Danderma's Blog, page 89

Movie Review: Chernobyl Diaries

Am I the only one who feels that all the movies are boring this summer? Are Hollywood writers out of ideas? Even abroad there is nothing to look forward to except Spiderman and a movie by Adam Sandler that won’t make it to Kuwait for sure.

We really wanted to go to the cinema and watch a movie last week but the choices weren’t that encouraging. We settled on Chernobyl Diaries. The story is about a group of American tourists travelling through Europe who go into an abandoned town which housed the workers of Chernobyl Nuclear Plant and has been deserted since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 where people dropped everything and just left with minutes to spare. Only when the tourists are there, they learn that they are not alone.

Well, the movie is very predictable, nothing out of the new. The only thing that makes this movie interesting is the Chernobyl story and the abandoned town otherwise its like every other horror movie. Whenever the group think they found a way out, something goes awry and one of them dies. Yada Yada Yada.

Oh there are plenty of grotesque scenes and blood too. A daloo3a woman in the movie started crying loudly in the middle of the movie. Why she didn’t leave the movie and go cry outside instead of disturbing us all is beyond my comprehension. I don’t see myself buying this movie on DVD anytime soon, nothing worth watching again, but if you want to kill time being a little scared this is the movie to see.

Picture of the Week: Milk Bottles

One of the things I love about the summers of my childhood I spent in the UK were the Milk Bottles. The moment we arrive my father would arrange for us to have two fresh milk bottles placed on our doorstep every morning. I love the milkman, and those curved glass bottles of cold,creamy, impossibly white milk. A big fan of milk myself, imagine that milk used for your cereal, or in bechamel sauce, or infused with cardamom for breakfast? Lipsmacking.

Of course in Kuwait we have no milkman. Or good milk for that matter. That was the case until last year Alban Dairy came into the picture and began producing quality dairy products. Their milk is almost as good as milk you’d drink abroad. The other day I was in the newly opened Alban Dairy cafe (post) when I saw these milk bottles and began fantasizing about having our very own milkman in Kuwait leaving us delicious milk in glass bottles as are those every morning. Why not? We can dream, everything is possible, mo?

New: “The Women in my life” Cookbook by Rasha Al-Hejailan

As Ramadan draws near I expect to see new cookbooks arriving on the bookstore shelves these days. Just in time for Ramadan, a new and rather unusual cookbook, “The women in my life” was kindly sent to me last week by the author, Rasha Al-Hejailan.

Rasha Al-Hejailan is a 28 year old Saudi woman, married with two kids and living in Kuwait. Because of her father’s job, Rasha spent the majority of her life living abroad. Because of that she had lost touch with a lot of her friends and relatives. How many of us had been in that situation before? However, Rasha decided to do something about it, which is when her project was born.

Rasha decided to contact all the women in her life and ask them to donate their ‘signature’ recipe that she would include in a collaborative cookbook. Look at those chocolate sushi like bites? Looks yummy mo?

Unlike any other conventional cookbook, Rasha likes to think of it as more of a recipe journal with a more personal touch. The first half of the book are Rasha’s recipes and what they mean to her. The second half of the book are recipes from the women in Rasha’s life.

The lovely pictures in the book were taken by Rasha herself which keep the cookbook true to the initial intention, an amateur recipe journal with delicious and simple every day recipes cooked by the average woman. Look at pancakes, coffee pancakes! I want to make this recipe!

Part of the book’s sale proceeds go to two different charities that help children in need. One is ‘Helping Hands KSA’ a local charity in Saudi Arabia that directly supports underprivileged children. The other is a newly established pediatric care department at ‘Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation Institute (FSRI)’ in Kuwait.

Thank you so much Rasha! I loved the book and the dedication, its an honor. Several of the recipes I can’t wait to try myself! Best of luck and kudos on the cookbook idea!

The book had started selling this week but you will not find it in bookstores. You can order your copy by sending a message to +965 55172762 and the book will delivered to you.

Event: Zain Celebrates Social Media Day

In celebration of the Social Media day on 30 June, Zain threw a huge social media bash in the Sky Lounge of Al-Hamra.

The event started at 5:30 PM but we made it a bit late and arrived there at around 6 only to see a room buzzing with chatter and excitement. Saying hello and moving from one social media figure to another took a long time but it was fun seeing everyone. Its been a long time!

