Multiply vs Blogspot/Blogger

I have been using Multiply for some time.

Like the ways stuff are organised....blog,photos,videos,reviews,recipes,links...

Like the way we could restrict access to our blogs

Like the way we could change the skin easily...though I hardly change :P

BUT blogspot seems to be a lot more popular...

There is AdSense...where you can earn advertising income...provided your blog is interesting enough and attract enough hits

Easy to add gadgets.

What else?

I have created blogspot account for myself & B1, but didn't use much. What are the good reasons to switch to blogspot?

New Canon Printer MX868

SGD599 from Challenger. This model is supposed to replace MX850 which cost $499.

We chose the over the $899 MX7600 and there really isn't much differences to justify the $300 difference in price.

We finally retired our old Multi-Function printer Canon MP730. After chaning print head twice,which cost the same as getting a new printer.

This printer is Scan,Copy,Fax,Print 4-in-1,with PictBridge,Card-Direct Print,Photo Index Sheet,like our old printer,but has lots of new features the old one lack of.

Networkable,wi-fi,wireless printing,direct CD/DVD label printing,auto duplex scanning & copying, dual input source(good for separating photo paper and normal papers), Frames erase when copying,Multi-Scan(Up to 10 images in a single scan), Multi-crop,4-on-1 Copy.

Park Natura-Construction in Progress

14 June 2009 Sunday

No classes for B1 and Hb not going to church so we dropped by our new home's construction site to take a look after breakfast.

Now we know exact facing of our unit.

Views from the showflat

They close one showflat and re-do another.Very different from previous showflats' modern deco.Not something I would appreciate but it definitely would appeal to a certain segment/age group of buyers.

According to the agent, there are about 10+ units left, and we still see people coming in to view the showflats while we were there.

There is a new German International School across the road, occupying Bukit View Primary School's former campus.We hope it will be easy to rent out the unit and at good rental yields because of this.We plan to rent out the place for two years.By then B1 would have finished her Primary school, we can then decide if we want to move in to this new place, depending on which secondary school she's posted to.

Kids Meal in Foodcourt

I never like fish & chips & never order that in any restaurant for myself,and I don't really like chicken macaroni soup,chicken or fish porrdige or soya sauce chicken rice but I had to eat them sometimes as B1 couldn't finish it. I always thought why can't they can't have a kid-size version of all these kids-friendly food?

I was so delighted to see the big poster outside Lot 1's food court. No more sharing of food with B1 in food court now.

B1's favourite Fish & Chip with Yakult doesn't come cheap though.At S$5.80, that is more expensive that a lot of the adult-portion rice & noodles in the same food court.

H1N1

Received SMS from B1's enrichment centre this morning.104th case in S'pore is a boy from the centre, but not in B1's class.

More children are/will be coming back from holiday this week,just before school re-opens. Not surprising if there is sudden surge in the number of new cases.

Worry about school re-opens.After taking long leave for holiday, not able to take anymore leave, some irresponsible parents will still let their sick children attend school even if they are not well.

Review: K-Palette 24Hr Real Lasting Eyeliner

I bought this eyeliner in Tokyo in Dec 2006 and have been hooked since. I used to get it directly from Japan through CP (Custom Purchase) & Spree, until Watson started selling them at SGD18.90.

It's not called 1 Day Tattoo for no reason. It does stay on whole day until you take it off!

All the eyeliner which clamimed to be water-proof smudged. I realised that I needed oil-proof eyeliner and not water-proof.

Though the Original Version claimed as oil,sweat,water-proof in its product information, I found that it's more oil-proof than water-proof. If you have it on while watching Korean drama, it goes off easily,and it doesn't need make-up remover meant for water-proof makeup.

Now, there is another Water-proof version, which is more water-proof & sweat-proof.

Comparison in Japanese

Loreal & Clarins Gentle Eye Make-up remover remove this easily. Moisten cotton pad with warm water helps too. Simple Facial cleansing wipes are also good for removing this eyeliner.



The pencil tip is firm but not hard and it's very fine, so it make's drawing a fine line a breeze. It's quick-drying feature also avoid the eyeline staining eyelids.

As it last really well, do not use it to line inner eyeline,it can be very irritating to remove. If you always keep the cap tightly closed after use, it should last very several months, as you only need very little to draw 2 lines, and it lasted the whole day.

I love this product so much that when it launched the Eyebrow pencil in Dec 2006, I find all ways to get people to custom purchase it for me from Japan. The eyebrow pencil doesn't dissappoint me either,but that will be another review.

