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Beebers

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 17:21
after speaking to the husband ... he said .. sweet potato with roasted Garlic ! so im going to bake the sweet potatos and carmalise the garlic in butter in the oven too and mash together ... yummy ! Thanks x Your right ... Baked potatos do make for a better mash ! oh rock on, sounds delish! I decided to take my own advice and do a crab log, too :) was lazy and went to Waitrose Marina Mall, and dangit--no cooking tins :( Guess I will be venturing to C4 tonight, blah! good luck to you and to all the other last minute ladies here! x
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 12:04
Mushy, if you decide to do garlic mash, I experimented with baking the potatoes instead of boiling. It just felt like a lot less work and they were tastier in my opinion. I left a little of the skin on and threw some bacon bits in :) mmm! Good luck with your cooking, that dessert sounds yum! <em>edited by Beebers on 24/12/2012</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 11:30
in a similar position! well, in that I just found out I need to do 3 side dishes in addition to the pies I planned to bake. My poor little useless oven is in for it in the morning :( Baked mac and cheese, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a sweet potato casserole are my strong suits, so I am going with those. For "no cook" options, I recommend a cheese plate with honey, marmalade or a cream cheese log, coated in shrimp cocktail sauce and topped with shredded crab meat. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 09:08
These stories are great! I am feeling more Christmassy reading these :)
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 09:03
Hi jc! First, Merry Christmas Eve :) Second, I think most men procrastinate in some areas whereas we women try to get all of our ducks in a row. I don't usually make general "gender" statements, but I think it has some truth. Especially when it comes to moving :) I can't think of a man I have ever known that has been on top of that! Like another said, job hunting is usually fruitless unless you're already here, then it's still tough. Try and focus on appreciating his strong suits and positive attributes. The reasons why you love him. You can't change someone's values or priorities, and if you constantly have expectations for the way you want them to be, you'll just be miserable. Unless his lack of responsibility is putting your financial situation in serious jeopardy. One could say quitting a job and packing up to move to a new country is irresponsible, but nothing ventured = nothing gained. If everyone played it safe all the time, what would the world be like? @Daza we sound very much alike. I have been called insane plenty. I have also been told decades later from the same people that they wished they did what I did, instead of being completely practical and scared of risks. What's the old adage...something about regretting the things you haven't done more than the things you did? Hang in there jc! I bet you'll be happy when your DH gets here :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 19:14
I remember this the most. I don't remember the year, but I think I was 6 and I wanted "Twirly Curls" Barbie so bad. I had no idea, but my Mom thought it was a rip off and refused to get it--she told me Santa was out of stock! My older sister thought this was unacceptable, and bought it for me, out of her babysitting stash. She left the wrapped present and left it outside all night. Since it was below zero fahrenheit and the box was so cold, I really believed Santa made a last ditch effort :) My sister told me Santa was not real the next year, and pointedly admitted all the cool, overpriced, or "messy" gifts (magic sand Play Doh) were from her. A close second was the year my Dad and I went looking for real Christmas trees, and I wanted a ridiculously big tree which my Mom would have not approved of due to cost, size, etc. He bought it anyway, and it was a totally Griswald deal lol. Took up half the living room and we needed an extra string of lights. &lt;3
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 19:07
Watching 'Love Actually' always does it for me :) watched it last week with hubby and think I may watch it again tonight, lol argh!!!! LOVE that movie. Favorite! I bawl like a baby throughout the whole thing and that is usually my annual tears quota. Seriously, great film!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 18:24
I know the feeling, SB :( I've no real reason not to, either.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 17:36
Rule number 1: Don't add colleagues on FB or 4Square. That's plain stupid. Rule number 2: adjust your security settings so your business isn't public!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 16:13
Beebers it's amazing how so many peoples phone don't work when they are going to be late and then spend the rest of the evening sending text & updating facebook lol! I still don't understand the check-in feature. I certainly don't want everyone knowing where I am all the time! I can't count how many times I used to bust employees with the whole "Just checked in at XYZ bar, WEEEEEE!" at 12am, and then I get some ludicrous "I am sooo sick, I think I have food poisoning" text/email at 8am. Hmmmmm. Some people are just better off without smart phones!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 16:08
