New house

I've moved!

Please point your browsers to Rinnah's Consumer Views from this point onward.

Thank you and see you over there!

Creative ensembles with Polyvore

So I had me some free time this weekend and I thought it would be fun to come up with this creative ensemble using Polyvore.com as touted by Tongue In Chic...

I call this outfit High Society Chick cos it's what I think they might wear. Heck, I would wear this outfit myself if I had the cash and the standing to do so!

Why don't you head on over to Polyvore.com and create an ensemble or two of your own? Who knows, you might see your creation looped at Urbanscapes. For more info head on over to Tongue in Chic.

Cardigan? Or wrap? You decide

My good girlfriend the Giddy Tigress pointed me in the direction of Shopaholics Unite! and I have to say that I'm loving their blog! Oh, another avenue for me to spend many minutes drooling, dreaming and ogling their pretty wares.

Just today, this caught my eye...

Picture taken from Shopaholics Unite!

You say nice or not? I would absolutely love to own this in cardi-wrap in a dark grey - so classy, can?

If you liked this, there are loads more over at the Shopaholics Unite! blog. So be sure to check them out, yeah?

Nokia N81 8GB review - Part 1

Part 1 - Who fits the bill?

About two weeks back, I became the proud owner of a brand spanking new Nokia N81 8GB. I didn't *need* a new phone - I had a perfectly usable though outdated Nokia 3100 which I had been *forced* to use ever since my Nokia N80i (see my previous review here) got snatched by thieves in March. While the 3100 allowed me to make and receive calls and SMSes, I was moaning about the lack of multimedia capability on the phone (which was something I missed badly). So, I went phone shopping.

Unlike most general shoppers, I had a checklist of minimum features I demanded my new phone *must* have. They were (in order of priority) :

~ WiFi aka WLAN access
~ Camera
~ Calendar-ing features
~ Music / video player (bonus feature)
~ Games (bonus feature)

Since I am a die-hard Nokia user, I only looked at phones from that brand primarily because I am very used to their navigation system and didn't want to be bothered to learn anything very different from what I already knew.

Right off the bat, my first requirement - WiFi - knocked out most phone models, leaving me with the higher range N and E series models. And since all the N and E series came equipped with the rest of my want list, I then used my budget to narrow down the choices. At the lowest (read : cheapest) end of the spectrum would be the E65. At the highest point, it was the N95 8GB with the rest in between. If it were a ladder, it would look like this :

N95 8GB
N95
N82
N81 8GB
N81
E65

Yup, not that many models to choose from (I omitted the outdated/no longer in production N80 and N80i which also has the WiFi feature because I owned that previously) and of the six models up there, two are repeats - N95 and N81.

As I had done my research previously and knew exactly which models I was on the look out for, my next step was to shop around for the best possible price. With a fixed budget in mind, at the very least I knew I would walk away with an E65 or a N81 (if the price was right).

Image credit

As it happened, I got myself a pretty good deal on a new edition N81 8GB a little above the target price I was prepared to pay for an older edition N81. The difference between the two is in the 8GB of internal memory on the phone as compared to the original 2GB.

(Note : I need to disclose that while I got an original set, I did not get my phone from an authorized Nokia dealer, so I don't feel comfortable disclosing the price I paid for it on my blog. But I will say that I got my phone from Plaza Alam Sentral, which is pretty much like Low Yat, if you know what I mean. *wink*)

Up next in Part 2, how does the N81 8GB measure up in terms of looks?

A switch of focus

Rinnah's Marketplace is going to take a brief break from all the girly, cosmetic reviews for a while and focus on some technological stuff for a change. (Yes, I'm a techie geek-ess under all the feminine frippery. Lawl.) Hehe.

Stay tuned for Part 1 of my review on the Nokia N81 8GB! *grin*

Clinique's Lash Power™ Curling Mascara

Pre-post note : This has got to be the fastest review I've ever done! LOL.

**********

Tagline : Lash curler no longer required

Description : New Lash Power™ Curling Mascara holds a curl for up to 24 long hours. Celebrate dramatic curl achieved through a formula that stretches lashes to their limits and a wand that scoops up, lifts up every last lash. Won't smudge, flake or smear. Lasts through rain, sweat, humidity, tears, yet removes easily with warm water. Ophthalmologist tested. Appropriate for contact lens wearers. Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free. Formulated for Asian eyes.

