muurtje | ExpatWoman.com
 

muurtje

muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 20:46
Thanks Desertboot I'vd just sprayed vino all over my screen :D :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 20:35
Very happy to be celebrating it with friends at a friends house. He lives in the Villa and we can see Burj Khalifa from his garden. He promised to turn on the pool heater so will spend most of the evening in the pool sipping on champers! O and a firm family tradition, I will make oliebollen (a deepfried dough ball with raisins that have been soaked in alcohol), lots of them and bring them over. That's all I need on NYE, friends, champagne and oliebollen :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 12:48
I always need my parents! They are very important to me and the fact that I haven't seen since Jan is killing me. Thankfully we spend lots of time on Facetime and they are coming out in Feb! I love my parents dearly and they are always there for me, whether it is for advice, a chat or to make me laugh. If there are important decisions I will often consult them and value their opinion very highly. They are also my friends and I love just being with them, sitting together, drinking a glass of wine and putting the world to rights :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 08:17
Thanks to advise from some of the lovely ladies here I have two starters, one salmon, one chicken liver parfait. Served with simple greens, slices of apple and crusty bread. Main is Turkey and Prime rib with green beans, butternutsquash puree and roast potatoes. Dessert is christmas cake and mince pies with ice cream and brandy butter. So the starter and dessert can all be done in advance so it's only the main I have to worry about, which as we're having 20ppl over will be enough. Putting up my Christmas tree today and slowly starting to get into the spirit of it, also thanks to the Christmas songs that are flowing out of my radio :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 11:32
Thanks Shaks, I think the reason they won't bear fruit here is because the trees need a period of tme when the temp at night drops below 10degrees and it doesn't do that here. The guy at the nurery said something about watering them for hours at night to get the trees to bear fruit. Not sure that will be worth it as Dewa bills are high enough as it is.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 19:07
I am a huge fan of my Nespresso! Love the machine, the coffee and my aerochino. I buy my capsules at Dubai mall. Heard that there is a shop opening in Moe and you can also get them delivered.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 17:49
Good point Claire! I will give both of these dishes a tiral run this weekend and hopefully they will both be as yummy as they look. Slightly worried about cooking with chicken livers as I've never done that before, but we'll how it goes.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 14:22
After some serious google action and looking at all your lovely replies I have decided to make lal1's salmon pate. As there are 20 of us I will make 5 larger portions and people can share. Which I think will be nice as not everybody knows each other. I don't want to do more then one starter as I did a buffet last year and I ended up making 500 different things and it was just too much work, so being very strict now. :) One starter, turkey and beef for main with roast potatoes and 2 veg dishes and then for desert mince pies, christmas cake and ice cream. Thank you all for de tips and advice! XXX
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:37
A good quality pate and melba toast. I know your Dh doesnt like smoked salmon, how is he about normal salmon. I make a salmon pate to die for! Poach the salmon fillets in white wine or veg stock if you need no alcoholic version. Allow to cool and flake, blend unsalted butter, double cream and the flaked salmon, reduce the wine stock till only about 2 spoonfuls and add to the mix. pour into individual ramakins or one large serving dish and cool in fridge till set. Heart Attack city I know but a once in a while treat it's divine. That just sounds amazing!!! Making my mouth water. Now to convince DH...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:20
Hi simples, thanks for the suggestions. Only problem is I don't like boiled eggs and DH doesn't eat smoked salmon... sorry to be difficult! I had come up with a really great idea of doing scallops with a puree of cauliflower and chorizo until I remembered that chorizo is very much a pork product. I suppose I could see if there is a beef version, but think it would take away from the yummyness and think it will be a bit risky doing to different versions just in case I serve the wrong one!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:04
Hello, We're having about 20 people over for Christmas and I've got the main and dessert covered but need a starter. Any ideas? No pork please. TIA!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 09:25
I'm from the Netherlands and would pay a maximum of 100,- euro for full head of foils, cut and blowdry. I still miss my hairdresser in Rotterdam. Later I moved to London and it was a bit more expensive but not much. True the salon I went to wasn't in central London, but they always did a great job! quote=STILLadviceseeker'>Am I the only one who is astounded by the prices you ladies pay? 1000,- aed.... Pfft. I am not saying these hairdressers don't do a good job although we know that plenty of them don't, but it just seems like so much money. So much more expensive then backhome. For the full works I would tip 50aed at the most. Regardless of how much the total bill was. Feeling really cheap now ;) Where is back home for you? I don't think the prices here are more expensive than back home (which I would be referring to oz) in an equivalent salon. I think that possibly prices are less if you're not in the city or something.... Also the pound is weak vs the AED at the moment so maybe when converting back it seems high now?