What I loved about the event was the festive atmosphere. Choosing the Sky Lounge on the 55th floor was spot on. The place is modern and spacious with plenty of light and spectacular views overlooking Kuwait City. Its not too big that you get lost and not too small that everyone is squished. It was quite cosey.

It didn’t take long to say all the hellos, pickup our raffle tickets, and settle in to a lovely seating arrangements. I kept eyeing those glowing cubes pushed together as center tables. Look what was on those tables.

Very cute indeed. Munchies in different cups embossed with social media icon logos. Ironically, Instagram was down on social media day lel asaf

The event’s program started with our fellow blogger and TV presenter Omar Al-Othman talking about social media day and entertaining us with drawing raffle tickets.

f2o’s designer the lovely Fatma Al-Othman spoke about when her designs were stolen and how blogs had supported her. Several tweeps talked about their experience in twitter. There was supposed to be a video by Ali Al-Mubarak but it didn’t work 7safa it looked like fun!

 The stars of the show were the “Shino Y3ni” group who made us laugh for along time.

All during the event I was eyeing those huge pillow scattered on the floor. A modern beanie bag where you can sprawl into one and enjoy your time. They looked so comfy!

While the event was going on many Kuwaiti businesses had platters of food presented to the guests. The selection was vast and frankly mouthwatering!

My favorite Kuwaiti Gelateria, Gelato Italiano

Lqaymat

Brown diamond in giveaway boxes.

Rice pudding factory. Loved the luminous acrylic tray.

I also found a key lime pie in the buffet afterwards by the Pantry. Its, to my humble knowledge that is, the first key lime pie I’ve laid my eyes on in Kuwait. I remember someone sometime back searching for key lime pies? Who was it? Well here it is

My favorite part of the buffet was the selection provided by Al Fouz Kitchen. Tiny little pots filled with M7albiya and Elba! Zoo’3a!!!

Zain’s social media event was amazing by all accounts. Wherever I looked I found happy smiling faces. Thank you so much Zain for a lovely evening. Keep up the good work and gawakom Allah

Zain Celebrates Social Media Day

In celebration of the Social Media day on 30 June, Zain threw a huge social media bash in the Sky Lounge of Al-Hamra.

The event started at 5:30 PM but we made it a bit late and arrived there at around 6 only to see a room buzzing with chatter and excitement. Saying hello and moving from one social media figure to another took a long time but it was fun seeing everyone. Its been a long time!

What I loved about the event was the festive atmosphere. Choosing the Sky Lounge on the 55th floor was spot on. The place is modern and spacious with plenty of light and spectacular views overlooking Kuwait City. Its not too big that you get lost and not too small that everyone is squished. It was quite cosey.

It didn’t take long to say all the hellos, pickup our raffle tickets, and settle in to a lovely seating arrangements. I kept eyeing those glowing cubes pushed together as center tables. Look what was on those tables.

Very cute indeed. Munchies in different cups embossed with social media icon logos. Ironically, Instagram was down on social media day lel asaf

The event’s program started with our fellow blogger and TV presenter Omar Al-Othman talking about social media day and entertaining us with drawing raffle tickets.

f2o’s designer the lovely Fatma Al-Othman spoke about when her designs were stolen and how blogs had supported her. Several tweeps talked about their experience in twitter. There was supposed to be a video by Ali Al-Mubarak but it didn’t work 7safa it looked like fun!

 The stars of the show were the “Shino Y3ni” group who made us laugh for along time.

All during the event I was eyeing those huge pillow scattered on the floor. A modern beanie bag where you can sprawl into one and enjoy your time. They looked so comfy!

While the event was going on many Kuwaiti businesses had platters of food presented to the guests. The selection was vast and frankly mouthwatering!

My favorite Kuwaiti Gelateria, Gelato Italiano

Lqaymat

Brown diamond in giveaway boxes.

Rice pudding factory. Loved the luminous acrylic tray.

I also found a key lime pie in the buffet afterwards by the Pantry. Its, to my humble knowledge that is, the first key lime pie I’ve laid my eyes on in Kuwait. I remember someone sometime back searching for key lime pies? Who was it? Well here it is

My favorite part of the buffet was the selection provided by Al Fouz Kitchen. Tiny little pots filled with M7albiya and Elba! Zoo’3a!!!

