Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 02:24
Children's garden accepts children from 18 months to 5 yrs. My LOs will be 2 and 4 in Sept and both will attend Children's Garden.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 02:16
Al Mawakeb School in Barsha? It offers British curriculum and not too academic.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 02:02
There are some great food blogs by Kuwaitis. Some focus on recipes, while others focus on VERY in-depth restaurant reviews! Just google "Kuwait food blog". My fave blog is Il Sul6ana (Sultana). Kuwaitis love to eat out, and there is so much creativity in restaurant decor, menu design, etc. My faves are Le Notre, Nino's, but these are from 4 yrs ago.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 01:51
Thank you so much for pointing this out as I do most of my shopping at Mercato...Sometimes when I've got the time I go to Carre4 but it is very seldom when I can get there and then again there's some stuff that I rather get at Spinneys...oh well. There's one thing I know for sure is more expensive Silk Milk Dhs10.50 at Spinneys and only Dhs7 at Carre4...! Interesting that the Mercato Spinneys is cheaper. I rated the Um Suqueim branch higher for its inclusion of "less fancy" Iranian cauliflower, etc in produce section and always stocking my fave raisin-walnut bread in bakery. I prefer buying bulk sugar from Spinneys, it's a finer grain than the sugar sold in C4, I dont mind paying the premium. Spinneys consistently stocks DH's fave ginger ale, same price as C4. Carrefour is the same, prices are cheaper in Ajman, Shindagha and Deira City center branches than MOE, MCC branches. While Shindagha is closer, I still go to MOE as they have better selection of European brands and items, more stock of the special discount buys. Things like diapers and Twinings tea, powdered milk, cheese are cheaper in C4, I think they can negotiate better prices due to volume sold.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 01:28
Contact Organic Foods and Cafe. I've seen nappies there but never checked up close since I either use cloth nappies or "normal" nappies.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 00:38
Chicken biryani (use only 2 Tbsp of the packet spice mix, cook the rice well before adding to the meat gravy) Bolognese sauce with hidden vegetables-- I make big batches once a month and freeze. More but will post later
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 00:34
Thanks DC2DXB, I went to Geant last week with the DS2 and I found the maghribiya boxes Next to the couscous! I got the Lebanese brand Chtoura, dh 15 for 900g. :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 00:28
Glemgas is an ok brand, although plenty of heat escapes from oven during cooking, indicating poor insulation around oven door. I used a Whirlpool gas range and oven for 6 yrs, fair enough although the oven suffered from hot spots, some temp fluctuation over 35 min cooking time as the oven aged. Siemens and AEG are the best brands but you will pay accordingly. If you expect to bake things like cakes and biscuits (quite sensitive to temp fluctuations) I wouldn't recommend Supra or Glemgas. Jacky's sells the Nardi brand from Italy and they are very good for the price.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 00:17
If you're looking for big furniture pieces from Ikea, sometimes the best deals are found on dubizzle listings... Sometimes the sellers will list using the Ikea model names, which really helps sift search results.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 01:36
Gucci Rush (the old deep fuschia bottle) is my favorite, despite all the other perfumes I keep buying, I dont think I will ever love any perfume more than Gucci Rush :) Yes!!! I love this perfume too! I feel so empowered. I wear Insolence by Givenchy more often, it is a more "modern" fragrance. Favorites in my younger days: Beautiful by Estee Lauder and Tresor by Lancome. My dad worked in perfume in the early 80s, he has some fascinating stories about visiting the fragrance houses in France and his customers' preferences.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 00:14
any body know where i can buy kale from??The Mazaraa stand at the Dubai Farmers Market every Friday in Souk Al Bahar. Heaps of it, grown in Abu Dhabi, and it's being ignored by most of the people who go to the market. About Dhs 6/ bunch.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 23:51
OP, there's a general mood in Dubai right now (at least in my DH's line of work) that deals need to be put into place NOW because the economy could crash much harder when we least expect it. Hence I stop myself from complaining when DH catches every opportunity to work (on his phone, the iPad, etc). His productivity now is gonna mean financial security for our family. I've begun checking his work calender and every time I see a free slot between his schedule and my schedule I try to let him know in advance that slot is for our time together, or for time to spend as a family with our young kids. We've started having lunch together once every few weeks, using vouchers from the Fine Dining book. It feels special, it's relaxing to have a meal out without our young kids, and it gets DH in the mood for spending quality time. When we can't manage lunch, we put the kids to bed, then have the maid baby-sit while we leave the house and walk to a coffee shop for dessert. Yes, DH takes phone calls and checks email in that time, but he also keeps it short because he knows he had dedicated that time for his wife.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 00:10
Bravado nursing bras
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 23:21
No, it should be fine. We went by road and did our visas at the Hatta border. The officials asked to see her in person, just like everyone in our family group, both entering and exiting Oman.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 22:48
My children enjoy: Baby Neptune On the Go Baby Macdonald Neighborhood Animals Discovering Shapes We have the box set, but these are the most watched by DS1 and DS2.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 20:13