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 20:10
I would go for a cocktail dress and some nice heels. Little clutch bag and some bling and you're good to go!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 20:00
Hi Pricey, I had one guy who would do it, but everytime I needed him he would be away and the last time he made me cancel my trip to the vet (checkup) because he didn't show up when I booked him. He kept saying I'm on my way but never came. Very annoying!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 19:16
When my bed is made up with fresh sheets!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 19:15
Hi I am also up for a doggy play date. I have a 7 month year old lab who is very playful. He occasionally gets to play with two dachshunds but they are a lot smaller then he is and I would like him to also play with some bigger dogs. I live in AR but don't drive so the only problem is I can't come to you as taxis and dogs do not go together! I hope you won't find this too far. I also live behind a park an although it if officially not allowed many people let their dogs off the lead when walking them. You just have to watch out for others dogs and petrified gardeners :) E-mail met at dubaimuurtje at gmail dot com
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 13:22
Am I the only one who is astounded by the prices you ladies pay? 1000,- aed.... Pfft. I am not saying these hairdressers don't do a good job although we know that plenty of them don't, but it just seems like so much money. So much more expensive then backhome. For the full works I would tip 50aed at the most. Regardless of how much the total bill was. Feeling really cheap now ;)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 13:57
I use the Nuva ring. It's not available here in the UAE :( but it is in the UK and most of Europe. I get my friends or family to bring it over for me. Fantastic system as far as I am concerned. A ring that you insert for three weeks, then take out, have your period and then insert a new ring. Hormone level is much less and as you don't need to take it everyday it is also safer.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 13:54
The Dutch brand Conimex Ketjap Manis here. I have seen it at Carrefour and I think also at Hyper Panda. It's in a small dark bottle with a yellow label and red top.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 12:14
It was annoying that during the last matches lots of people decided to stand in the lower stands making it impossible to see the game. Having said that I do like the combination of the sport and the fun vibe of the sevens.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 10:24
Chicken breast is great, very versitile. I like slicing it in strips and grilling it in my grill pan. Put a nice spice mix and some olive oil on the chicken before cooking. Also really nice is to flatten it into a schnitzel shape and grill it, serve with gremolata (finely chopped parsley, garlic and lemon zest) Or cook with some pesto and a tiny splash of cream.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 10:43
Dh doesn't cook, doesn't play golf and would prefer to stay in and eat a home cooked meal rather then going out for dinner... I wish I could find something that he really wants, not needs :) YOU? :D :D Thanks DGIT I do like to think he would be lost without me ;)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 09:38
Dh doesn't cook, doesn't play golf and would prefer to stay in and eat a home cooked meal rather then going out for dinner... I wish I could find something that he really wants, not needs :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 09:30
It's so difficult! I have bought a pair of cufflinks and think I will get him a new wallet as well. All quite safe and a little bit boring... If there is anything that he wants, he just goes out and buys it so each year for christmas and birthdays I struggle to find somethng that he would actually like and doesn't have yet!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 16:31
I cheat a little when making nasi. I buy one of the nasi goreng wet spice packets from Konimex. It's in a yellow package and just gives a lovely flavour without having to use a million different spices. Rice (boil it the evening before and leave in fridge if possible) Chicken breast Carrots Chinese cabbage Shitake mushrooms rehydrated and chopped (don't throw away the liquid) Onion Garlic Shrimps Shrimp paste (optional) Ketjap Manis (dark soy sauce) Sambal badjak or oelek Nasi goreng spice paste 2x Use a large cast iron pot if you have one. I make huge amounts of this dish and then freeze it in batches. Sautee the onion and two cloves of garlic. Turn up the heat and add the chicken breast and one packet of spice paste. Add a teaspoon of shrimp paste if you want to use it. Then add the cubed carrots and mushrooms. Add the rice and the cabbag and shrimp stir well. Add the second packet op spice paste and as much ketjap and sambal as you like. Leave the whole thing to warm through for about 15/20 min stirring often. Serve with a fried egg, gurkins, and crispy fried onions. A easy salad of cucumber, onion and apples is very nice and refreshing with it. Personally I love having peatnut sauce with it, which is very easy to make. Take two tbsp of peanut butter and put in a saucepan. Add a good splash of milk and stir untill mixed. Add ketjap, honey, sambal and garlic to taste. Happy eating!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 08:22
