Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 01:10
Yel: have sent you email. You can remove your email address :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 22:22
Apricot, there does not seem to be a RS in moe, are you thinking of another store? I remember a RS in Deira CC ages ago but not sure they are still in the uae.... That's a shame I remember RS on the ground floor of MOE near Early Learning Center. Must've closed. Haven't been to Deira CC in ages myself... How about trying Sharaf DG in Times Square? they are quite comprehensive in other areas.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 22:13
Don't think your 8 year old would like Disneyland hong kong. It's more for younger children. I'd say HK Disneyland is for the ages 5-12, there wasn't much that my timid 4 yr old wanted to do apart from "It's a Small World", "Tarzan's Tree House" and the "Jungle River Cruise". 2yr old hates auditoriums of all kinds (planetarium, stage show, cinema) so we had to give the stage shows a miss.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 22:10
Just got back from vacation! Went to Hong Kong (Disneyland and a bit of Kowloon) and Singapore (Zoo, Little India, Jacob Ballas Childrens Garden in the Botanic Gardens). My kids were very ill most of the trip, we took them to clinics and hospitals in Hong Kong and Singapore. Health care was much cheaper in HK, and v nice (we saw a few expat mums with their little babies in Bugaboos there!). Our children have also fallen ill during trips to the UK so it's not a "sanitation issue", but we were able to get neighbors who just happened to be NHS GPs or pediatricians to have a "quick look"! Just something to consider.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 22:03
The maid who wanted to leave 2 months before the end of her 1st year, I bought her a one-way ticket to her home country. I set aside some money from my zakaat calculations for her family. This amounted to a little less than 2 month's salary. From that money I bought a small medical gadget for her ill mother, and the rest I gave to her as cash, clearly labelled "Zakaat" on the front. Told her not to spend that money on a BlackBerry!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 21:49
I know of one but she requires that: 1. she sleeps in a room close to the employer's bedrooms (like shares a room with one of the kids) and 2. she spends Thursday evening at her sister's home in Dubai, to return back to her place of employment on Friday evening. Just being a bit nosey but why doesnt she want to sleep in a room so close to her employers ?!!!!!! does she want to try and listen through the walls :\: I think she wants to sleep near the family and not in an outside room. I am assuming that she is afraid to sleep alone and it is foreign to her to be sleeping all alone. You got it, AnonDubai, she's afraid of sleeping alone.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 21:47
Thanks so much for sharing! I like to start my day with raw cut fruit (grapefruit or apple or peaches) and a bowl of oatmeal with low fat milk and 3 dates, but lately I've found that I get hungry 2 hrs later and thinking of a cake/ doughnut. Unfortunately, the close proximity of nice "treat" shops means that I do cave in, esp if I feel unhappy about something. I feel exhausted almost constantly, it's partly why I want to change my diet.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 21:26
Nana180, for a 6 month old, do you need full time daycare? If so, you should look at nurseries that accept babies. Willow Nursery takes children as young as 3 months old, and they come highly recommended. If you want a place to do Mum n baby singing and activity sessions, then My Gym is fantastic.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 21:22
My situation was that my 4 yr old was traumatized after his 1st and 2nd days at the E Sports holiday camp, so I drove around looking at alternatives for the rest of that week. The day at E Sports is from 8am to 1.45pm, they actually sent me back home when I tried to pick up my child earlier. I didn't like that it was mostly staffed by indifferent teenagers, about a max of 6 adult teachers/ sports coaches for around 60 kids. Blossom Nursery is a nice set up and they are very eager to welcome new kids. I eventually chose My Gym as I really like their staff and how they engage with children. Also I didn't need to put my child for a full day.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 21:11
I know of one but she requires that: 1. she sleeps in a room close to the employer's bedrooms (like shares a room with one of the kids) and 2. she spends Thursday evening at her sister's home in Dubai, to return back to her place of employment on Friday evening.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 21:08
No paid holiday or return ticket in her situation. End of story. If the maid leaving happens to be a Muslim, I give her some of my zakaat money to spend on her family's needs.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 21:02
You can go to Al Adil Spices (or they sell a vast selection at Geant hypermarket) and ask, they would be the most convenient and comprehensive place to buy it from. Otherwise, you need to blend it yourself following the proportions from a cooking blog. Al Adil have a prominent shop in Barsha, near the Ibis Hotel. They also have branches in Karama and Al Nahda (near Ghusais).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 20:54
Bacio Gelato in Barsha and the gelato counter in Bloomingdale's serve amazing gelato. I usually get a mixed 1 kilo styrofoam container to take home, from both places. Still waiting on a review of Sodabox before I visit! There is a place in Karama called Naturals that serves flavors like dried fig, saffron mango, custard apple (sitafal), etc. It's really good but I guess you also have to be accustomed to those flavors. My favorite is the dried fig.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 20:45
Radio Shack in Mall of the Emirates has tons of special batteries.Also try Daiso, they have some less standard sizes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 20:41
