Gray Girl | ExpatWoman.com
 

Gray Girl

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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 23:13
You should be fine on the return journey if you're on a 'through' ticket (all 4 segments on the one reservation). I had separate return tickets which was why BMI refused to check my luggage through to Doha. I tried to book a qmiles (or whatever it's called) ticket to Aberdeen in the summer but they told me they'd have to make two return bookings which then means your connections aren't guaranteed ... and now they've moved from Terminal 3 to 4 at Heathrow, you have to catch a bus to T1 to get BMI! KLM and BA are easy-peasy in comparison - we're flying home for a (hopefully) white Christmas in Speyside on good old British Airways! Lovely shops at T5 to drag DH around just in case he's forgotten to buy my present!! Good luck with the flights ;)
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 20:59
It's maybe been 5 years since I did it but yes you can (on the outward, BMI wouldn't from Aberdeen and made me pick it up at Heathrow). I've flown Qatar Airways to Dubai, then connected with Singapore Airlines via Singapore to Oz and Doha happily checked it ALL the way through (and it arrived)! I don't think there'll be any problems but hopefully you'll have lots more replies from ladies who have flown more recently.
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 13:03
Thank you Margarita :) Definitely want to give it a try. Do you happen to know where Doha Pharmacy is?
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 17:07
Oh dear, (being one of the Scottish ones) I'd said we should split up otherwise we'd end up talking to each other instead of those we didn't know but of course we didn't! However EssexGirl, you didn't miss much - my conversation consisted of my weekend to AD and bemoaning the state of my hair since living here!! Next time, we're definitely splitting and I'll make more of an effort with the topics! Promise!! So nice to see happy, friendly faces and look forward to the next meet. Have a good week girls :)
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 09:48
This is the link to the dentist which Dan Lou mentioned http://www.qatardental.net/prostodontic.html
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 15:18
Definitely try Mega Mart - I overheard a lady last week asking if they were stocking geese as last years was so good. The guy was nodding his head but I didn't hear him mention a date!
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 15:14
lalala, thank you for moving this thread up! Ladies, thank you all for posting. I really appreciate the advice and I have to give special mention to kiwispiers ... 36E aren't really ginormous ;) I'm a 34F and kept my mouth shut when a friend pointed out an F cup bra and said in a loud voice "my god, can you imagine being so huge to fit into one of those" ... and a friend of DH's who kindly pointed out that anyone wearing an F had fake b00bies (er, they're not)!! Also hoobs, kudos to you for running! Four bras? Really? Tried a Coast dress on but the 12 was just too tight at the bust but fitted below and the 14 gaped around the arms too much. Had a spending spree on-line and ordered some dresses to try on whilst at home for Christmas. Keeping my fingers crossed at least one is a decent fit so I can visit the tailors on my return. Looks like I'll give Monsoon a try too. Thanks again - seems I'm not the only one with a 'problem' figure after all :)
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 11:43
Hmm, cc I don't really blame you for not wanting to try that recipe (squeamish face) and a dozen eggs ... ugh. I'm the same with making mousse or tiramisu - if it's got raw egg in it I'm not eating it nor making it. I have a recipe for tiramisu which involves beating the eggs over a saucepan of hot water - I can happily eat the end product without feeling yucky knowing that the yolks have been 'cooked' to a certain degree ;) Perhaps if you add enough brandy, that'll help too :)
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 11:34
I'm bringing along another lady with me if that's ok - she'd love to meet new people (she's sick of the sight of me)! So, it's Sunday at 10.30am in Landmark, coffee-shop tbc? edited to add, Ausgirl - that's the prefect excuse for everyone to order cake and not feel guilty ... and you can have two! <em>edited by Gray Girl on 06/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 09:45
If I liked eggnog, I would've tried these out before posting ... but I don't! Why not try making either of these - no raw eggs as they are 'cooked' - they seem simple enough :) http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/eggnog/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/eggnog_9370
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 08:23
I'd like to join you too if I may ... I'm not a newbie but just a rather shy Thistle ;)
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 08:20
Tuesday Ladies Group! It's at the Ramada Plaza (Giwana ballroom) tomorrow from 9.30am until 2pm.
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 17:45
Sorry to get your hopes up ... I don't know the contact details but the TLG fair at the Ramada is going ahead on Wednesday. Perhaps she might be there? Hope someone can help.
