What is expensive?
May 14th 2003 | 1:15 am
#31
Pagan Sex God
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,668
From: Living in Oblivion
Originally posted by Taffyles
Being a bit presumtious aren't you pal LOL. I believe the man asked "what is more expensive in the US"- so people are telling him. If he'd asked what is cheaper, no doubt the answers would have suited you better???
You don't make it in this country if you are a negative, pessimistic person who can only see problems and can't accept the differences...but before you can accept, you have to know what the differences are! We've been here 11 years (and made it) and seen a lot of expats come and go- the first ones back on the plane are the ones expecting everything to be wonderful...many of them get a rude awakening when they have to deal with the reality of living here.
Oh and there are plenty of kettles for sale, and plenty of Americans have a kettle, but they are the old whistle type you boil on the stove
Most Americans haven't had the benefit of European appliances, so don't know the difference, people coming from the UK will soon find out for themselves.
Being a bit presumtious aren't you pal LOL. I believe the man asked "what is more expensive in the US"- so people are telling him. If he'd asked what is cheaper, no doubt the answers would have suited you better???
You don't make it in this country if you are a negative, pessimistic person who can only see problems and can't accept the differences...but before you can accept, you have to know what the differences are! We've been here 11 years (and made it) and seen a lot of expats come and go- the first ones back on the plane are the ones expecting everything to be wonderful...many of them get a rude awakening when they have to deal with the reality of living here.
Oh and there are plenty of kettles for sale, and plenty of Americans have a kettle, but they are the old whistle type you boil on the stove
Most Americans haven't had the benefit of European appliances, so don't know the difference, people coming from the UK will soon find out for themselves.
May 14th 2003 | 1:29 am
#32
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,296
From: Florida
Yes I saw two in Target the last time I was in there, both automatic shut off too. Haven't seen any in Sears yet, mind you I haven't looked too hard- as I got a nice Russell Hobbs from the British Shop last Christmas ...that should last a while.
Has anyone seen a cordless iron? I'm determined to get one
Has anyone seen a cordless iron? I'm determined to get one
May 14th 2003 | 3:31 am
#33
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28
Get real....
Cant help but agree....live in the USA, when our friends from London come all they do is shop...OLD NAVY day and night... most of the clothes you buy anywhere these days are manufactured in the far east. The washers dryers etc the same. I never bought a ladder or matress in the UK but my advice is if you have free shipping then bring whatever you can dont mess with voltage conversions except for computers where it is generally built in. If you have to pay for shipping buy new and enjoy it. I am amazed at the discussiona bout clothes and electrical equipment none of this stuff is built in the UK nor the US for that matter. I have a 12 year old sears washing machine (and 3 kids to fill it) never would spend 1000$ on any appliance anyway and we use 3 functions. We have an american bought cordless kettle for tea and it is still working 5 years later but when it breaks I will toss it and buy another I think it cost $18. Of course we all miss things from home..thats what the internet is for I order PG tips from Florida and get the kids Jaffa cakes in London once a year.
enjoy...and dont join the I cant get a good curry club!
enjoy...and dont join the I cant get a good curry club!
May 14th 2003 | 4:15 am
#34
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 39
From: Newark, Nottingham
Originally posted by Pulaski
Things are different here Jim, and some expats have the biggest problem with that. America is different from the UK, and that's about all I can say.
If you are coming over here for good, then take what America has, and learn to live with it. Americans don't seem to have a problem with electrical appliances - and they seem just fine to me too. You'll create a life of stress and grief if you go on pining for things from the UK.
The internet message boards have given a platform to many different people, and I have discovered that British expats living in America are devided into those who love life here and those that see nothing but problems and wonder how Americans manage. I am one of the former, but listen to too many of the nay-sayers and you'll wonder about the wisdom of coming at all.
British laundry appliances were fine, I never had a problem, and although US machines are bigger they work the same way. I doubt that clothes care which way they are pointing when they are sloshed back and forth! So far as all the programs go, I mostly used one in the UK, and occasionally a second, and that is the same here - our machine has more programs than we'll ever use.
Kettle? I don't own one, Americans don't have them and that is why they are hard to find. There is no demand. You want coffee? ... buy a coffee maker, tea? ... put the bags in the coffee maker too, that's what my wife does. I don't drink hot tea, only iced tea, but it's me that it British!
Clothes? I'll concede that underwear is cheaper at M&S, socks especially, but as I am still living off my M&S stock-pile I can't comment on US ones. Having said that I'll probably stock up on M&S's best the next time I go back.
