Maple | ExpatWoman.com
 

Maple

394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 17:00
Thanks for all the info. Headed to Bahrain soon and am hoping I will be able to find the shower filter there although if that does not work out then I will use Aramex when I get back.
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 16:59
Best of Luck, Baffled.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 08:27
Thanks for the replies. I will try to order online and hopefully will it help. Thanks for the suggestions.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 00:15
Has anyone been able to buy a good quality filter for the shower here? I have seen some in Lulu and C4 but they don't look too impressive. I am willing to spend the money to try to curb the hairfall and get some bounce back into my dull hair. Thanks.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 15:26
ccdoha, just to share some information with you we have had the same thing happen to us last week. DH has got a motorbike accessory in his name which he did not order. He went down there to sort it out and was told that if he does not want to claim it, then they would wait for 90 days after which it will be auctioned. He is in the process of sorting it out by contacting the shipper etc but its interesting that when I called Aramex to ask them when they "hold these auctions", the person on the phone apologised that I had been given incorrect information and that there is nothing of this sort??!! Makes me wonder who is right.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 10:29
We could not go yesterday so does anyone know if its open in the evenings on weekdays? There is an old post elsewhere which mentions the nursery bring open till noon but nothing about the evening.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 10:26
Thank you. Will check today
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 October 2011 - 11:12
Any ideas where I can find one?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 October 2011 - 11:11
Can anyone help with the timings of this place on Fridays? Thanks
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 01:12
Where is this mall...I am looking for new pieces of furniture and will go anywhere at this point except Home Centre/Homes r Us.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 01:10
We saw some gas cyclinders at Woqod petrol station (the one close to Dahl Al Hammam R/A)over the weekend and enquired as we plan to get a gas BBQ soon. It costs QR 375 to get a new cyclinder and each time after it costs QR 15 for a refill. As we were driving away I did notice that they seem to have two sizes but this is what we were told. Hope that helps.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 01:06
I saw 2-3 different doctors when I was pregnant two years ago and finally settled with Dr Khudsia Begum. I saw her only 3- 4 times as I went back home to deliver but whenever I did see her, I felt I was in good hands. She does seem to be awfully busy though as I always found the clinic full but met other ladies who had delivered with her before and were happy. Good Luck!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 21:14
I would say that buttercream cakes should be refrigerated.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 21:12
I should have said that no one came without calling first although it did not really help since I was still unsure if they would come or not. I dont know how many days you have left for the party but I got calls one night before too. Good Luck!
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 21:10
The red was recommended to me as well and thats the colour I went with. I have grey strands as well and don't want to use hair dyes yet which is why the henna is a good option for me. I have dark brown hair so the Lush red henna has given the greys a nice dark red clour; looks more like I have highlighted the hair. I was nervous though so I washed my hair after two hours instead of the recommeded three. Next time I may try the maroon although the lady there said it would not do much to my hair in terms of colour?! Hope that helps.
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 18:48
Picklz, if you are looking for three bedroom villas then have you tried Jeliah Compound? There are three compounds by the same owner and the maintenance is good. Lots of kids out in the evenings and otherwise quiet.
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 18:45
Sorry ladies I have been out all day and just saw this. I could not get the contact numbers for the parents from the school so I sent a written reminder two days before the party and got three positive responses the same day. Overall out of the 14 invited, we had eight respond saying they would attend but only six turned up. I had only one sibling attend. Plently of extra loot bags as I catered for more than 14 thinking we may have siblings attend also. So really Picklz I would suggest you call/sms the parents as you fortunately have the contact information. We were quite stressed as we did not know how many would finally end up coming and in the process catered extra food as well. Dan Lou, the party was a lot of fun for the kids. We were able to do a good job of the decorations and food was enjoyed by the kids. I was successful at my first two tier fondant cake so thrilled about that! Thanks. Good Luck Picklz; dont worry the kids seem to go away having a great time.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 00:34
Have you tried Tawar compound which is close to Landmark; I dont live there so dont know about maintenance/rent etc but I did see the houses when new and they were spacious.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 00:29
Are you sure Margarita? I have a crazy life with three young ones and no maid so I would feel really bad if you had to wait for me?! I will check back with you at the end of Oct or just after Eid and we can take it from there if you have not already joined. Thanks.
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 09:50
As far as my understanding goes, it is the ready rolled icing which may have caused the problem. Buttercream iced cakes can be stored in the fridge. But as I recently learnt, fondant has to be kept at room temperature as it will sweat etc if put into the fridge. I made my first fondant cake for DS's birthday on Sat so I had the tiers ready on Fri in the fridge. I covered the cake with fondant on Sat morn and left it on the kitchen counter till the afternoon party. it meant a lot of work a few hours before the party getting the cake ready but the fondant was perfect. Hope that helps!
