Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 23:34
Also laid low with sickness for past 3 weeks, ruined the winter break as I didn't have any energy to jaunt along on family outings, or host play dates for kids. SIL said on Saturday (we invited them over for a catered-by-Spinneys BBQ lunch) "you look like you'd better nap" and I said "I'm fed up with napping while everyone else has a great time!"
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 23:16
Honestly, I would send this question to Paula Begoun at her website Cosmetics Cop. I personally would guess that the applicator brush is different...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 23:08
For anti-chafing, a thick diaper rash cream like E45 or Sudocrem is also effective.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 22:49
I think Dubai Ladies Club offers a group package, as does the Al Iwan Spa in RAK.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 22:44
You've named areas where Arab families tend to live, so expect at least 1 mosque less than 800m from your home and to hear its attendant calls to prayer. Most mosques have a corner shop attached which you can call up and get home delivery.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 22:29
I took my maid to Al Badaa clinic (next to gems Wellington primary school) for the 2nd jab, and they only wanted to see the vaccination card.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 21:01
Make sure the basil is grown from seed, not a small plant from supermarket. You might need to soak the coriander seeds in water overnight for best reSults. Ficus in pot should be ok but never in the soil! I think Catawba has great advice, links in right direction, towards growing tomatoes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 20:55
There's a great veggie French onion soup recipe in the American Women's Association Dubai cookbook, one of veggie DH's fave dinners. He also loves Egyptian koshary, esp on cold night, or before a sporting event the following day ("carb loading"). You could get take out from Dukkan Felafel as it's mostly veggie :) I'm adding Ginnee's fatteh recipe to next week's menu :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 20:46
I'll let you know when Choithrams on Beach Rd put it on the "reduced to clear" shelf ;) <em>edited by Apricot on 09/01/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 01:34
I would only ensure that your mum is in good physical health before she arrives. You are so lucky that your mother's focus is the baby; my step mother was more interested in being a tourist and visiting friends (would disappear for hours at a time), but she did help at night and with breast-feeding technique and cooking high-nutrient foods for me. My grandmother was very keen to be present at the birth of DS1 (I was her first grandchild and placed in her hands soon after delivery), but no one thought to tell me that she had not healed thoroughly from back surgery several months ago and therefore required assistance with most things. Or that she is scared of hospitals. Or that her overall health condition was much worse than I remembered. I was unexpectedly hospitalized a few days after her arrival, my expected housemaid didn't arrive until DS1 was 8 weeks old, we were put in a very embarrassing situation on the first day of DS1's life, and we remain grateful to a family with plenty of experience in caring for elderly at home who happily hosted and cared for her for the remainder of her visit. <em>edited by Apricot on 06/01/2012</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 01:13
Avoid the trap of the Damas/ Ficus tree! Grow a few bouganvillas, they clearly thrive and love this climate. Try to grow a papaya plant from seed (get fruit from supermarket, set aside seeds, dry out in sun and plant). They look nice in pots until they get so big that you need to plant them in soil. Just remember to either plant things in the shade or get shade cloth (green mesh netting) to roughly cover areas that get direct sunlight. Rocket seeds (from a packet) grow incredibly fast (great to introduce kids to gardening) and ready to add to your salads within a few weeks. I've had recent success with sunflower seeds and eggplant seeds, carrot seeds (all of these were Alta Lunghi seed packets), okra seeds (from some organic okra bought from Union Co-op so quite cheap). Another fun thing to plant are whole onions (esp those already starting to sprout so quite useless for cooking!), individual garlic cloves, a knob of ginger. You can get some great-tasting green shoots that really add to finished, cooked dish. The onion greens are a great sub for spring onions, the garlic shoots for chives, the ginger shoots for lemongrass (ok I think someone may come along and yell at me for typing that, but I've done it and no-one was the wiser).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 01:00
Wicked by Gregory Maguire Storm of Swords by George R R Martin Lost in a good book by Jasper Fforde
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 00:55
You need to either buy a Food Service grade baking spray (this will contain fat and flour particles plus some emulsifiers) like Baking Magic (at Safestway) or the Wilton Pan Release (at Tavola) or make your own Pan Grease and be very patient and thorough with the silicone pastry brush: 2 cups solid veg shortening (Mazola or Crisco) 1 cup plain flour (Flour No1) mixed together with electric mixer, then can be stored in tightly closed jar in dark, cool cupboard indefinitely . If the mold is super intricate, you could try 1 layer of Pan Grease, 1 layer of dusted flour, then another layer of Pan Grease. You can always scrape off the thin top layer from the cooked and cooled cake before further decoration/ presentation, but most importantly it will have come out of the mold easily and in one piece! Most silicone cake molds need to be baked on top of a flat, metal baking sheet rather than directly on the oven rack, but you already knew that Frances!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 00:37
I may have half a bottle left from my own DSs. Can definitely tide you over until you've SnS an order....
