Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger [3M SFKC01-CN1 Shower Filter]

Gone were the days when I nonchalantly shop at the neighborhood supermarket. Offhandishly and randomly pick my groceries for the week without second thoughts. That is when I am still in my home country (NTUC I love you!). Now living in the Middle Kingdom, I get free pork soup with all the floating pigs in the river; and can't even cry fowl with the avian flu (I just love a bad pun!). Worse than before, the running tap stinks of Chlorine!

We battle with food scares on a daily basis. It is a miracle we are still standing, but then there is a saying; Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. True as the statement, we become more resilient by adapting. As the situation changes, we shift our eating habits in accordance. You guys get to eat the seasons' best, we eat the seasons' yet tainted!

Previously, there have been reports of canned foods being rigged with cancerous chemicals to prolong its shelf life. Everyone started preaching eating fresh produce and stayed away from canned stuff. Now we struggle with tainted poultry, and unfavorable rumors on fresh produce turn everyone green (bad pun alert!). Ironically, we scramble for imported canned stuff, eating the very thing we preached against just months ago.

Water - another point for contention. Because of the floating pig carcasses, the water source becomes tainted. And in efforts to clean up the already 'not so desirable' water, the authorities mixed huge amounts of chemicals into it. It was reported on the news and citizens are warned against consuming it untreated. We do not drink from the tap (wha-duh?!). It becomes almost a mandate to purchase bottled distill water for consumption. It's the showering and the washing that becomes an issue. I start getting dry, scratchy skin and wiry hair. I swear if the situation persists, we will slowly degenerate and start looking like the prehistoric man. Talk about reverse evolution!

I can't possibly be ordering more distill water for baths and laundry (hmm...or can I...), so the immediate instinct is to search for a shower water filter on 淘宝网. I have no idea if such a product exists - in true seeker fashion, my prayers are answered. it exists!


The 3M (SFKC01-CN1) shower filter attaches at the shower mixer, where the flexi hose and shower head ought to be. Installation is almost a breeze.

I was idiotic enough to attach the filter without pulling out the safety caps at both ends; resulting to me staring blankly at the dry shower head for minutes before reading the user manual proper. Also it is unobtrusive enough to pass my aesthetic point of view.

Ok here comes the techy part. The filter system is simple, it works on activated charcoal which removes odor, and visible minerals in the water. It softens the water which makes it less harsh on the skin and clothes. Upon installation, it significantly reduces the scratchy feeling after the usual shower. The water smells less 'bleachy', and I no longer feel like I've stepped out of the swimming pool. Also the water pressure is surprisingly powerful, parallel to the 125psi specs. The manual suggests the filter to be changed every 6 months. You will definitely notice the need for a change as it becomes clogged n heavy with residue overtime. The water pressure becomes too weak to offer a good showering experience. In my opinion, a good shower involves strong jets of water blasting the skin till it gets red and veins pulsating. Intense huh?!

I would love to post an accompanying picture of me or the kids showering with an ecstatic grin on the face. But due to strict censors, you just have to take my word for it. I don't want my blog to get shut down over a shower filter. So here's a nice picture of a cute kitty to curb your need for visual eye-candy.

Price wise, reasonable. Ranging from ¥230-300. You can get it from Yihaodian or 淘宝网. I perceive this product is made specific for China, as I am unable to find anything similar or close on 3M's official website (not even the all encompassing eBay or Amazon!)

I am unsure to the extend of how this product can protect us, but superficially, I feel safer with it. Well for all you know, with the amount of toxic exposure, we may start to develop mutant super powers like the X-men. Laugh you muggles; we will shoot lasers at you one day! Eh sorry, wrong movie. Lol!

Till the day I develop some super powers, I rate this product 3 stars. May the force be with you. Eh wrong movie again...

Gift for my Kor...

This Saturday marks the 100th day of my brother's departure. Though it still pains me to talk about it, I have to face reality and seek closure with his demise. I admired J. He was the first person I look up to, and emulated. We fought, we laughed, we got angry, but we always loved each other.

