Apricot | ExpatWoman.com
 

Apricot

Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 23:13
I figured, everyone I know sends rice and salona, or some variant on that like kabsah/ pulao and some soupy dessert like Eastern-style trifle, but no one sends a nice home-made cake or biscuits to the masjid....
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 23:04
I like to make Madhur Jaffrey's "Carrot Cake with an Indian Flavour". I double the recipe and bake it in cupcake wrappers, easier to transport and distribute. DH delivers these, and he jokes how the laborers initially approach the cakes warily, followed by delight. I am imagining a bunch of guys munching on cupcakes lol. LOL, though the cakes are culturally palatable to these tough guys due to absence of fluffy white cream cheese icing, hence more "manly"
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 22:22
Alismum, my cousin does this regularly. She uses the foil dishes w/ paper covers from supermarket, or she re-uses cleaned, empty 1kg yogurt buckets w/ lid. I like to make Madhur Jaffrey's "Carrot Cake with an Indian Flavour". I double the recipe and bake it in cupcake wrappers, easier to transport and distribute. DH delivers these, and he jokes how the laborers initially approach the cakes warily, followed by delight.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 22:09
knee length cotton trench coats from H&M in various colors. Typically worn over jeans. Wear a printed infinity scarf over your head a la Angelina Jolie? <em>edited by Apricot on 26/05/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 22:06
everyone uses clothes dryer in states, but its so uncommon here! do you use clothes dryer? I use the clothes dryer if it's too humid outside,it rains, there is a sandstorm, or if I need clothes dried in a hurry. I have an Italian Bompani Sahara clothes dryer from Carrefour. Otherwise, I line-dry my clothes using a Brabantia Wall-fix foldaway clothes line and 2 stainless steel laundry drying racks from Home Centre. The Carrefour ones tend to rust and the plastic bits eventually chip off due to sun damage. BTW, I have seen Miele washing machine and clothes drying machine sets sold at Cash Converters on Sheikh Zayed Rd, so it is possible to buy them second-hand and a bit cheaper. I researched vacuum cleaners last year and ended up with a Miele vacuum cleaner that is excellent on deep-pile carpets and picks up all stray hairs. My cousin has a Dyson bought from Carrefour and she has spent so much money on repairs during past 3 yrs that she is considering buying a Miele vacuum next time the Dyson breaks down.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 20:45
Gloria Yassat has a great kids club with karate and swim lessons available, and a spacious shaded outdoor softplay on roof.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 01:32
Prime Medical, Zulekha Hospital and New Medical Centre cater to the lower-end. I've been to Prime and Iranian Hospital, but prefer Iranian as their nurses/ staff are nicer to kids.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 18:46
wax paper is not the same as parchment paper. baking paper is the same as parchment paper. I buy Falcon brand baking paper from either Union Coop or Carrefour, wherever I happen to be.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 17:35
Decathalon in MCC has toddler helmets. Have bought several from there :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 16:11
If you stop many times, with kids, it can take 6 hrs. Shortest time is 4.5 hrs. Sometimes you can get stuck in traffic near Muscat airport, or traffic just past the Qurum Beach area.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 14:06
Hi, you can find these at Carrefour MOE in the aisle that has Organics/Ethnic foods on one side and boxed juices/ Tang/ etc on opposite side. I've bought Carrefour's own brand (grapefruit) and Tisserand lime syrup (as a sub for thawed frozen lime juice concentrate in a cake recipe) and both are great quality. There are also various Arab brands of fruit syrups, my FIL always bought strawberry and raspberry, and they are great quality. Carrefour also stocks Monin flavored syrups in large and mini bottles, these are the syrups used in coffee shops :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 20:49
Three yrs ago, I had wall to wall carpeting done by a shop in Satwa called Bride of Nomadism. I'm still happy with the carpet.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 16:44
I always find people have them on sale last minute as they cannot attend for one reason or another my sisters waited outside the venue of a 1D concert in California for 4 hrs, then 3 entire rows of "booked" seats opened up at $50/ ticket. they were thrilled, as was our aunt who took them. Daza, I'm also very tempted ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 16:30
