Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

1987
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 20:56
I would suggest Nissan Armada or Toyota Fortuner or Toyota Sequoia. They aren't the best-looking cars, but all my friends who have big families, frequent visitors, or plenty of kids in car seats drive these cars and are quite happy. DH says that Toyota Landcruiser would be your most expensive option, and perhaps not really worth it. Brand-new, the Mazda CX9 should be within your budget. I owned one for 1 1/2 yrs and I really liked it. It is 7 seater, has good a/c for the middle seats and rear-seats passengers, and routine servicing was among the cheapest I've ever paid in Dubai. It is also easy to park, and is "zippy" to drive. Toyota has the advantage in having provided GCC spec cars in the region over the longest time period.
1987
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 20:42
Target, Kohls, and Walmart sell online through their websites. I don't know if they ship directly to the UAE, that is for you to research. I have noticed that for the US stores which do offer direct UAE shipping and show the item's cost in UAE dirhams like www.macys.com, they also increase the cost of each individual item.
1987
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 16:47
It won't make a difference. You will still be hit with currency conversion charges, as your UAE and American accounts are not denominated in sterling. The fact that you'd be shipping to a UK address is irrelevant. Ditto. Most banks charge 4% for currency conversion.
1987
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 16:25
depends on your budget and preferences in fabric quality. Many people are perfectly happy with clothes shopping at Target and Kohl's and Walmart. There are major sales to look out for: Back to School (late August), Labor Day (last weekend of August), Black Friday (after Thanksgiving), post Christmas, Presidents Day, Colombus Day, Memorial Day. Some of the best bargains are found off-line at discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory.
1987
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Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 16:42
FYI Many nurseries and schools have a NO NUTS policy (to accommodate kids with genuine nut allergies), so that eliminates all the peanut butter and nut butter snack suggestions. I don't offer any nut-based snacks at play dates/ kids parties/ class picnics because of the liability issues.
1987
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Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 16:17
anyone who buys nestle water should be ashamed of themselves, bearing in mind CEO's comments and their aggressive baby formula policies in third world. Not to mention all the additives in it, plus you know, it tastes vile. DH really likes it! Even after I sat him down to watch the documentary "Bottled Life"! His favorite water is Jabal El Akhdar from Oman. Seriously, it's easier to get a constant supply of Nestle than Jabal El Akhdar.
1987
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Latest post on 22 July 2014 - 16:12
BintNizam, I use a UAE credit card to purchase stuff from Amazon UK, Debenhams, etc and I do incur an extra bank currency conversion charge.
1987
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Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 15:24
i found learning Arabic hear in Dubai is very difficult, not many people speak the language, after learning it, and not practicing for a while, it became difficult to relearn... My top advise is if you do learn it, keep it upHonestly, it depends on the community of people you interact with most frequently. I like to practice my Arabic at the deli and butcher counters at Union Coop.
1987
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Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 15:22
Any recommendations for similar classes in Sharjah? Or private tutors? There's a language learning institute near the Al Qasimiya Sharjah Coop, going towards the direction of the Kuwaiti round-about. I took Arabic classes there many eons ago :)
1987
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Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 14:51
Here, it is called by its Palestinian/ Lebanese name, Maghribiya or Mooghrabiya. You can buy it either from Union Coop (at the Safa Park branch, it is placed right after the bulk spice bins) or from Lifco supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Rd. You do need to soak it prior to boiling as it is quite dry.
1987
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Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 14:48
The Organic Glow salon in Jumeira 2 on Al Wasl Rd offers organic hair coloring services. I've had their deep conditioning scalp treatment followed by a blow-dry and was happy with the experience.
1987
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Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 14:16
Hi Londiamond, Yes, Muslims are allowed to give charity to non-Muslims, indeed this is a great way of emphasizing that Islam is a religion and message revealed for all of humanity. I think your friend is doing a wonderful thing.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 13:54
*Make lots of extra brown crispy caramelized onions for serving! *Use brown lentils. We once made koshary at home from an Arab cookbook, without having eaten the authentic version, and used pink masoor dal. It was not nice. *Cook in separate pots, adding 1/4 tsp ground cumin to the rice and lentil pots: 1 cup rice, preferably Egyptian, or other short-to medium-grain rice 1 cup brown lentils 96g elbow macaroni *Make sauce: Saute 3 cloves garlic, finely mashed in a little oil until pale. Add 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, some paprika or chili powder to taste. *Drain macaroni. In a greased serving dish, layer: Rice mixed with lentils, then macaroni, then sauce, then crispy fried onions. *Have extra sauce, extra fried onions, Tabasco and yogurt on side. Can double quantities as needed. Maybe double sauce. This feeds 4-5 adults.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 13:36
thanks, received your message!
