Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 15:45
Organic Glow salon opp Safa Park/ Wasl Square! No chemical fumes or smells, and very relaxing vibe. It takes longer than average mani pedi but soo relaxing.
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 15:40
Actually its not breadcrumbs, apricot, it's semolina.Yes it should be semolina (the fine one, farkha?) but I've seen recipes online by Australian Lebanese who use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute...
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 15:30
I used Purex free and clear liquid or Charm non bio powder. Prefer the Purex free n clear since it doesn't have any irritating fragrance. You can find both at Union Coop and Carrefour.
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 15:27
I would search this forum for Latifa/ Wasl Hospital delivery advice, the same applies to Baraha, only Baraha's facilities are older and more basic. So, I would expect to bring my own diapers for new baby, big cotton underpants for post partum, toiletries for mom, etc. I visited a friend who delivered there, she is from a developing country so her expectations were not high and she was content.
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 15:21
To get a private room at Latifa hospital, your husband, or whoever else accompanies you when you're admitted to hospital, needs to first state you want a private room so your name goes on the list. Then he needs to visit same admissions/ patients affairs office each morning to renew your name on the waiting list for private rooms. Most private rooms vacate btwn 12pm-4pm, sometimes 9.30-10am. Your husband may visit you n baby from 8am-9pm. He can't sleep overnight on any of the wards, not even in VIP rooms! I ask to get placed in the care of the team of Dr Alia Obaid at Latifa Hospital. I write out in my birth plan, and have this birth plan put into my patient file, that I don't want any medical students present in delivery room, you might want to consider that.
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 01:10
Thx for posting Chi2dxb :) It's a nice reminder that we are getting rewarded for all our good deeds. There are times I will teach the kids something while also reminding myself to do it more often, or will teach it even while feeling low because the best deeds are the little ones performed daily. I haven't got a good support network, my family is quite self-involved and rubbish at helping me and my in-laws, while physically closer and quite demanding, are equally self-involved, so I sometimes crack under pressure.
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 00:44
Thanks CW. I felt really remorseful after I'd posted because I'm not one to complain about my lot. <em>edited by Apricot on 02/08/2013</em>
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 00:32
Did you feel it was a big loss not being able to attend face to face tutorials or study groups? What would be 'the norm' for the amount of interaction you would have.No, they had a brilliant forum, students from various parts of UK would post their study group/ tutorial notes, giving a brilliant range of "acceptable" interpretations. I contacted my tutor via email and phone. In a few cases I met my tutors during trips to the UK for essential study sessions, summer courses.
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 00:20
Ladies the thread is titled atayef but you are also talking about kanufa, are the two the same thing because some are talking about cheese and others cream? An arabic neighbour once brought us the pastries with cheese filling and syrup and i'd like to replicate it but am not sure what it was, if it's one of the ones you are discussing? also please could you give idiot proof instructions with quantities! :) thanks!Atayef are sm pancakes crimped into cones or half circles and filled w either cream, cheese or nuts. Sometimes pan fried or baked before drizzling w syrup. Kunafa is crispy thin noodles/ cornflakes/ breadcrumbs toasted, combined w melted butter, compressed into a thick layer, then there can either be filling underneath or a layer of filling topped w second layer of kunafa. Kunafa filling can be: nuts, cream or Akkawi cheese. There's another dessert called shaabiyat which is FILO dough squares stuffed w cream or cheese then baked. So, which one did your neighbor share with you? I like the blog www.yasalamcooking.com for clear instructions.
1987
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 00:10
Found it on on arabic forum, you can still check the photos in the link in case you don't read Arabic :) they looked exactly like those in the photos :) http://www.qwled.com/vb/t89259.htmlThx Swissroll! Btw, I tried your atayef recipe yesterday, filled them w 1T KDD thick cream, DH said they were the best ever :)
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 19:01
I have to admit I am crawling to the finish line. You ladies are a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed bunch!i'm with you - crawling in a sleep deprived haze :(This has been difficult for me, there is so much I want to do at night once my kids are asleep, like the extra prayer, reading Qur'an, even fun stuff like watching the special tv shows w DH or shopping for gifts, but not only am I tired from the long day but also need to be in bed by a certain time so I can wake properly for Suhoor n Fajr. Can't sleep much after Fajr or during day because my kids wake up early, won't let me alone, I wanna cook in AM while it's still cool (no a/c in kitchen), then my maid rests in afternoon so I'm on kid-duty until DH wakes from his nap 1 hr before Iftar. I have spent this Ramadan trying to be super patient caring for the kids while I have massive headaches due to dehydration and lack of sleep. And super patient with everyone else. I am only happy that I started reading this book I bought last year in S'pore about women in Madina, and that I attended a few religious talks online and in Um Suqueim. Also managed to host 1 Iftar at my home for in-laws, then cooked and took food for 2 iftars at their home. They're planning an Iftar this Thurs, will invite more relatives, and I told my sisters in law point blank that I couldn't cook for them, they needed to pitch in now.