J was a connoisseur of life. Ate the best, dressed the best, had the best of everything. He had taste and an impeccable fashion sense; Which made buying gifts extremely difficult. I hated celebrations involving gifts, cos I could never buy anything right for him (don't forget J is also descendent of the 'I love stuff' gene pool). This is a regret I carry to date...

In accordance to Taoist traditions, we have burnt mock-ups of iPhone, iPad, luxury cars, properties as offerings to his soul (J was well loved by everyone. My cousins went crazy at the religious provision store, we almost bought everything!). Our initial thoughts were to provide him with the best, to afford him the same lifestyle he had while living. He was a photography enthusiast, so it was elementary to get him a SLR camera to continue capturing breath-taking images of the nether world. When the store keeper told us they no longer produce the paper SLR, we went into shock. He then rationalize with the introduction of iPhone, there won't be a need for an SLR because the phone comes with camera function. Talk to any photography enthusiast, a camera phone can never replace the SLR. We then imagine J spewing a string of  swear words without his 'toy', so we had to do something...

When W my sis in law broached the subject of making one for him, I was skeptical at first. She was ready to pay for the customized paper mâché at an exorbitant price (SGD$150!), I just had to stop her. Who better to make the camera but me. I didn't graduate top honors from design school for nothing. It's my chance to give my brother the best gift ever...

Nikon D800

If the camera had to be customized, it had to be done right. The camera in name is the Nikon D800; Top of the line in it's league. I jumped into research, sketching and calculating. I spent many hours thinking about materials and construction. And when I was at work, it felt like design school all over again. Perhaps it was fatigue, the process was hindered by frequent emotional outbursts and feelings of regret. As I clocked late nights making the camera, I had the radio tuned to my favorite frequency. Familiar songs brought memories of our childhood days to my mind. It was hard...but I managed.

How it looks originally

The Basic Shape

waiting for the right buttons

Viola! Final product

From a brown cardboard box, It turned into the camera that would finally please J. I filled it up with my anguish, fears and regret of losing him. It had tears, promises and lots of love. I am finally ready to move on.

J has left, but he gave me a wonderful sister W. He also rekindled the love for my parents and the bond of my aunts and cousins. I know now I will walk but not alone, because he will always be with me...cos he will always be my Kor.

淘宝网Great Buys - March 2013

Its gonna be a long lengthy opening, so here's a random picture of Spring around my compound.

Ahhh...you gotta love 淘宝网. I am proud to share the loot of my pillage from the website, but not without warning you about the amount of time you will spend on it. Too lazy to write this in my own words, so here's a definition from Wikipedia.

Founded by Alibaba Group in May 10, 2003, Taobao Marketplace facilitates consumer-to-consumer (C2C) retail by providing a platform for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs to open online retail stores that mainly cater to consumers in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.[2]

Because of its great accessibility, vendors of all sectors and size gather to sell you wares far beyond your imagination. I once heard a ridiculous story about a firearms syndicate being nabbed because they were stupid enough to post their wares on 淘宝网.

Mind you, when I was first introduced to 淘宝, I was whacked silly by dishonest vendors. After paying enough school fees, I am proud to say I have graduated with top honors. I can easily pick out genuine sellers and radar in on cheap and quality products. Don't ask me how it is done. It is a steep learning curve, and if you are serious about it...first, get yourself to China!

Here's a tip I can dispense that might help. Instead of the normal search description, narrow down your search with keywords such as 外贸 (export)，原单 (original)，正品 (genuine). If you are a worrying wort, and so afraid of getting conned; buy from 天猫 (Tmall). Ok gonna borrow form wiki again.

...spun off from Taobao, operated in the People's Republic of China by Alibaba Group. It is a platform for local Chinese and international businesses to sell quality, brand name goods to consumers in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Difference is 天猫 has a gathering of legit and established brands. Thus the buys are usually more reliable than vendors from 淘宝.

Measures 32 x 32 cm. Huge rite?

