Sunflowers on her hair (New arrivals!!)

Dear all!

Still scouting for your new year clothes? Fretting over what to wear for the upcoming Valentine's day! Here's some new clothes to buy at your convenience! Visit Sunflowers on her hair now!!

Chinese New Year is coming!

Super excited about Chinese New Year! Nope, not because of Ang Bao or that fact that my relatives would start asking about boyfriends and marriage and stuff. Its because, I get to have REST!!!! I am so busy this whole week and the coming weeks. I am really in need of rest. My visitations to relatives' houses are quite short, given that we have estranged my maternal family clan due to many misunderstandings and unhappiness. Anyway, I am someone who loves to sleep, yes I admit I am a pig. I can rest in front of the TV for the whole day, but after reading an article that people who watches TV for more than 2 hrs a day is more prone to have heart diseases, I ceased watching TV for more than the recommended time. But I still love to laze around. I am so busy that I cant wait for 3 days of rest. Well, and also I get to eat lots of good food!!!!

To get a little feel of Chinese New Year, you've got to visit Chinatown and breathe in the air of new year meaning the smell of ang bao.. and food!!!See I am pig, I just cant resist.

So here we go!

The entrance of Chinatown.

A happy 财神 (God of fortune) to welcome you! With his golden ingot that hmmm looks like a hat to me. A iconic figure during Chinese New Year and days of gambling. Supposedly to bring good luck. But if you are playing mahjong, and all 4 players worships the 财神,won't he be confuse who to bless? Or if only you win, does it mean the  财神  likes you more. Oh well...

And not to forget bright red and shiny gold decors for your house! So the myths and legends we learn from our Hao Gong Ming. That in the olden days, the chinese uses red to scare off the beast called ," Nien" that ate children and their crops. So during Chinese New Year, we would decorate with much redness. Well, I kindof like this legend, and red always represent good luck. I cant imagine if the tradition is to use green or purple or even black, it would really look weird.









So being petite, I managed to squeeze through the crowd and mind you, I went on a weekday evening, and it was already bustling with throngs of people.

Auspicious accessories that you can hang on the new year plants like the Kamquat or the Pussy willow!

I found this store that sells 年糕 (rice cake), its considered good luck to eat nian gao during Chinese New Year,  because "nian gao" is homonym for "higher year." So by eating nian gao, it has the symbolism of raising oneself higher in each coming year (年年高升). Hmm.. I should eat more of this, hahaha.... If only eating this can grow taller. I would stuff myself with it. 

Don't they look delicious!!! I love it when my dad cooks it with egg and fries it. Its totally yummy!!!!! Apparently, this store is quite well-known and was featured many times in the newspaper. Even the interior looks artistic and nostalgic.

Walking past the Chinatown food street with the overpriced and unhealthy fried food. Yes, I dont recommend this place at all. I rather walk the streets and gobble the food tasting that are freely provided, hahaha!

 

 And of cos, you can cannot forget getting your Bak Kwa from Lim Chee Guan. Which I get to have it free from my Sister's mother-in-law. hehe! Well, of the bak kwa this seems to be most famous and authentic one, so give it a try but you might need to wait for a long time as its at its peak season.  

Looking forward for it in less than 8 Days!!!!

Vote for me! And stand a chance to win a phone!

Hi Friends,

Previosuly I had done a  Garmin-Asus A50 Review

Need your help to vote for me in this contest.
Simply click HERE! and it would link you to the page and you just need to click "Submit"
One lucky voter stand to win a Garmin-Asus A50 phone each.
All voters also get to redeem a $50 Garmin-Asus voucher from Starhub!

Everyday is a new vote, so the more you vote, the higher your chances are!
Contest ends on 21 Feb! So start voting!


Thanks!

Movies worth watching this season

I am pretty much hyped about what is worth watching this season, not sure about you but the films seems to be garnering much publicity recently. In case you didn't notice, its because the 83rd Oscars nomination is around the corner ( 25 January 2011).

Here are my picks to watch.

