Looking Back 15 September 2012
It’s 15 September 2013 today. Perhaps it is just another date for you, but it is not for me. Last year, this date, at about 4pm-6pm, I was shocked awake as I was shown one’s true colour.
I may not realise it then,but this date held so much significance in my life. From that date onwards, my life and my perspective on various things changed completely. I may not realise it immediately, on the spot on that very date for I was really taken aback by everything, but thinking back, if I have been trapped in the world of false security all these years, then what happened that day definitely shattered the illusion and brought me back to reality.
As painful it is to reminisce, I must jot this down. Not that I will ever forget or forgive what happened that fateful day, but this post serves as a reminder to myself, and everyone around who is in a relationship that it is a mistake to give your heart, soul and youth wholeheartedly when one could easily betray you with the act of unfaithfulness and infidelity and could easily hurt you in the worst way possible and walk away from you without a second thought.
What happened that day…is not something I want to remember, as it is a catalyst that triggers more and more heartache and misery after that… but as excruciating as it is, I am glad it happened, because for what it is worth, it taught me to keep a piece of me to myself so that I can never be hurt in the same way again, and it makes me a less dependant woman today.
I am a girl no more, and I shall never be that trusting, gullible woman ever again for I am created in His image, and therefore it makes me worthy of love and happiness. To have any less, is an insult to His glory.
Cleffairy: Do you know how it feels like to eat chappati and thosai with a broken heart? Do you know how those delicacy tasted like when you have to hold in your tears and smile for the benefit of others? I pray none of you have to find out, for the flat pastries tasted really bitter and very difficult to swallow that you can hardly breathe when you eat em with a broken heart.
Look Flawlessly Beautiful with EPHYRA in Just 14 Days
Have you heard about EPHYRA? I’ve heard about it in quite a lot of places and from quite a lot of people these days.
So what is EPHYRA?
Ephyra is a collagen-based antioxidant drink, the most delicious, in the form of sachets made from natural ingredients (L-Glutathione, Astaxanthin, Acai Berry, AcerollaCeri, Marigold Flower Extract, Gum Acacia, Superberi & Tomato powder) that treat, renew and further enhances inner and outer health.
Have I got you curious yet? Well, stay with me, dear readers and let’s see what EPHYRA can do. :D.
There are loads of collagen products out there, but EPHYRA has gained a place in the hearts of thousands of loyal users. So why EPHYRA is different from the others in the market? Well, for one, EPHYRA uses marine collagen from “white fish” which live in the deep sea. Reason being: deep-sea fish are free of contamination. EPHYRA uses hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen consists of the smallest fraction of amino acids, which are easily absorbed by the body.
EPHYRA contains absorbable collagen. This is very important. Do you know why loads of people people takes collagen, but couldn’t really see the result? High collagen molecule density is the reason. The body can’t absorb it easily. A brand’s collagen is measured in DALTON (Da). It’s not about how many mg of collagen there is in the content, but how small the protein is. The more rapidly absorbed, the sooner see the effects of body. Important fact: The density of EPHYRA collagen = less than 1500Dalton. EPHYRA collagen size = less than 1500 Dalton and therefore very easily absorbed by the body . That’s why those who are drinking EPHYRA can see the effects as early as 7 days unlike most collagen in the market where one needs 3-4 boxes of collagen to see the effect.
EPHYRA collagen content is sufficient for the body .The human body does not require a large amount of collagen, but only needs small amount of it. (Do note that exessive amount of collagen can be damaging to the kidney in the long run. :()
EPHYRA is a skin supplement , (a beauty drink ), but not the only the skin that will be able to benefit from it . There are other benefits besides bright and elastic skin . Among them are:
✔ Energy booster
✔ Less hair loss. ~ Strengthen hair roots , and encourages new hair growth.
✔ Weight control.
✔ Shiny and healthy nails.
✔ Cracked heel decreases. ~ No more dry and cracked heels.
✔ Dark circles under the eyes is reduced and more even skin tone.
✔ Reduce inflammation & joint pain as well as knee pain.
EPHYRA is proven to be effective as early as 7-14 days.
You can see the testimonial pictures below:
Can you see the vast difference?
Looks impressive, isn’t it? Why, even a famous Malay artist is using EPHYRA too. 😀
Isn’t she lovely? I think she looks divine here. 😀
And then there’s Youtube sharing EPHYRA users :
There is more testimonial video by genuine EPHYRA users HERE
Some collagen drink taste really nasty, but EPHYRA tasted delicious admittedly by thousands of EPHYRA users.
Testimonial video EPHYRA :
EPHYRA is certified HALAL by JAKIM & safe for consumption by MOH. You can see the certificate below .
There are many collagen products out there that claims to be safe & clean , but surprisingly when we checked them out with MOH & JAKIM, it is not. It is important to choose a product that will not be harmful to your body.
As a mother of one and nearing my 30s, I realized how important it is to take care of my appearance as stress and hectic lifestyle has taken toll on my body. And much to my annoyance, there’s signs of premature ageing on my face. And guess what? I decided to give this collagen drink and try.
