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Hello.Again.Kitty

Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 20:40
I really, really doubt that 1 teaspoon is affecting him that much, but then again, it could be. Have you tried a different food? What are you giving him now?
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 20:39
I got both my toddler beds from Dubizzle - wooden ones originally from Babyshop for around 200aed each, including mattress. Love a bargain, me!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 20:37
emlsnre... ladies..., I hope you don't mind me jumping in but but this thread has been enormously helpful as we are in the same boat. Lease up in June and we've only been here almost a year and landlord rang us Easter day to tell us he wants the house back as his daughter will live in it because she's tired of driving from Sharjah every day! And like emlsnre, we've created a garden. I say 'created' because it was a real disaster. And a dead one too! And we've painted and done all sorts. Anyway. My point is... how do you know if your lease agreement is renewable or not. Ours doesn't say either way. It does say at the top, in the 'term' field: "One year only". But it also says that if we want to stay (or go) we have to give written notice within 2 months before the end of the lease and that if the LL wants us out, he has to do the same... written notice with 2 months of end of lease. DH did go to the rent committee this morning and they told him everything that's been said here about 12 months notice etc... but the guy didn't actually look at the agreement and DH didn't insist and I'm worried that he said all he said assuming it was a renewable lease when it might not be. Sorry for the long post. This whole thing has me so wound up, I'm incapable of being succinct!!! Thanks so much, you've all helped so much already. if it says one year only then it sounds like a non renewable lease you must go to the rent committee and ask them again, perhaps a different person, dont say its non renewable let them tell you what is what. Well, doesn't the LL wanting his house "for his family" trump that? I'm also afraid to say that this is a harsh warning - do not invest in a rented place, either by doing the landscaping or by repainting/ doing internal work... it's just not worth it and it's money down the sink at the end of your contract (which may come sooner rather than later). There are plenty of other properties out there.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 20:33
I work it out monthly (spreadsheets ftw) and we're always somewhere between 1500-2000aed for food groceries and then another 200-500 on household items/ consumables (toothpaste, loo paper, washing powder, etc...) The trick seems to be to have a good idea of which shop sells what the cheapest and we've saved a reasonable amount by rotating our big weekly shop between the Usual Suspects and stocking up on the cheaper items when we shop at the given supermarket. Do you make your own spreadsheets or use a specific program? Im looking for something simple to help us finance things better. I've actually got a monster of a financial planning program called Microsoft Money, which is neither quick nor simple... well, in theory it is, but in reality it is a bit of a time sink! I've geared it up to categorise things into sub-sets and budgets and monthly totals for each, which then are converted into pie-charts and comparisons... totally geeky! You could do just as well with Excel, to be honest. Depending on how much you want to see, break down and enter every one of your receipts into categories and get it to keep a running total of expenditure. In the UK I'd buy virtually everything organic, but here there are many factors that mean I don't feel I'm getting what I pay for, so we've really lowered our standard... :(
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 19:20
I work it out monthly (spreadsheets ftw) and we're always somewhere between 1500-2000aed for food groceries and then another 200-500 on household items/ consumables (toothpaste, loo paper, washing powder, etc...) The trick seems to be to have a good idea of which shop sells what the cheapest and we've saved a reasonable amount by rotating our big weekly shop between the Usual Suspects and stocking up on the cheaper items when we shop at the given supermarket.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 19:15
hehe - they can dream on! Honestly, you have to start wondering about their grasp on reality sometimes...
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:47
Lady Elfreda Marlowe! (Not adding my first pet's name because it was daft and already double-barelled!) Go on tell :) Nope, because the Intarwebs is no place for personal information! lol
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:45
Lady Elfreda Marlowe! (Not adding my first pet's name because it was daft and already double-barelled!)
