shanni | ExpatWoman.com
 

shanni

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Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 21:39
This week we also used Writer Relocation for an International move. They were excellent, very efficient and had our boxes organised in no time. I agree the staff are very good, nothing was too much trouble. Hope that everything arrives safely, will not be for lack of care at the Qatar end if breakages occur... never seen such a big role of bubble wrap.
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Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 07:14
City Centre has a kiosk on the level below Carrefour, they replace batteries,take links out of watch bands, shoe repairs,key cutting.
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Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 07:55
Welcome to Doha, I have only been to Garvey's twice, the most recent time was two weeks ago. On both visits I was with a large group of ladies from all corners of the world, no mention was made of any problems getting in, and it would have been a topic of conversation if it had happened. Garvey's is not licensed any more, so it is similar to visiting any cafe / restaurant in Doha.
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Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 11:59
I usually half fill muffin tin and then add about 4 blueberries (depending on size), top with more muffin mix. You have to work quickly so that the berries do not lose too much colour into the mix, I have tried stirring them through the mix but found they lose too much colour and the muffins look grey, raspberries also work well frozen, same process as above.
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 09:11
My oven is Miele brand and electric, I always use the option for top and bottom element with no fan force for all cakes, biscuits etc. My first home here had an older electric oven with no fan option, once I adjusted to this oven and its temperature it also gave good results each time. I have always cooked in ovens without the fan force and have not had any problems ( I do bake a lot). Good luck with your search.
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 19:49
I recently renewed my e-gate at Immigration, it was added to my RP card and the wait for the new card was about half an hour, my RP was only two weeks old bit didn't have the e-gate chip included. My husband tried to renew his at the airport in February,he was directed to Immigration by the office that processed them in the past. From the information I have Immigration is open 9am - 2pm and 9pm -1am, not sure how accurate it is but you should be ok if you plan for a morning trip.
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Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 23:02
I bought one last year from Home Centre (Qatar) , I did also see them in a chemist..... hope you are able to find one soon.
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 12:18
I have visited Al - Ahli Hospital Ophthalmology Clinic this week and was very happy with the treatment I received. I was attended by Dr. Touaibia Hynd. The clinic is on the 3rd floor, they open at 8am, I am not sure of their closing time. The first visit I had no appointment and was seen after about 15 minutes, my second visit was with an appointment and the wait was only a few minutes. The cost was 300QR (medical insurance will re-imburse), some funds would have an agreement with the hospital, this cost covered both visits. The clinic no. 44898361 44898295
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 06:17
I might be on the wrong path, could be a typing error, but I read the Milk and Honey Deli / Supermarket is on the Palm, which would mean a trip to Dubai for the bread and milk. I look forward to Spinneys opening, will be very welcome news for us all.
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 06:06
You could try Daisyo (spelling?), in the Hyatt Plaza, they have lots of storage items made from the fabric that is used for re-cycle bags / suit bags. I bought a hanging one for the bathroom door, have a good look around as I remember they are not all in one area.
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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 09:41
It is my pleasure to be able to help, it was no trouble at all, will send you an e-mail. Baffled - sorry I didn't know about the paper, could have picked that up too...... always next time ;)
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Latest post on 01 October 2011 - 01:00
Kitsune......you are now the proud owner of a good supply of sweetness, no trouble at all to find it in C4 Dubai, even bought a chocolate for the lovely taxi driver who waited for me to pop in and buy it...... a whole new story but I think it is good to share if it prevents others making the same mistake. Maybe Sunday coffee at the Pearl you could be reunited with your sanex, or we could find another way for delivery. Seems to be a system operating with a few of the taxis there, the first taxi driver today (morning) assured me that Dragonmart was open now, no need to wait until later in the day. On arriving at Dragonmart I noticed lots of taxis waiting outside, and as it is closed you need to take one back to where you came from. I sat in 3 taxis before one lovely driver offered to take me, the other three didn't know where the C4 was I had passed on the way (Mirdif), I even showed them the map...... sudden memory loss for all of them. When I was finally on the way I asked my driver if it was because the trip was shorter that the other drivers were not keen, he admitted they wanted to take the visitors on long trips back to their hotels, and did not want to settle for my little trip. I get the feeling a lot like me end up there early and have to use one of the waiting taxis. So I was very happy to have this driver who took me to C4, waited for me then drove me to the Gold Souq, not the short trip he had volunteered for, and with a well earned tip it turned out to be a good day for him. I also asked him to mention to the others that honesty is the best policy. After a bumpy start the day turned out well.