Since I am such a savvy buyer of  淘宝, I have decided to share worthy buys on a monthly basis (hopefully...). Here are 2 of my proud acquire for March.
This chip and dip ceramic ware is a treasure in a mountain of junk. I didn't expect to find this in a shop that sells mainly sundries, but it just stood out amongst it's other wares (stockings, recycle bags and other stuff...). The picture on the site didn't do it justice but the seller was meticulous about the specs. Thus after much reading (I'm doing my Chinese 老师 proud!), I realise the plate is a sample commissioned by a US retail giant. At an irresistible price of CNY$24 (Under SGD$5!!!), I just have to buy it.

Product sticker still intact. Thank you Phyllis!

Cream and champagne. Comes in white and silver too.

The other winning buy is a simple 2.5l stainless steel thermos air port. Thought its produced for the Japanese market, it is neither a tiger nor an elephant. Therefore I didn't have to pay a lot for it. In fact it was obtained over a flash sale (秒杀) at a reasonable CNY$158 (under SGD$32). It looks simple and clean, exactly what I want for the kitchen.

Not all internet deals are made in heaven. So be extra wary when reading the descriptions (especially between the lines). Do your homework and ask a lot of questions before you make any purchase. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also depending on the seller's attitude when answering queries, a cannot be bothered answer is usually a cannot be bothered product. Bottom line is always check out their return policy. 4 in 10 buys over the internet usually required return attention. Whatever it is, enjoy yourself and don't get conned...too much!

HDMI iPad/ iPhone TV Connector

You have to give it to the Chinese. Whenever the tech giants develop a new gizmo, they will dissect it for further improvements in a heartbeat. Best of all, they will come up with an array of accompanying accessories at such OTT level that even the accessories have accessories!

This is such an unsexy product to shoot...well I tried

This week's review is a gadget that is in the market for some time. Take this as a refresher, OR a revelation if you have yet discover its convenience. The HDMI iPad/ iPhone connector allows you to watch whatever is playing on your Apple device on TV. Because it runs on HDMI, you get parallel clear crispy projection. The unit under review is an 'ahem'...'inspired' version. Although Apple came up with an original, it always comes with a huge price tag and 101 restrictions. It almost seems they are pushing consumers to buy from the 'Dark Side' (They have probably made enough from robbing us blind!)

I'm in an absolute good mood doing this review, so shall enlighten the IT clueless out there with a comparison chart that may insult your IQ.

The TV conversion cable I own is paired for the 30 pin iPad 1 (stop sniggering!)

Since Apple decides to support the filthy rich with TV convenience, what are we to do with our obsolete has beens; Nothing, but to turn to supporting the 'pirates'.

To connect, locate the HDMI slots on ur TV (note if u are plugging into HDMI 1 or 2).

• Next connect the HDMI cable (eh...this u gotta buy separately. You can find this at most electronics mart under the cables section) to the converter.
• Plug converter to iPad/ iPhone/ iPod
• Plug mini USB power plug (this gives u charging power, so your devices don't get drained off its batteries and shut down in the midst of your movie.)
• Activate the application on your device (iPad in my case)
• Turn on the TV; via source button on the controller, switch to HDMI mode (remember I ask to take note if it is HDMI 1 or 2? So it applies here)
• Sit back and enjoy it on big screen

I do have to caveat the resolution on TV via the converter. It only mirror the resolution of your Apple device. When plugged to your iPad, which displays at 1024-by-768 pix resolution, the same resolution mirrors on the TV. Do not expect a boost up even on a HD smart TV.

Also note if you are already the扣肉that blew SGD$68 on the original connector...go cry yourself a river. Because the original video out supports up to a max of 720pix only! Here's proof.

Sure the 'inspired' version has its fair share of misses. You can't expect to pay peanuts and still get a purring Porsche right? Simple math...both are imperfect, of course I go for the cheaper one!

With this gadget, I get to watch the latest episodes of 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'The Good Wife' (No, Alicia! Don't sleep with Will again!) - on BIG screen. I also have the Chinese to thank; For their relentless perseverance in flourishing ‘hijack’ R&D. Don’t be mistaken, this doesn’t change the fact that I will continue to turn my face in disgust when they spit. Or ‘tsk’ with an eye roll when they push me in the crowd. As a truce, I will quietly clap when a newly improved gizmo goes into market. I will even click my support on the ‘BUY’ button if the price is right.

