Luxexplorer

Went to Hock Siong a few months ago while looking for dining chairs but couldn't find what I like. But see what i found? A shiny laughing Buddha, it looks so happy that I just have to have it for $3 It is now sitting on my dining table in its finest glory next to some display flowers from friends of mine

Some of you have PMed me asking how it is without a gate in a HDB. I will elaborate a little further on this decision of mine. We decided to give it a try without the gate as we find it redundant for us since we have a habit to not lock the gate. As some of you have said, it acts more like a deterrent but then again some homes has been broken into even with a gate. We are a little more vulnerable since we are those unit with only 1 neighbor across us and hardly anyone walks by our door so I guess we are really taking a chance here. So there is not right answer in this case but we decided to go ahead and if we really find it is not suitable , we can always add on the gate. Right now, i am using the Samsung Digital lock and also a camera in the house to watch both my dog and intruder, if any

Yo Sapphire89, Cant believe how time flies and it is coming one month now at my new flat. Love it ( who wouldn't love living in their new home). It is super windy here so also means very dusty especially lots of projects being built here so means regular cleaning. Loving your kitchen - so big with that island its a *thumbs up* Took a few days to get use to going out without the keys but really convenient. I love this technology But it makes sense to have the same for the gate or at least a numeric padlock, if not defeats the purpose! Or like me, NO gate!!! LOL

Great DIY job ! I did some small work myself and already find it to be testing my patience and more difficult than tall about it.. lol I think it the bench will serve it's purpose well.

Cfengnet i have PM you the information. It can only serves as an idea because quality of products used makes a difference. I had a lot " extras " which probably have other options but aesthetic appeal wins over so some items I am more willing to buy for it .

The copper colour Samsung lock sold is the same as the 718 except that it it's the domestic model and thus the colour differentiation..at $389 it is already more than 50% cheaper than buying them locally. Of course there will always be warranty for the local products and like almost everything purchase online there will be trade offs so it really depends what's your priority. For me it was the colour to match my wooden door and the price. I have been using it for 1 month now and it is a breeze. The 2 master keys are just back-up and I keep 1 at my parents place for emergency that's all. You definitely don't need 5 of those. On the side , I agree with sapphire89 that it is not cool to advertise on other's blog even though at least Bryan is honest enough about that rather than pretending to be a home owner

Hey iluvfff! thanks for dropping by and read through our blah blah blah The donut shower is from Grohe @ Marina SQ and they have a bunch of colors to choose from which makes it very hard to decide. LOL . Due to structural problem in the shower and cant have a real rain shower, I have opted for this which basically is the same effect. If you are the kind who like hard pelts of water then it is not for you but for us, it is quite good and pressure is enough to have a quick shower as well. In fact I realised whenever I am staying in the hotel, I rarely use the rain shower because on some days I just don't want to get my hair wet but with "donut", I dont have this problem anymore - best of both worlds

HEy Nerf05, sorry for the late reply. The tiler is from my contractor so you will have to contact Desmond for it. I like his work and how he pay attention to small details.

Quite different from the rest of us as I believe most of us started buying all the furnishing way before our renovation started. In my case it was like this with some good results because got a good deal and some not so good because the size was a little off on hind sight, I would suggest waiting a little and to purchase during the renovation process to get some height and width which is required for the little details of renovation.

Review of contractor Desmond Coming up! Overall it was a pleasant experience with some hiccups which were easily solved. Renovation process is suppose to be fun when we are creating our home so nothing to be stress about. Most importantly to have a contractor or designer who is honest and responsible. For example , I have a bad habit to text him whenever I see or remember something even over weekends or at night, he will always reply even if it is not immediately, I am always appreciative. The carpentry workmanship was good except that the side kitchen cabinet came in wrong colour but in the end we decided to accept it since it doesn't look too bad and doesn't affect any overall design. His own electrician is also experience educated Bangla guy with good work but just a little bit slow because when he was fixing my lights, he treated it like a home and not a job and waited for me to ok for exact position. He is a contractor so don't expect ID design from him but he was able to provide advice when you ask for it and he will explain what and why he has done in other homes.Very soft spoken and non aggressive which is great for me because I am quite quick temper and don't work with with those who talk more than they work. When engaging a contractor, I will advise that home owners be very clear with their requests because a few times I just assume that that's the way things will be done but turned out there are other ways ..:) IF unsure, asked them what is the standard and what other options, this will greatly cut down miscommunication Will recommend! In Star Design 9786 3413 - Desmond Loke

