Pretty Bits - Part Chic, Part Geek: 2007

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Retrevo - Shopping Made Easy

It's that time of the year again. It's Christmas!! Time for me to pamper myself with a brand new gadget - a new Digital Camera!!!

I may be a techie but I have to admit, I am no camera or electronics expert. And being a typical human being, I do not want to just buy any camera I lay my eyes on. I need to know the specifications, preferable tried and tested reviews.

Thus, I embarked on my most trusted way of sourcing for product reviews and I found a SUPERB website - Retrevo. Wait!! Guess what the website's tagline is.. "Matching People And Electronics" It was perfect!!

It doesn't just provide product reviews, it also includes features like:

Product specification
Price checks from various other websites
Product reviews

The coolest part of the search was the fact that all products are categorized to "Low range, Mid range, Top range" which makes it really user-friendly. Check out the Expert Reviews and ratings!!

I must have spent hours browsing the website on all kinds of electronic gadgets from laptops to mobile phones to DVD players etc.. It was way too cool!

Makes shopping for electronics so much easier since you can do all your research, review expert advice and BUY the products all at once!

So, go check out the website today. You will be gobsmacked by the wealth of information it provides.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Shopping Research Made Easy With Wize

Being a self-proclaimed SHOPAHOLIC, I practice what I would call the "Code of Shopping -The Smart Way", which essentially means to research before deciding on something to buy. This is especially applicable for big items or electronics. With the surge and advancement of technology, we can no longer keep up with which brand holds the latest techie gadgets or has the best use of current technological expertise. I for one, tend to like reading product reviews before buying anything (apart from clothes and shoes).

For bigger items like DVD players; computers; laptops or cameras (just to name a few), I would really almost always do a decent amount of research before deciding on the item that fits my needs. And this research can take hours or days! However, I recently chanced upon a website that does Product Reviews for a wide range of products and more.

Wize has a very unique way of consolidating product reviews that are done by other websites and ranking the products according to these reviews. Wize basically collects reviews and ratings from thousands of sources on the web including Amazon and Cnet (that i used to use) and calculate a WizeRank for the product. So, for us shoppers, it's a great tool to use when we are desperately researching or in a dilemma of which brand or product to buy.

I love Wize and have been using it since. It's saved me tons of hours doing numerous research from different websites. This is basically a "One Hit Wonder" for me!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Best way to shop this festive season

Yeah it's the time of the year again. Festive shopping has always been a HUGE headache for me and people around me. Just the thought of making out the list of gifts to buy for whom and from where drives me insane!

Well, I have recently chanced upon a FABULOUS way to shop for Christmas or any special occasion - Shopping Gift Cards!!! These aren't just your regular boring stores, there are a wide range of different types of gift cards to suit everyone. Best part of it is that you can even choose the amount to put in the gift card. So, you can give a £10 gift card to an acquaintance or a £350 gift card to someone you love!

You get to choose from a range of gift cards from Departmental Stores to Health and Beauty to Home and even Specialty stores. Best of all, you can do all of this in the comfort of your own home - YES, ONLINE!!

So.... Why wait? Check it out now at http://www.shopping.com/gift-cards

Happy shopping!!!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Crates Castle

Mikki and Alfie's first trip to Crates Castle.

They were all dressed up for the walk around the Castle grounds and Forest trails.

Doesn't Mikki look great in her new red hoody from her aunt Daphne?

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Mikki's visit to Dunnottar Castle

Saturday 4 August was forecasted to be one of the few days where the scottish sun would be shining bright all day. And since I hadn't had much time to spend alone with Mikki after working in London for couple of weeks and introducing a new puppy, Alfie into the family as soon as I got back, I thought it would be fun for her to go on a little excursion - to the great Dunnottar Castle.

Mel Gibson's Hamlet filmed a few scenes at Dunnottar Castle:

Everything about the castle and its surroundings was just surreal and gorgeous. I could lie on the grass all day just to sink into the magnificent site. Mikki had a ball herself, except that she had to keep herself from being blown away by the constant breeze.

Check out what she has to say:

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Alfie finally has erect ears!!

After 3 days of taping, Alfie's ears are finally erect! Now, he looks like a real yorkie! Simply adorable.

Let's hope it stays up forever *fingers crossed*

Monday, July 30, 2007

Alfie - Big dog in small body

Yorkies may be small, but they're no easy pushovers. Alfie, for example, does not have a single strand of fear in him. He reminds me of the Goths from Asterix and Obelix, absolutely oblivious to the real meaning of FEAR.

For one, he fell off the flight of stairs last week while trying to reach Mikki who was overwhelmed by his constant desire to play and thought she could get away from him by hiding in the middle of the stairs. Alfie rolled down the entire flight of stairs, only coming to a stop at the foot. Thank goodness my stairs were fully cushioned with carpet, hence reducing the impact. You might think that he would then be terrified of the stairs. Not a chance! He continued to linger to the stairs whenever he gets the opportunity - thinking its time he took the leap and learned to go down the stairs.

