mich72 | ExpatWoman.com
 

mich72

mich72
178
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Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 09:10
All it needs is Cliff Richard for the driver we can all go on a Summer Holiday :D OMG are we related - that's our family jaunt song. :D Even my local grandchildren sing it, that and you cannae shove yer granny aff the bus. No trip in our house is complete without those two songs and the Barney song to finish things off. Or as my husband says ' go on, now finish me off with the Barney song, put me out of my misery please. edited by DesertRose1958 on 11/06/2013 Ha ha. No way. You get shot in my family if you start up with that. We had to endure our Mum watching it constantly through childhood!
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 09:02
All it needs is Cliff Richard for the driver we can all go on a Summer Holiday :D
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 09:01
Is the Garmin still relevant now? eta: cross post! got my answer, was wondering as I wanted to buy one. Is it not good mich? edited by Redrec Tangle on 11/06/2013 There are some advantages to the Garmin. The home button is handy and it doesn't require a data connection. That said, the Garmin didn't have a clue one time I got lost in Al Khawaneej. It thought I was dune bashing or something! Google Maps knew exactly where I was and how to get out. On Android you can create a folder on your home screen with shortcuts to favourite destinations. A little fiddly until you're used to it, but works well.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 08:43
Google Maps navigation has voice directions just like a sat nav. More accurate and less annoying than my Garmin!
mich72
178
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 14:24
I do it every 2-3 months.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 09:00
Use the sterilising tablets/liquid from the baby section in Boots. If you using the tablets dissolve the tablet in water and then pour into the machine. I use as much as it takes to fill the machine, then leave for 20 minutes and drain. Rinse fresh water through and done :)
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 08:51
Just buy a timer and attach a hose with sprinkler. Only a few hundred dirhams but saves you standing in the garden a couple of times a day. Just make sure you get one that can turn on multiple times per day. The very cheapest often only allow once. C4, Geant and Ace sell them. Ours is on twice a day for 10 minutes at this time of year.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 16:20
I have a 12 year old Panasonic and it is still going strong. I've tried Morphy Richards and wasn't impressed. Ingredients will depend on the type of bread you want, but typically strong bread flour, yeast, salt, butter/oil and water. What goes in and how you store it will determine how long it keeps. You will find most will last 2-3 days...if you don't eat it all fresh and hot! Some bread you buy can have additives and excessive sugar/salt. So yes, it can be healthier. The main benefit is hot fresh bread whenever you want it with minimal effort.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 08:21
I think Etisalat has better coverage, but other than that they are as bad/good as each other...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 08:18
Info [url=http://www.expatforum.com/expats/dubai-expat-forum-expats-living-dubai/146504-my-experience-importing-car-us.html'>here[/url'> that will help...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 11:33
You wont regret it once you get started! Start with the basic recipes and soon you'll feel more confident about trying some other recipes. Here is a sure fire winner basic recipe that works well in a machine: 1/2 tsp yeast 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp milk powder 400g strong white bread flour 15g butter 280ml room temperature water Use the basic/standard white bread setting on your machine. A slightly different version that is a little better IMO is to replace half the water with milk (above recipe). Hot cross buns/loaf 1/2 tsp yeast 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp milk powder 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp mixed spice 250g strong white bread flour 25g butter 1 medium egg 100ml water 100g mixed dry fruit or raisins/sultanas Use the standard dough setting on your machine. If you have a raisin/nut dispenser place the fruit/raisins in that. If not, add the raisins after the first mix cycle. One the dough is ready remove from the machine. Either put the dough in a buttered/greased loaf tin or divide into 6-8 portions to make buns. Put in a pre-heated oven at 220c for 15-20 minutes (allow 20 for a loaf, less for buns). Don't try to bake in the bread machine as it wont get hot enough. These need to be baked in an oven. Good luck...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 12:57
We got ours from [url=http://www.dependablesteel.com/products.htm'>here[/url'>. Better quality than C4 etc. It was made to order in a couple of days and a couple of hours installation. Very happy with it...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 15:09
I wouldn't use it. If it isn't off then it must have some serious chemicals in there! Simple recipe: 300g strong white bread flour 1/2 tsp yeast 1/2 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp milk powder (optional) 15g butter (in a few cubes) 200ml lukewarm water Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, salt and milk powder. Add the butter and water. Mix well and knead for a few minutes. Place in a large bowl and cover with a damp tea towel or cling film (rub the dough side of the cling film with a little oil. Leave in a warm place for 30-45 minutes. Roll out, or spin the dough like a professional ;-)
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 09:37
I can second the Trade Centre Apts. The staff were very good with the cats.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:26
I think it is 04 362 7280.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 11:32
Umm Suqeim Road becomes a street according to signage ir you head the opposite way. To this day I don't know if Al Hadiqa Street is a street or a road due to conflicting road signs. I must say, I wish they'd stop renaming roads with proper names. Much better to rename the numbered streets. I mean, how many street 22s are there in Dubai?!
