Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 January 2014 - 22:55
I also have an LG Direct Drive 7 kg washing machine. Have had it for 4 years now, am really happy with it. I used the "Baby" cycle when washing cloth diapers, have used the "duvet" cycle for blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and the Quick 30 min cycle for normally soiled clothes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 23:16
That said, I am only early 30s; he is mid 40s. He once referenced that if we were to try and have a child, he'd have to adapt his lifestyle (he says at his age, his "swimmers" would need year long preparation for trying...?!) and I guess that's a stumbling block for him too. Not true. My step mom was late 30s and my dad mid 40s when they started having kids, and no special prep apart from stopping birth control. My DH went through a frustrating phase of not wanting kids, maybe year 5 of our marriage. He had to deal with sick parents and starting a business, and adding another responsibility just wasn't right for him. Ultimately, at year 7 he decided that yes, he was ready, then it took us 2 yrs to conceive, but the cause was "unexplained" rather than due to his "swimmers". Unlike your DH, he never put on a bravado show of being excited to welcome children, so I sympathize with you.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 22:43
its not fun swallowing a horse-pill only to have to vomit it up again Have you considered buying a little pill splitter and cutting the pills in half before swallowing? That may make it easier.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 22:35
where are they located? On the same street as Collegiate American School. Coming on Al Wasl rd towards MOE, once you pass Al Manara Rd, take a right turn on Street 27C, then left on Street 34 at the T junction. They're located in the last villa on the right side just before the T junction with Street 41B (which also connects directly with Al Wasl, in case you miss the right hand turn on St 27C). Park in the gravelly sand lot. I now attend a class Sunday mid morning, but I wish I had the time to also attend their Tues and Thurs all-morning lectures, they are fun.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 22:22
they were Happy Meal toys when the recent movies came out, maybe check if someone is selling them on Dubizzle as part of a mixed lot of toys?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 22:04
if you don't like bugs like me then its not a place for you. Yes, this was also an issue for some members of my family. If you don't like stick insects, dragon flies, midges (small mosquitoes), geckos, little ants crawling about, you may not enjoy it. I really liked the Four Seasons and tried to make use of as many facilities as we could with two tiny kids in tow. I had a great signature massage at the Spa (it was priced well, compared to Dubai), the beach was sooo pretty, the pool was nice, the kids club was ok, room service was delicious. Just beware that if you buy pads, sunscreen, any toiletries or medication, you will pay at least 6x more than Dubai prices (and it probably was re-exported from Dubai), plus the cost of the taxi for the hotel employee or yourself to buy it. <em>edited by Apricot on 05/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 21:39
However, you will need to check if they accept foreign credit cards. Last time I checked, they didn't You can get around this with a "virtual credit card" service such as [url=https://www.usunlocked.com/aramex.php'>US Unlocked[/url'>. Thanks for the tip ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 21:36
best place to get Michael Kors handbags is zappos.com You can get cheap Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike clothes from Ross and Marshalls. That's how I dress my kids so fancy :) Disney clothes? hard to find cheap, except maybe the disneystore.com sales. All dvds, cds, video games, books are cheapest and easiest to purchase from www.half.com and www.amazon.com. I personally find it a chore to find them at Walmart and Target. If you want a rare dvd or cd, then Amoeba Records on Haight Ashbury St in San Francisco is a lot of fun. I dunno about discounted Burberry in a store, but you could try shopbop.com, niemanmarcus.com, saks.com or nordstrom.com. Last time I exited the US, there was a counter at the airport near check in, where if you pay a private company $55, they will refund the sales tax on single receipts with a minimum total spend of $200 in the same US state that you are departing from. They will need to see the goods and receipts, and it's not valid on online purchases. Wow, Redrec and Arch, I'm happy to see that you are familiar with the SF Bay Area. I grew up in Palo Alto. <em>edited by Apricot on 05/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 21:23
Hehe, that is a common problem :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 21:17
My kids are off on Sunday Jan 12.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 23:30
