Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 01:00
Dr Helena Christensen (an ob-gyn at Sulaiman Habib clinic) delivers at City Hospital.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 00:21
I am with you on this one. Tomorrow I plan to do some baking with the kids. Chocolate cookie dough and several cookie cutters.We also do this thing where I play "Octopus's Garden" and "I am the Walrus" by the Beatles and we run around shouting "I am the walrus! I am an octopus with my 8 arms, you are a baby squid and I am going to catch you!"... <em>edited by Apricot on 28/08/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 03:21
I started both my kids 2 months before their 2nd birthday, 8.30 to 11.45 in pre-nursery. With my younger child, I started him out 3 consecutive days a week, at my neighbor's advice. My younger child will return to pre-nursery, 5 days a week, 8.15 to 11.55 this September. Both have thrived. The first child wasn't happy for the first 5 weeks of pre-nursery, but he began to enjoy it and talk about his friends soon after. However, he was one of 3 boys in the class, and attendance by the other boys was inconsistent. Two of the girls invited him to their birthday party. In Nursery there were more boys in his class so I made a point of scheduling play dates, at least one every two weeks, at both my home and his friends' homes, and this helped tremendously with his social skills and self-confidence.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 03:04
God bless and have mercy on his soul.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 02:45
Circle Cafe in the Beach Plaza has a nice view of the foliage in Jumeira Beach Park.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 02:15
I am trying to track down a yearly planner - something big that I can stick on the wall and use month-to-month. DH needs one for work too. I don't think Organised Mum do anything like that. But has anyone seen anything like it in Dubai? Giordano Jeans and Time Out Dubai have distributed those in the past, but usually around Dec/Jan.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 02:12
Split red lentil is called masoor dal in Hindi. (dal is Hindi for "lentil") Both masoor dal (split red lentil) and moong dal (tiny yellow ovals) are great for baby food; the chaana dal will most likely cause stomach discomfort (colic) and it won't cook down to a smooth puree as quickly or easily. My local Spinneys has both masoor and moong dal on the shelves.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 02:04
We intend to stick around Dubai for a while yet so decided to replace our first Simmons Beautyrest with another Simmons Beautyrest a few months back, this time we bought it from Intercoil on SZR near the Gold & Diamond Park.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 01:54
Expatwoman coffee mornings!!! Their annual Breakfast at the Burj!! Cake decorating classes at Tavola. Gym, or boot camp on the beach (once the weather cools down a bit) Ladies Group Tennis mornings Art classes Horse riding Language classes Ski lessons at Ski Dubai Religion classes Not to mention all the spa treatments, beauty salon treatments, various facials you can try (most beauty salons take their first appointment at 9 am) Visiting Satwa/ Karama/ Deira souks (shops open at 8.15 and the parking lots are blissfully vacant) Find a great volunteering position. Go to the dentist. Have some clothes custom-tailored, that takes up a lot of time. <em>edited by Apricot on 27/08/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 01:44
Isn't this the responsibility of the maid agency in Dubai and their associated labour agency in Jakarta? Just asking. I haven't been held responsible for this procedure.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 05:49
I think there's a VW stand alone boutique in DIFC.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 20:57
Marks & Spencer Dubai Mall have a good selection of pre-packed sets.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 01:47
i was pointing out more of what the other posters say about generalizing americans which i do not like nor stand for.You should develop more of a thick skin for these kinds of comments. I'm very proud of my county, my state, and still raise my hand to my chest as a natural reflex at the merest hint of the American anthem while mouthing the lyrics. Just think of all the Chinese craftsmen/ talented artisans you offend each time you think "Not this cheap Made in China *****!!!" Maybe I've lived abroad long enough to define myself by other titles, but to all Arabs and Brits I know, I'll always be called the American. I'm happy to provide them with an example of a well-educated, courteous and well-bred American. :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 01:02
I get emails about meditation and forgiveness meditation sessions at the Organic Glow Beauty Lounge on Al Wasl road (btwn old Choithram and Eat&Drink/ Al Reef Bakery). About the facilitator:Zarina has been a professional teacher for more than 35 years in the field of Education. During the last few years, she has experienced a great shift in her own inner awareness, which has now led her to facilitating individual, group and corporate meditations as well as individual healing sessions, focusing on the energy that connects and affects the mind and the body. Her approach is based on a combination of several interconnected modalities like Spiritual Response Therapy, Theta Healing, The Hands of Light, Yoga and various meditation methods. Each session costs Dhs 50 and you have to confirm attendance via email. 04 3804666
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 00:54
Yep, also waiting for season 2. Love how season 1 ended, they had to keep us on our toes!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 00:46
RIDE in Mirdif have a small repair counter an should be able to help you. And possibly cheaper. Where is RIDE? In the Mirdif City Centre or the Uptown Mirdif mall?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 00:44
I'm going to get whacked here, but DH goes to the bi-annual Pottery Barn Kids sales and he always buys the large wall decals from there. Mind you, this is without my input or suggestions or anything (he even plans out where the **** stickers will go), so don't blame me for my DH shopping at Pottery Barn Kids. DH has also bought cheap-o wall decals from Dragon Mart. There's a shop that sells wooden toys in the front (knock offs of the pricier Mellisa and Doug toys) and stickers in the back of the shop. Nemo started to peel after 3 months but Lightning McQueen wouldn't budge, even as I ripped that sucker off in frustration 8 months later.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 00:32
Thanks AmyAus and Missymoo! Unfortunately, DH beat me to it. "Hmm, I'm not feeling well enough to take our kids along with the rest of the relatives to Ski Dubai but I'm really bored so I'll just cut their hair instead...."