My friends have a Cavalier here that they brought over from the UK. She has no problems in this heat. They keep her ears fairly short (well the hair, not the ears themselves) but other then that do nothing special for her. She spends lots of time in the garden and goes on long walks. Only in the hottest months doed she prefer to stay inside for most of the day but so do many other dogs!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 22:20
Oooh pepernoten! Yummy. Am making gevulde speculaas this week if that might tempt you. Email me dubaimuurtje at gmail dot com
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 22:18
These dishes are easy to make in advance so you have lots of time to socialise: Chilli con carne Nasi/bahmi Goreng Beer stew Not a star at desserts but hoping for a fancy ice cream machine for christmas. I often make a pavlova or a lemon tart or if I want keep it simple I bake cookies and serve them with ice cream. Chocolate chips, cranberries and walnut or chocolate chips, honey roasted peanuts and dried pineapple are also really good. Cheeses with fresh figs and honey are also a great way to finish a meal especially if accompanied by a glass of dessert wine or port!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 22:10
I think so too! Do you live in AR? We should meet up for a 'kopje koffie' some day :) I got fined too, once on my way to school in winter. Police were waiting and made a fortune that day.... After having to spend my pocket money on the fine I always made sure my lights were working. I do think that it is very important for parents to teach children about safety when cycling. Nearly bumped into two little girls on bicycles with training wheels who were in the middle of the road while their dad was standing on the side walk! This was around 19.00 so they were hardly visible.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 21:04
Rotetho I completely agree with you. Lights are more important then helmets. I've been riding a bike since I was 4 never wore a helmet but was told from a very early age to have lights on in the dark. I cycle through the Ranches myself and am amazed by the lack of curtiousness from cars. Been cut off so many times! Just want to add my pet hate of not using indicators!!! I often have to stop unnescessarily because people think you don't need to indicate to cyclists! :\: <em>edited by muurtje on 28/11/2011</em>
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 20:43
As far as I am concerned nothing beats a good steak. Buy wagu from gourmet butchers if you can afford it. Serve with green beans with garlic, olives and some feta. Make a wasabi butter or garlic butter to put on steak. On a cheaper note, I love this dish: Spanish chicken casserole. Chicken thighs (skinless) Red and yellow pepper Mushrooms Onion Garlic 3 cloves Parsley Chicken stock 500ml Orange juice 250 ml Cinnamon Tumeric Sherry (dry)250ml Brown the chicken thighs after having tossed them in some seasoned flower. Set aside. Sautee onion and garlic, add cinnamon and tumeric Brown mushrooms. Add chicken and liquids, enough to cover put on low heat for about 60 min or longer if you want. Chicken should be very tender and fall off bone. Add peppers or the last 15min and parsley right before serving. Serve with rice. Lastly, just had a lovely dinner party with homemade pizza on bbq. Use a pizza stone and make your own tomato sauce. Bake pizza with just sauce for 5min. Then add any toppings you wish and bake untill cheese has melted and bottom is crisp. The fav. of the evening was bacon lardons, feta and fresh avocado (add avo after baking). Our guests loved the DIY aspect and everybody pitched in with topping the pizza.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 19:12
Call Andrea zero five five one zero six two nine one one. She is fab!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 16:38
I tend to find that I wear about three different sizes depending on the brand and/or cut. I find in particular with M&S that I will sometimes try a size bigger then my normal size and it won't fit and sometimes I will be able to fit in a size smaller in a different garment. So frustrating!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 11:51
Garden hose
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 11:50
Coffee
