Cobbs Site: Home improvement, Money matters and other random stuff — A site for me to share, a site to inspire others

Helpful sites and numbers in Singapore

September 22, 2014 by cobbs2

I realize that one of the bad thing about the internet is that there is too much information yet too little organization. What do i mean by that?

Well u can probably find just about any information you would need using google search but when you need to contact several related say government agencies regarding an issue, you would need to do several searches in order to get it done. This is why i am compiling this page which hopefully i can update every once in awhile when i am free.

Listed below are my list of helpful sites that you might just need one of this days. Basically they are some of the major banks here and other services which you will probably need to get hold of one of this days.

Money Related:
1. Singapore Credit Bureau
2. DBS
3. UOB
4. Monetary Authority of Singapore
5. CPF

Home Related issues:

1. singapore.craigslist.com.sg/hss/
2. http://singapore.gumtree.sg/
3. www.singaporeexpats.com
4. locksmithsingapore24hour.com
5. www.24hrsingaporeplumber.com
6. http://sg.theasianparent.com/useful_singapore_emergency_numbers/

Child cares:

1. www.etonhouse.com.sg
2. https://www.childcarelink.gov.sg/

Illuminate Home with Chandeliers

September 21, 2016 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

For several years, chandeliers have already been used as an accessory to bring classiness and sophistication in some areas of the home. To illuminate the home in the next level, having a chandelier is the ideal solution. Before, most chandeliers are just used by royals or aristocrats therefore some get the perception that it is too pricey and it won’t fit their ordinary houses. Yet these days, chandeliers can now be seen in any type of home since there are a lot of styles to choose from, ranging from timeless antiques to sleek ultra-modern pieces.

www.shadesoflight.com

Chandelier light highlights any room. A normal spot to put in a chandelier fixture often is the dining area. Lots of people will have the chandelier designed with a dimmer switch and set up in the dining room. This will add a real touch of class to an otherwise boring room. And also the dimmer switch permits you to control just how vibrant or soft the light is. Since these days a lot occurs in the family’s dining room, you need to use a little freedom in regards to the power of the light.

A chandelier’s lights also can improve a bedroom. Both for the aesthetic look of a sophisticated furniture piece — indeed a light fixture, a great light fixture is like a furniture item — as well as useful lighting, the chandelier can’t be beaten. It depends on the size of your bedroom, of course, in regards to what size chandelier you pick. The dimensions are just one factor, nevertheless, when it comes to choosing what type suits you. More essential is the look. Chandelier light can be done in a range of ways. Some chandeliers catch the look and feel of conventional candle chandeliers through the use of synthetic candles with little power bulbs instead of the flame. Others avoid any connection with the past and check much more a modern piece of art. A number of the newer black chandeliers and red chandeliers absolutely go with that style.

Gone are the days of just the rot iron candelabra looking chandeliers. The style of chandeliers has evolved with time that now you can play with lumination, model, and design. A number of the more contemporary kind of chandelier was created on a techniques that the bulbs are on a snake-like retractable tube. These new modern chandeliers, actually allow you to concentrate the light directly on one spot, or maybe in multiple various parts. There are different kinds of chandeliers that you could select from. You can either pick from a traditional blown glass chandelier, wrought iron chandelier, bronze, brass or crystal ones. Also, there are different styles that you can select from; bohemian, contemporary modern, historical empire style, and even alabasters. With crystal too, you’ve got ample of options.

Chandeliers are special types of lightings which you can add to the home. It’s very elaborate design may add allure and magnificence to the feeling of one’s residence. However, while acquiring the chandeliers, you should ensure that you have obtained the perfect design which can match your dwelling with some concerns on your budget.

Shower Curtains

September 20, 2016 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

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Shower curtains are only among the many bathroom basics in the home. It serves as a division on the regions of the bathroom while still allowing that feeling of balance and concurrence. It usually is placed in between toilet and bathtub. Yet, right now shower curtain also serves as a decoration in the home.

The railings can be found in different sizes and flexibility to match different types of showers. Using two shower curtains is popular for appealing purposes. The inside curtain or liner is ideal for when the shower is in use and the outside curtain for adornment purposes.

If you decide to consider the many different types of shower curtains, you’ll be left feeling baffled as there are a massive amount such in the market. Find a shower curtain based on your taste and personal style. The type of that may reveal your character and the motif of the bathroom or the home you want to develop.

