Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 21:09
Peekaboo in Village Mall, 8.30am.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 21:07
Strawberry Boston also looks fantastic.Ooh I'm interested in the strawberry Boston cake. I've been baking a strawberry cake for birthdays for a few years now and I'd like an option for times when I can't bake. Is it white cake or strawberry flavored cake? Vanilla, with chocolate frosting (on the top, only. And more like a chocolate sauce than frosting), then with whipped cream around the top,of the cake, with fresh strawberries in the cream. Not strawberry flavored sponge, but still mmmmlicious! :) My only advice is, if you want a message on it, request it be written in white, not blue/pink. The blue message had too much dye in it, so while it looked fabulous, it tasted too tart in the small areas the writing was on the cake. Ask for white or chocolate messages.Thx so much for your response, AmyAus. I have an old wrist injury (not helped by posting on EW) that limits my baking n cake decorating activity.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 20:53
another option is Mamas & Papas... they are slightly expensive but tend to have good sales on at their factory outlet Mamas n Papas outlet store at Dubai outlet mall closed last year.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 21:38
Strawberry Boston also looks fantastic.Ooh I'm interested in the strawberry Boston cake. I've been baking a strawberry cake for birthdays for a few years now and I'd like an option for times when I can't bake. Is it white cake or strawberry flavored cake?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 21:21
If it's for vaccines, get them government health cards and have it done at one of the government clinics. The costs there are next to nothing. You'll pay a ton to get them at a private clinic. We have great insurance, but it covered next to nothing when it came to vaccines. Why pay more than necessary?But they've recently increased the cost of govt health cards for expats, and they try to tack on fees for childrens vaccination, mandatory visit with doctor (Dhs 250). Annual fee is now Dhs 110 for kids under 10, Dh 210 for kids 10-18, Dh 310 for 18 and up. I can get an appt using my company insurance for either Dhs 50 or Dhs 150, then I pay for the vaccine, which can cost as much as Dhs 500. I have gone the private route recently because I don't like the paed nurses at my local govt clinic; I took my kids there for all jabs up to age 3, then decided I prefer how the vaccination nurses at Emirates hospital interact with my kids. Another caveat with govt clinics is that you need to call them up beforehand (super fun because they don't answer 80% of the time!) to check that the vaccine you want is in stock, otherwise you have a wasted trip with a whiny child. <em>edited by Apricot on 01/09/2013</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 20:53
Cold Stone Creamery has great cakes ready made, and not more than Dh 300 for a 8 x 12 cake (serves more than 10). The sponge is really moist, ice cream is nice, and the icing is done in Cool Whip. I've tried the Chocoa chocolate cake, agree it's awesome.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 00:34
Want to add to the original list two places-Le Petit Marché in Jumeirah. It is a small supermarket at present but they do have some excellent products for vegans etc and are opening a café soon. Hi veganprincess, where in Jumeira is Le Petit Marche?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 00:31
There's a Samsonite store in the Outlet Mall (Ground floor, to the left of French Bakery cafe) and they do special offers every Monday.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 00:25
I use Al Ansari Exchange to send money monthly. It is safe and the recipient always receives money in their bank account within 2-3 days. Not much, maybe Dhs 45/ transfer. Western Union is another secure alternative.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 00:21
I bought my Britax rear facing car seat from a Dubizzle listing. I waited for a month or two and the listing I wanted came along.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 00:18
I have one. The whole process was organized by my landlord so I was very much hands-off most of the project. I am quite happy with it, nearly four years on.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 23:47
Dr Anwar Sajwani at the Laser Eye Clinic in Mazaya Center. He and his support staff are great with my young kids.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 23:44
My company insurance doesn't cover any of the "famous" doctors or clinics so I take my kids to Dr Mahmandar in Emirates Hospital and Dr Rubeena at Medcare clinic. I have taken my kids to the paeds at Prime Medical Clinic on Beach Rd and won't repeat that experience as the paediatric nurse there is malicious. <em>edited by Apricot on 31/08/2013</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 00:24
Also try The Toy Store in Mall of the Emirates, they have a very comprehensive selection. Maybe call them beforehand.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 00:46
Mister Baker will make a pretty decorated cake but it wont taste as fab as cake from Hey Sugar or Magnolia, my favorites. I once ordered a birthday cake from Magnolia and they take 24 hrs for cakes decorated with buttercream. I stopped by their display window recently and they've added new designs. Hey Sugar does more intricate fondant designs. My favorite ice cream cake is from Cold Stone Creamery and they also work on 24 hr notice. Their chocolate cake layer is soft and flavorful.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 00:34
