Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 22:59
I just finished the Hunger Games series, now I'm trying to finish up "Because I said so: 30 essays on motherhood". A nice collection.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 22:56
Hey AmyAus82, that is really good info, esp the difference between the regular gov't schools and the Model gov't schools. Where is Int'l Academic School?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 22:50
you could put the dressing in a smaller plastic lidded pot. Avoid adding watery veg like cucumbers and tomatoes to the lettuce/rocket/spinach. A pasta salad with halved cherry tomatoes and dressing mixed in doesn't spoil due to added moisture.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 22:48
I have some favorites but thankfully TDB's comments are going to keep them for my own enjoyment, maybe a few less elbows to knock me while I'm weighing my fruit and veg?? ;0)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 00:41
Thanks for the reply. I was wondering what paperwork you brought to prove you lived there and how much proof they require? Thanks for your helpIt can be anything from income tax returns to school transcripts to utility bills. As I am an American born abroad, I had to prove 5 years lived in the US after the age of 14, which I did with school transcripts.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 00:37
Most children cannot read or write their own language by the first grade so I can't imagine they'd be reading and writing Arabic. Anon, my 4 yr old son is being taught phonics in Arabic and English in his KG1 class right now. Last year he had to make a book of Arabic letter shapes. This year he is being asked to make letter shapes in both languages more regularly. The teacher has asked all parents to support the Jolly Phonics curriculum by revising at home. There's more of a push here than what I remember in my middle class public schools in California.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 00:31
School of Research Science in Al Ghusais. Their KG Arabic classes are taught by the Head of Arabic Dept himself. My friend was very happy with her kids' progress. Also try Al Mawakeb in Barsha. I don't know much about them but their management is Lebanese.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 23:40
Staying on Yas Island last year, we took the kids to Ikea. They had a great time playing with all the toys in the childrens section, I had a great time sorting and organizing all the toys while keeping an eye on the kids, and the restaurant is perfect for kids. Plenty of appropriate seating, cutlery, food choices. <em>edited by Apricot on 07/11/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 22:35
My maid is very prone to minor sickness. I took her to Iranian Hospital, got her a health card which gives me a 20% discount on all healthcare costs. GP and dental appts cost Dhs 80. Most prescribed meds are free through the hospital pharmacy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 21:59
We have moved to Jumeirah 1 this summer and one new Mosque on Al Wasl is very loud (we all sleep with ear plugs) and we are now considering to change house because we are starting to be exhausted to be awake everyday so early. Where on Al Wasl is the new mosque? I also live in Jumeira 1, and the only place I've seen a new mosque being constructed is on Beach Rd near Al Ijaza Cafeteria.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 21:53
My husband participates in the dubai creek striders half marathon run every year and really enjoys it, it's his favorite half marathon of the season. His speed isn't awesome but he enjoys the physical exertion. <em>edited by Apricot on 07/11/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 21:35
Thanks for all these great ideas, esp since we can't charge too much for each item (the bake sale is aimed more at the kids and will take place between 10 and 2, so parents won't be able to buy).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 21:30
Those are great conditions to add, Mrs B.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 21:27
Last time I tried, Dubizzle has the best selection of Britax car seats in Dubai. I've found it nigh impossible to buy one from a store here. Some people talk about finding them in the Mothercare branch in Ibn Battuta Mall, but that mall is too far/ inconvenient for me to get to.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:43
Hi SCMama, I just google US Consulate Dubai and get my info :) Here are your links: http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/first_time_passports.html and: http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/birth_abroad.html If you have Adobe Reader installed on your computer,you can print out all the forms, fill them out at home and bring to the consulate. For the baby pix, we usually take a photo of our newborn (at least one ear showing) against a white bedsheet or white sofa on the digital camera, then take it to Rose Kodak studio in the Jumeira Centre (Tim Hortons and Magrudy's) on Beach Road, where they print out the photos according to the US passport specs. Finally, there's a company called Baby Steps that will do most of the leg work for you, for a fee, if your husband's company doesn't have a willing PRO guy to run around town.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:35
