Friday, September 28, 2012

Sept 2012 AMK BTO - Cheng San Court revealed...

Source: http://www101.hdb.gov.sg & http://www.onemap.sg

Looking at the site plan, I am quite sure the pricing of our units back then has already factored in the impact Cheng San Court would have on Park Central units.

Block B was the most expensive followed by Block D.

Block A and Block C were the cheapest.

Based on Cheng San Court's floorplan, it seems that Block B should have pretty much an unblocked view of the city while Block D which is just along the roadside is also less affected by these new flats although there is a new block right smack in front of it.

Most of us bought the units due to the unblocked views of the town landscape as 'promised' by the developer/agents. Paying skyhigh prices just to enjoy the views for a few years... Cheng San Court is really a good buy.

4 more years before we can sell the unit...

Hopefully construction works will keep to office hours on weekdays (9-5) and there will be no construction on weekends...

Selling Amber Avenue WOOL BLEND PEPLUM BLOUSE IN BLUSH PINK - Size M

wool-blend-peplum-blouse-in-blush-pink
Source: http://www.amberavenue.com

Bought this top from http://www.amberavenue.com at $28.50 + $1.50 shipping fee.

Currently this item is OFS.

Anyone interested in getting  this item?

Selling at $28.50 exclusive of postage.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

WTS iPhone 5 16GB White -Sold

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Queuing up for iPhone 5 at AMK Hub now. Almost fainted when I saw the queue.


Was informed a few minutes ago that only left with 16 GB black and white models which is exactly what I want!


Even though I am going to sell this phone later, I still get the happy buzz...


Typical Singaporean behaviour I know.


Any interested buyers for iPhone 5 16 GB in white?

Little pleasures on a hazy Saturday morning

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Eating juicy crispy pears with a tinge of 梨香 while enjoy Korean drama on S One...

Saturday, September 15, 2012

The harsh facts of life...

The sad fact is that I am supposed to be dead tired but somehow I just woke up suddenly at 4 am plus and cannot seem to get back into the zzz mode.

Work stress? Highly possible with the incredible workload and the recent encounter with bitches (pardon me) at work.

Well it was a nasty experience but I am glad to finally see their true colours. The way they giggle n talk animately to the male colleagues vs the taichi of work that I kena 1 hour before knockoff are really 2 extremes. Suayness to the max! Confirm and chop they won't taichi to male colleagues lo.

Although it is not the first time I heard things about these bitches (pardon me again) but it is a totally different experience when you are right smack in the middle of the mess.

Paid peanuts compared to the rest but always got to cover for people under various reasons. Just plain unluckiness or is it just my life :(

When would I find a job that I really like? All I ask for is work life balance and it is so hard to achieve...

Friday, September 7, 2012

Antoinette cakes

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Just bought 2 cakes from Antoinette - Antoinette and Framboisier.

Was informed by the service staff that Antoinette has a jelly-like texture for the inner portion (looks very chocolatey to me) and Framboisier will taste something like a cheese-cake :)

Hopefully they taste as good as they look. Was assured by colleague their cakes are quite good.

Costs me close to $20 inclusive of GST :0

Sunday, September 2, 2012

2 little cuties in the family!

2 white faced roborovski hamsters were adopted recently by my brothers.

They are so cute la!

Somehow they looks like tiny pigs to me... cos of their facial features.

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One of the hamsters is very active and the way it "exercises" on the wheel just makes me laugh.

So hilarious.


Also can be found on YouTube.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The wonder of mind-mapping

You can imprison the body but not the brain!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Park Central - High Service & Conservancy Charges

What exactly are the high S&CC for DBSS flats meant for?

The facilities that residents get to use is similar to what the normal HDB flats get. Or might be even worse off. Anyone can get to use these facilities. So why are we paying a much higher amount?

Look at this pile of renovation debris that is left at Level 1 directly below 1 of the unit for months.... Is Town Council blind?

Lifts that frequently breakdown and lift doors that take ages to close properly before moving....

1 lift was down the entire weekend since last Friday night and residents got to depend on the 1 other lift...

Got this bad feeling that Sept 2012 AMK consists of 40-level blocks. There goes our privacy, breeze and city view...

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Clarisonic Mia

Finally ordered and received my Clarisonic Mia from US. It really helps to clean up my pores especially around my T-zone.

Quite a good buy since I don't go facial and yet be able to maintain glowy complexion.

Even the husband has commented on my rosy cheeks which is quite a feat considering his bochup attitude on such matters.