Colours : Black Onyx, Dark Chocolate

Packaging : 6ml

Recommended retail price : RM 75

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My review :

I got my hands on a free travel-sized sample of the Lash Power™ Curling Mascara in Black Onyx and immediately put it to the test.

The packaging for the travel-sized sample is a plain gray plastic tube, which does not resemble the real thing, which is a matte silver slim tube.

The brush head is small and slightly curved, which I suppose is meant to help you "catch" every last lash for the curling effect. I like that the brush is teeny enough to reach the fine lashes at the corners of my eyes, unlike previous mascaras which I'd used that had big chunky brushes. But of course, brush size is a matter of personal preference and also depends on what you want your mascara to do. If you're going for volume, then a bigger brush would work wonders. But if you prefer length (like me), then a smaller brush allows for better control. (Note: Since I received a travel-sized sample, I'm not sure if the original packaging brush size is the same - the Clinique counter I visited did not have an opened sample.)

The first few swipes of the brush resulted in lengthening of my lashes, but defining the curve took a little bit more work. A colleague who analyzed the end effect for me said that the curl was not as visible as she expected it to be, but I think it's because the major effect of this mascara on me is that of length rather than volume and curl. There is some noticable difference when I look closely in that my lashes are curling upwards but only towards the end. However, it did do a nice job of "opening up" my eyes without seeming overly mascara-d, which is a look I try to avoid at all costs, and looks very natural (I like!). I did find the first application to be a little clumpy right out of the tube and it required multiple swipes of the brush to even out the distribution on each lash. (Not sure if the reason is because it's a sample?)

This mascara dried nicely and instantly, so I did not end up smudging my lower lashes when I blinked. The staying power is commendable as even after 12 hours, my lashes still looked as they did when I first applied the mascara. Nice!

And for those who like me have found removing mascara (especially the waterproof type) a huge hassle even with make-up remover, I think I've found my perfect product. Like the claims say, it removes easily and simply with warm water. I used warm water from my shower, splash splash and voila, the mascara began to remove itself just like that. Of course you will have to rinse a few times to make sure that the last vestiges of mascara are fully removed, but this is the easiest time I've ever had in removing mascara (and oh yes, it removes cleanly - no stray lumps clinging onto my lashes at the end). Needless to say, I love this aspect of the product.

Yes factors : Nice length achieved, small brush head for reaching corners, excellent no-smudge staying power, easy to clean
No factors : Minimal curl achieved contrary to product claims, seems a bit clumpy when first out of the tube, careful application required (steady hand)

If you go to Clinique Malaysia's official website (it calls itself an official website but is strangely not listed if you go to Clinique.com) you can register yourself with them for a free sample of their famed 3 Step System here.

End-post note : The opinions expressed in this blogpost are purely that of the reviewer's own and she has received no monetary compensation to do this review.

I want myself some Benjibox shoeboxes!

If you are an average woman, you probably have more than one pair of shoes. If you are a stereotypical woman, you probably have a love of shoe shopping.

Me? I wish I could be: a) Imelda Marcos (for her famed collection of shoes); with b) Mariah Carey's gorgeous walk-in closet that has space for her many pairs of shoes! and c) own a branded shoe shop so that as proprietress, I'd get to swipe a pair of every latest design that came through my doors. Wuahahaha. Okay, enough of my fantasies. Back to reality.

Now, I have so many pairs of shoes currently (about 20+ pairs, give or take a few) that there simply isn't enough cabinet space to display them and the majority is stored in the boxes they came in and stacked in the storeroom. It's not cluttered, but finding the right pair of shoes is getting to be a problem unless it happens to be one of a brand (which is rare because most of my shoes are from the same brands). So I often spend some time opening and closing shoeboxes every morning in an attempt to find the right pair. A bit frustrating and not the way I want to start my mornings!

Anyways, I read about these nifty shoeboxes on Karen Cheng's blog recently and they seem like the perfect solution to my shoebox woes.

Picture grabbed off Karen Cheng's blog

See? Clear, see through shoeboxes that let you see which pair is inside which box and a sliding drawer function that makes grabbing the perfect pair to match your outfit a breeze.

Find out more about the Benjibox here, as well as a full price list. (Each shoebox costs AUD 9.95 and the price reduces according to the package you select.) The only thing that's stopping me from getting some for myself is the price (AUD vs my MYR at a multiple of close to 3x) and international shipping charges. :o(

I wonder if I can find a local alternative?