Travel: Hong Kong

I travelled to Hong Kong every June for the last few years. Would love to share my experiences in Hong Kong. I will update this blog with more photos and informations when I have spare time.

Outlet shopping:
It's located in Lantau Island, near airport & Disneyland. Exit at Tung Chung station.
You will find Esprit,Bauhaus,Levi's,Burberry,Club 21,Calvin Klein,Rabeanco etc here. There are also a few Sports Apparel outlets on the first level and Children wears' outlets including King Kow,Chickeeduck,La Compagnie Des Petits etc.


citygateoutlets mall

Shopping places in Hong Kong(in Traditional Chinese):

pinpik.com forum

Useful Maps:
You can search by building name, street name, full address etc. It also expands and collapes to show informations like eateries ans shopping areas around the searched address.

centamap

Helpful Forum & Reviews of Hotels:

Tripadvisor Hong Kong Forum

Hong Kong Disneyland:

There is baggage storage service near the entrance, so if you go Disneyland after shopping at citigate, you could deposit your bags there.Do note that they charge based on per piece, so it's best to bring along a big foldable shopping bag, and put all your shopping bags in.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Loveramics Teadam Tea cup & saucer set

Featured in today's Straits Times Urban Section.

Usual Price SGD28.90 each, NOW SGD14.45 each. From Tangs basement 1.

Award winning product by British ceremic expert Simon Stevens.

The little compartment at the side is for placing teabag.

For making Chinese tea with tea leaves, this should work just as well.

Click to see different colors

Look up this site for other colors. I love the one in candy pink...so sweet!

Review: Skincare & Cosmetic-SKII Whitening Source Transform Foundation煥白光燦粉凝霜

SKII Whitening Source Transform Foundation煥白光燦粉凝霜
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

Got this in Hong Kong in Year 2008. Singapore just launched it in 2009.

Cost : Case HKD 153(Original 170),Refill HKD324 (Original 360)

Selling at TWD1700+650 in Taiwan.

This product was snapped up everytime it hit the stores in Japan. It's highly raved about in Taiwanese Beauty Program.

I was recommended color 420, clear beige.

I read good reviews about it In Taiwanese Beauty Forum, but dissappointedly I didn't see or feel the results that others commented.

Probably it's due to our forever hot & humind weather, and my combination skin with oily T-zone.

It didn't last very well, doesn't have enough coverage, and didn't hide pores like what others said.

It also didn't stay well.Before noon I could already see the foundation melting away and look blotchy.

Some users commented that they could do without loose powder setting the foundation but I personally don't think it's workable for oily & combination skin. And not for our kind of weather, unless you are staying in air-con rooms all day.

Sounds good to have the whitening effect that the product claimed, but such are not to be seen unless one uses it long term.

Verdict? Will not buy this again, unless sebum secretion on my face improved and my T-zone is no longer that oily.

Guide: Online Shopping from Japan

I started buying from Japanese online stores long before Rakuten started their International Shipping Services.

Rakuten International Shipping

Shipping Rates using Rakuten's International Services:

1st 1kg: 1000 JPY

Rakuten International Shipping Rates Table

Shipping Rates using EMS:

1st 1kg: 1800 JPY, delivery 2 days

Japan Post EMS rates to Asia



Free insurance for cost of parcel up to 20,000 Yen.Maximum Coverage up to 2million yen.

Japan EMS Insurance Informations

I have tried both direct shipping by EMS & shipping via VPOST. There are very limited stores offering shipping via EMS service,and I have to search really hard for them.

Example of a drugstore that offer EMS service:



Sample Site

Click on the link to "payment method"














Scroll down, and if you see the word EMS, following by a rate table, you can be sure that the store does offer EMS shipping.Make use of online translator if you need to know more details about their service.




Alternative shipping method via VPOST is only advisable if the stores doesn't offer both EMS & International Shipping Services. As VPOST charges are based on HIGHER of Actual weight or Volumetric weight, it may not be cost effective to ship via VPOST, unless you absolutely must have that item at any cost.

Japanese merchants are really good at protecting the goods.I often receive big boxes with lots of stuffing material, so you use VPOST, you are likely to pay much higher charges than EMS as they would use the HIGHER Volumetric weight.


For stores not listed with Rakuten, you may make use of some concierge service. These sites offer various type of services. They could buy and ship to you, or you buy and direct the delivery to their companies. Some of them also offer auction bidding service.Just give them the link and your maximum price and they will do the bidding for you.


Of course they all come with service fee, sometimes, the fees is not only bidding/buying service, they charge for fee on bank charges, fee on paypal payment, holding fee, consolidating fee etc. Do read up all the details, and enquire via email before you commit.