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Thursday, August 9, 2012

Sept 2012 AMK BTO

Got news of this upcoming BTO in Sept 2012 right in front of our balcony.


I would not say that this news surprises me as I was aware that the plot of land is slated for future high rise development.


It is really the timing and the subsequent play-acting by various parties that leaves me speechless.


Back in 2008 where a lot of young couples were hunting for flats,  there were not much options at all... Punggol... Sengkang... Yishun... Woodlands... Bukit Panjang...


We were very sure that we wanted a unit either in the north or northwest to be near to our parents.


Furthermore, we were not really keen on resale flats with high COVs and extensive renovation might be required.


Hence, we tried for the BTOs at Yishun and Woodlands but always ended up with crappy queue numbers even though we were first timers and applied under Married Child Priority Scheme.


Thereafter, a series of DBSS were launched which comes with huge price tags.


We decided to take the plunge and balloted for Park Central with the hope and belief that this seems to be the best option for us especially since HDB did not seemed to be launching much flats in areas other than Punggol and Sengkang.


We finally got our keys last September and spent almost a year thereafter dealing with sub standard furnishings. Till now, there are still some areas that can be considered as defects but we are sort of resigned to fate and would rather try to settle these ourselves.


Had to take a lot of leave and effort to deal with the defect rectification (the block supervisor can only view the defects on 1 day and rectify defects on  other dates)...


Act as project manager to "chase" developer on defect rectification...


Act as QC engineer as the cheapo developer uses their own workers to rectify these defects who are not really educated on the proper way to solve these issues...


One classic example is the shower screen with leakage issues along the joints. The workers just silicon everywhere without really identifying the issue and yet the leakage continues. It is only after the contractor comes down that the issue was really resolved. The leakage joint had to be cemented instead of being silicon-ed. In addition, the contractor also pointed out that the workers did not re-install the shower screen in the proper manner, resulted in the rollers grinding against the bottom track.


Even though HDB is supposed to administer the estate upon handing over by the developer, they took a really laid back approach.


When we approached HDB for assistance in "chasing" the developer for defects rectification (which were not rectified after months of submission of the defect list), we only received system automated response.


And HDB's vision is "An outstanding organisation with people committed to
fulfilling aspirations for homes and communities all are proud of."...


Really outstanding services... and we as homeowners are really proud of it...


When we are finally done with the defects just last week, ready to settle down to enjoy the quiet breezy environment, the news of the upcoming BTO hits us.


And we even thought of asking my parent-in-laws to shift over with us especially since my FIL has just suffered a serious stroke early this year.


We had been selling them the idea that the unit is disabled friendly with the ramped entrance to the living room/common toilet and the rooftop garden is really accessible with quite a number of exercise corners.


With the noise/dust/strangers that will be milling about, I guess this plan is pretty much aborted.


I guess we are just plain suay to have bought this unit.


Ever since HDB started to launch more and more BTOs in areas other than Punggol/Sengkang, I did start to regret my decision.


If HDBs had these plans in their pipeline all along, why were majority of units launched back in 2008 concentrated in Punggol/Sengkang? To build up the residential rate there?


Won't it have been more effective and efficient to have ensure a more even mix of BTOs at various locations around the island during each launch keeping in mind the current aging population?


How do we really take care of our parents when they are half the island away with the current crowded and unreliable transport system that we have?


Due to misrepresentations by the media, there have been articles/comments depicting residents of Park Central as fishmongers (selfish) who are opposing the upcoming BTO.




My take is that the media have chosen to misinterpret our actions due to the sources of the news (perhaps the Mp Ang Hin Kee himself? HDB?).


Who are we to deprive some other Singaporeans of their future home?


We are not interested in the political game.


Rather, we are waiting to see if the MP is really acting in the best interest of the residents and not just residents of Park Central.


Why does these surrounding residents have to ensure another round of construction?


The noise/dust/inconvenience/traffic...


Why was not these 2 projects constructed at around the same time like the Clementi DBSS and BTO?


 Is the government really listening to the residents (as what was "promised" after the last election)?


I doubt so.


Moving on, since this BTO is definitely going to proceed on, what will be done to minimise the impact on residents?


Is there going to be a well constructed/sheltered (unlike our "airy" MSCP)/well-lit (unlike our dimly lighted corridors)/well maintained path to the MRT station?


How about the current road conditions with only 1 lane per direction for most roads surrounding the site? And also the heavy vehicles coming in and out of the site and the jam outside Jingshan Primary School during certain periods of  the day? Even for now, when bus service 265 stops at certain bus stops, long queues of car are piling up.


