Lettie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Lettie

Lettie
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 09:54
Have you tried to add some psyllium? I think it helps with the elasticity. My gluten free home baking book states that you can replace the psyllium in the recipe with baby rice cereal, but it does not provide the elasticity of psyllium so I assume adding psyllium, may help.
Lettie
300
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 23:17
My Siemens (and my Bosch back home) have all the features, but I am not too sure about the 14 place setting. Some parts are 14 place settings and others not.
Lettie
300
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Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 23:09
I think I saw some at WH Smith(?) in the Marina Mall last week.
Lettie
300
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2012 - 11:40
Unfortunately I don't have any knowledge of any of the brands you mentioned. Before you order from Amazon, I suggest you go to Crafland in Jumeirah Beach Rd. and have a look at their overlockers and let them demonstrate it for you. They do stock Brother machines, I assume they will also have overlockers. As I have said, the cover hem is a nice to have, but not essential. One thing worth mentioning is that if you plan to use it with silk, I would suggest you have to be careful. Silk is a notoriously difficult fabric to work with, and with the overlocker it shows even more. A proper differential feed is essential. I had a look at the link to the Brother and on the information supplied, it looks good. Just be careful with the voltage requirements as stated at the bottom of the specifications. I would still recommend a visit to Craftland to look at it yourself. Take strips of the fabrics you work with mostly and let them use it for the demonstrations. The information on the Juki is not enough to me to get an idea of its capabilities and I don't know anything about it. You can't go wrong with a Bernina (available at Classic Quilts), but it is more on the expensive side and I don't think their classes are up to standard. They are working at their training, but I won't rely too much on it. If you have time you can go there and have a look. It may give you a good idea of the different qualities of the different machines. Lastly, if you think machines and overlockers are expensive in Dubai, you won't like the prices we pay back home. We pay about 50% more in SA for the same machines. :\:
Lettie
300
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 23:08
It is difficult for met to tell you what to look for, as I always went for the top of the range of the brand I bought. (I made clothes for a living so it was very important for me to have the best and most versatile machine.) I would buy one that is at least a 4-thread and have a good differential feed. I don't think you need a 5-thread overlocker. I sometimes use a 5-thread, but not very often. A nice to have is a cover hem, as it gives you more options when you make something like a t-shirt, but you can get the same effect with your machine with a 4mm double needle. The overlocker should have a decent narrow hem or rolled hem as it is useful to finish hems on a thin material like chiffon or thin cottons. (Ask for a demonstration on the narrow/rolled hem on a thin material, as not all machines do it properly.) There is usually a stretch stitch, but it is actually a 4-thread but with only a difference in the thread tension. My overlocker has 24 different stitches, but I mostly use basically only 5-6 of them. Look at the ease of threading, the sturdiness of the machine (I have one overlocker that is not so sturdy and things break too easily on it). Does the machine change the thread tension automatically and if not, how easy is it to change it manually with clear indications what it should be for the specific stitch? In the end, stitch quality is the most important thing in my book. Ask for a proper demonstration of the machine, how it is threaded, how the tension is changed if necessary and at look how the different stitches turn out in the demonstration. If the stitch quality is not good, don't let them tell you it is supposed to look like that. They will tell you anything to sell the machine. What brands are you looking at? Try to buy the best you can afford. If you need more help, just shout, I will help where I can.
Lettie
300
Posts
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Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 21:17
You will soon make fabulous clothes when you have an overlocker. It takes a lot less time and your clothes look more professional. You won't be sorry and you will wonder why on earth haven't you bought one earlier, I certainly did. I can't imagine life without one. Happy sewing!
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 17:25
I will never regret the day I bought my first overlocker. It really takes your sewing to another level in regards of finishing. Just remember, even with an overlocker it still depends on the way you do the hem by hand to make it perfect. How do you finish the edge, do you use a 'zig-zag' machine stitch on the edge or do you just fold the edge before sewing the hem by hand? The 'zig-zag' stitch can cause an uneven edge, but the folded edge causes more bulk. The overlocker avoid both problems. The overlocker is pricey, but you will soon discover how convenient it is and as the results are more professional, you will soon be inspired to do more sewing and make the purchase easier to justify.
Lettie
300
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 17:10
IBN Battuta. It is on the right hand side of the 'organic' row of fridges.