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:37
oo... cod liver oil! Anyhow, yes, we've got some multi-vitamins in the cupboard, brought over from the UK (not helpful, I know) but I'm shockingly bad a remembering to give them. I don't think it really, really matters which type you give them, or even if you give them any at all - the best thing is the varied and balanced diet you're already providing!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:33
Talking to yourself HAK ;) yup... as if talking to virtual people on the Intarwebs wasn't enough, I'm now talking to MYSELF via the medium of a forum... time for a stiff drink! Seriously though, I think I posted just at the same point where the thread was being deleted, for reasons unknown... maybe a bit too much like the title of the "not Dubai Bashing" thread! Oh, and I didn't actually start this thread to ramble on about my UK shopping list... YorkshirePud did! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 27/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 20:22
I would also be aggravatingly professional in all your dealing with him - so for example, when he sends you an offensive email, I would reply with "Your comments have been duly noted and your email filed for future reference." If he's got an iota of sense, he'll realise what you really mean (ie you're compiling a file on his abuse), but if he hasn't, and is too caught up in his own little ego trip, he'll think that you're just being a good girl. I too have been faced with a bully at work and knew I couldn't take him on and win - so I bided my time until the moment I could leave. It certainly helped to have a few quips to lob back at his idiocy, but it all went over his head anyway.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 20:09
stock up on summer clothes to last you til next summer (clothes here are expensive and the cheaper ones are geared towards slimmer, smaller babies)... any sugar-free medicine you may think of needing... children's toothpaste that isn't bubblegum flavoured... a UV sunshade (the all-encompassing ones are also good in sand-storms)... organic snacks and/or fruitbars... wet-wipes (you can get them here, of course, but the cheapest are about £2 a pack and they're rubbish! Swim suits. I would also plan ahead and think of potty-training (I know, it's a way away, but just in case you decide to start at just gone 2yrs) - training pants, travel potty, loo insert (£2.50 from Tescos), cheapie knickers... all that. Bear in mind that Mothercare here is about 30% more expensive than in the UK. Just trying to think of what we need here and don't have... hmmm.... yes, just summer clothes. Lots of. Short-sleeved PJs... my two have never worn a pair of socks here, let alone a coat. The only long-sleeved thing either of them posses is a cardigan each (sorry, "hoodie" for my son!) and they've worn them a handful of times in the past year. If you use Tommee Tippee cups, bring a few spare. Oh, and Crocs! Sportsdirect do them so very cheap and they are brilliant - perfect for the pool and beach, but also non-slip on wet tiles! Get the next couple of sizes up, again to last the next year. Other than all that, I'm not sure. I'm also not sure if it really was the answer to your question!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 20:09
that's weird!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:58
So your thinking they are refilling with cheap nailpolish or their technique is bad? I think it would require way too much work to refill all the polishes with cheapie stuff across all their branches, so I reckon the technique may be somewhat rushed... especially if they think that the UV driers will solve all the drying problems. Not a bad technique per say, but maybe just a combination of a bit too thick and a bit too quick.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:52
is he the top boss or just your line manager? I would document all this (print off the emails) and either go higher, or go to HR or if neither of those is an option, go tot eh Ministry of Labour. You could choose to call a meeting with him beforehand and inform him that you don't find his conduct either appropriate or professional (you'll need balls of steel and a back-up plan in place before you make your move though!) and as such, if there is no change in his behaviour towards you, you are investigating the possibility of making a formal complaint. Saying that, you need a back-up plan. Get your CV out there and find a new job. Chances are, even with a complaint, he isn't going to change. BUT it really is his weakness and his lack of professionalism that's the cause of this. Not yours. Try to find a mechanism to cope with this in the interim, even if it's just picturing him with a big spot on the end of his nose! Something to make you smile! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 27/04/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:48
or just lay it on too thick in this instance. I'm always surprised how quickly some places paint on the second and third coats - surely it's best to let the previous ones dry rather than just layering more on the still-tacky polish!? Anyhow, it shouldn't happen, but it has, so I would either just deal with it or go back and ask for it to be redone.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 18:36
It's funny I got a message from a friend who told me before you do the deed, you fill the tub with warm water enough for your bottom to be covered and if you want a boy you add 1 cup of baking soda and sit in it for 15 minutes. Then go do the deed. If you want a girl, you add vinegar instead. I've never tried it but she said it worked for 90% of the people she knew who did it. I'm sure this is some old wives' tales. That's obviously something to do with the pH of er, the environment killing of some of the sperm... but I would of thought it relatively dubious unless your, er, hmm.. had lots of this bathwater swilling around inside... unless you actually Did It in the bath...
