Invisible Grille With Home Grille

With a baby in the house, installing window grille is definitely a MUST HAVE item for house renovation due to safety reasons. Currently there are several types of window grilles in the market but the more popular choices are aluminum window grille and invisible grille. 

In my personal opinion, invisible grille is the obvious winner. It is super easy to clean and maintain which means lesser cleaning chores for me! *yayyyssss* Plus its definitely way more stylish as its almost transparent and does not obstruct the views. The only downside about installing the invisible grille is probably the price as its more expensive than the aluminum window grille. 

After deciding on the type of grille, I went around comparing and researching on different companies. Finally I've found Home Grille Pte Ltd - Invisible Grille! I have been liaising with Derek and he provides really great services plus he has great knowledge on renovation which really helps us a lot. During the measurement and consultation, not only did he just take the measurement, he observed hairline cracks around our windows and informed us. He also managed to help me to spot some defects which we've overlooked previously. After taking the measurements, he recommended fixed invisible grille for the living room and all bedrooms, whereas the service yard would be movable casement frame invisible grille as we need to have access to the aircon ledge which is located outside the service yard. He also explained to us the difference between horizontal and vertical grilles. The invisible grille is highly customizable from the direction of the grille to the gap between the grille. In addition, he also taught us how to clean the invisible grille so as to maintain the grille at its best state and not affect the life shelf of the grille. I feel that Derek is very honest as he did not try to upsell by recommending to install all movable casement frame invisible grille as it would have costed a bomb. Instead he recommended the best budget friendly option for us. Before he left, he saw our bathroom water heaters have yet to be installed, he gave some recommendations on the type of water heater which consumes less electricity. I am really impressed by his overall services. I would say he really does go an extra mile for his customers. 

The installation took place slightly more than 1week after the deposit was being placed. 

The guys came and double confirmed our orders and took double measurements before starting the installation. 

I like that they actually brought their own mat to place around the floor to prevent dirtying the floor. I'm not sure if its a norm but its just something I really appreciate. 

Once they started their installation, I left my house and went around chilling. 1hour before they completed the installation, they've called to inform me so I could go back and check the end product.

When I reached the house, they were already done with majority of the installation and doing the touch up.

Before the installation of the invisible grille 

After the installation of the invisible grille. My beautiful view is almost not obstructed by the invisible grille which means I get to enjoy my view, yet still get the safety measures in place for my baby. 

View of the vertical invisible grille from the master bedroom. Due to the L shape windows, we have to install vertical invisible grille instead of the horizontal but we still love the effect so much! 

I love that the frame of the invisible grille is really sleek and slim. Can see from the photos that the installation did not do a sloppy job or destroy my paints and that they've done a pretty good job for it.

The view of the casement frame invisible grille from service yard. It makes my boring service yard looks a little more sleek design. Hopefully it'll be able to give me more happy vibes when I do my laundry chores! hahahaha

It comes with key lock so its much safer for families with young children. 

The whole installation process took about 4-5hours. After I have done a thorough check of the work done by Home Grille and satisfied with the result, then the guys packed up and left. Before they left, they still vacuumed my house. *thumbs up* My house is super in need of a good vacuum, it has collected tonnes of dusts from the renovation.

Plus they really have a good faith in their workmanship and quality as they offer 5years warranty on the grille. So far my experience with Home Grille has been great & been loving their invisible grille!

You can find out more about Home Grille:

- Invisible Grille Website

- Facebook

Or 

You can call/email your enquiries at 6633 9779/sales@homegrille.com.sg

Will be updating this space for more renovation tips and reviews! Stay tune!.. 

I have received partial sponsorship from Home Grille Pte Ltd to facilitate this blogpost. All opinions and views are my own personal.