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 00:28
At 15 months for the DS2. Roughly same age for the DS1.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 00:22
Thats a relief...but I have seen pics...maybe it was another area that they go to?...but thanks for that tip because this means I may have some time to reduce my fat issue.The only "warm" beach in the SF Bay Area is Santa Cruz, it's about an hour's drive from SF, without traffic.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 00:16
Hi Xiana, I was so happy when you wrote that you will be moving to San Francisco as I grew up there. If you are keen, there's a lot of support to realize a very fit, healthy, even organic lifestyle. I DO NOT suggest following the advice of getting a tan, that is considered very tasteless in SF. But while in Dubai, the best thing you can do is to find a Pilates instructor whose workout emphasizes lymphatic drainage (the same thing that dry body brushing and the coffee bean exfoliation achieves) and resistance training. I have found her in Poopak at Dubai Ladies Club. Or, if you need super fast yet safe results, go to Jane Head, an excellent personal trainer in Barsha, whose resistance training workout achieves cellulite loss in record speed (literally in under 2 months). A friend of mine did cellulite massage at a famous Jumeira salon for 3 months before her (arranged) marriage, and the massage did not work at all to reduce cellulite. Anon pointed out something quite wise, if the man is traditional enough to go through an arranged marriage, he will be too eager for the physical act to really notice your body the way you see it, for at least the first year of marriage. Learn to see yourself the way he sees you, as a hot chick who is his alone, and DON'T ever complain about your body to him. Puts the guy in a very awkward spot and can even teach him to find flaws in you.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 23:52
Thanks for sharing!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 23:27
The REALLY tasty cakes are from AbelaDo you mean Abela supermarket in Abu Dhabi, or Abela the airline caterers in Dubai Cargo Village?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 23:21
Make sure to pick up Bepanthene Ointment/Unguent and NOT cream. The cream is useless as a barrier cream. I also found it helpful during BF.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 23:09
Awesome!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 02:33
OK, I went to Dermacare for the microdermabrasion session and I was not a happy camper by the end of it! The therapist insisted I have a chemical peel done in addition to the Vit C, oxygen, microdermabrasion, extractions. I said, No, I don't want a chemical peel at this session. She said, OK we shall see. The facial was nice. She did complain while doing the blackhead extractions ("my dearie, you have too many blackheads" "Yes, you nitwit, that's why I'm paying you to extract them" "well, there are so many blackheads that I think I will only remove half of them"). At the end, she asked me how my skin felt and I said it felt ok, given this was my first microdermabrasion, then she gave a little laugh as she said, "Oh, by the way, I also gave you a chemical peel! Dont worry, it's so mild and light!" I felt that was very unethical of her to treat my skin when I had clearly stated I didn't want a chemical peel about 4 times at the start of the treatment. At the product consultation bit, she scoffed when I told her which brands of skincare I use (she's never heard of Lush or Olay ProX apparently) and told me that when I was "able to afford it" I should consider using her brand! DH found this statement really funny.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 01:53
After ahem downloading and viewing, just ordered box set from Amazon PLUS the Christmas special!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 01:48
Sometimes they re-adjust the payment the following month if they overcharged by mistake for the previous month. We've had payments of Dhs 6 just for the electricity and water several times, the housing fee always applies.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 01:45
Not sure on the visitor status but from the website You are not eligible to donate blood if you: Are sick (cold, flu, sore throat or diarrhoea). Darn, need to recover from a fortnight of sore throat...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 01:42
I think you can still buy coconut fiber crib mattresses at Organic Foods & Cafe in Dubai Mall. Personally, I decided to trust the British safety standards (even though I'm an American) and bought a crib mattress for my first baby from Mothercare.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 00:34
Just checked my Kallo French Onion Stock cubes... no MSG unless it's hiding in the "yeast extract".
