Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
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Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 23:59
Awesome, dentro! You've sorted my bday present :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 23:56
I felt similarly about my first visit to Dubai! To the OP, definitely glam up and enjoy! Focus on your evening makeup (youtube has fantastic eye makeup tutorials, most women here favor smokey eye designs in bright colors) and a fabulous blow-dry and hairstyle with sparkly hair clips. You can find decently priced gowns at Debenhams, Mango, Karen Millen and a shop in Mazaya Ctr called Ekaterina.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 23:36
I went to Salalah mid August, last part of the Khareef season, this year. Very successful family holiday. We enjoyed the wild rugged beaches (think coastal Pacific Northwestern America) with natural sinkholes, deserty hair-pin bending mountainous roads towards Yemeni border, lush greenery and cool mountain air. I've seen similar greenery in County Cork, Ireland! We flew with Fly Dubai airlines. The ingoing flight was good. The outgoing flight was delayed by nearly 2 hrs, which tested the little ones' nerves, but once onboard, journey was fine. We stayed at the Hilton Salalah, a very dated hotel with nice breakfast and kind staff. Its sole advantage is proximity to town, and the route towards town is relatively smooth. We also visited the Crowne Plaza hotel (same room layout minus the wall-to-wall carpeting at Hilton, more extensive outdoor activity options), the new Rotana (very boutiquy and not child friendly, located in an area that doesn't receive any cooling ocean breeze, just stifling heat and humidity), and drove out to the Marriott resort (the most Dubai-looking of all of the Salalah hotels lol) located in the hottest, driest and most under-developed area. The Marriott has a pebbly beach front, which the older of the little ones really enjoyed exploring with DH, poking around for crabs. If you need a break from hotel food, then central Salalah has two excellent spots, iPizza (the pizza ortolana was lovely) and Baalbeck Lebanese Restaurant (it passed my DH's litmus test lol). The fresh veg and fruit are particularly good in Salalah.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 23:12
That was a funny article, Alismum!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 22:04
Anon, it might be better to start your message with "Congratulations on your family's wonderful news!" rather than "Sorry I can't attend" ;) This family clearly holds you in high regard. The worst situation, for them, is for you to accidentally learn that the family celebrated a big milestone after the fact, AND you weren't sent an invitation. Prior to my wedding in California, my dad sent me to the post office with a wedding invitation for his Eastern best friend in Dubai. En route, my "Americanized" aunt declared that "he cant afford the plane ticket to America anyway, what's the point of inviting him?" and tore up the envelope so she could give the card to her own friend. (Limited number of printed invitations.) When I invited my dad's friend to my home as a newlywed in Dubai, he initially refused because he felt soo incredibly insulted that his best friend didn't send him a wedding invitation to his first-born's wedding. He called up my dad and they had a long session of reconciliation before he could accept that his honor was intact. He still teases my dad, "You never sent me a wedding invitation!"
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 21:47
Cherpie, I feel very sorry for what just happened to you, and your ongoing situation. Leaving aside the religion component, your DH doesn't seem to respect you, his loyal and faithful wife and mother of his kids. My Muslim Arab DH would be appalled by your DH (and, it appears, his family??)'s blatant, self-promoting, bullying campaign against you. I hope your DH has strong faith in the Day of Judgement, because he surely won't be able to hide from the consequences of his awful bullying.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 21:04
Hi Bonbon and DubaiDee4c, Thanks for your replies and advice! I have greys to cover and a wedding to attend next weekend.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 00:21
Bonbon1, which salon did you go to for your henna hair coloring? Or any other suggestions for a salon that will mix henna and indigo and apply it to my hair? I have a wrist injury which rules out the DIY route.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 23:54
