Khind 3-in-1 Hand Blender Midori Series BH600M - Unboxing and Review

My first video on YouTube. Recorded and edited by Darren using iMovie. Are a lot of 10 year-olds this tech-savvy? Yes. Yes they are.

 

I was looking for a good chopper/blender which comes in all-in-one kind of package deal, and after searching around in Lazada, I had my eyes on the Khind 3-in-1 Hand Blender Midori Series BH600M. I tried to find reviews for it but there were practically none. Maybe this model is considered new in the market? I don't know. So after having it in my cart for weeks, I finally got it for a good price of RM83.99 at Lazada. Yippee!

So, to help others make decisions easier, I made this unboxing, mini tutorial and review video.

In my opinion as a moderate home cook, this rocks. It chops, blends and whisks.. I like the all-in-one deals. It has a strong motor. Few seconds of chopping does the trick. And it comes in my favourite colour. Mint! Yep, it's minty to me!

The Windsor Chair

 Sometimes I feel guilty of my materialistic desires. Like this windsor chair. I had always liked it since many years ago. Then recently, I watched the popular Korean drama Start-Up and in Dal-mi's room, I saw it. Oh, the memories of the desire came back.

But first, I had to find out the specific name of the chair. Without it, I'd be looking for a needle in a haystack. I remembered I had a scrapbook with a brochure picture cut-out of this chair and I found that it was from franc franc, a home furnishing and lifestyle concept store which had an outlet in Singapore long time ago. From that website, I found that it's called the windsor chair. YAY, I have my first lead!

With that specific product name, the world is yours. I first teased myself with Lazada. And my heart jumped when I saw this.

My heart jumped because at that time it was a few days before the 11.11 sale. And the price was slashed to RM264.75, and shipping was RM4.60. I wanted it so much but I made a stupid decision to wait. I wasn't in a rush, I thought. then AFTER 11.11, the price went back to the original. Instant regret? Yes.

Not knowing when is the next slash, I went to good 'ol Taobao. It did not disappoint me. About RM186. 

So I engaged trusty Eazyla as the agent to order the chair, along with some fabric. I think I was so excited that I didn't ask if it is flat-packed. That would lower the shipping cost, and with that price of RM186, I was prepared for another RM100 for shipping, and it would still be cheaper than the Lazada's RM491.80.

Or so I thought!! Well, the shipping came back to RM255. By sea. After negotiation and discount. Eazyla's customer service is really good I must say. They respond fast and always find a way to help you, even in reducing the shipment costs.

Fast forward 4 weeks later, it arrived!

I felt stupid. Why did I waste my precious money on this chunk of a junk.

Then I opened the box and see this.

Maybe not a junk after all.  Was it worth it? I don't know, maybe. But it was a lesson learnt. Be very patient when hunting for treasures online. Why? Because the price was slashed again in Lazada! Huhu..

Love the chair... you'll be seeing more of it as my prop.

ps. It is actually very sturdy and solid, good quality!

Daiso Cement Concrete Try-out

 Who would've expected that Daiso sells cement huh. I didn't.

Available in small 600g packaging, it is for minor repair work for homes, and also for craft enthusiasts. So fun!

So I got one packet of the 'Easy Finish Cement' to try on my moulds.

Looks clean and fine. Of course, be careful when handling cement as it has very fine particles that easily fly around in the air even with a small stir, so wear a mask if you are sensitive to the fine particles.

I poured roughly a cup of water and mixed with the cement thoroughly. If it is too thick, pour a bit more water. The consistency here is like medium where if you lift up the spoon, the cement mix can still drip but not like watery drip.

After stirring slowly towards the end of the mixing, make sure there are less air bubbles popping out from the surface. Then pour into your moulds. For one whole pack, I could make these 3 items. Use a leveller to make sure the curing surface is even.

This is the result after 2 days of letting it dry in the mould.

Further dried after another day or two.

Not bad! The quality is good for craft projects like these. 

Handmade bags

 First attempt at sewing a bag with round bottom. 

Here's how I made the round bottom bag, template and instructions by kokka-fabric.com. The fabric I used here is from IKEA, it's from an old collection and no longer available. I think it suits this bag shape.

I also made a slight modification to the template and made a similar bag but with straight lines instead of curved sides, and not with round bottom but a regular gusset I usually make.

This is a nice bag to make as gifts but I realised I don't have fabric that is big enough to make a whole bag in one piece. This is because I usually buy fabric in half yards or fat quarters, I'm cheapskate like that. 

The only option I have is to make patchwork or halves type. We'll see...

One Year Work Anniversary

 Today marks one year since I joined my new company as a scientist. The memory of my first week is still fresh. And little did I or everyone expect that in 4 months, I would be working from home until today. It feels weird. Time passed so fast, yet so slow. It felt like both. 

In the past 10 months, I went through an emotional and psychological roller coaster, mostly caused by two major changes in my life; new job after 19 years, and first work-from-home experience. But I cannot thank my new company enough as I was entirely supported throughout the time. 