I’ve picked up a box of this to try out. 😀
I was a little apprehensive to drink it at first, but when I mixed it up in the shaker provided, I could immediately smell the citrusy smell, and when I took a sip, the taste was surprisingly good for a collagen drink! It’s awesome, EPHYRA tasted just like your regular orange juice and by the time I finished the last drop, I immediately wished that there was more. I have a very positive feeling about this. 😀 It not only smell good, but taste good as well. WOW! I really did not expect that, cuz usually collagen drinks taste rather…ummm…unappetizing!
Skeptical if it is good as claimed? Since I will be trying it out myself, do so stay tune for my 14 days testimonial updates and audio commentary diary in the next postings. 😀
In the meantime, if you’re interested to know more about this product, do visit www.oceanlife2u.com and LIKE their Facebook page www.facebook.com/oceanlife2u for current offers and updates. Instagram users can also follow their instagram account at: ephyra2u
Interested to make purchases and try it out for yourself and be a more beautiful and radiant version of yourself in just 14 days? Here’s the details for purchasing purposes:
Email: info@oceanlife2u.com
Contact: 0341417889atau sms 019 3999 238
Price: RM197 per box of 30 sachets – 15 gram each for a month supply .
And oh, I forgot to mention that there promotional discount for readers of this blog. 😀 They’re selling 2 boxes for RM380. Just email them my blog name ‘CLEFFAIRY.COM‘ to make use of this offer. 😀
Sounds good? Wait, there’s more! If you ever buy EPHYRA, you stand to win a dinner date with celebrity Memey Suhaiza and her husband Norman Hakim.
All you need to do is just is take a photo of yourself with an EPHYRA box, share it in in your Facebook and Instagram account and use the hashtag #ephyramemeysuhaiza and tag @ephyra2u to be in the running for the dinner date with the renown Malaysian artist. 😀 Contest period is from 3rd September-30th September 2013 and winner will be announced on 3rd October 2013.
Cleffairy: Sometimes, women needs supplementary help to be beautiful.
Spring Cleaning Session with My Little Man
I was getting really frustrated a few weeks back. It’s been a year since I moved into the house that I’m currently living and yet the entire house looks like it just survived an apocalypse.
🙁 Most of the things were still unpacked and and still inside their respective boxes, and furnitures were mostly still unassembled.
Talk about extreme procrastination on both my part and my husband’s part. My husband is always busy and have no time to help out with the boxes, furnitures and whatnot, and I figure if I were to wait for him, everything will still be in a mess after a decade. It’s not that I haven’t experienced that with him before. We’ve been together for years and he’s quite a champion in procrastinating and giving excuse not to help me out when it comes to household things. He’s always working on the weekend, going for appointments on the weekend. Either that, or he’s always tired all the time or locking himself up in his office room to online. *SIGH*
Feeling irritated and rather bitter that night that I don’t get any help at all where my son and the house is concerned, I told my son that something has to be done about it, and it’s going to need our mother-son combined effort to actually get things done. And with my son’s help, we did a major spring-cleaning and space de-cluttering. My son and I threw away a lot of useless things, especially the things that my husband insists on keeping despite the fact that the stuff are already spoiled and useless.
To be honest, I can’t really be bothered anymore about things being sentimental value or not. As far as I’m concerned, those stuff are useless and just sitting there collecting dust, and there’s no point wasting the already small space at home to accommodate them. Plus, he’s not always at home, and I think my comfort and my son’s comfort comes first. And I’m proud to say that with our combined effort, the house is now much cleaner and definitely much more habitable. 😀
I found plenty of old CDs and DVDs while were were spring-cleaning. Wonder if I can make money selling old CDs and DVDs? An evil thought came to my mind. Maybe I should sell the old CDs and DVDs online after all and make money. After all, my son and I ought to be rewarded for cleaning up the house. 😀
Cleffairy: It takes a real man to clean up the house. And my son is a real man.
Autism: Things I Always Get From The ‘All Knowing Public”
You know what? I’m feeling a little bit nasty and unforgiving today. Looking back, I’ve been through a lot as a parent to a an autistic child. Throughout the years, people tend to judge me and criticize me more than giving me support; hence the reason why I stopped surrounding myself with such people who thinks they know it all and blatantly told me in the face that I’ve been doing things the wrong way. I’m just too tired to be miserable. The world I’m living in…practically have no autism awareness whatsoever, and I very much prefer to be with those who are supportive and enlightened.