Gram flour is also labeled Besan. Usually found near bags of lentils or spices. In Carrefour, they keep it near the couscous. there's an Italian quick bread/savoury pancake made with Gram flour that I'm keen to try, it's called Panella or Panissa.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 00:27
You can carry milk from Dubai, they are very compassionate regarding children. Just put it in your own sealed plastic baggie (can reuse same plastic baggie for your return plane journey). From a Western airport, partly depends on the mood of the airport staff. I was able to bring a plastic water bottle through security (a minor miracle!) because the staff overheard my DH ask if that bottle was for our youngest child and she decided she liked our family. Security staff will ask you to open and taste the formula/ breast milk, to prove the liquid is non-toxic.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 23:12
Hi KenzaB, I got my kids plastic "sandwich" boxes from Spinneys, a few plastic boxes from Ace, a set of boxes from Paperchase, and the cheap multipack set from Ikea. All their snack and food bits fit. My older kid's lunch goes into his Lightning McQueen backpack. My younger kid doesn't have a backpack, he has a Pooh Bear lunch bag with a long carry strap. I obsessed over their water bottles until I found one that I really love and it insulates the drink inside really well.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 22:59
So im thinking to buy which i can keep long time.which brand do u use? and what is ur review I use Tefal for most cooking, own Tefal 3 ply frying pans in two sizes, but also have an Ikea medium stainless steel saucepan with steel lid for making sugar syrups and sauces that need constant whisking, some big Korkmaz stainless steel (double ply base) round pans (about 10 cm high, 28 cm diameter) with stainless steel lids that I prefer to use for browning chicken. I use these most often.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 22:27
@Apricot, was your case similar to mine?No, the fibroids and dermal cysts involved were smaller.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 22:21
will look out for the spanish mix :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 00:17
I don't use Le Creuset, but I know it's cast iron base, covered in enamel. These pots and their lids are very heavy, partly why I chose not to buy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 00:13
Al Alali white meat tuna in olive oil is super. The Carrefour brand one, Reflets de France, also good. Didn't like Rio Mare. Pan de Mar tuna in olive oil from Organic Foods n Cafe also good. For a real treat, Ortiz tuna in oil from Panini deli/ bakery is amazing (and by weight, good value). Also tried Starkist premium tuna from Safestway, but it's not nearly as yummy as Al Alali. I like tuna which has a mild, buttery taste.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 23:44
Good luck on your surgery. Personally I would go to Latifa Hospital for this surgery rather than a private hospital, only because the doctors perform these surgeries routinely and are accountable to Dubai Health Authority for their performance.(my best friend worked in Dubai govt hospitals.) I also recommend Dr Wael Summar, he performed same surgery on me a few years ago. Again good luck.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 23:28
I attended Aqua Yoga regularly at Dubai Ladies Club a few months ago and really enjoyed it. Lovely instructor.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 23:07
Victorinox chefs knife, 10 inch. I actually prefer it to my Wusthof Santuko knife and Henkels chefs knife. I ordered it from the States, chefs catalog dot com. Under 30 dollars for one knife, and it's the brand used in most American restaurant, culinary school kitchens.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 23:02
I second Al Diyafa. Hi. Do you know if they sell Le Creuset? Hi, they sell Staub, which is similarly high quality.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 01:11
I've seen Leb- American version using breadcrumbs and Leb-Aussie version using crushed cornflakes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 01:01
bump
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 00:44
Alterna Bamboo Volume Abundant Volume Shampoo & Condition... Hi ladies where can i buy this in uae please.does any one using Organic Glow salon on Wasl rd opp Safa Park sells Alterna products.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 00:38
The Mercure hotel on Jebel Hafeet has some nice water features on their grounds: a big sprinkler type thing in the middle of a kiddie pool (in a well maintained kids play ground with grass and trees), 3 water slides of varying speed that lead into a dedicated splash pool, and a main pool. There is also mini golf. The 3 yr old and 5 yr old enjoyed the water slides. The water in the kiddie pool was a bit chilly. Grand Hyatt Dubai also has a great kids pool area, with a giant sprinkler thing and a water slide (though that is clearly aimed at age 6 plus).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 00:17
Lulu, Spinneys, Union Coop stock the Kitchen Craft sandwich cutters, as do Pottery Barn Kids. Sandwich cutters are bigger than cookie cutters. I usually cut the bread slices with the shapes before adding the filling, to minimize waste.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 00:11
ginnee's bakery in Karama. we tried them for a family gathering and I was pleasantly surprised. My fave was the chicken mushroom puff (vol au vents with a filling of chicken and mushroom mixed with bechamel sauce), veggie DH really liked the egg puff (filling is a whole boiled egg surrounded with some cilantro-mint chutney), kids loved the mini chicken burgers. Prices are reasonable and quality is good. The only caveat is that they couldn't deliver to us on Friday, we had to collect at 1.30pm.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 22:51