(1) The Black Swan
This is one film I am very sure to be nominated, its none other than the The Black Swan.
A psychological thriller film with its plot revolves around a production of Swan Lake by a prestigious New York City ballet company. The production requires a ballerina to play both the innocent White Swan and the sensual Black Swan. One dancer, Nina (Natalie Portman), is a perfect fit for the White Swan, while Lily (Kunis) has a personality that matches the Black Swan. When the two compete for the parts, Nina finds a dark side to herself.



So why the hype?
- Had its world premiere as the opening film at the 67th Venice film Festival on September 1, 2010.
- Received a standing ovation, commented by Variety, "one of the strongest Venice openers in recent memory".
^-  BFI London Film Festival, nominated for Best Film
- over 8 million viewers for just its trailer.
- and many others favorable feedback and nominations that is too much for me to write in my post, you just have to google and a widespread of info could be found.

I, without a doubt, would be watching this much anticipated film.

 (2) Conviction 

The trailer basically gives away what are the highlights in storyline, but you can still look out for how the journey goes. If the trailer touches you, I bet the storyline would make you go reaching for tissues. I actually teared when watching the trailer. Cant help but reminds me of "My Sister's Keepers" and "Erin Brockovich". A mixed of siblings love and finding justice for a vulnerable character.


So why the hype?
- its based on a true life story.
-Acted by strong actors
Academy Award Winner - Hillary Swank
Academy Award Nominee - Minnie Driver
Academy Award Nominee - Melissa Leo
Academy Award Nominee - Juliette Lewis
Outstanding performance by Sam Rockwell

I am not so sure if Hillary Swank has a shot at the Oscar with this film, seems quite similar to the former winner Sandra Bullock with the film The Blind Side. And if she does gets nominated, its a tough fight with Natalie Portman, The Black Swan. Well, maybe Hillary jie jie, who has won 2 Oscar, can give way to Natalie mei mei a chance.

(3) Centurion




I, a lover of all war epic from ancient times.
Whats there not to like? The muscular men showing off their masculinity not just from their well-defined abs, muscular arms and raggered look that screams "I am manly" and their sense of security and loyalty to their army when they shout in the face of their enemies, " I will not yield!" Its such a treat to the eyes for the ladies. Okay maybe just me la.

Of cos I will not deny the existence of the beautiful women in the film. I loved their make up and the new style of warrior costumes that Hollywood is moving forward to, instead of the usual tight fitting, squeezing the boobs to highest and closest they can to each other. Finally, costumes that brings out the innate warrior instinct, we women, possess too.

So why the hype?
- Muscle men
- Beautiful women (sorry guys, mostly women in warrior outift, nothing fantasy or magical like Gemma Arterton in Prince of Persia of Clash of Titans).
- based on a true story but I think its much exaggerated and some facts have been changed. So don't treat it like your history channel, like "duh"? 

(4) 127 Hours



The film tells the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon.

So why the hype?
- Directed by Academy Award winner, Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
- Based on a true story
- Captivating storyline
- Won and nominated for many awards that I really have no space for me to put it here man!
- Gaining much recognition for not just the Director, film, Lead Actor by James Franco, musical score, cinematography and editing.

Its definitely not to be missed!

That's all for my picks for now. Will be posting up a local production soon. Look out for it. Nope I not acting in it la.

My NEW! BlogShop! Sunflowers on her hair!

My dear friends,

We have finally launch our blogshop, Sunflowers on her hair !!!! Hope that you can support us by visiting our blog and clicking "Like" in facebook. Our current collection is Spring, suitable for your upcoming Chinese New Year outings, New work outfit, or new school term. Do check it out!

Here are some preview!

Like what you are seeing, click on our website for more details!

With Love,
Ariel

Garmin-Asus A50 Review

I had a really busy busy week, did a TV commercial, went overseas for 3 full days and now back home to finish up my blog review on a navigation handphone called the Garmin-Asus A50.
________________________________________________________________________________

I was asked to do a review on Garmin -Asus A50 and A10, I would say that A10 is quite similar with A50 where all the functions is pretty much the same, just that A50 is the later version that was launch. So I decided to focus more on A50.

For a new driver like me, (okay I passed my licence for a year and a half now, but I drive on a weekly basis only, so I consider myself a new driver la), I am not always familiar with the route. Plus, I have to concentrate on the road since I seldom drive. So I prefer to have a good GPS navigation system in my car with a nice female voice. Currently, my dad is my GPS la. haha, but not all the time he is familar with the directions either.

