Thank You Shell...

Just made a redemption with my shell points before part of it expires on 31 Dec 2008. Well, it's pretty timely as we will be needing a rice cooker eventually. A fairly decent one would cost us approximately $145 onwards. This was redeemed with 2200 Shell points + $10 at Heap Seng located at 36 Liang Seah Street. I intentionally choose a small one as storage will be an issue to us. The capacity is good for 2-6 helpings. In any case, cooking time is only 15mins. So if we need more rice on rare occasions, we can easily cook up a second round pretty swiftly.

SR-TEG10 (SR-TEM10)

Features
Electronic Jar Warmer (1.0 L)
Concave Lid - Water droplets prevention
Prevents water droplets from dripping onto cooked rice, keeping rice warm and fluffy.
Smart Cap - Prevents over boiling
Prevents boiling over during rice cooking process.
Steam basket available
Non stick inner pan

Colour

Crystal Silver

My First Insomnia...

We arranged to meet our contractor Patrick and his foreman 龙哥 at our unit to discuss some renovation matters on Monday. As usual, we were faced with additional challenges with our small kitchen. Patrick advised us that the location of our microwave (above our fridge) may post some operational issues. He didn't think it is practical to use a step-stool when ever we need to use the microwave. Sigh...we have to drop that idea and re-think where else we can place the microwave. Not that we have a lot of choices to begin with!

Not sure if it's the thought of this challenge or it was mummy's 爱心燕窝 which I took before bed time, I was kept awake till 5.30am!!!!! Gosh! In the end, with less then 3 hours of sleep...I took half day emergency leave the next day and headed down to Kranji Loop to see 龙哥 to further discuss this.

It was a good 2 hours discussion with him in their factory which brought us to some form of closure. We managed to find another 'spot' to place our microwave. Of course some other sacrifices were made to compromise this. We also concluded the use of two pull-put baskets for one of our cabinets. Can't use more as the stainless steel ones are priced at $80 per tray. Hopefully our contractor can absorb this. SN will be happy to know that we managed to confirm the Blum System for our kitchen drawers and cabinet. No more 'loud slam doors'. hehehe

Most rewardly, I managed to steal pictures of our 'mini' kitchen cabinet at the factory. They are pathetically 'mini' indeed :(

Pictures of Our Kitchen Carpentry

I travelled half of Singapore to see our contractor

I No Prima Donna

On the name of our reno blog, I am not a 100% prima donna who chases fine and exquisite stuff blindly. I do believe and am constantly reminding myself on living within our means and also to shop smart. Thus, how can I forget to show case two of our earlier purchases from the cyber 'flee market'?

Curtain Tassel
These will come with some higher end custom-make curtains but as we intend to buy most of our curtains from Ikea. Thus, we may not have the luxury of having this. A lady whom I 'met' from the Renotalk Forum was selling this as she has extra pairs. So, I bought it brand new at a mere S$5.00 per pair, inclusive of postage.

OM Carpet
Thanks to the two Cassandra friends I have, they alerted me on someone selling this at the Motherhood Forum. The initial offer was $250 - 50% off from the initial price they paid one year ago. The couple had to sell this away due to the arrival of a new baby which prompted them to stay away from light colours furnishing. I made a joke to the two Cassandras and said I will take the offer if they are selling it at S$100. Hold-and-behold, the couple agreed. SN & I made a 'no obligation' trip to their house at Punggol to view the carpet and made the purchase immediately as it was clear to us that the couple kept their house speck and clean. So how dirty can the carpet be? Besides, we do have the intention to have the carpet professionally clean by some laundry shop, prior to using it. This will probably cost us about $80-100 more. There is no way anyone can get an OM carpet at below $200 for sure. **Grin Grin ** :)

Thank You Amazon...

Thanks to the wonder of technology, I have been cyber shopping!!! Hope the items will arrive timely and safely...

I cannot wait to lay my hands on those Voodoo Knifes. Arggg...

SN & I are cereal lovers. Thus, this ZEVRO dispenser will come into good use.

Bathrooms Design

Here's another attempt I took to design our bathrooms vanity. Hope it will take shape soon...

TV Feature

I could feel it's taking shape every day. Our contractor drew a draft based on our description. I added some cosmetic work on it so that he understood what we wanted.

Unveiling My Kitchen Concept

My left angel is telling me I am getting better with designs. I am amazed I could piece this together effortlessly. If only I can do the carpentry work myself too :(

Some new purchases from IKEA over the weekend

1. KOMPLEMENT Wire Basket @ $25 each

2. RATIONELL VARIERA Pull-Out Basket @ $25 each

3. 365+ Serving Stand @ $29 each

4. LOCK Ceiling Lamp @ $3.90 each

5. SPARSAM energy-saving bulb E27 linear $7.90 pack of 3

Teka Kitchen Sink

This is the only thing we got today. Still pending on the kitchen tap due to budget. TEKA is selling the PRO tap at $372 after 20% discount. I vaguely remember we see it at some other places, selling at a much better price. Shall pend and see. After all, we still have time to explore...

