Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 02:09
I've bought the chilled French chickens from MOE C4, quite nice. I've also bought the salmon from Organic store, not sure if it was wild but definitely a patch above what I've bought elsewhere.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 02:05
What about for children? I need to take DS. I recommend Dr Anwar Sajwani for kids. He's super calm and his staff are really good with calming my tykes down too. He works out of the Laser Clinic in the office bldg of Al Mazaya Ctr, keeps mainly afternoon and evening hours.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 01:52
There is a poster on here named Apricot. She doesn't post very often but you could leave a message and she may be able to give you information. Hello Anon, thanks for the reccie ;) Marroosh and Naiyyar have kindly listed 90% of the places I would suggest. To their list I would add: Dubai Womens Association near Dubai Hospital: they have an English lecture every Sunday morning 8.30am given by the same lady who lectures at Al Huda Sisters in Al Manara. They also have good Qur'an classes for women in the evenings. Al Huda Institute in Al Mulla Plaza, on the border btwn Dubai and Sharjah. Classes taught by students of Dr Farhat Hashmi. I have been there, but prefer to gain religious knowledge from Arab teachers. Classes taught by Awatif Al Hashemi at the Palm Jumeira masjid near Atlantis Dubai on various weekday mornings (you can check her blog at http://awatifhidayah.blogspot.ae/) I've known this lady socially for the past 15 years, she has a great reputation in the community, but I've never been to her classes. There is a place called Markaz Al Huda in Al Twar, near Star Int'l School Al Twar. I have secondhand knowledge of their teachings. Princess Haya Ctr in Al Manara is now accepting registration for their weekday morning Tajweed classes for women due to start in Sept 2013. Highly recommended. South African Islamic Centre in Barsha South. Never been, don't know anyone who attends but it's on the radar. My fave is Al Huda Sisters (weekday AM works best for me!), followed closely by JILC.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 01:10
I was diagnosed through orthosports and then confirmed with Dr Humiera Badshi http://www.drbadshamedical.com/ - she works out of the restaurant mall opp beach park. I only saw her once; as she seemed very drug happy; which after research and weighing up the side effects v seriousness of my symptoms, i haven't taken. Hi Ayzzy, thank you so much for your response, and I have to agree with you. I visited Dr Humeira Badsha twice, and the best thing I got out of it were the detailed blood tests she ordered up. I later took those blood test results and some other stuff to my stepmom, a consultant dr trained in the UK, and my grandmother's doctor in the States. My grandmother's doctor was great in identifying all the muscular tension I hold in my upper back and neck, which Dr Badsha didn't identify, but she too was very drug happy (her list included what Dr Badsha recommended, but suggested a new round of drugs to be trialled BEFOREHAND). My stepmom is very concerned about the long term effects of various drugs; she said that I should try to treat my symptoms through the least invasive technique that my grandmother's dr suggested, swimming to reduce all the muscular tension that is contributing to my pain. My stepmom is concerned about the high levels of vit D prescribed as a blanket panacea for most ills, she says that a basic women's daily supplement contains all the vit D I need, any excess could harm the kidneys in the long term. Another recommendation is acupuncture, but I recently read that cupping (hijama) is done on the same energy paths as acupuncture but it's at least 5 times more effective. So am chasing the cupping leads as well...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 00:41
I compared Parm Reg bought from C4 (where I normally buy it) and Organic Foods n Cafe (a one off purchase during their monthly 20% off weekend): the Organic Parm Reg smells more "sheepy" than the C4 one, which is basically cheese-flavored salty, umami goodness, so I use less of it, and with much less enthusiasm!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 00:22
How nice, Fairfield! A few decades ago, my FIL was the importer for Kerrygold butter so that was what DH grew up eating. I buy it for nostalgia's sake, but great to know that it's sold competitively at C4.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 00:42
I want them to be kind, confident & passionate about LIFE. And definitely NOT work in the veterinary industry where the pay & hours are lousy & often a lot of sadness too (although I wouldn't do anything else!). Dang, I wanted my DS1 to become a vet in a zoo, he loves animals. How can I spin this into a more profitable profession? ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 00:30
Mazda CX9 or Nissan Armada. I really enjoyed driving the Mazda, awesome boot space, great a/c for rear passengers.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 23:48