Hi Nippy, reading your posts just broke my heart. I couldn't offer any advice and didn't have a helpful anecdote, but I do want to say that wow...you really pulled through, and I can't help but be inspired by that. The months to come will be difficult, but your actions this past week have proven that you are a strong and resourceful woman that is able to take a pure **** deal and act logically. Picking up the pieces will come, you have done what a mother needed to do. I am so sorry to hear your story, but it is good to read that you were able to stand up to the bullying and not be run over any more than necessary. You have a lot of courage posting your story on here and I really admire that. Big Hugs and Merry Christmas to you and your family. x
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 16:01
Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read. A friend's aunt told me this a long time ago about buying gifts for kids, and I think it's bang on. that's great!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 16:00
Yet people in Dubai do this all of the time. There really is no excuse nowadays with everyone having a cell phone. An SMS takes just a few seconds. That's what I don't get. People are connected 24/7, yet the only time people run out of minutes, don't receive texts due to network issues, or have some other phone catastrophe--it's usually when they need an excuse for being an inconsiderate @ss lol!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 15:05
Unfortunately, this is yet another sad example of how some people take can take their liberties as a US citizen to an extreme, and the next thing you know, law abiding and respectful citizens may see their rights of free speech infringed upon in addition to the other civil liberties which are currently under attack, such as the 2nd amendment. I wish a lunatic group like this wouldn't get so much attention, because the rest of the nation will suffer, not them. These poor families are suffering enough, strength and prayers to them all.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 12:07
Oh then I should have been a guy. I get awfully cranky when I get hungry and the only solution is to feed me. lol. But that guy was awful! I was thinking the same thing! haha
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 12:06
For a U.S. visa extension, what's the total cost? Do you mean renewing a 30 day tourist visa? 50 dhs during the week, but I think it is a little higher on the weekend--maybe 100?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 12:04
mum2girls, I agree with much about what you've said. Sometimes it feels like that's the case, or that you're judged differently when you won't tolerate complete cr@p because you happen to be well off. Having money can change the way people behave, and make them snotty whereas at one time they were not, but it's not accurate to make sweeping statements about people that do have good packages--like they are all insufferable, short tempered jerks. Just because you're well off doesn't mean you are okay with throwing your money away or not getting what you pay for, and like you said--it is hard when you come from a place where customer service and consumer rights are generally excellent. But, I guess one has to take the good with the bad, and try to focus on the good stuff here. My family nearly croaked when I told them what petrol costs here!! lol
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 10:52
Newsflash ; It's Christmas time for many maybe we can have some nice threads rather than the normal I'm an expat woman droll? Okay, start one :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 10:48
Money does change people, the way they treat service industry workers, have seen it all the time--but is this actually limited to Dubai? Or are people here just extra aware of what others are doing or saying, and bothered by it? And Wednesday Genius said it right, both sides of the fence! The difference is service industry workers are [i'>expected[/i'> to be able to deal with difficult people, and [i'>not[/i'> expected to be openly rude. I worked long enough in that industry to know--that's just the way it is.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 12:29
Good luck, 49! I wonder how many homes around Dubai are going to be rockin' some Paula Deen this Christmas, ha!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 10:53
Beebers - what do you substitute for half-and-half in Paula Deen's recipe? For half and half, last time I used 4 parts whole milk to 1 part heavy cream :) Green Queen, sheesh--not enough of a baking expert to answer that. I usually just cross my fingers, bake as if it were a pre-baked crust, and keep checking it to make sure it doesn't burn/ Technical, eh?? Personally I like the crust more on the soggy side, but that's me. Just pre bake for a bit if you're not sure. Experiment both ways, even better!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 08:41