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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 18:59
Not to worry - Mega Mart stock it as well as (I think) Lulu's and Spinneys! There are a few different Aussie food stuffs that you can pick up here, although much to my DH's dismay, Cherry Ripes aren't one of them ;)
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 09:31
I have a container that says Buprofen on it (it's Ibuprofen) and I bought a box from Boots at Landmark yesterday which is called Sapofen. I've never found the brand Nurofen here but you should find Ibuprofen in any of the pharmacies (there are 200mg, 400mg and 600mg available over the counter). Another thing ... DH eventually sent you an email ... did you get it or have you changed your email address??
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 20:02
a few to consider (but I'd call them to check for sure) ... http://diningindoha.com/features-view.php?id=80 have fun!
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 08:35
I'm almost(!) 100% sure that I've seen it at Lulu's. Maybe try Boots too?
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 08:32
TLG have their fair at the Ramada on morning of Tue 29 November
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 08:27
Dan Lou, good to hear you had such a positive experience too. Salwa is far closer for us but I detest the roadworks, the driving scares the *bleep* out of me ... Maple, here's a link to their website. Dr Fady is based in Salam Tower http://www.qatardental.net/contact.html
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 15:16
Here you are ... http://www.iloveqatar.net/forum/read.php?27,31466,31466 :)
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 09:53
If you want to buy plain and self raising flour, don't buy at Mega Mart - it's so expensive! Lulu's tend to have good old McDougalls for a fraction of the cost. I agree with the other posters who recommend Lakeland and Tavola (RP) - they're the best for equipment and finishing touches. Happy baking :)
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Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 11:06
Jeez, I'm soooo sorry Sunnie16. I'm just off to give him a slap ... hopefully he will remember tomorrow ;) Welcome to Doha :)
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 19:17
Update ... Well! DH walked out happy - minus a tooth - and it seems he's not such an expert with dental matters after all! Dr Fady did a thorough check and found it was a different tooth (which was cracked) that has been giving all the pain so he whipped it out. He also took 'photos' of DH's teeth and pointed out where there may be issues in the future and has given him a follow up appointment in a week. DH says he'd definitely recommend Dr Fady, he was most impressed.
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 12:40
Many thanks for your replies ladies. He's somehow managed to get an appointment with Dr Fady this afternoon!
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Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 19:27
DH uses Ionil T but unfortunately, we bulk buy it when in Oz. He's also used Oilatum scalp shampoo (white bottle with blue and green writing on the front). I bought this in Boots when I was home but I'm almost 100% sure I've seen it in Boots here too. Definitely worth a trip to Villagio or Landmark. Might be worth googling the two brands I've mentioned and make a note of the ingredients and pop to a pharmacy and see what they have. Good luck Just noticed you've got the answer, but I'll post anyway. Happy searching ...
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Latest post on 28 October 2011 - 17:11
I've got some Bisto powder lurking in the cupboard and I usually shop at Mega Mart or Lulu's so I reckon it would have been bought in one of those. Both tend to have a reasonable range of UK stuff. Could try Spinneys or Family Food too, you never know! Good luck searching for slimline - it's a hit or a miss whether you find it and expensive when you do :(
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:02
I've not tried making fondant but according to these http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipes/tag-3084/fondant-recipes.aspx you can use liquid glucose and glycerine which you should either find in a supermarket or a pharmacy. Good luck
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 07:57
Sunnie16, I'm SO sorry DH didn't email you back in July :( He has promised to get in touch by next week - and I'll make sure he does ;) Hope you had a fantastic wedding day
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Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 19:04
I'm not Hungarian & not sure how authentic this is but I've made it quite a few times and DH & mates enjoy it. Serves 4 (577cal/2408kj per serve) 900g stewing beef 2 red capsicum 50g butter 300ml beef stock 2 onions 3 cloves garlic 4 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp mild paprika 2 tsp mild chilli powder salt & freshly ground black pepper half tsp dried marjoram 3 bay leaves 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/ Preheat oven to 150c/300f/gas 2. Cut beef into large cubes. Core, de-seed & chop capsicum. Melt the butter. 2/ Place capsicum & butter in a jug & using a hand blender or food processor, blend capsicum for 2 minutes or until smooth(ish). Poor in the stock & blend for 1 minute until well combined. 3/ Peel & chop onions. Peel & slice garlic. Heat oil in an ovenproof casserole & cook beef & onion for 5/10 minutes, turning occasionally until meat browned all over & onions are softened. Add the garlic, paprika, chilli powder & pureed capsicum. Bring to the boil. 4/ Stir in seasoning, marjoram, bay leaves & cumin. Cover & bake for 1.5/2 hours, stirring a couple of times during cooking until beef is tender & sauce reduced. Remove bay leaves before serving. Tastes even better next day and I serve with mashed potatoes or polenta or gnocchi. Normally replace mild chilli with hot for a good kick! Hope you enjoy if you try :)
