Reviewing Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow

One of the most irritating type of body pain for me, has to be stiff neck from a bad sleeping posture the night before. It takes a long time to resolve on its own and not being able to turn one's neck is really meh. It happened quite frequently in the past because I simply loved my super soft overused pillow, which offered next-to-nothing neck support!

Our early Christmas presents? 

For the record, I do not really like those so-called orthopedic pillows as I tend to feel that they are too 'thick' for my comfort, given my penchant for really soft ones. Worst still, sometimes they can also feel quite warm after use lor. There are so many type of pillows out in the market that it fazes me. Thanks to Best in Singapore, we got to try out Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow for ourselves recently. BTW, you can also check out their post on The Best 8 Pillows in Singapore for reference on pillow selection. 

Our new Origin Superior Coolmax® Latex Pillow 

It took merely hours from the ordering of my pillows to the actual delivery and you will be happy to know that delivery is free! Now that we had used the pillow for a while, let me share with you my thoughts! It came in a nice box that would be perfect to be gift wrapped as a Christmas present too. So the pillow was supposed to be cooling, with it's cool gel etc but I did not experience much of that effect which I attributed it to the fact that we sleep in an air-conditioned room. 

Realized that it came with a removable pillow cover only days after using. Duh!

It was only days after using the pillow that I realized it came with a removable Tencel fabric pillow cover. We actually fitted the pillow over with another pillow case and that was the reason why it didn't feel as cool as it should have! But with our extra cover removed, one can really feel the cooling property of the latex pillow now, even though the white cover also meant that it can be easily stained. Thankfully the fabric pillow cover is machine washable lah.

Stacci is loving it alright!

I am of the opinion that the pillows offered reasonable support without the feeling of too much hardness, and it made me wonder how my dad can actually sleep on those hard wooden pillows! Stacci loves it the most and practically kept one aside for her daily personal use. The pillow performed its job of providing a cooling restful sleep for me as well. My only qualm is that at $159, it is not exactly cheap for our family lah but it is going at a discounted price of $129 on Origin Mattress website now though.

Stay Masked with MaskFit ProShield®

Not that things are not looking better as compared to the start of the pandemic, but it sure is disappointing to read about the situation leading to the travel bubble postponement and also the reoccurring local transmission. In any case, it only highlights the importance for us to take the situation seriously and not rest on one's laurels. 

Latest MaskFit ProShield® Masks

I do not know about you, but our reusable masks from the previous batch had already gone out of shape from our daily use and washing. Temasek Foundation will be launching the third distribution of reusable masks island wide, as part of its ongoing efforts to support the community and just in time for you to change to new ones!

The masks comes with accompanying filters.

Each MaskFit ProShield® mask kit consists of 2 x masks + 3 x mask filters for insertion into the internal pocket. The masks are available in 4 sizes, S for kids (8 year & below only) while older kids and adults can choose from M/L/XL based on the measurements. You may wish to refer to the video below -

Each Singapore resident will be entitled to one FREE mask kit each and they can be collected from 30 Nov to 13 Dec at StayMasked vending machines located at CCs, RCs, Bus Interchanges, Temasek Shophouse and Plaza Singapura! 

Inserting the filters into the mask is easy, even for the little ones.

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You can even pre-order online if you need extras! Here are some FAQs that you might be interested to know -

What are the mask filters made of?  

The mask filters are made from nanofiber non-woven fabric. The three additional reusable filters provide added protection from saliva droplets or dust particles. They may be used with the MaskFit ProShield® mask, or with other DIY or 3D-shaped masks with filter pockets. The mask may be used without the filter when one is exercising, or in less crowded environments.

Can we wear the MaskFit ProShield® masks without the filter pad? 

The mask may be used without the filter when one is exercising, or in less crowded environments. However, we strongly recommend the MaskFit ProShield® mask to be worn together with the mask filter when you are in locations with a lot of people and/or are required to interact with many people.

How long can I use the mask for? 

The filters and reusable masks may be washed up to 50 times. Thus, the two masks and three filters in each kit can provide reusable protection for more than three months on a daily ‘wear one, wash one’ cycle. After 50 washes, the masks can continue to be used like ordinary masks with lower antimicrobial performance.