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 11:47
Nadiya, a convertible will never be as solid as a 4x4. You need to deceide which is more important to you, sporty and the pleasure of an open roof or solidity and safety. Convertibles are not unsafe and are subjected to many tests as are all cars. Generally speaking at lot of the road safety is in your own hands. If you drive defensively and are aware of what is going on around you this will make driving much safer. If you are on the phone, eating a sandwich and doing your make-up it doesn't matter what you drive chances are high you will be/cause an accident.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 11:10
One of my friends has the volkswagen Eos and another has a peugot 207convertible. Both are really nice cars that drive well. They are European brands and therefore their roadsafety is pretty good. Only issue is you would have a hard time fitting 5people in!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 12:03
Ah that explains why I couldn't find the new ones. Last one aired in US was season 8 episode 9 right?
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 08:14
Lol I shouldn't laugh but this sounds like something that could happen to me! Someone mentioned Sharjah animal souk, but I can imagine that you don't want to go all the way there. How about just doing two chickens? Or perhaps phone waitrose, park&shop etc and ask if they have fresh ones today. Good luck with your head and I'm sure dinner tonight will be great!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 20:38
You get really good at speaking in Pigeon English. Backside Spinneys please. Any form of direction to taxi drivers must be done in three words or less as a lot of drivers stop listening after the third word!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 11:04
Two bed, doesn't matter about furniture, budget is max. 120000 I think. Parking for one, pool a must, gym a bonus. Jewells, Iris tower and Al Sahab are his favourites at the moment.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 11:01
My best tip is to make a meal plan before you go shopping and only buy what you need! Have a couple of backup meals in place as this being Dubai you might not always be able to get what you need or it might not look fresh. Don't get sidetracked by other foods, ignore the specials unless it's staples such as oil, tinned tomatoes etc and ALWAYS check the dates. :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 15:29
Personally I think Weber do the best bbqs. I prefer coal and if you buy one of those chimney things it's really easy to start up the fire. Pour coal into the chimney, put a couple of lit fire starters underneath and wait for the flames to appear at the top op the chimney, the pour into bbq. Put grill on top and wait until you can hold your hand over the fire for about 10 seconds, then the coals are ready. Happy grilling!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 15:02
Santa Claus: The movie with Dudley Moore The Snowman (my absolute favorite!!!) Love Actually
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 10:15
Not really sure if I have advise for you, but want to extend my sympathies! I can only imagine what you are going through... I am really sorry that this has happend to you. If I read your post it seems to me that you have sort of decided that you want to leave him but this is obviously a huge step. I think the only thing to do is listen to your heart and go with that however difficult it may be. I wish you lots of strength and hope you will find happiness again soon.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 20:36
Madman Baroness Baron Friend Lover Boatman
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 11:01
I have about 10-15 boxes and you are welcome to borrow them but I do need them back once you have moved. E-mail me at dubaimuurtje at g mail dot com
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 19:30
We would have to fly to Cape Town and in a situation like that I really would like fly direct and not have a horrible stopover in Jo'burg... I was sort of thinking that there are quite a few flights out of here on a daily basis but just don't want my DH to have to wait and be too late if the situation god forbid might occur.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 13:46
Special flavours are in!!! Chocolate, Vanilla and Cherry. YUMMY!!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 11:38
I read that this morning as well. OCD much? I mean come on! Most of the stains in the clothes come from them falling on the floor and not from 'bodily transfers'. Also thought the bit where she mentioned that there are so many different nationalities in Dubai quite offensive. She is basically saying she thinks some nationalities are cleaner then others. Presuming that she finds her own the cleanest!
 
 
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