好样的同志！加油！给你四克星！

Black & Decker Orb Cordless Hand Vaccum

Had a ball (pun intended!) doing this shoot. So cute with the toys:)

All my effort staring at the iPad during unGodly hours paid off! I lunged at the purchase button so fast you probably got to see the Doppler effect if you were present. I am the lucky few to get this cute vac during the Amazon (CN) flash sale. A mere CNY$294 (approx less than SGD$60) sent me howling at the moon; My canine crazed buddy is probably nodding in agreement...lol!

As usual let me share some geeky specs for easy reference.

Product Features

• Ultra compact shape
• Single button - nozzle and handle trigger
• 360 degree charging base (I'll explain)
• Easy-to-empty dirt bowl

Product Inclusion

• Orb vacuum
• Charging base
• Extendable brush head
• User manual (Its such a no-brainer you won't be needing it)

I've owned enough handheld vacs in my lifetime to know the hassle of rummaging through the storeroom just to find the cordless vac drained of all it's power...in an emergency! This baby eliminates all these problems, simply because it is pretty enough to claim a place in my living room. It's compact body takes up little space, plus it is such an eye candy it didn't look out of place with my son's lineup of toys.

The vac sits stable on the 360 degree charging base, meaning you can 'anyhow' plonk the vac back to it's base with no worries of missing the charging contact.

When duty calls, simply lift the handle (which extends the nozzle at the same time), depress the power button and you are good to go. In my opinion, it is adequately powerful and efficient for quick clean ups. My only complain would be the limitations on the angle of pickup. Because of it's portly shape and curved nozzle, it restricts vacuuming under low furniture.

Back to power; I did a stopwatch test on just how long before the batteries go kaput. It took 14 minutes to totally squeeze every ounce of battery life till it wheezed itself out of breath (not to mention the thumb cramp it gave me!).

Clean up is just as hassle free. Simply pop the side cover to empty the dirt bowl. You may occasionally need to use the extendable brush head and give the filter cup a thorough brushing.

All in all it is a pretty and handy gadget. It gets a 'no regret' rating. Two thumbs up!




Price and availability

• Amazon (US) USD$25 (excludes international shipping charges)
• HomeFix DIY stores (SG) SGD$110
• 淘宝 and Amazon (CN) CNY$550 - $590

JBL Onbeat Awake

Hear The Truth

The JBL Onbeat Awake will beat you up till you awake!

This is a piece of crap! The fact that crap has more value, insults crap to be put in parallel to this product. Ok, I shouldn't let my emotions from overpaying for this fog my opinion. Let's see...this is still a piece of crap!

Getting fleeced aside, the promoter that sold me the speaker oversold its features. The sound quality is undeniable, and the fact that it is a JBL brainchild shouldn't go too wrong. WRONG!

The initial experience was great. And the fact that the user manual is exceptionally simplified got me a little suspicious. I smugly believed it is another of those plug and play innovation. I quickly paired the devices via bluetooth. Randomly played music (albums already stored in my iPhone) through the JBL Amp Up app (U will need to download the app...trust me...). Viola! I hear quality music. Next I decided to dock the device and have it stream my favourite internet radio while charging the batts. The nightmare begins! After 10 minutes of uninterrupted play, the speaker SNOOZED. I had to restart the speaker umpteen times to conclude it is a fault in the product firmware. After ranting out a string of choice words (PG), I tried streaming and playing stored music via bluetooth. Same results!

So for the entire day I had to confine my daily activities around the speaker just to manually turn it on every 10 minutes. I didn't want to give up on the SGD$250 (sucker!) investment, so I sieved through the manual for divine answers. I drew blank. The official webite was no help either. The only useful advise came from user product review on ebay (US); Update the JBL amp-up firmware to fix the auto shut down bug (note: Amazingly you can no longer find this product on ebay. They probably took it down after the slam fest from real users!).

Sure enough, updating the firmware worked for both bluetooth and docked playing. However, it doesn't fix the shutdown problem when your device streams music from the internet. The only way around the problem is by connecting to the AUX port in speaker via a 3.5mm audio cable. While doing so, u can't charge any device on the speaker.