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 03:24
I know people who order hulled hemp seeds (to use in smoothies) from Amazon to Dubai, and I personally brought in hulled hemp seeds from the States a few months ago without issue. Quantities over 300g would create suspicion. <em>edited by Apricot on 12/07/2014</em>
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 03:18
there were ads in Gulf News saying you can buy the Kindle Paperwhite from Aido.com, perhaps worth a try :) I would also search jadopado.com, Dubai-based techie shopping site.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 03:15
Thanks this is awesome news! During my recent trip to the States, I officially moved from shopping at the MAC counter to shopping at the NARS counter (for blush, at least!). Have joined the fandom of Lagoon and Orgasm, although the saleswoman also tested Gilda on me and I really liked it. I also bought an eye pencil as they had the most perfect shade of purple. poshbird87, what do you use the ITA brush for?
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 03:10
I bought a pre-owned X3 directly from the showroom last year. Went to Abu Dhabi to test drive an X1, then the salesman showed me the X3 they had just received in the back. It's still under warranty. I've only had an issue with squeaking brake pads, which the folks at the Dubai showroom have been happy to address. Be aware that the X3 and X5 come in varying engine specs, and that diff showrooms have diff specs in stock. I found the Abu Dhabi salesmen to be more savvy than the Dubai salesmen (typical "yes-ma'am" talk). There's also a huge pre-owned lot at the Sharjah BMW showroom that's worth perusing. Fiat500, my DH bought a new X5 back in 2006 and he had untold number of issues with that car, but I haven't had major issues with my 2013 X3 so it seems that BMW have resolved some of the GCC specific issues.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 02:43
I bought a Karcher outdoor vacuum cleaner to clean artificial grass. You can do a price comparison between Union Coop and Ace and check which place sells it cheaper.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 02:34
Dr Rubeena (female) at Medcare Clinic Jumeira is fab.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 02:21
In case you would like some popcorn, I have about 6 kilos of imported grade A "butterfly' popping corn, non GMO specialty gourmet catering quality corn with natural gourmet food flavours that I would be happy to pass on if you want, don't want to leave them here over the summer. All fresh and new in tubs.Hi Di, could you pls give me some details of the flavors you've got? <em>edited by Apricot on 12/07/2014</em>
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 02:15
I've noticed them at random in Union Coop nr Safa Park and Carrefour MoE near the adult diapers.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 02:08
Yes they will fit in cars bought in Dubai. Better to buy in the UK, much cheaper and more selection. Personally, I would recommend Britax over Maxi Cosi. My babies somehow ended up "long" and very quickly outgrew the newborn Maxi Cosi, whereas the stage 1 and stage 2 Britax car seats are not only better performers in consumer safety tests, but also allow for a longer range of height and weight.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 01:46
She could visit Cash Converters on Sheikh Zayed Rd, they're a consignment business for used goods, I saw a lot of great brands last time I went there. TBH, I've bought most of my white goods from Carrefour and never had a problem. I buy fridges and freezers from Juma Al Majid in Bur Dubai, but if I were very pregnant, I wouldn't go there due to unfinished paving around the parking lot.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 01:37
I saw them in Promod in Mall of Emirates 3 months ago...
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 01:34
Is it weekend already?, every day seems the same to me now that kids are off school. Thought it was only about Tuesday. Yes, that is true. Weekends are only special for people who work. For us SAHMs, there are no weekends... :-) Weekends mean OVERTIME WORK because the DH is also home, egging us all on to "spend quality family time together" while also expecting meals to be prepped and ready on schedule ;)
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 01:28
Senses Day Centre addresses young adults with special needs.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 01:21
Fortel and Accu-clear are trusted brands of cheap ovulation kits.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 01:11
Are you talking about the various lotions and gels or the skin exfoliator? I used a couple of the lotions (sent over in a parcel from the States) and tbh, I had to find alternative products using beautypedia.com that were meant to resolve the same skin issues, since the Pro X lotions/gels weren't effective on my skin. Now I use cheaper skin products (also sent over from the States!) that are more effective.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 01:02
Hi, we took our 2 ds's to Alton Towers 2 yrs ago. We flew directly to Birmingham, booked a taxi from motel to Alton Towers, it took 1 hr 30 min drive. We stayed at the resort. Nearby there may have been some b&b's, but to access the park you would have to take local bus or a taxi since the park entrance isn't walkable from the village. We had a half board package and the vegetarian selection for dinner was fine. Room service serves ice cream and popcorn. Our favorite feature of the resort was the discovery of the hotel-guest kitchen (standard domestic fridge in which guests stored labeled bags of food, microwave, free usage of clothes washing machine/dryer, with free laundry soap provided upon request in the hotel gift shop). There is access within the building to the indoor waterpark, which we frequented after a full morning at Alton Towers park. My advice is to skip the themed rooms (we stayed in Peter Rabbit's Garden) and book a standard family room. They're the same size. We stayed in the Victorian-style Resort hotel. Having grown up visiting Disneyland in Los Angeles, I was pleasantly surprised by how gimmick-free the amusement park and its hotel felt. There are lots of fun corners to explore like the little aquarium near the main food stalls area, the funny-ghosts-in-the-forest passage, and a funny squirrel-in-the-trees ride for the under-110cm kids.