Here's a new video of the Alfie the monkey!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Alfie - The Yorkie

Finally, Mikki's got a little brother - Alfie. Took me a really long time to find a suitable companion for her. Because of her size and timid personality, big dogs were ruled out. Alfie was born in Birmingham on 19 May 2007 as part of a litter of 2. He's got an older sister Ruby who was sold to a family in Dundee. His mom Kizi's currently 8yrs old and this is her 2nd litter. His pedigree certificate shows that his gt grandparents were from the famous Ozmilion family.

Above are 2 of his great and great great grandfathers.

More pictures of Alfie at 9weeks old, you will notice that he's got his ears taped in the last few pictures. Reason for that is because his ears were way too fluffy and they were not standing the way yorkies ears should!

Will update more next time on how Alfie and Mikki are getting along... Stay tuned..

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Do you have something to Blurt?

The world is filled with a massive amount of knowledge which one person alone wouldn't be able to learn it all and keep it inside. More often than not, we find ourselves in situations where we have to source the Internet or Wikipedia for information only to find them way too generic.

It is worse if the information that you are looking for can be quite specific to a certain town or city. Like for example, if you have just moved to a new country and is all but ready to embark on a new career or simply looking for friends with similar interests to hang out. It will be extremely difficult for you to gain access to that information if you had just Googled for it online.

Wouldn't it be cool if there was a central online community which is all about real people asking questions about just about anything and having someone else answering to that question. Well, check out the New Kid on the Block - Blurtit is such an online community that is simply a wealth of real life experiences and information from all parts of the world.

Just imagine a new product or game just launched a couple of weeks back but you are unsure if it is worth getting. Post a question and Wala! Someone from Blurtit who has used the item or played the game will respond and you get a review - free of charge!!!

The categories span from Computers to Pets to Relationships, etc. Ask anything and expect an answer or help from anyone! You can even get suggestions and answers on Blurtit to what valentine's day present to get for your girlfriend or wife!

So, why wait, check it out now!

Dogs are more adaptable than you think!

It's been almost 3 months now since my little darling Mikki (a 3 year old maltese) has arrived in Aberdeen. I have been told time and again by my parents about reconsidering relocating her from Singapore simply because of what she has to go through.. The Rabies jab, blood test, 6 months of home quarantine and the final torture of having to be confined to a little crate and be loaded into the cargo hold of the airplane for 13 hours before arriving at London Heathrow. Where she was off-loaded and placed in an Animal Recovery Centre for a dreadful 10 hours while immigration clearance was done, before being stuffed onto BMI for another hour and a half into Aberdeen.

Now that she's here, and seeing how fast she has adapted to the change in environment, weather, food, and still be happy. In fact, she seems happier here than she ever was in Singapore. Maybe it's because she gets her daily run in our garden. Could be that she loves dashing around in a fully carpeted house which definitely was more friendly on her paws than the slippery marble surface in Singapore. Guess the cool weather here has a big part to play as well. But, most of all, the biggest joy for her being here is that she gets to spend more time with me eventhough I have embarked on a new career here in a new job, new organisation.

It's amazing how fast dogs are able to adjust and adapt to changes in environment. It's as though nothing has changed. Maybe I'm just lucky Mikki's very adaptable. Must be her constant short weekend vacations back in Singapore where she would stay in one house and another over the weekends. Some dogs I know aren't as adaptable. I'm just glad I've got a little healthy, easy peasy doggie (except when it comes to food!).

At the end of the day, I look at her happy face and I know I definitely made the right choice in bringing her here with me despite what she had to go through.

Here are some videos of her enjoying herself in the sun, the snow, and in the parks:

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Online Bomberman is BACK!!!

For those of you familiar with the Japanese version of Online Bomberman(the one that was shut down due to lack of funds), you would be glad to know that there is a new English version of Online Bomberman now!

Check it out!!!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Every girl's Valentine's Day gift

Valentine's Day is just less than a month away. Are you guys out there exhausting your brain juices to come up with the most original Valentine's Day gift for your girl? Here's a suggestion, if you can play an instrument or sing, you might want to consider singing "Don't Change by Musiq" to her on Valentine's Day. If, for some reason you are not musically talented, you could make a dedication instead.

Couple of reasons why I think this song would be perfect:

It has a perfect soothing tune
It is probably be everything you will want to tell your girl
Most importantly, I'm sure your girl will be moved to tears because everything that is mentioned in the song will touch her heart

Take a listen to the song here.