Next step ! I like your dining chairs more, want to exchange ? Lol ! I ordered from TB and they are quite comfortable but one chair is always creaking probably because we have put on weight from CNY. Haha

Changbp congrats on the ompletion of the renovation. Have your furnishings arrive and all moved in ? Post more photos soon as I am.quote excited to see your entire place..I especially like your toilet

Twinklecloud Gong Xi Fa Cai! Here is the link for you! Just take note that the mint green in the photo is wrong because I ordered that and it came in dark green instead. I decided not to pursue the issue since it is very troublesome just to do an exchange https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?ft=t&id=18649608056&toSite=main

Happy Valentines Day dear reno kakis! Even OCBC building is giving out lots of hearts :0 Sorry about the neighbour's "tak-ko" CNY and house warming party. All ready Beautiful weather on the day of the party! CNY Eve during the countdown. Fireworks while doing dishes. Quickly dropped everything and grab a few shots. Can only see partial of the bow wow! Latest addition in the home:The Elken water filter system from my parents as a housewarming present. ( about $1000) The best part is it also dispense hot water ( a power point must be built near where the sink is) so no more kettle and hot water flask around. Because they don't have a retail shop here so orders must be made through their sales agents For enquirues : Mdm Eng (9843 2727) Latest addition: Basil plant for our cooking Grohe Donut Rain Shower.

Actually so true ! I love bean bags and when I had it in my last home, it was almost my favourite spot till a new foster dog decided to take off the corners of it. Fatcat! ta maison est tres jolie

Hello Owl . Gong Xi fa cai ! The tiler used a very thin silver strip as a divider between the 2 tiles. .it is not very visable when looking at it from far.

Gorgeous and love that dining set with the sleek legs. I would have thought it is a condo le.. well done Bro and enjoy your new home

Haha.. didn't know it's so fun to do shopping poison but seriously I think this is what is great about this reno t blog , good or bad we share and thata how we learn and also minimise headaches for new comers.

Wow Yakult!! Very nicely designed space and still so neat even after move in! I cant believe your hall so big to accommodate 2 x 2 seater.. Make us drool ! LOL How is the fan that is sitting in the hall? I am still looking for something - nice and practical

Dining Room The original living room has been converted to a dining space to accommodate this 2 meter long table. I love this table very much for its raw untreated wood. - Little Black cat tissue holder from Japan is a housewarming pressie from my little niece (Fatcat, i have a black cat too) Table runner from South Africa. Finally it got to see daylight after 1 year. Deer head which is put together like a jigsaw. Did anyone watch the TV series Hannibal? Reminds me of the dark shadows of the detective who is always besieged by the dark deer horns Niece enjoying the rocking chair. She said its her favorite spot Still trying to find space for them Our first meal cooked at home when we "open fire"!

Thank you ladies for being there through the ups and downs... cant believe we all ready to move into our new flat (except pankponk but we will be stalking your blog soon, I hope you have made your purchase ) :0 Yam seng!! Yakult, the step-down was propose by by tiler, I wouldnt have thought of it Hey! This packet is for emergency late night snacking!

Thanks Sarah! This is good information for everyone to know. I will usually thaw it in the fridge and bring it out before cooking or with cold water rinsing. You know sometimes we are so used to doing it all our life's that never even thought of it. But that's when the coriander ones in useful so in can just leave the wet packaging sitting in it

Bykaraanne thanks for still coming by to blog and can't believe 2 months has just flew by. It has been a very interesting journey shared with kaki here and making new friends too.

Hey ! Roller zebra curtains are super neat and it's perfect for your full wall mirror.

Sapphire89, the locks are looking good Usually they will always try to scare consumers into this mentality so that we will buy from them instead of online which is almost half the price. Of course true enough that not all.online purchase turn out favourable but I think that's when reviews come in very useful. I always try my best to give an accurate review to help other consumers just like others who have helped me. Your light at the end of the tunnel is very close