I had a tumultuous ride at the start of the lockdown and working from home, starting with shock of sudden change, then gradual acceptance of the new situation. Then anxiety and moments of darkness hit me on some days every week. It was an eerie feeling of hopelessness, and it felt dark and lonely. Just totally negative. And it wasn't something I could share even with the husband because it would worry him. Even I was worried I might do something stupid. 

I think it had something to do with my new role. A lot of times, I felt I was not good enough. Although my job wasn't stressful, I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform. There were presentations which I had never done before in my previous job and in this new role, it is something you have to get used to. Actually I wasn't scared of presenting, but I was very stressed about building the content to present. There were so many details about the projects that I wasn't familiar with, and I had to gather my sources and information remotely. It wasn't easy, but somehow, I managed to pull it off. I prayed a lot too during these times. Prayed for wisdom, prayed for strength.

Then, gladness and gratitude followed. I felt extremely blessed that I still had a job during this time, that my boss and my company are taking good care of me, that I get to have an extra couple of hours sleep everyday now and I get to be a full time mom for the first time. I could do things for my kids that I usually don't get to do like settle their lunch, be more involved in their school work, cook dinner and generally just be at home with them. Spending more time with the husband has also brought our relationship closer. His golf/ drinks/bike outings reduced considerably due to the new norm so he was home a lot more. We'd watched drama series before bedtime, now that I could because I get extra sleep time. It's amazing how much time I earn back when I don't commute daily to Singapore for work. And that extra time converts to more well-deserved sleep. Just wow.

Demotivation was another challenge I faced during this time. Being away from the physical work site for so long had made me lost my core purpose in my role. I felt useless, redundant and a burden, which added to the new-job-pressure stress I was having. I developed an aversion towards my work. I wanted nothing to do with science. On many days, I wanted so badly to quit and settle for a simple job here. I wanted a sense of permanence, not questioning myself like "When can I stop working in Singapore, how long should I work in Singapore, when will the border open?" I was sick of all the uncertainties and what-ifs. I wanted something solid here that I can finally say "Here you are, you can do this for the rest of your life now and not worry about border crossing problems anymore" You have no idea how strangulating it is.

So comes December, exactly a year now. Things are slowing down, colleagues are taking leaves, presentation stress is on hold, time to reflect and time to relax. It doesn't seem so bad after all. 

It really felt like riding a roller coaster for the first time, not knowing what laid ahead and after whooshing through with my eyes shut tight, I emerged on a smooth and slow glide towards the end of the year.

I think I can finally breathe.

Just me... ranting

I think I'm no longer Pisces. 

Pisceans are dreamers. I've stopped dreaming and started worrying about everything. Life, quite suddenly, has become a dark and lonely place; the real world. In this world, my zodiac sign is called Sandwich.

Yep, this is the time we get familiar with terms like sandwich generation. It is a generation of people, usually in their 30s, 40s or 50s, who are responsible for both bringing up their own children and for the care of their aging parents. I would like to add that this generation is also responsible for taking care of themselves and planning for their own aging support.

I bet my parents were once in the sandwich generation. The great depression also happened during that time. But how different was it compared to now? I'm really curious.

Though I can't presume that it was easier for our parents to cope, I do believe there are more challenges for the sandwich generation today, some of which are digital- and financial-wise.

On top of being a sandwich generation, if you fall into these two categories like me, I want to give you a hug.

1. You are an only child

2. Your parents are separated

And if you fall further into these categories, I want to give you a big hug.

3. You are the only one with stable income.

4. You have a dream of starting a business from your passion/hobby but cannot, because of point number 3.

AND, if you fall further into this category summore, I want to give you the biggest hug.

5. You are a woman. Wife, mother, daughter, all-in-one combo.

Some are giggling, "Ha ha, you so funny". But I know some are crying after reading this. Because it really feels dark and lonely, this world. 

Sounds so negative doesn't it? I'm afraid I'd be reduced to a grumpy old lady, cursing the world. GAH!

I know there are so many people in worse situation than me, and that I should be very blessed instead of feeling burdened, but the fact that I AM feeling burdened is something I should acknowledge. 

Acknowledge, accept and leverage.

I will be back on the leverage part. Till then, I'll sulk.

Embroidered Pendant Charm

 Bought some pendant accessories years ago. As a proud craft hoarder, I couldn't be more excited to finally make these... heheh.

Here's some zen pictures...

Of worries and anxieties

I didn't really talk much about how things were during the Movement Control Order ever since it was implemented, and my emotional state until now.

I embarked on a new role, in a new company in December last year and within the first week, I reported peace and joy. I was free from the negativity and lack of motivation from my previous workplace. I was extremely lucky to get the new job. There was renewed hope in the security of my future.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic induced our MCO. I was allowed to work from home since then. It was a new experience, not only for myself. So I shouldn't feel alone right. As I slowly discovered after getting used to working from home, I don't like it!

I don't like to formally work in my own home. This is because my home is associated with relaxation and artistic creativity, a place I let go of my formal work. But now, the two contrasting elements have to merge and I just can't accept it. I thought it is a matter of getting used to it, but it has been 6 months and I'm starting to have aversions to science research and to my craft hobbies. My lifelines!