Hey apricot , thanks for the heads up ! Tried calling them, said they dont have it in stock but they ll try sourcing it. Had gone there 2 ago to check the store out but dint find it there. Dint know could ask them to special order it though!Yes, you can special order things at Safestway and Choithrams.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 20:35
I would try Daiso, they have a lot of punctured little plastic boxes filled with granules meant to absorb odors and excess humidity. In the home cleaning section.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 20:32
We have a Simmons mattress bought from Intercoil. Amazing. We missed it while on vacation. We had an orthopedic mattress from Marlin Furniture for a few years (they sold it to us along with the bed), it was great at first then went lumpy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 20:22
Safestway supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Rd can special order Softasilk cake flour for you, they sometimes have it in stock on their home baking shelves.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 20:14
Thanks for your insight, Beebers. As I get older my body holds on to fat a lot more tenaciously, hence the need for some vigilant watching :) What controlled plan do you follow, if you don't mind sharing?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 15:57
I found this book, Idiot Proof Diet by India Knight and Neris.... at House of Prose and got it on a whim. It's like Atkins and South Beach I guess, but the kicker is the bit where they say that once you've done this diet, that if you eat carbs like pizza or a croissant or cake, the weight will all come back! I'm concerned because I rather enjoy baking. In Phase 1 you have to take this long list of supplements, many of which have been mentioned in EW threads about beauty after 40, like chromium and Co enzyme Q10 and others. Has anyone done any of these diets? For long-term or just short-term? How was it when you regained weight?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 15:33
Basma ("smile") Esmat ("justice")
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 00:55
Just want to tell you that this is only the beginning of the teething saga! DS2 lets us all know when a new tooth is erupting. He's now 2 yrs old, has 2 molars erupting and throws tantrums and screaming fits. He hates the teething rings. Never cared for the chilled veggie sticks or the wet wash cloths.The natural Hylands teething tablets only worked when he was younger. Prefers to bite on the hems of his t-shirts and demands to be breast-fed, which I am not responding to, hence the tantrums. Yes we have done AP and some natural parenting bits but he still throws fits when he's in pain. I go straight for the meds now and give him a good dose of Nurofen when his tantrum subsides. I sincerely hope that your baby is easier. <em>edited by Apricot on 10/08/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 00:46
By others maybe-but not by me-it was an individual question and this is my answer-is that a problem for you? Believe me when two very ill premature babies with multiple problems survive it is a gift that surpasses any present Truly, healthy children are far more precious than material goods, and personally my MIL psychologically abused me for years because she failed to grasp that DH and I couldn't conceive in spite of our varied efforts. She assumed that by not producing kids I was acting immature and wasn't truly cut out for marriage to her son. In that light, our first baby was truly the gift that we had prayed for. Our second baby was all the more precious because he became severely ill after we celebrated his seventh day of life, and the doctors suggested that he wouldn't survive. In the past year, each of my kids has had a very scary illness, and the experience truly puts what we value in perspective.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 00:32
what are the Ramadan timings?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 00:07
Omg, where is it?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 00:06
Marc by Marc Jacobs Small Hillier Hobo: this is my "yummy mummy" purse and my first designer purse after YEARS of resisting. Use it everyday and it's sturdy enough that it's been vomited on by my kids and bit by a friend's dog, yet you couldn't tell. Also has a cross-body strap, v practical. I only wish it had an outside zip pocket. Best for formal events or meeting up with my wealthier friends is the Prada Saffiano. I love that the color and size I chose are rare in Dubai. DH was happy with the price I change my every-day purse at least every 3 weeks, but love it when the MJ is back in rotation. Most recent purchase is a Topshop cross-body flap bag, I wanted to know what it's like to use a flap bag on a daily basis, so I'm not stuck to a particular price range :) <em>edited by Apricot on 10/08/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:32
Awesome news! Sorry, don't find PH attractive! I've seen foxier silver foxes in real life...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:27
I've been to a Cheeky Monkeys party, very nice. There are vouchers in the Entertainer Kids book for Cheeky Monkeys and Mad Science bday party planners.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:26
Anyone try Soda Box in the Mall of the Emirates? The concept sounds good...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:24
Ooh, just thought of another one: Widad (it comes from the root Wudd, which means the most pure love)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:22
All of my children's names were picked before I came into the picture :P Latifa (if I had another girl I may chose this) I know two Latifas, one is Emirati- Danish and the other is Emirati- Indian and they're both genuinely nice people :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:18
anesthetics and x-rays are best avoided while pregnant if possibleI didn't know that. I have a bunch of step-cousins in the UK who specifically wait to do all their dental work when they are pregnant because the NHS covers the entire cost of all medical treatment performed on pregnant women incl dental!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:14
