roysie | ExpatWoman.com
 

roysie

roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 09:47
What do you eat? Gold?:\: I buy pretty much organic everything (food and household products) apart from fruit which I normally can't get organic what I want. We go through a ton of laundry liquid etc which really adds up. We normally only eat gold at the weekend for a treat. that would explain it then. I asked for 4 chicken breasts at Organic last week and was shocked to get a pack with a price of 180 aed on it! And organic whole duck in freezer was nearly 200aed. I quietly placed the chicken in the deli fridge and slinked out of the shop :-) Chicken worries me as we do not know what goes into the locally produced birds - hormones and other chemicals etc. So, usually make sure I buy the Waitrose or Spinneys chicken altho no guarantee that its any better really. There is a thread, it was discussed at length on here around 6 months ago.... It explains why the local chickens here are so small. Its because they are not given growth hormones. Unlike the huge european ones. One lady even visited the chicken farm down on the Al Ain Road
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 09:24
DH and I did weekly shop yesterday at Spinneys Motor City and spent 400dhs for the whole week for 2 adults including household products, meat, enough for having guests over one night as well. Didn't hold back - got organic milk, snacks, shower gels etc. Also picked up my box of veg at Ripe Market as well for a further 80dhs so guess it works out more or less at 500dhs per week. This does seem a lot - I wouldn't spent 80-90 pounds per week in England but things are definitely more expensive here like cheese, certain veg, grocery items. I try to be careful tho and buy locally as much as I can. Defo recommend Dinnertime too - we used them last week and it was a dream :) Dinnertime? am i missing something?
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 09:08
If it makes any of you ladies feel better about your weekly spend.....I spend about 2500 a week for 2 adults and 3 children (aged 2, 4 and 6). Thats what I paid for my flight back to London yesterday!!!! I spend that a month on food...Thats 130,000aed a year on food!! Hope its good!! <em>edited by roysie on 03/06/2012</em>
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 19:36
Yes at the Co-op Safa Park in a small office upstairs in the corner.
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 19:33
Thanks for that tip... I would'nt of thought of washing 1st!
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 18:26
Thank you... Is Al Fahidi street easy to find?... Is this the textile souk that runs along side the creek? <em>edited by roysie on 02/06/2012</em>
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 16:16
Is it the Queens Jubilee today, is there anything on over here? I haven't checked the news yet, been busy this morning. I remember the street parties from the Silver Jubilee (yikes that was a long time ago) Jubilee is Tuesday but there are things on TV... Sky news is alive with it and OSN has coverage from tomorrow I believe.
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 16:08
Thanks Shamat... Thats great... I will go for a scout about. Everywhere I seem only to be able to find very big bright patterns. Thanks for the street names!
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 15:42
Can anybody point me in the right direction of a good place to buy cotton (in plain colours) suitable for dresses?? I have the tailor sorted just need to buy the material. Thanks Ladies :)
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 08:49
This is really boring (just try it once) but you could sit down and plan a weeks dinners, write the list and go get the stuff and buy nothing else that 'you just fancy' and see the bill then?? :D
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 08:47
roysie will you be my personal shopper? You sound amazing! :D lol... :D
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 08:45
I am so glad my husband isn't reading this!!!! Think my shopping bills are grounds for a divorce! I'm cringing alongside you :) 67,600 dirhams a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 08:43
I personally don't think LuLus is any cheaper than Carrefour, but I guess depends on the type of things/ groceries you buy. I do one or two big trips to Carrefour a month, stock up on frozen bagged chicken breasts and beef, then have meat handy in the freezer. Then for fresh produce, milk, bread throughout the month, I get at Spinneys. The main reason I choose Lulu over Carrefour is the veg... it is always so much fresher :)
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 08:43
I have a cat too :) Does that make my bill seem a bit better?? x No... I have 3 dogs!!!!!!