Zain’s social media event was amazing by all accounts. Wherever I looked I found happy smiling faces. Thank you so much Zain for a lovely evening. Keep up the good work and gawakom Allah

Do I Need a Business Card as a Blogger?

Yesterday in Zain’s social media event I noticed that many of my fellow bloggers were socializing and exchanging business cards with social media people. I was asked several times about my business card and I shrugged, apologizing for not having one. Then I thought to myself, am I a little backwards here? Don’t I need one?

I’m wondering if its a faux pas not to have a business card if you are a blogger now adays? Now why would I need them exactly? Yesterday, it was a social media event that happens once every once in a while. Its not like we do it every day. Do I need to go through the agony of designing a BC, printing it, carrying it with me, and handing it out for people? I need to google this and see what others worldwide think.

And if so, what on earth would I say on it? Danderma, blogger? Madry I don’t feel inah my “job describtion” is fit for a business card. But maybe I’m wrong? I can’t make up my mind on this one.

Now dear fellow bloggers, do you have business cards? If yes, let me know why. If not, why not? Do share please

Review: Coco Bites

Last Thursday while enjoying a nice cosey night at home there was a knock on the door and a box of desserts from a new Kuwaiti business was delivered to me.

The new business is called Coco Bites.

You could smell the sweet aroma of chocolate wafting in from the box the moment you get close to it.

Reading the attached card, turns out  I’m their first client! How cute, its an honor wallah

Opening the box, I was faced with those chocolaty balls.

What are those balls? Well, they are the old familiar rice krispie treats, rolled into chewy balls, but with one or two different ingredients that give the crunchy balls a kick.

What’s that different thing? I’m not sure but it does taste a bit like caramel and my husband says he detects a hint of coffee. If you are a fan of Lion bar you would love these little treats.

Taking a crunchy bite…

I did enjoy the lovely chocolatey crunchy bites a lot. Perfect for a movie night in filled with munchies!

Coco bites are now available for orders. You can order Coco bites by calling 69934409. For more information about Coco bites you can follow them on Twitter (@Cocobites_KW) or Instagram (@Cocobites_KW).

[PlusOne] Charitable Initiative with Hashtag Burgers

Hashtag restaurant is well known for two things: their delicious mouthwatering burgers and their contribution to social causes by hosting different charitable projects. (post 1) (post 2)

This July they have a new charity in collaboration with “Draw a Smile” campaign. For every meal you order at Hashtag, a plus one KD is added to the order and donated for a poor worker slaving under the scorching Kuwaiti summer sun. Therefore, you not only enjoy a delicious meal but you also help feed those poor workers who, believe it or not, are often starving and would take what ever leftovers you would send their way with gratitude w3liya.

If you are a restaurant or a business owner, you can also join in this campaign by emailing crazyd@hashtagq8.com Fellow bloggers and readers, you may share this initiative via your blogs, tweets, facebook, or instagram accounts. Spread the good people, may Allah bless you and your businesses insha2 Allah.

Hashtag Burgers is located right next to Solo Pizza Napulitana. For more information and updates you can follow Hashtag Burgers on twitter (@hashtagq8) or on instagram (@hashtagq8).

July is Finally Here!

One of my favorite months of the year is July, and its finally here

Why July? Well, first I was born in July so my birthday which is one of my favorite days of the year is in it. This year however two lovely occasions will occur as well. First, Ramadan will come 2 or 3 days after my birthday and I CANNOT wait for Ramadan to arrive, Allah y3odha o ybale’3na feeh insha2 Allah. Second, my book will be out of the printer soon and will be sold sometime next week -hopefully!-. A third reason is that with July, we know that we are nearer to the winter time in Kuwait which is the best time to enjoy outdoorsy activities of my beautiful country!

So, rejoice, happy July everyone!

Video: Celebrating Social Media Day

Today, 30th of June, we celebrate the Social Media day! Thanks to social media, we are all glued to our tech devices all the time, connecting with everyone everywhere on planet earth. Knowledge is power, and social media made access to knowledge as fast as a click of a button.

In honor of this day the social media club released the video where different people with different experiences in the social media field talk about this day. Your truly is one of them appearing somewhere -I’m too afraid to watch- as well as many of my fellow bloggers like Ansam, His & Hers, Blog 37, Q8 Stig, and Q8 Path. So without further ado watch the video and have a happy social media day -ironically Instagram is down but we can still enjoy it nevertheless-.