Thank You!!!! I'll try not to overdo it. Well...no promises ;) [img'>http://www.pic4ever.com/images/Bananeyessss.gif[/img'> p.s. the cupcake will happen :) I will have medics standing by just in case I pass out! And I can't believe you remembered, I'm just tickled :) SueB, May you also have a very happy birthday!!!! I remember you saying you had some big plans ;) <em>edited by Beebers on 21/12/2012</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 08:37
Sometimes they are called "Black Eyed Beans" here. They will be in the pulses section, as others have said, like lentils :) Will defo be getting some for New Year's Day. Yum!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 12:22
http://aldhafrafestival.ae/?Lang=EN Heading down there this weekend! be sure to submit AnonDubai and myself! lol! have fun!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 12:21
This is what I love and hate about forums - there is so much well-meaning advice and everyone wants to lend their support yet assumptions are often made that can create doubts and escalate a situation in OP's mind. None of us know OP or her DH so I don't see how value judgements on a person's character can be made when so little has been said about them. Plus OP called her thread "Marriage Help" not "Help me find reasons to end my marriage" So true! And let's face it, when was the last time anyone said "Wow, my DH put his feelings so eloquently, how I wish I could express myself so gently and sincerely!!" The ones that do express their feelings, that is! Better sometimes to judge a man's actions. I found this list, it is a litmus test of sorts, for a couple to use to assess their marriage if one or both parties feels a "loss of spark." I think it is rationally brilliant. 1. Does s/he make sacrifices for you? Is the relationship one of fair give-and-take? 2. Is s/he honest, loyal, trustworthy, faithful? (That sort of person is not as commonplace as you think.) 3. Is s/he reliable, dependable, there for you even when it’s not pleasant to be so? 4. Does s/he respect you, bolster your self-esteem, treat you well in the presence of others? 5. Does s/he support you in your personal goals and believe in your ability to achieve them? 6. Do you share a similar (or mutually respectful) attitude about important issues like religion, politics, family values, having or not having children? 7. Is it typical, when the challenges of life don’t interfere, for you to enjoy being together doing just about anything? 8. Do you have a reasonable amount in common, shared interests and tastes? And for those you don’t share, do you take an interest just for the sake of the other one? 9. Can you communicate effectively in spite of your personality differences, especially when mutual understanding takes some effort? Are you both willing to put in that effort? 10. Do you have a mutually satisfying physical relationship? (This has nothing to do with any perception of “normal” or “average”; all that matters is that you are both content.) Again, something a counselor would be beneficial for, taking some of the emotion and turning it into rationale. This list above, ironically, comes from a romantic fiction writer!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 11:34
Really??? Banana trees? How offensive could that be? Can't stop thinking about what might have caused the disappearance of the fire wood thread -I am SURE I didn't do anything wrong! :):\: lol, no, I mean TB's humor reminded me of this thread http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=176054 Sorry your post disappeared, I don't know why it would have
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 11:26
she's waiting for people to branch out with some suggestions. maybe she'll just leave it. What wood you do? (sorry. waiting for tumble drier to finish. :D ) lol! That reminded me of the thread about missing banana trees! The quips were hilarious!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 11:13
Yes, me too! I'd score a perfect 10! Right, so off we go to win a few million dhs, piece of cake! lol
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 11:10
The bank I use here calls me every single time I make an internet purchase, and if I do not speak to them, they block my card. After getting hacked in the States with no recourse, I rather like the security. UAE is not as easy to online shop in as it was in the States, but I have been in some countries where the internet fraud is so rampant, certain sites won't let you place an order, and some just plain block you! Could be worse!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 11:04
right. Number one, I would stop the vinegar! Apple cider vinegar is basically acid--My stylist used a vinegar rinse on my ages ago because it needed clarifying. It turned out lovely. However, I tried to duplicate the effect a couple of months ago and it not only looked and felt like a haystack, I could NOT get the smell out! I slept on the couch for 3 days! lol!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 10:56