Thanks ladies, I'll check out Geant and Jones (lame excuse to eat a fab meal there!).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 19:54
what is the name of the book by Sue Townsend about the royal family moving to a housing estate in the Midlands? That is brilliant.The Queen and I!!! Agree, really good and very different (in a good way) from her Adrian Mole books.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 19:07
Its easy to get clothes for tiny baby on sale but we didn't know :):) This was our big surprise as well, since DH and I are big-boned and tall. Poor DS1 was drowning in his 0-3 sized clothes until we bought 5-6 all-in-one suits in Tiny Baby size from Baby shop. Enjoy and Congratulations!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 20:46
Boots carries this brand.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 00:55
Just wanted to add that I do have a gov health card... and am not against Latifa... apart from possibility of not being able to have my husband with me the whole time? Also am confused as to what the gov card entitles me to... if you pay a package anyway, but if there were complications what they could end up charging you on top of the package even at a gov hospital? Not much more at Latifa/ Wasl. DS2 was delivered as a normal delivery (with the standard expat maternity package) even though umbilical cord wrapped around 1 shoulder and neck. Relatives told me that a private hospital would've rushed me to EC in that case, but thank God my ob/gyn at Latifa was well-experienced to deliver him safely. DS2 developed a high fever 9 days after birth, we stayed in hospital for 10 nights (in reverse isolation room) and were only billed for the last 3 nights spent in an en suite private room (around Dhs 500/night?). Yes we are expats and this was in summer when most of the nice customer relations people were on holiday, so we dealt with the gruff but helpful support staff. We were not charged for any medication, food I consumed, cotton wool used, lab tests, consultant's fees, etc. Personally I wasn't too bothered about my husband not being with me at some stages (early labor) and his having to leave my room at 10pm. Unless you and your husband read some great book together like "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin, many men are understandably nervous and unprepared for the role demanded by their female partners. Personally, I would want a woman who's already experienced childbirth by my side. I got that for 45 min while in early labor during my first child's delivery and it made a huge difference.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 00:22
A friend just puts cubes of boneless meat into the food processor with the normal knife attachment. You can also buy a dedicated electric meat mincing machine from places like Union Co-op and C4. Haven't seen the hand-cranked machine for sale.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 23:29
There's a Lebanese/ Palestinian pasta called Maghribiya ("North African") that is the shape of small balls, which is my DH's fave comfort food. This same pasta is marketed as Israeli couscous in other parts of the world. Since my FIL passed away, we no longer have access to his friends in the food export business who would supply the household. Anyone know where I can find it, and how much to pay? I did see it at Union Co-op near Safa Park, for Dhs 20 for a 1 kilo bag. DH insists this is highway robbery. Thanks! <em>edited by Apricot on 28/02/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 23:11
Is it really that much different from our home countries? Do any of you come from a country where most of the produce you eat has not traveled several hours?I come from a special country called Northern California! Foster Farms chickens are fed on feed that includes ground up almonds from the neighboring almond orchards. Fabulous food products produced from farms/dairies/ bakeries/ abbatoirs a mere 2 hrs away. And you can buy it in the normal supermarket at a decent price. There's even a small "farm shop" called Milk Pail located in the parking lot between two big supermarkets and they sell vibrant seasonal fruit and veg, local artisanal breads and cheeses at cheaper prices than the supermarkets.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 22:55
It's so hard to be green and vegetarian in this country. On the subject of local production, have you seen any fruits? :( The only locally produced fruit that I know of is small, bright green, and round. It is crunchy like an apple. Does anyone know what this is called? Anon, it's called a jujube. You can get locally produced watermelon from pick-up trucks parked off the side of the road if you drive to Fujeirah/Hatta/ Ras al Khaimah. Dates are the other local fruit, as well as strawberries from Mirak farms. Locally grown bananas dot the northern coastal highways, but never seen them for sale in supermarkets.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 09:36
I've just asked DD, Apricot. She's on one of the water stations.Thanks! What did she say?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 09:33
Hi Emily! I've used the white bins in the far end of the Beach Ctr parking lot for years. Congratulations on the move.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 09:30
Sandstorm in the desert part of RAK. I just hope it's not affecting the RAK Half Marathon.That's my primary concern since DH is out there running!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:33
Yes, both my babies were born in the summer, and I would be breast feeding literally every 15 min! Believe me, he will just puke back if he over-feeds.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 00:21
My only complaint with the water filter is that now I get extremes in water temperature. The shower either runs really cold or really hot.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 23:47
What a nice story, it's good to know that people try to help strangers out. And happy to hear that your baby is getting better :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 23:44
