May 2011

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Scandi Reno: Curtains and Blinds

May 26, 2011 in Renovation Journey by somethingboutrenes | 19 comments

Did you realize I have been posting a lot of random and nonsensical posts? That’s because I can’t resist posting one home renovation post per week and I’m finally going to share with you on my curtains! YES! That’s why, I posted so many random posts hoping to “dilute” the home renovation content in SbR! Haha.

At this point, you may skip this post! I will also put a “More” link so that people who wish to find out more about my curtains can click to read on while others can painlessly skip them! Haha.

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In most Scandinavian inspired home, their curtains are usually simple, fuss free and very neutral. To start off, we have a light day curtain that is draped from the ceiling to floor to create a higher ceiling look than if it is hang at the height of the balcony sliding door. This was an advice from Jimmy (our curtain man who happens to own Jimmy Textile! HAH). Indeed, I love the airy and “flow-ey” feel. I’m just a little worried about keeping it white when it’s just next to the balcony! Haha.

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Dogs eat their own poop

May 26, 2011 in News that won't make a Difference, Paws by somethingboutrenes | No comments

I’ve sometimes heard of other people’s dogs or pets eating their own poop and do you know why? Even though our Princess Barley who is very much lady like do not do that, I bet some animals do that! Haha.

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Source: TodayIfoundout.com

His Green Fingers

May 26, 2011 in Green Fingers by somethingboutrenes | 5 comments

Remember a while back I mentioned here that he found a pot of dying looking plant near the lift landing? It was abandoned and looking pitiful. He took pity of it and decided to adopt it. Also, he is a firm believer of not buying things but adopting things (hence Barley!). Haha.

With lots of love and care, daily watering and lots of sun, the plant actually bloomed! WOW. He definitely has got green fingers! Now, we need to identify this plant! Anyone has any idea?

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Before

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Jakarta: National Monument & the Polis

May 26, 2011 in Travel by somethingboutrenes | No comments

One of the other three tourist attractions we visited is the National Monument. The National Monument stands in the centre of Merdaka Square and it symbolizes the fight for Indonesia’s independence. This was build in 1961 and the idea was conceived way before that in 1950 by then President Sukamo after Dutch recognizes the Indonesian independence when the Indonesian government returned to Jakarta. It was a simple monument which is topped by a “flame” covered with gold foil.

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This was not the highlight of the trip for Jingwei. The highlight happened when he get his ass on the police’s motorbike. Yes, you must be wondering why he can do that! That’s because the conference organizer hired Police Escorts to send us around the city, stop all traffic for us to pass, clear the one way road for us to travel in an opposite direction just to avoid the infamous Jakarta jam. HAHA. We felt like the Asian delegates for a day!

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This toilet looks interesting! I’ve not personally tried it but I guess it kind of camouflages well in the forest or in the dark? Haha.

The sticky glue behind all successful couples.

May 25, 2011 in Love by somethingboutrenes | 7 comments

“What’s the sticky glue behind all successful couples? I don’t think it’s lust – humans are easily tempted by other people. I don’t think it’s legal terms either – if not why do the number of divorce cases increase exponentially. I don’t think it’s money - it’s a well-known fact that women having increasingly high purchasing powers. I don’t think it’s faith – there are people of similar faiths and yet they split. I don’t think it’s commitment – this is a term which young people like myself take very lightly. So, is it love? I don’t think so either – because I know people who were crazily in love (like IcannotdowithoutyouifnotIwilldie-kind of love) and yet they still split eventually.

After eliminating all these factors, in my opinion, the answer might be forgiveness. Maybe when one learn to forgive the other for his/her shortcomings – only then they stay together.”

- SA (her blog address is private but her words of wisdom is worth sharing)

I am reposting a good friend’s blog post here because I totally agree with her and love it! Some may not agree but I think it is so true! Even though she is not the best person to give love advice (HAHAHA, don’t kill me girl) but if it is true from the heart, it is true. Similar to God’s love, it is also His grace and forgiveness which often holds us and pull us back into the light. I love it because it serves as a good reminder for us all!

What do you think? What in your opinion is the sticky glue in your relationship?


Lesson 1: Actual sizing and angle drawing

May 25, 2011 in Myself and I, School by somethingboutrenes | No comments

I forgot all the technical names my teacher taught me yesterday! Yes, I’m a bad student! Haha. But the first lesson was all about observation skills, actual sizing, angle and drawing it life like at the actual size and angle. It was basically the fundamentals of drawing using a wet medium. It was tough for someone who can’t really draw a straight line. In the 8 lessons, I will draw 4 paintings. This means that I’ll have four large ugly paintings which is totally not Scandinavian at my new place. HMPH. Jason told me to put in more effort and concentration then. Haha.

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This is the classroom environment.

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I was wondering where to put my brushes if I am sitting on the stool. Turns out, I had to stand for 3 hours straight while my paint brushes and palette gets to sit on the stool. BOO.

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My first few line was quite accurate and I was quite happy with myself. Off to a good start!

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But I got impatient and got all the angles all wrong. You will realized that my drawing is bigger than the actual size and certain position and angle of the cubes are all wrong. HAHA. I told the instructor it was a good drawing given my first attempt. He told me I’m in a delusional state. HAHA.

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The cool instructor who sounded just like Lennel (in terms of tone, accent and voice). That peaceful voice. He is very low profile and claims that he does not own an email address or a mobile phone. The only mode of communication other than face to face is a land line at home. WOW.

May 25, 2011 in SbR by somethingboutrenes | No comments

SSS told me that I’ve been blogging too much about my home renovation! Sorry if I seem to ignore my other loyal readers who love my other more interesting posts! I just need to document my renovation journey somewhere! I’ll try to keep to one reno post a week! Good reminder from SSS though! Haha.

May 23, 2011 in The Loft by somethingboutrenes | 2 comments

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Our love nest is slowly taking the look of a Scandinavian style cafe. HAH! I intended to share about our curtains but our day curtain in the living room needed some alteration! Boo! Next time then!




H&M is coming!

May 23, 2011 in Fashion by somethingboutrenes | No comments

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OMG! H&M is opening in September! Yay! But looking at this magazine feature, the price seems a little on the higher side compared to the price we saw in other countries! I’m going Shanghai in early June, hopefully I can get some goodies!

Lesson 0: Preparation for Acrylic Painting

May 20, 2011 in Myself and I, School by somethingboutrenes | 10 comments

When Steph first mentioned that she is going to take up Sketching course from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), I thought of signing up too! I am in need of a creative outlet to balance my mundane life! As I rambled on while pouring out my interest, I found out that NAFA conducts an array of part-time enrichment courses which are suitable for beginners (or so they claim)!

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Instead of Sketching, I signed up for Western Painting (Acrylic / Oil) and opted for Acrylic Painting! (He wished me luck in my attempt to fly before learning to walk.)  I always wanted to paint something for our new home. Whenever we see beautiful acrylic paintings, which often cost an arm and leg, I always imagine myself painting it! But the technicalities involved (e.g types of paints, flat / round brush etc) set me back.

Now, with all the tools purchased (I’m $100 + $300 poorer), I’m all set for my class come next Tuesday.

Wish me luck!

If my arts teacher from my primary / secondary school knows about my intention to sign up for this class back in the 90’s, they will surely stop me or my painting trainer. HAH.

// If I survived this 8 weeks course, I may pick up Lifestyle Sewing! I always wanted to sew my own summer skirt! Haha.

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