Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 23:21
I got all my villa tiles 2 yrs ago from a shop opp RAK tiles on the Salahuddin Rd. I think they are called Mosaico. I went in with clippings from Living Etc magazine and they did a fair job of trying to match the look I wanted to achieve. I am happy with the tiles. TBH, I thought most of the tile designs at RAK were either dull or extremely faddish (big shiny orchids).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 23:15
My nightmare is sifting out the cheaper toys (food court freebies) from the quality bits. I like to keep some toy bits in ziplock baggies. I have a rough system: all the Duplo is together, apart from the Cars Duplo, which has its own drawer, near the Hotwheels Cars. The non-Cars small cars have another drawer. All the stuffed toys/puppets/lonely doll are together in one bin. The bigger cars are separated. I have to make sure that the ELC rubber cow stays with his tractor and trailer, rather than disappear into the Duplo farm set.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 22:11
Baby Gap or Carters socks with the rubber anti-skid parts...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 22:09
Thanks for sharing, Fay! Much easier for me to go to Global Village than the spice souk! Have also seen rose buds in Wafi Gourmet...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 21:39
I regularly order vitamins from the States and the parcel is held for a day or two, obviously opened, then it comes to me. They check the legality of the meds and whether you've brought in quantities greater than 4 months' personal usage. (Previously people used to bring in cheaper meds from Egypt and Pakistan in bulk, and this was creating a dent in the GCC pharmacy industry).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 21:23
Due to the distance from my home (eeks, maybe 25 km!) and it's in the opp direction to anywhere I go frequently, I go to Geant once every year. I buy: their own-brand (Casino) oxy laundry bleach (at least 4 or 5 of these), Casino strawberry jam, Casino bread flour, a few cake decorating items not found elsewhere, Oxo Good Grips products, and I pick up some fresh bread to enjoy that day. They also have lower prices on my kids' diapers than Carrefour MOE or my nearest Union Co-op. I really love their range of non-perishable grocery products--it's like the stock of Organic Foods & Cafe mixed with Choithram indian stuff, unique UK imports, Carrefour french/European things, Union Coop Arabic stuff. Otherwise, I do the weekly/ bi-monthly big shop at Carrefour and recently got a shiny Najm card! Sometimes I go to Shindagha Carrefour as it's cheaper than the MOE branch. I buy my meat, chicken and veg from Union Coop as well as trash bags (cheaper than C4), some cleaning products, pasta, canned items, butter (cheaper than C4). Then DH blows my budgeting to pieces by going to Spinneys or Choithrams for milk and juice and coming home with yoghurts and random snack food ("Look what I found in "Reduced To Clear"!). <em>edited by Apricot on 04/12/2011</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:58
Now I'm intrigued enough to plan a visit to the spice souk! Years ago I gave up on my search and had family mail me a packet from the States!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:56
DH ordered metal bars to be fitted on all exterior windows 2 weeks ago.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:54
if it's the hormones you're not sure about, why not a non hormonal IUD?I took this route several months ago. You buy the iud from Life pharmacy (Nova T Schering) and your gyno will insert it after a Pap smear. Only negatives are awful cramps around period and intermittent spotting.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:46
I have never seen them there, and trust me, I look! At a long shot, I would try the Wafi Gourmet store in Dubai Mall or Festival City, as they import various dried flower petals from Lebanon and Syria, which have cooler climates conducive to growing lavender. The Arabic words for lavender are: "nabataat khuzaamy" and "khairry al Birr". TBH, I would be really surprised if they were in the Spice souk.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 10:00
"Georgina: Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman. Fun read! The used book shop in Satwa, opp Lal's (Book World) has tons of really interesting biographies in stock, cheaper than House of Prose.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 19:24
I've seen it at Union Co-op Safa Park.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 16:02
from friends and exhibitions. One of my friends is on Facebook, Sahar Collections, and reasonably priced.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 16:00
only when he's really ill, or after a particularly "active" day at school. He stopped taking afternoon naps once his younger brother started walking, darn!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 15:57
DS1 (3 1/2 yrs): Pampers Pull Ups for Boys DS2 ( 1 1/2 yrs): Sanita Bambi size 5. I change him once at night (midnight or 2 am) minus wipes (the wet sensation of wipes wakes him up!).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 00:44
If you go to Naif Souk in Diera .. they have some really funky ones in tribal prints ! They also have some nice colourful ones with lace and ribbon trims ! Really cheap as well 50d's ! The shop in Al Twar with the funky prints sells them for Dhs 35 a set. There's a shop in Satwa that sells maids uniforms, Bint or Aroos Al Khaleej near Champion Textiles (but the fabric/prints not as comfy/funky) for Dhs 40/set.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 00:32
we call it a 'bone' lol. I buy from China Mall or souk in Sharjah for 5 dirhams each. In malls you will pay around 40 each. True enough, but if you can't fit your schedule around the infamous Sharjah traffic schedule, convenience all the way...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 23:41
i really liked bravado nursing bras for constant wearI second the vote for Bravado! I have tried nursing bras from Mothercare, M&S, Motherhood brand from Destination Maternity, but Bravado and Elle Macpherson have really held up through frequent laundry (in the mesh bag), accommodated size changes, and nearly constant use (I have worn a bra 24/7 from the time I was 5 months preg with first child). The others just started to fall apart and fray/ develop holes after 5 months usage.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 23:28
Maybe he's puking up the phlegm in his chest/throat? My 17 month DS also tends to cough & puke in the morning after breakfast...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 23:26
Phil &Teds Sport/Explorer. Quite lightweight, my 3 yr old and tall-for-his-age 18 month old both like it, the harness is super secure yet easy for parents to fasten and unfasten (my only gripe with Maclaren), DH really likes folding and unfolding it so it must be simple :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 23:19
You could try a kids shampoo. I use Pigeon Hair& Body wash on my LOs, it's Dhs 35 for a big pump bottle (maybe 1 liter?) at Union Co-op. I promise, it doesn't smell like Johnsons baby shampoo. I use Tresemme on my own hair. Another cheapie, Dhs 30 for 1 liter.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 23:15
Get to the JBR beach area by 2pm....
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 23:06
It has an ok reputation. Sports activities very good for both boys and girls (segregated), a good Qur'an memorization program. The academics and admin are a nightmare though. Most kids are promoted based on their family connections rather than merit. In the primary years, the children spend more time "preparing for festivals" than sitting at a desk and learning the basics. There's a "festival" every 2 weeks. Teacher turnover is quite high. Many of the teachers are not qualified educators. It is difficult for parents to communicate with the teacher or the administration, esp if the parents are not perceived to be Arab or from an influential family/ impressive profession. In that category, School of Research Science has a MUCH better reputation, MUCH more organized and professionally run school, though the fees are a bit higher than School of Creative Science. KHDA in Dubai always give School of Research Science favorable ratings.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 22:56
Dr Wael Summar at the German clinic; he can perform the surgery at Emirates Hospital in Jumeira. Try doing a search, this topic came up during the last week.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 21:19
You ladies are wicked! Guess it's time to buy a new iron tomorrow, before attending DS1's school function...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 19:53
Scotch broth, I found a recipe on Yahoo Answers and cooked it up, using some local veal stew meat (big bone surrounded by a bit of meat). This soup has barley, chickpeas, dried peas, carrots, turnips, celery, a bit of onion. It will fill you up with good, slowly digested fiber so you don't have room for biscuits/sweets!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 19:49
So, just as I'm giving DS2 his dinner, the maid walks in with the iron, saying that there's burning smoke coming out from the iron. I have her point exactly where the smoke is coming out from, whether it's wet smoke or dry smoke (just to cover all our bases here), whether brown yucky wet stuff also coming out from the vent holes on the sole plate...Then she convinces me to smell the iron, and yes, it smells like burning. I'm not very pleased as the iron is a Tefal Aquaspeed and it's only been used for 2 yrs. What do I do? Contact the Tefal repair center in Naif? Or is it time to buy a new iron? The laundry is piling up!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 22:55
Dubai Ladies Club have this class.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 22:39
Day 4 - Petra and then to Amman for dinner Just want to alert you that the drive from Petra to Amman is about 4hrs, maybe more if you hit traffic due to road works, whatever. And the drive is through barren desert so it's a flat road, no scenic stuff until you're about 30 min away from Amman, where the terrain becomes hilly. Would you really be in the mood to then dress up and have dinner at an independent restaurant/ restaurant in one of the fancy hotels? Sorry, I may have misinterpreted your description... BTW, the dish to eat in Jordan is mansef, meat cooked in yogurt that is layered with Arabic bread and rice. It's served with a spiced chopped salad (like salsa). Or insist on trying musakhan. <em>edited by Apricot on 27/11/2011</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 22:27
My cousin successfully took onboard an Emirates flight to the UK some lunch-box sized long-life milk cartons plus straw for her 8 yr old son. Packed it up in his in flight back pack and alerted the staff. Security staff at Dubai airport are very considerate of children's needs.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 22:20
Anon, I've seen little "undercaps" at Lulu's, opp the abayas. But the abaya shop on top floor of Lulu Barsha sells them cheaper than Lulu! There's a branch of Al Motahajiba in Town Centre Mall in Jumeirah.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 01:44
DXB Chica, I know the desire to buy new and *the best* for your first baby, but once baby arrives, life will get so much more expensive. Only you need to know that you were smart and bought that quality crib and change table at nearly half the retail price charged by Mothercare/ Mamas&Papas/ etc. Believe me, you will want to have money stashed away for quality baby shoes. It continues to shock me just how expensive they are! And if you plan to breastfeed, great quality nursing bras like Elle Macpherson and Bravado are US$50 each. I would prefer to buy those brand-new! A 36-ct box of Pigeon breast pads is now Dhs 39 at Union Co-op (cheapest price). To answer your original question, Mothercare does a good sale during DSF on most items (this is their fall/winter stock clearance event, prices could be higher than UK post Xmas sales) but I found they only included the cheapie furniture and strollers. Best place to get the breast pump and monitor if your UK relatives cannot bring is Babyshop sale 1 month before DSF, which means a minimum 20% discount on EVERYTHING in the store (great time to stock up on pacifiers, bottle nipples, bottles, steam sterilizer, etc) but I think Boots (UK) has better prices on Medela breast pumps. <em>edited by Apricot on 27/11/2011</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 01:28
Try Toys R Us in Times Square (they do sometimes answer the phone!) and Hamleys in Dubai Mall. Am surprised that The Toy Store in MOE doesn't have it, they tend to have best variety...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 23:53
My DH's....sorry but his are the best! He makes about 12 at a time and freezes the ones we don't need, then we just thaw them out and bake them in the oven!Could you please ask your DH to share his fish burger technique with us? My DH and little boys will thank him and you!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 22:14
Hi Katnip, try going to the Sharaf DG in Times Square Mall on Sheikh Zayed Rd, it's bigger and more varied stock. THanks for the tip marycatherine about where to get the transformer and what kind! I've only been here 13 yrs and not figured that one out yet, silly me! I don't rate the cheap kitchen appliances like Ikon or Nevica very highly. The first ice cream machine I bought from C4 ages ago was one of those cheap jobbies (a knockoff of the American Cusinart design) and after 2 uses, the whole machine was off-kilter. I have seen my friend's Nevica hand-mixer, waffle maker, "stand-mixer" die on her while we were cooking in her kitchen together. Ultimately, waste of money.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 01:52
Movenpick Dead Sea is very romantic, "little village". Last trip we tried the new Kempinski in Dead Sea, not half as nice. We ditched our budget hotel (Golden Tulip) in Petra for the Movenpick Petra. In Amman, we have stayed at the Golden Tulip (dingy backpacker's hotel that we ditched within the hour), the Intercontinental (great service, established hotel, lovely neighborhood to walk around in) and at the Four Seasons (great service, amazing breakfast buffet, but surrounding neighborhood not so pedestrian friendly, though I walked across street to the local laundry service)...There's a lovely organic cafe, some great art galleries. Wadi Rum is really awesome, just don't be dumb like us and agree to let some dude in a pick up truck take you to the site, awfully uncomfortable. Insist on the 4X4 or land cruiser! Aqaba is nice but miss-able. Stayed at Movenpick, great stay (notice a pattern here?!) All the Movenpick properties in Jordan are so different yet so nice... On previous trips, we have hired the same driver and his Mercedes to take us around Jordan. He guided us towards nice places for lunch, clearly not on the tourist bus route. Madaba with its mosaic floor churches and homes was quite unique.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 01:21
