Ely1

Heya Mae, Was soooo disappointed there was only one picture You certainly deserved a full spread! Congrats on being featured! You certainly don't look like a mother of three! Please rest well. - Ely

Sis Mae, I totally agree about those Teflon pans - all lies! Most annoying when you coat the entire pan with oil and the fish still sticks, causing the skin to be torn off. Presentation fail! Love my pots/pans, especially because they all come with temperature gauges on the knobs. Don't have to keep lifting the lid to see if water is boiling or not! Totally ingenious! Good to know that your pots are still doing well after 10 long years - definitely make me feel better about mine. Funny thing, Mae, is that the Kingsbury was the exact bed I was going for - the pillow-top is just sooooo plush. For some strange reason, I tried the Dunlopillo and felt that the "feel" was better or at least, comparable (17cm pillow top). Was actually reluctant to deviate from the one of the Big S Mattress brands but decided to go with "feel" instead. It was also a good deal at only 3k, as compared to the Kingsbury or Serta's Willow Spring. Of course it also passed the "Boiing!" test, during which The Husband and I both take turns getting out of bed and jumping back on it to see if the other gets affected. Fortunately for The Husband, who is a heavy sleeper, a 42kg "Boiing!" did nothing for him at all, though I could definitely feel him "crawling" back into bed. -Ely

Hi again ne0, How could a Virgo ever stand trunking of any sort? *gasp* Even your innocuous suggestion sounds incredulous to me I kid That's where the feature wall/TV console will be so expect lots of trunking and crazy wires to hook up a multitude of equipment: receiver amp/blu ray player/SCV box/media player/NAS/X Box/TV. When the aircon was first done, I was so aghast at the trunking that I paid an additional $250 to rectify it. Just so to accomodate the new better concealed aircon trunking, we SHIFTED the entire living area, ie. feature wall, but this works out nicely as I now can fit in a "foyer" like I always wanted. I love the idea of coming home to a warmly-lit foyer and dumping my keys/mail and checking how badly my makeup needed a touch up. An EA is a complete different budget though, with the stairs, balcony, AND many bedrooms. I received $100k quotations for my simple reno, which was initially very disturbing because we had no idea it would cost that much. Current reno is half that, with another 50k into filling the space. Managed to fix the sink problem with my petulant insistence, and some "deh" powah (thanks, May Dream!). Doing without a solid backsplash (so the tap can fit) and changed the orientation of the doors. Additionally changed the top cabinets to all casement so that the bottom drawers would look symetrical and saved $$ on the Blum Those funds are now directed to a customised study/work top for the common bedroom's nook. Am intending to do a customised wallpaper for that bedroom but that will have to wait as it's more than 1k. Otherwise, it's more DIY LACK shelves for the nook to hold the Mac Pro and books. Hoping to get blinds and curtains done this week, and packing should commence next week. Need ALL the luck I can get - thank you! - Ely

Heya Footprint, Thanks for being so encouraging It's so easy to envision a certain look but am now losing confidence that I'll achieve it. I think I may have over-cluttered the place... Sigh, we'll see. Yours is "abit", mine is "quite a lot"~ Esp the home theatre system - didn't expect to catch the bug and finding ourselves upgrading everything. True, I want to be surrounded by things I love. Luxury is not a necessity to me, but beautiful things are. And, beauty is always subjective so I'm certain what I love will not be to everyone's taste. I have rather quirky taste which range from contemporary classics to eceletic and vintage so trying to blend all of them seamlessly may be disastrous as I'm finding out now. Also, am disappointed with the couch and that makes a HUGE difference to the entire feel of the home Just hoping that I'll love the eventual result Will let you know in 2 weeks' time! - Ely

I just want some simple old-skool rice cooker - nowadays the ones I see have all kinds of functions and are more than $100! Wru plastic rice cooker for the microwave with red lid for $7~ Gawd, I love that piece of crap when I was living in Australia and can't seem to find it anymore. Our budget definitely exceeded 15% - 20%. Reno + purchases are about 100K, but I guess it's not that unusual for an overhaul reno project and an entirely new place since we have nothing existing to move in with. No wonder I loved renting furnished homes in Australia - just pack suitcase and completely new decor with minor trips to Ikea to personalise it some. So scary everytime I look at the spreadsheet haha! Don't even dare to list purchases like many RT-ers do, with their signatures. Daily reminder of how broke we've become certainly is not healthy Same, May Dream. Minor things about the reno bug me but will live with it. Sigh. Will continue to chant Marilyn Monroe's quote "Imperfection is beauty..." - Ely

Things to be purchased: - Rice cooker - Kettle - Toaster Oven - Microwave - Curtains/Blinds + wallpaper Then, all done! Yay!

Can't wait to see it in person! 21st May here we come! - Ely

Hey adidaem, Not sure about overkill, but we have one rainshower (it's, however, the oversized 35x35cm) with a dedicated 50l Joven heater... The other bathroom is a normal shower stand, as it's only used for the pets and I don't think they'd appreciate a rainshower and we got a 25l for that. As for toilets, simply pick one with the lowest tick rating for the best flushing We chose Geberit systems for ours. Oh, and make sure the seating is comfortable. There is a whole lot of difference when we "tested" several. - Ely

Currently doubting my own choices/tastes... >< Maybe because my ID didn't show much enthusiasm for the purchases. And also, perhaps, I basically designed the whole place myself. The ID simply followed my instructions and gave very good sound technical advice, and I'm so grateful for someone who manages and oversees the entire project because I'm terrible with contractors due to my limited Mandarin, and lack the necessary know-how. In my case, we didn't pick an ID who would dictate the design and furnishings - I wanted a barebone apartment to do up by myself. When it comes to the whole design scheme, it is practically 99% mine so it is nerve-wrecking. Serious self-doubt mode now. Also wondering how many of you have gone over your initial budget? I'm just wondering if everyone is as impulsive as us, or are we normal first-time homeowners who get too naturally carried away? - Ely

I'm getting mine from eBay for about $8 a piece Savings on the Audioquest cables goes to the 609 upgrade - Ely

Hey, hey - your wife happens to be the geek and would love a projector Just think it's something I would forgo for now, in place of a nice wall water feature for the balcony k. I appreciate great equipment especially when I have music on constantly, and trust me darling, there was no compromise. Was more than happy to have that crazy sub and I love the look of floor-standing speakers! <3 - Ely

The two darlings on my bed:

Will take a look at it again when it's fully uncovered and see how I like it >< So far, it's been peeps through the plastic and cardboard. Need to leave everything in its packaging because carpentry, painting and lighting work is still going on :/ I love the boing-boing part! Sometimes would even drape myself langurously on one to see if it suits me haha! Complete vanity! - Ely

Yes, the display ones have a plastic lid which you can remove to feel each piece individually too. Mine was the 30-pc set. Once you decide to purchase, they'll give you a new boxed one. Mine is not really that huge a project - just replacing the tiles and hacked a false wall, and planter boxes. Only two bedrooms and two bathrooms. At this moment, we're looking at two weeks time' or slightly less. ID is working as fast as he can - Ely

Yep, when I was at Lifestorey, I was told the same thing, but I was looking at the Italian made ones, and the locally made ones. The prices for those are quite reasonable and at least, you get the feel of the couch! The Kartell stools are definitely worth it though - LURVE the look of it. Perhaps not the most comfortable but I love it nonetheless. The ID was just agog at our weird purchases so I actually have no idea how it would all turn out once put together. He kept commenting how "weird" my choices are... oh well. Not sure if I should bring this up to Hommage as it was, afterall, MY fabric choice (though no evidence now to show what colour/styled I picked), and it was made to order. It's actually the exact same colour as my cat...(not sure if this is a positive or negative). Perhaps I'll give them a call and see what they can do, or else, hope that the colour would eventually grow on me - or over laden it with throws and cushions~ Really hoping the other chairs/chaise/cushions will inject the couch with more punch or overshadow it, then I can always pretend I was going for a shimmery-greenish-grey couch~ - Ely

Totally upset at waiting 12hrs - the delivery guy actually called us at 7pm to ask us what time we'd be there.Seriously? I'm just so relieved The Husband brought a 6-pack. We even had takeaway chicken rice whilst waiting - officially our first meal in the house! I personally love DIY - you'll see more as the home progresses! Several projects already planned. DIY to cover mistakes and flaws are completely different though - you just sorta feel cheated Not a huge problem anyway, I'm happy to do my own painting and touching up. Atm, contemplating repainting all the brick walls to its original colour, including the grey cement gouting. Next pictures to be shown will be the apartment in it's *almost* full glory! (Before/After pics are the most dramatic afterall! Everyone loves the sensational pictures instead of the "look at the debris of my hacked walls" types ) - Ely

That must be an awesome feeling! Really happy for you, May Dream! Such a life-changing experience isn't it? Can't wait for my moving in too! - Ely

here Heya Mae, Yep, got it from eBay - shipping was quick and reliable. The full range of shower drain designs are here. - Ely

Heya JCase, Not sure if lightings.com.sg offers installation (I'm sure they do, for a fee?) but we didn't ask for any assembly as our electrician is savvy enough to do everything on his own. Huge piece of mind instead of worrying if they install the wrong lights and making them recitify their mistake will only cost more. If you go through an ID or contractor, they'd know how to install the T5s and downlights with no problems I'm sure. - Ely

Hi Joyous, There's really nothing to be envious about - in fact, I feel like I'm moving the slowest among us all. I'm already on Day 66 and carpentry is still undergoing "discussion". No fault of my ID's though, or the carpenter's - some bumps are inevitable but we're working it out. The wardrobes, console, wallpaper/blinds/curtains, vanity, study nook, linen sink, 2/3 of kitchen - nothing is done yet, or installed. Still awaiting another visit from the electrician to correct and fix placement of the halogen lights and to put up as many lights he can before the carpentry goes up. We're also looking at him to install our island hood. Get the German WMF ones from sales! They hold them often too, I believe. Isetan, Tangs, Robinsons, Taka etc. But if you like your set enough, there really isn't much of difference. A fork is a fork is a fork? It was merely the design that made me succumb. And besides, what ISN'T made in China nowadays? -Ely

Whee! Both rectified today - Island is extended about 10cm, and the parquet was varnished a dark walnut brown - definitely more to my taste. Also had some trouble with carpentry as they fitted the wet/dry kitchen sinks wrongly so now, we have to change the format of the doors. The handles and laminates were out of stock so back to drawing board. Spent a gruelling 12hrs at the place today, sweeping and moving everything and awaiting for delivery - the champion of the day was the bedframe that was scheduled to arrive at 9:30am (armed with a flask of coffee, I went to the place at 9:30am), only to have them arrive at 9:30pm! Yes, 9.30PM! Gawd. /slit The Bosch island hood that also scheduled at 9:30am came at 2:30pm. All the chairs, some furniture from Hommage, all electrical goods from Harvey Norman, mattress/bedframe, some wardrobe carpentry was also delivered (on time though). Had to remove all the crap from iwannagohome in the Common bedroom for the parquet re-varnishing to the kitchen so it's a crazy messy maze atm. Hands now covered in rash and blisters from all the cleaning. The saving grace was The Husband arriving at 5pm with a beer. Mmm. <3 My ID also came down to with a pink dustpan and helped me to clean - it was such a sweet gesture I felt like hugging him! He really is so accomodating to my wants, and I can see how he tries to help me achieve what I want, so I'm immensely appreciative. He might not be the sort who would shop with me and advise me on my furnishings (which, btw, he disapproves of ) or provide fanciful detailed 3D drawings, but he is sooo reliable and honest that I am so happy for him that he's now struck it out on his own with his partnered-firm, which my parents might be hiring for their A&A job. He absorbs as much cost as he professionally can, and even re-do minor adjustments at his own expense (like the parquet colouring). The couch from Hommage was a disappointment - the colour was totally unlike what I remembered, but then again, with all folly, I forgot to take a picture as it was picked from a catalogue and fabric swatch so I'll just have to deal with the strange green-grey couch. Ugh. Totally hate it. Will try to drape all my fancy throws on it so I can't see the ugly colour. Listen, I'm not dissing Hommage but definitely regretted not going with Lifestorey instead. It really may be all the difference when you can see/feel/experience the product itself instead of picking a glossy picture from a professionally photographed catalogue. The side table that was sold to me discounted was all tarnished, so lots of autosol action needed. Even my Moooi replica lamp from lightings.com.sg had paint chips all over. *SIGH* It just means more DIY for me, as I'm not the sort who can tolerate imperfections. Haha! Will even go to pedantic extent of using a marker to cover all marks. Please pardon the Virgo speaking. It's not all that high-end! They're not Le Creuset cast iron, or Demeyere or Calphalon sets which are really top of the range. I've had bad experiences with "non-stick" sticky pans with its Teflon flaking off, bought from supermarkets and Ikea so decided to use some better ones this time. The ONE thing I am, however, particular about are knives - the chef's knife and bread knife to be specific. A good chef's knife really make a huge difference in food preparation. I also like a certain heft about my cutlery as I like the solid feel. Too many years as a poor student in Australia with Target and Ikea cutlery sets has made my expectations a little higher Or, it could simply be that my steaks were too tough that they all bent~ The WMF Jette set was also a steal at $129 during the Isetan sale when it normally retails for $599. No brainer really. Will definitely try the suction knob and see if it's that's meant for. I'm still chuckling over how confusing a cookware set can be. Marshy: vPost does get some things mixed up, but they're more reliable than not. Sometimes, it's the sellers who don't indicate the VP number like we state on our shipping address which often is the major cause of delay, as they have trouble matching our parcels. Their manual uploading of invoices is also not that fantastic, but usually a few emails to vPost clarifies it soon enough. (I always HIGHLIGHT and BOLD the necessary fields like seller, item, cost, VP number, and label all my invoices with numbers and my VP number). Hopefully this doesn't deter you from more online purchases, as you can see - there's so much to buy out there ! At great prices! Btw, what did you get?! Share!! - Ely

Shiny throws! From Suburban Outfitters: Mmm, imagine cosying up to one of these. - Ely

Ha! Funny guy you. Dunno... Shouldn't the normal knobs be supposed to do that~ I don't get it. A whole haul of purchases to be delivered today. It's going to be a long, long day. - Ely

Went to 3 lighting shops yesterday, by lightings.com, and couldn't find anything Back to online searching. I'm just terrified of the shipping costs because it's going to weigh quite a bit and the box will be considerably large. May have to settle for something less dramatic from Amazon if so. -Ely

I got all of mine from lightings.com - one T5 for $15, a 2x13W downlight for $24 (with the nicer casement), one halogen for $13. Thought that was pretty reasonable. -Ely