I have never been stopped for bringing "groceries" back from my travels. If you are a keen baker, I would bring in: 1. vital wheat gluten 2. cake flour (available here but if you have the weight allowance, well worth it) 3. double acting baking powder 4. vanilla beans, vanilla paste/ vanilla extract. I bring in gourmet non alcoholic vanilla extract. 5. Sugar sprinkles, especially metallic sugar "pearls", if you can buy them in bulk at a competitive price. 6. Food flavorings other than vanilla/rose/lemon/almond/mango/raspberry/strawberry/pineapple. We often have a shortage of mint flavor. 7. Gel and powdered food colorings We get decent chocolate here, my fave is Carrefours' own brand Patisserie blocks, in 52% and 65% cocoa solids, at a fair price. Carrefour brand cocoa is also lovely, almost as good as Green and Black's and comparable to Trader Joe's (USA). You can also buy Valhrona cocoa, if you prefer that taste, in Dubai.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 23:34
lafalot, did French Bakery deliver your ice cream cake? I've used Cold Stone Creamery a couple of times and it's been pick up only. Their cakes are far superior to Baskin Robbins cakes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 October 2014 - 21:02
I've searched, but haven't seen any ready-made tempeh for a while. Choithrams stocked it ages ago. Perhaps the super authentic Thai or Chinese grocery stores might carry it. There are Thai grocery stores in Karama and there's a legendary Chinese grocery store in International City (which I haven't been to).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 October 2014 - 11:51
Wouldn't Tuppeware end up costing the same as Oxo? Genuine Tupperware has always been priced higher than supermarket plastic boxes. From the supermarket, I like the Curver range, and the Adis/Tatay boxes at Ace Hardware.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 20:11
Eyes open, both ears visible in picture.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 20:08
Good Luck polly! TBH, one of my deciding factors for choosing Latifa was how amazingly experienced and affordable their newborn care is. DS2 was re-admitted to hospital 7days after he was born due to a mysterious fever (we never did find out what caused it) from Latifa ER, and we were charged a token fee (less that Dhs 2k) for the 11 days he and I spent in the wards, mainly because he and I were still covered by our expat DHA health cards. The pediatric nurses in the ER and in the newborn care unit are soo incredibly gentle that I felt very comfortable with the care provided. Apparently Iranian is now cheaper than Latifa, but not knowing any "insiders" I haven't been brave enough to consider it as an option lol.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 19:31
Dr Rubeena at Medcare Clinic on Beach Rd. She's a GP, v lovely and sees my 4yr old and 6 yr old.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 22:24
Thx Bomali, where in Choithrams would I find these? Pls share your recipe for pot stickers, I'd like to make them when I recover.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 19:08
Your sister could do a residency here through Dubai Medical College for Girls. My Arab-American friend took that route (her family is based in Dubai and her dad preferred that she remain in Dubai), and she worked at all the DHA hospitals over a period of 2-3 yrs. It depends how ambitious your sister is, and what kind of family restrictions she faces. If she aspires to a position senior to that of junior house doctor, she is better off waiting for FS1/FS2 admission in the UK. From hearsay of various graduates of Dubai Medical College for Girls, and from my stepmum's interviews at Tawaam Hospital in Al Ain (my stepmum is an NHS qualified specialist pediatric consultant from Edinburgh University), expat doctors tend to be treated according to where their grandparents originated. IE, not much chance of job advancement, so it's smarter to begin work in the Emirates at a level that she would like to achieve ultimately.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 11:01
i bought mine from the karate school, it was Dhs 110 for the trousers and top. Bought from World Black Belts Centre. <em>edited by Apricot on 06/10/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 11:00
I was wondering what kind of car your have, Daza. I definitely need a new car. We are very cramped in my current 7 seater...Which 7 seater do you drive now, Anon?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 10:58
I need to get a 7 seater soon (to accommodate car seats and adults) and DH is keen on the Volvo SUV. anyone with a large family drive it? What is boot space like? Comfort for passengers in last row?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 10:54
Zara Home have nice drawer/ cabinet handles
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 17:15
Awesome!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 00:16
Thx, I've been searching for Chobani brand.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 00:15