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 17:50
tell him it's entirely up to him what gender it is - so he ought to sort his little swimmers out! lol Seriously though, it is the sperm that decide the gender. Anyhow, my MiL told me that male sperm apparently swim faster but die off quicker, so if you want a boy, you should try to Do It when you've already ovulated (so that the egg is already there for the fastest swimmer to find), whereas the girl sperm swim more slowly but last longer, so if you Do It and you've still got a couple of days to go until you've ovulated, then all the boys would have given up the ghost and the girls would win by attrition. Great theory, but it kind of assumes that you know exactly when you're ovulating. I think it does work though, because DS was conceived on the day my ovulating hormones rampaged.
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 17:44
Well DS is five months and has expressed milk at times. Unfortunately I don't have a dishwasher - so what's the best way to clean his bottles and teats? by hand - preferably with the water as hot as you can handle and give things a good rinse, but to be brutally honest, it really doesn't matter because as soon as bubs is mobile, he'll be licking the floor and chewing on all kinds of stuff! You what you usually do. If it's fine for you, it'll be fine for your child. I like Fairy liquid too, but only because you apparently only need a drop... haha [squirt'>... plus the packaging is cute.
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 17:32
aww, hun! Motherhood isn't all lovey -dovey beds of roses and yes, sometimes it's a real shocker. Nothing can prepare us for it and we're shoved in at the deep end without having a ladder to get back out. What you're feeling is something that every mum has felt at some point or another and if anyone tells you otherwise, they're lying! What you're feeling is not only normal, but also absolutely fine. We're not superhuman and it's fine to just let go and tell the world you can't do everything, all the time. Don't feel bad about your baby crying or not napping enough (what's "enough" or "normal" anyway?!) - again, it's normal and not a reflection of you as a mother. It's what babies do, and once you make peace with that, you'll start to feel more comfortable going out. Really, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about you or your child - they're not with you at 2 in the morning and just see a completely random snapshot of your life. Now for my little action plan - a few things to help you feel you again. [b'>- regain control:[/b'> come off the sleeping pills and tell yourself that there's no action plan. Sleep when bubs sleeps, let the housework hang. Ride the waves and don't set yourself benchmarks... rather aim for small achievements, even if it's "today, I will wash my hair at some point". [b'>- make time for yourself.[/b'> Yes, it is possible, even though it may not feel like it. Let DH take the baby (even if bubs is crying) and go and have a bath, go for a walk, read by the pool, have your nails done... anything that you did pre-baby and enjoyed. It need only be for 20 minutes (a day - I wish!), but it's at least that - a break from the grind. [b'>- realise that you aren't alone. [/b'> Your DH is on your side and there to help, even if it's limited at the moment to listening to your ramblings (gosh, did I ramble!) and make sure that you at least have one hot meal a day. Other mums are a godsend too, so make sure you find a group or a person that you relate to and share with them/her without putting a brave face on. [b'>- realise that you can't be perfect[/b'> [shock horror!'>. Nothing goes quite to plan, and there's always a certain amount of winging it. No-one's perfect, babies aren't textbook and absolutely no one really knows what they're doing... they're just doing what they can in the best way they see fit... different people, different ways. Do, absolutely drop me an email if you'd like to chat a bit more. hello.kittydxb [at'> gmail dot com
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 15:04
get some Vicks vaporub and rub a tiny bit on his chest and back - that should ease his breathing. However, that high temperature would have even me worried. He shouldn't be having that high a temperature for any real length of time - do what you can to keep it down - medication, stripping him off to his underwear and no, don't take him to nursery.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 15:01
if she's strong enough to turn over, a/ you can't stop her and b/ she can move enough to get herself into a more comfortable position and/or out of a dangerous position.
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 14:57
yup, corn syrup's about 13-something aed at Lulus and 18-something at Al Maya. Gelatin, you can get virtually anywhere although I make my fondant without it and instead add egg white (from powdered (again, you can buy the powder at Lulus)
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:55
I wonder what our lovely hubbies would do if a particular area was bit, yanked, stretched, hit. If they would have the same reaction. well, most of the above have happened to poor DH during toddler rough and tumbles (sometimes with elbows) and in fairness, he only screamed and curled up in a ball... but having teeth sunk in and clamping it like a bulldog... different kettle of fish!