MAC store in Mercato, ask for Batool. She has done my makeup twice for evening events and I' ve been really happy with the results. Last appt for makeup is 5pm. Cost is Dh 350 w/o fake eyelashes (those are extra).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 23:30
Haven't seen. Lakeland has an awesome clear acrylic cake stand plus lid :) and the price is good.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 03:12
My DH likes Feet First.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 01:42
Toys R Us. I checked everywhere, starting with Virgin Megastore. Toys R Us Festival City have a great selection of colors and styles.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 01:41
I followed the advice of other EW members and took my kids to the kiddie salon in Beach Center, first floor. The hairdressers were Filipino, but my Lebanese DH was the one telling them how to cut the kids' hair, so I can't help you with the "non Lebanese standard cuts" part! Both boys ended up with hair cuts that suit their face and head shapes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 01:25
I used Bambi for DS2 for a long time but we eventually had to go the Pampers Premium route for size 4 and up. His body shape changed.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 01:19
OP, I only got a hospital tour of Latifa hospital similar to what you describe (ie, all smiles and open doors and friendly chatting with the doctors/nurses) because I knew a senior midwife working there and made a private appointment with her for that purpose. Ultimately I decided to deliver my children at Latifa because I was happy with staff commitment for the baby's wellbeing in every problematic situation and for adhering to UN Baby Friendly Initiative guidelines, the not-for-profit aspect of the hospital's ethos, staff experience with most delivery room critical situations, but also because I am comfortable with Arab culture and am used to the weird quirks that come along with it.The doctors and staff are overwhelmingly either Arab (Emirati and others) or South Indian. I knew beforehand that it's a teaching hospital for the young women at Dubai Medical College for Girls, and wrote stuff in the birth plan to keep the teenagers out of my active delivery room :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 00:57
You can also rent from Orthosports on Beach Rd.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 00:55
Provided you make an effort to be discreet (ie cover your baby n chest/tummy) it's totally fine to breastfeed outside the home. I've breastfed both my kids beyond 12 months while out n about, usually using a breastfeeding cover, and it's been fine. Mine was a cover made by a WAHM, better design than the 1st Years/ Safety 1st cover sold in the supermarkets. The "most public" place I've breastfed was a half circular booth at PF Chang's in MCC, while placing the lunch order.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 00:33
Zaroob on Sheikh Zayed Rd (Dusit Dubai hotel side) is really nice. They make kushari (veggie), an Egyptian fast food that is sooo good. They also make an unusual thing called stuffed felafel (veggie), that tastes really good. we also tried their hummos, fattoosh and they did a great job on those standards. The only issue is access as their main dining hall is accessible via a narrow, yet stable staircase. (the ground floor is raised stool seating for the office lunch crowd). Another great place is Leyla/ Leila in MCC and opp the fashion area of Dubai Mall, just be prepared to pick stuff out of the (atypical) pool of pomegranate syrup. We met up with the in-laws for Eid lunch there and MIL really liked the food. Their hindbeh (dandelion greens sauteed with onion, garlic) is great. Karam Beirut in Dubai Mall is also really nice. My tip for dining at an Arab restaurant is to order "off the menu" by asking for their "sahan youmy" (dish of the day). I guess it's like a "blue plate special" you'd get in the States, a cafe version of a home style dish. It'll be a rice pilaf with some kind of stew on top, or fish sayidiyeh (fried fish fillets with a brown onion rice pilaf).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 23:48
I took a chance and bought the made-in-Morocco beef stock cubes I saw at Hyper Panda. The brand name is Ideal, yellow, orangey box. http://www.prointerdistribution.com/product.php?id_product=828 I use beef stock cubes in making a veggie and chicken/beef/lamb stew for my kids every week, they haven't noticed any difference with these stock cubes. I normally shop at C4 or Union Coop (although I live close to a big Spinneys) and haven't seen the Maggi beef cubes there in a LOONG time.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 23:53
I like the Rock & Sole Plaice next to Park n Shop on Wasl Rd. Huge portion, very nice tartar sauce.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 23:22
Spinneys is the cheapest place to buy Crisco, but you can also buy it at Safestway. In a pinch, I have bought the Mazola veg shortening from C4 and Coop and it worked fine in pie crusts, my fake-out crescent rolls recipe, even buttercream (but the buttercream wasn't that bright white you get from Crisco).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 23:15