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Latest post on 14 October 2011 - 19:11
confession of my darling Mum from the 70's ... when she needed me to sit quietly (at home) so that she could have some peace to get on with cooking or something, she'd whip out the UHU glue tube and smear a little onto my palms and stick them together! When I pulled them apart, I'd happily sit for ages peeling every little bit of glue from my hands. If she knew I told you this, she'd kill me ;)
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Latest post on 14 October 2011 - 18:25
Hi Amy77 - no problem but first you have to become a member (I can't remember if they have a membership joining fee or not but if they do, it's very small). Best thing to do is pop up or email them [email protected] and ask for an application form. When we joined, we did have to get a Doctors stamp and signature to say we were fit to swim!! FYI, the pool building is behind Villagio. To get there, drive to the end of the road between Villagio and Hyatt Plaza (as if you're going to the car park opposite Dean and Deluca). Go through the ticket barrier and turn right, then second left into a car park. Drive ahead then park somewhere on the right. You'll see the stadium in front of you and the building that looks like the hull of a ship with wood and port holes houses the pools. Walk down the side of the pool building and you'll come to glass doors and that's where the reception is. Let me know if you're still unsure (I don't give very good directions) - I can always take you/meet you somewhere close. They're normally quick at replying to emails and very helpful! Good luck :)
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Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 17:27
Amy, this probably isn't what you're looking for but thought I'd post incase someone was interested. Depending on how often you want to swim, you could use the pools at the Aquatic Centre independently. You can use the 50m or 25m pool (tends to be warmer and filled with little ones) - ladies sessions are mornings and/or evenings and they even have three 'family' sessions where you can swim with DH. Charges are 30 riyals per session, 400 a month or 1,000 a quarter with half-yearly and yearly prices too.
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 12:29
Yes, JillMV there really is!! We had a wander around Parco whilst waiting for takeaway at the weekend. From what I remember, the first floor has the supermarket, a juice bar, mobile phone shop, balloon vendor, ME sweets, Lebanese oil/honey store and a DVD/CD store (same as the one that was in QMart at The Mall as DH and the sales ladies greeted each other like long-lost friends!) Second floor has a pharmacy, kids clothes shops, toy shop, abaya shop and I noticed one had english childrens books. Food court is the third floor - two or three Asian-style outlets (we had takeaway from Bharath - vegetarian Indian - which was good) and Yellow Cab. There's a few more yet to open - noticed Popeye's were opening soon although no idea what food that is.
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 11:00
No idea about the Festival City Mall and the Doha Mall (although it's being built just around the corner from us so would've been handy but we'll be long gone by the time it's opened)! Yes, Parco Mall on Haloul just down from Aramex roundabout is the 01 Concept. FoodWorld is actually not a bad little supermarket - they don't have all the UK/US/SA brands that MegaMart has but they have the same bread and a good fruit & veg section and Oz/NZ beef. DH was over the moon to discover Yellow Cab Pizza in the food court and that they'd deliver to us ;)
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 10:50
HTH http://www.expatwoman.com/Qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=127651 :)
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Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 13:19
This may help to answer questions two and three! http://www.fahes.com/ We live near to the one at Abu Hamour - a friend took a bike to be inspected and left our house at 6.30am and he was back by 8am. My DH has used Wakrah in the past - swears blind it's quicker. Good luck (keeping fingers crossed the queue's not too long) :)
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Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 13:22
I don't know where there's another shop - sorry - but just found this number on Qatcom 44412977 You might be REALLY lucky and have some super-helpful person answer the phone and be able to direct you to another store ;) Good luck :)
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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 19:04
Woo Hoo, RachelA! Glad you found some and hope you've been enjoying sweet dreams ;)
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 16:44
I thought Homes R Us had a great selection of pillows - they have their own range, Silentnight and possibly other brands but can't quite remember. I can definitely recommend the goose down Homes R Us - really comfortable and pretty reasonably priced.