Recipe: Fried Prime Ribs with Chiili Salad Sauce

1) Rinse and drain the spare ribs well. Add in marinate, mix well. Marinate for at least 1 hour. Deep fry in hot oil until crispy and golden. Dish and drain.

(To make it very crispy, re-fry the spare-ribs one more time)

2) Mix the salad sauce ingredients. Pour onto the crispy spare ribs,or serve separately in a dish as dipping sauce. Serve immediately.



1kg prime spare ribs.Ask the butcher to chop it into small bited-size pieces so that it's easier to deep fry.

Marinate:

1 tbsp chopped garlic

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
1 egg
1 tbsp Chinese rice wine
2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1/4 tsp sesame oil Dash of pepper
3 tbsp tapioca flour 8 tbsp water

Chilli Salad Sauce:
200ml mayonnaise
4 tbsp Thai Chilli Sauce
2 tbsp tomato sauce
2 tbsp caster sugar
2 tbsp plum sauce

Recipe: Tried & Tested Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts
Jun 19, '09 10:11 AMfor everyone

Category:

Baking
Special Consideration:

Kids
Servings:

55


Description:

Depending on the size of your cookies, I made 55pcs of small size cookies with this recipe.

My primary school going child helped to make this cookies, and we wrapped it up nicely for Teacher's Day presents!

Ingredients:

(A) 80g white sugar 90g brown sugar 100g unsalted butter 60g margarine 1 tsp honey 1/4 tsp salt (B) 1 egg 1/2 tsp vanilla essence (C) 200g Flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder (D) 80g chopped nuts(almond or pecans) 90g mini chocolate chips

Directions:

PREHEAT OVEN at 180C.

1) Cream (A), then add in (B) and cream till smooth.

2) Add in seived (C),mix till well blended.

3) Add (D) till well incoporated. 4) Bake at 180C for about 18-20min, or until the cookies turn brown. Transfer to rack to cool completely before storing in air-tight container. I have reduced the sugar by 40g less than the original recipe,so try not to reduce the sugar further

Allergy Again...

17 June 2009 Wed

Same symptoms again,but this time I am pretty sure it wasn't due to food allergy.Probably due to the different brands of skincare I used together at night.

Went Bt Gombak to see a GP who also has certification in Dermatoglogy. He said it's "eczema", and should be due to the stuff I applied on my face for the past few days.Unlikely to be food allergy since only face is affected.

Gave me exactly the same ointment,1/4STCELESTRODERM/DIprocel 5gm, that he prescribed for B1 for her Eczema. Two type of oral tablets,Erlone Tab 5mg, Dexamethasone 0.5mg, which he said may not be safe for breastfeeding. :(

Like before, the redness and itchiness almost gone by evening, eyes are not as swollen by late afternoon.

Dare not apply anymore stuff on face, only the ointment & moisturiser.

Egg Timer from London

Bought this from London a few years ago,along with some other innovative items not found in Singapore at that time.

Chuck this in the drawer and totally forgotten about it!

http://www.conranshop.co.uk/content1.aspx?postingid=stores&language=en-GB

I remembered planning my shopping trip to this store, follow by Harrods Knightsbridge, since one is near South Kengsinton (actually it's quite a long walk from this station),and the other is right next to Knightsbridge Station.

Japan Tokyo Shiinjuku Tokyu Hands

Loads of Bento Tools & Kits at Tokyu Hands!

Japan's Pigeon Baby Porridge Cooking Pot

How about cooking a small portion of porridge for baby when cooking rice for the rest of the family....at the same time...in the same pot?

I knew I must buy when I saw it, and couldn't wait to try it out last night.

Actually, any metal or porcelain bowl deep enough should do the tricks, but just that I didn't think of it and the extra strainer with compatible sized bowl,the metal "pot" with water level markings and plastic cover for easy handling of the metal "pot" make this set a wonderful item for cooking small portion of porridge for baby.

Today, I tried it again, but with just water in the rice cooker and set to "Porridge",and it works just as well.
This makes great gift for new moms!

Nov 06 Coach Patchwork Shoulder Duffle/tote/bag/handbag/purse from US

Nov 06 Coach Patchwork Shoulder Duffle/tote/bag/handbag/purse from US
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

Hb bought this for me during his business trip in US.

I printed the photo of this bag from Coach's website, he just needed to show it to the SA there.

Fiorucci 2-way leather/Convertible/cross-body/sling Bag Tote

Fiorucci 2-way leather/Convertible/cross-body/sling Bag Tote
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

Bought this in 2008 from Hong Kong at 50% off!

Japan Tokyo Sanrio Puroland Hello Kitty & Friends

Sanrio Puroland is located in Tama City,Tokyo.

From Shinnjuku take Keio Line.If taking Keio NEW Line,would have to transfer(walk across the platform) at Chofu station.

Hello Kitty's House

Hand towels with birthdate. There are 366 of them.

Makes great gift for relatives & friends back home.

The stores in Puroland offer courier service to you hotel. This could be cheaper than taking a cab back to your hotel ,we all knew how expensive taxi fares are in Tokyo.

It cost me less than SGD20 to courier my box of stuff to hotel. And it arrived in my room early the next morning, neatly packed and protected with bubble wrap & stuffing material!

Most importantly, you will have free hands to continue shopping after visiting Puroland. By the way, there is a Daiso store nearby!

LV Batignolles Vertical Mini Accessories Pouch

Lv Batignolles Vertical Mini Accessories Pouch
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

Birthday presents from my husband....

Many strangers walked up to me to ask about the little Mini Accessories Pouch.

Longchamp Leather tote

Longchamp Leather tote
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

My husband bought this for me a few years ago during his business trip to US.

I was looking for a North-South tote, big enough to fit in a magazine,but couldn't find anything I like here in S'pore.

He shopped around in US, saw this, asked me to look up Longchamp's website for the design,color and size then I gave him the green light to purchase.

The leather is smooth & buttery soft, workmanship and lining of good quality. The color gets dirty easily though. It's still one of my favourite handbags, even though I have moved on to other handbags.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77498604@N00/3615111241/

2008 Spring/ Summer-Gucci handbag 181490 Pink Duchessa

2008 Spring/ Summer-Gucci handbag 181490 Pink Duchessa
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

I bought this in June 2008, in Gucci store at Sogo Hong Kong-CWB.

The SA told me this is new stock, I paid about SGD1000+ for it.

When I'm back in S'pore, I was surprised to see this as "sales item" in Gucci store, at huge discount, and cost only SGD800+!

Lesson learned? NEVER buy Gucci item when there is no sales!

Ankylosing Spondylitis flare up...

My arthritis flare up again...

Since hb need to go KL on Tues, he accompanied me to see Chinese physician at Ma Kwang Clementi on Monday morning.

I was surprised to hear that my usual Physician Shen3 Ping2 has left. The one taking over her seems young and not as experience. I didn't have much confidence in her after I mentioned to her that I had A.S. and she told me that's the nerves being pressed on, which I know is not true.

The Acupuncture session wasn't too pleasant as well.I felt like she's just "trial & error". My confidence level dropped further.

True enough,my pain worsen at night instead of gettting better.

I took the bitter chinese herbal powder, stick plasters on my hips, put hot pack on my bed...still felt the sharp pain when moved at wrong angle.

Fiorucci 2 way leather tote and sling bag/ foldover tote

Fiorucci 2 way leather tote n sling bag/ foldover tote
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

My best travel companion!

I got this bag a few years ago from Hong Kong's Fiorucci outlet in World Trade Centre.

This has been my favourtie travel companion since!

The neutral Taupe color goes with any out1fit.

The small zipper pocket gives easy access to tissue papers/wipes.

The bigger exterior pocket makes access to train pass,hotel room card and a small coin purse easily. I could even fit my Sony digital camera into this.

The bag is roomy. I could keep my family's passports, air tickets,wallet, make-up pouch,theme park maps, and even a small bottle of mineral water in it.

It is a messenger bag when I need those hands-free moments, especially since I travel with my young daughter all the time ever since I got this bag. When I need to take nice "tourist" photo, I carry it as a tote at the side.

I only wish that the longer strap is made of full leather,but then a few years later, I bought another Fiorucci convertible tote, with full leather strap, in similar color, and from the same shop...and at half-price!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77498604@N00/2610197388/

Red Bean Rice dumpling

Red Bean Rice dumpling
Originally uploaded by VANnBER

No, this is not sweet red bean dumpling.

It's just like "bak chang", normal savoury meat dumpling,except that the glutinous is stir fired with red bean that has been soaked overnight.

This must be Hokkien's dialet group's specialty.As it seems only Hokkien elderly knew of this.

I grew up eating this, made by my aunt,who's now 70+.

My 2 ex-colleagues(from different companies), after hearing how I love this,requested their mums to make it, and brought to office for me. Very Sweet of them!

Review:Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder & Brush Set

Selling at USD59 at sephora.com. I bought it at HKD510 from Smashbox Stand Alone shop in Langham Place Mall.