Yes, at Organic Foods and Cafe, most locations. Worth waiting for the discount weekend (3rd weekend of the month).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 23:47
Thanks for the recommendations Maltese! I've tried Eataly, and enjoyed it. My other favorite is Rossovivo. Hope to try Signor Pomidor and Pulcinella soon. Guinness2, I ordered from 800Pizza last weekend, and it was better than average but maybe not a repeat. I ordered 1 thin crust Margherita and 1 thin, whole wheat crust Margherita.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 23:14
30 hrs for Grade 1 and 2, more from Grade 3 upwards.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 23:00
Qhome shut down I think Even their shop in MCC? that's a shame.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 22:58
where do you buy the mince for the bolognaise? i dont like the pure beef mince you can mix two different kinds of minced meat together yourself. I haven't seen mixed-meat mince for sale here. I use OEB organic beef mince along with Al Khazna veal bacon for bolognaise.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 22:53
Cafe Ceramique and Bateel Cafe in Town Centre on Beach Rd frequently host baby showers. Bateel Cafe has better food, but Cafe Ceramique has seating opposite a huge French window looking towards Beach Rd AND an outside terrace w/ seating.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 22:33
Al Ain Rotana has a good lunch buffet.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 22:31
Oceanic Hotel in Khor Fakkan and the adjacent public beach. Dunno how much they'll charge for Eid lunch!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 22:29
This size is called Super King (in UK), Western King and California King. In Dubai, the best places include Home Centre and its fancier sister store, Q Home Decor, and Dwell (avoid DKNY sheets as they aren't durable). Online, I like to shop for bedsheets from The Company Store as they have an incredible range of colors and high quality, durable fabric. Bedsheet brands I generally like are: Pottery Barn, Wamsutta, Martex, Sheridan, Ralph Lauren Home, Fieldcrest Supima, Zucchi, and Dorma.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 20:51
Sorry, I am not making myself clear as crystal. If the father is an American military personnel, then neither the foreign mother nor the unborn child are eligible for American citizenship.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 20:47
There's a beauty supply shop on 2nd of December Rd called Milia.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 20:46
Sorry but this is news to me. I know someone who left Canada to have her baby in the USA in 2013. I also know that children conceived out of wedlock to American parents are allowed citizenship..... Children conceived out of wedlock or rape to a foreign mother and American father and born on foreign soil are ineligible for American citizenship.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 20:38
And you can bet those women with Canadian permanent residency who spend a few days at the hospital in Buffalo to have their babies never pay their hospital bill, leaving lawful American residents to suffer the consequences... edited by AnonDubai on 28/09/2014 Em, updated rules stipulate that the pregnant woman arrive on American soil at least 4 months prior to birth of the child. With all due respect, I can't understand how they can enforce that for women driving across the border. I have not heard of this new law. Is it in writing anywhere? Will it also be applied to women South of the Border? Yes, Anon it is, I found it 7 yrs ago while organizing my own kids' citizenship. This law also prevents children born out of wedlock or rape, where the father is known to be American, from entitlement to American citizenship. The mothers will learn of this law when they try to apply for passports and Social Security cards for their children.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 20:24
I read a book called "The Truth About Canada" recently and it answers everyone's indignant question. The author claims that naturalized Canadians face severe job-placement discrimination, receive little government aid, and housing rent is their biggest cost (partially due to under-supplied low-cost housing). One study tracked naturalized citizens over a decade and found a significant number to be in reduced, rather than improved, financial circumstances. I know of various newly naturalized Canadian citizens who struggle to find gainful employment after months and months of searching. My brother in law's wife's cousin's husband couldn't find a job for 9 months, depleting much of his savings, and ultimately decided that he would work in Qatar while his wife and kids remain in Canada. A family friend has been sending out 20 cv's a week for the past 14 months to receive the standard reply of "Canadian experience per-requisite".