Not sure if any of you want to read this, but I’ve compiled 50 things people said to me regarding my child and my parenting skills. Care to add anymore so that it will reach one hundred? I mean, you people have been saying all sort of things to me and to my son, I’m sure you have more to say. Go ahead. Have a field day. 😀
Brace yourself. It’s a long list:
1. You are too soft. He needs a smack to show him you are the boss. Can’t you control your child?
2. He’ll grow out of it.
3. He looks normal. Are you sure he has autism? His autism symptoms are not obvious, I think.
4. I’m so sorry this happened to you.
5. I’m so glad my kid doesn’t act that badly in public.
6. Have you ever considered that YOU are the problem? It’s not autism spectrum disorder! Stop saying that!
7. Do you work?
8. Does your child ever behave? Can he be cured?
9. You’re one of those lazy parents that use autism as an excuse. Start parenting properly!
10. Oh my child does that too, he’s just being a boy!
11. Just leave him with me for a week…. I will sort him out!
12. It must come from your side of the family.
13. If he was my child…. I will…
14. I would never allow my child to act like that.
15. You must really need a break.
16. It must be because your husband is always not around and the kid have no male role model to look up to. Have you spoken to your husband about this?
17. Why don’t you send him to a babysitter?
18. When will he talk? Why he only parrots what people say? My children can talk! In fact, they talk alot! Why isn’t your child talking? How old is he now? He’s supposed to be talking!
19. Give the child some space! Let him be! How will he grow up if you keep coddling him that way?
20. Look at the parents… I can see why the child is like that.
21. You need to be doing more to help.
22. Is your child retarded? Get help from autism speaks or something.
23. Wow, how do you do it? I could never deal with that!
24. Oh it’s probably just a phase he’s going through.
25. You really need to make him “get over” some of these issues he has.
26. It’s just the way you raised him!!
27. He’s just being manipulative.
28. He’s not autistic. He looked me in the eyes and autistic kids don’t do that.
29. If you can’t control your child keep him in the house.
30. What drugs did you take when you were pregnant to make him autistic?
31. You made a mistake by allowing him to be vaccinated! The vaccines have side effects! Baby immunizations caused autism! Don’t you know that? It caused autism!
32. You’re lucky, it could be worse.
33.You are just obsessed with autism. Stop giving excuses!
34. Well, it was God’s will. Just keep praying. He will get better soon.
35. Oh, autistic kids are geniuses! (That’s great, but do note that not all autistic children are Rainman. Right now I’m still hoping and praying that my child will someday do very basic things such as saying his own name.)
36. Well at least he doesn’t look like there is something wrong.
37. He doesn’t look autistic. Are you sure he is autistic?
38.You can’t use autism as an excuse. He really is just being a brat. If you don’t control it now what kind of adult will he be?
38. Don’t reward his “bad behavior.”
39. Do you mind if your child doesn’t play with mine? He awkward and destructive behaviour is a very bad example to my children.
40. Why haven’t you tried that? I heard about someone who cured their child that way?
41. He only acts that way with you.
42. I’ve raised kids and they don’t act like that.
43.Why is he such a picky eater? Why doesn’t he eat rice? Why did you not teach him properly? He doesn’t have enough nutrient, that is why he is like that!
44. Oh it’s not severe. He’ll be just fine.
45. You should probably send him away to a home or an institution. Have you even consider that? You should!
46. He can’t be autistic.. My friend has a kid with autism and he’s nothing like him.
47. It must be easy being a stay at home mom. You’re lucky!
48. You need to potty train him now.
49. God only gives what you can handle.
50. Your child is old enough to know better than that.
Sad to say that sometimes, even strangers are much kinder to me and my son than my loved ones, family and friends. My son had reach quite a lot of milestone this year, and it’s all due to my own sweat, tears and blood. Nobody helped me through it personally. The struggle was mine alone. Not even loved ones helped me through it. It’s just the two of us…me and son this year.
Okay, okay…that’s a little exaggerating…I’ll give credit where it’s due. There is a few people I should really thank for the changes in my son’s life and his progress. These people may not be directly involved in my life and son’s life, but their kind words and encouragements and have been a huge pillar of strength and inspiration to me. My blogger friends, Missyblurkit for all her encouragements and kind words, WackyBecky for having enough faith in me to invite me and my son for her company’s events, my FB friend Norlaila for giving me perspective how it is like to live as a disabled since she is a special need person herself…you’ll never know how much it meant to us.
Missyblurkit may never know this, but her words offered me so much comfort and strength. WackyBecky may never know this too, but her choice in not discriminating has given my son a chance to explore his environment and give him a chance to socialize and fit in, and my son has shown tremendous progress since. And as for Norlaila, she has open my eyes on how it really feels to be a special need person. Through her, I see the world of special need people differently. The three of you may never know or realize this as you are not directly or actively involved in my child’s life, but thank you…you guys supported me and inspired me in a way not even my family members and loved ones did. 😀 Thank you, thank you so much.
Cleffairy: None of you will survive a day walking in my shoes. Mark my words. NONE! Unfortunately, I can’t spank autism out of my child anymore than I can slap the ignorance out of YOU!
The Iron Traitor Review
Page count: 304 pages
Expected publication: October 29th 2013 by Harlequin Teen
Original title: The Iron Traitor
Edition language: English
Iron Fey series website:https://www.theironfey.com/
Series:The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2, The Iron Fey #6
Characters: Razor, Ethan Chase, Kierran, Kenzie
ISBN: 9780373210916
Price: USD 9.99
*Spoiler Alert* If you haven’t read any of the Iron Fey books, please do not proceed. This review will be a spoiler fest.
The Iron Traitor is the 6th book from the Iron Fey series. I have been following the the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa for quite some time now, and the latest Iron Fey book, the Iron Traitor, is by far the most frustrating one among all other Iron Fey books! It’s a good that that instead of buying the books, I read iron fey series online free. Well, sort of. I’m a Netgalley member, and an advance reader, and therefore, I’m entitled to review books before it’s published.
So the story starts where the The Lost Prince left us off. Ethan and Kenzie is back in the real world, but trouble ensues and they are forced to go back to Nevernever in quest to stop the Forgotten from destroying faes from all court with their glamour sucking abilities.
The story is pretty much infuriating, really. Well, at least to me it feels infuriating, especially when I can’t really feel the chemistry between the characters the way I felt for the original characters, Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grimalkin. Unlike reading the original iron fey series where I could actually feel that I’m thrown into Nevernever and experienced the adventures and romance first hand, the Iron Traitor did not give me the same feeling. It feels like I’m standing outside of an aquarium and just looking at the fish swimming…yups, it feels like I’m reading something from a third person point of view, and it’s not really fun. Reading the new Iron Fey series is like reading a fanfiction, and to be able to really enjoy the new iron fey series, I really have to forget about the original ones….something I cannot do….not when I could actually feel the intense chemistry between the characters. So far Iron Traitor felt like a fanfiction, through the storyline and plot is quite amazing.
To be honest, I struggled to read the first few chapters of the Iron Traitor. It not only lacks chemistry, but draggy as well in the beginning. The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa only gets interesting after awhile, where readers are thrown into the whirlwind of adventure once again.
But I’ll give credits where it’s due. There’s major character’s development where Ethan and Keirran is concerned. If you hate Ethan Chase in the previous book, then you’ll probably find that he is much more likable in the new iron fey series. In this book, you’ll see that Ethan has matured greatly. From an obnoxious brat, he became somewhat a man who will do whatever he can to protects his family and his loved ones, though not to an extend where he would do something foolish in order to accomplish his goal, unlike Keirran, the prince of the Iron Court (Keirran is the son of Ash and Meghan Chase. He was first featured in an alternate universe, where his personality is different and altered. In Iron’s Prophecy he is seen by his mother, Meghan Chase in the Dreaming Pool. He is immortal and ageless)
Ethan knows the limit of his sacrifices, and despite the fact that his girlfriend is dying from cancer, he refused to make a bargain with the faeries to keep her alive any second longer should the time come. Now, that is something I applaud; his bravery to let go instead of hanging on to something inevitable. Apart from that, Ethan finally understood and forgave Meghan’s action and kept a distance from him once he saw what the Oracle showed him; the prophecy that starts it it: his death at Keirran’s hand. Another brownie point for Ethan Chase.
Keirran, on the other hand, did the most terrible thing just so that he could keep his love, Annwyl, a former handmaiden to Queen Titania who was banished and exiled from the Summer Court alive when her existence is threatened by the forgotten. Yes, Keirran is willing to do anything for that summer sidhe, and that includes killing Ethan without giving it a second thought. He’s willing to destroy everything and starts a war just for her, something that irritates me greatly because I know so little about his love story with the summer fae, Annwyl.
I felt that what he did was not justified at all. All we know about Keirran and Annwyn is just a tidbit here and there. I couldn’t relate. I couldn’t feel the passion, and couldn’t empathize with their relationship because all it was revealed in the Iron Traitor is just snippets of their initial meeting. And to make it worst, it was revealed at the end of the story that Annwyl was commanded by Queen Titania of the Summer Court to get the attention of the said Iron Prince and seduce him before betraying him. (Though we come to understand later that Annwyl really did fell in love with Keirran for real afterwards). To me, it is not worth to destroy everything for just one girl, who in my opinions, lacks backbone and character.
The Iron traitor ends with a terrible cliffhanger, where Keirran stabs Ethan with his sword, and the last page ends there: Ethan Chase all shocked, bloodied, and dying; just because Keirran thought that it is all right to kill his own uncle so that Annwyl can be saved. So great! First Kierran made a bargain with the Queen of The Summer court, Titania so that she would consider lifting Annwyl’s exile and allow her to go back to the Summer court only to kill off a mystical creature deep in Tir Na Nog and starts a war with the Winter Court, then he go and stabs his own uncle, Ethan just because The Queen of The Forgotten told him that’s the only way to give Annwyl a chance to live and make the human believe in faeries again. Can it get any stupider? Well, I don’t doubt it can, but of course, I will have to wait til 2014 to read what happened to all of them.
So, did I enjoy the book? Well, yes. Kinda. In a way I enjoyed it…the adventure part, but not the rest of the book. Like I said earlier, I couldn’t feel the chemistry, passion and romance between the characters, and therefore I find it difficult to relate, unlike the original iron fey series where I felt that I am one of the characters. Reading the new iron fey series is like reading fanfiction, and from author;s point of view, I feel that the entire spinoff is just portraying the author’s writing skill instead of a real storytelling. 🙁 The saving grace for this book is still the minor appearance of Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grimalkin.
Overall, it is an okay read…if you’re into teen angst, that is. I rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars for the story and plot development. I received an ARC of the Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa from Netgalley, and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.
The Iron Traitor: Call of The Forgotten Book Trailer
Book description
After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as “normal” as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he’s forbidden to see her again.
But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, “normal” simply isn’t to be. For Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice may decide the fate of them all.
Intrigued but new to the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa? The world of iron fey can be quite confusing, so here’s the iron fey series in reading order:
( Iron Fey series .epub and Iron Fey series .pdf)
- The Iron King (Harlequin Teen)Â #1
- The First Kiss (free short story #1.25 – Ash’s POV)
- Winter’s Passage (The Iron Fey) (#1.5 - the novella that takes place between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter)
- The Iron Daughter (Harlequin Teen)Â #2
- The Iron Queen (Harlequin Teen)Â #3
- Summer’s Crossing (The Iron Fey) (#3.5 – a novella that takes place between The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight)
- Ash’s Letter to Meghan (#3.6 – free on author’s website)
- The Iron Knight (Harlequin Teen)Â #4
- An Iron Fey Valentine (#4.4 – free short story from author’s website)
- Iron’s Prophecy (The Iron Fey) (#4.5 – a novella)
- The Lost Prince (Iron Fey #5)
- The Iron Traitor
The Iron Legends: Winter’s Passage/Summer’s Crossing/Iron’s Prophecy
Where you can get the iron fey series: :https://www.theironfey.com/ or check out the Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
The author of the iron fey series, Julie Kagawa has also compiled a song list along with extras for each of the books, so you can check em out here too in the Iron Fey Exclusives.
Smart, Hip and Trendy with Ninetology U9 smartphones
Parents, when was the last time you bring your kids to the playground? Or a funfair for a pure unadulterated outdoor fun?
It’s been awhile for me.
The last time I really brought my son for a REAL outdoor fun was a few months back, somewhere in April 2013. The pictures above were taken during a picnic hosted by Expat Lifestyle where families were invited for an outdoor picnic. Sorting through the pictures definitely gives me guilt. I mean, my kid is cooped up indoors most of the time and hardly have any fun in the sun. 🙁 Unlike me, his childhood is pretty boring. His entertainment comes mainly from the idiot box or the laptop or my smartphone! Yes, I do allow my son to play with my smartphone, occasionally. To keep him occupied when I desperately need to get things done without interruptions. Guilty as charged. 😛
To be honest, it’s not exactly the kind of childhood that I envision for my son. When I was a little girl, I’m allowed to play outdoors daily…without adult supervision. And my toys are definitely not iPad or tablet PCs. The closest thing that I had to a tablet or a ‘smartphone’ is this.
Are you familiar with these? I’m sure those who were born in 70s, 80s or even the 90s are familiar with these. These are tin can telephone. A tin can telephone is a type of acoustic, non-electrical, speech-transmitting device made up of two tin cans, paper cups or similarly shaped items attached to either end of a taut string or wire. It is a form of mechanical telephony, where sound is converted into and then conveyed by vibrations along a liquid or solid medium, and then reconverted back to sound. It’s a item commonly used in preschools and elementary schools to teach children about sound vibration, but my son was not exactly impressed with this tin can telephone he made in school, not when he is more used to something more hip, trendy and hi-tech like my Android smartphone.
His logic: Why play with these tin can telephone when you can skype and make video calls via tablet or smartphones? 🙁 Tsk. I guess I’m getting really old. When I was a little girl, there was no such thing as tablets or smartphones as toys or entertainment outlet. We played outside the good old ways and get dirty. But I guess it’s different now. Time changes and youngsters are getting hippier, trendier and tech alert with each passing days.
And speaking of hip and trendy, it reminds me of an event that I attended with my son quite some time ago in the end of July in KL Hilton. I brought my son along with me to the Ninetology Urbanite Blogger Gathering that night.
Bloggers were brought together to witness the showcase of Ninetology new premium line of smartphones.
The event was made possible by Ninetology, of course, and thanks to the lovely Ms. Rebecca Saw of Rogue Communication who sent me the invite for the Urbanite Blogger Gathering, my son and I had fun not only with the new line of Ninetology smartphone, but get to have fun with this big kitty cat too. 😛 Say hello… I mean MEOWWW to the big kitty, ladies. Ain’t he cute? Wonder if I can adopt him and make him babysit my son? LOL… now, that’s a devious thought!
Group photo before the unveiling of the new phones. Tsk… yes… bloggers… we can never resist taking some photos together. 😛 I may be camera shy, but I’ve always love snapping around with my camera. It’s really fun, though it would be better if I can carry around something less bulky than my DSLR to snap a good shot! 😛 *ahemm* Anyone wanna sponsor me a good smartphone that comes with a good megapixel camera? 😛
It was still Ramadan when the event took place. Here’s a picture of our Muslim blogger friends, chillax-ing while waiting for breaking fast time.
Refreshments were provided for those who were fasting and of course, for those non-Muslim who were not fasting too. There’s plenty of sweet and savoury pastries.
The fried vermicelli and spring-rolls were quite a hot stuff that night and it goes *POOF* within minutes. We bloggers are big eaters or what? 😛 Neway, I’m just glad there are refills for the food. 😀
When our tummy finally stopped growling and settled down, the event finally commence and there’s an unveiling of the newly launched Ninetology U9 premium smartphones.
Introducing the Ninetology U9 Series
The three models showcased that night are the newly launched X1, Z1 and the Z1+ with the tagline “Top Notch”, “Stands Out” and “Larger Than Life” respectively. All these devices run on Android Jellybean 4.2.1 and are powered by a MediaTek MT6589 1.2GHz Quad-core processor. The phones are designed to cater to the youth and urbanites. The smartphones are definitely stylish devices that offers not only speedy and precise performance but value for your money. Yups, you’re reading that right. I assure you that these phones are on the competitive side of the price, so they are kinda affordable for phones with high-end specs. I’ll get to the pricing and the specs later. For now, feast your eyes and drool over these cool and trendy phones.
This is Ninetology U9X1. The smallest in size among the other two. But don’t judge a phone by it’s design and appearance. Running on Android Jellybean 4.2.1, this small babe packed quite a punch and provides not only stability, but speed as well. I know Android Jellybean 4.2.1 is not the latest Android, but it is definitely upgradeable to the latest version of Android.
The Ninetology U9X1 is kinda slim and sleek. Great for ladies, bloggers and travelers, I reckon. It has 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD, and is armed with a 13-megapixel shooter. Yups, that’s definitely a plus point for us bloggers. To be able to take good photos on the go with a small device that can be carried around in our pocket. You know how it’s like now. Snatch thief are everywhere. Carrying bulky gadgets will only attract the attentions of the criminals. 🙁
Apart from that, the phone also features 16GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. There’s also dual-sim support on this device, which means, you can put two simcard in it. Great, isn’t it? I mean, with this phone, you no longer need to carry a few phones for your business and personal number.
There’s a 2200mAh battery running it, providing hours of talk-time, browsing and loads of entertainment fun. This phone comes in Ruby Red too! 😛 Would really love to get my hands on this phone for real. I bet it goes really well with my wardrobe! 😛
Next up, my son and I tested the U9Z1. My son did not like the X1 the way I do. He prefers the bigger models better. I suppose it is much more sturdy and easier to grip for his tiny little fingers. We tested the front and the rear camera, and he loves the fact that he could take selfies with this. Apart from that, the boy tested the sound on this phone by playing, and it is safe to say that it was loud, clear and satisfactory enough for him to listen to mp3 or watch Youtube with it.
Ninetology U9Z1 has Super AMOLED HD displays ranging from 4.8 inches to 5.7 inches and equipped with 13 megapixels rear and 5 megapixels front cameras. Much like the X1, it also comes with 16GB of storage and 1GB of RAM. It does however feature wireless charging, which is a pretty wonderful feature to have.
Last but not least we went and further abuse the phones that’s showcased that night. Our next victim was Ninetology U9Z1+. It has 5.0-inch display. There’s also the 13-megapixel rear camera and 5 megapixel front camera as seen on the X1 and ‘dual camera’ function that allows for simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras. It is also capable of continuous shot, smile and face detection, quick panorama, burst shot and HD video recording.The unique thing about this device is its aluminum finishing. Great for those who wants not only a sleek and slim phone, but professionally trendy as well.
Generally, my son and I love these phones. And I’m pleased to note that these phones are not only hip, trendy and great in performance, but absolutely durable as well. The U9 series (Z1 and Z1+ model of the smartphones) are also utilizing Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2 to ensure the brilliant displays remain protected in even the most robust use. Yeah, basically, it earned my approval as a mum, considering that it won’t spoil easily if my son were to drop it carelessly after playing Angry Bird or something. The U9 series devices are slim and light too – the X1 is 10mm slim, and weighs just 160g; Z1 at 9.3mm and 191g and finally; the Z1+ measures just 9mm and weighs 158g.