To answer your original question, bring what ever you have, to avoid having to shop for everything when you arrive, but don't bring large electrical appliances, or small cheap ones either. If you have a good hi-fi that'll work perfectly on a good quality transformer, and your computer should be OK too.
Things are different here Jim, and some expats have the biggest problem with that. America is different from the UK, and that's about all I can say.
If you are coming over here for good, then take what America has, and learn to live with it. Americans don't seem to have a problem with electrical appliances - and they seem just fine to me too. You'll create a life of stress and grief if you go on pining for things from the UK.
The internet message boards have given a platform to many different people, and I have discovered that British expats living in America are devided into those who love life here and those that see nothing but problems and wonder how Americans manage. I am one of the former, but listen to too many of the nay-sayers and you'll wonder about the wisdom of coming at all.
British laundry appliances were fine, I never had a problem, and although US machines are bigger they work the same way. I doubt that clothes care which way they are pointing when they are sloshed back and forth!
So far as all the programs go, I mostly used one in the UK, and occasionally a second, and that is the same here - our machine has more programs than we'll ever use.Kettle? I don't own one, Americans don't have them and that is why they are hard to find. There is no demand. You want coffee? ... buy a coffee maker, tea? ... put the bags in the coffee maker too, that's what my wife does. I don't drink hot tea, only iced tea, but it's me that it British!
Clothes? I'll concede that underwear is cheaper at M&S, socks especially, but as I am still living off my M&S stock-pile I can't comment on US ones. Having said that I'll probably stock up on M&S's best the next time I go back.
To answer your original question, bring what ever you have, to avoid having to shop for everything when you arrive, but don't bring large electrical appliances, or small cheap ones either. If you have a good hi-fi that'll work perfectly on a good quality transformer, and your computer should be OK too.
I guess we Brits do live up to the wingging pome banner don't we? We are looking to embrase the American way of life and obviously there are going to be vast differences in our cultures. All that is adding to the excitment of going. It just makes sence with our limited budget to be forewarned with regards expense.
We have endless amounts of M&S underware HA! Its been good to hear the difference points of view though we really appreciate it.
Thanks
Jim
May 14th 2003 | 6:03 am
#35
.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 8,933
From: Where bad things rarely happen in movies
Taffyles - we've got a Kitchenaid Whisperquiet - and it really is very quiet. We were concerned when we got it that it was too gentle, as the agitator is a screw mechanism, rather than the rotary swisher thing that I've had in top loaders before,and it just seems to turn the clothes over. But even though its very gentle, it gets things clean. Programmes - yep 18, and we've used 3 in 6 months.....Pricewise it was about 500 bucks on its own, but we got a discount cos we bought a dryer and fridge at the same time - brought thee washer down about 100 bucks, plus a $50mail-in rebate for each (Grrr - those really wind me up!!)
Kettles - we picked up a cordless stainless steel Russel Hobbs for about 40 or 50 bucks in Foleys. No idea what it would cost in the UK.
Fridges - boy, moving back to the UK will be hard (if we ever do it) - don't think I could bring myself to leave the fridge/freezer we have now - its bigger than my old wardrobe!! Cost - about $1000.
Kettles - we picked up a cordless stainless steel Russel Hobbs for about 40 or 50 bucks in Foleys. No idea what it would cost in the UK.
Fridges - boy, moving back to the UK will be hard (if we ever do it) - don't think I could bring myself to leave the fridge/freezer we have now - its bigger than my old wardrobe!! Cost - about $1000.
May 14th 2003 | 10:01 am
#37
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,296
From: Florida
Thanks both- I'm looking for a cordless IRON though- dashed if I've ever been able to find one. I've got a good kettle.
Yorkie that machine sounds great- I'm looking for gentle after the amount of clothes I've thrown out. I daren't put a dress or permanent press clothes in my machine (top of the line Kenmore when I bought it- and cost over $500- years ago). I'll have a look around for that make, cos that's cheap for a machine too - can't wait to phone the sally army and get them to cart my monster away. When I go home, I want to take my fridges with me heehee- I've got two (living in FL you need more!), although you can get American style (and size) fridges in UK now- bit pricey though.