Now I understand. Some budget dept stores with online clothes ordering are: Kohls and Old Navy and Target. However, you will need to check if they accept foreign credit cards. Last time I checked, they didn't. My fave places to budget shop in San Francisco (the city proper) are Ross, Marshall's, Ambiance and Gunne Sax outlet. There is a Crate and Barrel outlet in Livermore, near Berkeley. The Great Mall in Milpitas is great for clothes shopping. I rented a car, so while my husband attended his conference at our hotel in SF, I drove around and shopped.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 23:12
Vicky99, did you order from lush UK or Lush USA?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 23:00
I've only ever heard glowing feedback re Safa School. I would put my child into FS1, it initiates them into the school culture and whatever phonics scheme the school uses.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 22:17
Whistle and Flute in Satwa tailor many of my husband's suits. He is really happy with their service. Will ask him tomorrow re the material bit, but Rivoli is a trusted place to buy suiting material, followed by the higher end Al Amiri.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 22:15
Desert Rose 1958, I'd like to contact Simone too. Thanks. <em>edited by Apricot on 05/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 22:12
Yippee, I'm back in the game! Have started games w/ coco pops, anon and red rec, but cannot find DR1958. have searched for you as DR1958 and DesertRose1958 to no avail. Ok, have found you DR1958 :) <em>edited by Apricot on 05/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 22:01
Ugh, I had to delete the app, N started jumping all over the screen and then the rest of the iPad started acring funny as well, anyone else having this problem, and then re-installed it? I was enjoying it a lot. :(Yep, I've had trouble with the app since yesterday afternoon, re-installing now.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 21:46
It depends how much you want to spend. Most of the "mainstream" resorts are on the big main island, Mahe. There are two Le Meridiens, an Anantara, a Banyan Tree, a Four Seasons, Oberoi, Hyatt, all on the main island. If you have more cash to splash, then you can stay on Praslin or other smaller islands, which you can only access via small plane. My young family and I stayed at the Four Seasons in a room with private outdoor pool, in mid December. The idea time to go is between November and Feb. It gets too hot and humid the rest of the year. <em>edited by Apricot on 04/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 23:22
I have also had an order directly shipped to the UAE, it cost me GBP 100 for a 3 kg parcel, 4 yrs ago. Delivery time was prompt and the cust serv team was very attentive.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 23:14
There are discount stores where you spend time going through racks of clothes. There are also budget department and clothing stores where everything is low price and organized. Personally I prefer higher quality fabric so I go to the discount stores but you need to allocate plenty of time. Where in San Francisco will you be staying? A good budget website is www.kohls.com, they will have a sale in mid Jan for Presidents Day, they only accept US credit cards for online payment.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 23:03
Now that is a cunning idea Anon. I started a game with you, first word ROAD Yes, I figured that was you. I have responded. Do you see me as my user name or my real name on the app? Now I see your user name. Sadly my app has been crashing every time I've tried to open it since the afternoon.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 11:07
Now that is a cunning idea Anon. I started a game with you, first word ROAD
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 11:04
I have, a while back, but I ordered just prior to traveling to the UK so that I could be at the physical address at the time of its delivery. Yes, the price difference is considerable.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 04:12
Tomato and White Bean Soup 1 small leek 1 carrot 1 celery stick 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 600 ml veg or chicken stock 1 tsp sun dried tomato paste 200 g can butter beans, drained and rinsed 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped Half an handful fresh basil leaves, or chopped parsley 1. Cut the leek, carrot and celery into pieces and throw into food processor until finely chopped. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the chopped vegetables over low heat for 5 min until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes without coloring. 2. Pour in the stock, add the sun-dried tomato paste and bring to the boil. Season to taste and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables are completely tender. 3. Add the butter beans and tomatoes and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Season well. Ladle into warmed bowls and scatter with the herbs. Serve with crusty bread. Drop a teaspoon of pesto into each bowl and serve with a grating of cheddar or parmesan. Serves 2. Calories: 212 calories, protein 7.1 g. <em>edited by Apricot on 03/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 04:07