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 00:21
I took the DS1 and DS2 (aged 2 1/2 and 6 months at the time) to Four Seasons Seychelles last year and honestly wish we had stayed here in Dubai. Besides the extortionate prices for food, the beach/pool/kids club are only accessible via stair cases: we didn't enjoy taking DS2 in his buggy down the 85 steps, while the other parent had to convince DS1 to climb down/ up those steps. While the hotel has a lovely and well equipped kids club, the two "teachers" will only interact with children over 4. The hotel has babysitting services, used by the 2 other families we met, but DH and I didn't feel comfortable with the babysitters: they were local teenagers who didn't appear at all trained in safety, etc. One family didn't use the babysitting, but they would leave their 3 yr old and 1 yr old in the kids club for hours at a time and it was heart-breaking to see that between the "teachers" who refused to interact at all with them and the absent parents, the kids were left to stare at walls. DH and I would take turns taking our older DS to the kids club for 1hr or so each day.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 00:05
Hi MuesliBar, you can remove your details now. just dropped you a line.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 02:05
Emirates has a direct flight to Casablanca.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 01:53
Panini deli in the Grand Hyatt
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 01:31
I substitute digestive biscuits for graham crackers. You can find graham crackers from the Philippines in some supermarkets or (more expensive) American graham crackers at Choithram, Safestway, etc.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 December 2011 - 23:51
Wow, Muesli Bar, how kind! edited by Apricot on 27/12/2011 <em>edited by Apricot on 28/12/2011</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 December 2011 - 23:45
Thanks for heads up...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 00:43
In fact I'm coming around to the idea of cloth just reading this thread, not sure we have a good selection in Doha, whats the situation like in Dubai???There's a nice Australian lady named Sophia who sells Itti Bitti diapers (I guess they're the Ozzie version of Tots Bots) under her May Angels brand. I've bumped into her since at one point our kids attended the same nursery, but I've never bought from her. Also a sweet NZ lady sells the Baby Cheeks diapers and I met her at a nappycino hosted by Green-ish while I was preg with DS2. Sadly her brand didn't fit DS2 well for long. I order all cloth diaper stuff online then have it shipped to relatives in the States, who then either re-post to me or who bring in their luggage annually.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 00:32
Nohaj1, I've seen Huggies Pull Ups in Spinneys, Choithrams for sure. Spinneys is always 1-2 dirhams cheaper than Choithram. Perhaps try Geant as well, they usually have lowest prices on diapers, after C4 and Union Coop.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 00:28
Nurseries are covered by the Ministry of Health and schools are under the Ministry of Education. To 'educate' you need your license to be approved from the KHDA.I had a chat with admin at The Childrens Garden Jumeira on Beach Rd since DS is enrolled in Nursery there, and they assured me that they have 2 licenses, one from MoH for the Pre-Nursery and Nursery sections, and one from MoE for the PS1 and PS2 sections. Maybe over-priced but they are certainly legit!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 01:10
I use www.beautypedia.com when I want impartial, informed skin care advice. This lady, Paula Begoun, really knows her stuff!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 00:03
