Showing posts with label Products. Show all posts

Monday, October 16, 2023

How to Pick the Fit Black Friday Shapewear Based on Your Body Type

Every woman comes in different sizes and shapes. This is why we should embrace our body and have confidence in expressing ourselves. That being said, it is not always easy to do. One of the ways that we can bring out our inner confidence is to get the help of shapewear. It is a simple way to embrace our body and help us to love ourselves more. There is nothing wrong with wearing shapewear as it can give us the little push that we all need sometimes.

Whether it is your wedding day or a special formal occasion coming up soon, you would want to look your best. Just how do you achieve that? You would need to choose the right shapewear that conforms to your silhouette and helps to accentuate your most attractive traits. Just like how wearing the right wholesale sports bra will ensure that you are comfortable when working out, having the right shapewear will give allow your clothes to fit better and boost your confidence.

How To Choose Shapewear Based On Your Body Type

Shopping for the perfect shapewear by body type will ensure that you are picking the right garment that will give you the desired shaping effect and achieve maximum sculpting results.

The Four Main Body Types

When it comes to choosing the right shapewear, every body type has different problems that need to be addressed. In order to look your best, you need to choose the garment that flatters your body and wear the right shapewear to enhance your shape and achieve a flawless silhouette.

Apple Body Shape

An apple body shape will have broader shoulder and narrower hips. They also tend to have slimmer legs and thighs with average size bust and larger belly. To dress an apple shape, adding volume to the lower half of the body will be able to balance the mid-section.Wrap tops, corset style bodice or pleating under the bust, deep V or scoop neck clothing are ideal. The goal is to lengthen the torso. The shapewear solution is to wear an open bust bodysuit like this slimming full bodysuit that allows you to wear your own bra for a better comfort.

Image from https://www.waistdear.com/products/wholesale-eco-friendly-seamless-outer-crew-thong-bodysuit

Hourglass Body Shape

For hourglass body shape, the hip and bust are almost equal in size while the waist is narrower. To dress an hourglass body shape, it is best to draw attention to the small waist by accentuating it. Clothes like wrap tops, scoop or boatneck neckline, pencil skirt and straight skirts are ideal. Adding volume to the shoulders will make the waist look even smaller. The shapewear for this body shape is a butt lifter body shaper that will lift the booty, and controls and shapes the abdomen and cinch the waist.

Image from https://www.waistdear.com/products/wholesale-liquid-spandex-high-waist-waist-trimming-brief-butt-lifter

Pear Shape Body

For pear shape body, the hip measurement is greater than the bust measurement. The problem areas tend to be on the buttocks, hips and thighs. Additional areas would be the waist and upper abdomen. To dress a pear shape body, try adding details and volume on top. Emphasize the waist by choosing styles that nipped at the waist. The shapewear solution would be wholesale waist trainers as they offer control for tummy, waist, and hips.

Image from https://www.waistdear.com/collections/waist-trainer/products/black-plus-size-latex-double-belt-waist-trainer-7-steel-bones-compression

Straight Body Shape / Rectangle Body Shape

The rectangle or straight body shape may have a waist that is slightly smaller than the hips or bust. The body fat tends to be distributed evenly from shoulders to the hips. To dress a straight body shape, it is best to create a smaller waist by emphasizing the bust and hips with styles that add volume on top and below the waist. Go for styles with ruffles and necklines such as sleeveless, halterneck or strapless. The shapewear solution is a mid thigh shaping shorts that will firmly control and shape the abdomen, waist, back, and also give your boot a lift.

You may want take advantage of the black friday shapewear wholesale at Waistdear to shop for the perfect body shapers like those above.

Sunday, October 01, 2023

Comelnya Touch N Go Charm Edisi Terhad!

Korang dah tengok tak Touch N Go charm Furry Series ni?

Kredit foto: Touch N Go website

Alahai, kenapalah bendalah ni comel teruk? Charm ni guna teknologi NFC boleh tambah nilai pakai apps TnG kat phone je. Gantung kat tepi beg confirm tak lupa bawak kad TnG bila keluar. My kids ni dah la pernah ada history hilang / rosak kad TnG (terlupa keluarkan dari poket lepas tu masuk dalam mesin basuh / pengering). Sesuai sangat belikan charm ni untuk dieorang. Aku beli kat Shopee, harga dalam RM30 tak termasuk postage. Dalam 2 hari dah sampai.