Clinique's Lash Power Curling Mascara sample - free

I just received an email notification from Clinique Malaysia promoting their latest product - the Lash Power Curling Mascara.

It promises dramatic curl that will last for up to 24 hours without smudging, flaking or smearing but yet is easily removable with warm water.

I must say, I'm intrigued enough to want to check it out!

Oh, by the by, if you go to this site and leave your details, you could possibly redeem a free travel-size sample of Lash Power Curling Mascara while stocks last. I just got the email like half an hour ago, so it should still be available. :o)

Go, ladies go!

Edit @ 18:33hrs - I just got my e-coupon in my email. I shall be off to get my free sample tomorrow afternoon!

Addendum on 13 May 2008 @ 13:00hrs - I have my sample mascara! Review to come soon here.

Clinique's Attracted to Colour makeup workshop

Since I had registered with Clinique's website in January in order to receive a free deluxe sample kit of their famed 3 Step system, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from them earlier this month promoting their new Attracted to Colour workshop.

The Attracted to Colour workshop runs from 14 to 27 April 2008 at selected Clinique counters in the Klang Valley. What you get from it is a basic makeup session with their consultants who will teach you how to apply makeup, especially in those areas that you face difficulty in. And while stocks last, they will also give you a sample of their newest blush and a travel size makeup remover.

Being the compulsive bargain hunter that I am, I made an appointment for the first day of the workshop itself. I went to the Clinique counter in Isetan, KLCC during my lunch hour. The makeup session was alright, but I did feel that the consultant I got was a bit junior. And she was more interested in giving me her style of makeup, even though I did specify that I preferred to learn a natural look, especially for my eyes. Uh, I don't think the amount of eyeliner and mascara used would be a natural look, but I do have to say that I liked the way it made my eyes look very big (perfect for an evening look but not for work). Unfortunately it was rather startling, so definitely not a natural look like what I had in mind, but perhaps that was natural to her.

This is the freebies that I got - the sample blush and travel sized makeup remover. I haven't tried the blush yet, but I've been using the makeup remover and I like it very much (product review will be in another post).

If you are thinking of trying out this workshop, please ensure that you make an appointment in advance as the consultants are quite high-handed (on the verge of being rude) to walk-in customers.

SKII is giving out free samples of their Aqua Physics range

Thanks to my ex-colleague for giving me the heads up on this...

Apparently, SKII is giving away samples (while stocks last) of their Aqua Physics range. Go to http://aquaphysics.com.my and register your details - you'll then receive an SMS that is valid for 10 days to redeem a sample of Aqua Physics from any SKII counter.

I've never tried SKII before due to it being out of my price reach, so you bet I'll jump at this opportunity! Updates on the product to follow...

Why I'm happy to be a Maxis customer

When I owned my first mobile phone, I started off with that other service provider - Celcom. (You know, their latest promotional gimmick is "A Great Sale". I don't understand the concept of a telephone service provider having a sale. It's like, what's there to have sales about?) Coverage was so-so but the bills were really costly every month for a single user.

That's when the family decided to consolidate all lines under a single service provider. Not only would it be cheaper, it would also be logistically easier - Dad was on Maxis, Mom was on DiGi and I was on Celcom. We also liked the idea of "free" calls between family lines la.

Since my mobile phone got stolen recently, I had to go and get myself a replacement SIM card. Since the line was registered under Dad, I couldn't do it on my own but needed to have a letter of authorization plus a copy of his NRIC. Armed with the necessary documents, I went to the Maxis Centre in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (TTDI). Why TTDI when I don't stay in the area? I was already there mah. *wink*

Firstly I was stunned at the number of people there at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. It was like our gah-men office... that many people and some small overflow outside as people went in and people left. I mentally prepared myself for a long wait and stepped inside. Did ya know that Maxis has these nice customer service people to open the doors for you and greet you? Well, now you do. And it was a nice feeling, I tell ya. It could've been a bit better if they actually directed n00bs like me to the right counter, but can't blame them for that.

Stopped by the customer service counter and explained to the staff there that I wanted to get a replacement SIM card. He gave me a number - there were three in line ahead of me. Hardly had I put down my laptop, took out my camera and snapped this quick pic (that's like only 1/5 of the people milling around), they called my number! Within the space of 2 minutes! I was impressed. Of course, it also helps that they had like 10 counters open at the same time, helping to move the people along quickly, like factory processing.