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 18:39
Mine are 2 years and 2 days apart.Same here!
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 18:27
Hi Norak, sorry for late response. DH recommends you get an LCD tv, either Sony Bravia or Samsung.
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 01:43
There are two meds suggested for pregnant women w/ nausea, both are available w/o prescription: pirempram and Navidoxine. My grandmother recommends sucking on lime quarters.
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 01:36
Hi.. do anyone know if Latifa hospital provides any basic amenities package during delivery? I do not want to be carrying unnecessary stuff to hospital and duplicate on the stuff what they may be providing. With Latifa, I dont think i may get a private room, so i dont want to pack on the available space in the sharing room.They don't provide amenities during labor. After delivery, you get free diapers, baby is clothed in the hospital's baby gowns and blankets (unless you provide clothes for nurses to change the baby into before daily morning bath), hospital nightgowns for mom to use during stay, free maternity pads and disposable panties, you may get some sample sized baby toiletries but don't count on it. I was in sharing for 5 hrs, then moved to a private room when it became available. If you are in a sharing room, you will get a metal locker on wheels to put your stuff in.
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 01:23
So, another question for the breastfeeding mothers....when did your breastfed child sleep through the night?Eh, with a lot of struggles on both sides! DS1 slept thru night at 15 months, but not in the right way, and it took a long time to fix before his brother arrived when he was 24 months. DS2 was moved into DS1's room at 21 months with a pacifier and Baba attending to night wakings but it took as long as 26 months for the whole night feeding to stop due to illness and regression at 25 months. Pacifier came out at 28 months.
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 00:51
A few day ago I made some Atayef using an Internet recipe that i liked. I was very happy with the results, they looked and tasted as good as the ready made fresh ones sold in Syria during Ramadan.Thanks for posting Swissroll, will try these tomorrow. Pls tell us where on Internet you found the recipe :)
1987
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 00:02
Yes, you can buy qashta ready made, either canned (Nestle, Puck, Luby's) or in a small tetrapack (KDD thick cream). If you read Arabic, "qashta" is written on all of these packages. To me, only the KDD tastes "fresh", the others taste like the lactose has caramelized a bit. samz, sorry for hijacking your thread, but personally I needed a fun cooking project distraction :) Those homemade atayef I made weren't very puffy, partly because I spread out the batter as I poured it onto hot skillet. Atayef get a special taste from the yeast and absence of egg.
1987
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Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 23:47
Hi Norak, will ask DH in the AM to recommend something great.
1987
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Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 21:20
Ginee, do a search for cream kunafa on yasalamcooking and it will come up. Sorry I've tried 3-4 times but I can't successfully copy and paste. It's more like muhallabia than Ashta, next time I plan to mix n heat 1 c full fat milk, 1 c whipping cream then add in 3-4 slices white bread, crusts removed n torn into bits. FIL used to heat equal quantities of full fat milk n whipping cream then add semolina, but occasionally it got too thick like cement.
1987
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Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 14:04
Update: Made a small batch of atayef using this recipe: Combine 1/2 t yeast and 1/2 t sugar into 1/2 cup warm water, let proof 10 min. in separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 c plain flour, 1/8 t salt. Make well, whisk in the yeast, adding more water if needed to make smooth batter. Cover w plastic wrap and let rise 1 hr. To cook, heat flat griddle or lg frying pan (I used an Indian roti tava) and lightly grease. Pour 2 T batter and immediately spread with back of eating fork into circle or oval shape. I was able to cook 3-4 atayef at a time. Cook until the top loses its "raw" color, remove to paper towel-lined hot pot. Made the ashta filling and attar syrup using recipes found on www.yasalamcooking.com, but may change the ashta filling next time as I remember FIL's ashta being thicker. Well received :)
1987
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 23:22
Amy's Eyes by Richard Kennedy The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. Actually, anything by her, apart from Oryx&Crake.