Comel dan functional

Cara nak register kan charm ni dekat phone kita boleh tengok kat belakang packaging.

So far dah 2x guna masa naik LRT / MRT. Alhamdulillah berfungsi dengan baik. Semoga lepas ni takde kejadian misplaced atau masuk dalam mesin basuh lagi!

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Guna EO Untuk Legakan Senggugut

Beli kat Shopee, harga dalam RM50+

Aku pernah cerita sebelum ni yang aku jumpa pakar sakit puan dan dia bagitau aku ada dinding rahim yang tebal dipanggil hiperplasma endometrium. Setiap kali time datang bulan tu memang adoi, sengsara jugak la kena senggugut. Memang panadol menstrual dan botol air panas je boleh kurangkan rasa tak selesa tu, biasanya lepas makan panadol aku akan tidur sambil letak botol air panas di belakang pinggang / bahagian bawah perut (depend kat mana rasa sakit mencucuk-cucuk tu).

Anyway, aku tertarik untuk mencuba produk EO (essential oil) yang aku jumpa di Shopee ni sebab salah satu kandungannya ialah Endoflex yang benefit nya ialah mengurangkan sakit waktu datang bulan. Aku bukanlah taksub sangat pun dengan produk EO tapi tak salah mencuba kan, sebab nak elakkan makan panadol kerap sangat. Jadi aku pun beli la sebotol dengan harga RM58+.

Botolnya datang dengan roller jadi mudah untuk disapu. Cara pakainya cuma calit dan urut pada beberapa point iaitu bahagian kiri dan kanan kepala (temple), belakang tengkuk, bawah perut, bahagian nadi di tangan dan bawah ibu jari kaki.

Alhamdulillah setakat ni EO ni serasi dengan aku. Dapat rasakan sakit dan tak selesa tu dah berkurangan dan efek pun cepat, sampai aku dah tak perlu telan panadol Menstrual lagi untuk redakan sakit senggugut. Rasa tak selesa tu masih ada cuma dah tahap yang masih boleh bangun, buat kerja dan takde la terbaring mengerekot dengan botol air panas je macam sebelum ni. Baunya pun buat mood rasa tenang je.

Ada tak yang selalu senggugut bila datang bulan? Korang selalunya pakai produk apa untuk kurangkan sakit senggugut? Boleh komen sikit 😉

Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Menyesal Beli Sambal Tumis Ikan Masin Che Nor!

Bila diet kan, janganlah beli sambal tumis instant sebab nanti menyesal bila diet ke laut! Konon-konon bila beli sambal tumis ikan masin ni, tak payah la susah-susah buat sambal bila masak nasi lemak tapi end up bertambah-tambah nasi bila makan dengan sambal ni. Lagi-lagi ada ikan masin dalam tu, aduiiii habis la naik BP lepas ni!

Sambal ni aku beli dekat pasaraya SOGO minggu lepas. Tertarik sebab ada perkataan ikan masin tu 😂. Padahal sepatutnya dah tak boleh makan benda-benda masin ni.

Sambal tumis ikan masin Che Nor yang pedas tapi sedap giler!

Sambal ni memang kena dengan tekak aku sebab tak terlalu manis dan tak terlalu pedas

Aku tak ingat berapa harganya, dalam belas-belas kalau tak silap. Kalau kat Shopee, harganya dalam RM13.50. Tapi memang sedap. Tak de la masin sangat.

Lepas ni aku taknak beli dah sebab nanti hancuss diet! 🤭

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Review: Pembersih Udara Levoit Core 600S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Korang ingat tak aku cerita pasal guna ChatGPT untuk survey pembersih udara yang sesuai untuk dipasang kat rumah? Lepas review model-model pembersih udara yang dijual di Shopee, akhirnya kiteorang pilih untuk pasang pembersih udara jenama Levoit Core 600S. Harga dalam RM1000 lebih jugak tapi mengenangkan kesihatan Khayla yang kerap bersin setiap hari sejak bela kucing kat rumah ni, Suami Terchenta kata pejam mata je la!