Lettie
300
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:09
Your DH won't like my system! For the kitchen alone I have 6 different cloths and three sponges. Each has it's own purpose, not to be used for anything else. Although I have an agency cleaner I clean the kitchen myself because it stresses me out if the wrong cloth is used.
Lettie
300
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 13:27
I saw fresh cranberries at Geant just now. I didn't look at the price though.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 11:46
I saw a previous post on cake flour and was surprised as I saw it quite regularly. The most logical place to look for it would be Spinneys and Waitrose. I am sure I saw Snowflake Cake Flour at Waitrose recently.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 18:47
With a prescription you can obtain oestrogen cream at any hospital pharmacy, but not at an ordinary chemist store Unfortunately, it is not always that easy.The prescribing doctor need to practice from the hospital in order for you to get it. The hospital pharmacies also don't always have it in stock. I speak from experience.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 06:12
It smells and look like it. I can barely see JLT from JBR and it smells terrible.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 15:53
I don't know if you can rent an embroidery machine, but I know where you can buy it. The price of the embroidery machines varies considerably between the different brands. I have Berninas that are on the higher end of the scale. I paid around Aed 22 000 for mine 2 years ago. Bernina do have more basic embroidery machines that are much cheaper. Mine is a sewing machine/embroidery machine combination. Bernina used to have a machine that only embroiders which is much cheaper. I don't know if it is available in Dubai. Other brands to look at are Brother and Husquarvana (sp?) which are available at Craftland in Town Centre. I don't know what the prices are like, but it is probably cheaper than Berninas.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 21:02
I never buy clothes. I don't want to look like other people and it is difficult to find something to fit as I am a combination of about 3 different sizes. I wanted the form to try my hand at the draping method to design my own clothes instead of using the flat pattern making method. I never thought it could be so easy to make patterns by the draping method. The investment was really worthwhile. Now the material shops are making even more money out of me.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 15:46
...And I was pleased to pay Aed 50 less than what the other shops quoted me for. It was a very frustrating process. When I asked for adjustable they said they have, just to show me the non-adjustable. Then they tried to sell me a big size while looking me up an down and tried to convince me I should buy the size 16-22(?) instead of the smallest one. I was so happy just to get one in the end that I didn't even bothered to get a better price. I wish I saw the one you saw for Aed 95!
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 13:35
After paying AED 400 at Al Nooras Trading Company in Satwa for an adjustable dressmaker's dummy I saw a few in the haberdashery souq in Deira. I didn't ask about the price because I was too worried that I would have to kick myself if it is much cheaper. My husband was very upset with me for not bargaining for a better price before I bought mine. Maybe you can look in Deira and compare prices or otherwise, bargain a bit in Satwa.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 14:44
I am useless with blow drying my hair, so I am using the brush dryer. One word of warning, none of the different brands I bought lasted very long. I used Braun, Philips and Panasonic ( the brands I remember), but none lasted very long. As it is the only way I can manage blow drying my hair, I accepted the fact that I will have to replace it often. At the moment I have the Panasonic one, but I will try the Babyliss next time. I can't recommend a brand, but I can assure you it is much easier to use than a dryer and a brush if you are challenged in this particular skill!