So when given this new smartphone for a review, I excitedly put it to a test.

Introducing its features:

The Garmin-Asus A50, built on the *Android™  platform, is a full-featured smartphone combined with Garmin's proven navigation. Whether you're making a call, sending a message or simply surfing the web, the Garmin-Asus A50 puts everything you need right at your fingertips. And with access to Android Market on your Garmin-Asus A50, you'll have thousands of apps to choose from. Android Market™ is where you'll find apps to truly customize your phone.

Just in case, you are like me, not so IT savy, "so what is Android huh?"

*Android is a mobile operating system. Bought by Google in 2005. So most of the functions, you can guess, its closely linked with Google. 

Android Logo

Android Market

The part I love most when buying a product is to see what else its given: Its like little presents in a big present!

So what do you recieve when you buy the product other than the phone itself?







1. Ear piece with extra cotton
2.Speaker phone set
3. USB cable
4. Detachable plug
5. Detachable wire to connect with the plug

I felt that the plug and wire is quite bulky though.

I shall go over some of the key features for review:
 
(1)   3.5-inch HVGA touch screen

The screen is at a comfortable scale, and the size of the phone and its screen is similar to I-phone.
I quite liked the touch sensitive controls (Back, Menu, Call, and Home) that can be found at the bottom of the phone. Quite easy to maneuver.

(2)   4GB internal storage plus a microSD slot

(3)  3 Megapixel camera
You can see the quality of the picture.

Yes, I admit my room is messy. Please just concentrate on the quality of the photo. Even though its only 3 megapixel, its quite sharp. Please also don't compare with my S95, its 10 megapixel and its a semi-pro. For a phone camera, I reckon that 3 megapixel is good enough.


(4)     A multitouch capable WebKit browser.




And just by dragging the arrow at the bottom you would be brought to the main menu. As you can see many of the functions has been input in the phone.









 (5) Applications aka APPS

For most I-phone users, we have been introduced to the world of "Applications", where we can download games, functions and many more. You are able to download any applications from the Andriod market (see the icon as mentioned above) too. Easy to download as well.

All you need is a gmail account, which you can create or just sign up if you do not have.

Interesting facts
Android market reached the 200,000 app on 31 Dec 2010.


A report done in July 2010, by a company named Distimo:
Android Market         : features the highest percentage of free apps. (over 57% being free to download).
Apples' App Store     : only 28% are free, thats twice lesser than Android Market.
Nokia's Ovi Store      : 26% free
Blackberry's App World: 26% free
Windows Marketplace :22% free



(info: wiki)

(6)  The usual :

Alarm Clock
Bluetooth
Business E-mail
Data-Capable
Download data over Wi-Fi or high-speed EDGE networks
E-mail
Email Client
Full-color screen

Games
Mp3 Player
Organizer
Packet Data (Technology: HSDPA 3.6)
Quad-band world phone
Speakerphone
Touch Screen
Video Recording and Playback
Browser to internet access

(7)  Navigation 
One of the key highlights about Garmin is its navigation, since the creator's key aim in the business is
"To create navigation and communication devices that can enrich our customers’ lives."
So I would say its niche is in its navigation and it certainly stands out the most compared to the other phones.

The A50 comes with two intuitive user interfaces — Breeze and Classic — for both driving and pedestrian modes.


I decided to try out the driving mode today, since I had to drive my parents for dinner today.

Searching for the place on the phone.

So how is it done?

Step 1: Slide left from the main Menu page. And you will see this page.

Step 2:  Enter the location "Tampines Mall"

Step 3: Click on the item of your choice, in this case its clear cut that there is only 1 choice. (you might have a few choices if your location is not specific)

Step 4: Click on "Go!" at the bottom of the screen.

 

After clicking "Go!" it would show your starting point and it moves as your car moves. And yes, there will be a voice that would guide you. (you can even choose the type of voice you like, with British accent, Malay, chinese, hmmm I wonder if they have singlish, since Taxi uncle might not get the ang moh accent, they should start a Singaporean English)

You can also choose a 3D image mode. It would like playing a digital game.

While navigating, the A50 calls out street names and keeps you in line with local speed limits . Junction view shows you exactly which lane to turn into so that you’ll never have to hesitate at crossroads again.