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 08:40
That is so good....think I need a major rethink on the supermarket I use. edited by Aimee1982 on 02/06/2012 Never use supermarkets that are close to (european) expat area's..they are conveinience stores but the prices are shocking. Things like buying Walkers crisps for instance, Lays are made by the same company, but are quarter of the price. Make sure that you buy 'local' produce. ie. cucumbers, onions etc... that is a fraction of the cost. If you buy things like actimel you will notice they are import and local ones... both the same but the local ones are also a quarter of the price or less!!! They are very clever here!!
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 08:30
OMG... that is huge!! I spend around 600 for 3 of us. I very rarely step foot in Spinneys or Carrefour as they are both huge expat rip off shops. Stick to Lulu and the Co-op. I would never allow that much on food. BTW.. That does not include toiletries, I also buy that from Boots <em>edited by roysie on 02/06/2012</em>
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 10:51
Do not worry... my son did it on and off until he was 10!! The only way I really made a difference in the last year or so that he did it was to limit his fluid intake in the evening... Like I said he eventually grew out of it aged 10. If you read up on it, unfortunately it is common for boys up until this age. Sorry I can't help... only to tell you that it is not abnormal at all. Consulting a Dr in my eyes could distress your son more by him thinking there is something wrong..
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 10:35
So glad you have arrived safely Dilys... how is it so far?? Remember you have my details and I live 10 mins from SO if u need anything. Have a great weekend ;)
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 09:35
Yep Jan/Feb fog MUCH worse.... this is a breeze ;-) This is the time of year when you look your best (not).... Can't wear make-up cos it just slides off, your hair is constantly frizzy and you walk around with sweat patches down your back and under your arms.... attractive!! But don't worry cos we all look the same (apart from the odd few Mums on the school run that look fresh as a daisy... always wondered how they do that.. any ideas??) :D <em>edited by roysie on 31/05/2012</em>
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 08:52
I always buy Raybans... never had a moment of problems with them, so, so comfortable, stylish. I would never ever buy cheap sunglasses, can't replace eyes... even my 11 year old wears decent sunglasses for the same reason.
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 08:43
Yep.. we have friends in UAQ, they are picking up supplies for me at the weekend... phew
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 08:42
Yes we are having Jubilee day at JAPS on Tuesday.... dressed in Red, White & Blue and bringing in cakes etc
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 08:38
Yep welcome to summer (and frizzy hair).... 80, 90 & 100% humidity for the foreseable I am afraid. Fog, windows running on the inside, quite vile. Have a lovely day... :D
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 15:46
CP.. you have mail.
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 15:41
My thoughts are with you and your family... I trust that you can get back for support... stay strong
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 15:10
Sorry CP... only just got in. We have a checked flat cap that you can borrow.. I am in Layan, 2 mins from Ranches. Let me know if you want to borrow. Regarding the trousers we just used black trousers with the hems ripped off and a hole or 2 in the knees :) Roysie, sorry I haven't logged on for a couple of days. That would be great thank you, if you don't mind? Let me know how to contact you....I don't mind coming to Layan, I went there a couple of months back when we were looking at villas there, so I think I remember how to get there... thanks again :) CP ... Drop me a line and I will let you know my add and number. Let me know when u have read so I can delete mail add. Thanks edited by roysie on 30/05/2012 <em>edited by roysie on 30/05/2012</em>
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 08:57
When talking to people here there are so many that are still getting child benefit , [b'>how the **** do they do that [/b'>. You have left the country and are not entitled to it , infact your not entitled to anything . Also people talk of going back home with the kids cause things are tight here and they will get this benefit and that benefit but I know people that went back three years ago when the bubble burst and because her kids were born here she got nothing unitil they had lived back in uk for 9/12months so why do some get it and some don't ? They lie... :\: ...so shocked. It will catch up with them eventually.... and then who will be laughing. :\:
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 18:32
We rented a villa with pool and paid extra for the houseboy, Villa was 1200 pounds for 2 weeks, in Hikkaduwa. This was in November. salsB.. do u know what is was the villa was called?.. thanks
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 18:22
i stayed here and it was heaven on earth, had two houseboys and a cook looking after me...right on the beach....bliss. www.srivillas.com Goodness me... that looks posh & expensive!... lush ;)
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 17:32
I have been to Lulus this morning and they have robinsons barley in lemon & orange and that other strange pinkish colour.. Thanks Gladys... will go grab some ;)
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 17:06
Just make sure you check the percentage of cranberry on the side before you choose which one to buy... some of them are as low as 20%. Also the less sugar the better. You can also take SPASMO tablets from the chemist to relieve the aches..... <em>edited by roysie on 29/05/2012</em>
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 14:26
And what is it with dogs that wait until noon then go and lay outside in full sun?? Our springer spaniel is an ardent sunbather!!!.... mad girlie!