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 08:47
It'll be renamed by the end of the construction...probably ;)
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 08:45
Blimey. There has been some inflation since I was a kid! I got 5p a week if I recall correctly. Just enough for a decent sized bag off the penny sweets tray :)
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 13:10
Spinneys Motor City had loads an hour a go. Top shelf in the flour aisle. Only wholemeal bread four though :(
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 09:26
I tried it once but the queues were too long... Tell me about it. Having to climb out of my pit earlier :(
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 09:12
The extra traffic I'm experiencing is the roundabout opposite Studio City. The traffic hitting us from Saheel direction seems to be about the same. The amount of traffic backing up from the roundabout to Palmera/Alvorada must be at least triple what it was. I wouldn't have thought the Saheel traffic that used to cut across is driving the long way round to Palmera?
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 08:27
Etisalat dropped their data prices recently. You can get 1gb data for 99 AED per month prepaid (was 145). For postpaid see etisalat.ae/newpostpaid. I think it os 50AED and then 50AED for data and some other add-ons. I found Du's customer service shocking when I had a Du sim. Wouldn't use them again.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 21:05
Cars are relatively cheap here compared to the UK. Once you factor in the costs, hassle and probable specs issue I can't see how it would be worth the bother.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 19:35
I use a pizza stone on the bottom of the oven. It helps a little. Also, use an oven thermometer. The inbuilt one might not be totally accurate! You can also use silicon mats on baking trays to help with cookies.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 15:42
Alison from House Hunters is excellent. They have a stand located in the AR community centre and their office is in Motor City (on the left a little way past the strip of shops).
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 19:40
Hi. Thanks for the reply! You are usually right and these were the settings that I had in the UK. But some internet service providers block you from using your email client`s outgoing server and require you to logon to theirs instead. BT Internet would be an example of this in the UK. Therefore I had assumed this is my problem now, but if anyone has any other suggestions i`d really welcome them? The SMTP details for your email provider should work with Du. If not then check the SMTP port is open on your firewall and router.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 15:35
Only place I've found them in is Geant, Ibn Battuta.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 09:05
Typical of service here huh! APN settings are unique to the mobile carrier and nothing to do with HTC! Glad you got it sorted. HTC make really good phones at the higher end of the market, hope you enjoy it :)
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 21:20
Sounds like you need to add in the APN settings - Settings > Mobile Network Settings > Access Point Names The settings you need will depend on whether you use Du or Etisalat. Their customer service should* be able to tell you what they are. Which are you with? *Ok, maybe not!
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:11
Depending how much island hopping you want to do... A ferry to Naxos is easy from Athens. It is one of the main ferry route islands so good as a stopping off point. A good island for walking or hiring a jeep to explore. Some nice beaches and some water sports. From there you can get a ferry to say Santorini. Stay in Oia rather than Fira. You can find some lovely cave houses on the cliffs to rent. Amazing sunsets and a nice place to potter around. It is expensive on Santorini though. If you want a really quiet simple place then Folegandros is great. Best to check ferry schedules for there if travelling at start/end of season. If island hopping then the ferry schedule will almost certainly determine your schedule once you've chosen a couple of islands! Away from the Cyclades I like Skiathos. Quiet but still things going on. You do get Brit package holidayers there, but tend not to be the younger louder ones. The sister island is nice as well. They shot some of the Mamma Mia scenes around the islands. Best bet is to get the lonely planet for the Islands. When I went the guide was quite accurate for getting a feel for the different islands.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 16:26
Each island has a different feel and will appeal to different people. In 10 days in season it is easy to visit several islands in the Cyclades using the extensive ferry network. If you can give an idea of the type of thing you are looking for I might be able to suggest some islands...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 21:24
The Duster is more or less a Dacia and re-badged as a Renault. There might be some modifications and changes, but it is more or less a Dacia and I think made in Romania (might be wrong on that part). Can't say if it is any good, but Dacia isn't exactly renowned for brilliance!
