Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 23:31
We did a recent repeat visit to HK Disneyland mid October. Yes all staff speak English. At the park and in Disneyland hotel. Agree re the scary part on the Jungle Cruise Ride. My 5 yr old, 110 cm, had more options for rides than his 100cm brother. Autopia (as a passenger), Small World, and Winnie the Pooh were the only options for the 100cm tall kids. The new restaurant in Mystic Point has a Halal certified menu. Also a decent fish n chips kiosk. Disney is very flat and stroller friendly. We also did a day at Ocean Park, which is 1 hr away by taxi (longer but cheaper via public transit). The highlights there were: the sea lion pier, the dolphin show, the giant pandas and red pandas, the cable ride across the park. Much of this park is steep hills, so not v stroller friendly. Also HK's only aquarium is located inside. lots more for pre-teens and teens like thrilling rides and fun fair style games. There's a McDonalds and a small halal satay chicken/lamb kiosk inside. Ocean Park is much cheaper than Disney, even with the taxi fare.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 23:13
My BF had her wedding at Crowne Plaza 5yrs ago, they arranged 2 separate halls for the men n women. I think there were 100 women max. It was reasonably priced and the dinner buffet was good. Recently attended a wedding at Taj Palace Hotel in Deira, but it was 1 hall mixed wedding. I know the families were on a budget, the 1 hall was enough for the 100 guests.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 22:53
Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, Cyber Monday occurs two days later. I look out for Old Navy jeans and iTunes cards. There's a handy site called Brad's daily deals.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 November 2013 - 01:43
Lifco supermarket on SZR. Only sporadically stocked, also try Choithrams and Hyper Panda.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 02:34
I have 2 styles of serrated bread knife from Oxo and they are great, have used them 8+ years. Oxo currently has a retail stand outside of Ikea in Festival City, and one nr lower food court in MOE.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 01:38
Nestlé , v good service
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 21:04
You could get a takeaway from Circle Cafe in the Beach Park Plaza or Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in the apt complex w/ Spanish tiled roof then go to Jumeirah Beach Park across the road, or you could get takeaway from Lime Tree Cafe and eat in Jumeira Open Beach. Bikers Cafe on Beach Rd is 300m from the beach, you will feel the ocean breeze if you sit outside, and they are famous for their "Emirati breakfast" platter.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 20:52
Hope you enjoy your PB&J :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 20:49
You could try Al Falah Plaza, they are the same company as Lulu Hypermarket.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 20:47
Ok, haven't seen those, but there is Al Boom Diving ctr on Al Wasl Rd that might give you a lead.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 20:36
Babyshop has them, but in swimsuit material, not thicker.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 20:35
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. My condolences.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 03:25
I might still have my Sony Discman inside the original fabric pouch, happy to pass on for therapy purposes. I'm nr Mercato.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 03:15
I suggest you go there in person. The shop is run by two Iranian brothers. It is very much a family business, and my dining chair job got delayed when someone in the family was hospitalized. I have overheard their phone manner while in the shop and agree that their phone manner isn't polished and elegant. I don't mind, I was happy with their fabric selection and they were patient even though I visited 3 times before committing to my order. And even then, it was a struggle as their warehouse didn't have enough of the selected fabric to complete the job so I had to make a decision based on another set of available choices. Another Satwa furnishings shop I like is Damas Furniture, they took a look at the photos I took on my iPhone of Ikea fabrics I liked and they surprised me with some great choices. The people in this shop dont shout as much, they are South Indians. If that sound too chaotic and stressful, perhaps you need to visit Feshwari or KA Interiors.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 01:48
I test drove a VW Tuareg with high hopes in 2012 since I loved my VW Golf and drove it from 2001-2007, but I found it shaky and unstable. I ended up buying a Mazda CX9 and was really happy with it. It's much lower on the ground than a Tuareg, and it drives like a VW Golf, seriously, it is fun to drive. <em>edited by Apricot on 07/11/2013</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 23:48
GirlAnachronism, I know a good Arabic speaking psychologist, Dr Amer Saadedine. I'm married into the culture and had my sessions in English, but I really liked his approach and found him very helpful. He is Muslim, but he's very pro-active towards step-by-step solutions. He's with Dubai Community Health Centre, now in Health care city. Norak, my thoughts are with you and your in-laws. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi ra'jiun. What a test of faith this must be. A childhood friend (and distant relative) died when he was 17 of a sudden onset fatal illness and it was really hard for all of us who knew him, watched him as he grew because he was a consistently nice kid on the cusp of attaining even greater things. The family is Muslim and it was heart-wrenching to see his parents and remaining sibling struggle with their faith and their grief. Thankfully the remaining sibling who was the former trouble maker really shaped up and took it upon himself to match his brother's achievements and then some.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 22:51
I saw nice hair bows/clips for little girls at Lifestyle in Oasis mall 2 days ago. It's all in the back, nr the crazy mobile phone covers. They have a good sale on now.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 22:48
How small are you looking at? My son goes to World Black Belts Center, they accept kids from age 3. On weekdays, the little kids class is from 4-4.30pm. Friday, 9am and Sat 8.30am.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 22:39
Went to Lifestyle in Oasis Mall recently and most of the candles are on sale there. They also had some hand-towel display thingie sets: an embellished square holder filled with some small folded face towels, and this other hand-towel holder thing.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 19:29
Did you try Safestway, they often have Smuckers Concord Grape Jelly in stock near the PB :) Another place to try is Carrefour MOE, they stock it most of the time.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 19:27