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:50
Thanks-I am hoping I am over-reacting but there is that lingering doubt It does sound as if she was on the brink of something. In any case, it's the Police's job to make sure we're all safe, and it's part of that. It's far better to act and be wrong than to sit by and do nothing. Mmmm-I know-I keep thinking of the photos of her young son she shared on facebook last week-he really liked my brother... You've done the right thing. You're not part of her family and have done as any caring, responsible person would have done. You've surely only seen a snapshot of the situation, so it's pointless to speculate about the what-ifs. Her young son also has a father (hopefully) and grandparents... and a mother, regardless of her current state of mind. Here's hoping she gets the help she needs. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 27/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:48
I agree with Hello again kitty - you HAVE TO end this friendship! How could you be friends for one minute longer with a person who has different ideas to you? Or someone whose circumstances you don't actually know that much of or as to why, maybe a reason that hurts her, she doesn't have her children? Delete her number. And block and delete her friendship on all forms of media communications. AND, if she knows where you live... MOVE! Sorry, I've just pulled my comment as the sarcasm may well be lost on the OP, especially as the expression "I never see my kids" in a British context isn't often literal - the young woman could be working all hours, coming home, doing the housework (no maids out there) and then just having time to put her kids to bed (no nannies) before dashing out to her other part-time job. Hit the sack, wake up, wake the kids, do the chores,pack their lunch, drop them off at school and zoom off to her work. Who knows... But as I said, if a passing comment, taken out of context is enough to break the friendship, then wow, some friendship that was. OP's better out of this young woman's life. edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 27/04/2011 No, you were right the first time - this OP posted an identical thread ages ago which must have eventually got pulled (cos i can't find it lol), having degenerated in the usual EW way following the majority expressing disbelief that a "friend" could have posted such a thing in the first place !!. There are a million and one reasons why a person could be in the predicament of not living with their children and the OP would seem to know none of them.. sorry OP but i think yes definitely you should end this friendship - the lady deserves better !! [rolls eyes'> hehe
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:47
can't wait... wonder if she'll do it in Victorian lace... or then a heavier satin??!! well, the cake's apparently going to be very floral, so she could either go the lace and flowers route or keep the dress simple...
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:46
I went to a friend's wedding recently in the UK and her hubby-to-be just broke down when she walked in (so of course I did too :D). I wonder if Wills will do the same?! he's going to be King some day, for goodness' sake! If ever there's a stiff upper lip to be seen, it'll be on the mugs of the Royal Family... he is, however, "one of us", so may allow himself a cheesy grin. Probably not though... must. be. serious. Could you imagine that though, what with the media coverage "WILLS CRIES LIKE A BABY!"
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:43
Thanks-I am hoping I am over-reacting but there is that lingering doubt It does sound as if she was on the brink of something. In any case, it's the Police's job to make sure we're all safe, and it's part of that. It's far better to act and be wrong than to sit by and do nothing.
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:41
Hmmm. Definitely an option, but a little dated perhaps? I think fishtail might make her look a little too slender, but meringue would drown her. So exciting! I think it's going to be very slender and sleek (going to be sooooo wrong, aren't I?!)
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:38
I agree with Hello again kitty - you HAVE TO end this friendship! How could you be friends for one minute longer with a person who has different ideas to you? Or someone whose circumstances you don't actually know that much of or as to why, maybe a reason that hurts her, she doesn't have her children? Delete her number. And block and delete her friendship on all forms of media communications. AND, if she knows where you live... MOVE! Sorry, I've just pulled my comment as the sarcasm may well be lost on the OP, especially as the expression "I never see my kids" in a British context isn't often literal - the young woman could be working all hours, coming home, doing the housework (no maids out there) and then just having time to put her kids to bed (no nannies) before dashing out to her other part-time job. Hit the sack, wake up, wake the kids, do the chores,pack their lunch, drop them off at school and zoom off to her work. Who knows... But as I said, if a passing comment, taken out of context is enough to break the friendship, then wow, some friendship that was. OP's better out of this young woman's life. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 27/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:33
Strapless or not? I'd go for not - it's not really appropriate for the Abbey, is it?! :D I do think she's looking a bit too gaunt these days, though. Although that could just be jealousy on my part! hmm... ooo, that's one isn't it... ooo, what about strapless but with a bolero/stole/jacket type thing?
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:30
I think it's going to be very elegant, very fitted, but not in a clingey way (ie tailored, rather than fitted) and completely beautiful. /sigh
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:28
In all honestly, it says more about [i'>you[/i'> than it does about her. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 27/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:48
do you know where she lives? If so, I'd get someone to call the police there (or do it yourself) and just explain the situation... ... gnargh! DC - you beat me to it. Wot she said. ^^
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:41
there are some Polycell ones that are really good - a range specifically for different types of holes, and they all sand down really smoothly. If you walls are white, then you shouldn't have a problem, but if you're unsure, buy a tester pot of whatever wall colour you need and dab some on!