My favorites are "Dil Se" and "Dilwale Dhulhan Lijaynge". "Dil Se" is very different from most Bollywood movies, and apparently Shahrukh Khan's personal favorite. I liked "English Vinglish", Sridevi's come-back movie, "Monsoon Wedding", "2 States", "Bunty Aur Babli". I've watched a lot of Shah Rukh Khan movies but not much else.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 16:15
the Sun and Sand outlet warehouse store behind Gold and Diamond Park has a great selection of Nike, Adidas, Puma, etc shoes.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 May 2014 - 22:26
Totsbots from the UK and Tiny Tush from the States. you can buy Imsie Vimsie nappies and disposable liners at Just Kidding. You can also buy from May Angels, the lady imports them from Australia.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 21:31
A wedding?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 20:07
Bed at 1am up 6am, grouchy you bet :) On a good day.... 6am do school pack up, kids at school clean the house, washing, ironing etc, from about 9am do all the business paperwork, put kettle on, bit of surfing, nip to shops, get kids, take youngest on bike or to park (not every day), cook dinner, wash up etc, help with homework, bath LO (eldest doing GCSEs so I hardly see him apart from occasional nod). When LO in bed, put feet up, watch a bit of telly, maybe nod off for half hour, check emails, wait for hubby to come home, bed about 1-1.30. On a not so good day......... forget the business paperwork, quick hoover, put on movie for my youngest instead of bike riding, get a take away, put feet up more, eat loads of chocolate. I can relate to your schedule Alismum, only I am worse. I go to bed 1am or 2am and wake up 7.15am. I am "out of it" all day and have a splitting headache from 3.30pm to about 6pm, which is incredibly charming because I'm doing homework with the kids/ ferrying them to and back afterschool activities/ entertaining them a bit/ cooking dinner or baking random item with kids. On the plus side, I get most of my errands done while kids are at school, attend a 4hr class once a week, get to the gym once a week, attempt business paperwork a few times. I am not a morning person, and I am trying desperately to get myself into that mode. I've been sleeping at midnight the past week but the headaches aren't any better. I also know that I could benefit from a weekly or monthly cooking plan, I am always trying to cobble together meals from 5 different kinds of leftovers.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 18:34
Great reminder, I need to renew mine...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 21:49
Apricot-do you know this ladies name or contact details please? I'd rather share it via email <em>edited by Apricot on 18/10/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 20:09
There's a high protein low carb loaf made with lupin seeds and other flours, its sold in C4 and Geant, they do a flat one and a sliced loaf, its quite nutty tasting but not unpleasant. The wrapper is green cannot recall the brand but its clearly marked high protein. Makes decent toast. Yes Di, I saw this bread loaf at Hyperpanda recently, baked by Modern Bakery. Good to know that it tastes ok!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 13:12
Dr Sajwani in Lazer Eye Clinic, Mazaya Ctr offices, is great, I like how he relates to my boys, and the nurses are also nice. 04 343 1744
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 19:01
currently reading "Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan. It's very well-written, the story is interesting.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 18:59
Mrs Mozz, where do you get the Sensai eyeliner from?
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 18:58
Hi Norak, I found 1 kg bags of sour gummy worms in an Iranian supermarket in Bur Dubai. the 1 kg bag sells for Dhs 20/-. The supermarket is located 2 shops away from the big AA and Sons store on Street 3B opposite the Bur Dubai Water Taxi/ Abra station. (Street 3B begins with HSBC and ends with AA and Sons shop). Anyway, this shop sells bulk nuts/ saffron/ dried fruit as well as diapers, processed food, etc.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 18:52
Anon, hope it works out for you!
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 May 2014 - 20:37
Kindly share your chart! I have found that persistence, ie checking the online booking every 4 hrs from about 48 hrs before desired departure, can lead to availability of mileage seats on Emirates.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 16:16
I would go in a heartbeat...
