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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Review: Capturing Memories with Canon EOS M10

There are definitely moments that you can capture better photographs with a camera than mobile phone. I managed to get hold of Canon EOS M10 for about 2-3 months to check out how this compact and light-weight camera might just change the way I take pictures in the future.


Lets have a quick look of the specification. Canon EOS M10 is a 18 megapixel entry-level mirrorless camera with a 3" tilting touchscreen LCD screen. It has a built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity with full HD 1080p video. Very convenient for me to upload the photos that I have taken on Instagram or Facebook.

Being very accustom to the convenience of only carrying my smartphone with me for photography, I brought Canon EOS M10 out with me everywhere I go on the weekends just to have a feel of how bag friendly it is. Its light-weight and compact size made it easy and convenient to carry around in my bag. I also carried it along to our trip in Johor Bahru and didn't mind the extra weight in my bag while shopping.

Personally, I prefer camera that I can auto-pilot with easily and I actually like the idea that there aren't many control dials on the camera body. If I need more specific/advanced setting, I can rely on the 3.0 inch touch screen LCD monitor to set the aperture and shutter speed.

My photo-taking experience after 2 months?

I realized I was taking more close up shots with the camera and really like how clear the pictures turns out to be. Snap shots of the children not focusing at the camera actually appeared naturally sharp and fine.



The photos taken at Gardens by the Bay was simply gorgeous. The colours are bright and vibrant. Check out more photos taken with Canon EOS M10 here.


Food photography is hassle free with M10 as it produce excellent quality images easily.


We celebrated our daughter's birthday in late September and I really adore how we were able to capture her happiest moments here.

Our girl was able to tilt the screen 180 degree and take wefie shots easily. :) Canon EOS M10 is so user-friendly that even children can have their hands on experience and give it a try.


Beautiful moments continued as we went on a year end vacation at Changi Seaview Resort Chalet. The children invited their friends over and we had a relaxing time by the beach.


We like to take jump shots and after a few tries, it is best taken from low angle. With EOS M10, jump shots can be easily taken with the convenience of the tilting screen.



I also tried miniature shots (which I gradually grows to love taking) and it turns out well with a little more enhancement from Instagram.



It has been a wonderful photo journey experience with Canon EOS M10. I really like how clear, bright and sharp the pictures turn out to be and it has a better picture resolution, suitable for photo printing. Canon EOS 10 is compact and user-friendly and this seems to fit the bill as it is pretty affordable as well. I have been considering purchasing a camera for awhile but have also been hesitant as having a smartphone in my pocket is so convenient to carry around. However, with plans on going for an overseas trip next year, it seems its probably time to reconsider grabbing a better camera soon.

Disclosure: All comments and opinions are personal and no monetary compensation was received. Canon EOS M10 was loaned to us for 2-3 months for review purpose only.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Taiwan 8D7N Free & Easy Tour - Sunset (博望新村) & Dinner @ 好鸡婆土鸡城 (Native Chicken Restaurant)

When I was planning our itinerary to CingJing, I was so occupied with researching on homestay and sightseeing locations that I actually forgot to check what's good to eat on the highland! We were totally clueless on where to eat in CingJing on our first night but thankfully, the staff at 黄庆果园民宿 recommended us a few dining locations where they provide free transport within their designated vicinity.

Alighting at 博望新村, we were so lucky to catch the sunset just in time! It was a beautiful sight! The blue sky align with a mixture of orange and yellow hues. The weather was chilling but it could not contain our excitement to capture the yellow 'egg yolk' in our fingers.



Sun setting...


Viewing the sunset together

After the sun sets, we walked to 博望新村 entrance : Directing us to a few eateries including 好鸡婆土鸡城


好鸡婆土鸡城 serves Chinese cuisine and we placed our order at the counter. 


The staff directed us to the back and we were memorized by the scenic view! The lanterns, cabins, stairways and the misty backdrop instantly made us feel like we are  in the Chinese martial world and dining at 龙门客栈.


Walking into our cabin for dinner.


Dining on top of the mountains with such view is my very first!


We had a simple meal that night. A bowl of warm herbal soup, vegetables and a whole chicken for all to share.






Dinner cost about TWD936. Food tasted alright though no big surprises. I started missing the delicious local delicacy at the night market and wish there was one on the mountain. :D


清境好雞婆土雞城餐廳
Address: 南投縣仁愛鄉大同村博望巷36-3號(博望新村內) Nantouhsien, T'Ai-Wan, Taiwan

After dinner, we decided to walk back to our homestay. Though it was dark but it was an experience to take a stroll on the mountain top while enjoying the night scenery; mostly emitted from the lights of the houses here.

Coincidentally, we witnessed the supermoon which falls on November 14, 2016. It was said to be the biggest, closest and brightest supermoon of the year. The stars beside it instantly lost its shine and we did not get to see any shooting star that night.

Upon reaching our homestay, we spotted a mobile food vendor selling stinky toufu! This is our girl's lucky night!