Yorkie that machine sounds great- I'm looking for gentle after the amount of clothes I've thrown out. I daren't put a dress or permanent press clothes in my machine (top of the line Kenmore when I bought it- and cost over $500- years ago). I'll have a look around for that make, cos that's cheap for a machine too - can't wait to phone the sally army and get them to cart my monster away. When I go home, I want to take my fridges with me heehee- I've got two (living in FL you need more!), although you can get American style (and size) fridges in UK now- bit pricey though.
May 14th 2003 | 10:14 am
#38
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 39
From: Newark, Nottingham
Originally posted by Taffyles
Thanks both- I'm looking for a cordless IRON though- dashed if I've ever been able to find one. I've got a good kettle.
Yorkie that machine sounds great- I'm looking for gentle after the amount of clothes I've thrown out. I daren't put a dress or permanent press clothes in my machine (top of the line Kenmore when I bought it- and cost over $500- years ago). I'll have a look around for that make, cos that's cheap for a machine too - can't wait to phone the sally army and get them to cart my monster away. When I go home, I want to take my fridges with me heehee- I've got two (living in FL you need more!), although you can get American style (and size) fridges in UK now- bit pricey though.
Thanks both- I'm looking for a cordless IRON though- dashed if I've ever been able to find one. I've got a good kettle.
Yorkie that machine sounds great- I'm looking for gentle after the amount of clothes I've thrown out. I daren't put a dress or permanent press clothes in my machine (top of the line Kenmore when I bought it- and cost over $500- years ago). I'll have a look around for that make, cos that's cheap for a machine too - can't wait to phone the sally army and get them to cart my monster away. When I go home, I want to take my fridges with me heehee- I've got two (living in FL you need more!), although you can get American style (and size) fridges in UK now- bit pricey though.
ITS really lovely you lot... Jim. Started the thread and haven't a clue what your talking about..............
May 14th 2003 | 1:31 pm
#39
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,356
From: Dixie, ex UK
Originally posted by Taffyles
Being a bit presumtious aren't you pal LOL. ....
Being a bit presumtious aren't you pal LOL. ....
Sorry, I like to have my say.
May 15th 2003 | 12:01 pm
#40
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,792
From: Ft Lauderdale, FL
Bed Bath & Beyond have Cordless Irons. Vacs, if your desperate for Brit, Dysons are here, BestBuy stores.
Re, nothing is made in UK or USA, true but they are made to the Customer/ country specs.
Ps. when I take my trips to UK, after a few days "Think to myself, need to go home" Home for me is NYC USA. Much rather be in Florida, great place, nice people.
Reg. Frank R.
Bitching about the place is OKay, I'm still not leaving.
Reg. Frank R.
Re, nothing is made in UK or USA, true but they are made to the Customer/ country specs.
Ps. when I take my trips to UK, after a few days "Think to myself, need to go home" Home for me is NYC USA. Much rather be in Florida, great place, nice people.
Reg. Frank R.
Bitching about the place is OKay, I'm still not leaving.
Reg. Frank R.
May 15th 2003 | 6:13 pm
#41
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 39
From: Newark, Nottingham
Originally posted by frrussre
Bed Bath & Beyond have Cordless Irons. Vacs, if your desperate for Brit, Dysons are here, BestBuy stores.
Re, nothing is made in UK or USA, true but they are made to the Customer/ country specs.
Ps. when I take my trips to UK, after a few days "Think to myself, need to go home" Home for me is NYC USA. Much rather be in Florida, great place, nice people.
Reg. Frank R.
Bitching about the place is OKay, I'm still not leaving.
Reg. Frank R.
Bed Bath & Beyond have Cordless Irons. Vacs, if your desperate for Brit, Dysons are here, BestBuy stores.
Re, nothing is made in UK or USA, true but they are made to the Customer/ country specs.
Ps. when I take my trips to UK, after a few days "Think to myself, need to go home" Home for me is NYC USA. Much rather be in Florida, great place, nice people.
Reg. Frank R.
Bitching about the place is OKay, I'm still not leaving.
Reg. Frank R.
good on ya!!!
Jim
May 15th 2003 | 10:22 pm
#42
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 659
From: Ohio
Re: Get real....