Service Yard Window with Super Window

First of all, I really don't understand why the HDB did not just install the service yard window for BTO/SBF house owners and we have to fork out additional sum of money to install the service yard window on top of the super expensive BTO/SBF price. *super big frown*

Story cut short, I have to go around sourcing for windows companies to install my service yard window. I was in quite a rush to have my service yard window installed, therefore apart from the pricing, I have to factor in the waiting time for installation as well. I have approached a few window companies and their pricing have quite a big difference. Some companies quoted me $580, some $650 and some $500. Another thing to take note is warranty, different companies have different period of warranty ranging from 3months to 24months. So it is crucial to find an affordable company which provides fast installation and reasonable warranty period. I was trapped between Window Grille and Super Window as my choices. Both offer pretty attractive prices. Window Grille is offering $500 with 2 years warranty on manufacturing fault and seepage. Super Window is offering $480 with 1 year warranty on seepage and 6 months on parts. Upon comparing, of course I would have gone for the Window Grille, even though its just more expensive by $20 because of the 2years warranty. Unfortunately, the waiting time for Window Grille is 1month which I don't have the luxury of time to wait that long. So in the end, I went ahead with Super Window which only needs to wait about 7 to 10 days plus their Facebook seems to be filled with positive reviews.  

I have contacted Super Window on Monday to arranged for the measurement appt on Wednesday and the guy from Super Window said would arrange but I've received no updates at all till Tuesday evening. So as to double confirm the measurement appt, I msged him on Tuesday evening for confirmation on the appt. Up till this point of time, I felt that their service is a bit lacking but still acceptable as they might have overlooked my appt and forgot to slot my appt in. 

Upon the measurement appt, the boss just came, took the measurement and left. No explanation of the windows or letting us know colour options for the window. No conversation at all. 

And here come's the beginning of the bad experience with Super Window. The boss who took our measurement actually lost his measuring book and required us to go down to the new home to meet him for another measurement taking. At this point of time, I was pretty annoyed with their services already because due to their negligence, I have to travel all the way to the new home just for them to take the measurement again which is what I wasn't expecting from company with such great Facebook reviews. 

The horror part is actually on the installation day itself. My installation appt was supposed to be at 10am. However at about 10am, the boss called to inform that his guy was stuck in Malaysia due to his bike broke down and if we can change our installation date. Collin purposely took leave to be there for the installation so I requested for them to solve their issue and be there for my installation as promised by them. The boss said he'll get someone else or so to be there for installation about 1130am which I was totally fine. Then about 11plus, he called again to inform that his guy (who was initially stuck in Malaysia) was rushing back and would reach about 1230pm latest. ITS SUCH A NIGHTMARE!!! I seriously don't need such drama from them. All I need is for them to install the window which I've paid for. 

As promised, they've arrived before 1230pm and started on the installation. ANOTHER NIGHTMARE APPEARED... I have a little pipe running from indoor to outdoor so the window frame has to cater a hole for the little pipe which the boss has already taken the measurement of it. When they started installing the window, they realized they've cut the hole wrongly. I don't know if they have taken the measurement wrongly in the first place or they just anyhow cut the hole. It totally makes me feel like what's the point of wasting my 2 trips of measurement takings when the company is just not gonna take the measurement seriously? Then to solve the issue, they cut the hole even bigger to fix the little pipe and fill up the gaps with fillers which is quite unsightly. 

Its not super duper obvious but it just felt like the overall window work and service is totally not what I've paid for.

Overall I feel that any other window companies would have done a better job and its definitely not worth my money. I would definitely not recommend Super Window to anyone. Apart from the bad service and unsightly hole, I hope the window would survive for many years to make up for the bad experience. I am just writing my very own personal review on Super Window as a frustrated and disappointed customer after a series of unpleasant incidents with them. Hopefully I'm the only unlucky customer of Super Window that has such bad experience. I feel what Super Window can improve on is their customer service and workmanship. 

Anyway after the installation, I have found there are a few window companies offering at $450 with 1year or so warranty. So a piece of advice, please do your research properly before engaging any services. 

For reference: Super Window's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SuperWindow/

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated to Super Window Pte Ltd or any window companies. All views and opinions are my own personal.