What if I’m in between sizes? 

If you are between sizes, or at the upper end of one size, you may wish to consider getting the next size up, if you prefer a roomier fit. Note on measuring the distance between the middle of eye to bottom of chin for correct size: this should be done towards the side of your face as a straight vertical line, i.e not along the curvature of your nose.

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Having tried it ourselves, I do feel that this new masks are more breathable as compared to the previous versions. I only have a problem with the sizing for my kids because they are so small-sized, requiring an S even though they are already over 8 years old! But it is still a great thing that no citizen is left behind and everyone has access to this very basic need during this difficult period. 

Stay protected, stay safe everyone!

For more information, check out https://stayprepared.sg/staymasked.

Mathilda's Gelato - Ice-Cream Delivery Singapore

I always have a sweet tooth and thus dieting hardly works for me lah. Always like to end my meals with dessert and ice-cream is obviously one of my favourites. My freezer would be filled with ice-cream of all sorts after our every trip to the supermarket for groceries. I really think they are essentials lor.

We were introduced to the Mathilda's Gelato recently and got to try out some of their flavors. Do not be misled by the name, for they carry ice-cream and sorbet as well, on top of their gelato. I tried ordering online and realized many of flavours get sold our fast.

I managed to grab their D24 Durian ice-cream which was really delicious lah, like eating cold durian paste lor, but smoother and sweeter of course. Chocolate gelato was really rich and felt premium with every mouthful. I though of just trying the Salted Caramel with Almonds ice-cream to find out how it tastes. But who know I couldn't stop at all, and finished 1/5 of the tub instead.

The Matcha Green Tea ice-cream can rival any of the macha ice-cream I ever had at the Japanese restaurants, if not, even better! All I need is some glutinous rice balls and sweet red-beans and I can sell it as a dessert myself liao. 

What's really amazing was that I ordered at around 10am in the morning, selected ASAP and the ice-creams were delivered to my place at 1pm the same day! Totally relieved my cravings sia. If you wanna try out these handmade ice-cream too, use my code [Steven5off] when you order from icecreamdelivery.com.sg and get 5% off your order before Christmas, 25 Dec 2020. 

Skechers Back to School Promotion

Now that the year-end exams are over for my eldest three, it is time to prepare for their new year of study in just a couple of weeks. This time round, Louie will be joining his two older siblings in primary school. I am sure it will be an exciting new experience, while Steffi will be moving on to secondary school already!

I am sure that when we mention our favourite brand, Skechers, comfortable walking and running shoes will come to mind. Not forgetting that they are very reasonably priced as well! But do you know that they carry back to school essentials such as bags and water bottle beside school shoes as well? Simple classic designs for the bottles and bags, that I would not hesitate to use too! My wife thinks so too.

So Leroy picked his choice of school shoe for next year.

We just picked up new shoes, bags and water bottles for the four older school-going kiddos from Skechers , and are glad to share that they are having some promotional bundles at selected outlets* right now that can save you up to $39.90 off usual prices! For example the most comprehensive bundle, Bundle A, consists of a pair of school shoes, classic backpack and water bottle + one free pair of black socks is discounted at $99.

*includes Tampines 1, Jurong Point, Northpoint, ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura, VivoCity and Suntec City.

I have been wearing my different pairs of Skechers shoes for walks, runs and even to office, and I dare say that they provided me with the most comfortable fit! Even my colleagues who wears them can attest to that. So when it comes to their all black or white school shoes, I have no doubt that they will be just as comfortable with the breathable material and comfort midsole. Well, the kiddos were happy when trying them out!

Their bags comes in 2 different sized designs in pink, dark blue and black. Both designs are minimalistic, without loud prints (except for the brand lah), which makes it classy and nice. We chose the bigger bags because having seen the stuff my own kiddos needed to carry in primary school, I know the bigger is better! By the way, you should get their matching BPA-free water bottles as well because I find that they match and fits the side pockets of the bags perfectly. Comes in pink, blue and black too!