Originally posted by markwplatt
Cant help but agree....live in the USA, when our friends from London come all they do is shop...OLD NAVY day and night... most of the clothes you buy anywhere these days are manufactured in the far east. The washers dryers etc the same. I never bought a ladder or matress in the UK but my advice is if you have free shipping then bring whatever you can dont mess with voltage conversions except for computers where it is generally built in. If you have to pay for shipping buy new and enjoy it. I am amazed at the discussiona bout clothes and electrical equipment none of this stuff is built in the UK nor the US for that matter. I have a 12 year old sears washing machine (and 3 kids to fill it) never would spend 1000$ on any appliance anyway and we use 3 functions. We have an american bought cordless kettle for tea and it is still working 5 years later but when it breaks I will toss it and buy another I think it cost $18. Of course we all miss things from home..thats what the internet is for I order PG tips from Florida and get the kids Jaffa cakes in London once a year.
enjoy...and dont join the I cant get a good curry club!
Cant help but agree....live in the USA, when our friends from London come all they do is shop...OLD NAVY day and night... most of the clothes you buy anywhere these days are manufactured in the far east. The washers dryers etc the same. I never bought a ladder or matress in the UK but my advice is if you have free shipping then bring whatever you can dont mess with voltage conversions except for computers where it is generally built in. If you have to pay for shipping buy new and enjoy it. I am amazed at the discussiona bout clothes and electrical equipment none of this stuff is built in the UK nor the US for that matter. I have a 12 year old sears washing machine (and 3 kids to fill it) never would spend 1000$ on any appliance anyway and we use 3 functions. We have an american bought cordless kettle for tea and it is still working 5 years later but when it breaks I will toss it and buy another I think it cost $18. Of course we all miss things from home..thats what the internet is for I order PG tips from Florida and get the kids Jaffa cakes in London once a year.
enjoy...and dont join the I cant get a good curry club!
The kettle thing......as was stated before you can get them just about any department store. We got our Bodum at Target, but you can order them online. www.bodum.com Have had it three years now and heats the water to satisfy hubby just fine.
As for finding foods, we are lucky in there is a store within a 20 minute drive, that if he is in desparate need of a British food fix he can go there. But there are so many online now that you can order it and usually have it within 5 days.
We keep a list of sites on our website of places to order from and many you can walk into. If you do a find on the page for your state, possibly there is a store near you.
www.britsintheus.com/foods.htm
The one we order from online and have had good service from is in Florida:
www.britishfoodconnection.com
As to finding Pataks curry pastes, Giant Eagle here carries them as does Fisher Foods. Also World Market Stores carry Pataks plus many UK lagers and Cadbury biscuits (from England).
www.costplus.com/costplus/public/home.html
Giant Eagle & Acme both carry Boddingtons (which hubby likes) and Bass pluse many other imported beers & lagers. Ohio seems a bit behind, but I guess not so if you cannot find these items near you.
Hubby will whinge from time to time about UK vs US, but he decided that this is where he will be living and in doing so tries to look on the brighter side of life here. As others have stated, it makes life much happier when you do so.
Lisa
May 15th 2003 | 10:30 pm
#43
Guest
Posts: n/a
ELECTRIC KETTLES.
We found the exact same kettle we have in England at Linens and Things. Its good quality, comes with a filter etc etc.. Good by UK standards..
Check:
http://www56.lnt.com/collection/coll...075E0892AE6F79
Its $80 but worth every penny. We had originally found a kettle at Wallmart for $15 but it was quciker to use a tin bucket by the radiator than use this. In the best of traditions we packaged it back up and got a refund.
I still have a massive problem trying to find an attrative, reasonably priced DECT phone. The US phones are horrible! Im also taking my Audio sperates system with me and getting a 1500 watt converter from Best Buy for $20.
We found the exact same kettle we have in England at Linens and Things. Its good quality, comes with a filter etc etc.. Good by UK standards..
Check:
http://www56.lnt.com/collection/coll...075E0892AE6F79
Its $80 but worth every penny. We had originally found a kettle at Wallmart for $15 but it was quciker to use a tin bucket by the radiator than use this. In the best of traditions we packaged it back up and got a refund.
I still have a massive problem trying to find an attrative, reasonably priced DECT phone. The US phones are horrible! Im also taking my Audio sperates system with me and getting a 1500 watt converter from Best Buy for $20.
May 16th 2003 | 1:14 am
#44
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,792
From: Ft Lauderdale, FL
darrenb, i'm feeling slow this morning, whats a DECT phone?
Reg. Frank R.
Reg. Frank R.
May 16th 2003 | 1:32 am
#45
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by frrussre
darrenb, i'm feeling slow this morning, whats a DECT phone?
Reg. Frank R.
darrenb, i'm feeling slow this morning, whats a DECT phone?
Reg. Frank R.
Cheers
D