The entry of the legendary HB

It's been a tiring weekend and process. I am beginning to feel fatigue sipping in. The entire Saturday has been dedicated for the Big '3'.

1. Closure of the the work from HDB appointed contractor; QUEK & TAN BUILDING CONTRACTORS PTE LTD. We cannot wait to put the whole liaison with their asshole contractor Ho Lian Choon aka Ah Ho, behind us. He would be what most will describe as...the 'CON-tractor from hell'. Arggggg. Unfortunately, he still owe us a varnish job for our front main door which his China workers scratched.

2. Installation of air con trunking by HONG TAR which took almost half a day.

3. Job planning and logistic discussion with our contractor HO BEE RENOVATION.

At the rate we are progressing, I reckon we may well possibly have the whole renovation completed just before Christmas. But since we are not in the hurry to move in, SN & I will take our time to arrange for all the furnishing to come in by late December or early January.

Today had been another busy but meaningful day for us as we moved from a Sunday Brunch at the Traders Hotel with my family to attending SN's colleague Malay wedding in the late afternoon. If only I can take a break and sleep all these off at Maldives now...zzZZ

A Girl's Best Friend...by Marcel Wanders

Diamonds are girl's best friend? Well, I cannot wait to sit on my solitaire diamond then.

Stone is a stool with a simple shape but with a very precious appearance. Made with an essential symmetrical linear shape which is reminiscent of an hourglass, it's surface is simply extraordinary. It’s irregular and comprised of a myriad of geometrical facets which reflect the light and create a striking and unique play of colors, much like a diamond. Due to it's jewel-like nature, Stone is offered in the colors of the precious stones.

DESIGNER:
Marcel Wanders

MATERIALS:
Polycarbonate

MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 45cm
Diameter: 30cm

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STONE IN 360 DEGREE:

http://www.marcelwanders.nl/wanders/pages/stone-movie.shtml

Shower Me With Your Love Finale...with HANSGROHE

Finally, the Hansgrohe Raindance Allrounder is OURS!!!!!. Thanks to the Singapore Airlines Priority Passenger Services (PPS) privileges, we managed to get a 25% discount for this whole set. But guess what? We are not even a PPS member. wahahaha. I merely asked if PPS members will be entitled for the 25% discount and they assumely gave me the discount still. **Grin**

SN and I cannot wait to experiment our 'designer' bath once the two shower sets are installed. We shall be able to give you a full report on who is the better 'luxury bath' creator. The father aka Hansgrohe or the son aka Grohe.

Raindance Allrounder Set for exposed fitting DN15
multi-functional shower system with extra large spray surface Ø 150mm
swivel shower holder with hooked-in hand shower
self-arresting zinc die-cast bow
integrated, manually adjustable brake

Consisting of:
Raindance Allrounder shower holder
Raindance hand shower with SoftGrip element (no.28501000)
shower hose Isiflex 1.60m (no.28276000)

Talis E² Single Lever Shower Mixer for exposed fitting DN15
ceramic cartridge, Boltic lever lock
non-return valve
adjustable temperature regulation
flow rate 22 l/min.
centre distance 150 ± 12mm
S-shaped connections with noise reduction
PA-IX 18339/IB

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them...the No. 1 Specialist in Energy Saving!

As much as we hope not to join the Jack Neo 'team', we cannot resist the reliability and the ability to help us save in the long run...even thou it has exceeded our initial budget for air conditioning. The package which we have opted for includes the use of 1/2 inch thick class '0' thermaflex insulation for indoor unit and class '1' black insulation for outdoor unit. PVC pipe use will be 16mm and G23 copper pipe.

The main 3 selling points for the Mitsubishi Starmex Inverter Air Conditioners are:-

1. Excellent Energy Efficiency...making it the No. 1 Specialist in Energy Saving

2. Easy Clean...Easiest to clean with reachable inner vent

3. Quietest Air Conditioning at 21dB.

Supplier: Hong Tar Air Con & Fridge Trading

Model: MXY-3A28VA

Dimension: W840mm x D330mm x H710mm

Distribution: MSXYGD18 (Master Bedroom/WIW/Study) , MSXYGA13 (Living/Dining Room) and MSXYGA10 (Common Room)

Transformer...

Here are some pictures of the BEFORE and AFTER work. The "after" work may not speak so well of the total transformation as they are not 100% completed. The vanity top with basins are not constructed, the ugly pipes have yet to be boxed-up, installation of the ventilation fan has to be done, lights and mirrors are not up, bathroom basic accessories, etc etc. However, we are happy with majority of the transformation...although I can't say so for our flooring tiles in the living/dining/bedrooms. But I promised SN and myself that this episode shall be forever put behind us. A lesson well learnt from Sex and The City (The Movie), where Carrie Bradshaw made her wedding BIGGER then Mr. Big. For those who saw the movie...you would know what I mean.

Do you know W.C = Water Closet?