As for security wise, what are the steps taken to ensure safety of residents keeping in mind the recent car thefts in our carpark/ thefts in the wet market downstairs/strangers loitering at the staircases/incidents of strangers trying to force open metal gates/Town Council rejected residents' request for a security system?


It will be interesting to see what are the next steps taken by the various stakeholders.




Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Long Champ PLANÈTES Tote bag

Going to seek colleague's assistance to buy back 2 of Planetes tote bags from Paris.


1 for me & 1 for Mama.


1 black & 1 navy.


Hopefully she likes.


I assume it is as durable as it seems to be without requiring much maintenance.


Finding it hard to decide on the sizing though...


31x30x19 cm or 25x25x14 cm?


Comments on the range & dimensions anyone?


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Saturday, May 26, 2012

Birdcages @ Novotel wedding

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Birdcages have been used as part of wedding decorations for quite some time.

This is the first wedding I came across that uses birdcages with lit candles as part of the aisle decoration.

Super likey!

Such a soft romantic feel...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

If you want to change lanes...

 Kindly do the necessary checks before swerving into someone's lane...


Idiotic van driver who indirectly damaged 2 cars but managed to got off scot-free...


You will get what you deserve one day!

Diablo III-ing

I am glad that I am not a Diablo III widow...

But I am quite irritated at the internet connection/the server...

Somehow I prefer Diablo II which allows me to complete quests offline... 

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Scrapbooking

Attended this scrapbooking workshop organised by Craft in Vogue recently together with Sis.


It was a rather basic session whereby we learn how to make paper rose (I fail terribly at it!) and also the basic concepts of scrapbooking.


I have actually created a digital photobook earlier & I would say scrapbooking involves similar concepts.


The correct placement of photos so that it will look more pleasing...


The theme that will fit the chosen photos...


The decorating material involved...


It might take eons before you get the final product but when you finally reach the endpoint, the results can be quite satisfying.


Started the bottom left product for the both of US during the scrapbook session.


Spent ages choosing the 'right' background paper.


Placement of the photos was a breeze but decoration was a headache.


Finally completed the product a few days after that with little items that are symbolic in our relationship.


I sewed the 2 'yellow-ribbon-look-alike' ribbons together with the school buttons on to the scrap paper and clipped on 2 tiny figurines on the string attached to the scrap paper.


I guess I can be considered a Karang Guni woman as I kept things as long as I felt that they might be useful in the near future which is not really healthy considering the limited storage space I have.


The top 2 items are created for my 2 Mothers for the purpose of Mother's Day.


They looked really simple and plain but it was the best that I could come up with and I hope they will like it!


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Friday, May 11, 2012

Nook Simple Touch

Ordered Nook Simple Touch at http://www.barnesandnoble.com

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http://www.barnesandnoble.com


Hopefully it will be as good as the Nook Colour which is quite user friendly but its touchscreen has started to fail us.

I am quite resistive to e-Book readers as I felt that the act of reading seems to be distorted when it is done electronically.

The enjoyment I gained in reading is somehow linked to the fact that I am in contact with the physical book.

The flipping of pages, placing of bookmarks, ink pressed pages...

I also don't like the glare/brightness of the e-Book readers' screen.

Somehow my eyes gets tired easily and I won't get to enjoy the reading process for long.

Nook Simple Touch is supposed to have E Ink display whereby users are able to read under the bright sun with no glare.

Planning to use it as my daily transport companion instead of using iPhone as my e-reader.

I certainly hope that it is as light as what the website claims.

More details on Nook Simple Touch can be found at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/nook-simple-touch-barnes-noble/1102344735

Wonder if there will be anyone else who will be interested in getting Nook Simple Touch too?

Thinking of organising a spree...

Thursday, May 10, 2012

A wedding and a funeral in a weekend...

Kind of sad that it is only May but so many not-so-nice stuff have been happening around us.


Illness of close ones...
Deaths of relatives/people that I know...


On the brighter note, there are also numerous weddings this year.


I guess this kinds of balance things but I am just not good at dealing with negative aspects of life...

Monday, April 30, 2012

Review of Magic Washing Balls (Made in Korea)

Order these Magic Washing Balls from gmarket about a week back and received them this morning.

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Tried these items a few hours back with our full load of laundry and I would say the results are comparable to our usual detergent.

The nice soapy scent... The level of cleanliness...

 Hopefully the results would remain consistent for the next 999 uses as stated by the seller!