Dalam 2 hari lepas order dari Shopee, pembersih udara ni pun selamat sampai ke rumah. Walaupun kotak dia nampak gedabak, tapi sebenarnya ringan je pembersih udara ni.

Levoit Core 600S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Mula-mula unboxing, kena baca manual dulu. Cara nak pasang senang je. Keluarkan plastik pembungkus penapis HEPA dalam pembersih udara ni, pasang balik tanpa plastik pembungkus, sambung plag ke suis dinding lepas tu tekan butang power.

Risalah manual dalam kotak

Pembersih udara ni boleh dikawal guna aplikasi kat telefon. Muat turun aplikasi, sambungkan ke pembersih udara guna bluetooth lepas tu boleh la pantau kualiti udara dalam rumah / guna aplikasi untuk hidupkan / matikan pembersih udara. Walaupun peranti ni bukan Homekit-enabled, tapi boleh jugak gunakan Apple Watch untuk hidupkan / matikan pembersih udara ni.

Pandangan dari atas

Pandangan dari depan

Cara semak kualiti udara, biru menunjukkan tahap udara yang sangat bersih, hijau bersih, kuning kurang bersih dan merah menunjukkan udara tercemar. Biasanya lepas memasak, pembersih udara ni akan bertukar jadi merah sebab nak hilangkan asap dari memasak (walaupun dah guna penyedut udara / kitchen hood).

Lepas 2 minggu lebih guna pembersih udara ni di rumah, so ni review aku tentang pembersih udara ni. So far, aku happy dengan pembersih udara ni. Khayla sebelum ni memang ada alahan dengan debu / bulu kucing, jadi pagi-pagi dia kerap bersin-bersin. Sejak bela 2 ekor kucing di rumah, Khadeeja pun nampaknya ada tanda-tanda alahan jugak, kerap berhingus dan batuk-batuk. Sebab tu la kiteorang memang perlukan pembersih udara untuk bantu anak-anak kiteorang bernafas dengan lebih baik di rumah.

Levoit Core 600S mempunyai penapis H13 True HEPA yang mampu menapis 99.97% zarah bawaan udara (airborne particles) termasuk debu, debunga, bulu haiwan peliharaan dan asap. (Tips bila nak cari pembersih udara: pastikan ianya ada penapis True HEPA H13 atau H14 sebab ianya bertaraf gred hospital). Ianya jugak ada penapis karbon yang menghilangkan bau-bauan kurang enak dan gas. Pembersih udara ni ada 4 kelajuan kipas dan mod waktu malam yang senyap.

Aku selalu guna pembersih udara Core 600S ni dengan mod auto dan setakat ni, nampaknya ia berjaya mengekalkan udara bersih dalam rumah ni. Yang paling penting, Khayla dan Khadeeja dah berhenti bersin-bersin dan batuk-batuk sejak guna pembersih udara. Takde lagi dah nampak bulu Kiera berterbangan!

Pembersih udara ni jugak sangat senang digunakan. Ia ada paparan sentuh yang memudahkan untuk menukar kelajuan kipas, mengaktifkan mod waktu malam dan menetapkan pemasa. Pembersih udara ni jugak dilengkapi dengan sambungan Wi-Fi supaya kita boleh kawal menggunakan telefon pintar.

Kat sini aku rumuskan pros dan cons Levoit Core 600S ni:

Pros:

Penapis H13 True HEPA menyahkan 99.97% zarah bawaan udara termasuk bulu kucing
Penapis karbon menghilangkan bau-bauan kurang enak dan gas
Empat kelajuan kipas dan mod waktu malam yang senyap
Paparan sentuh yang senang digunakan
Kawalan jarak jauh guna sambungan Wi-Fi
Kawasan liputan yang luas (147 meter persegi) - pasang di ruang tamu boleh bersihkan udara di dapur sampai ke bilik tidur
Berkesan mengurangkan / menghilangkan alahan yang berkaitan dengan udara kurang bersih di rumah
Waranti 2 tahun

Cons:

Agak bising bila dipasang pada kelajuan kipas tertinggi
Tiada cahaya UV atau ionizer
Harga sedikit premium (tapi berbaloi sebab kawasan liputan yang luas)
Penapis karbon tak menghilangkan 100% bau-bauan kurang enak, masih kena bukak sliding door ke ruang balkoni tu untuk kurangkan bau makanan kucing (kibbles) dan bau-bauan kucing

Harapnya review ni membantu korang yang mencari pembersih udara. Psst.. korang yang ada kucing kat rumah pakai pembersih udara jenama apa untuk neutralkan bau kucing kat rumah? Boleh komen tak?