Things To Bring For HDB BTO Defects Check

Being a first time home owners, I am so thrilled to move in but before that, there are so many things to be done and completed. Defects checking is definitely the first thing to be done before progressing to the renovation. It is a very tedious task under a dusty and hot environment. To make the task and life easier, there are some things to bring along!

1. Tapping rod/ Umbrella 

- To check for hollow tiles

2. Tapes and markers

- Mark out all defects by placing the tape and labelling them with markers so BSC contractor will be able to identify them out easily

3. Charger

- Make sure all the electrical sockets are working well by checking if your phone is being charged when plugged in

4. Stool/Mat

- For resting

5. Water

- Super duper important to keep hydrate 

6. Door stopper

- Keep the door and windows all open for maximum air ventilation

7. Hand soap 

- Its going to be super dusty and dirty so best to bring a hand soap along to wash up 

8. Garbage bag

- To clear all the rubbish

9. Toilet rolls/tissue paper

- You'll never know when you'll need them 

10. Mini fan/ Normal standing fan

- In case, it gets way too warm in the house

11. Number lock and chain

- Put a number lock and chain up the gate so that the BSC contractor can come and go to fix the defects, because we can't always be there 24/7 to unlock the door for them 

With all these items mentioned above, you should be all good to go for your defects checking!

All the best in spotting those defects! :D

Hospital Delivery Bag Pack List

Being a first time mummy, I was totally lost when it was about time for me to pack my hospital delivery bag as no one told me exactly what to pack and what not to pack. Hence I had to go around different websites to cross reference and come out with my own packing list. So here I am sharing with you guys my hospital delivery bag pack list! I hope this post will be exceptionally helpful for mummies who need a guide for their hospital delivery bag pack list. 

Essential Documents

- Marriage Cert

- Mummy&Daddy's ICs

- Prenatal visits receipts

- Toiletries

- Specs (If any)

- Maternity pads or super heavy flow sanitary pads

- Disposable undies 

- Nursing bras (2-3 would be sufficient)

- Breast pump

- Nipple cream 

- Night gown (Optional as you can wear your own or the one provided by the hospital)

- A set of outfit for discharge

- Phone charger

- Hair ties (A MUST)

- Swaddle

- Mittens & booties (2 sets)

- Handkerchiefs (2-3)

- Nursing bib

- Diaper (3-4)

- A set of outfit for discharge

- Carseat

- 2-3 sets of outfits (If daddy plans to stay overnight)

- Toiletries (If daddy plans to stay overnight)

- Snacks (Biscuit or bread will be good)

Well, I hope the list above has been helpful for your packing. Do let me know if I've missed out any item in the list!

All the best for your delivery & JIAYOU Mummies! ❣❣❣

Our BTO/SBF Key Collection

We have applied for a SBF unit during November 2016 and after months of wait, we have finally gotten our keys! YAY!!!

Things to bring along:

- IC of everyone submitted in the application

- Marriage Certificate

- Children's Birth Cert (If any)

- Certificate of Fire Insurance (To be purchased on the day itself)

- Latest CPF Statement/Payslip/Company Letter

- Completed GIRO Form

- NETS Card for payments

On the keys collection day, our appt was 9.30am but we reached earlier at 9am. First we took the Q no. for the keys collection at the Self Help Machine and went on to purchase the Fire Insurance from ETIQA, Counter 1 located at level 1. There are 2 type of plans: one is the basic plan which costs $5.50 for 5 years or the more enhanced plan which costs $300+ for 5 years. Looking the at difference in the prices and the coverage summaries, we decided to be kiasu and went ahead with the enhanced plan which we feel its still very good deal for $60+ per year and we get a peace of mind. The whole Fire Insurance process only took about 10min. 

Next is to wait for our Q no. to be called. We waited about 20min for our turn. This part is all about having the hdb officer explaining the process and we signing a bunch of paperworks. The officers are all very friendly in general so feel free to ask any queries regarding your new home. It is very important to collect the Defects Forms from the officer cause you'll be needing it to fill in all the defects found in your new home.

After 15min, WE HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN OUR KEYS!!!

Upon receiving the keys, please make sure you have collected the right number of keys!