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 16:23
Salwan.ae. don't know prices these days though...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 20:57
Adventure HQ in Times Square is your best bet. They have a website, but only have a few products on it.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 09:03
The whole system needs overhauling...I'm not holding my breath though! On a side note. I saw a villa advertised the other day. Landlord insisting on a 5 year contract, payable up front. What planet?
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 08:48
Good luck getting the landlords to reduce the rent. They'll see $$ signs and rub their hands together in glee. Much better to stop properties being rented or sold without fees being up to date. Stop their investment being worth anything and they will be forced to pay. If they still can't pay then they can't afford the property, so why should they keep it. Bank repossess and proceeds pay off fees and mortgage. Any remainder goes back to landlord.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 10:58
The question is why didn't they do this originally? It would seem the most logical. But I'm guessing they think some of the landlords are too powerful to cross directly and therefore are trying to go about it a different way. I have no idea. If nothing effective is done about it then the long term affect on the community will mean people moving out faster than they can get in unsuspecting newbies. This is a bad thing for everyone and there will be no winners..
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 10:47
But this whole issue just came up in June and we were told that everything was in order by the agent. We did our Due Diligence. And once again, I would like to state for all those that cant get it through their heads that the TENANT IS NOT ALLOWED TO REQUEST THIS FROM EMAAR. It is only the LL that can ask for this information!!!!!!!!! Sorry to say it but you obviously didn't - if you did you would have your rubbish collected. Due Diligence is not asking a dodgy agent a question and them telling you yes - due diligence is getting a copy of the receipt. I get the impression you are enjoying this...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 10:46
The attitude of some on here makes me wonder if they were dropped on their heads at some point. The list of pitfalls of renting, in fact doing anything, in this country grows by the day. It is hard enough for folk that have been here to keep up with this list, let alone the newbie expat that isn't aware of these issues. You can do as much research as you like in advance, but there is always something to trip you up. The fact of the matter is that a number of landlords are allowed to get away with a long list of things and this is the latest. Rather than punish the whole community and/or tenants, how about targeting landlords? If the landlords were unable to rent out properties without a NOC in the same way they can't sell then they would soon pay up. Target the problem, not one of the victims.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 13:35
Motor Sport Wheels in Al Quoz, near Times Sq. They might have to order them in, but great service and reasonable prices.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:41
If she knows in advance then she has more luggage allowance for bringing stuff :) Why not order the meet and greet service at the airport and then spoil her rotten once arrived.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:35
Motorsport Wheels (MSW) in Al Quoz. They have a website and offer a good service. Clean comfy waiting room with free pool table and drinks and nice sofas. Call ahead so they can make sure they have tyres in stock for when you arrive.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 17:06
Spinneys MC has them. Most places with BBQ stuff should have them...
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 16:21
I wouldnt mind living there to be honest .. I think if you go further in near the medcare that might be a little more quiet ... Ive renewed a month ago :( might look at next year .. any idea on the number of cheques ? Probably 4 cheques unless they have changed their policy from earlier in the year. Edit: up to 4 cheques - see the FAQ section at http://www.wasl.ae/htmlEng/index.html <em>edited by mich72 on 08/10/2012</em>
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 15:53
I think they have floor plans online if you search for Wasl Square.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 15:41
Next to Safa Park probably does it. I guess plenty would like to live in the area but find the villa prices too high. No way would I want to be right on the busy road like that though.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2012 - 20:51
Most fruit juices have lots of naturally occurring sugars. If it says 'no added sugar' then none has been added to what is naturally there. If it says no sugar, then it can't be fruit juice!
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 22:25
They should just make owners have a permit to be able to rent out their property. In order to get and renew the permit you should prove that the property has paid service charges and an annual inspection on air con, plumbing etc has been passed. It might lead to improved maintenance, hygiene etc etc. The permit might also be conditional on no outstanding RERA cases or similar as well. As it is, the tenant has 99% of the pitfalls and running around to do. It is about time landlords were more accountable. This is off the top of my head, so probably needs some thinking through, but it would be an improvement on the current mess.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 14:58
Over the summer we had it set for 10am and 10pm for 10 minutes each. Yesterday we changed that to 11pm for 15 minutes. Our set-up is a lawn sprinkler, with 3 small sprayers to supplement. Micro drippers for the plants. Our water is running at about 90-100AED a month.
mich72
178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 09:33
MSW in Al Quoz. They have a pool table for while you wait :cool: Good service too...
 
 
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