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:36
Check the packaging. If you've lost the packaging, discard the bottle. Also be aware that the doses for Ibuprofen are far less than for paracetamol. My Calpol suggests 2.5ml (the smaller end of the dosing spoon) to 5ml (the larger dosing spoon) for under 1yrs old, then 5-10ml for 1-5yr olds. My Ibuprofen, on the other hand suggests half that dosage, so a maximum does of 5ml. You son has (hopefully "had" by now) a low fever, so it's more about making him comfortable than getting his temp down quickly. DS was up to 39.5 yesterday (sigh), so I had him on the 10ml Calpol and stripped to his nappy (he's nearly 2 and a big boy!)
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:29
How else can I "teach" her that biting, especially whilst feeding is NOT on?!?! She has done it before, but today was just so darn hard, I never had time to think about my reaction :/: There's a lot of advice out there on how to prevent babies from biting while feeding. Hitting a 20 week old of course as you know is not a way to "teach" them. Try kellymom.com I breastfed for a year it wasn't easy especially when teething but you can see through it... Just take lots of deep breaths and count on a lot of patience. The best way is to just remove them from the fun. It's pretty much the best form of discipline for any situation, in fact. Try not to scream (grit teeth, sharp intake of breath), then compose yourself to a stern, serious face and a firm "no", accompanied with removing bubs from your breast. You could then reinforce by saying "no biting" or "Do not bite me" and then after a pause (later on this will be the point where they say sorry), ask her if she's ready to have some more milk and pop her back on, unless she's got a cheeky minx grin on her face, in which case it's highly likely she thinks it's hilarious and will try again!
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:23
yup, definitely should be on your To Do list. The breakfast is apparently nicer than the lunch, food-wise (I went to the breakfast and my parents went to the lunch.
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:19
I don't drive here (2.5 years) and if I do need to go further afield, I take the Metro or a bus or a taxi. I think the key is location. We're in the Marina, so the nursery is a metro stop away, supermarkets galore, groups, cafes, malls... all within easy distance. We do our big shop en famille at the weekend (joy!) and yes, it's fine. I dare say things will change when/if DD starts school here, but for the moment, it just doesn't make sense to run a second car. On the subject of taxis, I'm always polite (just as polite as I am to anyone) but I've had some real shockers - reckless driving, completely clueless as to where we're heading or how to get there, heavy-footed, right up the rear of the car in front... and the most comical one (not at the time) was a chap who pulled away as I was just getting into the car - I'd made the mistake of telling him where I wanted to go before I was carefully ensconced inside and he very obviously just didn't want to go there (Meadows). I don't know at what point he stopped to actually close the back door, but hey... <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 27/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 22:41
But if you have the sippy cups with straws from Babyshop, don't put the lids in the dishwasher or steriliser. DH has ruined three so far! In fairness, I've always avoided the cups/ bottles with straws because I simply couldn't understand how to get them properly clean - too many fiddly bits that you can't scrub!
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 22:39
Chocolate, and cake, and chocolate cake. Legendary. hehe [blushes'>
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 22:19
if you're using a dishwasher, it's even better - use the normal tabs (or whatever you use) on the 65 degree setting (generally this is the "normal" setting. Using the products that you usually use is all part of the process of getting your baby used to the outside world.
