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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.