Ely1

He operates from Malaysia but I can attest to his reliability, workmanship and price. Sought out several quotes here but John, who did several of my parents'-in-law's places, really came through. No hardsell, no sales pitch, no small talk, timely, flexible - just a real joy to deal with. For example, our blinds were only $100+, day/night curtains 5m about $700 including installation. Pretty reasonable I would say. Just give him a call and he'll work out the measurements and quotation for you. - Ely

Hi ksa, Yep, the same guy did my curtains and blinds for a very, very reasonable price. Think his contact details are on the post-reno report post.. somewhere. Let me know if you can't find it. - Ely

Ha! You won't need such a generous excuse to come visit Now, how much fun would it be if I shared the verse now? I'm not half as romantic as you, and perhaps one of the most un-girly girls around - hate soft toys and cute crap, which is why you don't see Tiny Tots/Precious Moments/Forever Friends/Hello Kitty gracing any part of my home. Dunno, I'm pretty odd like that. Never folded those paper stars or made friendship bands or played five-stones/zero-point etc, when I was young either. More of a tomboy disguised as a ditsy chick. Verse would be as romantic as I can bear - for example, when we were asked to inscribe our wedding bands, I had "Put it back on!" on my husband's, much to his amusement Anticipation makes the moment sweeter, no? - Ely

Congrats Adi!! How's the ID/contractor selection coming along? Were you like me, feeling a little stupid when rolling in the pineapple? I didn't know what to do with it after, so I simply gave it to the workers for them to eat haha! Now, Adi, is when your head (and wallet) starts hurting - muahaha! Keep us updated Looking forward to the gorgeous transformation of your home. - Ely

Thanks ksa! The fork decal was custom - I searched online for a vintage fork image then asked someone from etsy to do it. Gave height measurements and colour and that's it Same goes for the wording decal on the door. Gave height/width measurements, text, and font, alignment and Modishop sent me a proof and then delivered it after I approved. As for your sink placement, if it's the Fengshui then I have absolutely no idea. If it's simply space planning, some free software like Sweet Home 3D would be able to help you visualise better - Ely

Wow, what a generous offer, newnyew!! Thanks so much, but I think 122 is really pretty huge lol! May go for something 80x60. Think I'll hand-paint a verse from Shakespeare, so it's more personal. Let's see how it goes! Ugh, I'm terrible at these things lol! - Ely

Heya joyous! Thank you! It really depends, was surprised that the shipment from Thailand was much quicker than some stuff I've ordered from the states. Also, a shipment from Hong Kong took 2 days when they usually arrive in a month, so always go by seller ratings For like US$10, had no idea that the wicker ball lights would be so popular on RT! Again, if you're looking for something in particular, let me know and I'll help you sniff out some sites - Ely

LOL, newnyew somehow I lack the discipline when it comes to photoshopping mock-ups for the house, though I do that when ordering harnesses and collars for the dogs and cats lol!! I'm ridiculous I know. Such a lovely verse on the wall! I think it's really pretty, and so meaningful as you both go to bed at night. Unfortunately I'm not that romantic. The Husband had to vet my picks because he knows I have dark and twisty taste and said NO to several lol! Bleh. I might do one of those prints for the bathroom though And besides, I told him I'm leaving the wall (where the zebra couch is) bare so we can hang some artistic (read: cannot see my face type!) wedding portraits I did the chandelier decal on a boxed-up pipe. They initially wanted to make everything level but that would compromise the height of the cabinets so I said no. Decided to make it a feature: Then I simply installed an $5 Ikea bulb. Chose silver because I didn't want to distract from the wording decal, which is more of my baby Had that in planning for a while and got Modishop to do it for me. Same goes for the strange beam. Since it looked kinda out of place, turned it into a magazine nook with a clock on the other side. - Ely

Heya newnyew, Please don't apologise for someone else's insensitivity - our joke did not have to turn into something quite inappropriate or offensive. Pearls are lined against the strips down the sides, just to cover the stitching! Meant to be subtle haha, as I obviously lack your mad art skillz. Amazing how you painted that horse light!! Should really engage you to help you do my canvas for the bedroom It's only writing but even I don't trust myself totally with that. Would Bras Basah be the best place to buy a canvas? - Ely

Hi friends78 Thanks so much! Been a while since we chatted! DIY is fun and sooo easy! This is pretty subtle and no one really notices till they stare at it hard so more for my own vanity's sake: Pearls on WIW ottoman: With the leftover pearls, I used them on the tissue box: Also have rhinestones on the soap pump dispensers, cameo brooches on hand towels etc keke! And of course, the guest amenities shelf Chalkboard door: LOL! Friends78, already contributed my guide to the Internet Shopping thread! If there's anything you need, whatsapp me and I'll get the links for you May did the same when she was looking for a laser pointer Honestly can't say how I found them, mostly by chance since I actually had no intention of getting wicker ball lights in the first place! - Ely

Since we're speaking DIY, this was the simplest no-brainer. Got this from Ikea and added some nickel hardware, which I got online: - Ely

Lol! Agile is definitely not a word I'd use to describe Bondi - he just broke one of the candle holders on the bar table whilst trying to catch some flying bug! You should see my rescue cats - absolutely amazing, nimble as mountain goats and fast like the flash! Yeah that kitty play area was totally over-the-top, even the stereo there only plays "Music for Cats" etc and I even reared a Siamese fighting fish for their amusement (just to watch!!). Bondi is a little upset that his companion is now a dog... but they get along fabulously and still trying to figure out between themselves how to play together. - Ely

Hi csingeu, Thanks! My balcony is an alfresco dining area but it's still really dark! We only have that one standing lamp. The lamp you see on the side table is solar-powered, and very pretty and handmade! Not sure if they're weather-proof, I might paint slick on some weather proofing just in case and would take them in if it rains. Not sure about dust since I do clean daily Dust is soooo totally not an issue when you have a cat that sheds fur in tumble-weeds rolling across the floor... - Ely

NP, ksa! You can get chalkboard paint from any DIY shop, including those chalk markers. As for inspirations, I visit DecorPad, Apartment Therapy and Ikea Hacker. Awesome sites - check them out! - Ely

On to happier topics!! Heya footprint, Nope, as you can see, he's quite lazy lol! The only problem is that it eats up batteries really quick. It's all manually turned on/off, some of the other toys have timers, but we no longer have these ones as they're simply too bulky to bring home from Australia and we don't have the luxury here of turning part of the home into a kitty play area. Hence no more cat condos etc. That place in Australia had two living rooms, so I simply converted the one downstairs for the cats. If you're into more kitty movies, here's another with Lexie and Bondi (she has been rehomed to a lovely couple in Australia) and you can truly see how many toys they had!! - Ely

RB: I do understand the meaning, and I understand it's intent to humor but I also hope you understand that it's insensitive to others' feelings - my friends who so boldly stood up for me: not because they're close-minded, but because they're protective of not only their friends, but of values they deem important in friendship (including my friendship with you), marriage and online communities (turning RT into a suggestive environment where not everyone might be comfortable); my husband who does not enjoy a reference to his wife in a see-through lace robe. My reference to "robe and wizard's hat", as many geeks would know, is an inference to the infamous Bloodninja's cybor trolling. I apologise if you felt that there was a need to delve further into the humour after my conversation with newnyew about "making art". - Ely

Thanks footprint and May! I try to buy stuff online that helps other charities so am glad this purchase went to the kids in Thailand (had shag cushion covers from Pakistan but they were so bad, the zips were all broken so I threw them away, but no matter, I considered it a donation of sorts ) May, you should schedule the visit from early evening to night! Then can sit in the balcony and watch pretty lights, and listen to wailing kid above... RB: Nope, The World's Best Cat has an entire box of toys, 20 of which are balls of different textures, sounds, lights, rattles. He only loves Da Bird and Cat Dancer Had a Play Room just for him in Australia: - Ely

Hi ksa, Thanks for stopping by! Thanks! It was self-designed so am glad everything fell into place nicely *whew*! Yes, the chalkboard door is DIY - because we have a backdoor where the wet kitchen is, decided to turn it into a feature. Used chalkboard paint and custom made a vintage fork decal Stuck on random pictures ("How do I love thee?" and "Book love") with our solemnisation menus We didn't even bother to change the door, its' the original 25-yr-old door (Oh, and there's a note of thanks from The Husband ) Hmm, so solution for your boy - perhaps you could use those chalk board markers? Or paint a strip higher than he can reach (and miss out on all those cute doodles)? - Ely

Coming along really nicely!! LURVE your mood boards, and I think, several of us, like you and Timothy, and the Scandi-lovers all know each other by some less-than-6 degrees separation You mentioned McCann's Microsoft account in Beijing, so you definitely know my older brother (he's a suit), and Tim is with HP (so was my brother), and I handled their PR. I love the nipple switches! Can't wait to see what else you have in store - Scandi is really catching up with the Singaporean Gen X couples I think (finally), it's a beautiful style, and probably something I would explore with our next place too. Looking forward to your updates! - Ely

As the balcony has always been too dark, I recently ordered some handmade wicker balls from Thailand. Really cheap and I was surprised they didn't look cheesy! Totally cosy! - Ely

You're very welcome, Shumin, and thank you! It's been quite a grueling reno process! As for washing machines, go by your budget and the functions you *need* - flexibility with timing/cycles/spin speed/temp, honeycomb/tilted/lit drum, 8kg (for a king size quilt) or not, anti-crease, blah blah, and go from there. Also see which you like the looks of more, if it's going to be "displayed" then you can decide if you want to go all matchy-matchy /does the royal wave~ - Ely

"I put on my robe and wizard hat..." - Ely

Google is a friend - Ely

Ha! I got two Elkay ones likes yours - thankfully no oxidation/rust yet, but the linen sink from Hoe Kee is showing some spots - will try Autosol for that. Am glad I have that movable, retractable tap which makes cleaning the corners much easier. Have been disciplined about not using CIF, scourers etc, but scratches galore!! I've learnt I can't keep everything in its original gleaming condition so am going to settle for just clean sinks... - Ely

Nor am I, actually, it was a recently cultivated habit due to the hot weather, and trying to justify drinking in the afternoon! More of a wine person, but I do like single malt whiskey as a nightcap Bring on those teqs! I'll ready the lemon and salt - Ely