• The latest Garmin 1460* system updates for accurate real world navigation
• The average time to first fix is merely 30 seconds*.
• Smart Lane Guidance* ensures that you are on the right lane at all times
• Junction View* shows you exactly which turns to make
• Speed Limit* and Speeding Warning* keep you within local speed limits
• Text-To Speech* enable street names to be read out loud
• Advance street view intelligence*allows you to preview the location prior to arrival
• Seamless integration of navigation features for complete in-car experience
• Feature-rich Where To page brimming with destination recommendations
• Unique, safe and hassle-free car mount:
  
  • Automatically switches to the speakerphone when calls come in
  • Navigate and have a phone conversation simultaneously – neither has to stop
  • Saves your parking spots for ease of locating later
  • When the A50 is mounted, it will automatically recharge the A50.

Pedestrian Navigation

It also integrates seamlessly with the public transportation mode, so you can factor buses and trains into your route.

• Street View* allows you to plan your route in advance
• Vibrating alerts in public transportation mode let you know when your stop or a specific junction is coming up
• Detailed information on buses and trains allow you to plan your journey seamlessly

(8) Comprehensive POI database

The extensive point of interest database is constantly updated with rich local search information, no matter where you are. Instantly call up information that’s relevant to your location, including dining restaurants, entertainment options, shopping centers, businesses, special events, means of transportation and much more.

(9) Garmin Connected Services*

You need all kinds of information when on the go, and the A50 is your ticket for better planning. It delivers accurate weather forecasts, gas prices, parking availability and showtimes for movies and other events.

(10) Travel Ready

Set the navigation route in advance from a comprehensive list of point of interests including galleries, scenic spots, historic spots, hotels, restaurants. A50 brings you the most convenient travel experience.

Maybe you are out on a date, and you are are out of ideas where to bring your girl to, you can just search out place that is nearby or the type of food, and also see the price range of the food, opening hours and other details. No way is the girl gonna say you are boring!

Well, basically, the navigation mode is pretty clear cut and easy to use, especially for a not so IT savy girl like me. The other usual functions such as the calling, messaging, emailing and etc are easy to use. Its all about getting used to it.

However, the setback is you must ensure you have very good satellite signal. I guess most people face the same problem of the system getting hang when you are trying to figure how to go to the destination. I would say this system worked much better than the google map. By the way, it does have google map, but I reckon with the Garmin map, it would be easier to use.

One other function I do not like is that you must remember to off the navigation voice or it would suddenly speak, " unable to receive signal" or something, I cant really hear, but it scared the crap out of me. After I put the phone away for a while and was blogging away at 3am, it spoke! 


Other than that, I would give the phone a 4/5 score!


(some info are gotten from Garmin Asus )

If you like my review, please vote for me and you stand a chance to win a Garmin Asus A50. All voters also get to redeem a $50 Garmin-Asus voucher from Starhub too! Simply click Vote for me! and submit. Its that easy!

2011 New Year Celebration with Tiger Beer!

On 31 Dec of every year, its the one time that everyone all around the world unite together to celebrate, other than World Cup. Whether you are in New York Times Square squeezing among people for a good spot in view of the sparkling fireworks, in Sydney celebrating in noisy club, in China having a nice warm family celebration eating and drinking with kids running around, in Malaysia lighting up fire crackers and partying with your friends, its just a time of celebration to welcome the new year!

Well, for me as mentioned I was given free tickets by Tiger Beer Crystal and Omy to hop onto the Ultimate NYE Tiger Bus to party and celebrate at the Marina Bay, Clarke Quay and Marina Barrage!


The trip started as early as 6pm, while the crowd were still strolling in. The bloggers met at the Tiger Crystal Dome in Clarke Quay, sampling the new Tiger Crystal. Honestly, I am not someone who drinks a lot, especially beer, but surprising, Crystal was light and refreshing, you almost couldn't taste the alcohol content, which is dangerous for me, as I would just keep on gulping non-stop.

I invited my close friend, who is also my god-brother, Terence, to this trip. Happy to see Timothy from the cruise, and met a new found friend, Geck, a sweet model blogger during this trip. Do support Timothy  in his recent cruise blogging contest. And also my friend, Cherie, hehe. I voted both la.