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:29
making dessert for family gathering while playing referee btwn squabbling kids. looking forward to entertaining the kids solo all weekend. Probably another family gathering tomorrow. on the literally bright side, love my newly installed Ikea ceiling lamps in living room.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:19
I've heard good things about the learning support provided at Uptown School in Mirdif.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 12:41
There is some great advice on irs.gov, it just takes a lot of patience to read through everything. And, create an Excel sheet listing all your personal assets for the past year beforehand. Everything gets taxed, with the exception of jewelry. Deadline is June 15 for citizens and green card-holders residing abroad. <em>edited by Apricot on 08/05/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 20:25
Kitchen 6 also has a great weekday lunch buffet, towards which you can use Entertainer vouchers.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 20:15
d) none of the above. This has occured frequently recently (neighbor's house is being demolished and the crew keeps severing our electricity wires, then we have to wait for DEWA to arrive and re-connect, happy days) and the only thing that has suffered is frozen raw beef/ lamb, it tastes more "gamey" or "meaty" after cooking than normal. DH's veggie burgers are fine, as are all our home-made frozen pre-cooked meals, frozen pizza, etc.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 20:11
Too busy with other errands to get to fruit market or bur dubai so I've been buying mangoes at my local Union Coop, I just sniff anything that is labeled India or Pakistan, and buy whatever smells best. Got some "laalbadsha" mangoes last week since all the Alphonsos in stock were bright green. I tried the Australian mangoes at Spinneys in Jan and didn't like them, they tasted just like the Mexican mangoes you get in California, more like fragrant peaches. I prefer the floral taste of Alphonso :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 19:14
We earn Skywards miles thru credit card and convert them to business class upgrades ;) LOL !! You want to try slumming it then..seems like the cattle class kids' food is n icer..and who wants a bread basket ?? Lol Yeah, give my kids macaroni and cheese or lasagna bolognese over a bread basket :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 19:09
We earn Skywards miles thru credit card and convert them to business class upgrades ;) Do you mean the airmiles you get from your HSBC credit card? Didn't know you could use them for upgrades as well. Do you need to upgrade before the flight via the airmiles system, or can it be done at the airport? TIA. I earn miles using Emirates Islamic Bank Platinum Skywards credit card. I upgrade before the flight. Often seats "open up" 36 to 24 hrs before the flight. <em>edited by Apricot on 06/05/2014</em>
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 19:02
Hyper Panda stocks various types of Playtex tampon with plastic applicator.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 18:53
Centrepoint in MCC stocks a drugstore product that is a copy of a Sephora eyeliner, it is by NYX cosmetics and is a goof-proof liquid eyeliner called The Curve felt tip eyeliner, it looks like a boomerang because the applicator is angled. Unfortunately it only comes in black, as does the more expensive Sephora version. I found a brown mascara in Centerpoint MCC by a French company called Arcacils.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 23:54
We earn Skywards miles thru credit card and convert them to business class upgrades ;)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 23:47
Happy to hear that it ended well for you :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 23:39
Cool, thanks for info.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 23:38
Eh, I didn't like the EK kids meal on SFO-DXB recently. My DSs were given as starter: 1 1/2 cups of cheap brown canned tuna mixed with mayo, molded into half sphere and decorated with cherry tomato n cucumber slices (it looked so 1950s and sooo antithetical to Northern CA food culture of organic, local, fresh), salad bowl filled with potato salad bound with mayo. Main dish was 5 chicken nuggets on a bed of boiled mixed frozen veg. Kids ate the hummus and pita bread from DH's mezze plate instead. In their snack box, the Hula Hoops were replaced by salted Lay's chips/ crisps. My kids don't touch the EK kids meal, apart from the packet of Hula Hoops, which is a rare treat. They've never been offered pasta, neither the US routes nor the UK route we've traveled. They choose from the bread basket, nibble at cheese sandwiches, eat butter chicken with rice (hot snack on long-haul direct), and can be coaxed to eat half my chicken biryani.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 23:19
I collect used batteries and take them to the EEG office on Beach Rd, just before Beach Ctr. They are open weekdays and Saturday morning.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 23:13
Hi Alismum, thanks so much for the response :) Will forward link to DH who only braves JBR to eat at Bob's. Ultimately I chickened out at thought of traffic on Sufouh Rd during early evening so we met up at TGI Fridays on Beach Rd, which also serves nice hamburgers and has easier parking. Grandmother enjoyed experience, as did her great grandkids.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 22:25
My cousin, a qualified special-needs primary teacher, took her 9 yr old son to visit the psychologist at Kids First 2 yrs ago. She was happy with the psychologist's approach, and her son benefited from the sessions. A popular alternative is Dubai Community Health Ctr.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 22:21
My bad... Sorry. My friend in Bahrain orders all her Aveda hair products from this site, look fantastic dot com, they have free worldwide shipping and stock all the brands that OP is searching for. HTH.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 22:00
I saw it in Carrefour and Lulu Barsha sale flyers a couple of weeks ago.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 21:57
OP, Hello Kitty salon in Town Ctr on Beach Rd certainly do hair, and they run a Monday special of 20% off all services. I've had my hair done there (no DDs!), and found the staff friendly with me and the junior clients :)
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 21:22
Once I got my MIL to trust me (after 12 yrs of trying LOL), she confided that her in-laws were very difficult to please and gave her a really hard time while her kids were all young and growing up. Her in-laws also repeatedly tried to convince FIL to divorce her while the kids were young. She admitted that I was the only daughter in law who she felt comfortable with, so she subjected me to the most "tests of loyalty". She said that she recognized me as a "people-pleaser" so she just tried to push me as far as I could go! MIL and FIL pushed DH and I as much as they could, and I tried to love and respect them in spite of it. I tried to focus on how much MIL supported DH's education and upbringing to become the nice DH he is. Think of it as a reverse-compliment, and embrace the Friday Marathon.
Apricot
1987
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 21:07
how was camping?
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

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

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing