Something New For just-me-bie..

Hi all...

So as you guys know, I currently have two blogs. One is this one which is an everything log and another one which is my beauty blog phoebe-loves-makeup.blogspot.com

I find it a bit hard to maintain two blogs at once and I kinda feel that my beauty blog is not getting much love from me because when I'm busy updating this blog I tend to neglect it. So to make things simple I have decided to merge the two.

This means that aside from making it easier for me by focusing on only one blog, it also broadens the scope of my topics and readers for just-me-bie. This merge will commence starting January 2011... I hope you guys will enjoy this change.

Cheers my dears and once again I wish you a very Happy New Year!

2010 In A Nutshell..

Hi y'all.. There's only about less than 24 hours until we bid farewell to 2010 and meet 2011. Part of me feel sad and part of me is so excited because I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for me. So here's to the year 2010:

January

My bestie Donna's wedding...

Had great weekends with my partners in crime.. Lol.. 

Karaoke time.. 

February

Went to Genting Highlands... 

Best Valentine's Day ever... 

Challenged myself to go on one of the most scary ride there. Freakin' AWESOME!

April

 Went through BTN

And met great friends along the way...

May

Had to leave my desk and all the workload.. 

...also my friends and colleagues...

...because I was transfered back to my homeland...

June

Went to Mamutik Island with my friend Erra. 

Went to and fro Labuan on a ferry for the 1st time 

Had my 1st birthday party ever...

August

Went to Poring on a day trip...

September

Great weekend trip to Ranau/Kundasang with new friends..

December

My aunt, Julita Jane Stanis passed away from cancer... 

 May her soul rest in peace..

She will always be in our hearts... We miss you Ina...

Gee... As I was going through my photos, I realized that I had a pretty good year.. Challenging, yes, but an utter bore? Not even close. 2010 is the year of discovery and with a helluva lot of 1st time experiences.. Thanks for the memories 2010 and farewell... Muah!

Phy Resolutes To...

I dislike making New Years Resolutions. I don't have anything against it or those who make them religiously every year, I'm just personally not very good at keeping them. Yup, a bit sour grapes there.

It seems that whenever I make any resolutions, whether it is to reduce eating junk food, shrink down a size, do my laundry everyday, stop buying makeup or whatever it is, I have never been able to keep them. It could be because of lack of discipline, will power or both. Or maybe I was born that way.

Speaking of not buying makeup, I totally failed my Project 10 Pan. At first, I hadn't wanted to tell you guys because I am soooo embarrassed. I mean, I mentioned it everywhere, from Facebook to Youtube just so that I would feel accountable to get it done.

This failure is a perfect example of me failing to keep resolutions, whether for the New Year or otherwise.
From where this post is going, maybe you'd expect me to say that I'm soooo not making any New Years Resolutions for 2011. I thought I wouldn't either but I decided otherwise.

Why? Simply because I realized that although I fail almost every time (if not all the time) I make resolutions, I also learn something in the process. Let's take the example of my failed Project 10 Pan.One of the factors why it didn't work was because I had chosen products that I had liked but lost interest and/or had for a long time but had lost touch.

There was not one product in that list that is current or something that I have been loving recently, etc. so I kinda began to feel resentful and my makeup routine became not as enjoyable or therapeutic as it used to be anymore. It was up to the point where I didn't even bother to wear makeup for a few days.

So...

My resolutions for the year of 2011 are:

Resume Project 10 Pan.

Eat 1 piece of fruit daily.

Drink at least 2 Liters of water daily. 

Do a blog post at least once a week on both this blog and my beauty blog phoebe-loves-makeup.blogspot.com.

Post a video on my Youtube channel nurjannahbie2 at least once a week.

Walk at least 6000 steps a day.

Read 1 novel a month. 

Make a piggy bank to save up for my next vacation.

Document and record my finances properly.

So far, that's what I can think of. So tell me, what are YOUR New Year resolutions? Do you believe in waiting for a New Year to come in order to change for the better or otherwise?

Anyway, I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year 2011! Cheers!!!!!!

Belated Wordless Wednesday Post: Cote d' Azur, SO In My Next Vacay Plans

Phy Follows Mr Bean’s Foot Steps

Not to the nuthouse. Nope. I am following Mr Bean’s way of drinking coffee only in my case, I do it with 3-in-1 Milo and minus the hot water. Oh, and I don’t look as demented as he does while doing it.

Who doesn't know this guy?

Anyone who’s watched Mr Bean movies would know what I’m talking about. For those who don’t, well, basically it’s like using your mouth as a cup and putting anything you need to make a beverage in it then pouring in hot water (only to be done by Mr Bean. Kids, don’t try THAT at home).


I still remember how I started doing this. It was back in 2003 when I was sitting for my SPM and just as I was about to leave my room to the exam hall I remembered that I hadn’t taken my breakfast. 


Not wanting to be stuck in the exam hall with a rumbling stomac  half-way during the exam, I looked around my room but there was nothing that could be eaten on the spot like biscuits, etc. Even Maggi’s 3 minute claim was too long to wait. Suddenly I spotted a green colored packet.

 Iconic dark green packaging..

Desperate, I gingerly tore it open and poured a bit of the content into my mouth.   Hm... I thought. Not bad.. Not bad at all. I finished the whole packet and did the same to a 2nd packet  for good measure.


Needles to say those 2 packet of 3-in-1 Milo helped me throughout the examination and although I don’t remember what subject it was (I believe it was Physics) I did pretty well. Lol...


Now I just down a sachet of Milo 3-in-1 for fun. Or when I’m desperately hungry yet still too lazy to switch on the electric kettle. Or when there’s no water and I want to drink Milo anyway like today.   Funny thing with today is, it was only after I did a Mr Bean with my Milo then the water supply became available... Oh well..

So tell me, have you ever done a Mr Bean before?

Phy Knows A Secret, But Don't Know What It Is....

At my age, most if not all of my friends are already working. Some work in the Government, some are teachers, others are nurses and bankers. We are shaping ourselves, taking our places in society.

As for myself, after working for almost 2 years now, but I still feel lost. I still feel as if I don't belong, that I am stuck doing something that I am not meant to do.

So what am I meant to do? I don't know. Something challenging, interacting with multiple individuals at short periods of time (few days max), sharing knowledge that interests me, problem solving, involves traveling and writing. So what does that make me?

Travel host?
Writer?
Consultant?

Whatever it is, I can feel something in me is changing. I feel as if I am awaking. I don't know how to explain it, but I am starting to sincerely feel like I am in charge of my own destiny (although the ultimate decider is of course Allah SWT).

It started yesterday, when I watched all the interesting jobs that relate to consumerism. It made me realize that there was so much out there in the world that I didn't know about and there are so much potential. I could be just about anything I wanted to be, I just need to know how.

This feeling stayed with me until now and I actually feel very excited, though I don't know why.. It's as I was told a big secret that I could use but I don't know what.. Isn't that just weird?

Phy Rivals Fran Fine

In the nasal voice category that is... Lol... For those of you who do not know who Fran Fine is, she is the much loved nany from the 90's TV Series, The Nanny. Click here to see part of the series. Oh, and do take note of Miles, the Butler. He is hilarious!

Gosh, I sound really awful right now because I am down with a cold, sore throat and slight cough. Oh my head, please stop throbbing... Can't wait till lunch to have a break and after lunch I will be counting the minutes to 5pm. Huhu...

I might film a video today and put it up by tonight so stay tuned for that. Support by subscribing.. Thanks...

 The ever stylish Fran Fine

Phy Embarks On A Personal Project (Project 10 Pan)

I have decided to embark on a personal project called Project 10 Pan. For more information, visit my beauty blog at phoebe-loves-makeup.blogspot.com .

Also, for those who do not know, I am on Youtube now! Check out my videos here .

Support by following me on my beauty blog and subscribing to my Youtube channel. Thanks, love you guys. :)

Phy Drinks Cake...

So two days ago I went to Jalan Gaya with my sister and after having lunch at Baba & Nyonya I went to Old Town right next to it and wanted to order my Gula Melaka Cendol Soya Freeze or affectionately known as Kuih Linggang in a Cup by me.


Unfortunately they ran out of Gula Melaka so I had to be content with just the Cendol Soya Freeze and it is delicious! Okay, it's not as good as the GMCSF (am using abrevation because the name is too long) but it's great for those who don't like anything too sweet. This taste just like drinking a cream cake. Heart!


I think what really makes the Soya Freeze a hit is the creamy soya taste. It's just out of this world. By the way, this is slightly cheaper than the GMCSF and is priced at RN7.50. I know, I know, it's very pricey. I can buy two Yoyo Mini Pearl Milky Tea with that price. All the more reason not to drink it every day..

I remembered to take a picture of it this time so this is what it looks like...

My Cake in a Cup...Yum...

Fook Yuen Cafe & Bakery/ Baba & Nyonya..

I love, love, LOVE dim sum but I find it so hard to find a place that sells dim sum that are halal AND taste authentically Chinese. My sister and I were on our way to another restaurant at Jalan Gaya when we came across this:

 Halal Chinese Restaurant

 The name of the bakery...

We decided to have our lunch here because we saw the dim sum counter and so this is what I had...

L-R: Shrimp dim sum, chicken with century egg dim sum

The dim sums were yum-o overload! Very filling too because of the generous size of the individual dim sums. You order your drink at the counter and you will be given a number. When your number flashes on the screen that's your cue to get your drink...

It's affordable because 4 sets of dim sum and a Teh Tarik costs below RM15. I love the authentic taste of Chinese dishes. A lot of Chinese people go there too so you know the taste isn't compromised just because they sell halal fare. 

Economy mee also available. I love the table and chairs...

The bakery... Most popular request? Roti Kahwin!

Do I recommend this place? Definitely! It's just next to Old Town at Jalan Gaya. If you know any great eating places in KK whether it is good value for money, delicious or unique do tell me about it and I will find the time to check it out. Cheers!

Phy Drinks Kuih Linggang...

I have been going out a lot with my elder sister lately as she has been in KK for the past week. Both of us love dining at Old Town for lunch. We have tried almost all if not all of the Old Town outlets in KK and by far our favorite outlet is been the one at Jalan Gaya.

Not only did everything that we ordered was available, the service was also very fast and the staff were competent. It was also at that outlet that I discovered my new Favorite drink.

I've never been a fan of ice blended drinks simply because I always get brain freeze and I do not have the patience to wait for the ice to melt before drinking it. Not only that, even if I somehow have the patience to wait, the taste would have been greatly compromised by the melted ice.

Having listed all of the above on why I disliked ice blended drinks, it really came as surprise to me that I have fallen in love with one. I don't remember the exact name but I know that it's a Soya Freeze Cendol with Gula Melaka. I heart this drink. I seriously feel like I am drinking a local cake/dessert called Kuih Linggang in Malay.

The name may vary according to state or district but I think most would know this cake. It's a green colored roll with coconut shavings and melted brown sugar filling. It's delicious!

This drink is very sweet though so as much as I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it I will be making a great efforts to refrain myself from drinking it everyday. It's also quite pricey which is around RM7.90. This Gula Melaka Soya Freeze also comes with Cincau instead of Cendol but I definitely prefer the Cendol over the Cincau.

Do give it a try and sorry for not having any pictures to show you guys. Next time I will try my hardest to be more diligent in taking pictures. Hehe.. Cheers!

I Am Grateful...

The past few days has been pretty rough aside from being physically and emotionally exhausting. Taking care, or at least, helping to take care of my terminally ill aunt was no walk in the park but care and concern made it easier and and gave all of us the strength to face the challenges together.

Personally, the experience has changed me and the way I look at things. Most importantly, it has made me feel grateful.

I am grateful that although I do not have the body of Heidi Klum, I am not thin because of terminal illness.

I am grateful that although I have thunder thighs, I still have a pair of legs that enable me to get from where I am to where I want to be.

I am grateful that while I don't have the fittest arms, I am still able to move them according to my wants and needs.

I am grateful that with the exception of a few foods that I am allergic to when taken in excess, I am still able to eat pretty much whatever I want, whenever I want AND enjoy it.

I am grateful to be alive.

I am grateful to be able to breathe without difficulty.

I am grateful to be able to get up on my own.

I am grateful that I am able to scratch wherever needs scratching. (I know it sounds weird, but believe me, it IS something everyone should be grateful for).

I am grateful that I am able to for a few hours, even if at times it might not be enough.

I am grateful that while I don't have the voice of a nightingale I can still sing, laugh and talk without difficulty.

I am grateful that I am still at an age where I am able to travel and go to distant places.


So tell me, what are you grateful for?

Sad News...

I received very sad news today. My aunt who is diagnosed with stage four breast cancer is in the last stages of her life. All family members have been requested to come and visit her as the doctor estimates that she only has 48 hours left at most.

I am feeling very sad and anxious right now. She has been sick for years but now that it's coming near to the end I feel that I am still unprepared to face the end somehow. She has been good to all of us and treated us like her own children all these years.

Although I wish that she doesn't have to go at such a young age, I am glad at the same time because it means that she would finally be able to rest and be free from all her suffering and pain.

I hope all of you my dear readers, will pray for her. Thank you.

Wordless Wednesday: The Way We Were (An Almost Too Late Post)

Phy is old-fashioned..

Girls, how do you feel when a man ogles at you, wolf-whistles at you or walk up to you with cheesy and idiotic lines to ‘get to know you’? I know every girl is different and have different levels of tolerance. Some might even love it just for the attention.

For me, wolf whistles or whatever ludicrous noises a man can make with his mouth makes me wanna slap the perp.  Undressing me with their eyes makes me want to punch their teeth in and the infamous ‘Hi, boleh berkenalan?’ makes me want to run for cover . Or barf on their shoes.

Unsophisticated? Maybe. Bizzare? Probably.

I do love dolling up (granted, I have my lazy days) and I do like my efforts to be appreciated as the next girl. I do like attention (like, who doesn’t) as long as it’s the right kind. Here are what I personally find acceptable and unacceptable:

Making eye contact while talking to me is acceptable.

Talking to my boobs are not.

Asking to be introduced by a mutual friend, or if there is none, being a gentleman by striking a proper, non-sleazy conversation to get to know me is acceptable.

Coming up to me with an obnoxious  smirk and using any cheesy line is unacceptable (especially if a group of your friends are sniggering in the background, wondering which among them are going to win a bet over whether I will respond to you or not).

Saying ‘You look nice today’ or ‘That hairstyle/dress/lipstick suits you’ is acceptable.

Saying ‘Hey sexy, give this looooove machine a smack with your lips. C’mon, you know you want to’ while making smooching noises is not .

Looking at me with polite appreciation is acceptable.

Undressing me with your eyes is not.

Trying to get my attention by any gentlemanly means is acceptable.

Trying to get my attention by making all sorts of disgusting smacking noises with your mouth is not.

Call me old –fashioned, but that’s how I roll.. Cheers!

Discount On Traffic-Related Fines

DO READ THIS WHOLE POST BEFORE RUSHING OUT TO THE NEAREST TRAFFIC COUNTER AND HARASSING THE PERSONNEL THERE.


Yes, you read the title of this post right. There will be a discount for traffic-related fines starting on the 1st of December 2010.

1. For fines incurred BEFORE 01/12/2010, there will be a discount of 50%.

2. For fines that occur ON 01/12/2010 and beyond, the tariff will be as follows:

• For payment made within 15 days, a discount of 50% will be given.

• For payment made between the 16th day to the 30th day, a discount of 30% will be given.

• If payment is NOT MADE WITHIN 30 days, the FULL AMOUNT will be charged and YOU WILL BE BLACKLISTED.

PLEASE READ AND ABIDE THE FOLLOWING:

• The discounted rates are generated AUTOMATICALLY by the system so please DO NOT HAGGLE, BRIBE OR THREATEN Traffic COPS personnel's to give a lower rate.

• Traffic COPS personnel's DO NOT have the ability to ELIMINATE or REMOVE your traffic misdeeds from the system so DO NOT expect them to do so. Being BFFs with us from the womb or our far-flung relative (mother's twice removed cousin's niece, etc.) doesn't change anything either.

• The system is not perfect so DO expect a glitch or two. DO NOT INFLICT YOUR DISPLEASURE ON US by yelling, slamming you fist on the counter, spraying us with a geyser of saliva or any other methods because not only is it useless, it is NOT the Traffic COPS personnel's fault.

• DO be courteous and patient when waiting in line for your turn. You are not the only person in Malaysia who wants to pay for traffic fines.

• DO NOT complain to us Traffic COPS personnel's about any hostile feelings that you might have towards the Traffic polices, the system or the Government. We are Cashiers, not Customer Service.

• DO NOT BEG, CRY or TELL US A SOB STORY about how you can't pay your fines. We are not Agony Aunts and neither are we shrinks.

• DO come to your nearest Traffic COPS counter if you have the intention to PAY or ENQUIRE.

• DO NOT come to the Traffic COPS counter if your only intention is to BEG, HAGGLE or THREATEN Traffic COPS personnel's for a waiver or further discount than the rate given.  

• DO respect the lunch hours by NOT COMING to the Traffic COPS counter between 1PM-2PM. We are not robots. We are humans so we need food and rest to serve you better.

For any enquiries, leave a comment and I will try to answer as soon as possible.

How Trippin' To Be Cool Can Backfire...