I wash my hair with mineral water And put a little apple vinegare , that's it and from the other side i color my hair every 2 or 3 months and keratin every 4 or 6 months , and 2 or 3 times blow dry and babyliss per week I know it's too much :( This offer 1800 AED for 6 sessions .. Is it good ? Or too much ? I think that may be too much without hearing other's reviews. I would see a derm like Sakhifa suggested or possibly a trichologist, discuss your routine with them, and see if what you are doing to your hair is hurting it, or find out if it could be an internal issue such as poor nutrition, hormones, or thyroid problems. Also it depends what kind of loss. Is it alopecia areata? Is it falling out in clumps or breaking off due to weakness? Best to know the reasons before paying for meso. I have only heard of meso for fat loss, and my friends who have done it said it was ****.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 10:43
We have been out and talked things through, and alot appears to be my fault apparently, not being affectionate or intimate. Well come on I am working fulltime and bringing up 3 children and making a career for myself. He states he came out here in the hope it would benefit our marriage yet I was completely unaware of this. As a family we have been here for nearly 3 years now and only the last year has our marriage felt the strain. [b'>When we first discussed the issues I was optimistic about working things through and greatful that we had communicated our issues, but as time has gone by I find myself devastated, insecure, paranoid and now angry[/b'>. A working mother is no easy task! But when you feel those particular feelings, try to look at it this way: it sounds like he wants more of a certain part of you that he hasn't felt connected to in a long time. Your husband wants [i'>you[/i'>, feel great about that!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 10:11
yes its to wear as a joke. Perhaps its a British thing! Oh good, lol, American thing, too :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 09:06
My family held an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" several years ago which is the only place I think is acceptable to wear a sweater with reindeer and snowmen on it!! I think it was and still is a popular trend. Sorry OP, not trying to be rude, hope you find what you are looking for!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 08:53
Is this for men to wear as a joke or what? Back home, my group of friends compete for who can find the most outrageous Christmas sweater and there is actually a prize at the party :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 08:51
I will be ordering from them this week and will report back! Nicky, that does sound like a pain, but isn't that normal to present the card upon delivery, for security reasons?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 08:43
I'm sorry Lisa. Being blindsided is devastating, even more so when you have to put on a happy face for the kids, carry on with work, and try to hold things together when those feelings are likely monopolizing your thoughts. I have a friend that went through a very similar thing. Except she was the one who felt the loss of the spark. Actually, her marriage was completely devoid of intimacy, and she didn't know what to do. She was married for 7 years, with no children. 5 of those years were celibate. I don't want to go into much detail about it, but it was painful for her to live in quiet desperation all those years, and even more painful to admit her unhappiness to her husband, because she knew it would hurt the man she loved. In the end they did get counseling and it did work, they are still together and acting almost like they used to when they first met. A counselor can help you work through the feelings of resentment, being dealt this blow, as well as help your husband realize this is a two way street and guide him with what he needs to work on. I really think you two need a professional, and since he has tried--although not very eloquently--to relay his feelings to you, I doubt there is a 3rd party involved. It has been my experience that men will pick fights and stonewall a wife they feel bad about cheating on to clear their conscience so they can carry on with an affair. Or just flat out leave. Seems he is doing neither. I am so sorry for what you are going through, and all over the world, others are going through this, too. See if he wants to go to a counselor. I think if you two can see someone there is more than a lot of hope. x
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 16:59
Thank you everyone for you input :D I have decided to open it and charge it!! That way after everyone has opened their pressies, we can go out and the person can take their camera and click away to their hearts content :D Well done :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 15:42
Yes, excellent tip, Goose :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 15:41
Unless it is a toy for one of your children, don't consider it :) Well, if my DH surprised me with a camera or a new iPhone, I wouldn't be mad if he opened it and charged it for me. I would be like "yay, I can play with it right now!"
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 13:51
Thanks Beebers - I might just make a regular one and a gluten free one if I'm feeling adventurous! So do you pre-bake your crust as per Paula's recipe? I looked it up and many ppl say pre-bake, others say don't do it coz it burns the crust :\: oh, good question. I don't pre bake. Mainly because I forgot the first time I made one, but was too lazy to chuck it and start over. Liked it much better that way, so never have since :) Nothing worse than a burnt pie crust, yuk!