Went to my assigned counter, produced my documents to the lady there. She only asked for my NRIC to verify that I was the sub-line owner specified in my dad's letter of authorization, click here click there then she gave me my new replacement SIM card, telling me that it would be activated in 2 hours time. So efficient and fast!

Earlier before I went to the Maxis Centre, I had called the Maxis Hotline to verify the type of documents I needed to ask for the replacement SIM card, and the customer service personnel there had mentioned a replacement fee of RM25 for the SIM card. So when I got the new SIM card, I asked the lady if I needed to pay for it. Her reply:

"No need to pay one. We normally issue replacement SIM card for free."

You say nice or not? :o) I was very happy to hear that and even happier that the whole trip to Maxis Centre took me less than 10 minutes total in and out. So, I'm very happy to remain as a Maxis customer!

Bamboo as clothing

I was surfing the Net and happened upon this very interesting concept of bamboo as clothing! Who would imagine that bamboo could be turned into wearable and comfortable clothing? The fibre cloth made from bamboo is all natural, breathable and has outstanding anti-bacterial and moisture wicking qualities but yet is soft enough for babies. It's interesting to read how the clothing is made, and I like the fact that bamboo clothing may be the most environmentally friendly and "green" clothing choice around.

I am thinking of getting myself a bamboo fibre t-shirt to try. But I'm more partial to the Bamboo Original camisole, which looks super trendy and comfortable. What say you?

Metrojaya Pre Stock Take Sales

I popped into the Metrojaya stores last week to check out their month-long Pre Stock Take Sales and have to say that I came away quite impressed with the range of discounts given. Some brands were going at prices up to 70% off whilst other similar departmental stores were selling the same thing for just 50% off. I grabbed some good deals, but missed out on others due to sizing issues. *grin* But all in all, I think this is one sale you should check out!

Earn more with Snapbomb

Did you know that you can earn money with your blog? Advertisers are now looking to create marketing buzz by using bloggers to promote or review their products and services. It's a new phenomenon known as blog marketing. Those bloggers who want to make money would have heard of or joined some of the more well known outfits out there like PPP (who was one of the first).

Well, there is a new kid on the blog called Snapbomb. And let me tell you that using the Snapbomb interface is so simple and user-friendly that even the most new blogger would find it a snap to register their blogs. All it takes is a simple two step process of signing-up for an account and registering your blog before you can start bidding for opportunities that you can write about. I was up and running within 5 minutes.

Snapbomb even takes the work out of wondering how much you can make per post with their system of listing out how much you can earn per opportunity with each blog so that you can pick the best blog for you!

So, why don't you try out Snapbomb and see for yourself how easy it is to earn with your blog?

Get a free Clinique sample

I cannot resist free stuff, and when the free stuff happens to be branded, there's just no excuse for not picking it up, is there? *grin*

Clinique Malaysia is giving out free deluxe samples (15ml) of their famed 3-Step system to those who are willing to leave some details with them - Name, NRIC number, mobile phone number and email address. Click here to register yourself for the free sample, which is available at only selected Clinique counters in the Klang Valley and is valid for redemption until 23 January 2008.

I've never tried Clinique before but have heard good reports about it, so I shall be off to pick up my samples real soon!

Tommee Tippee for baby and you

I don't have children of my own right now, but I do look forward to the time when I do and I'm learning all I can by being an observer of my close friends and their babies. I'm quite lucky in the sense that their children are close in age - all under two right now - so I sometimes join in the mommies group as they trade tips and tricks on bringing up baby.

One of the hot topics in the beginning was breastfeeding. I now know that it's a tough challenge to want to breastfeed your baby as long as possible and even more so when you're a working mother. Their stories of trying to find time to express milk in the office have made me think twice about what I want to do when the time comes, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Then after the breastfeeding time there has to be a time of weaning and that's another huge responsibility for mommy. The transition from a purely milk diet to semi-solids and then solids can be a trying time for some, like my friend whose daughter seems to prefer milk over any kinds of solids. I do believe she's tried nearly every trick in the book - from tricking her baby with different types of food and tastes to cajoling and even buying pretty cute bibs and cutleries to tempt her toddler to eating instead of demanding for milk.