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 14:24
Can't beleive what I am reading :\:
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 14:22
My 2 get walked at the crack of dawn too... but all through the day they are in and out, they seem to be used to it and learn to live with it. Just like us ;)
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 13:49
I have a spreadsheet with exactly the same info!!!.... Thought I was the only one.. lol
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:20
Thats brill all done.... great price.... think its something to do with no accidents in 18 years!! ''touch wood''.... Thanks for your ladies, much appreciated as always. Have a great day
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:12
Yes I agree... most people that have a leak seem to find a problem with irrigation. It does not matter if it is on or off for it to leak from the pipes leading to the pump...
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:08
Thank you ladies... DH on the line to them now ;) Suze63... oh how we all love DEWA, hope you get it sorted!!
roysie
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 21:30
So, so terrible. Especially for one couple to loose all 3 kids... :-((
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 21:14
Our Iranian carpets came from Hatta on the border road... its the best place because they are so many selling carpets that you can bargain a very good price. You will need to carry your ID as it is after a check point :)
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 20:38
:):)
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 20:07
MM... sorry not even 1 bottle!! Will try Geant tomorrow.
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 19:38
MM... we have a small shop on our complex that had some last week. After dinner I am going to buy it all if there are any left!! Left you know... we can share ;)
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 19:29
shjbelle, and your point is??? This is not the fruit cordial/squash we are talking about. It is not a ready made "drink as it comes drink", like a fruit shoot. Its a concentrate that you dilute with no added sugar? This thread is not supposed to be a lecture...just a question about where to get some juice....honestly sometimes this forum does your head in! Well said MM... honestly it is rare that you can ask a straight forward question and get related answers back. But this one has given me a giggle.... as we speak I am tucking into a mixed fruit 'sugar free' PINT of Robinsons... yum!!;)
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 17:09
I too can't find my beloved Robinsons Lemon Barley in the sort of triangular bottle, DS not bothered and drinks water but my 45 year old body (with two tooth fillings, one caused by brace abrasion!) needs some Robinsons. The Waitrose high juice is quite good (they do sugar free) and they sell that at Spinneys ... my favourite flavour is pink grapefruit. Keep us posted Robinsons fans! Will do from a 37 year old Robinsons fan with NO fillings!!!!
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 17:09
Hooked on it might be a slight exaggeration but thanks for pointing out in such a direct fashion opportunities to develop my parenting skills! Anyway does anybody know where I can get the cordial? Choithrams, Garhoud have it. Hope you did'nt buy any :\:
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 17:07
Hooked on it might be a slight exaggeration but thanks for pointing out in such a direct fashion opportunities to develop my parenting skills! Anyway does anybody know where I can get the cordial? :):)
roysie
1022
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 17:04
Robinsons is not juice anyway, it is squash/cordial. The sugar is bad and the acid is bad for the teeth. The sugar free is why half the kids in the schools are bouncing. JMHO Pure juice is worse for their teeth than week cordial mixed with water..... and my child does not 'bounce'... does yours?? It seems you have started a separate thread on how to bring your child up.... The OP was just asking if anyone had seen it!!!! lol and not hooked on it... just like it.... <em>edited by roysie on 28/05/2012</em>
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 17:01
No way I would'nt pay... not without them checking with you 1st.
roysie
1022
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 16:57
Captain America its the sugar free with added barley stuff. Pretty good as far as juice goes. Robinsons cordial is an institution in the UK...you can't slate it. lol Well said from a true brit ;)
 
 
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