Two days ago I had 2 missed calls from an unknown number. Usually I would just let it be but since I've had a few very important transactions done recently, I figured that it might be important and decided to call back.

A man answered and asked me about a big project in God-Knows-Where. He was talking in a West Malaysian slang. I told him that he got the wrong number but he insisted that Mr L gave him my number. After a few rounds of going back and fort like that he reluctantly apologized. I thought that was the end of it.

However, he sent me a text message yesterday saying that Dato N has given him a check of RM60K and that I was to inform Mr L to come to his office since Mr L wanted to borrow a sum of RM20K from him.. Not impressed, I just replied you got the wrong number dude.

He apologized and said he thought I was Datin (Yeah right, the way he said it sooo doesn't reflect the way someone would adress a Datin). Anyway, I just said "No problem man..." and I thought THAT was the end of it.

That evening at almost 8pm the guy text messaged me again and asked "How did you know my name is Man?" Adooooooiiii....I didn't know whether to be irritated or laugh.

Bingung...

Note to self: Ask if the unknown person's name is Man or Dude before using cool and laid-back phrases involving those two words on him.

Wordless Wednesday: Seiously Google? Like, Seriously?

;P

Girl Confessions

 I saw this tag from Beauty Broadcast and I thought that it would be a fun thing to do. I tag EVERYONE who reads this to do it. :)

1. What color is you hair?: Black

2. Drama?: I'm experiencing it right now. Wish it would just blow over already.. 

3. Are you a girly girl?: Yes, but I do get lazy from time to time..

4. Who was the last person you hugged?: My sister, Hana.

5. Small or large purses?: Large purses. More room to put nonsensical and useless things in.. LOL..
 

6. Are you short?: No, I'm average by South-East Asian standards..
 

7. Do you like somebody: Of course...
 

8. What would you do if someone smacked your butt?: It really depends on  the smacker. 
 

9. Do you care if your socks are dirty?: Yes, I do...
 

10. Do you dress up on Halloween?: No because we don't celebrate it in my country.
 

11. Are you double jointed?: Nope..
 

12. Where is the weirdest place you have slept?: None really...

13. Has anyone touched/smacked your butt in the past 24 hours?: No...

15. Do you call anybody by their last name?: No, from where I come from that would be considered disrespectful.

16. How many guys will read this just because it says “Girl Confessions”?: Maybe one?

 

“X” Marks the Spot:

[X] I do wear make up
[X] I have cried at a movie theater.
[   ] I can put mascara on without opening my mouth.
[X] I get jealous.
[X] I think Johnny Depp is sexy.
[X] I love to laugh.
[   ] I like death metal.
[X] I like rap.
[X] I like country
[X] I carry a purse.
[X] I’d be lost without my computer.
[   ] I own a Spice Girls CD.
[   ] I own a Britney Spears CD.
[   ] I own a boy band CD.
[X] I get bored watching football.
[   ] I’ve never been called a spoiled brat.
[X] Guys are confusing.
[   ] I’ve been called a bad influence.
[   ] I have/had a piercing other than my ears.

 

17. What color is your bra that your wearing?: Tuuutttt...
 

18. Do you prefer light or dark haired guys?: Either one would be fine as long as it's their natural color. Bleached blond hair tend to look unflattering on Asian guys.
 

19. Are you currently frustrated with a boy?: Yup..
 

20. Do you have a best friend(s)?: Yes.

21. Have you ever had your heart broken?: Yes, I have..

22. What size shoe do you wear?: Mainly 6 but with some brands I wear one size up or down..

23. Do you like your life?: At this time, I'm not very happy with it.
 

24. Has one of your friends ever stolen a boyfriend from you?: The sister of an acquaintance had...
 

25. Have you ever jumped in the pool with your clothes on?: If you mean clothes that are not meant for swimming then nope...

26. Do you have more friends that are girls or boys?: As of now, boys because I work in a male dominated field...

27. Do you wear extensions?: Nope...
 

28. Have you ever slapped a boy in the face? : No..

29. What are your biggest fears?: Losing any natural ability I have... E.g. the ability to see, speak, walk, etc.

30. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep?: Yes..

31. Have you ever not been able to get someone off of your mind?: Yes.. 

32. Do you believe in the saying “once a cheater, always a cheater”?: Hard 

to say.. It wouldn't be fair to say yes but at the same time I've yet to see otherwise.

33. Have you ever had a good feeling about something?: Yes...
 

34. Do you ever wish you were famous?: When I was younger, yes.

35. Are you currently missing someone? Yes...

***This guy or that guy?***

Punk/Goth or Gangster?: Neither

Preppy or Cowboy?: Either one is fine..