I personally like the Tommee Tippee range of cute bibs and sipper cups and the toddler weaning kit seems to be the perfect pressie for the special little one in your life. Why Tommee Tippee? Well, they've been UK's leading baby accessories brand from over 50 years and hey, I used stuff from them when I was a babe too. It's a pity that it isn't more readily available in Malaysia, but if you can get your hands on 'em elsewhere, I'd definitely recommend you do so.

Malaysia Year End Sale (2007)

We (Malaysia) wanna be known as a better shopping paradise than our Northern and Southern neighbours so we have nationwide sales thrice yearly. Of course, we must end the year with a big bang, so some brilliant chap came out with the Malaysia Year End Sale (2007 edition). That is great news for locals and tourists alike because that means sales, sales and more sales. And sales mean discounts! *grin*

Photo credit to shoppingnsales

Beyond the normal sales discounts, tourists can get additional privileges by showing their passports and selected shopping malls will have later closing hours. So shopoholics, get your shoes and wallets ready and shop til you drop!

Do you shop til you drop?

I saw this quickie quiz on my shopping buddy Giddy Tiger's site and naturally, I couldn't resist taking it too. I don't think the results are that accurate for me because...

You're a Window Shopper!

You know that shopping's a blast, but you prefer to save your money You hardly ever give into an impulse buy, unless it's a total steal You've always got the most money of your friends - and you never have to borrow And you've got a nice wardrobe too ... of classic pieces that last years!

Do You Shop More Than Most Women?

~ I window shop a lot. A whole lot. Like every Saturday and Sunday I do nothing more than haunt the shopping malls. Which in turn leads to temptation to buy stuff that I don't need.

~ So yes, I do impulse buy stuff on a regular basis but hey, they're always total steals! I never pay full market price if I can help it.

~ Hurhurhur. I shall take it as a prophecy that I have got the most money of my friends and that I'll never have to borrow to shop.

~ Yes, my wardrobe is full of classic pieces that I can wear for donkey years, which made my mother comment that I have the wardrobe of a 40 year old. Ha!

The new Nokia N82

Have I found my new love? I know it's a little too soon, seeing as how I got my Nokia N80 baby in August and am honor bound to keep on using it for at least a year... but just reading about the specs of this latest phone from Nokia on Colbert's blog makes me drool and sets my heart aflutter with anticipation. I can't wait to see the real thing once it's launched...

Everyday Minerals Multi-Tasking Concealer

Yes, after so long, I finally got down to checking out my mineral makeup purchase from Everyday Minerals. I was somewhat thwarted from initial plans to review it straightaway by a minor breakout on my cheeks, so I decided to err on the side of caution and wait until it had subsided before I tried out something new on my skin.

So far I've only test run one product - the Multi-Tasking Concealer - and am glad to say that my experience is quite alright. As mineral makeup comes in loose powder form, I first had to get myself a proper tool. It so happened that I was at an Elianto cosmetics stall so I picked up their Foundation Brush (which I hope to review later on) as it seemed to be the right size for the teeny tiny Everyday Minerals pot. Getting the mineral powder onto the brush in the right amounts proved to be a little tricky at first as there is a secondary tray under the lid of the pot. I got around this by shaking it upside-down with the lid screwed on tight then sweeping the brush around the tray to pick up the mineral powder. Perhaps a little powderpuff would have worked better for me, but that's just my opinion.

The mineral powder is pretty fine and the foundation brush worked like a charm to pick it up and dust it onto my face. I'm not much of a makeup fan, preferring to go natural where possible and also keep the appearance of having applied any makeup at all to a bare minimum, so my routine was pretty simple. Dust on the Multi-Tasking Concealer where needed, apply a slight touch of blush to the cheeks, draw in my brows (a must for Asians, unfortunately) and a light touch of lipgloss and I'm good to go. The mineral powder went on quite well, and didn't show up as glaringly as my Maybelline loose powder used to do in the facial lines besides the nose and under the eyes. In fact, you could hardly tell that it was there. I still had a bit of redness and spots from the breakout and perhaps because it's a concealer (I've yet to try it in conjunction with the foundation powder), it did work quite well in minimizing the redness and covering up the spotty areas. But I do qualify my statement by saying that it wasn't a really bad breakout, just bad enough to be visible without any concealment.

The color of the concealer seems to suit my skin tone well - I could hardly tell that I was wearing any make-up on. However it should be considered that I didn't really layer it on, just a light dusting all over and a little more on the red spot area on my cheek. So far so good and I'm going to try the other foundation colors next!