Gift Ideas Archives - Page 8 of 20

Product Review- The Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack

By delta November 11, 2015

I’m a pretty adventurous tech geek and as much as possible, I try to lug my electronics wherever I go. Yes, I need to work even when I travel and staying connected to the World Wide Web is so essential for me. However, more often than not, I get my electronics scratched or even damaged when I bring them out for my frequent hikes and climbs.
Not wanting to leave things to chance, I have all my electronics i.e. mobile phone, camera, laptop, and tablet suited up with bulky protection casings but they are extremely cumbersome to bring around.

Recently, I received the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack and it is the best gift ever!

Designed to resist harsh environments, battling city crowds, busy commute, and the erratic weather, the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack offers the ultimate protection against shocks, abrasion, vibration, moisture, and dust.

If you are imagining a cumbersome and heavy hard-casing backpack right now, you’re definitely wrong. The Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack is no way near that though you will be surprised to learn that it has passed the US Military Grade drop test specifications, protecting devices even at drops of up to 4 feet.

With a reinforced rugged base and corner that boost durability and reliability, the straps and back panel of the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack are also designed with added breathable vents for maximum comfort.

Personally, what the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack really impresses me the most is the Safeport 3D Protection System which is built with memory foam. The suspended protection vault provides my laptop with 360 degrees protection against impact. Combined with the water and wear-resistant bottom along with an integrated protective tablet sleeve, the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack helps keep my valuable electronic devices intact.

For a typical hike/trek, I will usually bring my ASUS UX303 laptop, my Samsung Note 4 phone, an Olympus EPL-6 camera, a standard first-aid kit, some work documents, biscuits, and bottled drinks, and I am really delighted that I could have all the items packed into my Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack without much hassle.

Sturdy but very comfortable to carry around, I appreciate the ergonomic adjustable shoulder straps along with a built-in lumbar support beam that the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack has to offer. Every hike/trek is ultra-comfortable even when I have to carry heavy-duty items in the large compartments.

Not entirely convinced? Well, you should check out this video!

If you are keen to buy the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack, you can find it at Harvey Norman Millenia Walk, Digital Style @ Suntec City, Challenger @ Funan DigitaLife Mall, or Micro Interface @ Funan DigitaLife Mall. The retail price for it is SGD$229.90

Psst… Lazada Singapore is retailing the Targus Grid Advanced 32L Backpack for only SGD$159!

For more information about the other ranges of Targus Backpacks, do check out Targus Official Website!

What I Really Love About The Pebble Time Smartwatch

By delta November 5, 2015

I am a sucker for smartwatches. I own the Samsung Galaxy Gear and LG G Watch R smartwatches and I even tried a couple of other smartwatches from different brands but still, none of them could match up to my expectations in terms of battery life and user-interface until I recently got my hands on the Pebble Time smartwatch.

Unlike the smartwatches I owned, the Pebble Time Smartwatch is truly a winner in terms of its battery life. On a single charge which takes about 20 minutes to half an hour to get fully charged, the Pebble Time smartwatch could last me for 4 to 5 days of heavy usage. Even when the battery is at zero percent, I like the fact that I could still read the time as the Pebble Time smartwatch would not turn off by itself or black out immediately.

The design of the Pebble Time smartwatch is rather simple and it may not be aesthetically impressive. With a squarish display, a polycarbonate shell, and a wide silicone band; I honest feel out of place when I wear the Pebble Time smartwatch to a formal business meeting but seriously, I don’t really care because it is sporty and comfortable to wear. On second thought, I really do think the Pebble Time Round Smartwatch (another smartwatch model from Pebble) is a worthy companion for formal events!

Checking the time and reading the notifications on the Pebble Time smartwatch is also a breeze for me. With its always-on reflective colour display, I like how I can activate the built-in backlighting with a simple flick of my wrist. Coupled with the new timeline interface, the Pebble Time smartwatch is really nifty and handy.

However, I would not entirely say that the Pebble Time smartwatch is a perfect smartwatch for everyone. If you want a smartwatch that is sexy, well-designed and packed with many rich features, the Pebble Time smartwatch is not something that I will recommend to you. In fact, the Pebble Time smartwatch is meant for the minimalist individual who doesn’t mind spending $149.99 USD on a timepiece that offers the basic functionalities of a smartwatch.

If you make a comparison between the Pebble Time smartwatch and its competitors which are in the same price range, the Pebble Time smartwatch is definitely bound to lose because its competitors would offer features such as a touchscreen display, GPS, NFC support, and a heart rate monitor while the Pebble Time smartwatch does not. But what is really amazing is that despite the minus points, it has not stopped the Pebble Time smartwatch from becoming the best well-funded project in the whole of Kickstarter’s history.

Seriously, if there is one thing that I wish the Pebble Time smartwatch will have; it would be a sapphire glass display because being a rugged and adventurous guy who is always on the move, the probability of me scratching my watch display is very high and a hardy display that can weather the impact of hairline scratches is deeply appreciated. If water sports is your thing, you might want to know that the Pebble Time smartwatch has a water resistance of up to 30m and that makes it super weatherproof.