With a nice beer, you definitely will have a beautiful lady nearby.

The bloggers and their guests

                          Me and Bro                                                                                                                                                                 Me and Gek

As the night falls, you can enjoy the scenary and have a nice dinner while awaiting for the party to begin! 

Well, we were rushing to our next destination, Marina Barrage so we had to give a miss to Derrick Barry's superstar impersonation of pop princess Britney Spears and diva Lady Gaga direct from Las Vegas and many more entertainment!

While waiting for the Tiger Bus to arrive

Here it comes!!!! A 40 seater bus, that if I am not wrong, the only bus with the imprint of Tiger Crystal going around the 3 places tonight.

We were greeted by our cheerful Jason, who ensured that we reach our destinations on time.

Upon reaching Marina Barrage....

Coincidentally, we met Gek's friend who was selling the LED lights in a shape of horns that you can easily clip onto the hair.

At the second deck of Marina Barrage - Green Roof, people were already gathering near the stage enjoying life performances by dance groups, rock bands and the DJs of Power 98FM.

But what's most amazing was the landscape behind serving as a panoramic backdrop of Singapore for the stafe. You could see Marina Bay sands, Singapore Flyer, Esplanade and the high rise office towers. A truly beautiful sight.

Spotted another Tiger sampling outlet at Marina Barrage. It seems to me that people have no idea that they can actually have free drinks here. Okay not literally free, but well, get different friends to come and take la! haha.

 

While waiting for the fireworks, people have already started "camping there" for a good spot and to rest. Most of them actually brought food and kites to be entertained and wait for the clock to struck 12. A good and cheap way to bond with your friends and family, I say. 

Time seriously pass quickly. We were having quite a fun time watching the FM98 DJ cracking really entertaining and humourous jokes. One of them even invited Terence up on stage for a game but he rejected nicely as we were leaving very soon. Haha, if not he would be up there having to act a scene where he meets his love and run across the stage to find her... HAHAHA I would be laughing off my head man... Oh.. I must say I hope he truly finds his love this year, he waited long enough! Your little sis supports you, jia you Big Bro!!!

Boarding the bus to our finally destination, THE FLOAT @  Marina Bay

A crowd thronging towards Marina Bay Sands

At this point, I am really glad I was in the bus, if not, having to walk among all these crowd I would have been gone by now. Its really jostling and squeezing among people. Plus I am so short, hard to breathe among all the sweat and see where I am heading man...

My free ticket to The FLOAT@Marina Bay

I am SERIOUSLY hungry by this time. As you can see I am eating Tim's food while digging into mine. plus drinking Gek's Coke. MUAHAHAHA

Think this is the closest I can get to Tao Tze. Sob Sob!!

With special effects from the neon lights that flashes across the 20,000 floating spheres, which, if you look closely at spheres, were hand written with wishes by Singaporeans and friends from all walks of life, which they call it the Bay of Hope and Light.

You would think the water is lighted with gold.

 A well packed Marina Bay

Before settling down for a seat, we decided to have a drink at the Crystal Tiger beer's marquee, which was really crowded with people wanting a taste of the new drink and of cos, whats a party without Tiger beer, ya!

After finding a good spot to sit, we finally settled down and await the countdown. We were entertained by home grown artistes. Sylvester Sim ( whom I have no idea why he is wearing sunglasses when its already so dark, but he definitely looks better with his short hair than his "I can only see you with one eye" hair style; Queen Band, Jill-Marie Thomas, and hosted by Michelle Chia and Gumit Singh. And not forgeting my favourite, Tao Tze with his popular medleys and fast tracks. 

Cant see what he wrote?

Another of Gek's friend, who was really funny.

The people gathering opposite at the Helix bridge, wanting to capture the fireworks as well!

As all the hosts, singers, bands and everyone gathers for the moment that we all have been waiting for!! 

Good bye 2010!!! And HELLO 2011!!

Start the countdown!!!

10

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2

1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

May you be blessed with a great year ahead, and enjoy lots of pleasant surprises and many breakthroughs! 

GOD BLESS!

Special thanks to Alvin from Omy and Alfred from Tiger Beer for the event.