Kiera suka lepak tepi pembersih udara ni, agaknya sebab udara segar kot kat situ 😂

Nota kaki: Janji anak-anak dah tak bersin-bersin & batuk-batuk kat rumah kira ok la tu kan. Jangan tanya bil api naik ke tak sebab baru pakai sebulan 😜.

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Accu-Chek Guide Me Memudahkan Ambil Bacaan Gula Dalam Darah

Macam biasa, setiap kali aku pregnant mulalah timbul simptom-simptom GDM ni. Bila ko ada PCOS, diabetes ni memang susah nak dielakkan. Apa lagi bila sejenis yang suka makan macam aku ni 😅

Walaupun selepas aku keguguran, result HbA1c aku masih lagi tak cantik. Sudahnya doktor suruh aku monitor bacaan gula dalam darah selain aku dah start kena makan ubat diabetes (metformin) dalam dos yang rendah. Hmm. Ikut je la nasihat doktor kalau tak nak melarat kan.

10 tahun lepas masa aku pregnant dengan Khadeeja, aku memang kena monitor gula tiap-tiap hari tapi syukurlah masa tu aku tak payah cucuk insulin. Glukometer ni aku beli masa tu untuk monitor bacaan gula, tapi dah hilang masa kiteorang berpindah-randah tiga kali dalam 10 tahun ni.

Glukometer yang aku guna 10 tahun lepas

Memandangkan glukometer lama dah hilang, aku pun cari glukometer baru dan terjumpa yang ini:

Accu-chek Guide Me (dari kiri: pen cucuk, test strip, glukometer)

Apa yang menarik perhatian aku ialah glukometer ni siap ada apps yang boleh sync dengan Apple Health. Apa-apa gajet kesihatan yang boleh sync dengan Apple Health sebagai central database tentang maklumat kesihatan memang a plus point untuk aku. Senang bila jumpa doktor untuk routine checkup bukak je maklumat semua ada kat situ.

Aku masih ingat lagi houseman kat wad hospital hari tu sangat impressed bila aku tunjuk period cycle aku setahun dengan cuma bukak Apple Health je. Aku tunjuk pun sebab dia houseman yang keberapa entah singgah kat katil tanya benda yang sama (kak, last period bila? Average period cycle akak berapa lama? blabla...). Bosan pulak kena repeat jawapan banyak-banyak kali.

Anyway, back to Accu-chek Guide Me. Gajet ni datang memang dah pre-set up (tak perlu nak set tarikh, masa dsb.), senang tinggal tekan butang ON dan masukkan test strip je.

Langkah-langkah sebelum guna:

Muat turun apps mySugr (kod QR ada dalam leaflet instructions)
Daftar akaun. ON bluetooth dan tambah glukometer dalam apps.

Langkah-langkah pemakaian:

Sanitize hujung jari yang nak cucuk tu dengan alcohol swab (selalunya seller bagi sekali bila beli set lengkap glukometer ni)
Masukkan test strip dalam glukometer
Cucuk hujung jari dengan pen cucuk
Letak sampel darah dekat hujung test strip
Tunggu glukometer proses bacaan gula dalam darah
Glukometer akan sync rekod bacaan di apps

Bacaan gula 3 jam lepas sarapan

Bacaan gula sebelum makan tengahari

Sebelum ni pun aku pakai jenama Accu-chek tapi model lain (Accu-chek Performa). Lancet (jarum) kena masukkan dan tukar setiap kali sesi mencucuk jari ni. Accu-chek Guide Me ni pulak pakai FastClix lancet macam kartrij. Dalam satu kartrij ni ada 6 bilah jarum. Setiap kali lepas cucuk, leretkan butang putih dekat batang pen tu untuk tukar jarum kat dalam. Lepas 6x cucuk, barulah tukar kartrij yang baru. Senang dan selamat sebab jarum tu tak terdedah.