Imagine the amount of detergent we can save $_$

Clarisonic Mia (Pink)

Just bought Clarisonic Mia online for S$100 via alldealsasia.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System - Pink
http://skincarerx.com

Have been thinking of getting a Clarisonic after reading various reviews online but was not able to really decide which model to get even with the help of the comparison table from Clarisonic.

There are so many various models to choose from.

Came across this deal recently which is really too good to miss.

S$100 inclusive of local registered delivery proves to be too tempting.

It is currently selling at US$119 at Skincarerx, not taking into account the shipping cost from US to Singapore.

Hopefully, it will helps to improve my skin condition, especially the T-zone with its usual supply of blackheads.

Some benefits of Clarisonic sonic cleaning:

- Best cleansing system directly from USA

- Removes makeup 6x better than any traditional methods with just 60 seconds

- Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size

- Cleanses so thoroughly that prepares skin for better absorption of creams, serums and moisturizers

- Creates noticeably healthier looking skin

- Gentle enough to use 2x a day

The alldealsasia voucher includes:

- Pink Clarisonic Mia(TM) Skin Cleansing System with 1 head (Sensitive)

- Trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser

- 3 pin plug for singapore usage

- 1 Year Warranty against all manufacturing defects except any human mis-handling

So looking forward to getting the parcel!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Subsequent addition to the family - Squeaky & Nami

We thought of adopting another male hamster as a playmate to Fly ever since we observed that he gets quite depressive sometimes.


I stalked Singapore Hamsters Club everyday and finally adopted 2 hamsters from a forum user.


We actually only wanted just 1 hamster but the owner preferred both to be adopted together.


After discussing with HIM, we decided to just go ahead with the adoption which lead to a series of unfortunate events!


Instead of just 1 hamster, we adopted 2...


These supposed-to-be-male hamsters as assured by the owner turned out to be FEMALES...


These 2 hamsters which were cohabiting in peace previously started fighting when introduced into their new cage...


Seriously, the situation almost got out of control.


We did not get the playmate for Fly as we intended...


Instead of just preparing 1 cage, we had to setup 2 cages...


Anyway, these 2 hamsters are much more fierce as compared to Fly.


Introducing the tamer 1 - Squeaky which will squeak when she is feeling threatened.



Next is Nami which is like a watch dog. Always on the alert!




They are starting to grow on us though.


Our first activity once we get home is to check on them and 'play' with them for at least a few minutes before carrying on with other activities.


Although having  3 hamsters in 3 cages is more than what we had bargained for, the pleasure and laughter we get from them is all worth it!


Saturday, April 14, 2012

New addition to the family - Fly

It is only natural to have a new addition to the family although we have still yet to finish up on the painting =0

Initially, we reared guppies but the population fluctuates at ridiculous rate due to our inexperience.

Buy 10 guppies... 8 died... Buy another 10... 6 died... 20 babies! 15 babies died...

Too traumatizing and changing of water was a pain especially with babies guppies in the tank.

I managed to find a fellow podder who was willing to let us adopt a hamster from her.

But we backed out in the last minute and decided to adopt from SPCA instead.

Somehow, I felt more comfortable with this decision and I would also get to see and 'choose' the ONE which I felt a bond with.

At the SPCA, each cage contains only 1 hamster and all cages are stacked into another netted cupboard to protect the tiny beings from the cats caged in the same room enclosure.

We had some difficulties trying to spot a hamster which we felt a bond with.

Trying to peek in with squinting eyes and spot the hamsters hidden in the dark cages.

But it was all very exciting.

We knew we wanted an active one and were keeping a lookout for one that is on the move.

We selected Fly who was 1 of the more active ones and were given the chance to interact with him.

It was love at first sight when Fly allowed us to cup him in our hands.

Introducing Fly - our winter white hamster son!

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I would say it is worth a trip going down to SPCA especially if you are 'picky' and love at first sight is an important criteria in your selection process.

You will get to interact with your selected hamster before adoption and the staff are quite friendly.

Furthermore, you are doing a good deed by re-homing these abandoned hamsters.

Do take note that you have to bring along an empty cage and there is an adoption fee of $10.

For more information, check out http://www.spca.org.sg/

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Scanteak - Negative review

Bought quite a number of items from Scanteak and they were delivered on Sat.

Imagine our horror when we realized 2 of the dining chairs are obviously used goods (worn leg undersides, chipped legs, one leg of a chair had even split apart from the seat area).




How could used goods be repackaged as new goods to be sold to unsuspected customers?

They were supposed to get back to us today but so far they had not even bothered to acknowledge the complaint email I sent...