1987
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 23:20
Funny that you mentioned, she did recommend a particular brand of formula. In no way did I imply ill be putting my daughter on a milk only diet till 2...her daily menu was discussed and approved and it was just that for milk she felt formula was THE way to go after 1. The fact that she recommended ANY formula for a baby over the age of 1 is troubling. There is absolutely no need. If baby is weaned (and I am obviously not advocating that), cows milk is completely adequate for providing your baby what they need. Weirdly enough, I got this advice from a friend who used formula from the age of 3months on all her kids. She said she switched her kids from baby formula to full fat powdered cows milk at 12 months. Anon, there's a special feeding cup that they give out at Latifa Hospital's bf clinic that may help you transition DS from bf to milk. It's similar to the Infant Panadol dosing cup but it has a rounded lip on one side and they dip their tongues into it like kittens. You just train DS to drink from a cup, then he can just drink everything from an Ikea kids plastic cup. Avent Magic cups are also nice, DS1 was addicted to his. Let me know, I may have some spare cups and spouts :) <em>edited by Apricot on 28/07/2013</em>
1987
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 23:05
You can get gripe water here, but pharmacies sometimes sell out. Cloth nappies, maternity and nursing bras, even breast pumps and baby monitors are better buys in UK. NB I once told the lady at Boots the online price of a breast pump on www.boots.co.uk (GBP 10 cheaper than what she rang up at till) and she honoured it.
1987
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Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 23:22
It is sweet, I unwittingly used it once to make salmon en croute with interesting results. Would be much better for a fruit/sweet dish! I bought it from the frozen section of the Co-op.Oh dear, sounds like my experience, I made a red pepper and black olive quiche with it, yuck.
1987
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Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 09:27
you can use the Sunbullah (black and red packet) frozen shortcrust pastry blocks (carrefour, coop). I've tried it and it tastes sweet when baked. Carrefour has fresh rolled out sweetcrust pastry near their bagged salad, salami, salmon. HTH
1987
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Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 08:22
DF is trash. Absolute trash. Look at the pics on the right of the page: "(so and so) shows her behind.. Shows her body.. Shows her legs.. Shows her cleavage etc etc etc" Are we women really just parts of a body worth mentioning?Yeah, but it's really good when you want all the juicy details of celebrity divorces, etc. I liked the instant access to the Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy video congratulating the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
1987
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Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 08:08
Hi LuLee, just sent out the email again. So happy you enjoyed my home city. Isn't it fab!
1987
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Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 15:52
Al Adil, really? I never would've thought! Will try and take a look there soon insha'allah!Yeah, me neither. The Dangerous Blonde took a tour there w her culinary school and noticed the black beans, then I confirmed while searching for brown basmati rice. Thx TDB!
1987
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Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 15:49
The al baba sweets website, www.albaba-sweets.com, lists their branches in Deira (I've seen this one, opp Deira City Centre), Barsha and Abu Dhabi, plus their phone numbers. BTW, their Knaafe is also yummy.
1987
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Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 15:45
if you want to make the most delicious atayef, i would recommend that you pay "Feras" sweets a visit. They have branches in Qusais, Sharjah & Al Barsha as well. The sell the actual dough (Atayef) -which is delicious- and they sell the cheese (shredded and kept in little plastic containers). This place's dough and chees are the best in town. as for baking them, lightly butter a baking pan and place your stuffed atayef in it then bake for no longer than 15-20 minutes so they dont get all dried up. Feras' atayef cannot go wrong !Thx for tip, there's a Feras branch on Dhiyafa/2nd December Rd, handy for Jumeira residents :) Still wanna try Wuffles' homemade to impress DH (he really appreciates the effort involved) :)
1987
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Latest post on 25 July 2013 - 00:11
We've booked thru SACO hotel apts in various locations in the UK, great experience. <em>edited by Apricot on 25/07/2013</em>
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 23:37
The One looks awesome, but may be out of our price range! Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks :)The one has an outlet store in Dubai outlet mall (al ain rd, past academic city). Very hit or miss but DH likes to bring back sofas and SIL always finds crockery, statement arm chairs. If you like something in online Ikea catalog, note down model name and search Dubizzle. Most savvy sellers list Ikea furniture by model name :)
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 23:28