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 19:06
RachelA - It's not that Ric's isn't appealing for a mega breakfast (& I'm determined to go this winter!), I'm just a little worried that the button would pop on my trousers! CSH - Which souqs? We live in a stand-alone so my poor Housemaid doesn't have any friends to ask. * and Baffled, I know exactly what you mean. En route to the vets on Sunday I was almost side-swiped AGAIN going around Decoration. I've now vowed to avoid Salwa altogether - absolute nightmare! Sounds like I'll avoid the parking lot too then, thanks mc :) * I'll start a new thread in a couple of weeks to try to find friends for my housemaid. Tried earlier in the year with no luck but perhaps we'll strike lucky this time (she speaks Sinhalese, not Tamil).
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:39
Many thanks marycatherine. Sounds like my kind a place too - love a bargain!! Been here almost 3 years and have yet to breakfast at Ricks but I think I know roughly where it is.
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Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 09:07
Newbie, These might give you a few ideas if you want to venture out and about (I did a search because I remember a thread on this ages ago but as usual, it only came up with UAE stuff). http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa/pillars/index/1/culture/238 http://www.timeoutdoha.com/gallery/20672-best-road-trips-in-qatar?image=1 http://www.sheikhfaisalmuseum.com/default.aspx Happy exploring :)
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 08:34
At the moment, everyone seems to be out grocery shopping pretty early so you need to join them to get the best pick of vegetables - I also saw a few at FF Mirqab St! I second MumInDoha - definitely the best although Lulu's pretty good too. Carefour normally have a stack of icebergs but their Boston lettuce is twice the price of Mega Marts (amazing but true - admittedly C4's are a little larger than MM's)! MM tend to have boston, frisee, lollo rosso and the likes but they usually have some icebergs too. They also sometimes have Australian grown salad leaves which are really nice for a change and the same producer also have packs of baby spinach and rucola - they're not that expensive. I also love the 6-packs of little gem lettuce from Lulu!
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 10:38
I picked up a business card a few months ago from a TLG meeting (so she may or may not still be here but worth a try): Rosemary Lindsay, Psychologist offers Counselling, Training, Career Development and Quit Smoking Phone: 33252861 Email: [email protected] I'm almost sure she said she saw people individually or couples. HTH
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 14:24
VRDoha, TLG are a separate expat group - here's the link to their website http://www.tlgdoha.com/ look to the right under upcoming events and you're in luck - the 19th is a Tuesday they're meeting!
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Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 19:16
Hi sunnie16, I may be able to offer some help. Drop me an email if you want (let me know if you do so I can delete my address from here). <em>edited by Gray Girl on 13/07/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 18:58
Phokoje, I noticed that your maid is Sri Lankan. My housemaid is also from Sri Lanka - she's been with us now for 4 months. If your housemaid is interested in making a friend from her own country when she gets to Doha, please let me know! We live in a stand-alone villa so Priya (Sinhalese) doesn't have an opportunity to meet other maids (that perhaps she might were we living on a compound) and she doesn't have any friends or family working here either. I'd love for her to have a friend here that she could call and meet on her day off. Good luck with the RP's and visa - hope it's pain-free ;)
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Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 13:30
Hi sunnie16 Just dropped into a pharmacy and they said you can buy over-the-counter for hypothyroidism (she reeled off a few names but I can only remember thyroxine) but she had never heard of 'Armour' but said if she had the generic name she can check. Hope this helps.
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 15:34
Love this thread - brought a big smile to my face, thanks girls. I'm from a pretty quiet part of Scotland and when I moved here, it took a lot of courage to get in the car and drive! I decided I didn't much care for my saloon - couldn't see much so invested in a Patrol (without 20 foot arial!). Ha! I've never looked back... now I honk, push in and shout with the best of them. The funniest 'compliment' I received was when my parents came to visit and my Mum said "oooh, you've become a very confident and aggressive driver haven't you"? whilst Dad was desperately trying to stamp on the brake from the passenger footwell!! Drive safe :)
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 17:25
I don't have any info to share but if anyone knows of classes held midweek I'd love to get details.