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 00:30
Sarah Joy, I would not wait for the white note to arrive in your PO Box. I would go to Karama post office myself, or send someone on my behalf with a photocopy of my ID and a quick typed letter authorizing that person to collect the parcel. I would go ASAP because the longer your parcel sits in the Karama Post office uncollected, the Post office then has the right to charge you a fee for each day that your parcel remains in their care, uncollected. Keep in mind that the Karama Post office is closed between 1pm and 4pm. (Or at least the helpful employees are off-duty).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 00:08
Just want to add, that before Pottery Barn Kids opened a store here, a bunch of my Emirati friends would time their orders of the quilt sets with my visits to the States. Upon my return, I would bring back with me a big cardboard box half filled with the quilt set and half filled with my own shopping. At the airport I would pay an excess baggage charge of about $200 on this box. My friends paid an extra $100 to have their goods shipped. Somehow, the sheer convenience of being able to walk into a store and buy the stuff when you want, then take it home that day, rather than sort out the hassle of organizing payment (US billing address), shipping (expensive as "sea post" was removed as an option for int'l shipping), sort of makes up for the inflated price tags. Just a thought... <em>edited by Apricot on 23/08/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 23:59
I had a list of their items on the US website printed with prices and went to their branch in Mirdif and almost fainted. It was beyond inflated,it was pure greed! Cant bother buying anything here and the sales in the US is much better than the few dirhams they knock off here. Im very disappointed but Im sure there are people in Dubai who wouldnt think twice paying those prices.You'd be surprised how expensive it gets to ship items from the US, even through the cheapest option, which is to ship to a US address, have that person then use the US Postal Services, when the total combined weight exceeds 7 lbs. First I paid $8 for domestic US shipping, then I paid $65 to have a 9 lb box shipped to Dubai. That's when I suck it up and pay those inflated Dubai prices.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 23:38
Hey, your USPS package should have arrived at the same post office that your PO Box is at. I had a package arrive via USPS last week from the States and just sent the company driver (had the package delivered to DH's work PO Box) to collect (he has a photocopy of my ID so he can collect on my behalf).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 23:35
Sorry, no idea on the brands. Haven't bought one yet.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 21:54
There's an ENT good with kids at Welcare, his name is Dr Faisal. He is really sympathetic. However, the nurses who take the X rays are cruel, they reduced my then-3 yr old child to a hysterical screaming fit, then insisted on me holding my child still on a bed so they could go ahead and take their x rays. I asked that the x ray be delayed, taken at another time, so a western hospital employee entered the room and she insisted that I comply with the nurse's demands. So, don't go to Welcare!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 21:37
AmyAus82, do you remember how much is the kids hairdresser in Beach Ctr? Trying to convince DH to retire as the kids barber!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 21:14
Im sure most of that internal traffic is just people getting lost and jammed in because its badly laid out Hear, hear! I waste a lot of time trying to leave Dubai Mall. DH is more pragmatic, he parks and exits from the same place no matter where he plans to go within the mall.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 21:10
Try Spinneys Mercato, their home-baking aisle is quite well stocked.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 21:08
Isn't there an internet shop based in Kuwait that sells US iTunes cards? www.aido.com Dhs 220 for a $50 card.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 21:05
Union Co-op, Safa Park has 4-5 different types in their dept store upstairs.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 21:01
Aryanwynn, the yellow card is the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) vaccine card. It has an assigned DHA file number, but you will still need to pay the Dh 400 or so to get her the white plastic, credit card-sized DHA Health Card.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 01:28
When I hear it, I intervene and correct my child. I would also ask the maid to come to me every time it happens, or let me know after the fact, then I can talk to child and explain/correct. The children are basically well-behaved, they just want to push boundaries. We always talk about the fact that our maid is living with us in our house so she can help us, that she has a house far away with her own family and children whom she misses.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 01:17
1. Start as you intend to continue. I told my current maid straight out what I expected her to do, and demonstrated everything over the first few days. I didn't do this with the first maid, and ultimately she didn't take my requests for new duties very seriously or would give excuses why she couldn't take on the new duties. It may take time for the maid to play with the kids. Mine didn't do very well for a long time, then I kept telling her how much my kids loved the previous maid because she played games with them, eventually she and kids started playing more naturally. Current one loves to play Lego with the kids. 2. Make a work schedule for her. Sit down and go through it with her. Give her 1 copy and you keep 1 copy. 3. I never made a contract for the maid, just gave her a list of household rules, one copy for me and one copy for her. Sat down with her and explained all. 4. Everyone has different ways of doing things but I believe in the maid "earning" the perks like a tv, fridge and microwave in her room. I gave mine a tv after 6-7 months of employment. To start with, I furnish maids room with a chest of drawers (dubizzle), an under-bed drawer (Ikea/ Dubizzle), put up some clothes hanging racks (the 5 hooks on a rack that is nailed into wall), a side lamp, a set of towels (body and hand), 2 sets of bedsheets, fan heater (for the winter), Ikea custom curtains, large carpet, hang up some shower organizer rack, a toothbrush rack, soap rack, a laundry bag (from hotel) for her dirty clothes. 5. I pay for her clothing, shoes, groceries and toiletries, her weekly phone call home, medical, annual trip plus the transport costs to her home town. Also give her Eid bonuses and Eid presents (new clothes, shoes). I also talk to my SIL, whose maid my current maid is buddies with, and ask her what she provides her maid, what her household rules are. That way my maid doesn't feel she is getting less than her buddy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 00:47