The good thing about staying at 黄庆果园民宿 is that there is a 7-Eleven nearby. We can always pop by to buy drinks or snacks. 

Planning a tour to Taiwan? Check out our Taiwan 8D7N itinerary.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

DIY Terrarium Kit by Floral Garage Singapore

[Review]

Thanks to Floral Garage SG, I received my first DIY Terrarium kit! Have always wanted one and my dream finally came true! I love to see some greenery around the house but always find it hard to maintain indoor plants. A terrarium is perfect to add life and beautify our home.

Floral Garage's Terrarium kit comes with a glass container, three plants, one spray bottle, one set of gardening tools, terrarium mix, gravel, activated charcoal and decorative pebbles.


Though the kit came with a step by step instruction manual, I was feeling a bit jittery and not sure if I got the steps right as it was my first attempt. I googled online to read on tips on building a terrarium before I begin.

Setting up the base is not too hard but the difficulty came when it comes to removing the plants from the pot, loosening the soil and placing them nicely in the glass bowl. With extra care, I separated the plants without hurting the roots and made a daring attempt to distribute the plants (instead of putting the whole bunch together).


After much adjustments, I finally completed my first terrarium! It was hard work but am so happy to see the final product.

This beautiful bowl of terrarium is now sitting on the buffet table in our living room. Some tips I learnt is to put them under bright light (but not direct sunlight). Terrariums are easy to maintain as they only need to be watered weekly.


If you are keen to build your own terrarium, check out Floral Garage's website! Apart from terrariums, they also have floral hand bouquets, gift baskets, and fun gifts!

Floral Garage Singapore
Address: 756 Upper Serangoon Road, #03-34 Singapore
Instagram: @FloralGarageSG


Disclosure: All comments and opinions are personal and no monetary compensation was received. One DIY Terrarirum Kit was received for review purposes only.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Dim Sum Signature (点心皇) @ Kulai - [JB]

It was a pleasure to have Dim Sum on a Sunday morning where you can sit down and enjoy your meal without the need to rush. During our driving trip to Kulai, we spotted this nice Dim Sum Restoran and went in to give it a try.

Located near AEON Kulaijaya, and a few streets away from 5D Art Studio. This is a great place to dine in if you are planning for a short stay in Kulai.


Neat and bright ambiance in the air-conditioned restaurant. We were there at 8am when it opens for business and hence there was no crowd at all. 

Variety of Chinese Tea selection you can pick from. Alternatively, they also have coffee, juice and canned drinks. 

Chinese tea always goes best with dim sum and we ordered Jasmine Tea.

We must be starving that morning as we ordered a lot, especially our favourite dim sum. 

 Char Siew Cheong Fun (炒烧蒸肠粉) - RM6.50

Steamed 'Liu Sha Bao' (流沙包) - RM5.90
Our girl's favourite and a must-order if she is having dim sum. This alone is enough to fill her tummy.

Steamed Char Siew Bao (叉烧包) - RM5.90

Pan Fried Shanghai Pork Minced Bun (上海生煎肉包) - RM6.50

Lou Mai Gai (珍珠糯米雞) - RM6.50
This is my personal favourite. I know it will be a little filling but I always like to go for Luo Mai Gai if I am having dimsum.

Mini Glutinous Rice with Lotus Leaf (珍珠荷叶饭) - RM3.68

Deep Fried Leek Dumpling - RM5.90

Steamed Chicken Feet with Bean Sauce (蒸凤爪) - RM5.90

Steamed Fish Ball with Amaranth (腐丝蒸鱼卖) - RM5.90

Steamed Shanghai Xiao Long Bun (上海小笼汤包) - RM12.90
Another must-order as we all love to slurp the soup within the small dumpling.

Steamed Herbal Siew Mai with Wolfberry (构子药材烧卖) - RM5.90

Seafood Soup Dumpling (鱼翅海鲜灌汤饺) - RM12.17
Heard from the waitress that this is one of the signature dish as well and so we ordered one to try. It is a big dumpling served in a bowl of soup.

Sink your spoon into the dumpling and there are lots of ingredients within. 

Our bill came up to RM126.05 (~SGD42). 点心皇 dim sum taste good, coupled with clean and neat dining environment plus reasonable pricing, making it one of our favourite dim sum restaurant apart from D'Shanghai.

In fact, we love it so much that we brought our friends here for dimsum on our second visit.


Century Egg Porridge (皮蛋雞絲粥) - RM3.90

Steamed Mushroom Siew Mai (北菇蒸烧卖) - RM6.50

Steamed Xiao Long Bun with Chicken Minced (雞肉汤包) - RM12.90

Steamed 'Dai Bun' (招牌大包) - RM6.90

Deep Fried Prawn Dumplings (鲜虾饺) - RM5.90


After our heavy breakfast, its only minutes walk away from AEON Kulaijaya. We will be back for more dimsum if we are back at Kulai. 

Dim Sum Signature (点心皇)
Address: 272, Jalan Kenanga 29/8, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor. Malaysia
GPS: 1.6410322,103.6166122