Ely1

I concur. Just continue shopping first ! They'll find a spot in your home somehow Will love to come by your place next time. Thank you for the generous invite Don't fret now - I went through the same phase. It gets easier - Ely

Too generous! If you come by during the RT meet, that is a gift in itself. Please don't bring anything! Your presence all the way to Tampines/Changi is definitely more than appreciated. - Ely

Wah, royalty serving royalty! /does little wave Um, I'll pass on Knight Poo's help, thx. Hopefully things go as scheduled. Will track the progress here for all to see and turn up the heat a little RAWR! - Ely

Nope, everything sourced by ourselves and bought by ourselves. In fact, some of his recommended shops were more expensive than the ones we looked at. Our electrician is from a personal referral and is super-on. I love him to bits and probably the reason why I "allow" him to smoke in the home. He does everything so systematically without having to instruct him, and so willing to change or add any additional points without charge. - Ely

Hmm, not sure about warranty, but they replaced my halogen light without question (within 7 days), and all the T5s came with extra bulbs (one for each we purchased) - we were so shocked to see soooo many T5s but the electrician assured us they were simply replacement lights without the casement. When one of the lights blew during installation, my ID managed to swing one for free (because it has exceeded the 7 day grace period). - Ely

Aww, thanks for all that sideline poms-poms! Do you happen to know that Virgos and Taureans get along well naturally since we're Earth signs? Definitely share more than a thing in common! Even after my reno is done, don't expect me to resist popping in to see your gorgeous buys! - Ely

Sis Mae, Oh, please tell me about it. Thanks for the encouragement, I think we're finally getting there! /dance Taking RB's advice: TODAY (DAY 87): Granite top fitted, plumbing done (indeed the Deh Power is lacking in me - they told me they could only come Monday but the ID managed to get them down today - hurrah!), outdoor blinds fitted, errant couch removed! SATURDAY (DAY 88): Electrician - the plumbers must have hit a wire while they were drilling into the kitchen cabinet - the power is cut despite all my flicking efforts at the DB box. Electrician will come in the morning to check it out, install outstanding T5 lights, with the mirrored cabinet's light still pending. MONDAY (DAY 90): Final paint job TUESDAY (DAY 91): General wash & cleaning WEDNESDAY (DAY 92): Carpentry (mirrored cabinet, shelves for common bedroom, replacement of chipped laminates on kitchen island and misfitting wardrobe drawer), couch delivery THURSDAY (DAY 93): Electrician again, (+ personal packing & cleaning) FRIDAY (DAY 94): Wallpaper (+ DIY decal application) SATURDAY (DAY 95): Pop a bottle of champagne, watch Avatar and sleep on new white sheets!! - Ely

Can be done easily, CutieCat. I used my granite tops cut from the sinks for my study nook in the dry kitchen - while it makes good use of the material, it also looks like it flushes better with the general decor of the kitchen. Push for it! The only thing he'll ask that you consider is if you can accept join lines if the pieces need to cut to be fitted nicely. It wasn't a problem with me at all so they went ahead immediately. BTW, love your vibrant colours! I'd admit it's not my style because I'm more dark and twisty but it shows what a cheerful, uplifting person you must be. It takes someone bold to go for such loud colours! The Master bedroom looks like such a cozy retreat. Very pretty, CutieCat! Hope the reno goes smoothly for you. - Ely

The Husband plays stupid (though I've caught him noticing) "Who? What? Where? Don't know, never see" Yeah, I'm so 12 yrs old~ - Ely

I'm sooo bringing my notebook and pen to jot down all the tips. My Deh is so lousy that I have to deal with such crap! - Ely

Wahaha! Already went to HWS and got one, including the mop holder and the ladder that she has - LOL! Have to return the Ikea ones, as they don't fit (excuse to buy more HWS ones) - Ely

The pets are not part of the decor!! *sulk* - Ely

4ft, Drexter. - Ely

Thank you, Drexter! I'm certain I'm going to love it! Now you know where to get your lights from too - Ely

This might also be useful for Patsy THERE! - Ely

OOh, a tub for two - sounds like lots of bubbles and giggles Still no ID yet? Am surprised since you've been on RT for quite a bit. Yes, the quotations from ID can vary ALOOOTTT so shop around till you find yourself you're comfortable with and willing to work within your budget. Used to have a tub but it was under-utilised we hacked it off for a larger shower area instead and never regretted it. Kinda like a pool - one of those luxuries you find yourself not using as much as the initial novelty wears off. Almost all the places I lived in in Australia had tubs and hardly ever used them either, but that could be just me Tubs are soooo welcomed at hotels when on holidays though - always enjoy a nice hot soak with bath salts and petals. mmm. - Ely

I actually wrote a really lonnggggg post but my **** laptop crashed. Will try to recreate the post best to my memory again tonight if not too tired. Stay tuned for personal tips from the Queen herself! - Ely

All very good and valid points, I'd hate to think I'm a total doormat and that I can be assertive when it really counts. Things close to my heart like animal welfare or family really spark off that fiercely protective side of me and I've been known to have taken a Shimano fishing rod to a guy in Australia then ended up calling the police on myself (?!). Even got into a shouting match that almost led to blows with a drunken guy throwing rocks at a cat. I devote myself to what I can help, act on, heal - and it's a little different with managing house renovations. I spoil my pets to bits so I hope that Mummy attitude doesn't reflect on my real parenting skills. There's still so much for me to learn, and you can bet I'd buy every book on parenting once we decide it's time for a little one No one has met me... yet. I'm more like a comely badger /whisper I know, that was pretty funny actually! I really hope I have not offended anyone by my "nothing special" remarks. I know you know I didn't mean it that way, but I'm stating this to anyone else who might have felt their renovation efforts were less 'worthy' or "special" than mine because of monetary value. Everyone and anyone who puts in the effort to read through Renotalk, and/or starting their own T-Blog to share their personal journeys with all to learn from, come from a well-intentioned place - wanting to build their dream home and sharing their ups and downs with a like-minded, generous and empathetic community. I had no intention of flaunting my excessive spending habits, which I have never mentioned, is now a true cause of concern. This is all our life savings too, and EVERYTHING has been put in it to in the hopes of creating a space we'd love to be in with people we love. Coming from a field of PR, I should know the art of diplomacy better so I sincerely apologise to anyone who has felt their efforts were any less. I know people who can wear a $5 blouse and make it look a Chloe, and those who wear Larry's jewels that look like costume jewellery from Chameleon - it's not the amount of money that goes into something, and I know I've said this before (or to the same effect), it's what home owners put in that truly makes the home special. Not the fancy furniture or expensive knife sets - but the personal touches that reveal so much about the person inhabiting the space. When I insist it's "nothing special", it simply means there is no outstanding feature like a huge platform bed (hi2u May Dream), or clever use of space (hellooo hafiizh), or a house so well thought-through and imaginative (green giraffe with a stage for a band!), or bright pink kitchens that really pack a punch. Everyone who visits my home will have their personal favourite spot of the house, and I guess that what is considered "special" to them will differ with each individual. Not laying any bets yet but I think yours might be the HTS~ - Ely

AHH!! Love your kitchen! I bought the cutlery trays from Ikea last night, and now totally regret!! I should have gotten yours and May Dream's instead! Bleh. - Ely

My heart's-a-flutter when I see all that cables and organisation. A geek's dream. Love your HTS too! - Ely

Oh WOW! Supersimon is indeed fantastic at pictures - looks gorgeous enough to be on a magazine! May Dream, your place looks marvelous!! Tell me cookie-cutter again and I'll smack you! - Ely

This "sai" topic is getting infectious, and absolutely hilarious! - Ely

Oooh, love that balcony!! So nice! Love the sliding doors - they look uber cool frameless! - Ely

Sis Marshy, I think it could very well be a Virgo thing! Sigh. Thanks for the hug - so appreciated. Currently the schedule is: FRIDAY (Today): Outdoor blinds, plumber SATURDAY: Electrician MONDAY: Painting WED: Carpentry, cleaning, couch delivery FRIDAY: Wallpaper So, moving in next Saturday!

Oh man, haven't had time catching up with people's blogs and it seems we've got more titled RT-ers! Kobelala being Knight Poo, and Adidaem holds the Duchess of All-Things Branded title! I'm guessing RB is now the one-man show of the HTS Support Center. - Ely