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Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 21:22
Hello, I have been doing my homework and have found a C4 that is very handy, will keep my fingers crossed that they have some in stock. I will be in touch soon with the latest up-date. Shanni
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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 16:09
Hello, I am off to Dubai this weekend and will happily bring some back. Could you please describe the bottle/can, I am not sure where we are staying but when I do know I will post again and if you could point me to the nearest C4 I will stock up for you. Shanni
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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 22:05
Hello, I have a friend who went last week and about 10 ladies were there, also Sunday coffee at the Pearl has resumed, I think 10am at the chocolate cafe is still the meeting place. Tuesday Ladies Group meet every second Tuesday 9.30am (tomorrow) at Ramada, have a peek at their website to get a bit more info. Shanni
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Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 15:10
Hello, I recently visited a supermarket that is a bit bigger version of the two mentioned earlier, had no idea it even existed. When you reach golf club roundabout head down the road to Al Khor, there is a petrol station and the supermarket is part of this complex. I didn't find the fruit and veg. until about to leave as they are just inside the entrance to the right. Shanni
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Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 14:44
Hello, I know a lady that might be able to help you, she lives at the pearl, please call me seven seven five one four five four six . Shanni
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 09:48
Hello Dikane, Sorry I have only just read this post, better late than never. I always travel with clexane, I have a copy of prescription, doctors letter with me, also have a letter from UAE embassy in my home country which I think was un-necessary, I was just being over cautious. I have a small insulated carry bag, the box of clexane goes in a large snap lock bag, I have a small sealed container that I fill with ice which also goes in another snap lock bag and both fit in the insulated bag. I find it easy to get ice as needed and it I just tip it out in the bathroom before going through x-ray (100ml rule), the ice is good for about 4 hours, even the water remaining is still cooling the bag, staff on flights have always been good at re-supplying ice as needed, offering to put in their fridge but I prefer to keep it close. I have travelled a lot with my cooler bag, even using cold drinks when ice was not available. I have only been asked once about the injections (Abu Dhabi) going through the x-ray, and did not have to get any paper work out just a quick explanation. I also use my tummy as the pin cushion. Happy travelling Shanni
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 22:09
Hello, The weddings I have attended have been traditional, and yes the ladies do have lovely gowns, I wore a long skirt and blouse and felt very comfortable, (didn't need to head to the shops). The ladies have their hair, make-up and henna done and the end result is beautiful, I did my own just as I would if attending a wedding or special event back home. At the henna party the ladies wear long dresses that are more casual, I wore a calf length skirt and shirt with elbow length sleeves. The henna party home was decorated in traditional carpets, cushions, fabrics etc, the bride has a photographer taking photos of her in her special outfit complete with amazing bridal jewellery, also there will be lots of dancing and music. My friends (local) have told me it is not necessary to wear the abaya, when the Groom and his party arrives an announcement will be made and the ladies cover up. I did not take a gift to the wedding but delivered it later. Like weddings at home they will all be different, hope this helps a little, enjoy this wonderful experience. Shanni
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 18:30
Hello Vallan, So pleased that you have the cake sorted, have fun with the decorating, hope the fondant works out well, if not you have a back up plan. I didn't have a plan "B" and when the Jack in a box cake fell apart, it was a very quick trip to the supermarket for an ice-cream cake, the kids loved it . Good Luck Shanni
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 14:01
Hello, I am not sure what a half sheet cake pan is, I think it would be similar to a slab cake, so hope I am on the right track. The supermarket at Hyatt Plaza has a good range of pans, also you could try the 7 Riyal shop at the other end of the complex, maybe home centre might be worth a try they had a limited range when I was last in, Ansaar Gallery City Centre could be another possibilty. Quantity- I would double the recipe or use two packets.... depending on how big the pan is, you can always turn the left over mix into muffins /cup cakes, the mix should come about 3/4 way up the pan. Do you have a large baking / lasagne dish you could use ? If so you could just trim the edges to give you the shape needed, just seal cut sides with icing and let it set before starting the final icing layer ( or the crumbs are a challenge) Enjoy the birthday, your daughter will love her cake. Shanni