But we are not done yet, we have to go to make payment for the Conservancy charges at level 3. It costs about $60. Followed by heading to SP Services at level 2 to open the utility account. They will make an arrangement for their guy to head down to the house to turn on the water supply and when our house is all ready, they will come down again to turn on the gas supply (if you opt for SP gas supply).

The whole keys collection process took us about 1.5hours. As it gets later, the crowd starts to come in and queues get longer so be prepared for a longer process if your appt is from 11am onwards. 

AND TADAAA~ 

WE ARE OFF TO SEE OUR NEW HOME~

Ouni Korean Eyelash Extension Course

Look! Now I am a certified Eyelash Extension Stylist! :D

All thanks to Ouni Korean Beauty & Skincare for inviting me over to attend their Korean Eyelash Extension course! 

The course is being held at Paya Lebar Square so its really convenient and accessible by public transport. Its a 1 Day course from 9am to 6pm. The course is conducted by Miss Yumi, she has a very strong background of Korean beauty as a internationally Beauty Trainer and Consultant for many years. Despite of being a true blue Korean, Miss Yumi is able to speak Mandarin and English fluently so communication is definitely not an issue. What I like about Miss Yumi is that she very friendly and keeps her lesson casual enough for everyone to feel comfortable to raise out any questions or approach her for any help. 

All the tools are being provided and everything can be brought back home to do further practices. 

Everything that we need to know about Korean eyelash extension will be covered by Miss Yumi during the course. Things like what type of extensions will compliment which type of eye shape or what are the various types of lashes in the market. All these are really insightful for someone like me who has almost zero knowledge. 

Next Miss Yumi will do demo to show us how it should be correctly done step by step. 

And here's the exciting part! We are free to do any kind of lash designs with the guidance of Miss Yumi. She will go to each student form time to time and guide us along.

After evaluating that we are good to move onto next stage, Miss Yumi will do a live demo to show us how to serve a customer step by step to ensure the customer's eyelashes is well taken care of and look pretty at the end of the session. 

Here's my live model Bennice who is a super great classmate and is willing to be my first customer! 

Before and after eyelash extension

Finally done with both eyes after a good 2.5hours! Poor Bennice who has been lying patiently for me to complete her eyelashes!

Here's a side profile of her new eyelash extension done by me! 

Thank you Bennice, hope you like the lashes!

Ending off with a photo of Miss Yumi and me! :)

Definitely had a great time attending the course. Everyone in the class is really nice and friendly.

Apart from Eyelash Extension, Ouni also provides:

- Semi Permanent Make Up (5 Days Course)

- Korean Skincare (1 Day Course)

You can find out all the details of the various courses HERE 

You can also contact evelyn@ouni.kr or 9710 6096 to register or for further enquiry!


I have received the above course from Ouni Korean School to facilitate this review. Post sponsored by Ouni Korean School. All opinions are my own. 

PostPartum Depression (PPD)

I am writing on this as a personal experience and definitely not a professional or expert view. 

PostPartum Depression is very a real thing and common that happens to a lot of mummies. However, not many mummies speak of it and many of them suffer in silence. Every PDD is different but definitely all needs the supports from their husbands, families and friends. 

I suffered from depression since late pregnancy but it was pretty mild I guess. I think my depression was mainly due to low self-esteem. During the late  pregnancy, I have gained about 20kg. Some people began calling me fat, auntie or some unpleasant names. I know that some of them made the remarks thinking that they are funny but they did not realise it hurt my feelings. Its never funny to call a pregnant woman "Fat", "Auntie", "Ugly"or any kind of negative remarks. Pregnant women are very fragile emotionally with all the hormones acting up and have a hard time dealing with all the various pregnant conditions. We already feel very self-conscious on our body changes and trying very hard to make peace with it. So dear outsiders, please be kind to pregnant women as one day you or your close ones will be pregnant as well and going thru the same shit.