Well, I always knew they are call W.C or toilet bowl, but I never knew the actual meaning of W.C till I google on this while planning for our new pad. Our purchase today has marked a change in our bathroom concept. NO MORE BLACK TOILET BOWL FOR US!! We were told that black ceramic items may cause water marks after awhile. As we have decided to invest in a one piece water closet, I guess it makes no sense for us to pay more for something which we anticipate will have a possible cosmetic problem. I presume many are still not aware that toilet bowls come in either one piece or two pieces? Most residents have the 2 pieces range as they are less expensive. The one piece model was created to look more sleek and also most importantly...SAVE WATER.

We have not quite decided to go for a black or white wash basin for the common bathroom. It may still be worth our 'gamble' if we opt for a black as original planned as it will not be too expensive to replace them. What's your thought?

- 1-Piece Water Closet Model: W-303
- SLOW MOVING SEAT COVER
- SIZE: 6 INCHES / 145MM
- SMOOTH FLUSHING SYSTEM
- WATER SAVING
- PSB APPROVAL

Shower Me With Your Love...with GROHE

We cannot decide which is better...GROHE or HANSGROHE? So we made a decision to have the best of both world. Our master bathroom will be equipped with HANSGROHE, while our common bathroom will showcase GROHE :p

Here's a brief literature of the brand. GROHE is Europe’s largest and the world’s leading single-brand manufacturer and supplier of sanitary fittings, holding roughly eight percent of the world market. As a global brand for sanitary products and systems, GROHE is setting standards in quality, technology and design and its products deliver the perfect flow of water.

If you are reading my blog and wonder what's the relation between HANSGROHE and GROHE? The history seems to be like this: Hans Grohe founded the company. Later his son sold the brand to an American corporation and set up his own company again. This time round he cannot use HANSGROHE, so he used the brand GROHE instead. HANSGROHE is the original company created by Hans Grohe. His son created GROHE and made HANSGROHE specialise in showers and GROHE in mixers (or faucets). Then Klaus Grohe, current CEO of HANSGROHE took control of the company and GROHE got sold (and has been sold numerous times). HANSGROHE is still owned by the GROHE family, but Klau's side!

As for which is better, I have not had the chance to compare them. Can only give the verdict after we have moved in to our little cozy pad. Well, should you be curious about the results too...you are most welcome to come by for a "shower experience'...at a minimal COST. hehehe.

Here's what we bought from GROHE, stay tune for our next purchase...akan datang.

The new GROHE Tempesta is a super-sized 100mm diameter handshower with an extra-wide spray emulating a luxurious overhead rain shower. The Tempesta leader of this range has to be the Tempesta Trio, which enjoys the addition of a Massage spray setting. SpeedClean® nozzles prevent the build-up of limescale while GROHE CoolTouch® technology means it’s never too hot to handle. Incorporating the benefits of GROHE DreamSpray® technology and a shockproof wrap-around ring, to minimise damage to your bath or shower tray if you drop it, Tempesta offers superb showering enjoyment at an unbeatable price.

Retail Therapy @ IKEA

When the pressure of work gets the better of you, what better way to ease it with "Retail Therapy". Headed down to IKEA after work and came back with these prize possessions which have been in my "Wish List" since the planning of our cozy pad.

The Triumph

Finally, a spectacle of Baroque Living in our dining room. This must have been one of our better buy as we could not find any that came close to what we have paid for. True to T like what some of the forummers has recommended...the shops around Kelantan Street does offer better deals then those along Balestier Road or Jalan Besar Road. Will most likely return to buy our toilets and kitchen lighting another time. Picture was not taken too nicely as the Uncle who sold us the black chandelier not very friendly type leh. So I had to take the picture quickly. What to do? Good bargains may not neccessary comes with good customer service.

Oh! What A Hack...

While I am still slogging it out in the office, SN made a trip down to inspect the progress after work. Here's the report of his findings... :)

Saturday Surprise...

We went down to our unit on Saturday at 5pm to pay our HDB Contractor the deposit required for our bathrooms upgrade. Hold-and-behold, we witnessed the progress of our bathroom tiles which was only meant to start on the week of 20-25 October 2008. It was indeed a pleasant surprise for both SN and I :)

Progress of Our Renovation: Part 1

HDB contractor needed SN's photo-copied IC to apply permit for the hacking of the wall between MBR and Bedroom 2. So, we went by this afternoon for the very first time after the commencement of the ground breaking since Wednesday - 8 October 2008. Must say, they are pretty fast. The tiles hacking is like almost 90% completed. Will probably drop by again next weekend to see the progress.

Experimenting the IKEA Home Planner

Become your own interior designer with the help of the IKEA Planner Tools. Drag and drop your choice of furniture into the room and fit them to the exact measurements of your home. Rearrange and try different styles until you’re satisfied with the result. View it in 3-D and print with all the measurements, just like an architect. See how much it will cost and get the list of all products.

Once you’re happy with your plan, save it onto the IKEA server so that you can pick it up at your nearest IKEA store. Then get final planning advice and assistance from IKEA before purchasing the products you need to make your virtual room a reality.
Please note that IKEA does not allow personal storage devices like a USB memory stick or CD to be brought to the IKEA store due to security reasons.

This is our preliminary experiment with the IKEA Home Planner software for our WIW. The price excludes the study table which we may well possibly have it customised by our contractor and also the door for the study shelve.