Face or Body?: Both... Mostly on the face because then you can see what type of person they are. E.g. Broody, Cheerful, etc.

Sweet or Sexy?: Sweet.

Armani or Abercrombie?: Either.

City-slicker or Rural Guy?: Both are fine.

Blue, Green, Grey, or Brown eyes?: I doesn't matter but I like light brown eyes...

Contacts or Glasses?: I don't care.

***Your pick...***

36. Eyeliner or Mascara?: I'd pick mascara.
 

37. Louis Vuitton or Dooney & Bourke?: The former I guess..
 

38. Heels or flats?: Flats..
 

39. Skirts or pants?: Pants..
 

40. Socks or leggings?: Leggings...
 

41. Sweatshirts or jackets?: Definitely jackets..
 

42. Flip Flops or sneakers?: I prefer flip flops...
 

43. Straight or curly hair?: Both.. Leaning towards curly.
 

44. Hoop or dangling earrings?: Both but more towards hoops
 

45. White or black?: Black
 

46. Victoria’s Secret or Bath and Body Works?: I'm not familiar with either of them.
 

47. Smoothies or lattes?: Smoothies..
 

48. Diet or regular sodas?: Regular sodas..
 

49. Orange juice or Apple juice?: Orange juice.
 

50. Pearls or diamonds?: Diamonds of course... ;)
 

51. Vintage or boho?: Boho..
 

52. Mary-Kate or Ashley Olsen?: Whichever that's not anorexic or in and out of 

rehab.
 

53. Lindsay or Hilary?: Duh... Hilary of course

54. Ipod or cell phone?: If iPod has open application, then I'd go with iPod. If not then I'd prefer a regular cell phone.
 

55. Friends or family?: Family, which includes friends that have become like family to me.
 

56. Lip gloss or lip stick?: Lip gloss. Highly pigmented and opaque ones can replace lipstick to a certain degree.

57. Manicure or pedicure?: Both...
 

58. Tiffany’s or Chanel?: Chanel, even though I've never tried either.
 

59. Love or peace?: Love... With love comes peace...
 

60. Sunglasses or purses?: Purses.

***In a guy…***
 

Funny or Serious?: Funny yet can be serious when situations calls for it..

Romantic or Daredevil?: Romantic of course..

Cute or Hot?: Cute..

Dark Eyes or Light Eyes?: I like light brown eyes so light colored then..

Long Hair or Short Hair?: Short. 

Curly Hair or Straight Hair?: Both are fine. Curly hair can be adorable. Hehe..

Good Dancer or Good Singer?: Good singer but neither are a deal breaker for me.

Basketball Player or Football Player?: Basketball.
 

Jock or Rebel?: Jocks... Rebels are a headache.

Smoker or Non-smoker?: Non-smoker... Do they even exist anymore?

Druggie or Clean?: C'mon... Clean of course..

Has a Motorcycle or Has a Sports Car?: Both are fine. Better to have a 

motorcycle than no vehicle at all.
 

Beard/Mustache or Clean-shaven?: Depending on how well it suits a person but 

generally clean shaven.

Younger or Older?: I'd prefer older although I don't mind them being younger as long as they are emotionally and psychologically mature.

Player or Loyal?: Um... Loyal I guess? LOL.. Is there any woman out there who would prefer the former over the latter?

iPhone 4 Vs HTC Desire - A Technology-Challenged Consumer's Opinion..

As promised, here is my post on the pros and cons of both the iPhone 4 and HTC Desire. Let me just make some things clear. I'm am NOT an expert on Smartphones, I just got my own for the first time ever less than a week ago.

Thus, this is a CONSUMER's point of view (a technologically-challenged on at that). So I apologise in advance if I fail to mention counter-explainations (if there are any) to the list of disadvantages listed below. Know that I am not with-holding information on purpose, I just don't know about it. So don't sue me.

So here goes:

iPhone 4

Pros
- Gorgeous visuals.
- Video Calls.
- Zoomed text still looks like ink and not blurred, unreadable whatchamacallit.
- Better connection (antennae along the left-side of the phone) than iPhone 3gs.
- Spoiled for choice when it comes to phone covers and cases.