Looking for a Christmas gift to give to a geeky man? The minimalist smartwatch that is waterproof and functional might just be it.

3 Tips To Start Your Very Own First Wet-Shaving Adventure

By delta October 19, 2015

I wasn’t taught how to use a razor blade properly and when I first started using the razor blade, I had my fair share of cuts and nicks. After a few more bloody attempts, I totally gave up on using the razor blade to shave and I made the switch to an electric shaver.

Image Credits to Badger and Blade

So… a long time ago, I bought my first expensive electric shaver, the Braun 760 CC and it cost me quite a bomb. At first, I really enjoyed using the electric shaver and because the purchase came with the Braun Clean and Renew System, I could get my electric shaver automatically cleaned, charged, lubricated, and dried; all at the push of a button. However, what irks me over time is the fact that I could still feel my facial hair with my bare hands even after shaving. It also doesn’t help when I tend to wake my wife up every morning when I shave due to the loud noise that is generated by the electric shaver.

Image Credits to Braun

Recently, I was re-introduced to wet shaving; and this time, thanks to Christian Mueller who is one of the third generation owners of MÜHLE, I grabbed some quick wet-shaving tips from him and I now enjoy wet-shaving using the R 89 Twist Safety Razor from MÜHLE.

If you are clueless and new to wet-shaving, here are some tips that I have gotten from Christian Mueller to help get you started!

1. Get everything you need to have a complete wet-shaving experience.

You will need a shaving bowl, shaving cream, shaving balm, double edge safety razor, shaving towel, and shaving brush. To get everything you need, the price can range from a few hundreds to a few thousands and because you have decided to invest heavily to achieve an entirely clean baby-face shave, make sure you get products that are dependable and are of high quality.

Image Credits to MÜHLE

If you have sensitive skin like I do, using a single flat blade razor would be better than a 3-blade razor (e.g. Gillette Mach 3) or 5-blade razor (e.g. Gillette Fusion) because a single flat blade razor will create lesser stress on the skin. Also, avoid using mass-produced shaving skincare products (for e.g. those shaving creams and shaving balms that you can find off-the-shelves at the local supermarket) because more often than not, they contain low-quality ingredients and chemicals that can be harmful and cause irritation to the skin.

2. Prepare your skin for the shave.

To get a smooth and painless wet-shaving experience, it is extremely important to thoroughly prepare the skin before shaving.

Use a towel which is soaked with comfortably hot water and tap it on your face to open the pores and soften the facial hair for about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, lather some shaving cream onto your face with a shaving brush.

The shaving brush combined with the shaving cream helps to prepare the skin and the facial hair for the shave. The lathering of cream on the face with the brush massages all the goodness of the cream into the skin and it makes the skin and facial hair softer. The brush also brings the facial hair in the right positon and lets it stand up. A standing facial hair which is softened up is much easier to be cut by a sharp blade than a hair which is hard and still “hugging” the skin.

Image Credits to MÜHLE

If the preparation is not done properly, it will be a rough and unclean shave, as hair is pulled out rather than gently cut.

Shaving right after a shower can also be ideal for some people as the skin and facial hair is already softened. Some people do use the shaving soap to lather up but if using a shaving soap causes your skin to be too dry, use a shaving cream instead.

3. Finally, getting down to the actual wet-shaving.

Carry out the first shave by shaving along the grain (i.e. hair-growing direction) of the facial hair. If there are still some facial hairs left after the first shave, consider lathering up a second time and perform a second shave. For the second shave, shave across or against the grain of the facial hair so that you get an ultra-close shave.

Image Credits to MÜHLE

After you are done shaving, rinse your face with cold water, the colder the better as this will help your skin pores to close up. Lastly, dry your face gently with a towel and apply an aftershave.

Planning to get a suitable gift for a man?

Well, a complete shaving kit may just be it! To check out some of MÜHLE products that are available in Singapore, do head down to the Men’s Section of Takashimaya.

And if the above shaving tips seems too wordy, check out this very informative and helpful MÜHLE video tutorial by The Nomad Barber.

Are you ready to begin your first wet-shaving adventure?

RICE & @LittleMissBento VIP Workshop at Motherworks, Great World City

By delta October 8, 2015

I always have the impression that intricate, cute, and creative Japanese bento sets are extremely difficult to make but after attending a bento-making workshop that was conducted by Shirley a.k.a. @LittleMissBento; I now know that it isn’t really that difficult at all.

An award-winning bento artist and also a cookbook author based in Singapore, Shirley is also the first certified Singaporean instructor with the Japan Sushi Instructors’ Association and a bento specialist for Bento&co. Just so you know, Shirley’s bento creations have been featured in numerous local and international media and it was indeed a privileged for Jacqueline and me to have learnt from her in person.

If you also want to learn how to make attractive and tasty bento sets for your children, you really should check out littlemissbento.com and consider purchasing one of Shirley’s book entitled, “Kawaii Bento”. You can get the book from all major bookstores in Singapore including Kinokuniya Singapore, Popular, Times bookstores!

