10
Hi div22c, there's the wonder bus tour which departs from Bur Juman ctr, within walking distance of Golden Sands. There are also the Karama fish market and a thrift shop (Dubai Ctr for Special Needs) behind the Choithrams in Karama. That's 3 mornings sorted :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 22:25
I noticed there's a business called reMADE DXB in Al Quoz that hosts various sewing related classes and events. Might be relevant.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 20:11
Sadly DH not a fan, though I suspect my dad is gearing up to watch the BIG GAME :) he's not answering Skype :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 19:58
Do you have warm 7 layer dip and Fritos ready? :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 19:56
Hi sarahlou123, thanks for info :) Btw, the interior of Essential Salon is really nice and they have a private shaded sun porch at the back.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 22:03
The best people realise that different people do things differently and thats why we live in a world of choices and have such great opportunities and variety in life. Agree, this is the best advice my stepmom gave me when I became a mother. Also very true that women enjoy picking on other women. The nicer ones do it to your face, the vile ones are two-faced. I've learned to brush it off. One lady accusingly asked me why I'd stopped at 2 kids, while holding her 3rd child. I looked at her, smiled and pretended she hadn't asked the question and started talking about something else!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:59
"easy melt" or "melt easy" chocolate blocks in the baking section at Spinneys should work. Some branches of Carrefour Market/ Carrefour stock an extensive selection of Dr Oetker and Betty Crocker cake decorating stuff. There are two specialty cake decorating shops, Tavola being the easiest to find. the other is The Cake Decorating shop in Al Warba Center near Abu Bakr al Siddique Metro Station in Deira. Not sure if TCD carry edible cake decorating supplies. <em>edited by Apricot on 01/02/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:48
Just an update, tried Essential Hair and Beauty Salon (on Wasl Rd near Park n Shop) for my event today. They didn't have any curling irons, let alone clipless. The stylist used a hair straightener to make the curls. She wasn't sure whether it was GHD or Cloud Nine. The curls lasted 2 hrs longer than those styled at Pastels Mercato. The search continues!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:41
Hi HotRice, so happy for your results! Will try soon. Currently I'm eating a high protein low carb breakfast, 2 boiled eggs and 1 ryvita or 1/2 cup of canned tuna mixed with diced celery and lemon juice.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:35
After you've frozen samosas (or any kind of patty) in a single layer, you can place them in a rectangular plastic storage container and separate the layers with wax paper or parchment paper. Much less chance of sticking together/ breakage post thawing than storing in ziplock bags.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:10
I tried the Atrium high tea in December using the vouchers, it was delicious.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 21:08
I saw scented drawer lining paper in the sale section at Debenhams MOE (2nd floor home wares area).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 20:10
Choithrams opp Safa Park often has Rooster Sriracha sauce. Carrefour and Spinneys have the Kikkoman one, which is terrible value for money. The Kikkoman bottle contains half the quantity of Rooster Sriracha, yet retails for double the price of Rooster. I checked in the Korean supermarket, A-Mart nr Just Kidding on Sheikh Zayed Rd, but no joy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 20:05
roxan51, thanks for sharing the reassuring good news.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 23:56
Very interesting HotRice. Smart to sub ff sweetened condensed milk for the golden syrup, veg oil normally used, but wouldn't it have a higher calorie load than golden syrup? I gained a lot of weight during the time I regularly made and consumed home-made granola, so I'm a bit wary. I currently make homemade roasted oatmeal waffles for my kids (Alton Brown recipe) but I'm very aware of the 3 T sugar and 3 T veg oil incorporated into each batch of approx 14 waffles. Also made oatmeal peanut butter cookies using low sugar ( no artificial sugar added) peanut butter but the overall sugar is still too high. You need sugar to make cookies palatable and remain soft for more than 2 days. (If you eat all the cookies within 2 days, you get other dietary problems!) I think a better option is to snack on raw almonds rather than cookies. Much easier than making Paleo coconut pancakes, etc.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 23:39
All my nieces and nephews were born at Al Zahra hospital in Sharjah. I've delivered 2 children without maternity insurance at Latifa Hospital. One child was re-admitted to Latifa at 7 days old, for 12 nights in the pediatric ward, and the cost was minimal. If money were tighter, I would consider Baraha Hospital, funded by the federal gov't in Abu Dhabi, rather than Al Zahra in Sharjah, solely based on traffic. I visited a friend who delivered at Baraha and it wasn't much different from Latifa or Dubai Hospital.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 17:52
A/C ducts, carpets, curtains can all harbour dust mites and trapped fine sand which trigger asthma. Worth the investment to call in a carpet cleaning company or a/c cleaning company. <em>edited by Apricot on 28/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 17:50
Green clothes, green face paint, green swimming cap, voila, brussel sprout! Or Fiona from Shrek!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 17:49
Thanks so much blondie007 for your feedback! I walked past the Jose Eber stall at Dubai Mall today and thought, "Not anymore..." sarahlou123, what's the name of your stylist at Shima salon? I have an event to attend on Sat afternoon.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 17:39
There's a Dubai company called Sophia's Closet, they sell vintage style accessories and hair accessories through their Facebook page.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 17:37
Sisters salon should help, they posted a ton of pix on Instagram just before New Yeas Eve highlighting 1920's hairstyles complete with rhinestone head pieces. They also posted a few pix later of clients who had them done, they looked gorgeous.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 17:33
One of my friends wore pyjamas, a tatty terry bath-robe, put her hair up in pink plastic curlers, wore fuzzy house slippers, false eyelashes, lots of blush. Modest yet hilarious! edited by Apricot on 28/01/2014 <em>edited by Apricot on 28/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 17:30
I just got this email alert: Labels & laces would like to invite u for an exciting exhibition of latest collection of Pakistan's well established designers Sanya Muneer Lalla Fatima Hamid Avj Inteshar Screen prints Hand painted Embroidered kurtas and scarves will be for sale Wednesday 29 jan 9am- 9pm W23- julnar st, emirates hill
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 00:19
You need to go to the main Vehicle Registration Office in Sharjah, it is next to the Sharjah Police Forensics Lab. You will need to give them lots of passport photos, your original passport, photocopies of same, photocopies of your sponsor's passport, etc etc. The above is assuming you have a drivers license from another country. If not, you will have to take lessons and pass parking and driving tests.Hopefully your sponsor can get better/ more accurate info for you!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 00:10
No such thing as a wrong question. Yes, any Muslim can say the prayer and slaughter according to the guidelines for the meat to be considered zabiha/ halal. <em>edited by Apricot on 28/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 00:06
Carrefour has them in the Indian veg section, as does Union Coop, in the main veg section.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 00:04
there's a similar t shirt printing kiosk in Mercato, basement parking level, next to the Minutes key cutting stand.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 00:01
I've seen popcorn flavorings for sale at Vox cinema popcorn counters.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 12:54
yes, Childrens Garden in Jumeira is a sister school to Childrens Garden Green Community and Childrens Garden Barsha, same academic director and management. Maybe have a word with admin at either nursery, they may give your child priority for a place. <em>edited by Apricot on 27/01/2014</em>
 
 
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