Always heard and read these words ..... Thank your bad times for it will show you who  your true friends and your well wishers are. May I look upon these times with faith and hope always by my side. Life always turns around surprises you when you least expect. I have only one thing to say to such people ... Things will take a turn again and I will stand tall again.

Changes

CHANGE.......... a word that has a whole lot hidden in its depths. I associate it with apprehension. Habits are hard to break even if it is almost always for the better. I had heard this a long time ago and it keeps popping up every now and then. Remove "H" and "abit" still remains and it goes on (remove a & bit stays, remove b, it remains). I remember that I had so vehemently opposed someone when she wanted to talk about this topic rather than choose a more vital & exciting one for her presentation. Now I know better.........

Forgetting such a heavy subject for a while, I wish to share a recipe I learnt yesterday and will be trying out today for high tea : Dhokla

One cup each of semolina (rava), yoghurt and water to be beaten well. Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, salt to taste to the mix. Keep for 15 mins and make ready a ghee greased tray with a raised edge. Heat the pressure cooker & when its steaming, add 1 tbsp Eno (fruit salt) and throughly mix. Then pour immediately into the tray and keep into the cooker for steaming like idlis. Take out after 10 mins and keep aside. Give this a tadka of mustard seeds & slit green chillies. Garnish with coconut shreds & its ready to serve.

I heard that its just gr8........... so I shall see.........

Arabic Calligraphy

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is here again in its 15th yr. What could interest me after 15 yrs in the same annual fest........ something caught my eye!! The festival has returned in full form on Al Riqqa Street after a long gap. Amongst all the wonderful street performers, I could see that this year we have art tables for kids to learn clay modelling, origami, mask making, etc. But the best is Ajmal's table where he does intricate art of Arabic Calligraphy on small white cards... writing names in an incredible manner. This is for free - courtesy of DSF.


I have been observing Ajmal for a few days and everyone falling in love with this fascination. He uses bamboo sticks that have been modified to nibs and says that these are best. He explained about the steel nibs that are used too. This soft spoken unassuming man has been pulling crowds since day 1. Meet him at Al Riqqa Street before the DSF is over... you'll love it.


Call him for your party and see how guests fall over to get their names inked this style. Return gifts, loot bags all are passe!

Time to freak out

Its that time of the year when everyone looks out for a party. Wishing happiness and success to everyone of you out there, I would like to say that look forward with hope and it is the only thing that makes the world go round. Have a strong conscious and stand straight facing any obstacles and you will succeed for you know in your heart that you are right.

If you have done something that in your heart you feel wrong... then try to repair the damage. Out of goodness will emerge the most beautiful thing you need.

FYI

The open day of Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre is 2moro (6th Nov) frm 11 am to 7 pm. This is at Mall of the Emirates. With the metro, its now easily accessible... so do take ur kids over. They can get free mini sessions in a number of art - craft - dance, etc activities which can really help what they would prefer rather than we push them into. I have been there on previous two Open days and its really something I dont want to miss.


Lifestyle is having a good sale at its warehouse in Jebel Ali and the offer is one bag free with a bag. I hvnt chkd this out but its a deal. (1st to 10th Nov)

ooooooooooh where is my spare time for reading...

Had a gr8 time searching for books amongst book lovers. I found a Clive Cussler, Jackie Collins & a number of authors whom I hv never heard of... so what... I love discovering this new world of a new person. I even got a Roald Dahl frm my child. & I paid so little!!!!!!!!!!!

2day is the last day & u have till 5 pm to go to Magrudys. They are giving away a lot of books free too. There are loads of good quality black shoes for all ages. We picked one pair of gents shoes for a mere Dhs 25/- Up to u guys ... go shopping.

book lovers ........... for u

I heard the Magrudy Warehouse sale was really good & paperbooks was for Dhs 5/-. I missed that but will def make it on the cmg weekend.

See what treasures u find ...........