As the bento-making workshop that we attended was organised by the folks from RICE and Motherswork, we also had the opportunity to learn about RICE, a Danish home wares and accessories company that is well known for their colourful melamine, handmade baskets and storage, and their hand glazed tableware.

Founded in late 1998 by Charlotte, RICE offers home wares and accessories that are down to earth but still funky, fun, and functional.

For me personally, I find the home wares and accessories really colourful and they are very suitable for organising a fun and funky party at home. Some of the home wares are also children-friendly and good for decorative purposes at home! With beautiful designs that have such a powerful and positive meaning to it, RICE’s home wares and accessories also serve as an inspiration too.

What struck me the most about RICE and its products?

Well, it has got to be RICE’s corporate social responsibility.

As most of RICE’s products are made by workers in third world countries; they ensure that all of their joyfully colourful products are produced with high regards to human rights, healthy labour conditions and with no use of child labour.

RICE also does charity and takes an active part in developmental projects around the world. They cooperate with different organisations to create viable and socially responsible development in third world countries.

To check out RICE’s collection of products that are available in Singapore, you can drop by the Motherswork Retail Store at Great World City.

Have You Ever Been To Palais Renaissance in Singapore?

By delta September 30, 2015

I am probably ignorant about my surroundings whenever I head down to Orchard because yes, I have heard of the sleazy Orchard Towers, the shabby Far East Shopping Centre, and the big Toys “R” Us outlet at Forum The Shopping Mall; but I have never heard of Palais Renaissance.

If not for a media event that was held last week at Palais Renaissance, I will probably still be a suaku [mountain tortoise] and not know that such a place exists in Singapore. Well, getting to Palais Renaissance is not that difficult but finding the way that leads to the carpark is. With just 32 tenants that caters mainly to an upscale clientele, Palais Renaissance is a small cosy shopping mall that has escalators that are wide enough for only 1 person.

Negative much?

Not really.

In fact, there are a couple of things that we uncovered about Palais Renaissance that truly makes it a well-hidden gem.

First and foremost, Palais Renaissance does not cater only to an affluent clientele. What we found quite affordable at Palais Renaissance are the dining options that are available even for the casual passers-by. Whether it is Jing Hua Xiao Chi, Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar, P. Bistro, or PS.Cafe; you will not burn a big hole in your pocket for dining at Palais Renaissance.

When we were there at Palais Renaissance, we had the privilege of dining at Jing Hua Xiao Chi and it was a dining experience that I will never forget because the taste and the flavours of the food evoked so much personal memories of my childhood days.

Founded in 1989, Jing Hua Xiao Chi was started by native Singaporeans, Mr. and Mrs. Han, and was located at the place first known as the “Qun Zhong Eating House”. The family started Jing Hua as a means to make ends meet, and took their recipes from Mr. Han’s mother, who lived in Shanghai, and from Mrs. Han, who made good dumplings at home. That is how it all began, and over the years, the family slowly adapted their recipes to suit Singaporean tastes.

It is interesting to note that Jing Hua’s menu has remained unchanged at Neil Road since its beginning and this is a true testament of how consistent quality can withstand the test of time. Prepared with ingredients sourced from Chinatown’s wet markets, Jing Hua has built a strong reputation for serving up delicious homemade dumplings over the years.

Needless to say, we will definitely be patronising Jing Hua Xiao Chi again and if you are searching high and low for an affordable homely fare that has a traditional taste [古早味] to it, Jing Hua Xiao Chi is the place.

Apart from dining at Jing Hua Xiao Chi at Palais Renaissance, we also visited DeFRED Jewellers and TOUCHE Elite to find out more about the products and services they have to offer.

DeFRED Jewellers was established since 1984 and it is a brand name that is synonymous with precious pieces of fine jewellery. They are a specialised quality jewellery boutique so prices for their intricate jewellery are expectedly exorbitant. If splurging is your cup of tea, get SGD$200 off when you “like” DeFRED’s Facebook Page, follow them on Instagram, and quote DeFRED’s slogan, “Ultimate Gift of Love by DeFRED”.

As for TOUCHE Elite, they offer aesthetic treatments that are mainly for the ladies and they recently launched a new and advanced C Plus Anti-aging Treatment with RF Tech; a remarkable advanced scientific breakthrough medical-aesthetic technologies that defy skin’s aging and helps combat pigmentation.

Well, we haven’t had any treatments done at TOUCHE Elite and so we can’t really share much but if you would like to find out more about the aesthetic treatments that are available, you can visit their website at http://www.cls-touche.com/.

Having been to Palais Renaissance, we must say that the experience has been overall a pleasant one. If we ever visit again, it would most probably be to dine at the rest of the other food and beverage restaurants or to probably get an exclusive gift that can’t be found elsewhere.

So… have you been to Palais Renaissance? Yes, you have just been there after reading this blog post!

Have A Taste Of Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Core Ice Cream!

By delta August 25, 2015

You probably don’t know this but both Jacqueline and I are really big fans of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. When we first dated each other, Ben & Jerry’s was our staple and we cannot live without a pint of Chunky Monkey every fortnight.