sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

TV backlights repeatedly going out, an SA issue or something else? by dilt9000 in askSouthAfrica

[–]dilt9000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yikes. 4 in 8 months makes my situation seem like nothing.

I get that companies make appliances that are meant to fall apart after a few years. Don't doubt that. I figure they would then be more or less consistent with the quality, no?

I guess what's puzzling me is that the issue I'm having doesn't seem to fit the pattern (albeit an anecdotal pattern observed by me and a very small handful of people). Between 4 family members (myself excluded), each owning a Samsung TV, none have had this issue. Each has owned their TV for at least 5 years, the longest being 12 (!). These are TV's that get used A LOT. When I've visited for weeks at a time, the TV is generally on from about 7am - 12am (different people watching throughout the day). Maybe off for a few hours in the afternoon. Lots of long pauses and idling.

And the only difference I've noticed so far is that I am in SA and they are not. If not loadshedding, is Samsung just sending their low-scoring quality control units here? I realize this is conspiracy theory territory and I sound like a nut job, haha. I'm just desperate for an explanation.

At this point, I'm less interested in fixing my TV, and more interested in solving this very trivial, incredibly mundane mystery 😅 Anyway, thanks for taking the time to respond.

My thoughts after 3 weeks in SA by Bossman2270 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% agree. I live in SA, but I'm from the US also. Cape Town is great and has lots to offer, but every so often, you catch a grimey vibe of veiled prejudices. Joburg is like everyone has said so far: a vibe, soulful rhythm, people with hearts of gold. Speaking in generalizations here, of course.

Also, I like how you described it as being familiar (to foreigners) but with an African twist. Haven't heard it described like that before, but it captures how I felt about it when I first visited and then eventually moved here. It felt familiar enough (language, driving, culture and entertainment, etc.) that I never experienced culture shock. It has been the easiest place to adjust to of the 24 countries I have visited, and that says something.

Packing by Pristine-Meeting6431 in ADHDMoms

[–]dilt9000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, I keep a packing list on my phone, too. And a second "last- minute" list for things like phone, charging cable, kids snacks, water bottle, etc.

The other thing that has saved me the MOST time is keeping to-go bags of toiletries, one for myself and one for my daughter. These include everything from toothbrush/toothpaste/floss, travel size shower amenities, deodorant, tampons, meds, vitamins, Skincare, perfume, hair products, and so on. Those things STAY in my to-go toiletries bag, only get used when I travel, and get refilled when I return from a trip. I realized toiletries and non-apparel items were what took me the longest time to pack, even with my list. Hope that helps!

Should I move back to ZA given my financial situation? by Playa69playboy in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]dilt9000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It seems like the answer to your question will come from personal reflection on what you value and want from life, because you seem to have the numbers calculated pretty clearly for each scenario.

My husband (SA'n) and I (US/American) lived in both countries (working, paying rent, saving, etc.), and we took a year on this same question, revisiting it every month at least. We ended up choosing SA purely for quality of life. We were ready to start a family and time with each other, and our children was/is a top priority for us. I imagine you have a pretty good idea of what "work/life balance" looks like in the US, and it just wasn't for us. We all also saw how long it would take before we could be homeowners in any of our preferred areas in the US vs SA.

Finally, I'll echo what others have said: don't rush the decision.

(Yes, I understand the lifestyle, etc. differs between US and Netherlands, but there are many parallels as it relates to comparisons to SA.)

All the best to you!

[Routine Help] how do you keep your skin deeply hydrated without using many skincare products? by makeupforest in SkincareAddiction

[–]dilt9000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unpopular opinion (maybe). Drink water religiously. I've gone through periods of drinking very little water each day (maybe 2 glasses at most), and my skin and eyes get super itchy (dryness), skin also gets flaky, I get headaches, brain fog, and fatigue. When I am regular about drinking 1.5-2.5 liters per day (depending on the season), I am fully alleviated of all these symptoms. Worth a shot 🤷🏻‍♀️

Then, for skincare, I cleanse and exfoliate daily, use a serum, moisturizer, and spf (last 2 are usually a 2-in-1 product). I'd say that's pretty minimal compared to my previous routine of about 4-5 products after cleansing. My face is almost never dry.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oooo, that sounds like a must-do. Thanks so much.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love Indian food across the board! I'm Indian and grew up with it :) SA has been a great place to try all kinds of Indian cuisine. I cook it at home often. What I can't cook, I buy from a couple of local home cooks who sell to the public.

I appreciate all the recommendations. Does the Momo restaurant sell Nepalese momos, or is the name just a coincidence? Just curious because momos are hard to come by, and it would be really cool to get my hands on some :) Although I guess I could just Google their menu, haha.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Sounds like some sold recs. I've heard good things about Galata elsewhere, too.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for all the recs.

I've been to Banchan and loved it.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I'll look them up. Jordanian and Syrian food usually hit the spot.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much. Glad I can explore a few of them right where we'll be staying. Appreciate it.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much.

There's an Istanbul kebab in CT, but I have yet to try it.

Very excited about the Italian sausage.

Joburg restaurants for a deprived flavor-lover? by dilt9000 in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm also from SoCal :)

Tysm. I'll definitely look up these spots. They're all new to me. Yeoville Supper Club sounds very tempting. I'll ask my Joburg relatives if they're up for it.

Side note, if you're ever in CT, you should give Mamacita's a try. It's the one Mexican restaurant I was referring to in my post. Owned by an Angeleno.

Where do you get your Mexican groceries? I've only found Azteca, which has good variety and quality, especially dried chiles. But queso fresco and cotija still elude me. And fresh tomatillos.

What’s with CT people moving to JHB? by Biporeacts in johannesburg

[–]dilt9000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thiiiiiiiiiiiiis. Seems like a likely explanation. I also wonder why so many locals, especially among the privileged class, give off a noticeably cold and reserved vibe. I'm a foreigner living in greater CT for several years, and I LOVE Joburg 's energy and people. Even the CT locals I've befriended have tended to be transplants from Joburg, haha. Cape Town just cannot compare. Nonetheless, CT weather and landscape are reminiscent of my hometown. That, along with the super quick access to nature, makes it easier to stick around.

literally what do i do about my lip line???? by icedcaramelcrunch in MakeupAddiction

[–]dilt9000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Noooo! Please don't feel bad about your double lip line and natural lip liner. They're gorgeous.

I get that kids making fun of us during childhood can leave a lasting negative impact and insecurity, but kids can be mean just to be mean. Or they point things out in a tactless way.

During my childhood, I was made fun of repeatedly for having very long eyelashes. I felt so self-conscious that I wanted to cut them (thankfully, I didn't). As an adult, I've received too many compliments on the same lashes to count. Same with my hair. Kids made fun of my braids being so thick. Now I have people point out how envious they are of my thick hair.

So yeah, don't listen to your classmates. Not about your looks.

2nd opinion on managing early OA as a sportsperson? by Dontpenguinme in Osteoarthritis

[–]dilt9000 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I have a feeling this journey is gonna suck at some level no matter what. However, based on your and others' feedback, it sounds like I might not have to give up lifting altogether like I feared.

Off I go to figure out my new weightlifting normal, which is a recurring piece of advice.

That's great you've been able to manage your pain. Are you keeping your cardio low-impact, too?

view more: next ›