shakira (La Loba/ She Wolf, Men in this town) Jennifer Lopez (Bailar Nada Mas/ Dance Again, One Direction (stole my heart, up all night) Snow Patrol (Run, Just Say Yes, Headlights on Dark Roads, Velocity Girl) Tiziano Ferro (Perdono) Pearl Jam (Given to Fly)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:26
OP, I used Take My Junk recently, and their team was fantastic. Very polite and on time as promised.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:24
I normally give our clothes/shoes to MIL who knows few poor families or put things into charity bins that are available on almost every Emarat petrol station. Never knew about the boxes. Will look for them. Thanks. http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/donated-second-hand-clothes-are-being-sold-on-to-tradersUh, SEY83, there is nothing immoral or wrong about that. All the reputable charity shops in the United States (Salvation Army, Goodwill) sell their unsold, donated clothes to traders who then sell the clothes in Latin America and Africa. My uncle in Texas is a second-hand clothes trader and I've toured his warehouse. His team mends any obvious tears, washes, sorts the garments by type, irons and packs the clothes into freight containers.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 11:59
Another link: http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/10343 The woman has been given the right to write out her conditions.Marriage contracts are legal documents, not emotional statements. Furthermore, it is a condition of all valid Nikkah contracts that both the man and the woman are signing the contract with the intent to remain married partners for the rest of their lives.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 11:51
This is the only clause that is forbidden to add to a marriage contract:http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/94454 Most scholars also discourage women from adding clauses stating that they refuse to have children born from the marriage. sorry this taking a bit longer. My dad has a great book on Islamic Shari'ah that we always referred to at home, but I don't have it here in Dubai! <em>edited by Apricot on 07/11/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 11:32
ok have deleted email address
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:57
Naiyyar pls contact me, I want to share some info with you. <em>edited by Apricot on 07/11/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 10:55
thanks Naiyyar! My Shj trip has been postponed but I'll make sure to stop at Al Ansar mall next time I'm there :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 18:09
It costs $1.99 to install the software, but thereafter, it's free to use over a wifi network.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 18:08
There are plenty of clauses that a woman can add. Examples: she wants her mother to live with her, she wants to live only in her hometown, she will divorce the husband if he marries another wife, she wants to complete her studies before starting a family, she wants her dowry given to her only in the event of divorce, etc. Personally, I did not. My father and I were quite comfortable with my future husband (and his father's)'s level of sincerity of faith and level of mercy. My (verbal) stipulations was that I receive my complete dowry at the time of signing the nikkah contract. Will find the links to some reliable websites, but not just yet, the kids beckon.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 17:56
how did i miss this?? i was there this morning to get some veggies, just noticed that most of the prices had been taken off the veggie bins and that the mushrooms were super cheap, Dhs 2.20/ 250g pack (so I grabbed 2!).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 09:23
How does she not wake the child?!?!My first thought! neither of my kids would sleep through all of that manipulation.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 23:19
So original! and very different to spending that same time on expat woman forums, he he he!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 21:30
Pigeon breast pads are quite good. Lansinoh breast pads have differed based on whether you've bought them from the US or the UK; the US ones aren't as good as the UK ones (I grudgingly admit!). The adhesive on the Pigeon pads is really good and the pad is soft yet very absorbent.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 21:24
it is sold in all supermarkets. Choitram, Spinneys, Aswaq, carrefour... probably where the flour and sugars are... it is in a metal can (one o fthe product I remember) and mentioned semolina on it. edited by DRey on 01/10/2012I was looking for the red metal can all week, that's what I remember my FIL getting when MIL wanted to bake ma'amoul cookies, esp the red tin with "Product of Australia" prominently written (!), but all I found were plastic sacks and cardboard cartons. Tin must cost more, or the weight increases the freight costs...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 21:17
My neighbors just opened a Tex Mex burrito place in MOE food court (the one near Carrefour) called Taqado, it looks really good. Shame to hear that On the Border closed down...I really enjoyed their food!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 21:14
I've seen them everywhere and at most price points. Try Ikea, then if that fails you, Lakeland should have something that will work. No suggestions as the one we use is part of this kit called "Pizza Party Oven".