1987
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Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 00:44
Shoes, esp if you have wide feet or flat feet. Nothing suede. We still have "summer weather" until mid October, so definitely sun screen.
1987
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Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 15:13
Sorry to hear about last night's multiple wakings! Ok, so you also have a 2.5 yr old in addition to the 3 month old. Unfortunately, I think babies' sleep gets "worse" between 3 months and 12 months and you can't "train" them to sleep through the night. My LOs refused to follow a sleep routine LOL. Nah, you're just tired between the interrupted night sleep and caring for an attention-demanding 2.5 yr old and a very hungry 3 month old. You may feel like this for the next 1.5 yrs, it's part of caring for more than one child. My cousin copes by putting her older toddler to bed by 7pm, then she and baby sleep at 8pm. She also copes by cooking the same food every week, no variations, so that her grocery list is always the same.
1987
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Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 12:08
I went to Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for upper lip laser hair removal. I was very impressed with the professionalism of the technician, Sally. I haven't noticed any burn marks or otherwise on my upper lip.
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 22:38
That's a great tip, thanks BellaUK :)
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 22:37
No, your baby will not wake up every hour forever. Children go through stages in their night-time behaviour. Did you know that 3 yr olds have night terrors and will start crying loudly, requiring your attention? I didn't know this before DS1 started doing it at 3. Are you able to sleep in during the early morning? I used to hand over my baby to the housemaid from 6am to 10 so I could catch up on sleep. Another option, if you don't feel comfortable doing that, is to join your baby in the afternoon nap that Gina Ford prescribes. Yes, your baby is "never full" because she's 3 months old and going through a growth spurt. Soon, she will start teething and she will nurse more to alleviate the pain. My LOs were super-glued to me from sunset onwards so I understand how exhausted you are. PS. Get off the Internet and get some sleep while your LO is also sleeping! I wish I had followed that advice as a new mum, and am giving it to you now :)
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 21:57
Got it, thanks so much!
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 21:52
I tried Gina Ford with my first LO while EBF. At 3 months and 6 months, they have growth and brain developmental spurts, hence the increased nursing at night. It is exhausting for both mama and baby, but crucial for baby. DH was very supportive of me and kept reminding me that I was helping our child. I wouldn't keep a baby awake until 10pm, I would keep returning to nurse and settle. Childrens' brains need 4-5 hrs' sleep before midnight for various memory and cognitive functions, etc. TBH, I put Gina Ford away at this point, and only resumed when LO was 12 months. Another good resource is an article on the Internet called "Sleep, Changing Patterns in the Family Bed" by Jay N Gordon.
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 20:29
Two new restaurants have opened there, Boteko Brazil and the new one Omnia from the British TV chef Silvena Rowe. My friends had lunch at Ms Rowe's cafe on Weds, they really liked it.
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 20:23
DDB, kindly share your contact <em>edited by Apricot on 26/06/2014</em>
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 19:02
You can get them from Al Adil Trading. I've seen them in the Barsha and Shindagha branches. Not as cheap as Wal-mart, but they are clearly good quality and fresh stock.
1987
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Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 18:21
*get my visitors to decide whether they want lunch on Friday or Saturday. *accordingly, plan weekend visit to in-laws and their visiting guests in Sharjah. *cook visitor's lunch *cook savoury dish for Sharjah visit *grocery trip for whole milk and yogurt *make mint ice cream with kids *interrupt kids' iPad time with math workbook *make 3 kinds of samosas and freeze them for Ramadan *watch "Orange is the new Black" and "Secrets and Lies" (an Ozzie series) *go to Arte on Friday if visitor's lunch happens on Saturday.
