Our 2Nd Home Slightly Further West

[sleek 2]

From bathroom Lux ad to WIW catwalk... hmm, guess will have to strut my stuff in a bathrobe~

Btw, love your Brandt buys - very sleek and shiny! A dishwasher too - how indulgent! More time for Lux ads, I say!

- Ely

I think Sleek can go for the Domestic Goddess title what with her Miele washer & dryer, and Brandt oven, stove n dishwasher...

Can't wait to see her kitchen.

thanks queen & duchess. Actually I am totally undomesticated and useless with housework (read lazy, lol), it's my mum who is the domestic goddess and these are all for her or at least we try to accommodate her preferences and want to get as many gadgets that will help make her life as easy as possible with having to look after all of us.

She initially wanted the Rinnai Schott glass gas hob but I noticed that it has a very odd measurement so replacement may be an issue, which we notice tends to be the case with MIJ items, it is more expensive than the Brandt and De Dietrich is out of our budget plus she didn't like the placement of the cooking zones so we went for Brandt since we've had an acceptable experience with Brandt and FagorBrandt has bought over De Dietrich. We supposedly get the same technology for less and also we've had bad experiences previously with our Bosch washer and dryer thus we didnt want to consider Bosch at all.

You already know why we're splurging on Miele eh Adi, dont make it seem like we're always used to such luxury copying from my post on your blog eg. in 8 years, we've had to change 2-3 washing machines and we didnt even stinge on them; bosch, fisher & paykel (or something similar) and finally the brandt is still (barely) holding up so we've gone and upgraded to the miele package for the new place and they better be worth it or else we would be

As for the dishwasher, we dont have a maid and she doesnt want one either so since I dont want her to be doing dishes all the time, though we fought heaps about this as she doesn't feel it is a necessity but I really hope it will make her job easier in the long run rather than be a white elephant like she thinks. Of course she can subvert my best intentions by not using it at all and still washing by hand though i really hope not

I'm also plumping for an irobot but am waiting for the budget to allow it.

[sleek 2]

Got a toe fungal infection from a pedicure at Bliss and the GM is putting the blame on me instead of accepting responsibility when she should have from the start.

Edited June 15, 2011 by sleek

[Ely1 0]

Got a toe fungal infection from a pedicure at Bliss and the GM is putting the blame on me instead of accepting responsibility when she should have from the start.

Ugh, sorry to hear that, Sleek. Lots of places now place their utmost priority with hygiene, with that as their major selling point due to the recent publicity about fungal infections from pedicures. Am surprised the spa hasn't stepped up with their hygiene measures - you would expect any spa affiliated with Sephora to have higher standards. Try Polished - http://www.vivawoman.net/2009/04/14/playing-it-clean-at-polished-hand-foot-spa/ There's another outlet at Raffles Place.

I've been to Royale Retreat at Siglap (a tad far for you, I know) but they do offer good service, with OTO massage chairs, aromatherapy, movies to watch, and use the OPI Swiss Clean system.

- Ely

[sleek 2]

Ugh, sorry to hear that, Sleek. Lots of places now place their utmost priority with hygiene, with that as their major selling point due to the recent publicity about fungal infections from pedicures. Am surprised the spa hasn't stepped up with their hygiene measures - you would expect any spa affiliated with Sephora to have higher standards. Try Polished - http://www.vivawoman...-hand-foot-spa/ There's another outlet at Raffles Place.

I've been to Royale Retreat at Siglap (a tad far for you, I know) but they do offer good service, with OTO massage chairs, aromatherapy, movies to watch, and use the OPI Swiss Clean system.

- Ely

ely, we just posted simultaneously on each other blog.

thanks for the recommendations, i dont normally go for such indulgences but went to Bliss because I was already with them for my waxing and they ARE supposed to have high hygiene standards and the prices certainly reflect this but the GM failed in her handling of my situation and i'm very disappointed to say the least.

[sleek 2]

on a lighter side, my older son has been insisting we have to renovate and move to our new place because we bought him a car display set from Tomy on sale a couple of weeks back and told him that we can only open it up in the new house.

I so wish that can happen sooner too but unfortunately not till the end of the year la.

[Ely1 0]

ely, we just posted simultaneously on each other blog.

thanks for the recommendations, i dont normally go for such indulgences but went to Bliss because I was already with them for my waxing and they ARE supposed to have high hygiene standards and the prices certainly reflect this but the GM failed in her handling of my situation and i'm very disappointed to say the least.

Send an email to the head office and state your concerns: http://www.blissworld.com/contactus.aspx. I'm sure the GM would step up her lackadaisical attitude and offer some kind of compensation.