Kartrij FastClix

Aku beli kartrij ekstra sebab set glukometer tu cuma bagi satu kartrij percuma

Dalam apps MySugr kita boleh rekod apa makanan yang kita ambik hari tu. Tak nak tulis pun tak pe, ambik gambar je lepas tu pilih kategori masa makan (sarapan / makan tengahari / snek / makan malam). Tapi kalau rajin nak tulis dan Google jumlah nutrisi dipersilakan. Aku rajin awal-awal je lepas tu aku dah malas, setakat ambik gambar je hehe.

Apps ni boleh generate report lepas tu boleh muat turun report bacaan gula kita tapi aku rasa report tu macam tak berapa terperinci. Tak tau la, tu pendapat aku, mungkin doktor rasa ok je kot sebab mesti syarikat ni develop format ni lepas dapatkan pandangan pakar perubatan ye tak?

Rekod bacaan gula dalam seminggu

Yang bawah ni pulak rekod dalam Apple Health. Sebenarnya doktor nak tengok seimbas lalu je range bacaan gula dalam darah kita, kalau tak cantik barulah dia tanya. Contohnya dia nak tau apa yang aku makan sampai bacaan gula aku 8.49 mmol/L (5.0 mmol/L ialah bacaan normal) dan kenapa aku hampir hypo (3.9 mmol/L ialah paras hypo).

Kenapa kena ambil ubat diabetes?

Bila tengok bacaan ni memang patut kena pantau sebab tak stabil. Selalu aku baca kat socmed orang mengelak dari ambik ubat kencing manis sebab takut jadi bergantung dengan ubat tu seumur hidup. Ni tanggapan yang SALAH. Contoh terbaik ialah mak aku. Bertahun-tahun dia kena ambik ubat kencing manis. Tapi sejak dia kena kanser 2 tahun lepas, banyak benda dia tak boleh makan sebab tekaknya masih tak boleh terima. Lepas sembuh dari kanser, berat badannya susut mendadak dan bacaan gula pun jadi elok balik. Alhamdulillah, kiranya ni hikmah di sebalik ujian kanser tu. Sekarang mak dah TAK PERLU makan ubat kencing manis. Tapi ubat darah tinggi dia still kena ambik.

Ubat metformin (ubat diabetes) ni aku kena ambik untuk bantu tubuh aku handle insulin dengan baik. Bila ambik ubat ni, bacaan gula jadi lebih rendah dan terkawal. Tapi tak bermaksud lepas tu boleh la makan benda-benda tinggi gula sewenang-wenangnya sebab kalau tak jaga pemakanan, dos ubat ni makin tinggi sampai satu tahap ubat ni mungkin jadi tak berkesan lagi.

Satu lagi kesan sampingan pengambilan ubat metformin ni ialah bantu tekanan darah aku jadi normal. Kalau sebelum ni aku ambik ubat darah tinggi, tekanan darah aku turun sikit tapi masih kategori tinggi walaupun stabil pada tahap 1 hipertensi. Stage 3 dah tahap krisis dan perlu dapatkan rawatan kesihatan dengan segera sebelum berlakunya risiko pembuluh darah pecah dan mengakibatkan strok atau pendarahan otak. Masa aku keguguran tempoh hari, tekanan darah aku sampai stage 3 sebab tu aku terus pergi wad kecemasan. Tekanan darah ni jangan buat main-main.

Barulah aku sedar yang gula dalam darah ni boleh trigger tekanan darah tinggi, bila gula dalam darah tak terkawal automatik tekanan darah pun jadi tinggi. Tapi punca utama ialah STRESS. Bila asyik stress je, hormon badan boleh jadi insulin resistance, lepas tu gula dalam darah tinggi dan tekanan darah naik. Tekanan darah naik, pembuluh darah mengeras lepas tu efek kat jantung pulak sampai ada yang kena serangan jantung. Pendek kata, jagalah kesihatan emosi dan kawal tahap STRESS dalam hidup kita ye.