When you have a design in your designing, you could find shower curtains to fit that motif. Should you have a beach concept or fish you can get shower curtains with fish in it or sand dollars. You may pick just a plain color and if the wallpapers is busier you very well may just need a plain colored shower curtain.

The next action you need to consider is to determine its material. The majority are created from cloth or plastic. Made from a range of water resistant materials to function effectively once installed. Polyester, plastic and vinyl shower curtains can easily be bought in the marketplace. Synthetic curtains are definitely the large majority bought and are often the more affordable option. The material enables them to repel water that will help to avoid mold accumulation. Also they can be much easier to clean so it is recommended for people that don’t want any hassle when keeping it up.

Using fabric for the outside shower curtain allows you to finish the appearance of your bathroom. This curtain is able to suit your window treatments and any other accessories you have on your bathroom. A fabric curtain however does need some care. This kind of curtain becomes messy and might mold if it’s not cleaned out. At least once a month a fabric curtain must be removed and hand washed to prevent the mold down and the dust bunnies away. Fabric curtains are a fantastic way to include magnificence to your bathroom. There are loads of choices of shower curtains at your local retail store or many internet retailers. Have a good time shopping.

3 Types of Residential Insulation

September 13, 2016 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

It is a common misunderstanding that insulation is simply to maintain warm air in and cold air out of a house. This is simply not true, it is also just as critical in opposite. Insulation can help keep your home’s temperature down during the summer time that will help on your utility bills. Your air conditioner does not need to work as hard in a well-insulated house. Insulating materials possess an incredible number of tiny air pockets that trap heat trying to go through. The more air pockets per sq. inch, the more the material is resistant to heat transfer. This particular level or resistance is calculated with regards to “R-values”. The “R” refers to resistance and the number symbolizes the degree of efficiency of the material. The larger number value the greater it is going to resist heat transfer.

You’ll find four different types of insulation you should know about if considering your property;

www.why.do

Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-Fill is either blown or added into an area of a residence, usually utilized for enclosed spaces for example attics, ceilings, walls and floors. Loose-Fill insulation comes in a number of components just like fiberglass, rock wool and cellulose.

Spray Foam Installation
The spray foam insulation is comprised of a type of foaming agent and a polymer one. In most cases sprayed into tiny cracks or spaces. This kind of insulation is ideal for the areas that do not have a regular shape. When it is applied it comes in liquid form, yet in a short time period it turns into a solid mass.

Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is among the most common insulation in the America and is used in both residential and commercial property. Fiberglass is available in two different forms; batt and blanket. Batt insulation is composed of rock wool or the fluffy fiberglass you imagine. It normally comes in 4 to 8 foot lengths with a number of various widths. Blanket insulation is really a lot like batt except it comes in continuous rolls. This makes for less waste yet is tougher to manage.

Rigid foam Insulation
This kind is among the most costly of all insulation materials yet the best given that it has the maximum tolerance for moisture. Although generally more costly than fiber products, it’s very effective in buildings with space limitations and where higher R-values are required. It is often utilized in unfinished walls; ceilings and floors; and un-vented low-slope roofs.

Getting a New Toaster Oven

September 12, 2016 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

Early form of toasters makes use of simple utensils to hold the bread and place it on the fire to toast. Over the years, toasters developed from simple open flame gadget towards the today’s well- known electric toasters. The toaster has emerged as a fundamental element of every home in the modern times and it has truly evolved from being merely a bread toaster to a multi-purpose unit.

www.daytondailynews.com

Toasters heat bread, bagels, pastries and other related items. They can be heated for a quick breakfast or for another meal or snack. These may have 2-slice areas or 4-slice areas. You could pick the toasting range and more along with other toaster types. You will find others which have bigger areas that actually can fit a bagel. Another choice is the toaster containing an area included which will cook eggs and sausage patties. You actually can fix a whole breakfast with this toaster. This small home appliance comes in different sizes, models and types. These can be a push down start, lever start or pop-up options, for instance.

A toaster oven is not only a toaster, it is also a mini oven and if you get one, you are able to pretty much use it just as you’d in a full pledged oven. Present day toaster ovens possess a lot of different features even when they’re small and compact in size. The pre-heat super-fast, cook quickly and use up almost no energy causing them to be ideal to own as compared to owning both a toaster and an oven separately.