Here is my audio commentary on the phones. Do check it out. 😀 It’s my first live commentary, ever, so please, please be kind to me. 😛
Ninetology U9 commentary by Cleffairy (audio review)
Not impressed yet? Need more details before you make a grab at these? Well, below is the detailed product sheet for your geeky and techie consideration:
Product sheets and video, as released by Ninetology
“Stands Out” like U9X1
U9X1 specification
Processor/Memory
SIM:Â Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor
RAM:Â 1 GB
Internal Storage:Â 16 GB
Display
Screen Size :4.8 inch
Screen:Â Super AMOLED HD
Operating System: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Battery
Capacity:Â 2200mAh
Camera
Rear camera: 13 Megapixels
Front camera: 2 Megapixels
Size
Height: 137.8mm
Width: 69.9mm
Thickness: 10mm
Weight: 160g
Retail Price: RM 1,099
Next up is the U9Z1
“Life can be Larger” with U9Z1
U9Z1 Specification
Processor/Memory
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor
RAM:Â 1 GB
Internal Storage:Â 16 GB
External Memory: microSD up to 32 GB
Display
Screen Size :5.7 inch with Corning Gorilla Glass
Screen:Â IPS HD
Operating System: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Battery
Capacity:Â 2600mAh
Camera
Rear camera: 12 Megapixels
Front camera: 5 Megapixels
Size
Height: 161mm
Width: 82.5mm
Thickness: 9.3mm
Weight: 191g
Retail Price: RM 1,199
The specs for U9Z1+
Be “Top Notch” as U9Z1+
U9Z1+ Specification
Processor/Memory
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor
RAM:Â 1 GB
Internal Storage:Â 16 GB
External Memory: microSD up to 32 GB
Display
Screen Size :5 inch
Screen: IPS HD with Corning Gorilla Glass
Operating System: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Battery
Capacity: 2600mAh + Power bank
Camera
Rear camera: 13 Megapixels
Front camera: 5 Megapixels
Size
Height: 144.5mm
Width: 73mm
Thickness: 9mm
Weight: 158g
Retail Price: RM 1,299
Interested in buying the phones?
Here’s a testimonial video from Ninetology U9 spokesperson, Z Chen on U9X1I. Maybe the video will help you get a clearer picture on what the phones can do.
The X1 comes in red and black, while the Z1 will be in black and Z1+ in white. These three models will be available at the recommended retail price of RM1099, RM1199 and RM1299 respectively. Each unit comes with a complimentary powerbank from Ninetology.The U9 smartphones are available at all major smart phone retailers in mid August.
Here’s an unboxing video from Ninetology Sabah for U9X1 phone.
Being a Ninetology user myself, I can vouch for it’s quality. I am a proud owner of Ninetology Pallette. I got it somewhere in February by using the SKMM rebate for just RM99.The Ninetology Pallete is on the lower end, and so far has been pretty much abused by my son.
I was definitely eye-ing on the phones showcased that night. It’s a much better deal in terms of quality and specs, that goes without saying. So when the emcee announced that there will be a Q&A session where all invited bloggers stands a chance to bring back home one of the phones showcased that night, I got really excited.
Bloggers were divided into groups. Those who answered wrongly were eliminated.
Lady luck was not on my side. My team was eliminated early. 🙁
And another blogger walks away with the prized phone instead. 😀
Oh well… I can always try another day, I guess. After all, the Ninetology folks had announced their Tech Kaiju Arena Program to create and to promote transparent and creative blogging as part of Ninetology’s yearlong Ethical Blogging & Responsible Blogging initiative that will go hand in hand with sharing the latest gadget information, both Ninetology and other competitor brands.
Tech Kaiju Arena campaign starts on 12th Aug until 31st Dec 2013 with different themes every 30 days. 1. By the end of the campaign date, three bloggers who drove in the most subscription via their post and will be rewarded as follows:
a. Grand Prize: A Ninetology’s Latest Device and RM3000
b. 1st Runner-Up: A Ninetology’s Latest Device and RM2000
c. 2nd Runner-UP: A Ninetology’s Latest Device and RM1000
Monthly, they will also be allocating from RM15,000 to RM20,000 worth of Ninetology E-Vouchers just for the 1st 100 readers who subscribes to Ninetology newsletter via the banner.
Bloggers who are interested to participate may register with Samuel Lee : samuellee@ninetology.com
Required Details:
• Name, Blog URL, Email, Contact Number and the units which you wish to loan; 1x Ninetology Device + 1x Other Latest Mobile Brand available
For more information and update, just hop over to:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinetologyMalaysia
Website: https://www.ninetology.com
Trip to Aquaria
It’s school holiday right now in Malaysia, and while everyone else is busy traveling and holidaying with their family and kids, I’m stuck at home again, doing God knows what. *roll eyes*. Nothing new there. The husband is always busy, and have no time for recreation. The only ‘holiday’ to him is just during Chinese New Year *roll eyes again* where he will take a few days off to go back and spend some time in his hometown, which, I never consider as a real vacation because it was a never a relaxing affair. Full of expectation, and full of…well, stress…and traffic jam, stupid, noisy fireworks and crowd…and well, you name it. Can’t even sleep in peace during that ‘vacation’ with all the crash boom bang around me.
There are times I feel so bloody fed up that all these years, I almost never get a REAL break at all. I wonder if the only vacation I’ll get is when I finally die and rest in peace? Hmm, now that’s a thought, but let’s not dwell in that cuz obviously, I’m still alive and my complains are usually in vain, cuz nobody is gonna entertain it or have some empathy for me, including you readers and friends because obviously, you’re not walking in my stinking shoes and by time of writing, you’re probably snoring away in some hotel in an exotic location. 😀
So you say, if my husband always have his hands full and can’t be bothered to take us for a vacation during school holidays, why don’t I go somewhere on my own? Here’s why: I feel like I just can’t be bothered to take-off anywhere and spoil my kid like other brats his age during school holiday. School holiday expectation is kinda getting too mainstream and annoying, with all the crowd and all the travel postings from all around the web.