Kesimpulannya bila aku dah kena start monitor kesihatan di usia 40-an ni, gajet-gajet kesihatan ni memang membantu sebab kadang-kadang aku tak sempat pun nak catat bacaan gula / tekanan darah dalam buku. Bila nak jumpa doktor, barulah nampak rongak sana-sini rekod tu. Accu-Chek Guide Me ni memudahkan bagi aku sebab siap tolong sync terus bacaan tu dalam handphone jadi bila pergi jumpa doktor untuk routine checkup maklumat tu semua dalam handphone tinggal nak bukak kat apps dan tunjuk dengan doktor je.

Aku beli glukometer Accu-Chek Guide Me ni kat Shopee, boleh klik LINK INI. Harga dalam RM139.90 untuk satu set termasuk FastClix pen, 50 test strip dan glukometer, sekali dengan beg. Tidaklah mahal sangat jika dibandingkan dengan kesihatan pada usia aku sekarang.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Wordless Wednesday: Inovasi Terbaru dalam Penjagaan Kebersihan Wanita

Sekarang dah bermacam-macam produk penjagaan kebersihan diri wanita yang inovatif. Sebelum ni aku pernah mengulas tentang penggunaan menstrual cup atau period cup, kali ni aku terjumpa period panty pulak di AEON.

Kenapa aku cenderung ke arah produk penjagaan kebersihan diri wanita yang boleh dipakai berulang-ulang kali? Pastinya sebab utama ialah penjagaan alam sekitar dan juga penjimatan kos dalam jangka masa panjang.

Disebabkan aku dah pun memiliki menstrual cup, jadi kali ni aku belikan period panty untuk anak daraku. Dia selalu mengadu tak selesa memakai tuala wanita - katanya selalu bocor dan masalah kulit melecet.

Mulanya aku agak ragu-ragu dengan keberkesanan period panty ni. Kalau pakai ni, mesti rasa basah dan melekit. Lagi satu, mesti akan bocor sebab kainnya nipis. Mungkin cuma sesuai dipakai masa light flow atau di penghujung haid, fikirku.

Period panty ni ada 2 - satu yang boleh menampung sehingga 18ml cecair (moderate flow) dan satu lagi sehingga 36ml cecair (heavy flow)

Sumber: Laman web Pierre Cardin

Harga sehelai agak mahal tapi ada promosi beli 2 dengan harga diskaun

Setiap helai boleh dipakai sehingga 2 tahun. Mungkin lepas 2 tahun penyerapannya kurang berkesan. Tapi bila aku congak-congak, penjimatannya agak ketara sebab biasanya aku akan belikan 3 jenis tuala wanita setiap kali anak dara bendera Jepun iaitu untuk heavy flow, medium flow dan light flow.

Aku belikan 2 helai dulu untuk dicuba, dua-duanya boleh menampung heavy flow. Selepas beberapa hari mencuba, ternyata anak daraku sangat suka period panty berbanding tuala wanita.

Ini review si anak dara:

Rasa kering walaupun heavy flow
Tak bocor, selesa dibawa tidur sebab boleh bergolek-golek
Selesa pada kulit
Senang dicuci berbanding tuala wanita
Lambat kering, jadi kena beli lebih dari 2 helai (kalau ikutkan anak dara, dia nak 2 helai untuk setiap hari darab dengan jumlah hari dia bendera Jepun!)

Period panty ni aku beli di AEON, The Gardens Mall. Tempat lain aku tak pasti ada ke tak.

Wednesday, August 03, 2022

Wordless Wednesday - Minyak Rambut Safi Shayla

Biasanya orang pakai minyak rambut lepas cuci dan keringkan rambut. Tapi minyak ni pulak pakai sebelum cuci rambut. Baunya wangi dan sedikit berangin bila diurut di kulit kepala. Aku dan anak-anak pakai ni sebab kulit kepala selalu gatal-gatal. Lepas pakai memang kurang masalah gatal-gatal kepala tu.

Minyak ni aku beli dekat Watsons. Harga RM10.50 tapi kongsi pakai 3 orang sebab cuma perlu pakai 2 kali seminggu.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Wordless Wednesday - Beg Sejadah Comel

Terjumpa beg sejadah ni dijual kat Shopee. Comelnya!

Dah lama aku carik, tapi kebanyakannya aku tak berkenan pulak dengan coraknya.

Yang ni memang aku berkenan habis. Kat luar corak sisik ikan hitam putih, dalam pulak telekung purple. I loike!

