Barang-Barang at Ikano Power Centre
When I was looking to furnish my home, one of the places I popped by was Barang Barang. I used to be very amused by the name which in Malay means “things things” but to an extent it is true for what Barang Barang sells are things and more things for the home.
I like their teak furniture which they have in plenty and I particularly like cupboards like this one:-
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or interesting book shelves or an interesting low coffee table… the possibilities and choices were endless! They even had a sleep number bed frame of heavy teak that I would have loved to have if not for the hefty price tag!
Yep, design and quality does come at a price and the price is high at Barang Barang. I have often walked in there even during sales to check it out but have never bought anything… yet. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find something worth buying at the Valentine’s Day sale? (Though why Barang Barang would want to tie in with Valentine’s Day is beyond my comprehension)
In Malaysia, Barang Barang is located at Ikano Power Centre next to Harvey Norman. Happy browsing and may you walk out of Barang Barang with a lot of barang barang … haha….
Sales are never there when you need them
Ever notice how cyclical sales are? And ever notice how there are never any sales when you want them? 
For example, I’m terribly bored of my house lightings and am thinking of changing them to nicer lamps but try as I might, I can’t find any current sales on lights whether discount bathroom lights or living room lamps! At the moment, based on shopping n sales, its all electrical and clothes sales… where are the household sales?!
Based on previous experience, sales for household and kitchen items come before festive periods. This is when most people decide to renovate or change the look of their houses. I’m just wondering how prevalent these sales are going to be this year.
The last time there was a recession, warehouse sales took Malaysia by storm. Now that warehouse sales are practically the norm, are they going to be held more often or are retailers going to stop warehouse sales altogether so they can make more from their existing stock? It remains to be seen, and I’ll keep watching out for my lighting sales!
Cheap window dressing for the office
When I was doing up our new office, we had a bit of a problem with the windows. The windows we had were high and I was not for curtains because of maintenance. The usual alternative is of course venetian blinds.
However, when I went to enquire about making these venetian blinds, the cost floored me. Having to work on a tight budget, I was at a bit of a loss until my eyes fell on bamboo blinds. Bamboo blinds for the office?
Why not!? And why not indeed!
The blinds I found were ready made and only needed to be drilled into the wall to be hung. The length was just right, and it gave the office a nice feel which is unlike the usual clinical look of offices. Also, it is rather sheer so it let it quite a lot of natural light yet keeps out the sun’s glare.
So, the next time you are thinking of a cheaper option for office windows, think outside the box and try bamboo blinds. It does make a difference!
Displaying photos a digital way
With a wedding in the family (not mine!) it is only inevitable that the question of “Where are your wedding photos?” come up from time to time. The thing is that some photographers take the photos but charge a separate price to prepare an album. I’m not referring to those who go with bridal studio packages. Those are a different kettle of fish and you usually end up with a wedding photo album so heavy you need a crane to lift it out of its box. Ok, I’m exaggerating, but you might pull a muscle if you aren’t careful.
So, when I passed by a photo store one day and saw this digital frame in the window display, I immediately thought it would make a great gift! All the couple has to do is upload their wedding photos into the digital frame, and play it back for anyone who wants to view it. It is also ultra portable unlike a giant album that is so heavy no one would voluntarily pick it up. 
I think it was retailing for RM100+ in one of the major photo stores in town for smaller sizes and RM200+ for the larger ones. I can’t quite remember. But this is reminding me to check it out!