Have also attached the lyrics for you to accelerate your learning ^_^

Lately you've been, questioning
if i still see you the same way
cuz through these trying years
we've, more then both physically changed
Dont you know youll always be the most
beautiful woman i know
so let me reassure you darling, that
my feelings are truly unconditional, see

I'll love you when you hair turns gray, girl
I'll still want you if you gain a little weight, yeah
the way i feel for you will always be the same
Just as long as your love don't change

no, I was meant for you, and you were meant for me, yeah
And i'll make sure that i'll be everything you need, yeah
Girl the way we are is how its gonna be
Just as long as your love don't change

Cuz, im not impressed, more or less
by them girls on the tv and magazines
Cuz honestly i beleive, that
your beauty is way more then skindeep
Cuz everything about you makes me feel
I have the greatest gift in the world
And even when you get on my last nerve
I couldnt see myself being with another girl

I'll love you when you hair turns gray, yeah
I'll still want you if you gain a little weight, yeah
the way i feel for you will always be the same
Just as long as your love don't change,

no, I was meant for you, and you were meant for me, yeah
And i'll make sure that i'll be everything you need, yeah
Girl the way we are is how its gonna be
Just as long as your love don't change

So, dont waste your time
Worry about
Small things that aint relevant to me
Cuz, to my, understanding, your all i want and need

See, what im done say is im here to stay
And as long as you love doesnt change, for me
Baby, darling i swear, that i, i swear i aint going no where

I'll love you when you hair turns gray, girl
I'll still want you if you gain a little weight, yeah
the way i feel for you will always be the same
Just as long as your love don't change,

I was meant for you, and you were meant for me, yeah
And i'll make sure that i'll be everything you need, yeah
Girl the way we are is how its gonna be
Just as long as your love don't change (ad libs)

oooooooo, your my baby, yeah, dont you change baby, nooo, baby you gotta understand, that i love you baby, dont you kno, u gotta kno, u got to kno, ah yeah, ohhhh, yeahhh, ohhhhhhh

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Fantastic Offer not to be missed!

Anyone looking to buy a property in one of the most exclusive locations in Singapore?

My apartment in Tanjong Rhu Road is up for grabs. It is located 10 minutes away from Suntec City and has lots of investment potential. With the city at arm's reach, you get to save a pretty nifty amount on transportation and commuting time. There are also private chartered buses that will take you to town or Parkway Parade at intervals throughout the whole day.

If you have been to Tanjong Rhu before, you would have noticed that it is surrounded by Kallang river, is breezy and green, with a jogging path along the river. Many expats love to live in this area partly because of it's location and also because of it's exclusiveness. Alrighty, I shall not rattle on too much, promoting my place. Take a look at it here and see if you like it.

Do pick up the phone and contact my agent if it is to your liking. ^_^

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

World's Worst World of Warcraft Launch Party

Been a while since I last posted an entry. Been extremely busy since I got back to Singapore to settle the remaining scraps (selling of house, car, packing, my dog, etc..) before I make my final move to Aberdeen, UK.

The days back here have been erratic. For one, I had a damn severe jet lag which lasted for about a week, so I was a walking zombie by day and a wide-eyed maniac by night. Had to pay a high price for that though - just make sure you check out my dark eye rings and eye bags when you meet me and you know what I mean ^_^

So, what have I done since my return which was most rewarding? In actual fact, before my return to Singapore, I placed an order for 2 pre-order redemption cards for the long-awaited game of the year - World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade. Burning Crusade is the expansion to the game with millions of players worldwide. Without a doubt, I am one of them - though I stopped my subscription for about 3 months before I reactivated it again prior to the launch of Burning Crusade on 16 January 2007. The launch in Singapore was held at Suntec City - the vacant area outside of Carrefour.

When I first realised that the greatest game in the world was going to have a launch in here in Singapore, I was doubtful that it will be a success - especially when it is held at such a public place, instead of an exclusive party for the gamers =( Still, I was hopeful nonetheless.

Upon arrival at the launch, all my excitement just vanished into thin air. Why? Thousands were already in the queue for the redemption of the game. It was just insane. I mean, I have already paid and collected my redemption cards and now I have to queue again for what seemed like hours - the spiral queue led all the way to the outside of the shopping complex, into the bright hot sun!!

At 1pm, the game was officially launched with a disgraceful, nonsensical, lame skit of a Night-Elf MAGE and a Human WARLOCK. When I saw the skit, I did not know whether to laugh or to cry. For those of you who play the game, you would know that there is no such thing as a Night-Elf Mage!!! Also, mages do not use Swords!! and there is no such spell as the Mage Blade!!! I took a short snippet of the skit for you to better visualise my anguish.

Sigh... I'm sure many WoW fans who were at the launch would have been disappointed. Oh.. maybe all except for one guy. There was this guy who was in the queue since 10pm the night before (the launch was scheduled for 1pm on 16 Jan 2007), so yes, he stayed there the whole night. He emerged the ultimate winner as being the first in the queue. And, guess what were his rewards? A collector's edition of the World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade and a World of Warcraft Boardgame. Apart from the games, he probably got some media attention and all, but, what the hell.. 15hours for this??? He better be a freaking god-damn good WoW player, fully geared with epics from head to toe.

Will try to blog a little more in the coming weeks. Stay tuned..

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Inspired Fantasy Art

Been surfing the web for stock graphics to add more awesome Photoshop creations to my collection and was inspired by all the beautiful Fantasy Art on DeviantArt. So, I embarked on a journey to create my own with the aid of some of the most fabulous resources from DeviantArt.

What do you think?

Monday, January 1, 2007

Happy New Year!

Happy new year to all. Below is a little something I created just for you.

May all your dreams come true! Enjoy your long weekend.

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