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 21:18
Thanks for the replies ladies! Stuck between a rock and a hard place right now :( DH was in the room when it happened and he immediately snapped and said "Don't ever do that again" :\: I was so shocked at what happened and tried to explain, that it was not intentional and it was a reflex!!! We have briefly spoken about discipline recently and our views differed! He is European and was never exposed to physical discipline, I am South African and well remember my bottom being spanked with a slipper or anything my Mum could get her hands on, if I was out of line! I honestly never meant to do what I did today, however, I now find myself questioning my self-control, on whether it would happen again?! How else can I "teach" her that biting, especially whilst feeding is NOT on?!?! She has done it before, but today was just so darn hard, I never had time to think about my reaction :/: My DH had the same reaction when he saw me - I just retorted that if he was in my shoes, then he may have reacted differently, but since he wasn't, then he should leave it to my judgement. This particular incident was on an occasion when I needed to stop DD very quickly (by slapping her arm) from swinging a pillow wildly around, within range of a hot cup of tea and DS. Far better a quick slap than a scalded baby. The fact is that neither he, nor I, think that physical discipline is a way to teach our children good behaviour... but sometimes - very rarely - you will find yourself in a position where you need an abrupt signal for them to stop doing something and sometimes, it'll be physical, not verbal. I question my self-control a lot. I'm not ashamed to say it because I know full well that if I let myself go, I would do things that I would regret. I think as a result, I am even more [apparently'> calm and collected when I deal with motherhood's little challenges - after all, I'm trying to teach my children how to master their emotions, and I need to lead by example! Never forget that you and your DH are a team when it comes to discipline. There may be a Good Cop and a Bad Cop (I'm the Bad Cop - boo hiss!), but try to show a united front and use the team support! On one occasion, I had to call DH at work for moral support. I was so, so very angry at DD... in fact, I don't think I'd ever been so angry at anyone in my entire life... that I wanted to just give her something to cry about (well, I actually wanted to completely lose it with her) and I needed help to control myself. I'd like to think that our children will learn all the more from us, by seeing how we can express ourselves appropriately, whilst still being open about our emotions.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 19:47
How about a biscuit spread too? Fox's crunch creams, chocolate hob nobs, jaffa cakes...? Grandma would only bring out the biscuits during an impromptu visit as a "make do", but then again, since Grandad died, we don't get the trifles and sarnies any more... :(
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 19:46
Ooooh clotted cream scones with strawbewrry jam - jam first, then cream mind you. I actually found Battenburg in LuLu's and World Mart - yippeeee. French Fancies I used to eat by the truck load. oh, and jam tarts!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 19:32
I love what is really a CAKE Party being disguised in the name of a Tea Party.... edited by Sugarbeach on 26/04/2011 But 'tea' in this context is the name of the meal, not the beverage. It's more of a ritual than a meal, tbh!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 18:05
. Ooh, she also used to serve Battenburg cake, has anyone mentioned that?! edited by simpleasabc on 26/04/2011 I did! Hmmm....[url=http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1120657/battenberg-cake'>Battenberg![/url'>
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 17:31
when we went round to my (very traditional) grandparent's house for Tea, Grandma would wheel out a trolley with a selection of sandwiches, cut into triangles with the crusts chopped off - there's be cucumber, some kind of pate... hmm... maybe that was it. Then she'd have a selection of cakes on a stand - French Fancies, Battenberg, a fruit cake and maybe a lemon one, but the piece-de-resistance was the sherry trifle. You HAVE to have a trifle. ... and tea would be served in a pot, of course. ... with pastry forks and tea spoons, although those who wanted coffee would have coffee spoons, because they are actually slightly different. oh, and cucumber sandwiches are really nice... if you want to pander to more modern tastes, instead of buttering them, spead a bit of soft cheese on the bread... but the main thing is the cucumber, not the cheese. Oh, and Grandma used to decorate the sandwich platter with cucumber twists... bless her. Loved her Teas! edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 26/04/2011 Oh forgot about French Fancies and trifle :) oh, gosh - and scones! Although she never did scones. I hated French Fancies, but still can't get enough Battenberg - pretty simple to make too, I reckon, although I've never tried. Yet. Now I want some. Meh. Got a belated Simnel Cake in the oven at the mo' though and can't be too piggy!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 16:57
when we went round to my (very traditional) grandparent's house for Tea, Grandma would wheel out a trolley with a selection of sandwiches, cut into triangles with the crusts chopped off - there's be cucumber, some kind of pate... hmm... maybe that was it. Then she'd have a selection of cakes on a stand - French Fancies, Battenberg, a fruit cake and maybe a lemon one, but the piece-de-resistance was the sherry trifle. You HAVE to have a trifle. ... and tea would be served in a pot, of course. ... with pastry forks and tea spoons, although those who wanted coffee would have coffee spoons, because they are actually slightly different. oh, and cucumber sandwiches are really nice... if you want to pander to more modern tastes, instead of buttering them, spead a bit of soft cheese on the bread... but the main thing is the cucumber, not the cheese. Oh, and Grandma used to decorate the sandwich platter with cucumber twists... bless her. Loved her Teas! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 26/04/2011</em>
 
 
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