I've been really happy using reusable cloth nappies on my second baby, now 18 months. My stash is: 12 Tiny Tush pockets (recommended by EW user) 1 Bum Genius pocket (freebie) 2 sized Fuzzi Bunz pocket 4 Happy Heineys pocket 2 Tots Bots AIO (bought at Tesco 6 months ago) (which I stuff with extra microfiber liner) 1 Baby Cheeks pocket Stacks of extra microfiber liners in small and large sizes 2 Fuzzi Bunz hemp liners 1 pkt Indian cotton prefolds (folded and used as liners, bought from LULU) 12 small microfiber towels (folded and used as liners, bought from Dragon Mart) 1 roll flushable liners by Bummis (used when nappy rash cream applied) 1 stick CJ's Butt Butter (cloth diaper-friendly nappy rash cream) 1 big hanging wet bag by Fuzzi Bunz 1 pail with lid 2 zippered wet bags rotated in diaper bag to store soiled nappies when out and about. 1 bottle tea trea oil, to combat stench issues with the hanging wet bag and lidded pail (DH sensitive to odors) 1 home-made poop scraper, a U cut out from 2 liter milk jug. I used to wash it all using Eco Balls, then used Purex Free & Clear liquid until the price increased, now I use 1/3 recommended amt of Easy non bio powder detergent, unfragranced. My personal favorite nappy is the Tots Bots. Slim fit under clothes, yet fits my baby's chunky thighs and tummy! Sadly, my baby outgrew the Baby Cheeks within 1 month of purchase. I do "cheat" and use disposables at night and often when outside home.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 December 2011 - 22:46
I bought some pre-loved books from Bookworld in Satwa 2 weeks ago. While the worn-out,nasty books are up front, there's a revolving wire rack in the back near the back issues of Oprah magazine, that is full of kids' board books in decent condition. max Dhs 15 each.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 22:48
One of the 'first addresses' for hotels in the luxury munich would be the' Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten'. We got a great room rate there for the hotel's 150th anniversary, so we spent 3 nights there, after having spent 3 nights at the Le Meridien opp the main train station in Munich, Hauptbanhof. The Meridien was fine, and we opted to eat breakfast every morning in the train station (excellent bakery called Reishart, a mini-mart). The surrounding area was a bit seedy, but we focused on taking all our day trips via train while staying at the Meridien so it worked out fine. The Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, however, overlooks the Chanel, Gucci, etc boutiques so vastly different atmosphere! DH and I actually felt the need to dress up in order to leave our room and eat the breakfast buffet downstairs. In Austria, we stayed at a family friend's family pensione in the Tyrol (a town called Seefeld), I think it's called Pensione Bettina.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 00:31
Oreo, could you pls share with us what you ended up buying online? I have two little boys who will want a castle soon...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 00:31
I wouldn't freeze batter. I just make a huge batch of pancakes and freeze them - all you have to do is pop them in the toaster to reheat. Make life even easier and remember to separate each cooked pancake with a bit of wax or parchment paper before freezing... Nothing like sawing thru frozen pancakes to get 1 out, not that I've ever done that...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 00:27
On my 3rd now. I get wiser with each experience...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 00:22
I saw Sharmila at Dermacare 2 months ago. She is very pushy. I told her that I wanted microdermabrasion done for the first time along with a purifying facial (that includes extraction of black heads). She insisted on adding a chemical peel (Darling you NEED a chemical peel), I said NO my skin is quite sensitive, and I know my skin better than your 40 second "evaluation". Once the treatment was completed she gave a little giggle and says "Darling, your skin looks so much better already after that chemical peel I just gave you." NEVER AGAIN!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 00:14
Now I just chuck everything into his play tent and save my time and sanity. :DHa ha ha!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 00:12
It looks like patchwork made from Central Asian designs...I would try the Blue Souk in Sharjah or spend an evening at Global Village, the Egypt pavilion has the best prices on textile things...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 00:07
There is one in MOE (one row in from C4, towards the Babyshop end) and one in Ibn Battuta. Not sure if there are others.If you can get parking, there's a Carter's store in Lamcy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 00:05
Did find a lovely little shortcut though to get me onto Al Wasl Road Al Wasl going towards Iranian hospital, or Al Wasl going towards Safa Park?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 23:38
I would also try Safestway, see what they have next to the Kool Aid...
 
 
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