Cons
- Does not have 4g technology, thus, cannot be used as a modem (correct me if I'm wrong about this).
- Video calls can only be made between iPhone 4 (it's the only 1 that has video call feature after all).
- Bluetooth can only be done between iPhones.
- Music can only be downloaded from iTunes (iTunes need to be downloaded and installed to one's laptop or PC).
- Need to add on RM220 for a two-year warranty if you get it from Digi.
- 2 year contract if you get it from Digi.

Dee...

HTC Desire

Pros

- Lower price than iPhone.

- No 24 month commitment with Digi (It’s not on promotion).

- I t uses android technology so it can be used as a broadband for PC or laptop.

- When not connected with a laptop/PC, it acts as a pocket PC.

- User friendly.

- Open application, meaning it can transfer data to and receive data from other hand phones such as Nokia, - Sony Ericsson, etc.

- Unlimited free apps from Android Market.

Cons

- No video call.

- Not a lot of options for phone covers and cases.

- Short battery life. Need to charge twice a day with heavy usage. Not sure if there is a way to save battery life.


Excuse me while a hide from the pitchfork-wielding iPhone owners.. 

I Finally Got It... But Not Quite...

Okay, if you're one of my friends on Facebook, you'd know that I have been lusting, yes lusting, after an iPhone and I was torn between the iPhone 3gs and the iPhone 4. Actually, I have been wanting one from when the first model was launched about two years ago. I mean who doesn't right? However it was only the recently that I have an actual possibility of getting one.

The decision between the 3gs and 4 model was made for me however, because when I called the Digi Center at 1Borneo, they told me that they don't have the 3gs model in stock anymore and it's being discontinued. Obviously, 4 is the only way to go.

When I finally arrived at 1 Borneo Digi Center, the guy who attended to me told me that the video call is only for between iPhone 4s and the Bluetooth function only for between iPhones. As we all know, all songs and movies or clips are also only available at iTunes. All this is because it's a closed function phone.

Then he showed me another smart phone which is the HTC Aria. This Smartphone is an open function phone and is much cheaper even with all the add-ons. Facts-wise, my brain KNOWS that HTC Aria is cheaper and convenient BUT since I have been wanting an iPhone for years now and it's so difficult for me to even contemplate buying a phone that is other than that.

Also if I were to be honest, another reason why I was hesitant was because... Well... The iPhone is famous whereas the HTC is... Quite unknown... I mean it's out there but there's not much exposure about the brand as the iPhone has.. Superficial, but true.

I called my eldest sister up who bought the 3gs model just this year and asked her opinion on which I should buy. Her answer was something that I never expected. She actually told me that the HTC is better though she was not familiar with HTC Aria as she was with the HTC Desire. She was really singing it praises up to the point when I actually asked her "If HTC is so good, why on Earth did you buy an iPhone?". She said it was because she didn't know about it at first.

I went back to the Digi Center and asked to see the Desire model. I looked almost like an iPhone. After testing the function and looking through the quotations of various add-ons, I happily purchased the HTC Desire in Grey. It's the only one left of that model by the way.

I'll be posting the general pro's and con's between the iPhone 4 and HTC Desire in my next post. Not as an expert, but as a consumer based on my personal preference. I know it's too soon to tell but I know that if my Dee (that's my nickname for my phone.. Hehe..) fulfills all that is promised, it's certainly an exceptional phone, which was what I wanted in the first place. 

Will keep you guys posted. Cheers!

Is There A Doctor In The House?

On Sunday I went to eat lunch at Juara Restaurant when a woman approached me asking to take my blood pressure for only RM1. I agreed and after going through the painful process (to me it’s painful because the pressure only stops until I felt like my arm was 1 second from literally exploding) I got my result which I never ever dreamed I would get which is  116/70.

I had low blood pressure! Well, I’m guessing that it’s not too low, just slightly, and the exclamation mark is not a sign of happiness but of surprise. After all that I’ve been going through the past few weeks it’s amazing that my blood pressure is not sky high. I’m grateful nonetheless that I do not have high-blood pressure. That wouldn’t have been very fun I’m sure.

Now I know the reason for my tiredness which has been on-going for the past 3 weeks. I just chalked it up because of insomnia and maybe that IS the one and only reason but at least I have another factor to consider now. I’m still not over the fact that I have low-blood pressure.

I mean, when you’re plus-sized I’ve always thought that you can only get two results; normal or high blood pressure. Low blood pressure are for the slim and slender, those who don’t eat red meat. Right? Then again, I guess that there must be a lot of other factors that contribute to this other than the obvious ones.