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 09:42
Lush is a store in Landmark something along the lines of Body Shop. Yeah a pair of gloves will be handy!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 09:40
Margarita, unfortunately something has come up due to which I wont be able to join for 3-4 weeks. I am sorry and good luck if you take up the challenge.
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 00:41
Yes I have been buying the Sudani henna packets from Lulu or FFC as they are available at both places. But like I mentioned in the other post pls do an allergy test before u apply it. However I decided to take someone's suggestion from that post to try the henna from Lush 4-5 days ago and I really love it. The colour is great from both hennas but I think there is some moisturising element in the Lush henna which I liked. There is a huge difference in price though; the Sudani henna costs somewhere less than QR 5 and the Lush henna is priced at QR 70. Btw yes I apply it myself at home as I just find it easier to cover my hair and then go about household chores while it does its magic. I know that the salon located on the first floor in Lulu Hyper will apply and even wash. They have another branch on Garage Street close to Toys R Us if thats better for u; if I remember correctly its called Doha Beauty Salon. Let me know if u need me to be more specific with directions or details of the henna.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 14:42
Its called a fondant smoother and is really handy to get a smooth finish. Defintely would recommend icing the cake with buttercream/ganache before covering in fondant as it will adhere. I like Dan Lou's idea; will have to give it a try next time.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 14:37
I bought popsicle sticks at the Airport Rawnaq last week but I dont know if they are food safe (I got them for kids projects). As of Friday, I have seen lollipop sticks in Tavola, Royal Plaza if those will be useful?!
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 22:41
I would suggest making a trip to Rawnaq first as you will find interesting things for the loot bags. I was unable to find plates, ballons etc last week as they were out of stock but maybe its changed now. Have a look at Lulu/FFC as I found those the most reasonably priced for themed birthday plates, cups etc. I then topped up with things from Toys R Us. Also went to Party Kingdom but personally the prices are quite high; same stuff as the other stores but double the price. Oh yeah Giant in Hyatt also has excellent party supplies as I found out after I had bought everything so thats worth a trip too. Exhausted after DS's birthday party today...good luck!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 22:07
Have you looked at Sri Lanka? We wanted to go last year but could not get any bookings in the places we wanted; do a search on the Dubai forum for ideas on places to stay. I have gone to the Maldives and it is beautiful and worth every penny if I may say so. Good Luck.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 21:26
Yes a big mistake was including a map in the invitation card; never going to do that again. I have had only one Mum call me so far but I have gone ahead and prepared the lootbags last night. I am going to have to ask for the teacher's help in getting contact numbers tomm as I really dont know how many to cater for and whether parents will stay back too. I did google this and from what I understood, not responding to invites seems to be more common than unusual. :(
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 15:55
Thanks for the replies. In my opinion it would not be appropriate to ask the teacher to send a reminder email, however I dont think it should be a problem to ask for the parents contact numbers. I can always get it from the office as otherwise I have no way of contacting parents. My big worry is not if kids show up as I am catering for extra loot bags 9not even thinking about food right now) but I am worried about no one coming. Poor DS is really looking fwd to the party.
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 00:30
I have been using Sudani henna for the last year and it gives a beautiful colour to my hair. The instructions are on the pack and the best part is that it needs to be heated before applying which prevents me from getting a cold as I always did when I used Indian henna. I live in Doha and these henna packets are available in Lulu etc; small white colour pack with blue writing on it. On the back, there are instructions in Arabic and English. As with anything new, do test for allergy before using on your hair. Oh and good to know about Lush henna; may give that a try soon <em>edited by Maple on 23/09/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 16:33
Thank you Bechamel, was waiting to hear back from you so that I can join. :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 20:10
Thanks Naso7 but it will take me time to get over the fear. I am pretty sure I would not be half as nervous if I did not have the kids in the car. The strange thing is that I was not even nervous when I first go the license but now the responsibility of having the kids in the car worries me. I was away all summer and I find such an increase in traffic ever since I got back too. amy77, I recall reading about your accident but I did not really understood the situation. I will try to pull up the thread so I can get DH to explain it to me. Lets hope all of us can be safe on the roads.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 14:21
doha4now, have you tried this place and is it good? Bechamel, have you tried any of the other classes besides water aerobics. The location is really great for me and am thinking of trying it out but would help to get some feedback. Thanks.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 14:18
This thread has made me nervous; I got my license in May and have yet to start doing the school run etc as we need to get a second car. The roundabouts are what I hate the most!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 14:16
I tried the Thai place and it is good. The red curry was really good and although the Pad thai was not spicy enough for me, I will go back again. Thanks for the recommendation.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 12:31
Again, thanks Dan Lou. I totally understood what you said about the fruit skewers...at least thats one dish done. I thought I could even dip some fruits in chocolate as the kids may like that. I think I know that mats u are talking about; will be out shopping for the party on the weekend so will keep an eye out. Thanks for the help.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 08:55
So here I go again. We have decided on the compound clubhouse as the venue for the party. Arranging for tables seems to be a problem right now as there are sofas in the clubhouse. Wondering if it will be a problem for the little ones to eat if they cannot be seated at tables? There are some coffee tables which can be kept in front of the sofas but I would hate for them to be uncomfortable. Advice please. Dan Lou, if you read this then please let me know where I can find skewers to do the fruit kebabs which wont be sharp or any ideas on how I get around this? Is fondant available in Doha and if so where? Thank you
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 23:25
This summer in Mississauga, I discovered Kitchen Stuff Plus located in Heartland Town Centre...the store has some neat kitchen stuff especially if you dont have to transport it back here!! I think they have another location as well, try googling it.