The bags displayed here are the smaller ones.

Now is a great time to get your Skechers not only because of the Back to School promotion I mentioned above, but also because they are also having a $1 Second Item promotion on quite a number of regular-priced items. That is effectively an almost 50% discount! 

I also picked up the latest Skechers 92 Max Cushioning Premier Ultra Go! Super comfortable and looking really colourful and nice too. A change from my usual grey or black!

Must check the terms and conditions before utilizing them ok?

Besides that, with any purchase of kids shoes from any range, you will also get a $5 Popular voucher (got terms and conditions though, but sure can use on storybooks lah). Limited to one per transaction only and not available at Bugis Junction (Performance), VivoCity (Performance), The Clementi Mall and Velocity@Novena Square, because they don’t carry kid shoes hor. 

Happy kiddos with their new bags and water bottles!

Dyson Digital Slim: Worth Chasing The Latest Model?

I am not going to lie. Just ask my kids. It is hard to squeeze money out of me. I would use my devices until they die on me and try to save them if there are still ways to do so! We got our first Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner back in 2016 and it was a Dyson V8. Fast forward to today, I am still using the V8 daily and I am still very pleased with the performance, albeit I did have to get a battery change last year.

Wielding the Dyson Digital Slim using just one hand is of no problem for Steffi, but the Dyson V10 can be a little heavy for Leroy!

Along the way, we got an upgrade in the form of a Dyson V10, which was a decent space-blaster looking machine that I personally feel, had stronger suction power despite only having around the same weight. The bin size of both V8 and V10 were the same as well. Both will be used when both my wife and myself decides to clean at the same time, or whenever a cleaning session extends beyond the battery life of any one machine. 

When Dyson announced the launch of their latest Dyson Digital Slim earliest in August 2020, the first thing that I wondered, was exactly how much better can the machines get? They promised a 20% smaller and a whopping 30% lighter machine as compared to their last model V11, without compromise to the suction power. So let me now share my thoughts about the Digital Slim with you, after having tested it out myself.  

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Size / Weight / Suction Power

Shorter and slimmer rod for the Digital Slim but all the attachments can still be shared.

My first vacuum was a "normal" corded one which is pretty heavy and needed regular dust bag replacement. When we first tried the classy Dyson V8, we felt liberated and free. Now with the Digital Slim, the difference is even more! It is REALLY light and I feel, is just as powerful as the V8!

The fluffy cleaner head is also slimmer and is also lower.

Removable Battery

One can easily charge the battery by itself now!

The game changer would have to be this feature which was not available in all the previous models. One can now buy additional batteries and change batteries easily with the click of a button! The battery can be charged in/off the machine also.

Smart Digital Display

The screen will indicate the estimated run time before the battery dies on you.

The display shows the real time performance of the machine, with indication on the mode I am currently using as well as the remaining run time available. It will also show reminders on proper maintenance as well.

The screen will also show you maintenance reminders or inform you of any blockages etc,

Easy Maintenance

The bin can be removed and washed easily!

For a lighter machine, the plastic bin is also made smaller and requires one to clear more often. But that in itself, is not really a bad thing. It is always better to clear after every use right? Love that the bin can be removed and washed, and the same goes for the filter and any other parts that do not have any electrical component. 

Maneuverability

The low-reach adaptor means you need not bend down as much as before.

With a lower slim fluffy cleaner head and the low-reach adaptor, I can now reach under the cabinet or bed so much easier as compared to the V8 and V10! If you use the extension hose, you can also reach into hard to reach corners as well. 

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In conclusion, we love the latest Dyson Digital Slim after trying it out myself! But there are some cons such as if you are going to use it full blast with the boost mode, the batteries will last just over 7mins on a full charge. But using the Medium or Economy mode will extend the usage to around 30mins and 50mins respectively. Hence only use the strongest mode when necessary.

Also, the RRP of $749 may not be exactly easy on the wallet for everyone. Having said that, we had been using Dyson for many years now without any problems, and I would gladly choose it over any corded vacuum or unreliable cheap knock-offs! When it comes to vacuuming at home, nothing comes close to Dyson lor.