Tomato Soup 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 900g tomatoes, halved 2 onions cut into 8 wedges each 5 garlic cloves a pinch thyme 3 stems lemon grass, bruised and chopped 2 tsp sugar 700ml chicken or vegetable stock Method: Preheat oven to 220C. Brush 1 Tbsp olive oil over roasting pan. Put in tomatoes cut-side up, and then tuck in onion wedges and garlic. Scatter the lemon grass and sprinkle with sugar . Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the rest of oil over all. Roast 50 min, stirring after 30 min. 2. In blender or food processor, liquidise contents of pan, scraping the bottom, together with the stock. Rub through a sieve to remove all the bits. Taste and season if necessary.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 03:06
Hi FairyDust, this forum lacks a private messaging feature. Thanks mrsb, will send you some info. <em>edited by Apricot on 03/01/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 02:43
Anon, I have this app on my phone. My acct is my real name, unfortunately Apricot was already taken :(
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 January 2014 - 23:58
Hi Saggi, there is a dedicated section of this forum called bumps and babes for all your baby questions. Diaper bag questions depend on whether you plan to feed your baby formula. In that case, you will want an insulated bag or enough space for the thermos full of freshly boiled water and all the other bits. My cousin bought me a black cotton Carters diaper bag with included changing mat and single shoulder strap. My sisters in law buy their diaper bags from Baby Shop. When my first baby started walking, I switched from a diaper bag to a "diaper backpack", a normal, sturdy backpack with several compartments. In the front, I put diapers, wipes, 2-3 plastic bags big enough to fit an entire soiled outfit and shoes, and a nursing cover. In the middle, I put 1 extra outfit per child and extra lightweight shoes if possible. At the top, I put pacifier plus pacifier box, extra pair of socks, pack of tissues. I realize this is not the answer you may have wanted, but this is what worked well for my family.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 January 2014 - 23:40
Hi Saggi_1, congratulations on the soon arrival of your baby, you must be very excited. I used a recliner with a pop-out foot rest (it's fully upholstered in chenille-type fabric) as a nursing chair, and continue to use it to soothe my now 5 yrs and 3 yrs children back to sleep when they wake in the middle of the night. As for changing table, I just bought a normal, curved baby changing pad and 2 soft fabric covers and a roll of double-sided foam backed tape. Taped the changing pad to the top of a chest of drawers in my bedroom, and dedicated that chest of drawers to baby's items. I later advised my cousin to buy an Ikea chest of drawers from Dubizzle and use that as her changing table/storage area for baby's clothes and stuff. We stored our diapers in a hanging cloth diaper holder/ toy organizer, it hangs off an Ikea 5-hook clothes organizer. At the time first baby was born, the bathroom in our apt couldn't have accommodated a plastic bathing station. We bought a big baby bath from Mothercare with the foam insert and placed it in our bathtub. It does mean leaning over or squatting by side of tub to give baby a bath. I have friends who bought the beautiful freestanding plastic baby baths from Premaman, etc and they complained that babies quickly outgrow them and they are not as practical/ hygienic as one may believe, esp when you try to drain out the used bath water. When we traveled, we used a plastic folding baby bath also bought from Mothercare. I replaced the foam insert at least twice before my first baby outgrew the plastic baby bath, then we just had him sit or stand on a rubber bath mat while we bathed him in the bathtub. We didn't do any of this to be frugal, but to make sensible and practical purchases.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 January 2014 - 23:07
There was a notice (in Arabic) a few days ago on the Al Jazeera Sports channels about the upcoming change, and the new frequency for channels +6 to +11. Who is your contact in Satwa? Mine is Target Electronics, they helped DH get the updated channels. Thanks for heads up re the possibly new set top boxes required to view World Cup in June
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2013 - 21:02
Several Satwa shops stock these. Also seen some at Carrefour MOE (in luggage area and in aisle that has plastic organizing containers). The recent Celine collection has clothes in the same check pattern, very random!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 21:08
DH got his ticket pack yesterday. Hope you get yours soon. Sorry to read of your recent run of frustrating experiences :(
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 20:59
You could make a turkey "Wellington" by cooking the brined meat , then wrapping the meat in puff pastry (with duxelle mushrooms in between?) and baking.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 20:20
I would say it's too high, esp if you plan to wear it in a public area where children would be present. Many malls are full of children on Thurs, Fri and Sat evenings.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 20:15