1987
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Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 22:35
Carrefour MoE, but priced more expensive than Wal-Mart, we compared in March. Choithrams opp Safa Park also stock, but priced higher than Carrefour lol!
1987
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Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 22:26
I needed modeling clay (non hardening) and found the best price at Dubai Library Distributors. Found bulk-sized glue bottles at Craft Box, behind Organic Foods n Cafe nr Oasis Ctr
1987
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Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 21:57
@Ladybirdsarethebest What kind of fabrics are avaible in Bin Sougat Souq? I'm looking mainly for kids fabrics or jersey but i found the designs ins Satwas not really nice. For kiddie print fabric, Tahir has the best range in Satwa. If you want to match colors, Vashu Matching Ctr and Rinco Matching Ctr in Bur Dubai are great. I went in April to Vashu and it was pleasant. I don't push with the bargaining aspect, and I think the staff appreciate that.
1987
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 02:58
I second Bounce in Al Quoz, took my little DSs there last week on a weekday afternoon to build up interest, and I was really happy with what I saw, lots of pre-teens having fun. There's a snack bar upstairs with pre-packed salads, the usual mini quiche, mini pizza, croissants, bags of popcorn, and free wi-fi, no password needed to connect :) The socks that everyone jumping is required to wear are colorful and funky. I had a look at their party packages, and they start at a minimum cost of Dhs 100/ head.
1987
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Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 23:52
Our best memory from our fortnight Singapore holiday with the kids is of walking from Orchard Street through a fancy residential area in the hills to the Botanical Gardens. Then we walked through the campus of National University to enter the Jacob Ballas Childrens Park. It's a large, varied, magical park. We had an early dinner at the Botanical Gardens' onsite restaurant and the kids preferred the murtabak to the "brown spaghetti". I would go to the cake decorating heaven called Phuan Hat in the Geylang Lorong district. It's all warehouses selling things wholesale, apart from Phuan Hat, and if you turn around a certain way, you are opposite a major bus station and a hawker center (outdoor food court). Cross the hawker center and you stumble upon another great cake decorating shop called Bake King :) There are a lot of malls, shiny and grotty. My fave dept store in that region is Isetan, and there's a great Chinese brand of workout wear called Lee Ning. Daiso in Singapore is sooo much bigger and crazier. I bought a dedicated tofu box. A nice food chain is Toast Box, they sell thick, jumbo slices of white bread covered in peanut butter then cut into cubes with a cleaver and sold with a wooden pick; they also sell lovely pandan chiffon cake. I loved that cake so much that I returned to Bake King to buy the kit to recreate it back in Dubai! Unless you like your bread sweet and milky tasting, don't be lured into fancy bakery shops like Bread Story. Everything looks awesome until the first bite.
1987
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Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 23:31
The first time I heard a Top 40 countdown on the radio was on Dubai FM, I guess my part of the States was a bit more cosmopolitan, each radio station stuck to its own genre of music. Top 40 was the only way I could hear the latest alternative rock music on Dubai FM so I looked forward to it. I liked Ch 33, and the Thursday night Hindi movie with Arabic subtitles, but the funniest was Saudi 2, which was the only channel that broadcasted the Martha Stewart show (which I really missed as a newly-arrived expat) and Sesame Street. Whenever Martha or another cooking show host started preparing Christmas dinner or a pork dish, the censor would clip out each reference to Christmas and pork/ham. Seriously, they should've just decided to not broadcast that episode, for all the jumpy cuts involved.
1987
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Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 01:13
I've seen bliss skincare sold at Dollhouse salon in Dubai Ladies Club (but I'm not convinced). Beautypedia.com has a lot of great research-based comparisons and reviews of skincare, incl "best-of" and "budget beauty" lists.
1987
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Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 01:04
Right Maids are a pleasant company to deal with.
1987
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Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 01:02
I've discovered a fair share of dried out gecko CORPSES on the undersides of sofas, under sofa cushions, in between the sofa cushions and the upholstered sofa cover, behind curtains. My living room must be a pleasant place for them to die, seeing as it's sweeped and mopped with Dettol every day... maybe its the detol? Asphyxiation by Dettol fumes, ha ha! Not to mention crushed egg shells in every corner, while we're at it. I reserve the eggshells to enrich my beloved straggly veg n herb garden ;) Honestly I don't mind that they love to nest in the house's central a/c ducts or scurry along the walls, I only mind discovering their corpses stuck to furniture that my kids jump and climb over.