Nothing I say can further damage the credibility of this product. Go Google it, you will see for yourself. I lament not doing my homework before making the hot-headed purchase. Some frustrated online user deduced the product was rushed to harness the Christmas crowd, thus the shoddy firmware development.

I have to live with the unsightly wires (mess makes the veins on my temples pop and pulsate...you get the picture). Every pore in my body reject this arrangement. I will NOT recommend the product. If u are unfortunate enough to be stranded with one, like me; Let's pray for divine intervention or for a new firmware update that will fix the problem soon!

P.S: No geeky product specs nor price recommendations cos it not worth my effort!

Neoflam Midas Cookware 9 Pcs Set

Had my eye on this since last year and have tried getting the useless other half to bring it back from his 1 day business trip to Seoul (product is of Korean origin). Of course I was brutally rejected by his "Are you mad?" stare. What good is a husband if he can't run some errands for the family...anyway I digress.

Luckily, I am the proud product of the 'I love stuff' gene pool. My dearest mummy whipped the cookware set from her storage and gave it to me; Claiming she has too many sets and can afford to give it up for more storage (awww, love u Mummy!).

Before I slap u with the wordy review, here are some nerdy specs of the cookware u might be interested.

Product Features

• Aluminum cast (is that even a feature?)
• Space saving (stackable without hindrance)
• Detachable handle (eh...see space saving)
• Nonstick ceramic coating (they have a fancy name for it - Ecolon)
• Freezer, oven, cooktop to table top 
• Induction ready (this I gotta see)

Product Inclusion
4 piece cookware

• 16cm saucepan x 11cm
• 20cm casserole x 9.2cm
• 24cm low casserole x 7cm
• 28cm frying pan x 5.5cm

2 glass lids (fits 24 & 28cm cookware)
2 plastic covers (fits 20 & 24cm cookware)
1 detachable handle

The first thing that struck me are the colours. No boring black or silver stuff for me. The set stack like acrobats in a Cirque de Soile routine. Neat, efficient and exciting! It sits prettily, I just can't bear to confine them in the cupboard. If it ain't pretty; It ain't sitting in my kitchen!

Weight
The pots are reasonably light - being aluminum cast. Rest assure for the more adventurous, you can toss cook without inflicting any hand injury. You can keep your 膏藥布, no more muscle aches.

Nonstick
Now this is one important criteria that determines if the cookware sits in the league with the creme de la creme of nonstickydom. Since all pots claim to be Ecolon (ceramic coating, see above), what better way to test the claim with fried eggs (It is never easy getting them perfect). With a little oil in the 28cm frying pan (I never believe in oi-less cooking. You need oil to bring out the taste and fragrance of whatever you are cooking. If u insist, you might as well boil everything! ok ok I digress), the sunny side egg slipped around like a figure skater on steroids. The scrambled version fared a little less. While I tried scrambling the egg, the bottom stuck to the pan. The scrambling gets better as the egg solidifies. With a bit of light scraping, the egg came off and the pan unscathed.

Baking
This baby just gets better into the review. With fat from frying my asparagus wrapped in bacon (mmm yummy...), I tossed a couple of potato wedges into the pan, rolled them around before I effortlessly transfer the pan into the oven. The results left me speechless. It just went from the stove to the oven and my dining table. I repeat; EFFORTLESS!

Induction ready
I'm ready to cry...it cooks on induction! Boiled water never look so exciting to me. So here's a redundant picture to express my excitement.

Care
Wash it like any ceramic ware - soap and a soft sponge. Never, and I mean NEVER run anything rough on the surface (duh!). The pots work well with plastic, silicon or wooden spatulas.

Price and availability

• ebay (US) approx $150USD
• Isetan (Singapore) approx $139SGD
• Taobao (China) approx $850CNY

Overview
The set prepares daily meals for my family of 3 adults and 2 child sufficiently. Out of the 4 pans, I frequently rely on the 16cm sauce pan and 24cm casserole. The 24 serves well as a stir-fry 'wok', while the sauce pan makes the right amount of quick soup or stew for us.

It is a great product and I recommend it to small families/ individual that requires simple cooking. I am happy with mine. Hope you find joy in this product too:)