What great gifts from your DH! I wonder if it's too late to ask for a push present. I've already pushed out three. I would ask for National Bonds in a big lump sum!! V good investment and I keep getting small cash prizes in the monthly draws al hamdulillah. Or one of those timed investment deposit things at Emirates/ Dubai Islamic Banks. The money is tied up for a year max, and you get profits on it every 3 months that can be accessed from the debit card they give you. Spending money for YOU! <em>edited by Apricot on 09/08/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:03
Is that a supermarket?It's a discount department store full of cheap but very useful tat not found elsewhere! Great place for getting aluminum cooking pots, cheap picture frames (just cut out the ghastly prints within), cleaning towels.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:02
May have to go and look at Golden Chance - where is it? Between Iranian Hospital and Desert Frames, on Al Hudhaiba Rd (Plant Street).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 22:59
The great thing about Dubai is that you have the choice to either spend more and get a superb product from a place like Dish.ae or you can be on a budget and choose one of the Indian restaurant caterers like Rainbow, BBQ Delights, Food Lands, Gazebo. Either way, all of these establishments provide great service. I think it's sort of standard that the package includes furniture, crockery, drinks, food. Perhaps the extras come in the form of wait staff, fancier tablecloth/napkins/ chair decoration, how fancy the buffet set up is. We had a really bad experience with a place with a fancy sounding name (not Dish!) that primarily caters corporate events. The first year they catered our annual event, everything was above-par, but the following year the food was disgusting, the buffet lighting and decoration were terrible, etc. Seriously considering going back the Indian restaurant route. Two of them, Rainbow and Food lands, are quite good at Chinese dishes and lasagne.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 22:44
I agree with the recommendation for Pretty Lady, it is one of the most hygienic salons in Satwa. The management has really glammed it up recently without affecting the prices too much. Speaking from experience with other Satwa salons. There's a nice hygienic salon in Karama that I've been to for hairstyles and blow-dries, but can remember the location not the name. It's on the same side of the road as Saravan Bhavan and Woodlands restaurants, but closer to Marlin Furniture than the post office.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 03:49
a seed tray and some potting soil. From recommendations on here, I got some Shalimar Biodynamic veg compost and their potting soil.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 03:45
Buthayna Amal Bashaa'er Jude (I know a Bahraini and a Palestinian Jude) May Reem My American friend married to a Syrian named her daughter Maha.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 03:31
I suggested jewelry with DS1's birth but he got me a shiny Volvo estate and I was really happy (childhood obsession with my school friends' mom's cars). With DS2, he gave me a cash gift equal to my wedding dowry and I put it into an investment fund.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 03:17
THere are some vouchers for the restaurants in Entertainer Fine Dining and activities vouchers in the Family and Kids books.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 03:05
There is this lovely little Abaya shop on Al Mina Road - opp Capital hotel. They are reasonable priced and will design as you like. Thanks for the heads-up! I want to try something different from my usual, Golden Chance Abaya in Satwa. Just bought tons of bandanas in Singapore from Discovery shopping ctr near the Arab Street, but my Singaporean friend tells me I could've bought the same in Naif Souk. Will have to go w/ her one day, then report back on EW!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 03:01
We used BBQ Delights one year for a party of 75 people, mixed nationalities, veggies and meat eaters, and everyone was happy! It was economical, the set-up people came on time, they honored the few menu changes that we asked for. Would recommend.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 02:47
When I did the Wilton course, the instructor advised us to wrap the cake in plastic wrap shortly after taking out of cake pan, let cool on rack, then you can keep in fridge up to 2 days. Can also freeze, but must add a second layer of wrapping with aluminum foil. Defrost in fridge. I kept a frosted cake in the coldest part of the fridge for 4 days in an air-tight container before last bday party and the cake was fine on the day. Added some additional buttercream piping, some royal icing flowers the morning of the party. There are also plenty of cheats for making cake mixes produce moister, firmer cakes (imp for shaped tins or any carving) like using melted butter instead of the veg oil, using full fat milk for the water, adding more eggs.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 06:03
DH bought me the Melobaby as a surprise, it is nice for baby changes in public areas. You would have to hand wash if baby's mess gets onto it!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 05:59
I use Debenhams hand towels or Ikea woven cotton rugs as seat protectors.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 05:44
Purex Free & Clear at either Co-op or C4. I've used this for modern cloth nappies and infant laundry. No dye, no fragrance.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 05:41
Hi! New to this. Has anyone had a baby delivered by this obstetrician? Is she any good? What about Medcare hospital? Thanks!All of my Emirati friends have had their babies delivered by Dr Ghada, they love her to bits.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 05:39
I've been giving my younger son UHT milk from 18 months. Not a conscious decision, just happened to be when I switched household from fresh to UHT. I get Al Marai low fat UHT as I prefer the taste.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 05:19
I've had snaps added while I waited around. To help you, I would suggest Golden Chance Abaya near Desert Frames near Iranian Hospital. Can't help with their opening times during Ramadan.
 
 
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