Update: The deliveryman claimed that these chairs were actually meant to be delivered to the warehouse but were mistakenly delivered to us...

Monday, September 19, 2011

Installation of lights

Have installed our lightings on 10 Sept.

Makes our painting/cleaning up job much easier especially when the weather is gloomy/dark.

Spent less than $1k on simple lightings.

Luckily within budget.

Location: Entrance of master bedroom


Location: Studyroom
Currently in the midst of painting the unit.

Super tiring from mask-taping/painting/cleaning.

Will be installing wooden planks on the planter box as well as expecting all deliveries this week.

Hopefully things goes smoothly.

We are now left with 1 main defect which is the laminated flooring.

Have been waiting for rectifications since 6 Sept.

If they still fail to settle by tomorrow, I am going to just give up.

Trying hard to juggle between work/interviews/house-related matters all at the same time =<

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Are you sure the unit is really ready for handover? Part III

Called the Bangladeshi supervisor who is supposed to be in charge of rectifying our unit's defects this afternoon.


And got the reply which I had already anticipated....


The defects on our laminated flooring is still yet to be rectified.


From 9 Sept to 10 Sept to 13 Sept and still nothing was done.


When we handed over the keys on Sat, he promised 3-4 days is all he need to clear the remaining defects.


Thus, we decided that Friday would be the deadline.


Perhaps this is why he said laminated flooring will only be rectified on Friday.


As for the rest of the defects, he mentioned that they are currently cleaning up the unit.


*Faint*


Am I supposed to call him up every single day just to check on the defect status?


Starting to feel like a loanshark...


Anyway I guess I have no choice but to do so since HE will only be back on Fri and it is up to me to ensure that things do progress smoothly for us to start painting on Saturday.


*Gambate*


Hope things are progressing more smoothly for the rest of my neighbours.


Cafe Epicurious @ The Rail Mall

Visited Cafe Epicurious located at the Rail Mall quite some time back on a weekday for lunch.


It was quite surreal and windy.


A nice place to relax and enjoy the food.


I had the beef stew while he had the carbonara.


Both dishes were cheap and good.


Definitely will be coming back in the near future.




Monday, September 12, 2011

Are you sure the unit is really ready for handover? Part II

Not sleeping well for the past 1 week.


Kept worrying about the house whether can the defects be rectified by this week so that we can finally start painting.


Was really irritated at the supervisors.


Imagine taking leave to come down to the unit early for defect inspection but they take their own sweet time to turn up.


No sight of them at all from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs despite numerous calls and smses.


They seemed to think that they are the only busy persons in the whole wide world and the rest of us are just shaking legs *Argh*


The workers who are actually the ones rectifying the defects are so much better in comparison.


So far we are super happy with the workmanship of the rectified defects.


The Chinese worker 'trimmed' numerous tiles for us just to get a perfect piece to replace our chipped tile.


Another Chinese worker who was repairing the chipped/dented/ wall was also very professional.


We thought he would only 'putty' the affected areas but we were wrong.


He even sandpapered the region after the putty had dried, resulting in super smooth surfaces.


Hopefully the rest of the defects will be rectified by Fri as promised by the Bangladeshi supervisor.


If not, he is definitely going to get it from me since he is the one who promised to finish in 3-4 days and we have given him close to a week.




Thursday, September 8, 2011

Are you sure the unit is really ready for handover?

Pretty stunned at the state that the unit is in and keys were still handed over to us.


I don't think that we are very picky but look at this....



Are we supposed to install this ourselves?


And this is just the drain hole under the kitchen sink.


Imagine the same for all drain holes in the unit.


Who is going to be held responsible if someone gets injured?


The cement unfinished surfaces are super rough lo...


As for the bomb shelter, there are missing ventilation covers.



Starting we are quite noob at all these defects checking but I seriously think that we are now quite expert at spotting defects...


Other things like dents/holes on the walls and cement/paint stains, we can still close 1 eye and omit it from the defect list.


Just hope they fix the defects asap *sigh

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Success finally!

Made an impromptu decision to stop by PC and we managed to get into our unit!


It was quite an exciting experience getting from the carpark to the lift and finally into the unit.


Was expecting someone to stop us at any moment.


It was super windy and the scenery was not too bad from various spots in the unit.


Going to do away with the idea of installing ceiling fan, taking into account that the ceiling is really quite low.


Did some defect checking in the dark and so far so good.


Hope that things still look that optimistic in daylight.


On the downside, there seems to be a lack of privacy at certain spots in the unit.


Have to get some window films or curtains installed before shifting in...