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 20:01
And you can bet those women with Canadian permanent residency who spend a few days at the hospital in Buffalo to have their babies never pay their hospital bill, leaving lawful American residents to suffer the consequences... edited by AnonDubai on 28/09/2014 Em, updated rules stipulate that the pregnant woman arrive on American soil at least 4 months prior to birth of the child.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 23:43
Fait a Maison have a meal delivery service, specializing in healthy meals. Their sample menus look good :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 23:26
Beach Centre (blue mall on Beach Rd) has a kids hair salon on the first floor. They have mini dvd players loaded with Tom and Jerry and nice decorations. The two hair stylists are really patient with my boys. Dhs 40 each.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 17:37
I HIGHLY recommend the brand "Sleek". I don't think you can buy it here but it is available online and in superdrug in the UK. Very affordable and very pigmented colours for eyes and lips and it is purposely designed for a range of skin tones You can buy Sleek in the UAE through sellers on Instagram. There's a user named #hanoooodyzreviews who buys makeup, then reviews it and tells you which Instagram seller she bought it from. Her MAC foundation shade is NC42.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 17:09
I have a Tefal Clipso pressure cooker ( 6 liters?) and I really like it. I've been using it for 4 yrs now. I compared it to my parents' Fissler pressure cooker, and that one is much better (ie almost no steam escapes from the cooker once lid is locked) but sadly it is so much more expensive. Tavola sells the Fissler pressure cooker, if you are interested in purchasing. They also carry Kuhn-Rikon, but I don't like the pressure gauge design on that pressure cooker. Carrefour do good deals on Tefal Clipso pressure cooker, particularly around the two Eids. You can also find them at Union Coop and other hypermarkets.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 16:59
A friend has gone there for adult classes, she liked it.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 16:56
Yes, the course is worth it. Even though I grew up watching an aunty decorate cakes and I tried to learn on my own from books, I learned so much from observing the teacher, esp when she was walking around helping others. You may spend an extra Dhs 400 on materials, depending on what equipment you already have at home. IF you already own 2 x 21cm round, good quality baking pans, some gel paste food colors, 2 or 3 piping bags with a basic 15 pc metal tip set, 4-5 plastic couplers with rings, then you will need to buy food items: Mazola solid veg shortening (Carrefour has best price) or Crisco solid veg shortening (best price at Spinneys), SIS icing sugar (best price at Carrefour), vanilla flavoring powder (Carrefour), Wilton meringue powder (Tavola or Spinneys), boxes of cake mix (watch for specials at supermarkets), wax paper, parchment paper, plastic wrap, plastic or wooden turn-table (IKEA might have a wooden turn-table, Tavola and larger Spinneys carry the Wilton plastic turn-table). You will also need: 21 cm cardboard cake circles and possibly a horizontal wire cake cutter (IKEA might stock this, the other alternative is the Wilton brand one at Tavola). I found it helpful to go to the official Wilton website's forum for Wilton classes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 16:40
Hi Lulee, this online shop is based in Dubai so delivery may be quick, and they have a set of Eid cookie cutters: http://cakebox.me/seasonal/ramadaan-eid-cookie-cutter-stencil
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 16:40
I disagree. I seek out the Spinneys Everyday Value granulated sugar for my baking needs as I find the other brands' sugar crystals big enough to mar the texture of homemade cookies. Grrr, haven't found the sugar for a while...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 16:36
Hi, I recently moved back to Dubai and have a few questions regarding schools: 1. Do your children go to an American or British system school? 2. If British, how do you feel it compares to the American system? 3. If American, do you feel that is the same level, better or worse than the one back home? Can it be compared to the public school system or is more on the private school level? I am trying to decide between systems. My LO's are currently in the british, I feel it's more of a memorization system rather than making the children understand the concepts of why things are. Thanks in advance! 1. My children go to a British system school that switches to IB at middle school and up. 2. I feel that the academic expectations vary between similar and higher, than what I experienced in an affluent public school district in Northern California. The primary (elementary school) curriculum at my kids' school does appear to be a balance between memorization and hands-on experiences.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 16:24
Al Rawdha Farms and Al Khazna Farms chickens are good. USDA recently discovered that the risk of salmonella and other bacterial infection increases when you buy chicken that has been pre-cut. (There's a recent radio broadcast from NPR to confirm this.)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 16:02
Hi all, I know there are always 2nd hand markets or bazaars being held but is there a website or page which lists all of them in Dubai? and when they are? Or please could you ladies let me know any? I know of Baby Bazaar at Times Square and the market at Safa Park on Saturday's.... I *think* Ripe Market has been re-located to Za'abeel Park due to the massive construction works in and around Safa Park, will start in October... <em>edited by Apricot on 22/09/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 17:29
At Medcare Safa Park there's Dr Agata and Dr Luthra. An acquaintance had her 3rd baby with Dr Luthra at Medcare Safa Park, and is now with Dr Agata and due to deliver in January. She says that both ob-gyns are good. I think she had a normal delivery with Dr Luthra.
 
 
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