Can't remember doing a manicure last since fingernails have been too busy scraping off paint/plaster bits off tiles, walls and floors, painting grout with finger tips, etc. At least I'm getting my hair trimmed tomorrow so can feel like normal girl who *kinda* takes care of herself~

- Ely

[Ely1 0]

on a lighter side, my older son has been insisting we have to renovate and move to our new place because we bought him a car display set from Tomy on sale a couple of weeks back and told him that we can only open it up in the new house.

I so wish that can happen sooner too but unfortunately not till the end of the year la.

OMGAH why so torture the poor boy! It's like setting up a Christmas tree in July and telling him he can only open the presents underneath it on Christmas!

- Ely

[sleek 2]

Send an email to the head office and state your concerns: http://www.blissworl...contactus.aspx. I'm sure the GM would step up her lackadaisical attitude and offer some kind of compensation.

Can't remember doing a manicure last since fingernails have been too busy scraping off paint/plaster bits off tiles, walls and floors, painting grout with finger tips, etc. At least I'm getting my hair trimmed tomorrow so can feel like normal girl who *kinda* takes care of herself~

- Ely

yes we are in the process of drafting a letter and will be shooting it off to them soon. i like what polished does and the luxe of royale retreat

a normal girl? i didnt remember seeing a normal girl when we first met

OMGAH why so torture the poor boy! It's like setting up a Christmas tree in July and telling him he can only open the presents underneath it on Christmas!

- Ely

Hmmmmmm why ? Because we really dont have space for more of his crap and bad mummy here has actually been over buying for him to the extent that ie he doesnt even bother with the new toys that i got him just 2 days ago. Anyway that gives him something to look forward to and have specifically for the new place, and most importantly he needs to learn self control and patience la!

[Ely1 0]

yes we are in the process of drafting a letter and will be shooting it off to them soon. i like what polished does and the luxe of royale retreat

a normal girl? i didnt remember seeing a normal girl when we first met

Oh, my favourite kind of letters ha! I'm a lot more assertive behind the computer, so you should see the email trail to Halia (even managed to "find" the boss's personal email haha). Not the little pushover like irl

How odd was it, that as I was walking down the corridor to May's place, I heard people say "that must be Ely" - was it the clicking of the heels or what, or was I just the latest to arrive

I think I'm quite normal! (except for the geeky, crazy cat lady part)

Hmmmmmm why ? Because we really dont have space for more of his crap and bad mummy here has actually been over buying for him to the extent that ie he doesnt even bother with the new toys that i got him just 2 days ago. Anyway that gives him something to look forward to and have specifically for the new place, and most importantly he needs to learn self control and patience la!

True, good virtues to nurture. Have no idea about parenting and am worried sick just at the prospect of it. Think I won't be very good at it either >< I'm afraid I might be over-critical like my Mom, striving for perfection, like the Virgo in me. I do hope my kid(s) will love reading though - it would be a major disappointment for me if kid hates books

Hate to say this, but my brother and sis-in-law are putting off kids because they're afraid their kids will be ugly *GASP*! When I first heard it, I thought it was outright ridiculous but I don't know anymore - quite a valid concern when you're aware of the harsh realities of the world, and how beautiful people just get it easier/better~ wru meritocracy~

- Ely

[adidaem 6]

Hi Sleek, how's your toe/s? Hope you are feeling better.

Any design updates on the house?

[sleek 2]

LOL we drafted it out, sent it last night but not a peep from them yet, very disappointed once again. Perhaps I will have to deal with that GM locally after all. *sigh* Why/ what did you have to deal with halia?

You were the last to arrive la, as if we would know you were some glam goddess in high heels.

i think if you as a person love reading, you will definitely cultivate that love in your child/ children. All my mum did was to surround me with books, read to me, bring me to the library, etc and I am still a bookworm though I now limit myself to chick lit and stuff i am interested in. For my older one, he wasn't interested in reading when he was younger but we always had books in the house (we have a mini childrens library at home) and one day the light just seemed to switch on and from then on we always made it a point to read to him as part of his bedtime routine, now he cannot do without it and he even self memorizes parts of the books.

Errrrr are your bro and sil physically ugly people? why would they need to worry about that, besides can always have plastic surgery, hah! Although I certainly agree with their thinking and see it happening with my older son but looks are definitely not everything and no point having a Shiloh Jolie Pitt if the character, behavior and attitude is spoilt rotten!

Oh, my favourite kind of letters ha! I'm a lot more assertive behind the computer, so you should see the email trail to Halia (even managed to "find" the boss's personal email haha). Not the little pushover like irl

How odd was it, that as I was walking down the corridor to May's place, I heard people say "that must be Ely" - was it the clicking of the heels or what, or was I just the latest to arrive

I think I'm quite normal! (except for the geeky, crazy cat lady part)

True, good virtues to nurture. Have no idea about parenting and am worried sick just at the prospect of it. Think I won't be very good at it either >< I'm afraid I might be over-critical like my Mom, striving for perfection, like the Virgo in me. I do hope my kid(s) will love reading though - it would be a major disappointment for me if kid hates books

Hate to say this, but my brother and sis-in-law are putting off kids because they're afraid their kids will be ugly *GASP*! When I first heard it, I thought it was outright ridiculous but I don't know anymore - quite a valid concern when you're aware of the harsh realities of the world, and how beautiful people just get it easier/better~ wru meritocracy~

- Ely

adi, thanks for your concern. it's still there, doc mentioned that nails take 3mths to grow so it may take 2-3 cycles of medication to eradicate.

no updates of the house design cos I was giving mae time to finish my FS report, I have just asked her earlier today and she said she will give it to me this weekend so will talk to my ID fella again once I receive it.

Hi Sleek, how's your toe/s? Hope you are feeling better.

Any design updates on the house?

[May_dream1 14]

Hi sleek... sorry to hear about your toes. take 2-3 months to get healed? that sound like a long long time. why don't you go to the shop and "Deh" with them? hahahahah....

tell you a story. i went to volkswagen showroom yesterday as i needed to buy some accessories for my brother. when i called them, the guy says can come down cos there are stock. So i rushed there to get it but when i went there, the guy said that the comp says there is 1 stock left but warehouse can't find it. so i was there "deh" with the guy then left my number.

Disappointed, i went off and when i reached the bus stop, the guy called and said that they found the stock (although i think he was keeping it for some reason rather than selling to me then changed his mind). So i walked back again and "deh" about how i have to walk back and forth.... so he gave me 20% discount. There aren't suppose to be any discount at all. Now i get the item that they said is out of stock with 20% discount!

Sometimes, you can get things done in a better way by "Deh" than writing a nasty email.

[Ely1 0]

LOL we drafted it out, sent it last night but not a peep from them yet, very disappointed once again. Perhaps I will have to deal with that GM locally after all. *sigh* Why/ what did you have to deal with halia?

You were the last to arrive la, as if we would know you were some glam goddess in high heels.

i think if you as a person love reading, you will definitely cultivate that love in your child/ children. All my mum did was to surround me with books, read to me, bring me to the library, etc and I am still a bookworm though I now limit myself to chick lit and stuff i am interested in. For my older one, he wasn't interested in reading when he was younger but we always had books in the house (we have a mini childrens library at home) and one day the light just seemed to switch on and from then on we always made it a point to read to him as part of his bedtime routine, now he cannot do without it and he even self memorizes parts of the books.

Errrrr are your bro and sil physically ugly people? why would they need to worry about that, besides can always have plastic surgery, hah! Although I certainly agree with their thinking and see it happening with my older son but looks are definitely not everything and no point having a Shiloh Jolie Pitt if the character, behavior and attitude is spoilt rotten!

Actually, I wasn't the last to arrive - boyblunder was!

Reading statistics from Freakonomics, it seems that one criteria for a child's success in his/her career/adulthood is the mere presence of books, not "Mommy and Me" classes, not Mom taking a hiatus from work to tend to growing infant, not the abstinence of TV and video games, not the importance of having both parents. Odd, but Freakonomics is a good read.

I'm an avid reader, inducing in chick lit once in a while for a lighter read but mostly a follower of classics and a huge fan of authors during the surrealism period, ie. Dostoevsky, Gide, Breton, Milton, Miller, Lawrence, Tolstoy, Proust etc.

Will PM you a pic of brother and sis-in-law - personally, I find my sister in law very, very pretty so I don't know what they're talking about! Older brother is crazy smart and have excellent people skills. Brother looks more like a nerd hehe

Sorry to hear about the long recovery period of your toes I'll be quite pissed if that happened to me during a pedicure. Good reason, though, to wear those summer sandals

- Ely

[joyousonline 0]

hi sleek,

your purchases are nice!! boy, your child is excited to move to a new place!! well to cultivate an interest and expose to books is good. i used to bring my sister to library and read books to her when she was only 2-3 years old. (hee our age gap quite big). from then on, she loves reading and even hoards my library card so that she can borrow more and read more!! good for her! currently she is doing her law studies! till now, she has not returned me my card!! well i can still use my IC to borrow!

oh sad to hear of your toes! no choice then hv to treat them.

Edited June 19, 2011 by joyousonline

[shumin 0]

Hi Sleek, hope your toe is healing well.

gosh, your purchases are making me DROOL!!

anyway, thanks for the link on WMs.