I’m not sure what I should do to improve my condition since I’m allergic to red meat. I wonder if there are other things that I can do to normalize my blood pressure. Is there a doctor in the house that I can consult?

Happy, Happy Day...

I went to 1Borneo yesterday (been going there quite frequently the past few days) just to enjoy a day out by myself. After having lunch at La Fuente Restaurant I decided to check out an event organized by the Alamesra Youth-PREP Center which is the Youth Art Festival with the theme Voice Out.

They had music performances by up and coming local bands, display, auctions and there were booths selling cupcakes (Cupcake Calendar), insurance (AIA) and a performing arts group which I unfortunately forgot the name of. Some of the bands were great, some were lousy and others were unique.

The painting that caught my attention. It retails for RM300

The brochure..

Their calling card, in case any of you are interested.

I did buy a chocolate cupcake from Cupcake Calendar but unfortunately I ate it before I remembered to take a picture of it. Hahaha... They cost RM5 each and thought they are pretty pricey (I've seen cupcakes sold for RM1 elsewhere) but it taste really good. I'd give them a 4/5 rating simply because I wish their chocolate chips were bigger. :)

 After that I went to MAC to buy a few things (More info on the products at phoebe-loves-makeup.blogspot.com) and to Queen Beauty Hair Saloon (Sorry if I got the name wrong) on the 3rd floor. This is my 2nd time to this saloon and so far I'm liking the service the hair stylist there provides. from the way she answers my questions, she certainly knows her craft.

If you're living or working near 1 Borneo, do give this saloon a try. I have yet to try any of their chemical treatments but I'm satisfied with my hair cut on both the occasions I've been there. It's a bit pricey and far from where I live and work but after experiencing so many disasters with my hair at random saloons I think I'd rather pay a bit more then have a disaster that takes me almost 2 years to grow out.

If you know any affordable saloons in Kota Kinabalu, do tell me about it.  :)

In a nutshell, yesterday was a happy, happy day. I got to go anywhere I wanted anytime I wanted and bought anything I wanted (and could afford obviously). How did your weekend went?

La Fuente Restaurant, 1Borneo

Yesterday I went to 1Borneo and decided to have lunch at La Fuente Restaurant. In case you can't guess from the name, it's a Spanish restaurant. The ambiance was quite nice and the decor interesting. Spanish music played in the background including songs from the Gipsy Kings which I love.

 The ambience... I love the stain glass chandelier..

The menu. I really love the black and red contrast.. So Spanish-ish... Hehehe...

Notice the half-bodied statue of a singing lady? They have a lot of such statues around the restaurant. Reminds me more of Blues music and New Orleans rather than Spanish. And yeah, tht's me reflected in the mirror. Hehehe..

The pictures on the wall..

This is the ceiling.. How cool is that? :)

I ordered Prawn Tandoori in Pocket Sandwich which is a prawn cooked in Tandoori style and served with minted yogurt in pita bread (RM19.90). For dessert I had initially wanted to try out the Chocolate Volcano (I'm a sucker for all things chocolate, can you tell? Hehehe...) but unfortunately it was not available on that day so I ordered the Crema Catalana which is a Spanish version of Creme Brulee (RM8.90).

Prawn Tandoori in Pocket Sandwich

The Prawn Tandoori was to die for! I remember taking the first bite and thinking, "I never knew food could taste so good" over and over again. Hehehe... I was a bit apprehensive about the minted yogurt but it complemented the dish perfectly. I even ate the lettuce that came with it and that's something because I am quite (okay, very) picky when it comes to vegetables.

Crema Catalana

The Crema Catalana was quite good too. The thin, golden layer of burnt sugar cracks to reveal a fluffy, creamy interior when you dip your spoon into it. The the caramelized shards taste sweet but not overly so and infused with a touch of cinnamon which rings true to the spicy style of Spanish dishes.The creamy part is only ever so slightly sweet.

 They have a stage for a live band but I'm guessing that they only play in the evenings. The only thing that I disliked immensely is the cheekiness of the male staff. They acted like randy bucks in heat if you know what I mean. For an expensive restaurants, such behavior is not acceptable. The waitresses are nice, friendly and more disciplined though.

That's the stage with some band equipments and Penelope Cruz at the background. And no, that's not a real person playing the guitar, it's one of the statues I mentioned earlier.

In terms of price it's quite pricey with certain dishes reaching up to RM60 including taxes such as the Paella. There are some moderately priced dishes though so you can choose according to your budget. Overall, I think that it's a nice restaurant that's great for special occasions.