I usually do my ‘traveling’, sight-seeing and whatnot impromptu, during non-peak period. I’ll go anywhere I like, when I like and without notifying others when I wanna go for it. Ah, the joy of being a freelance. I am in control of my own time.
Neway, this is a tad outdated. I thought of writing about my recent trip to Aquaria KLCC with my son and my online game guildmates, but never really got the time to sit down and do it. Yups, I played hookie. I was supposed to work that day but heck I care. So here’s sharing with all of you the pictures taken when we were in Aquaria KLCC. Pretty awesome place to visit if you’re a big fan of marine creatures, I must say.
Featuring 60,000 square feet (5,600 m2) in two levels with a 90-metre (300 ft) underwater tunnel, Aquaria KLCC houses over 250 different species and over 5,000 land and aquatic animals from Malaysia and around the world. Interactive information kiosks on fish and turtle conservation. It includes a themed retail area of about 5,000 square feet (460 m2). Aquaria KLCC is based on the journey of water from the land to the sea. The journey starts in the misty highlands, down through rivers, through the rainforest and mangroves to the coral reefs into the deep blue sea.
My godsis/GM of Judgement, posing in front of the aquarium. The trip to Aquaria was her treat, by the way. 😛
School fish
Shark
Coral and shipwreck
Whenever a ship sinks, it became the marine creature’s natural habitat.
Fascinating crustaceans. They’ll be more fascinating to me if they end up on my plate, though. 😛
A pair of marine turtles
Giant matinée
Feeding session
Video of the feeding session.
The impromptu visit to Aquaria KLCC was really fun, and if you’re looking for an educational place to bring your kids to this school holiday, do give this one a shot.
The aquarium is open daily from 10.30am – 8.00pm.
(Including Weekends and Public Holidays)
Last admission 7.00pm.
The admission fees are RM38 for adults and RM26 for children. There are discounts for locals who present their MyKad. After discounts, it would be RM28 for adults, RM22 for children.
Cleffairy: Life is a journey. Not a destination.
Lemang, A Must Have During Eid
It’s festive season again in Malaysia. Eid celebration is quite a big deal for us, and commonly celebrated by Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the country by visiting friends and relatives and feasting all month long. There are plenty of traditional Malay delicacy served during Eid, but my must have is definitely these; lemang.
Lemang. A traditional Malay delicacy. Made from glutinous rice and thick coconut milk and cooked over fire by using bamboo stick. Taken with spicy rendangs or assorted curries. A delicacy eaten during Eid or other major festivals in Malaysia.
These are lemang daun lerek. One of the best in Klang Valley area, in my opinion. A tad on the pricey side, though. A stick of these could easily cost you Rm10-Rm16.
But I think it’s still worth the price, considering that it was perfectly done. The texture was soft, and yet not overly chewy. It tasted rich enough and complement my curry perfectly.
This lemang is sold somewhere along the roadside nearby Batu Caves area. 😀 Try it out if you must have some. Only available throughout the month of Eid, though. You might wanna contact them and place your order before you drop by, cuz this one’s pretty well known, and there’s perpetual queue for the lemang.
Cleffairy: Twice a year…not too much to ask, no? Neway, here’s wishing everyone who celebrates Eid a Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin. 😀
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
My husband once commented that our autistic son enjoys expensive and luxurious things that only the rich could afford. I would love to refute that, cuz somehow, it sounded like a negative critism, but I couldn’t deny my husband’s statement, cuz in a way, the boy’s taste IS kinda expensive…be it food or entertainment wise. He enjoyed live performance and whatnot. I brought him to a ballet performance quite some time ago and he enjoyed it immensely, something that comes quite a surprise for me cuz usually he will have a meltdown in crowded and confined places.
And being autistic, the cost of raising him is also VERY high. Some friends even wondered how we could even afford the whole maintenance package, and in some ways, I kinda get wary at people commenting that I should cut the cost down a lil bit and whatnot, something I don’t think is quite possible to do. To me…it’s simple. If raising him is expensive, then I’ll just have to take a more high paying jobs and project. Not the other way around. I want exposure for my son, not restricting him in some stupid proverbial box. My method of parenting may not be conventional…but these few months, I could see some improvements after I implemented it. Some people may not notice it, but I do. And some friends commented that my son now has more eye-contact, more calm demeanor, more communication attempts, and more and more milestone being hit in a short period of time. So I guess…despite of criticism from obnoxious and ignorant people regarding my son’s milestone and behaviour, I must be doing something right with the changes in his routine and diet.
Anyway, enough ramblings. I won’t be writing much. Just wanna share a little something with all of you readers out there. My latest attempt in trying to get him to improve his concentration and focus along in breaking the routine though musical instrument. 😀
My son’s Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Nothing near perfect, but I’m happy enough cuz he managed to complete the whole song. 😀
Cleffairy: Maybe…just maybe…his brain is just wired differently, so don’t expect him to ‘slow down’ just so that you can catch up!