Before buying a toaster oven, it should be made clear that whether a special or the general purpose toaster oven delivers the purpose. The special purpose equipment have an infrared or a rotisserie. Conventional toaster oven is among the most simple and popular ovens. This really is one of the most ideal options for meeting your cooking and toasting requirements.

Choosing the best toaster is not really hard. You simply need to know what you need and how you will get it. Think carefully about your needs and read. By reading you’re going to get the essential information that will assist you choose the right products. Try to find trusted websites which will provide the right information on the goods that you are planning to buy.

How to Lend Money to Family and Not Regret It

September 9, 2016 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

Loaning money to anyone, no matter how close you are to them, is a gamble. Don’t put yourself in a position where you can’t afford the loss should you be out what you loan.

When times are tight, often the quickest path to some much-needed cash is through a loan from a friend or a family member.

According to Boston-based American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC), 82% of all Americans would help a family member financially. Younger family members are especially generous, with 92% of individuals aged 18-34 saying they would loan cash to a family member in financial distress.

It’s hard to refuse a family member’s request for a friendly loan, but be sure to go into such arrangements with your eyes open (and maybe your wallet closed).

High Cost of Family Loans
According to the ACCC, total loans between family members totaled $89 billion in the U.S. in 2013 (the most recent number available), with 15% of family lenders not expecting the money to be paid back. Even if the family member knew beforehand that the money wouldn’t be repaid, he or she would provide the loan anyway.

“Americans are turning to friends and family for loans rather than the big banks to avoid spiraling into more debt and defaulting on regular payments,” explained Steve Trumble, CEO of ACCC. “Even though consumer and student loan debts have each surpassed the trillion dollar mark, young Americans are still the most willing to help out friends and relatives in need, which could exacerbate their own debt as well.”

The key to lending money to family members – especially if you expect the money to be repaid – is to treat the deal like a business loan and keep emotions out of it.

“By treating loans between family and friends as a business transaction, consumers can safeguard themselves from damaging an important relationship because of money,” Trumble added. “Although you might feel inclined to help out a loved one with finances, it’s important to openly communicate about repayment expectations so that no one is left in the dark, or worse: in the red.”

Steps to Take
Taking a business mindset to a family loan is just the beginning of ensuring the process doesn’t ruin relationships. Experts advise taking the following steps before extending financial support to family members:

1. Don’t expect to get the money back – Go into a family loan situation with a mindset that you’ll never see the money again. That’s not saying you won’t – it’s just that if and when the loan does go un-repaid, you won’t be as disappointed. “There are no such things as loans among family and friends – they’re gifts,” says Mary C. Kelly, Ph.D., and the author of the book “Money Smart.” “They are a gift if you give or receive them and they are a gift if you get paid back.”

2. Expect slow re-payment – Kelly says that the nature of a family loan – with no professional obligations attached – changes the loan dynamic. “The reason people need loans from friends and family is …

Beyond “Good Job” – 50 Encouraging Phrases for Kids

September 7, 2016 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

Words of affirmation are the building blocks of our lives especially for kids. It is our internal dialogue that make up our child’s thinking structure who makes them exactly who they are.

Have you ever watched the show Brain Games? My kids love it. In season 3, episode 5, which is titled “Stress Test,” players were given a specific amount of time to complete a task while someone was saying critical remarks to them. They almost always failed. Then, they were given the same amount of time to complete the same task while someone said encouraging words to them. The results were dramatic. With a bit of encouragement, the players were able to complete the task much faster and easier. The bottom line? Encouragement matters.

As parents, we spend much of our time giving directives and correction while the good things our children do often get little to no attention beyond “good job.” I believe if we get more intentional and specific in the encouraging words we say, we can have a positive impact on our children; we’ll see not only better behavior, but higher self-confidence as well. I encourage you to make it a point to say more encouraging words per day than criticisms or correction. Then note the change in atmosphere and behavior. Here are 50 encouraging phrases to get you started.

1. That’s so creative!
2. You really stuck with it and got the job done.
3. That was really helpful of you. Thanks!
4. You make me proud.
5. You can do it!
6. I believe in you.
7. That took perseverance! Well done!
8. You gave it your best, and that’s what matters.
9. You are the light of my life.
10. You’re getting better at this!
11. I trust you.
12. Your hard work really paid off!

See more: http://www.positive-parents.org/2016/08/beyond-good-job-50-encouraging-phrases.html