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 11:54
Hello Baffled, We just turned up, plenty of seating available with a good mix of families, couples, groups and individuals. We were there after six and left around seven thirty, looked like most early diners had moved on, I imagine it would get very busy later. Shanni
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 08:49
Hello, I was at Khan Farouk last night and as we were there early didn't pay the 100QR charge that applies after 8pm. They do offer an Iftar menu with about six courses, each course giving you the choice of a few dishes e.g soup, salad, sweets, the only exception was the main which was a mixed grill, tea was also included in the cost of 140QR We chose to order from the regular menu, the waiter told us it would take longer but we found the food appeared very quickly on our table. I will also give my vote to the falafel.... delicious ! I will mention that from the outside the restaurant appears to be closed, when you pass through the doors the seating area is a level lower than the entry area. Shanni
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 01:40
Hello Lady Bubbles, 12c - 14c was the high yesterday, yes the lows are much less and when you add a wind chill factor it is very refreshing, at the moment in my home town it is 7am, 2.2c which would feel much colder with the wind chill. I have also seen snow on the mountain in January, so instead of bathers we needed beanies. I am from Tassie. will be back there late next week and have been warned that I will need my Winter woolies !!! Shanni
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Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 19:44
Hello All, I can confirm that Tas. is cold and wet at the moment, daytime about 12c - 14c, with an overnight temp recently of -3c Brrrrrrrrrr MiD if you happen to be there around end of Dec. the Taste of Tasmania is on around the Hobart Wharf, it is a wonderful food event with many well known restaurants and wineries etc selling their produce,lots of music & entertainment as well. This event is on around the time the Sydney to Hobart yachts are arriving, have a look on the web I'm sure there would be plenty of info on it. PS Still take something warm for Summer, the Weather can turn cool very quickly, better to have it and hope you don't need to use it. Shanni
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 08:01
Hello, I bought mine from a U.S. company that I found through Google, I ordered online, price was very good, postage was extra but still not much when compared to the cost of sending a normal parcel overseas, (we were in Australia). My bracelet arrived about one week after ordering it, I will have a look later in the day and see if I can find the company.... memory is not what it used to be. Shanni
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Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 22:51
Hello Faramo, Thank you for your helpful info, now for a quick update. I was so impressed with the evening, from the moment I stepped through the perfumed cloud at the door it was like entering another world...... in a way I had, words will not do it justice. The venue (Ritz Carlton) was lovely, tables were decorated in a gold theme,tall crystal /glass candle holders held large bouqets of pale peach roses. The bride was stunning, her dress was western, fitted bodice,with long train and veil, she walked up the centre aisle to a raised platform with a couch. A large screen either side allowed all to see what was happening, people sat next to her for official photos. The guests were beautifully dressed, ball gowns that would look at home on any red carpet, lots of henna was also visible. Many ladies kept their abbaya on, you did get a glimpse of lovely dresses underneath, I noticed that abbaya's were finer and more decorative for special occasions. One memorable moment happened when the ladies covered before the Groom and his party arrived, all those lovely colours were hidden in unison and I became aware that as far as I could see I was the only one uncovered (long sleeve shirt, long skirt). The music is loud, the dancing is fascinating, they dance on a platform in front of the Bride, similar to a catwalk. Money was thrown over the dancers for the whole evening, there were ladies who spent all their time collecting it, reminded me of what we do with confetti, rice or rose petals. The food was served continually, small bite sized sweet and savoury items, all looked too perfect to eat. Around 11pm a buffet was served with so much variety to choose from. Young girls were also dressed in satin and bows, the delight on their faces was easy to see. I had a wonderful time, and I will always be grateful to these lovely people who welcomed me and allowed me to attend such a special occasion. Shanni