I have a Kenwood food processor. I bought it during an Eid or Eid ul Adha promotion in one of the big hypermarkets, it was an older model they were trying to do a stock-clearance on. I am happy with it, it has all the basic functions and performs them well. I like Kenwood because their agent, Jashanmal, provides good after-sales service. My friend has a B & D food processor she bought 4 yrs ago. I have seen her use it, it's quite flimsy. I have used a Moulinex Ovatio in the past, flimsy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 23:17
DH really wants to see this, but yeah, UAE2012, your reaction has confirmed what I suspected from the plot lines that I've read, it's a really depressing tale... maybe best on dvd?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 23:34
Never noticed a difference. I use a liquid detergent here only for DS2's cloth diapers, only because that's the only FREE&CLEAR detergent option. I think stains really need pre-treatments for effective removal but I get a little OCD like Martha Stewart regarding stain removal.....
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 22:48
Well done!!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 22:41
DH ran the full marathon today, I am so proud of him! this is his 3rd attempt and he completed it this morning :) DS1 and I went out to the Beach Rd to cheer him on, "Complete the race this year Baba!"
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 19:39
deposits are quite highThe place in Spinneys Mercato has a deposit of Dhs 300, which I keep thinking of as high. I used to have a membership in the Spinneys near Lime Tree Cafe, not as expensive and it was very convenient. AmyAus82, there's a great place in Sharjah called Video Box, they've been around since DH and his siblings were teenagers, I first went in there with a printed list of films I wanted to rent. Luckily they recognized DH and started laughing!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 20:48
I've seen it at Whittards of Chelsea (shops in Festival City and Arabian Ctr).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 00:21
the one free park of the country Not free, there's still a Dhs 5/ person charge to enter Creek Park.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 00:14
Please share how you make Nutella hot chocolate!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 00:11
That's great! Thanks for sharing, Buy me a Pony :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 23:50
I did the Nivea Haus facial, it was quite pleasant. I would recommend it over Dermalogica, as their products can be a bit over-drying and can contain potentially irritating ingredients like peppermint and citrus oils.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 23:48
I would go to Dragon mart for the tulle favor bags/ fabric circles.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 23:46
C4 or Union Co-op, next to the packaged dates. There's also an Arabic coffee stall in Beach Center, opp Rocky Mountain Chocolates, which sells high quality packaged dates and date products, mostly from the UAE.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 23:43
Another tip I read Warm the chickpeas briefly in the microwave before using them (30 secs). The warm chickpeas make a hummus that is light and fluffy, without any graininess, also add a bit of the chickpea juice in there as well. This was my dearly departed Lebanese FIL's advice as well! He spent some time as a prep cook in a Beirut restaurant.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 23:39
Try talking to the salespeople at Virgin Megastore; they're quite helpful. Another place to try would be Al Mansoor Video, although their specialty is Hindi films.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 23:29
I buy these ready-made at the deli counters of Union Co-op and C4, next to the olives. They have some red chili flakes on them, but they aren't very hot. I often buy 1 or 2 at a time, the guys laugh at me but they oblige.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 11:09
Yeah, it's better to introduce high-iron meats earlier on, there's more info on this on www.kellymom.com The great thing is that the lamb we get here is much better quality than what you find in the States. I made up bolognese sauce with half minced local veal and half minced lambs liver and fed to both boys when DS2 was about 10 months old. I also made the effort to get organic lamb for the boys' food, by shopping on the 20% discount Saturday, freezing the meat in small baggies. Now that they are older, I follow the current WWF middle east guidelines and buy meat sourced as locally as possible/ convenient.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 10:58
AmyAus, too bad you missed the sale at Organic Foods & Cafe yesterday, I picked up 2 bottles of Manuka honey, UMF +15 at 20% off. They had loads on the shelf at 12 noon. If you live near Mercato maybe we can arrange something. <em>edited by Apricot on 22/01/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 10:53
thanks for the heads up kelly1814!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 10:51
Started off with telling stories to DS1 during meal times, keeping the same picture books on the dining table. But when DS2 got a bit bigger, and more disruptive, we switched to tv. Baraem channel is quite calming around 17.30/ 18.00.
 
 
Online British teachers and tutors for UK curriculums

How UAE Families Can Access a World-Class British Education Online

UAE Family Law 2026 | Divorce, Custody & Personal Status Guide for Expat Residents

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

Best music schools for kids in Dubai | Aureus Academy UAE

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai | Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Top Online Schools in the UAE for Kids and Teenagers: CambriLearn

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

How to get a divorce in Dubai as an expat resident

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

10 Essential Steps to Secure Your Child’s Educational Future

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Kisari Kids - Awareness Parenting Coach Eva Szorad Interview

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat