Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 22:54
Thanks for the heads-up, IAMVP and mumma, I want to try making panko-coated stuff for the munchkins...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 22:52
Oh, that must have been so disappointing for you! I remember doing the same when I first moved to Dubai, buying those Chinese salted fermented black beans by mistake :$ I often see cans of black beans at Safestway supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Rd. That's so funny how you're craving black bean soup cuz I just cooked up a batch of black bean chili. Email me, I have fresh supplies of dried black beans from Texas!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 17:19
I've seen 1 yr olds at The Chidrens Garden Jumeirah, and they certainly don't have tv screens in the classrooms! Most likely the classes will start after Eid holidays (Sept 15?).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 17:12
If I buy frozen, I choose Co-op Islami or Sadia brands.) I've tried those brands (breasts) and they have a horrible after taste, plus have a look at the ingredients list! Maybe it's different for whole chickens? I usually buy frozen chicken legs or boneless chicken thighs....
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 17:04
they closed their branch in Town Centre (Beach Rd in Jumeira 1) a few months ago.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 16:58
If I buy frozen, I choose Co-op Islami or Sadia brands. If I buy fresh, I like to make the trip to Union Co-op to buy their fresh local Al Khazan brand of chicken parts (usually stocked near the fresh eggs). A foodie friend swears by Al Rawda Farms whole chickens. I also like the turkey/ chicken parts from Organics on their 20% discount Saturdays ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 01:44
DH took me to Southern Germany for our "babymoon" (last great holiday before the kids!). We went to Munich, took the train to Salzburg and Stuttgart (Mercedes museum for DH) on day trips, then rented a car, drove to Freiburg in the Black Forest, then drove to Garmisch at the Germany-Austria border, then drove to a friend's B&B in the Austrian Alps, spent a few days there (Swarovski world headquarters in Innsbruck) before driving back to Munich. The flight from Dubai to Munich was less than 6 hrs.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 01:21
Medela Mini Electric is really loud, my family jokes that it sounds like a loud moo-ing cow when I pumped (once a day). You can hear it 4 rooms away! My machine lasted about 13 months (initially pumping for hospitalized newborn, then once a day with baby on other boob to encourage milk flow) before the motor started to weaken. I just bought a new Medela Swing 1 week ago because its motor is quieter and suction stronger (no baby required on other side!).
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 01:03
Great ideas, esp from the moms whose babies are self-feeders. My 14 month old suddenly wants to feed himself and gets very upset if I try to spoon the food in. Also, he has molars coming in, so incredibly cranky. He liked today's dinner--bolognese sauce with plenty of pureed and hidden veggies plus mushy, cut up pasta, but was furious that I wanted to feed him. He ended up wearing most of dinner.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 01:12
I'm still looking to suggestions for a new doc if you want to give them. I also read once that someone was seeing a doc in Dr. Suliman Habib Center but can't find the post. Anyone else know who? Dr Helena Christensen. My friend saw her for her 4th pregnancy and she was fab dr all around, gave friend her mobile number and was there to listen to all queries. Did a beautiful job with the necessary C section (breech baby) at City Hospital last October. Now another friend due in October is also seeing Dr Helena, she's quite happy.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 01:02
Dr Nisha Soares at Al Zahra Clinic on Sheikh Zayed Rd is there on Saturdays from about 2pm onwards. She's really lovely though appts with her get booked quite quickly.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 00:56
I used Suma in July 2010. She and her staff go to Tecom, Silicon Oasis, etc. Brilliant service, would use again.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 00:53
If you know someone traveling there for work, you can get Cerezette in Saudi quite easily.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 00:51
I worried a lot about this with my first baby but he was a real "comfort-sucker" so I gave him the dummy from the time he was 8 weeks old. Then he spat it out and refused at 4 months. I became the pacifier/dummy afterwards! With second baby, once I recognized that he too was a "comfort sucker", I gave him the pacifier at 8 days old. He's 12 months now, and I'm quite relaxed about it. He knows when it's time for BF and when it's time for the pacifier. The only "milk" he receives is thru BF.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 00:30
Congratulations and Alf Mabrook to Farasha and her lovely family!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 00:28
Alf Mabrook to Farasha, Little Miss A and the new Babes!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 21:48
perhaps she could look at Nibras? Nibras school is too close to the overhead electricity pylons, which are far more dangerous than the electricity generator.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 21:33
Wally Lamb (or his other books - She's come undone Bought this in a second-hand bookshop for tourists in Istanbul, read it several months later at home. Awesome story!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 21:20
Just keep in mind that as of now, there is no official P&T agent in Dubai. DH went to Goodbaby in December and they were trying to sell off all their P&T E3 strollers really cheap because they were no longer official distributors. Dubizzle and ordering direct from P&T website are the only Dubai-based options now.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 21:11
Eat and Drink is the brightly colored cafeteria in that parade of shops you just described ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 21:06
Perfect, we have Sky News HD thru DH's Abu Dhabi Sports subscription.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 20:58
I've been saying that "Dad is in the office". DH is in fact scheduled to return tonight so when DS started to whine about it this afternoon, I casually said "Dad will be getting on a plane right after you go to sleep, and you will see him in the morning..." and he got quite wide-eyed. Before bursting into another round of hysterics.... (edited to add that DS is nearly 3 yrs old) <em>edited by Apricot on 10/04/2011</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 20:52
You can also buy the Orbit system from Lolly Pop in The Village Mall, Beach Rd.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 23:27
I would go before 32 weeks/ mid May. by that time, you'll just feel like a big whale and the weather will be much hotter and more humid. I had my babymoon in Germany BTW! (we went in April and I was due in June) Wanted to experience some cooler weather and some greenery. It was lovely. The flight to Munich was about 4 hrs.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 23:03
In Terminal 1, you can buy boxes of Bateel (the fancy dates) and Nassma camel milk chocolates in the center shopping area, after the gold, then pearls, there is the "Arabian Trinkets" area.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 22:48
Congrats DC! I totally know that feeling of shock! I kept trying to work out the dates since DH had spent literally 3 weeks out of the country on business, and the following 3 weeks he kept complaining of exhaustion. "WHEN did we manage to conceive????" DS was 1 year 4 months then. We had our best time with the 2 kids from when DS2 was 4 months old. by then we'd perfected a few coping techniques and DS2 was sleeping better and DS1 no longer felt compelled to sit on top of his little brother. I also started telling DS1 that everytime DS2 would look at him and say "A goo", he was saying "I love you". Also made a point of "telling off" the baby when DS1 did something naughty. would say, "NOw DS2, you need to know the rules in this house. Mama is not happy with DS1 because DS1 did this and that. Now DS1 will go to the thinking corner. DS2, when you become a big boy like DS1, and you do this and that, Mama will also send YOU to the thinking corner...." etc.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 22:04
Was invited to a childrens' birthday party at a local friend's home and the mum provided Lime Tree Cafe carrot cake for the mums and cupcakes for the kids.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 00:34
I was just looking for a recipe for Buttercream did a search and came across this - THANK YOU!!! Now, where do I find corn syrup???Lulu. Or use golden syrup, it's nearly the same.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 00:28
Stayed at Four Seasons resort in December, with the babies in tow. Besides us, 3 other families at the time. Rest were couples. My top tip: bring any "necessities" like sanitary pads, condoms, phone chargers, even sunscreen and after-sun lotion with you. The hotel shop charged me a fortune for 2 small packs of Kotex (imported from Dubai!). Also, be prepared for astronomical room service rates. Food was the most expensive part of our stay. Perhaps it's best to book a half board or full board option, otherwise you'll spend 25 euros for a plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 23:16
I second Suma! she came over to my home in Jumeira for postnatal massage in August. Very punctual. Her assistant Bin is also fab, has really strong hands.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 23:02
It's been a while since I checked myself BUT...there used to be a fabric shop on the first floor of Jumeira Centre that was known for stocking a variety of jersey fabrics. Certainly worth a shot! I went to the Textile Souk in Deira in the summer, but honestly hardly glanced at the jersey fabrics, just saw the ubiquitous fake "Missoni" jersey fabric there....
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:49
katnip, my DS1 (nearly 3) has an (expensive) addiction to Sugar Daddy's After Eight cupcakes, and the little squirt ONLY eats the frosting! DH bought me the Magnolia Bakery cookbook and their frosting recipe instructs you to beat the butter and powdered sugar for up to 8 minutes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:43
OMG, I really need to see this last season, have been totally out of the loop with Big Love since DS2 was born..... LOVE Joey & Wanda's kooky sub-plot!!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:39
Why iron? Put it in the dryer and straight back on the bed!! What? It would come out all creased to heck. Put one piece at a time in the dryer. The Duvet alone is ENORMOUS (225x225).yeah, now I remember why we stopped using duvets and duvet covers. now we just have a random layering of 4 diff cotton blankets to cover massive bed :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 08:46
Teething Biscuits The biscuits are hard as a rock, but they are not messy and last a LONG time. Ingredients: 2 1/8 cup Whole wheat flour (2 cups plus 2 Tbsp) 1/8 cup Corn flour/ corn starch (2 Tbsp) 1/4 cup Wheat germ 1/2 tsp Salt 2 Tbsp Sugar 1 Egg, beaten 2/3 cup Milk Directions: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In the food processor or in a large bowl, stir together the flour, wheat germ, corn flour, salt, and sugar. Add the egg and mix well. Blend in enough of the milk to form a dough that will hold together in a cohesive ball. On a floured surface or pastry cloth, roll into a rectangle about 3/8 inch thick. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1 1/2 by 3 inch rectangles. Place them on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick each cracker 2 or 3 times with the tines of a fork. I find that pricking the dough once it is rolled out, and before cutting the biscuits, is a lot easier. I simply prick the dough in diagonal lines, kind of like this / / / so that there is about the equivalent of three pricks per biscuit. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the crackers are thoroughly dry. I bake them 35 minutes on one side, then turn them over and bake the other side for 30 minutes, I also rotate the baking sheet because of the uneven heat dispersion in most ovens. Cool on a rack. These crackers should be hard. If necessary, put them back in the oven for a few extra minutes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 00:12
DH bought some beach shoes for toddler DS from Sports City next to Johnny Rockets on Beach Rd. Lycra upper with velcro tab closure, soft rubbery sole.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 23:46
My strategy is to buy nearly all fruit n veg from the Farmers Market at Dubai Mall. The strawberries (non-organic from Egypt, Dhs 5/punnet and organic from Al Ain, Dhs 10/punnet) are fab, as are the mulberries, grapefruit, oranges. I buy enough for the week on Friday mornings. I stock up on apples, blueberries, small bananas, baby food bits and brown basmati rice, low fat UHT milk cartons, Arabic pita breads, chocolate at Organics every 3rd saturday (20% off).The rest of the stuff (potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, lemon, lime, Pakistani red carrots) bought at Union Co-op. Union Co-op has better prices on trash bags and toilet cleaner than C4. I tried (frozen) poultry from Organics but found that it released A LOT of water when cooked, not sure why. Now I buy Perdix or Al Islami frozen chicken parts. I buy red meat from Union Co-op Safa Park (I'm very fussy about how meat tastes and I like the Al Ain beef). Also like the lamb stew meat from Organics. We buy meat for "special occasions" from Park n Shop. I go to C4 once a month, mainly to get C4 nappies, C4 brand basmati rice (10 kg bag), but also any advertised special deals, baking stuff, special cheeses/ chocolate/ C4 brand jam. Both Choithrams and Spinneys are walking distance from my home but I go there with a strict list! Bread, Al Watania eggs, ice cream (Choithrams), cereal boxes from the "reduced to clear" shelf.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 22:58
Looking for the same. Am in Jumeira 1 and my regular gardener just informed DH that he's going back home in a month's time.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 16:22
THanks for the links, Ladies! we used www.Starfall.com with some success with DS1 (2 yrs 8 months) last weekend..
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 16:01
Emlsnre, pls give the name of the company that organizes the baby swimming lessons and the venue the lessons are held at! Thanks.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 15:55
If only there were a real old-fashioned Aussie burger joint, one which served hamburgers with 'the lot'. And by the lot, as all Aussies know, I mean beetroot and bacon and egg and lettuce and tomato and onion and sauce and ... and ... Sigh. It's been too long. :(You can get this at Gourmet Burger Kitchen (best branch is at DIFC). It's called Kiwi style, delish!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 14:44
You could also use rice flour. It is traditionally used in tempura batter!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 00:00
We went last weekend with the 2 yr 8 months DS and the 8 months DS. We got a package with Oman Airways for hotel and airfare, and chose the Grand Hyatt Muscat. The hotel isn't great for toddlers/babies. Hotel gave us an extra single bed for DS1, and we asked them to place the mattress on the floor since the poor kid would've fallen off bed. The room is a good size, bathroom fittings in good condition and the bed mattress is comfortable, which seems to be hit or miss for Muscat hotels. Food at the Grand Hyatt is awfully expensive, and the buffet had few options that were suitable for mashing up and feeding 8 month DS2. The drive is 5 hrs, can be 7 hrs if you hit traffic approaching or leaving Muscat (and there are ROUNDABOUTS on the main highway to deter speeding...). We tried the drive when DS2 was 4 months old, it was AWFUL.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 23:19
Fisher price has this cookie jar which sings... my son loved it.. and still does at 21 months. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2658699 But personally, i think he started to get interested in toys at around 18 months... just awaste buying so many things for him till now.. edited by shaf on 12/03/2011I agree, DS1 really loved it, and I now have to take it out of storage for DS2 :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 22:23
Ooh, please share with us the filling recipe!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 22:21
i dont know any pediatric dermetologist but my DDs pediatrician is excellent. Its Dr Nisha Soares at Al Zahra. She is at the Dubai clinic on saturdays and wednesdays.I second Dr Nisha. She is very calm and reassuring!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 22:17
Nope! But you could start by visiting the school (phone calls could be unproductive). I've seen girls at Jumeirah Beach Park on Ladies Day wearing their school swim suits, and we once approached them and their mums and asked where they bought the suits...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 18:14
yummy that looks delicious!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 16:15
Congratulations StoveTop and Baby Anya!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 16:14
Ours is the size of a vacuum cleaner. We only use it for abayas and shaylas.Could it be useful for dish-dashas? Those take a long time to iron at home...
 
 
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