The full set of accessories that come with the Dyson Digital Slim Fluffy Extra,

In all honesty, Dyson's technology and products basically sells by itself, but you just have to try it out for yourself. I strongly recommend anyone who has yet to be "Dysonified", to jump straight to Dyson Digital Slim for your home vacuuming needs. You can thank me later. Go check out all the different models here if you wanna compare the specifications.

A Cake of Many Flavours!

What is a birthday celebration, without a birthday cake?  And sometimes we have more than one, either because the celebration is with different groups of friends, or because we wanna try different types of cakes! From our many years of cake-buying experience, there isn't any time where everyone in the family was happy with the choice of flavors! 

Buying a birthday cake requires a fair bit of planning for us as well. Such as who is the one who is buying it while on route to / from work and the timing needs to be worked out as well because our fridge is not exactly that big! The easy way out would be getting one from our neighborhood bakery, but the ones they sell does not taste good and is really our last resort.

For the birthday of my Wonder Woman of a wife this year, we had one of the most interesting cake ever for our cozy family celebration. It was a special Build You Own Cake from Cake Delivery Singapore. Yours truly had the honour of choosing up to 12 different flavours for the cake, such as Rainbow Cake for my wife because that is what she would always order, and Mao Shan Wang Choc for myself! The boys also loved their Choc Ganache and Choc Fudge which were comparable to the many "branded" bakeries we had tried, while Bubblegum cake was pretty unique too but a tad too "artificial" perhaps though.

Ordering online from them is really simple, just head over to their website and check out their many different offerings! I believe that the company is working with a group of home bakers and after tasting the different cakes delivered, I can confidently recommend their cakes to you as well. The cakes all taste fresh and delicious. The Ondeh Ondeh cake is also noteworthy, tastes much like the real thing! Worth considering their Build You Own Cake if you want to try a little bit of everything!

Full HD Pan & Tilt Pro Wi-Fi Camera: D-Link DCS8526LH

D-Link had launched 2 new WiFi cameras not too long ago, one outdoor model (DCS-8630LH) and the other is the indoor model (DCS8526LH), which is the one I am reviewing right now, having used it for a couple of weeks now.

Ok, I have to be very very honest with all of you, and that is that I do not have in-depth technical knowledge. So while I can tell you that this camera boasts full HD at 1080p at 30 frames per second, I can only tell you that the footage looks really clear and allows me to zoom in without losing details. Let me tell you what I love about the camera! First thing first, I love that it comes with 2 different adapter heads (3-pin or 2-pin) that you can fix depending on your power socket. Hee hee... no need to stick in a pen or screwdriver already.

As an existing user of mydlink App, adding a new camera for this noob is as easy as it can be. All I needed was to select "Add Device" from the side menu, scan the QR code on my new DCS8526LH and follow the instructions to link the device to my home WiFi. One point to note is that one has to ensure that one is logged into the same WiFi for the successful linking. 

Once linked, I am able to control the various settings for the device. I can pan and tilt the angle, set detections and even set it to Privacy mode, which is good especially if the camera is set in the bedroom and that there may be times you want the camera off. 

Sometimes when I cannot get the kiddos on the phone, I can even turn on the Mic and speak to them directly. Actually more to scold them for not answering lah. Sometimes I do receive notifications in the middle of the night on movement detected but when I check my mobile and see no one around even when I pinch to zoom into night vision footage, it can be kinda scary. 

So here's one tip, please set your motion and sound detection to a suitable sensitivity level depending on where you place the camera lest you keep getting false alarms! You can also set designated contact so that you can do a quick deal when the notification is triggered.

This is not the first pan-tilt Wi-Fi camera we have tried, with the first being it's predecessor, the DCS-8525LH which is still working great by the way. But this latest model sure looks sleeker without the antenna, and also requires a smaller footprint. I am loving all my D-Link Wi-Fi camera and had been using my first camera DCS-960L for over 4 years now! 

Thank you D-Link Singapore for sending over this awesome new camera for review. I know we will be using it for a very long time.