I found the easiest solution was to go to the Iranian Hospital on Wasl Rd, near Satwa. First you apply for a health card for your maid (passport copy of sponsor, passport and passport copy of maid, maid's labour card, 3 photos, Dhs 300-400) in a building to the left of the entrance to ER, then you walk across the road to their dental clinic and wait your turn for the next appt (usually 35 min). I asked for a female dentist and they obliged.They also have a dental clinic in Al Quoz which you can ask to have the next appts at (it's less crowded and newer place). Each appt cost about Dhs 95/- (incl medication) and there were about 5 appts in total, including a follow-up. I saw a number of housemaids there with their employers. I liked the dentists and staff, they do a great job on their limited budget. You can opt to take your maid to the Dubai Health Authority dental clinic in Al Badaa but the clinic visits will cost double the amt charged at Iranian Hospital, medication will be charged separately. <em>edited by Apricot on 21/08/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 00:13
My Gym on Beach Rd in Jumeira 2/3. My 4 yr old goes there and I love the craft projects he brings home every day.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:30
I've seen nice frozen ready-cooked meals at the Organic Store n Cafe in Dubai Mall. They have 20% off everything this Saturday so it's a good chance to stock up.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:30
Impressive that you have found them here! I usually get a supply while on holiday in Malaysia.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:27
My fave to use were the Tots Bots and Happy Heineys. I drove to Dragon mart and bought 20 microfiber hand-towels. Used them as additional absorbent stuffing. Have fun! :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:21
I've bought some nice dresses from Cocoon during their sales. They have shops in Deira City Center, Dubai Mall (Cocoon Trend) and Mall of the Emirates. Sauce has some drool-worthy dresses but I've never known them to go on sale.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:19
I have always wanted to check out Ekaterina and Maria. I guess I will when I need a dress for something. I walked past the one in Lamcy Plaza, though, and a lot of stuff look OTT. Can't say since I didn't go in! I first heard about them on facebook, and their collections in albums looked pretty nice and not crazy expensive.Pls avoid! I've even been to their big shop in Istanbul (they do most of the dress manufacture there apparently) and the designs go from bad to worse. Shame because their pricing is very competitive.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:16
After reading through this thread, I'm really keen to get myself one of these. Can anyone please tell me where its still available?? Thanks in advance.Outside Ikea in Festival City.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:13
Mazda CX9. It's a joy to drive as well.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 20:10
DH is a runner, he recommends both :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 00:49
Hey, don't knock Dubizzle! I searched for a Maclaren pushchair in June and half the results were for nearly new models (at nearly new prices!). Clearly people are buying then selling.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 00:42
Giotto non-toxic finger paints at Dubai Library Distributors on Sheikh Zayed Rd, near the Mark Williamson kitchen place. Quality art materials for kids imported from Italy. Safe for kids 2+.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 00:38
you might want to post your email address so people can contact you privately with the relevant info. Sadly I don't know of one so I use good ole torrents.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 00:33
I was told that the TCG curriculum prepares children very well for the IB and American curricula. Was also told that if I was planning to enroll child in a British curriculum school, then I should only keep my child in TCG for Pre-Nursery and Nursery, as their PS1 syllabus will not adequately prepare children for the British curriculum. HTH!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 00:28
How is your 4 year old getting on now Apricot?Much better! I used to take my 2 yr old there for the "Mom and Me" classes and really liked the professional approach the staff took towards my toddler's shyness. The staff are clearly well-trained, caring, and seem to enjoy what they do. They are also incredibly responsive when children fall off or bang into the play equipment. Fortunately, the 4 year old is very happy there. He brings home very nice craft projects every day and participates a little bit more each day in the group physical activities.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 00:17
nashwa1, have sent you mail :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 23:51
I love the one by Zaatar W Zeit. (The ones at the dine-in ZWZ outlets are better than those in the foodcourts. )I'm also a fan of these tiramisu cups! My other fave tiramisu is from Panini, the deli at the Grand Hyatt.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 23:40
I got mine from Al Adil, also in Barsha, next to the Ibis hotel. They cooked up perfect in the last biryani I made.
 
 
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