I started to feel stressed at the end of April. That stress was not related to working from home I think. It had to do with being not knowledgeable enough for my role. Not good enough. I didn't like 'studying' all the time now. I just want a routine support-based job where I focus on earning a stable income work at site, and can totally let go when I'm at home. Now, I can't totally let go of work at home because my home is my workplace.

Then I started to have temptations to quit working in Singapore. Again. I just wanted to cut it. Waiting for updates on the Johor-Singapore border was killing me. It was another stress factor. If I work in JB, this wouldn't even be in my worry list, which was growing by the day.

I was demotivated. I needed a sense of permanence. Something which I can do for the rest of my life without worrying, even if it takes a huge paycut. I imagined how blissful I would be if I have a job here in JB. No more Causeway jam angst, no more daily long commuting hours.

Sometime in May, I was subtly hit with moments of darkness and despair, and also anxiety mini-attacks. And occasionally I would get hit, stronger each time. But I would still have my usual good inspirational mood in between.

Those moments of darkness and despair was something I had felt before when I was working in my previous company. But this time it is a bit different, perhaps coupled with the uncertainty related to the pandemic. It is a very scary feeling I tell you. I couldn't control it. I couldn't shake it off. It just clung to me like the black venom. I was paralysed with fear at some point. There was no peace in my heart, only anxieties. Now, I feel better, hopefully with less moments of darkness. But I still feel a background anxiety which is I can't get rid off.

So why don't I just quit if it is making me so unhappy?
You can probably guess right. The main reason for working in Singapore is the exchange rate, not to mention, more job opportunities than JB. And financial security is important to me at this time.
I became obsessed about settling my home and car loan in the fastest possible time. It will take years, not months, and I am getting impatient and frustrated. This is an unhealthy relationship with money, isn't it. We can never be financially independent. Besides the loans, there are still basic monthly expenses to take care of. But if I could settle my most major loans, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and seriously consider looking for a job in JB then! OH I CAN'T HARDLY WAIT!!

There is hope. And there is prayers. I will keep going until I can't go on no more.

Bleach Shibori Method & Repurposing A Baggy Thai Fisherman Wrap-Tie Pants

I bought a baggy fisherman wrap-tie pants from a night market in Chiangmai some 6 or 7 years ago.

I wore it ONCE in front of the mirror, for 30 seconds. And it never saw light ever since.

And recently, I literally dissected it to make a pair of home shorts which I ran out of during the pandemic Movement Control Order. Home shorts, and other goodies.

It's a pity I didn't take a picture of its original state.

Here are the 'babies'.

From ONE humongous pants! Of course, they have to be supplemented with other fabrics for lining.

Top part of the original baggy pants was deep indigo and I love this colour. I created patterns on it using bleach.

I used a firm-bristle brush to create crosses on the fabric

For making dots, I used a cotton bud.

And for making smaller dots, I used the top blunt end of a wooden toothpick.

The bleach shibori result.

The final products..

Reversible hobo bag

Feels so satisfied that I made full use of the fabric of the pants I never wore. In fact I got more pretty goodies out of it!

DIY Monstera Leaf Art

I couldn't find a monstera leaf art print that I really liked. So I DIYed one! Luckily I already had the IKEA picture frame (FISKBO 40x50cm) and the artificial leaf (SMYCKA) and the leaf fits nicely within the frame.

Next, I bought an art paper and cut it to the size of the frame.

Then I traced the leaf on the paper.

I had several colours of these Speedball block printing ink for 10 years or so and they still work well. 

I painted the leaf. It was practically like a colouring project, nothing fancy or difficult.

 Finished!

Weekend Baking Adventure : The Hacked Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookie

I'm not pro at baking, so when I hear there's a tried and tested recipe testimonial, I go for it, especially when it is my favourite Famous Amos chocolate chip cookie. I remember the first time I smelled the aroma of the freshly baked cookies from a Famous Amos kiosk somewhere in a Singapore mall. It was heavenly and ever since then I'd follow the scent and buy a pack of 200g of cookies wherever there is a Famous Amos kiosk. At that time, it was only available in Singapore, and not in JB. Now, I can say they are in almost all the malls in JB.

When this post went viral on social media recently, I knew I had to try it.

The verdict? It didn't produce the familiar aroma but it does really taste like the real thing. SO. GOOD. The boys approve.

Here's the recipe:

• 250g butter
• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup corn flour
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sodium bicarbonate/baking soda
• 6 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• Almond nibs (optional)

1. In a bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, vanilla essence and egg. Mix well. 

2. Add the vegetable oil. Mix well.

3. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients ie. flour, corn flour, baking soda and baking powder, and then add into the 'wet' batter. Mix well. (I learnt that baking soda/sodium bicarbonate is different from baking powder! I read about it here)

4. Add the chocolate chips and mix well.

5. Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30min.

6. Preheat oven at 150°C, coat baking tray with some butter.

7. Roll cookie dough into small balls and place on the tray with some distance from each other.

8. Bake for 20 min until cookies turn golden brown. (I modified to 160°C for 30min)

Enjoy!