Can anyone recommend a specific tailor with a good variety of fabrics in their store who can make a custom sized duvet cover? We have American sized beds and linens, so nothing off the shelf here in Dubai will work. I purchased DS new sheets while home on holiday, but didn't find a duvet cover that I liked so need to get something made. Thanks! I have a Broyhill bed and haven't had an issue buying California King bed linen here. There's a chart on marthastewart.com which tells you the dimensions of standard US bed sizes in cm, and I've used that to buy bed sheets from Home Ctr, Debenhams, etc. BTW, high quality "Japanese/ Saudi" cotton is available at Tahir fabric shop in Satwa but you may not find the width required for a duvet cover, depending on size, and these cottons are quite pricey. Very little cotton available in the textile souk in wider widths and the pattern choices are dire (unless you like US football team helmets and various kids cartoon characters). Another option, if you have a UK address thru Shop n Ship is to check the websites of Asda and Tesco. I really like all the patterns that UK duvet covers come in, and these are reasonably priced.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 23:03
Golden rule: make goodbyes as short as possible! Kiss and big hug and say, see you after lunch and I love you! but that's it! They will soon learn the routine and crying will stop. Goodluck xI agree with this. I don't bother with all the chatter and explanation since the kids genuinely don't understand and it just teaches them that mum/dad will delay their exit. I leave with a firm "Mama will come back soon", no backward glances. If I was upset about leaving, I'd have a quick cry once sat in my car, dab tears then start engine and on my way. I say upon return, "Mama came back!" with a big hug. <em>edited by Apricot on 24/07/2013</em>
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:55
You can also go to Dubai Ladies Club. They have mat Pilates classes and yoga classes. Poopak conducts fab outdoor classes during the cooler weather.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:41
You can adjust the volume on GE and Panasonic microwaves. Really helpful when LOs are infants. Oh thanks so much, off to look for one, do all their models do that or just some of them do you know? I have been asking in the stores and no one knew of this even the sales representative for the brand!Oh the sales reps are useless! I always ask for the user manual and check that for model features, specs. Don't know if this feature in all models, but I've adjusted volume in those at my parents home, my home.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:37
Why once a year? We make them all year round (my husband is Palestinian). Cook the batter on one side as you do pancakes, stuff them and put syrup with a touch of rosewater just before serving. Never deep fry them. Can't see any point in buying them premade-they are idiot proof-even my son has made them himself since he was a young teenager.Wuffles, could you pls share your homemade atayef recipe pls? DH returning from business trip soon and I'd love to surprise him....
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:32
Confused about...?? teller services will be charged, minimum balance is must, sms service will be charged. cheque book fee etc etc. All banks are offering almost same services, thinking to go with ADIB. Thanks Mrsb and Maroosh for the suggestions.I prefer EIB. Their online banking portal is really good.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:29
Hey BintNizam, thx for update, maybe will try kingfish next time :)
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:25
Marroosh I feel embarrassed to ask you since I should know better but do you know where I can take my 5 year old to Quran classes? I feel she'll do better in a class rather than have a private tutor. I'm here in the States now and she's already memorized 2 surahs mash'Allah. I live in Jumeirah.Hi LuLee, JILC sent out their kids class schedule today, and I've forwarded it to you. Pls let me know if you didn't receive.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 22:07
Not much help, but I last visited a gift wrap supplier in Deira 6 yrs ago. Behind Abu Bakr Ctr (can't remember if this was exact name but it looks like concrete beehive from exterior, has multi level parking garage).
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:57
Maybe try the Union Coop candy aisle? I saw some Disney Choc coins in June.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:54
Welcome. Yep, Algerian sweets are fashionable here, mainly because they look so pretty and are expensive. Always vendors at Dubai Bride Show. You can get them at Al Baba Sweets and to order at Delice Sweets.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:51
I saw dried black beans at Al Adil Stores a few weeks ago, I think Al Adil has a Sharjah branch. Reasonably priced. I also get my dried black beans from Walmart/ Target ;)
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:45
McKinsey has a mini MBA program, DH participated.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:43
Ginnee, I can share info via email. You would need a laptop or pc to download, not a netbook or tablet.
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:40
Florsheim, Ecco, Geox, Aldo all carry lg sizes
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:37
Yay a new Prince George, may he grow into a splendid chap ;)
1987
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 21:34
We luv this: Heat wok 2T oil. Add: 1 cm ginger, chopped; 1-2 garlic cloves, minced. Add: 1/2-1T Lee Kum Kee chili bean paste, cook until aromatic, 4-5 T hot water, 2 t fish sauce, 1/2 t rice/ cider vinegar, 1 t oyster sauce (veggie oyster sauce a gr8 sub), pinch sugar. Bring to simmer. Add: 500g tofu, cut into 2 cm dice. Cover, leave to steam 5 min. [t=teaspoon, T=tablespoon'> Most items available cheap at Choithrams, incl tofu made in Ajman and packets of dried chinese mushrooms. Weirdly, Lee Kum Kee chili bean paste found everywhere incl Coop but not at Carrefour.