394
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 23:20
Thanks ladies. Dan Lou you seem to be a pro at hosting b'day parties; will ask more questions as they come up. Right now I need to get the venue and cake sorted. Thanks a ton.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 23:17
DH was getting calls late at night last week but the code was 607 from what I can recall. We did not take any of the calls and later came to know that some colleagues of his also got the calls around the same time. Like you we have heard that this is some sort of scam where credit can be stolen if you answer the call??? I really dont have a solution for you but only to say that we faced something similar recently.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 20:08
Thanks a lot Dan Lou but of course I will now have more questions for you. I love the idea of a soccer party but I will save it for my soon to be seven year old as there are more boys in his class and they may enjoy it more. As much as I agree that the teacher would have had enough of the young ones, I hope it wont be appear rude to not invite her? As of now we plan to host the party in the compound's clubhouse and the little guy has his heart set on Lightning Mcqueen theme. I used my head for a change and brought back tablecloths, caps etc from Canada so thats done. Ok before I keep rambling...do I have to ask parents to stay back or can I ask them to drop off the kids? Will it be difficult to handle 15-16 five year olds? its just going to be DH and me as I have no maid. Please do share any more ideas you have as this is the first time I am planning a kids party and really clueless. Appreciate ALL the tips I can get.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 19:19
We plan to host a birthday party for our soon to be five year old. I did a search here and got some ideas. However I do have some questions: 1. We will be inviting his classmates. Should I invite the teacher as well? Since his birhtday falls so early in the year I really dont have a clue on whats the right thing to do. 2. Is there really such a thing as a better day to have the party? His birthday will be on a Friday but I read that usually Thursdays a better day as people have plans for the weekend. The last thing I would want is no one turning up. But personally I would think that the kids would be tired after being in school all day on Thur. So should I pick Sat afternoon? 3. There are so many suggestions out there for food and games; can any of you Mums suggest the real crowd pleasers? Thanks in advance.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 20:19
Thanks for the info on the new place as I love Thai food and will try it out this weekend. Love Thai Snack too by the way except for the green curry.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 20:17
Thanks
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 20:15
Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Fortunately I got my period this afternoon (late but its here) after much anguish. I have always had regular periods and usually a few days before the previous date. My reading over the last few days has given me new knowledge that it is really possible to get pregnant in whats considered "safe time" as well so will be careful in the future. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 01:56
I second mchristy75's suggestion...its a well balanced easy to understand book!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 17:12
Ladies, thank you all for the replies. After my last post, I was out shopping when my two year old decided that the iPad box was the perfect canvas for his artistic creations hence I have no option of exchanging left. I am sure I will be posting more questions later. Thanks
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 09:38
Thanks for the offer yyzdoh but I hope to get all that I need tomorrow. Let me know when u get to Doha and we can meet for a coffee...I have had no social life coz of the little ones but I do need to get out and meet people now.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 03:13
Thanks Rachel. Yes home is Canada and I have tomorrow to implement your suggestions. Its a long weekend here and I fly back on Mon. Can I ask you whether the 16 GB is enough or whether I should exchange mine for a 32 GB? Thanks.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 07:00
I have been travelling with my boys from the time they were three months old. It definitely helps to feed the baby during take off and landing just to prevent any earache. And also make sure to ask for bassinet (bulk head seat) as others have mentioned as it helps to have hands free for parts if not most of the flight. Good luck!