Market Cafe in Grand Hyatt :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 21:43
Good to know our DHs are in agreement :) Yeah I figured other forum users might also have same question.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 21:34
I only check FOL and Hanes for DH, have seen FOL in Park n Shop, Carrefour, Hyperpanda. Have seen Hanes in Hyperpanda and Carrefour and LuLu Al Barsha. In Dubai, I prefer bras sold at Sana Fashions (Karama and opp Babyshop in Deira), They have good bras from Eastern Europe and France. Same cut as M&S bras at lower price. I don't find VS bras supportive at all.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 21:15
Question time, was Ramadan begun a day late? Yes, we fasted 29 days, but if it was called a day late, we should have fasted 30, so should we fast to make up for that day?! DH says u should follow what the religious scholars of the country u live in announce. Since the scholarly panel in Emirates haven't made a formal announcement or decree, we shouldn't fast to make up for that day. What does ur DH say?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 18:29
If you feel like going on a bit of an adventure this shop in Deira has lots of stuff. There are 2 stores. The one right near the train station does lots of ribbons and glitter. They have another store around the corner that also has lots of other bits. http://www.mab1925.com/HomePage.html http://www.mab1925.com/ContactUs.htmlWow, thanks TimTam! Now I'm planning my big Deira adventure the second school re-opens in Sept! Four new shops to visit :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 18:23
Today I made walnut baklawa from this website: www.desertcandy.com (baklava the easy way) and I've also made my grandma's dhood pak which is kinda time consuming but it's my Eid essential :) You take 1 liter of full fat milk, and cook it down, then you add low fat milk, some cream, some dried dates stoned and cut into long skinny strips, blanched and chopped almonds and pistachios (ready made from C4), then a small amount of broken Mehran/Ahmad's wheat vermicelli (sevaiyyan). I've also made chocolate cheesecake for my Arab in-laws for Eid. I also make them moist chocolate cake with chopped fresh dates (one-layer cake in big cake pan, no icing).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 18:14
Even I saw it in C4 couple of weeks ago...no idea if its still there. Also, in case u or any of ur friends are travelling, u can get it from duty free shop in DXB airport...saw it last week (not cheap though).More expensive at the airports. DH checked.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 18:12
Try the kitchen appliance shops on the same road as Al Manal Ctr (Naif Police Station area) in Deira. Go to Jashanmal again, they are the official agents for Kenwood, and ask to speak to a manager in the household appliances section, ask them to contact their service centers in Bur Dubai and Al Quoz, the service center may have some new spare parts they can sell you.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 18:07
Eid Mubarak :) I'm very pleased because everything I cooked for Eid came out really yummy al hamdulillah, veg biryani, beef pasandeh, dhood pak (sheer korma). Also made walnut baklava (just because) but haven't tasted yet :) You get used to celebrating Eid without close family. This is the first Eid since I married that I made Eid food from my childhood and shared it with my new family. My Arab in-laws don't have any special traditions for Eid.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 17:57
Is this made from cows milk ladies??yes
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 22:36
NOT EID tomorrow. No announcement on any of the Dubai channels. Gonna log off so I can get some extra stuff done while I still can ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 21:25
Another good website listing public events during Eid is www.summerisdubai.com Your DD may enjoy the henna tents at malls, the suggested price is often Dhs 15-25 per hand. <em>edited by Apricot on 06/08/2013</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 14:26
There's a private lounge for holders of EIB Skywards credit card.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 14:24
bought one in ELC for the kids, it has a light bulb inside.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 16:48
We went to Childrens City in Creek Park last week and had a great time. They are hosting entertainment during Eid. Had a quick look at the poster, there will be performers at 10 am, then 12noon, then 4, then 5 or 6pm. There is a toddler play room on the ground floor with a ball pit, a sand pit, water play feature (similar to that in Aqua play in Mirdif City Centre but not automated and a bit smaller), a few other play structures. It's cheaper than other play areas :) Hint: there are elevators/lifts just before the toilets if the curved upwards walkway is too challenging for your LO. There's a fish tank on the first floor in the "Animals Around Us" area which my 3 yr old was mesmerized with.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 21:01
http://lifeofastrangerwhostolemyphone.tumblr.com/Sorry but I didn't like this. The guy bought a stolen phone. He clearly can't afford to go to Ibiza as a professional thief. He's a single Arab bachelor, lower middle class. I want to find that masjid he loves to pose in front of. The woman writing the blog is clearly more educated and far wealthier than this guy could hope to be, shame on her for ridiculing those with less material opportunities.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 16:10
Driving in Houston I thought the signs were all missing something, then I realised my eyes had gotten used to Arabic script incorporated into the brand logos, eg AC Delco, Fuddruckers, GMC.
 
 
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