Hi, drop me a line. <em>edited by Apricot on 26/11/2011</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 22:56
Most books by Beverly Clearly, particularly the Ramona series. The "Super Fudge" series by Judy Blume, which begins with "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" A bit old-school, but I recall enjoying the "Mary Poppins" books at that age. LOVED The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, as well as Anne of Green Gables series. The Borrowers The Littles A Little Princess The Secret Garden Amy's Eyes by Richard Kennedy I too enjoyed the "Redwall" series, but would suggest introducing them a bit later, maybe age 9 or 10? I also read The Good Earth at age 8, not advisable. It's well worth "restricting access" if you know your child is an avid reader.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 22:29
What a shame! Done that as well, with a fancy toaster oven from America...Yep, it's "fried" beyond repair. I'd recommend the Harlequin Gelato machine from Sharaf DG. Unlike the Cusinart, the motor is on the lid. It has worked well with recipes I've used from www.epicurious.com and www.food.com
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 20:31
This is what Google pulled up for me, a discussion on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367380/board/thread/20186248?d=111026729&p=1#111026729
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 23:30
First tofu dish I cooked: Korean Tofu from NY Times: Boil some linguine/spaghetti. Pan-fry tofu cubes (the size of sugar cubes) until golden on all sides,using very little oil. mix soy/sugar/sesame oil/ vinegar/ garlic/ spring onion/ corn starch. Saute some koosa/ zucchini with onion and garlic, then add the soy mix, cook until bubbly. Add the tofu and cooked pasta, stir to coat. Tofu and mushrooms in cream sauce over pasta Pan-fried tofu triangles in any stir fry dish. un-cooked Tofu cubes in a spring roll filling. Whizzed up with banana, milk, frozen blueberries/strawberries for a smoothie. DH is veggie and I have a very useful book, "I can't believe it's Tofu!" edited by Apricot on 21/11/2011 <em>edited by Apricot on 21/11/2011</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 23:19
Tavola sells the original Wilton brand Candy Melts in many colors. Geant sells a product called White Coating Chocolate (Harald brand) in 1 kg blocks.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 23:11
I have a few in my storage, they were corporate gifts. My LOs are still too young to use, so I'm happy to lend them out for the required time.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 23:06
Sanita Bambi, recommended on here by many moms so I tried them, really good! At Carrefour, Union Co-op, Geant, etc.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 23:03
Call them and do it over the phone 800 9090.Do they charge a "service fee" of Dhs 15 like the RTA customer centers, for using the phone payment service?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 23:01
Dubai Gem school is a well-established school in Oud Metha, it teaches the British curriculum but you will find that the admin, teachers, most students aren't Anglo-Saxon. Very good and very competitively priced.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 22:52
I've gone there for ENT, eye doctor as my insurance has a deal with them (NGI Healthnet) and it's conveniently located, most clinics have a first-come first-serve approach rather than fixed appts, and taken maid there for dental work. The meds are free, or very low cost. You'll certainly see a very different side to Dubai society.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 22:24
I've often noticed that with the exact same items, Choithrams will mark up the price by Dhs 1-2 more than Spinneys. Never buy spring onions from Spinneys. Unlike a lot of places, they sell spring onion by weight rather than selling at the standard 95 fils/ bunch. Choithrams and Safestway have great "reduced to clear" sections. Most of the processed, name brand foods are there at "buy 1 get 1 free" or 50% off the retail price, bringing the price closer to the US/UK retail price. Great way to save money on breakfast cereal, stock cubes, crackers/biscuits, cake mix, salad dressing, etc.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 22:06
I had a Panasonic microwave/ convection oven and yes, I did use both the glass rotating plate plus the metal tray when using the machine on grill and convection settings, mainly to promote even cooking.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 21:54
DH says it's either available thru an ART Sports or Al Jazeera Sports package. Both require an annual subscription plus card to slot into your satellite receiver.
 
 
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