Hi Naiyyar, 1. I press with the back of a small eating spoon. Next time just reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. 2. I use either Carrefour white chocolate or a bar of Swiss Alprose white choc, chopped into chunks. White choc is plenty sweet, will add to overall sweetness of the cookie. I've never used white choc chips, but I have seen the Dr Oetker white choc chip packets. If you don't want to reduce the sugar or white choc, you could increase the salt a bit. Welcome to cookie baking!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 23:51
Hi Turkish Dervish, my DSs attend The Childrens Garden Jumeira. <em>edited by Apricot on 16/01/2013</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 23:41
You could contact a good Levantine butcher. Baalbek Butchers in Jumeira, Park/ Pick and Save supermarket in Deira (Al Maktoum Rd opp the Marriott Residences) or Nesnas supermarket in Sharjah. You provide the raw meat filling (obviously, no pork) and he will do the stuffing bit for you.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 10:17
I was diagnosed with seranonegative arthritis and was told to cut wheat as this has a major affect on inflamation in joints / ligaments. Hi Ayzzy, could you please share the name of your doctor? I am looking for a doctor in Dubai who could properly diagnose fibromyalgia. I think I have many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Thanks.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 09:41
I tried the mixed box from Greenheart a few times, and now I just specify quantities of the veg my family is most likely to eat. I add in a carton of eggs so the total comes to Dh 100 and qualifies for the free home delivery. I really like their veg and herbs. The eggs are small sized, not at all "eggy" in taste (the yolks are pale yellow), perfect size for scotch eggs/ nargisi kofte (same idea as scotch eggs but the mince is marinated with seasonings before shaping). I made scotch eggs with them one time, another time placed them hardboiled and peeled inside a meatloaf (like the wellington Cath made on Great British Bake Off).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 02:03
Yes, they do release at least one story/ year regarding this. I agree, it's reassuring.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 01:57
I had really acne prone, oily skin and needed something with SPF as a teenager. Olay Complete care worked the best for me. Neutrogena and Dermalogica were too drying. Unless you experiment and choose something intended for "normal skin" from Dermalogica/ Neutrogena. A pricier option is to visit Lush, they have a large range of moisturizers, and I have used different ones as my skin changed with great results. Imperialis was very nice and cheaper than Lancome Vinefit. Another successful pricey option when I had oily skin was Lancome Vinefit, the one with white grape seed extract, I got this from a Duty Free counter. (I'm back to using Olay now, Regenerist this time.)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 01:32
Carluccio's in Dubai Mall has great hot chocolate (not too sweet or thick), but no whipped cream/ marshmallows. I like the Paul's hot chocolate but find it a bit thick.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 01:24
Hotel Rwanda, House of Sand and Fog. Recently, One Day.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 01:26
I was taught by a friend's grandmother to lightly pound the coriander seeds, soak in a little water over night, then plant the next morning. It works. Some gardening forums suggest soaking seeds in cold tea overnight in the fridge before planting the next day (to increase germination rates). <em>edited by Apricot on 02/12/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 01:11
There's a free weekly Arabic newspaper, Al Waseet, that has 2-4 pages full of listings for maid recruitment agencies. You can search on the Etisalat Yellow Pages website for labour supply, cleaning supply, etc and results will pop up. You can also call up agencies in Sharjah if you want a variation in prices. Most agencies prefer to fax or email cv's of candidates directly to you.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 01:04
Lots of romance books at the two used book shops, House of Prose (Jumeira Plaza, "Pink Mall" with access to basement parking from Beach Rd) and Book World in Satwa (opp Lal's Supermarket).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 00:07
I saw Imsie Vimsie disposable liners in Just Kidding several months ago. Maybe you can contact them to check if they're still in stock. I used different brands of reusable nappies but I think there are enough similarities. I ordered Bummis disposable liners from the UK and used those.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 00:00
It's hormonal. Only if you mess with your hormonal cycle will it disappear. You could take birth control pills or have an IUD with birth control drugs inserted, but then you open the door to potentially unpleasant side effects. one really aggressive topical treatment to try are the BHA/ AHA lotions. They are fab chemical exfoliants.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 20:17