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 12:08
I don't have a Janome embroidery machine, but I do have Berninas. I mostly use my own embroidery designs (digitized by myself) and do not rely on commercial designs, as it is much easier to design something from scratch than to alter a commercial program. It is a lot of fun to digitize your own designs. Just remember, all embroidery design programs are not equal. Make sure that you get one that is versatile and easy to use. I am using the Bernina embroidery software. You can use this program to digitize for other formats also. It is available at Classic Quilts in Jumeira Plaza in Beach Road.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 06:32
It depends on your insurance. In the past my doctor gave me a prescription for three months which I took to the pharmacy. They phoned the medical insurance for permission to supply me with 3 months' medication. After the three months I phoned the doctor for a new prescription and repeated the process. However, I changed insurance and the new insurance insist now that she sees me every three months before she can give me the repeat prescription. Speak to your insurance and find out about their policy.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 12:17
ok so got through to the embassy finally... Need to apply for a new passport (min 4months!!!) at the same time apply for a temporary passport (5 days) to use whilst new one is in process. Only problem is some countries don't accept temp. passports - but it's better than nothing... plus [b'>they don't take your existing passport so at least if you are travelling to a country not requiring a full page, you can still use it[/b'> When I needed a new passport when the 6 months before expiry rule came into effect, I was told by the consulate I can apply for a temporary passport, but the old one will be cancelled as soon as I apply for the temporary one. So, just make sure about that point. I was only informed about it when I went in physically to apply for the temporary passport. In the end I went to SA and apply there for a new passport and got it within two weeks. Apparently it is now even faster to get your passport in SA. There was an option where you can ask them to send the new passport to Dubai. So, that may be an option if he has the time to go to SA.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 22:33
I had to go back on asthma medication (after 30 years) within 6 months after arriving in Dubai. I am not really affected by the sand and dust, but the humidity is my problem. I don't have a problem with the air con, as I also used an air con back home. Fortunately the medication is keeping it under control. Have you ever noticed a relationship between humidity and your asthma? I have the complete opposite experience with my sinuses. Back home my nose was always bleeding and I had permanent sinusitis because of the dry air and dust. I am still taking my daily antihistamine, but I also use Flixonase twice a day as well as a saline nasal spray to clean my nose twice daily. The saline spray really helps a lot. I just wish my nose and lungs could agree on the levels of humidity. My lungs love dry air and my nose humid air...
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 22:23
There are different kinds of lupus, for example discoid or systemic. I don't know too much about the discoid one (which affects the skin), but the systemic one can manifest in different ways. It is basically where your immune system attack connective tissues, for example in joint areas. It can affect basically any part of your body with connective tissue. It can also affect your lungs, kidneys, eyes etc. It is one of many different kinds of arthritis. There are something like 7 criteria to be present before you are diagnosed with lupus. One of the most important criteria is to be ANF+ (if I remember it correctly). The diagnosis is not a quick process. I would not get too upset about it until it is officially diagnosed. I was diagnosed with lupus 13 years ago, which later turned out not to be the case. I read a lot about it then, but can unfortunately not remember too much detail.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 08:39
I think I saw some round ones at Choitrams.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 13:54
It was in the Gulf News yesterday day and I felt sick after reading it.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 13:47
Thank you. That is great. I did try to locate on Google map but that one isn't showing. Yes I know the area. Thanks again. The Google map is not very clear and as the post office is not well marked, it is not so easy to spot. On the Google map it seems as if it is on the DAA's side of the road, but it is on the opposite side of the road. I only found it on my third attempt, so don't give up if you don't see it on your first attempt.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 06:53
For fountain pens, try the pen shop downstairs at Town Centre Jumeirah (the pink one next to Mercato). The pen shop in Town Centre has a good selection. Another good shop for fountain pens is Paris Gallery.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 18:02
Abdul Razzaq Mohiddin Abdulla Trading in Deira (Sheika Latifa Bldg) stocks a lot of yarns. I don't know if they have what you are looking for, but they have a variety. The only drawback is that you have to buy a packet, you can't buy only a few balls. Their prices are very reasonable for other items, but I don't know what it is like for the yarn. I am sure it will be much cheaper than Craftland though!
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:09
You will find psyllium husk in the health foods shops. Not sure about glyserine or do you mean glycerine, that is available in the pharmacy and some supermarkets. ETA You could also use lecithin as a more natural alternative to glycerine. edited by Di@DXB on 19/09/2012 Sorry, I meant glycerine. Thank you for the tip on the lecithin, that sounds more appetizing than the glycerine. In the past I never tried the recipes using glycerine because it sounds weird to me to use it in food.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 12:35
A bit off topic, but I guess someone here may be able to help me. This morning I decided it is time to get out my 'Wheat- and gluten-free home baking' recipe book in order to mix my own flour again. The ingredients for the flour should be relatively easy to get, but some of the recipes require psyllium and glyserine and I am not too sure where to start looking for it. Any ideas would be appreciated, as I don't feel like going all over town looking in all the wrong places for it. TIA
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 22:28
Yes, there is. The only place where you have to cross the street is between Sadaf and Bahar. Rimal is in between the two sectors. Between Rimal and Amwaj there isn't a normal bridge, but you walk past the sportsbar at the Sofitel on the Plaza level, so don't expect the normal bridge. <em>edited by Lettie on 17/09/2012</em>
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 10:27
My DH bought new heads in South Africa when we were on holiday. Didnt know they discontinued it now! Argh! I looked for it in SA last year and also couldn't find it there. Your DH was very fortunate!