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 21:07
Hi Naiyyar, you could try adding some pink to the icing along with the purple. The wilton instructor at Tavola gave us this idea. Another possibility is to use butter which has less yellow dye added to it. I have tried a few brands here and the Carrefour red packet (unsalted) of butter is almost white, just like American butter.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 02:01
The only issue with putting up an ad outside Spinneys is that the maids calling you may not be legal. If you get caught out, and it happens a lot, esp if you live in a villa compound or an apt building, Dubai Police will fine you Dhs 10,000/- I have had live-in Muslim maids from Indonesia and they have been at least, kind and very caring with my children. They are also willing to cook food, esp if they have lived in Saudi Arabia, they can make a saalona and good rice and samosas, you just need to adjust the spices to your family's taste.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 01:50
Hi, I used cloth diapers on my second child from when he turned 2 months onwards, up till he turned 2. By then I was a bit more in control of other aspects of home, taking care of new baby's needs, so I could deal with issues arising from cloth nappies more calmly! I made my own microfiber inserts by buying a dozen microfiber hand towels from Dragon mart and folded them in thirds length wise. I bought all my cloth diapers online from the States. Mostly Tiny Tush, but as my baby got older and developed chunky thighs, I bought a few Happy Heineys. Also bought 2 Tots Bots while on vacation in UK from Tesco supermarket and they were the best, longest lasting cloth diapers I have ever used. For the wash routine, I bought an 8 L bucket with lid from Ramez discount center in Sharjah and eventually ordered a big Fuzzibunz hanging waterproof diaper bag, also had a waterproof wet bag for when out and about. I have a front-loading washing machine. I used Purex Free and Clear liquid laundry detergent or the Easy non bio powdered detergent, both from Carrefour/ Coop. I made a home-made poop scraper from an empty 2 L milk jug. I taught my house-maid how to do the wash routine, how to scrape poop from the diapers into the toilet immediately, dry in the sun, never iron the diapers or the inserts, etc. (Honestly, I wouldn't have been able to do it without the co-operation and assistance of my then-housemaid.) I never used cloth diapers when we went on holiday or at night. For night-time, I used a bunch of diff brands (faves were Carrefour own brand and Sanita Bambi) but eventually returned to Pampers Premium. The only head-ache was the diaper cream, I had to order some CJ Butter from the States. Just Kidding on Sheikh Zayed road now sells the Imsie Vimsie pocket diapers and the imsie vimsie diaper liners. the diaper liners are necessary when treating diaper rash with diaper cream, and very useful when you're anticipating runny poop and don't want to scrape it all off :) <em>edited by Apricot on 03/10/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 01:13
My MIL's date ma'amoul uses fresh dates... Also a great date cookie recipe in the American Womens Association cookbook. Let me know if you want it....
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 01:10
Do you want it for the Vietnamese spring rolls or for cake decorating? I've seen the edible rice paper squares by Dr Oetker at various Carrefour, Spinneys recently. Haven't seen the round ones for Vietnamese spring rolls lately.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 01:09
My fave is the Ben n Jerry's Mint and Oreo cookies ice cream. the Bulla mint chip at Spinneys is also good. Didn't see the Haagen Daz mint ice cream! Where did you find it? yes, Bacio is quite lovely for gelato, as is the gelato shop in Bloomie's Home dept (their mint chip flavor is also great!).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 00:12
Hi Karabalta, sorry for late response but I had sick LOs in the house today so they got preference to EW! last time I got about 250g of okra which is too little for laham ma'a bamia, so I pulled out Madhur Jaffrey and: thinly sliced, deep fried, then sprinkled with garam masala and salt before eating. She also has this fabulous stuffed okra recipe but 250g okra at 6pm and 2 LO's needing their bath/dinner/sleep means I can't cook it!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 23:59
Tresseme is good and affordable.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 23:41
Coventry Tailor and the tailoring shop near Sroor textiles.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 23:27
I have several times, but have never shipped to UAE, only to addresses in States.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 14:18
I saw the Hollywood Cookie diet packet at Super Care pharmacy next to Magrudys on Beach Rd when I was filling out kids' prescription.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 14:15
Are you sharing the contents of your latest Greenheart box with us? ;) if so, I didn't get any beetroot this week so lucky you!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 13:42
It's called maghribiya out here. Ginnee pointed me in the direction of Geant, they have it in an aisle opp the pasta. You can also get it from Lifco supermarket on Shk Zayed rd, next to Coco's, and a warehouse in Sharjah called Toros.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 13:38
I got a book for changing my DH's diet to a vegetarian hi protein low carb diet ("Vegetarian low Carb Diet" by Rose Eliot at Kinokuniya) and the first thing they write is ELIMINATE beans, lentils, pulses because these contain more carbs than protein. Protein dense veggie foods are: eggs, very limited hard cheese (vegan, cottage cheese and cream cheese have too much carbs), plain unsweetened whole milk yoghurt or laban (esp combined with almonds, unroasted, flax seeds), almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, unsweetened nut butters, tofu, tempeh, seitan, veggie mince, protein powders, soy milk.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 13:28
Visit a Lush shop, they have amazing hair masks for different types of hair. Well worth the money spent!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 17:06
I will ask DH if he hears anything about this, and post.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 16:28
I love the Great British Bakeoff and want Brendan to win!I want either Danny or James the Scottish lad to win!!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 16:26
Tefal makes good quality, not too expensive pressure cookers. I bought a Clipso 8 qt model (since you fill them about 1/2 full) from Carrefour during their kitchen gadgets promotion. I really like it, it's a modern pressure cooker without the rocking weight on top, very easy to open and close. I've had mine for nearly 2 yrs now and use it twice weekly.
 
 
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