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Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 07:31
Hello CSM and Gray Girl, Thank you for your advice, I will make sure that I have a bite before leaving, (will need the energy for the night of dancing ahead). I am looking forward to a wonderful evening and will enjoy every moment. Shanni :)
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Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 20:16
Hello Gray Girl, would love to hear how the wedding went. Tonight I have been invited to a local wedding ....... tomorrow, I am so honoured to be able to attend and would appreciate any words of wisdom you can offer. Thank You in advance Shanni
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Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 18:36
Hello, I would find a casserole recipe that appeals, add extras to your liking including mushrooms, top with thinly sliced potato, dash of salt and pepper. Looks like a few dots of butter were added, or you could sprinkle with cheese and a little parsley. Cook according to casserole directions, once you have made this you will be able to make any adjustments that might be needed..... trial and error !! Good Luck Shanni
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 20:25
Hello Nole, So pleased you will be giving them a call, thank you. There will be paperwork to be done, (police checks etc) no different to what would be done if applying for any position, (same process at all schools I have worked or volunteered at). The break up of the day will depend on what the teacher could use an extra pair of helping hands for, I am sure it will be varied and interesting. I have volunteered all my life in non profit/profit making organisations, and the rewards are the same..... it all helps to make the world a better place to be. I am in a position to give a little back to the community, and look forward to helping to make a difference in the lives of others. Look forward to seeing you soon, be prepared for those big smiles on appreciative children. Shanni
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Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 08:36
Hello, coffee mornings still going strong at Villagio, not under the official Expat Woman banner any more but still a great way to meet and catch up each week.
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Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 14:03
Hello, have made kites for many a year, they can be made ahead for little ones to decorate ( adding skewers after they have finished their masterpiece) or fully constructed by the child.... depending on age. I would sometimes have the folding done and let them do the rest, all flexible according to age group. You need very little supplies to make them and they do fly well, I have used crepe paper as well as plastic bags cut into stips to make the tie ons for the tail, break the sharp point off skewers, and use A4 paper. Google 20 kites in 20 minutes, the first site (uncle Johns) would not let me access, the site below ( single page paper kites) is the one I read, and it looks the same as the ones I always make ( my instructions in storage). Hope this helps a little, Good Luck !!
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Latest post on 14 January 2011 - 08:36
Hello dubai71,hope your cake making went well, your brother will be so happy that you have made the special effort. Bi Carb soda is also known as baking soda in some countries, it is a rising agent and is used when the recipe already has an acid ingredient in it that the soda will react with eg lemon, honey.etc Baking powder is what is added to plain flour to make it rise, usually bought ready mixed and is a mix of bi-carb and an acid ingredient like cream of tartar, which react when the moisture is added and gives rise to cakes,biscuits etc.
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Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 15:59
Hello Ladies, oh wow you are bringing back the memories for me, I can assure you that it will pass, my daughter has not carried this decorating style into adulthood. I can also tell you that the slightest hint that I might mention some of her earlier habits has provided many funny moments. Shanni
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Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 15:39
Hello, baking powder is made of one part bi-carb soda and two parts cream of tartar. I had a quick look at a few gingerbread recipes and most seem to use just bi-carb, hope this helps a little, good luck with the baking. Shanni
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Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 08:54
Hello, I really enjoy visiting this site, it is very much like having your own recipe books at your finger tips. taste.com.au being Aussie recipes 1 cup = 250ml 1tbs = 15ml. They do have muesli recipes that you could adapt to your needs, will help with getting an idea of what qauntities to use, hope you enjoy browsing the recipes as much as I do, happy cooking !!!! Shanni