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 10:26
I bought a few sets of the brushes last year at the Braun shop at Burjuman. I don't think they will still have some nearly a year later. My stock will only last to the end of the year and then I guess I will have to replace the toothbrush. It is very annoying as there is nothing wrong with the toothbrush and it feels like a total waste.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 18:00
Well I did ask!!! I have a Siemens that is scalding hot everywhere to touch when oven is on and is just gas so possibly have the chance to get a fisher and paykel dual fuel, but maybe won't bother after this!! Shame the one I have is driving me mad!!! I have the electrical Siemens back home and is not hot when the oven is on. The F&P is also hot all over when the oven is on.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 17:51
I have the Fisher and Paykel cooker and I hate every square inch of it! I can't think of anything good to say about it. Sorry.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 14:12
Love the concept of Tupperware parties but I wouldn't buy it. I think it is over-priced although my MIL still has tupperware that she uses on a daily basis and bought over 35 years ago, so I guess you can't knock the quality of it and if it lasts that long then I guess it really is value for money. I prefer lock n lock as it is almost 100% spill-proof. Tupperware used to last for ages, but not anymore. I still have Tupperware I bought in the eighties, but I threw away all the Tupperware containers that I bought since 2000. It becomes very 'sticky' and no matter how you wash it or with what you wash it, it doesn't help. The lids also don't fit properly after a few uses and is then not spill proof. Definitely not worth the money anymore. I also now rather use the 'lock' ones, but all the brands are not of the same quality. The containers I bought here is not so spill proof as the containers I bought at home.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 20:07
I see doctor Badsha at Beach Park Plaza in Jumeirah Beach Road. Her contact number is: 04-3856009. (It is next to the Neurospinal hospital.)
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 16:34
I just read an old article in the Gulf News that implies the housing fee should be adjusted automatically. It also says that the registration of the contract with RERA is compulsory from 2012. Thank you for steering me in the right direction.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 16:17
Thank you. I didn't know that. We will have to make sure then that the contract is registered, if not I will make sure that it get registered. Maybe I just have to study the last few accounts to see whether the housing fee has changed when the rent went up. DH is not very good with studying accounts, he just pays it without bothering too much about the amounts.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 20:00
Maybe this thread will help to make the process a little bit easier: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=183944
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 14:07
Have you tried the Computer Plaza? There are loads of computer shops, so the chances are better to find it without going from one side of the city to the other side. (I don't know anything about computers, but I accompanied DH there several times as it is his favourite place for his computer needs.)
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 August 2012 - 13:08
Look at this thread: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=186303
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 15:48
Maybe this will help you decide... http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/technology/gadgets/apple-be-afraid-be-very-afraid-1.1356320
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 10:40
In Town Center in Beach Road is a pen shop with a variety of brands. It may be useful to go there to compare. They do have Mont Blanc and Parker pens.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 16:32
I have a Siemens condenser dryer and it is great. It works better than the vented dryer I used before. I am also a very happy user of the Siemens condenser dryer. I will never use the 'ventilation' type again.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 13:39
I saw an advertisement for grain bags at the Osteopathic Health Centre in Al Wasl Road. It simply state 'To buy grain bags ask at the reception counter'. I don't know if it is what you are looking for, but may be worth looking at. HTH
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 10:54
I use Firefox and didn't have any problems to log in.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 July 2012 - 17:14
I have a Siemens here and a Bosch back home. They are basically the same. I am very happy with both, but my first choice is still the Bosch. I can't comment on LG and Frigidaire.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 July 2012 - 15:40
It is on Du on the OSN Sports 1 channel. On Du it is channel 534. I don't know if it is one of the extra packages we have or whether it is one of the standard ones. Maybe worthwhile to try channel 534.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2012 - 08:28
I don't think it is going to be easy to find it here. Even with a doctor's prescription I was unable to get Premarin. The doctor told me to go to a hospital pharmacy as it is controlled and you will not get it from an ordinary pharmacy. The hospital pharmacies I visited told met they are out of stock and even if they had stock they wouldn't sell it to me even with a prescription, because the doctor didn't have her rooms at the specific hospital. My suggestion is to go and see a gynae at a hospital and get a prescription. HTH
 
 
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