You can either call up the food hall in Galleries Lafayette or you could contact Stefano's restaurant, http://stefanorestaurant.com/, they appear to be the retail arm of a Dubai-based company called Pasta Regina which supplies hotels, etc with fresh pasta. I found and bought some fresh pasta at Carrefour MOE that had been locally produced in Dubai, I don't know whether it was made by Pasta Regina, but it was decent. This was in May 2013 and I haven't checked since.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 19:50
Chocolate covered toffee slabs? Daim bars are a good sub.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 10:05
thx, I may have to try that :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 10:04
There's a shop in Mazaya Ctr called Reem's Closet.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 09:54
Hi CrashingWaves, haven't made the cake yet as I've been searching the supermarkets for ferkha, the fine semolina flour! I've looked in Aswaaq Nad al Hamar and Union Coop nr Safa Park. Anywhere else I should look?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 09:50
Saw some ginormous flowers on plastic hair clips at the Union Coop opp Safa Park (upstairs nr the cash register) y'day.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 22:20
For child-proofing, I use an Ikea adhesive plastic lock on my refrigerator.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 22:02
i would suggest a quick google. Both shops have branches in Karama that I know of, but they may have branches in newer areas of Dubai :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 21:59
a few small plastic ones at Ace Hardware
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 20:34
Edible gold leaf from an Indian sweets shop, like Puranmal or Chappan Bog?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 20:33
I have a copy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 20:32
Other options for the "bacon" are Al Khazan Veal Breakfast Strips and Midamar Applewood smoked breakfast beef strips. I'm not a fan of turkey bacon. I like Americana, Midamar, Prime or Al Khazan beef hotdogs. I've made these using Pillsbury crescent roll dough for parties, they've come out really good.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 22:15
Thanks so much for the link, CrashingWaves, will bake tomorrow and report back :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 16:13
perhaps Ikea sells a version in their kitchen section. I have an Escali digital scale which I bought from kingarthurflour.com but it's sold at 3x its MSRP at Silver Lake Hobbies and Toys in Beach Park Plaza.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 13:26
Thanks, I plan to take my 3 yr old there.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 11:35
What settled it was reading the customer reviews for both Miele and Dyson. Most of the Miele owners were unhappy with their Dyson vacuums.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 11:32
Spinneys and Carrefour stock face paint in the stationary section
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 11:31
I've heard really good things about L'Oreal True Match foundation, Maybelline FIT me foundation and Maybelline Dream Mousse. The L'Oreal foundation comes in a really extensive range of colors. You may need to shop between Lifestyle and Carrefour to get the right shade.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 11:23
Isn't there a Susan Walpole mini shop in Dubai Mall, near the Hallmark shop?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 11:18
Have you tried contacting Little Farasha directly? She might help you, esp if you mention EW :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 11:15
Another option is to buy a mattress plus bed frame the same height as your main bed but narrower and shorter. You then place the baby's bed against a wall. One of my friends did this and it worked well for their family. Another friend just bought a mattress, placed it on her bedroom floor, and slept on that with her child. Personally I bought a co-sleeping cot from Mothercare for my own babies (the Bedside cot), but my babies spent most of the night on my side of the bed, rather than on their cot-side, ifykwim. Another negative is that the side railing eventually completely snapped off, rendering the entire cot unsafe.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 00:07
Childrens Garden have kids from ages 2 1/2 to 5 yrs old. Their Barsha branch may be convenient for you.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 23:23
I go to either Emirates Hospital or Medcare Safa Park, both are included in my insurance plan, I've received good care at both.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 22:26
For steak, I would recommend Manhattan Grill (in the Grand Hyatt) or Rib Room (in Emirates Towers) over Meat Company. I've tried all of these places within the past 18 months using Entertainer Fine Dining vouchers and much prefer the atmosphere and quality of the first two places to Meat Company. Either way, enjoy!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 22:18
Costumes also available at Silver Lake Toys n Hobbies in Beach Plaza Ctr (opp Jumeira Beach Park), Pottery Barn Kids (they stock animal costumes for older kids, which I havent seen at Mr Ben) and Kidzania store (they stock mostly Melissa & Doug brand costumes, incl astronaut). I've seen costumes in DragonMart (occupation related, like policeman, fireman, etc) but quality is meh.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 21:59
Just an update. I purchased a Samsung upright freezer from the showroom in Bur Dubai, and after much debate, I purchased a Miele vacuum last week and declared it the family Eid present :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 21:44
There's a very cheapy version sold in the Dh 10 shop in Satwa, "Day to Day", it looks awful, neon plastic squares with badly printed black letters, but it's the only one I've found.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 21:41
I can recommend Garden Gate Flowers, next to the Eat & Drink place on Al Wasl Road, just past the Co-Op. Tiny little flourist, but they do some beautiful work and they won't charge a fortune either. The minute you mention 'wedding' to most flourists - they start charging through the nose - these guys don't. edited by FairyDust on 21/10/2013Thanks for the recommendation, FairyDust! I've always driven past that florist btwn Eat&Drink and Al Reef Bakery and wondered how their work compared to other Jumeira florists (I've used Wud and Oleander in the past).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 21:31
My nephew and niece attend this school. Both started at the school at KG1, nephew now in middle school, niece in grade 4. They are really happy, as are their parents. My friend's autistic nephew also attends this school and is thriving.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 00:32
I buy from www.vitacost.com, however haven't shipped anything direct to Dubai. My relatives repackage stuff for me, and I havent had an issue with customs with the items sent. I have bought Nordic Naturals Omega 3-6-9 in the past without issue.
 
 
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