Anyway back to PDD. It was only after I gave birth to Nat, it became really bad. On the outside, I looked perfectly fine and seemed to be coping well as a new mummy. But whenever I was left alone with Nat during the first 2 months, I would carry him and cry. I felt detached with Nat like when I was carrying him, I didn't feel the overwhelming love. I didn't feel connected with him like a mother and baby. (I googled and realised its very common for mummies to feel detachment during the initial stage) I felt unworthy as a mother and I wished I could do better so that I would not burden anyone like Collin, my mum, my MIL or just anyone. I had really bad insomnia every night even though I was dead tired, I still couldn't sleep and would cry for no reason. It's always during late at night, the worst thoughts would creeped into my mind. I began to have suicidal thoughts. I would think how the world would be a better place without me, how Nat would have a wonderful life without a mother like me, how Collin would have a easier life without a wife like me burdening him and how my mum would still have Nat to company her even when I'm no longer around. Everyone would seems to be able to have a greater life without me. Everyone has been trying their best to help me with the postpartum and Nat but I just felt that I don't deserve any of them and all I do is to burden them. I felt like I really hated my life and I could never be happy again. A part of me knows that all these negative thoughts are not true, its just the PDD bringing the worst out of me.

Also, everyone has been promoting breastfeeding so much that it has put a lot of pressure on me. As a new mummy, I have problems with keeping up my milk supply for Nat's intake. Whenever I see anyone or visit the doctor, the first question would be "Am I still breastfeeding?". And when I replied that I'm actually doing mix feeding, they'll start questioning me. I felt somehow I'm being judged as not a good enough mummy as I don't produce enough BM for Nat. I started blaming myself for being such a lousy mummy and have to put Nat on mix feeding instead of being on full BF which he should deserves. I understand there are a lot of benefits in BM but it is really putting a lot of pressures on mummies who can't produce that much. I feel mummy should all be comfortable to provide whatever they deem as the best for their babies and not be judged by their choices. 

On top of it, people still continued making unpleasant remarks about my body changes. It made me feel even more insecure about my own body and adding onto my PDD. I felt as though I could never ever return back to the body I used to have and I hated my postpartum body. The ugly stretch marks, the swollen limbs and the flabby tummy. I hated what I see in the mirror everyday. 

I did not dare to speak up to anyone, fearing that my PDD conditions would worry them. I guess a bigger reason was because I didn't know how to tell them. Its like "Hey I think I've got PDD and having suicide thoughts" is definitely not the best conversation topic. What would they think? What would their reactions be? Would I be burdening them even more? All sorts of scenarios and questions I have planned out in my mind kinda stopped me from speaking up... 

After a long period of suffering PDD in silence, I finally could not handle all the negative thoughts and energy any longer. Its like PDD was slowly consuming my mind. I decided to talk to Collin about my PDD conditions. I personally feel that its certainly the best decision I've made to help myself. Collin took it very well, he calmed me down and shared with me his thoughts. He shared with me that he's also getting used to be a new daddy, going thru the parenthood with me plus he still has work to worry about. Sometimes everything gets too overwhelmed for him as well but he has never thought of giving up because he knows he has a family now. He tried to clear my negative thoughts away and kept giving me assurance that all these were just a passing phrase which I'll get better soon so long as I keep talk to him about it or even consult a professional. Most importantly, he made me feel that I am never alone going thru all these. He also recommended to get a professional help for me but I wanted to try to recover on my own. Collin respects my decision but he still kept a close watch on me. He would make it an effort to spend all of his time with me, rush home everyday after his work and have a lot of chats with me to make sure I'm recovering slowly. After close to 2months, I slowly felt better again and those negative thoughts slowly got away as well. Currently, I am perfectly well and happy again without any negative thoughts. I think its talking to Collin which makes me recover because he makes me feel like I'm never alone to deal with anything and he's always by me side going thru everything with me.

From my very own experience, it is very important to open up your PDD conditions to someone who you can trust or consult a professional. It's never the end of the world. It can be cured and one day, you'll feel all happy again. :)

I would be more than happy if any mummies would love to reach out to me and share with me your experiences or issues! Just contact me at sheylathl@gmail.com! :)