If you really want to do her a favor, get her a book listed on www.amightygirl.com. It's a website that lists toys and books for girls that aren't pink, princessy ****. The books they list have strong female protagonists that do not need a male hero to rescue them or dream of marrying a prince. I love that site.Most of the books I listed have a strong, active female protagonist :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 20:09
There's a wig place in Bur Dubai opp the Cruise ship port called Karkafi Hair. Also a wig store on the corner of 2nd December Rd and Al Wasl Rd (sorry never noticed name, just the photos of wigs and hair extensions).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 20:04
I agree, there's a difference between what you find in the States for mugs of apple cider, and what is sold at Carrefour in the bulk spice bin. The ones in the States are thinner, more tightly rolled and cut to longer lengths. The cinnamon sticks in Carrefour are thicker, loosely rolled and short n stubby. If Al Adil Spices and Flour Mill has an easily accessed branch near you, I would try them. The quality of their spices is much better than the Carrefour spice bins. The Waitrose cinnamon sticks at Spinneys may be your easiest option.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 19:56
Spinneys on Al Wasl Rd and Safestway carry a selection of Jello pudding mixes. you could buy vanilla and add 1 teaspoon coconut extract or Malibu liqueur to it.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 19:52
Just want to warn you in case relevant that the Mason Pearson brush's effectiveness is mainly due to the natural boar (male piggy) bristles used. <em>edited by Apricot on 19/12/2013</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 19:49
Theres so much to bake but im missing one or two ingredients for each thing lol :(Tell us what you need and someone should be able to help you :) BTW, you might find Wilton Meringue powder at some Spinneys branches, since Tavola have a distribution arrangement with them. And Choithrams and Park n Shop often have the Dr Oetker meringue or "egg white" powder in stock.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 19:45
pet peeve - why are the sales assistants always standing right behind you, like their in your back pocket?!I think this is in the standard Dubai sales training guide... I try to make them useful like, can you pls call all your branches to see if they have this in stock? some of them get super annoyed and stomp off, allowing me to shop in peace!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 19:31
bought Granny Smiths from Carrefour to make apple crostata for Thanksgiving :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 19:27
the clear Corn syrup .. try Lu Lu in al Barsha in the baking section mushypeas, is the clear corn syrup stocked at Lulus the Karo brand or a generic? Many years ago, I bought a 64 oz bottle of generic brand (Parade/ RichFood) clear corn syrup from Lulus at a great price, but haven't seen a replacement recently. Would rather buy here in Dubai than bring back from Texas :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 19:23
Alismum, thanks for putting up the contact info :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 22:18
There is a Warm Up Syria campaign organized by Flea4Charity and Red Crescent, from Dec 17 to Dec 23. They only want NEW winter boots, clothes, blankets, as well as packing materials. Drop off point is Studio Dubai in The Courtyard Al Quoz. Also a long list of individuals to contact in specific areas of Dubai (new and old), Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi. They also seek volunteers to package donations on evenings of Sat Dec 21 and Mon Dec 23.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 21:56
Arabic word for dill is "shabat"
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 21:53
Hi Alismum, how is your LO? i took my LO with fever and vomiting to the ER at Medcare Safa Hospital and both the doctors and nurses were gentle with him. Long wait but worth it.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 21:49
"Starring Sally J Friedman as herself" by Judy Blume The Redwall series by Brian Jacques Mrs Frisby and the rats of NIMH Anne of Green Gables The "Little House" series by Laura Ingles Wilder Amy's Eyes by Richard Kennedy "Dido and Pa" by Joan Aiken "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell "And Condors Danced" by Zilpha Keatly Snyder "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankenweiler" by E. L. Conigsburg "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Selden The "Anastasia" series by Lois Lowry Harriet the Spy
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 21:00
I had warm scones, clotted cream and all on a BA flight from London to the USA in the summer Thx for updating Fiat500! Sadly the last 3 times i flew BA from Dubai to the States, the catering staff at Heathrow were on strike so the meal service was direly affected.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 20:52
I'd like to nominate Sarahlou and TDB the top Aramex shop n ship/ online shopping customers, whose activities clearly contributed to the UAE finally snagging the No1 internet shopping crown in the MENA region from Kuwait :) edited by Apricot on 11/12/2013 <em>edited by Apricot on 11/12/2013</em>
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing