Homeowner

Wah, fortunately my staircase was tiled.

Wah, so many photos! :rofl: If you plan on having kids, the kid will need something to hold when going up and down the stairs. The original railings are good and small enough for a toddler's hand to grip. I have flamingoes in my balcony. No more budget, so close both eyes. Hello88, think your seller made the cabinets.

Agree with Warrior88. If they want more, then up your price to a level you are comfortable with. You are not in a hurry to sell, right? Don't fret. It's a seller's market. Just wait patiently.

Lovely flowery tiles. !!

Raincole You remind me of this author who once gave a talk on parenting. One participant lamented after that, "Dunno when my children will get a proper job". Concerned, the author asked how old her kids were. Then, she replied that she hadn't had any kids yet; she was just preparing for them! Never mind, one research shows that the pessimists are usually the most prepared 'cos they worry so much. !! Therat You are really funny!

Most milk companies provide milk samples from 6 months onwards ('cos you are encouraged to breastfeed during the first 6 months).

Hi. If you don't mind second hand items, suggest that you go to Yahoo auctions/ Singaporemotherhood.com.sg/ any other baby websites to get your stuff second hand. Some of these items may be in very good condition (of course, there are vice versa cases...so please do your homework) for very low prices. If you are getting toys second hand, please remember to sterilise them. Money goes to milk powder (if your wife's not breastfeeding) and diapers, baby wipes. Pre-baby, money goes to gynaecologist, maternity clothes, baby stuff e.g. cot, cloth diapers, car seat, etc.

The layout's like mine.

Yes, agree that the land to built-up area ratio is also a factor in Enbloc sales. But, the acceptible size and height of homes differ with time. E.g. there used to be many single or double storeys good size bungalows, but many of these are being torn down to sandwich 4 or 5 terrace houses with 3 or 4 storeys. What may be considered pigeon hole now may be considered big in future. Not an expert, lah...just another interested in talking shop.

IMHO. 999/ freehold to pass on to children is very traditional thinking. A relative is so appalled at the prices of the Orchard road condos 'cos most are only on 99 leases. If your property is on good location, and the price of land is higher than the property ('cos so old), the property will go for en-bloc in 20-30 years time. So, the number of years of lease doesn't make a diff anymore. I think what really matters is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. People are also encouraged to pass on property 'cos estate duty is imposed on cash > $600k. And this includes insurance payouts. But, the estate duty is due for a revision soon. The government is still looking at it. Let's all keep our fingers crossed.

Mine's from Poh Joo.

Hi, Clockwork. You have been very blessed with a smart and loving husband and a creative son. You are also very talented. I think you should not dwell on the painful past anymore. Start afresh. You have a family now. Your own, to do it right this time. You are a mom. Focus on bringing up your son right with lots of love. Focus on being the best wife possible to your husband. Focus on being the best person for yourself. You owe it to yourself, not to others. We can't choose our relatives. We can't control what they say and or easily erase what prejudices they have. But, we can try to be civil and keep our visits short and sweet. They are after all your mom and sis. It takes two hands to clap. If they cannot forgive, frankly..(my apologies if this offends; IMHO only)..there is little you can do. And, I think you should switch your energies more productive and rewarding tasks, like spending quality time with your kid. I think you are already in the right direction here. It is evident that your relatives have different ideas of how to love and bring up a child. It happens in all families, to different degrees. Accept their toys gratefully. Put the sweets in a container box for desserts (and brush teeth after meals). Explain to your kid about good dental habits and the reason for your stance. Doesn't really matter what others think as long your son understands that it is for his own good. Good luck and best wishes!

Dim sum type of pai kuat? Prime ribs? Like Bobby Ribino's? Ooh. Your recipe sounds interesting. It's some kind of chicken stew, right? I just realised that you use sweet potato flour. I've been using egg white and bread crumbs for my sweet and sour pork. Is there a difference between sweet potato flour and corn flour?

Ok, thanks. Will try that the next time.

In Feb/Mar, the cheapest quote I got for LG non-inverter aircon was from Hong Huat was $1549+$180 (I think) for staineless steel brakcets. But, I chickened out 'cos there were quite a few negative reports about LG Artcool. Most of the forumers then went for Mit. Starmex and I went with the herd thinking that there was safety in numbers. Mine, too. Playground and a little park with trees and herb garden. Wow. You got a really good buy + $30k grant some more...sure won't lose money . Condition sounds similar to mine. PAP got upgrading somemore...Not to say, Hammer won't get, but have to wait a little longer.

Nice water dispenser. Way beyond my means though.

I think it's better to get from the ID/ contractor's shop 'cos if they usually buy from there, they'll get rebates/ discounts. They need to make a living, too.

Really? How much did it cost you to change all your windows and grilles?

My sofas are from HTL. Factory somewhere in Tuas. They export to European markets...but dunno whether their sofas are considered bulky. Buy when on offer. Inexpensive for full leather set. Bought mine 3+2 for just $1.3k. Photo in my reno t-blog, page 7, post 249.

Welcome.

Beg to differ: prefer leather sofa. Thot it's the PVC ones that do not absorb sweat and are hotter. To each, his own.

Better to change to a stainless steel one and top-up the difference, I think. Once bitten, twice shy.

Hello88, just realised my floor area is only 146 sqm. Looked up the HDB resale transaction website and found out that the resale prices of EM in Hougang Ave 2 are all below $400k. Think the one who paid $600k didn't do his homework.

Saw your stainless steel pipe curtain rail at another thread at Applefreak's renoblog. Really creative! Considered this option too. Was happily telling my MIL that nowaday the fashion is not to get wall tiles for kitchen...but after reading of a few cases where the paint and plaster didn't stick, I changed my mind. Besides, plastering is not cheap.

Parents said buyers of high priced EMs are probably cash rich en-bloc beneficiaries. Logical since the en-bloc beneficiaries are used to big spaces and the EMs/ EAs are the biggest HDB units available. Maybe that's why EMs suddenly become hot. Trickle down effect. Just think that these cash-rich people should try to be more stingy and prudent with their purchases...they drive up the market price too fast...