Yeah, I've heard that too! and that it's sold much cheaper there...the trade off we make for driving :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 20:11
you can get small (clear glazed) terracotta dishes at Carrefour, they are from Morocco and I used them for serving Lebanese starters (mezze). You can buy much nicer versions of the same thing at either the handicraft shops in Souk Al Bahar (Dubai Mall) or in the Turkish/Morocco/ Lebanon/ Syria pavilions in Global Village.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 20:07
Recently I redeemed an iTunes gift card purchased 2 years ago in the States by first starting an acct using my parents home address in Texas and a different email address than the one linked to my UAE credit card. edited by Apricot on 24/11/2012 <em>edited by Apricot on 24/11/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 20:03
Try Fida and Aalam Al Khuyoot. Aalam Al Khuyoot is opposite the municipality health clinic and has a yellow sign with a picture of a sewing machine in black.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 02:06
Hi Anon, you'll need to enrich the sand first. Have a guy come out, dig deep trenches, line the sides of the trenches with concrete blocks (to separate the sand from the soil). I got a lot of the Shalimar Bio mass organic fertilizer and potting soil, had the guy mix up the two kinds and fill up the trenches. Also you may need to create some overhead shade with some wooden poles and green plastic mesh netting since the sun can kill most plants here, even sunflowers! In previous years I've done the same as Buttercup when starting seedlings, but this year I let the gardener plant the seeds directly and it worked! I've been watering after Fajr and around Asr for the past 6 weeks. I usually plant sunflowers, a ton of herbs (parsley, coriander, basil, jarjeer/ rocket) and attempt veggies like okra, eggplant, carrots, koosa, tomatoes. DS likes to choose flower seeds. I bury in the soil any sprouting onions from the pantry (their green shoots are fine scallion and chive substitutes).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 01:55
does any one know how to order Tommy Hilfiger /Ralph Lauren and children's place online from America?love te first two for hubby ,my self and baby and the last one for baby. Place your order at macys.com or wherever, have it shipped to your relative in the States' home, have relative send you the clothes via normal USPS. Just note that once the parcel weight is over 7 lbs, the shipping cost jumps to $55. But either way, you get the parcel within 10 days of it being posted.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 01:19
A Fine Balance- hands down the best book I've ever come across.yeah, that was a great read. Also by the same author: Family Matters. Loved The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand but haven't read her other works. Recently finished reading: Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok (I have a thing for Indian/ Chinese immigrant stories...), the Hunger Games trilogy. All four of these are intellectually undemanding yet enjoyable reads. I liked "Shantaram" but primarily because I've traveled to Mumbai with someone who loves the city as much as the author does. I had to stop reading at one pt, then come back to it, so I could read slowly and really digest what was happening. I just have to hope that the author wasn't doing a "Jean Sassoon" on his readers. Zadie Smith's "White Teeth" is excellent. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris is well-written and enjoyable.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 00:37
How sad :( My step mother works at a clinic there every few weeks.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 00:34
I've seen cheap versions of this at the Union Coop, Lulu's, etc. Would most likely be stocked at Galleries Lafayette or Tavola, if it was brought here.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 00:12
...although Aramex has been slapping on customs duty on most orders valued above $200 recently.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 00:09
A friend lived there until recently. She lived in the Saratoga bldg, which is awesome. She had a 2 bed flat for her family: husband, wife, two young kids and maid.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 00:06
DH's office uses SkyNet.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 00:04
I would suggest American University of Sharjah over American University in Dubai. Stronger academic program (ie, double the classroom hours required at AUS for the same degree). Good luck to your niece.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 00:00
MrsB, is Sana'iya close to the zoo or close to Jebel Hafeet? Closer to Dubai, I've had the best extractions during facial at the Spa in the Shangri La hotel on Shk Zayed Rd. I have sensitive skin and I would leave the hotel with my face feeling raw, but glowing.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 November 2012 - 23:51
I haven't. I do recommend Kenny's Sour Fruit Strips, sold at the bigger Carrefour stores. You could call up Candylicious, Candilite, It's Sugar in the malls. Have fun searching!
 
 
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