The design is wonderful,just twist the shaver for the perfect amount of powder, then apply with the kabuki brush that comes with it...BUT the lid was spoilt and could not close completely, shortly after I started using it. I hope this is just an isolated case or due to my poor-handling, and not a major design/manufacturing defect.

Elizabeth Arden has just introduced loose powder with the same casing design and concept.

Anyway, my verdict is that, this is not suitable for oily or combination skin. I do not see or feel the hydrating effec or the anti-ageing effect that the product claims.This may be better for drier skin. It does feel "heavier" than my usual clinique loose powder.

It's better to get a cheaper loose powder and a good moisturiser/anti-ageing moisturizer separately than spend so much on this loose powder.

Review:Mandom Beauty's Cleansing Express Gel

Selling at SGD12.90 in Watson.

There are many reviews of their cleansing express moist lotion but not the cleansing gel.

At $12.90, I thought it would be great if it could replace the $30+ Fancl cleansing oil that I have been using.

It cleansed really well,even my tinted sun-block/make-up base is gone. BUT there is a VERY STRONG alcohol smell. I wonder what the alcohol would do to my face if I use it long term? Make it dry & peeling?

Though it is stated as fragrance & coloring free and suitable for sensitive skin, but I don't think the alcohol is doing sensitive skin any good.

If you use water-resistant sunblock for body,this would be a cheap way of removing the sunblock effectively.

To Order Miu Miu Handbags directlly from US

Singapore orders to add 7%GST if your value of goods is SGD400 or more.

To pre-order the follwing form below must be submitted. Merchandise holds are not permitted.



FULL NAME (First, Last)

BILLING ADDRESS

SHIPPING ADDRESS
(Attn International Orders:
Please input address in format as it would look on a shipping label/airway bill)

PHONE NUMBER

CREDIT CARD #, EXPIRATION DATE, CID #

Please Read: By providing the above information and transmission of this electronic email you authorize Miu Miu Beverly Hills to order merchandise you have selected. All Sale Items are FINAL SALE (no exceptions). All deliveries are via FedEx, are insured, and require signature of addressed recipient. International deliveries require a flat fee of $45 USD and incur no in-state sales tax. Domestic deliveries require a flat fee of $20 USD and incur local state ales tax where applicable.

Please email your completed entry to renato.alagao@miumiu.com



Renato Alagao

MIU MIU
317 N Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills CA 90210
phone +1.310.247.2227
fax +1.310.2473216
renato.alagao@miumiu.com

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

I love this oil-free moisturising gel.

Usually before noon,my T-zone would be so shinny & oily that the oil seems enough to fry an egg.

After using this, my T-zone stays shine-free longer. When it finally shows some oil,it's not as bad as before.

I applied a layer of this before sleep, and next morning, I woke up with shine-free T-zone as well.

When I wash my face in the morning, I could feel a sheer film on my face.Probably this thin film helps to "trap" the moisture in?

It's said to be able to apply over and under make-up, but it's very tricky to apply over make-up.You practically need to reapply whatever foundation or primer after re-applying the gel.

This is also good as a emergency hydrating mask. Apply a thicker layer and massage in after 5 minute and you will find the flaking skin smoothened.

This is great for our hot & humid weather, and for oily or combination skin. Not sure if it's suitable for very dry skin or for use in colder countries, or winter.

National Library's Born to Read, Read To Bond

Signed B2 up for the program and receive a gift pack consisting:

Baby Journal (Journaled milestones & 25-page information guide)

Baby's First CD (for foetus to enjoy; parents to learn to tell stories, nursery rhymes and lullabies)

Baby's Height Chart (indicate baby's developmental milestones and appropriate reading)

Register at e-kiosk, get a library card instantly.Use the card to borrow 4 books then proceed to the counter with the receipt to collect the free gifts!

Allergy?

Last night I didn't sleep well..felt eyes dry and itchy,face seems hard & itchy, neck itchy...

After feeding B2 early morning, I got up and looked at myself in the mirror and got a shock of my life!

My eyes are swollen, as big as two walnuts,face red & swollen, though not as "huge" relatively compared to my eyes.Called out to hb, and he was shocked too.

The only two "new" food I ate yesterday was a small can of clams during dinner, I bought from Daiso,and a small piece of peanut pancake hb bought from Market St after work.

The swollen eyes might be due to the 2 cups of fruit juice and 1 cup of Milo I took before going to bed.

I didn't use any new skincare, not even the new cleansing gel that I just bought. So I am puzzled what triggered all these redness & itchines,and the swollen face & eyes.

By noon today, my eyes are not as swollen, though left eyes still a bit swollen, as can be seen from the "stretched" double eyelid.Face & neck still itchy though.