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 12:29
Sakhifa, it is dubious, isn't it? Maybe no one who took the tripadvisor surveys has ever been told my a taxi driver "No, get out, I don't go to JBR" or "My you have a large backside" or practically gagged when they opened the door. Luckies!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 12:19
I hope your new maid wont take the ' wifely chores' straight to her heart ;) She said "chores" not "duties" lol ;)
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 12:13
i did the ones at souk al bahar with a friend visiting from the states. we havent giggled that hard since we were in highschool. the guy took photos of us as well and they still make me chuckle. must do. Okay awesome! I'd prefer that one to ski dubai anyway. (bunny hills=bad memories!) thanks for the feedback! lol Callme, sort of, but it stinks because I love wearing high heels, and it makes me taller than my DH. I hate to look like I charge by the hour :(
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:00
One of my favorite daily work bags is a Gucci tote. You might be able to get a designer tote for that price, but if he is looking to get her an actual handbag, it would be over 3K for the high end brands. I understand the philosophy "Why should I pay a company to advertise for them?" however the canvas monogrammed Gucci material is outstanding, in my opinion. I have beat that thing to high heaven, taken it on 3 continents, it fits my laptop, a pair of flats, and my makeup bag, so it was ideal for work. I spilled some BBQ sauce on it (I know, lovely!!) and it came out so easily. So for a messy, clumsy jetsetter like myself, I endorse this brand :D
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 09:21
Hey, has anyone rolling around in those inflatable globes at Ski Dubai, or in the fountain by Souk Al Bahar? (I don't know what you call them, sorry). Is there an age limit? I don't mind being the only person over 10 doing it, but I thought maybe there was an age/weight limit? ETA height limit, not weight limit lol--I'm 175 cm <em>edited by Beebers on 19/12/2012</em>
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 06:22
oh, one other note, you may notice the recipe calls for 2 cans of pumpkin. After numerous time making this pie, I find that a 30 oz of mashed pumpkin, total, is about perfect. So if you end up with having more, blending the remainder with some cream and sugar, ice, and "the Captain" makes a yummy snack for Christmas morning lol!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 06:17
Ladies - just saw this thread as I was looking for pumpkin pie recipes. What did you use for the half and half in Paula Dean's recipe? And where do you find ready made pie crusts? Or do you just buy short pastry and roll that out? Hi Green Queen, about to make this myself for a party over the weekend. Paula's never fails me! For half and half, last time I used 4 parts whole milk to 1 part heavy cream and the pie was business as usual :) For the pie crust, I usually make my own since I can never find it and this is so easy. I do either of these, which are both tried and tested. Option 1: http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/butter-flaky-pie-crust/Detail.aspx Or option 2: which I prefer because it seems more butter to me, but it is gluten free, and not everyone wants to go out and get brown rice flour if it is not on hand. • 1 cup brown rice flour • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp sea salt • 1 large egg, slightly beaten • 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces • 3 tsp cold water Put flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Add cold butter pieces and use a fork or pastry knife to mix them into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and water and stir until sticky. Use a piece of waxed paper with rice flour on it to roll the dough out on. Then, turn the piece of waxed paper upside down into the pie pan. This dough will not stick together like a gluten dough. Maybe some other ladies can advise you if you do not want to make your own. cheers!
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 06:10
Hi Bird, at MOE yesterday, I could swear I saw them at Jumbo, and also you might try Virgin Megastore. Both have a ton of tablet accesories
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 19:48
I was told many moons ago that cutting your cuticles is like cutting your eyelashes. Don't do it! Same here. I do scrape the skin off the actual nail, with an orange stick, after leaving cuticle remover cream on them to soak--but that's it. Now, erm, don't tell me your eyelashes are so long you asked someone if you could cut them!!!! Wouldn't that be a nice problem to have! I wish I could steal my DH's :( I have stubbs.