Kalau malas bawak handbag, kat belakang ada zip poket boleh letak dompet & telefon.

Tapi nak solat mungkin kena keluarkan dulu nanti tak selesa pulak.

Lepas ni senang la angkut sejadah sekali dengan telekung.

Sesambil tu kita support home business.

Boleh carik beg sejadah ni kat sini: https://shopee.com.my/farisya_17/7078125826 #ShopeeMY

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Menstrual Cup - Revolutionising A Period Journey

CAUTIONS ⚠️ : This post contains descriptions of biological / bodily terms that may offend some readers. Please skip if you are not comfortable with the content. This is not a paid review.

Last night’s post on menstrual leave totally reminded me that I haven’t reviewed about my recent experience of switching from sanitary pad to menstrual cup.

It took me 2 years to persuade myself to change, mainly because I wasn’t convinced that the cup could fit me (it looked big and the silicone material is thick and so impossible to insert in!). Eventually after hundreds of reviews later from menstrual cup users, I plucked up my courage to buy one from Shopee.

Why do I switch to menstrual cup?

It started when a friend of mine posted in her Facebook that she was lovin’ her menstrual cup. It is environmental-friendly (no more throwing away used pads) and convenient (no more ‘oh no i forgot to bring my pads’ when traveling or going out). She also gushed about how comfy it is (no ‘icky’ feeling of wetness, skin rash from wearing thick pads or you know, when the pad shifted because it doesn’t stick to the panty properly or after going to the toilet).

Additional plus points for me are no more ‘leaks’ during night time or any other time (I once had the horror of my pad soaking through and leaving a mess on my office chair!), nor washing the used pad before throwing it away like my mom taught us to, nor dealing with blood smell every time going to the loo. Also, it’s much cheaper in the long run (imagine saving thousands of RM because each cup can be used up to 10 years and you only need one cup!). It just made so much sense to use a menstrual cup!

After doing some research on the menstrual cup brands out there (both in Malaysia and overseas), I decided to purchase ‘Saalt’ menstrual cup from Shopee:

Available in regular / small size and a few pastel colors

BUT. Despite the reassuring reviews from the users, I was still not buying the idea that I could fit the regular size, so I bought the small soft cup. It’s because the website describes the small size as suitable for those who have not birthed before (technically I had never birthed my kids NATURALLY because they were C-sec babies! 😂).

Description of each size (Credit image: saalt.com)

The good thing about Saalt is their easy-to-navigate website packed with useful information for newbies like me. They also have a quiz to help users to find out the right size before purchase. Most importantly they include videos to show step-by-step how to insert and take out the menstrual cup properly for a more pleasant experience:

Anyway, I had to wait for several months before the cup that I wanted was in stock (wow, so many ladies out there are switching as well). Of course it has to be purple because it’s my favorite colour 💜. Finally it arrived in this cute recycled packaging. The cup comes with a pouch to store it when not in use.

Unboxing Saalt menstrual cup package

It just so happened that I was on my period when the cup arrived, so first thing first was to sterilize the cup by boiling it for several minutes. This is where I found it slightly inconvenient because it doesn’t come with a microwave sterilizer container. Alternatively you can also buy sanitizing tablets and soak the cup in it. For me, I just soak in diluted Dettol liquid followed by a quick rinse.

The first few attempts of trying to insert the cup was a steep learning curve for me. The first time it felt uncomfortable and it leaked. So I rinsed it and tried again. It took me 3 attempts before I figured out the correct angle and how far to insert before I got it right (Tips: Find your comfortable position, relax your pelvic muscle, take a deep breath and check it’s properly sealed by giving the tip a gentle tug).

The first few times of wearing it, my mind kept reminding me that I had a cup inside me every time I move about. After a while, I soon forgot about it and hardly felt anything at all. I can lie on my front, roll around, lie on my back and nope, it doesn’t feel a thing. That night, I had the most comfortable sleep knowing that I will no longer have accidental leaking! 😂

By the second month, I began to wish that I had bought the regular size because I experienced heavy period flow on the first 2 days. So instead of emptying the cup every 6-8 hours, I had to empty the cup every 3-4 hours. I also woke up in the middle of the night to empty my cup (I knew when the cup was full because the cup would be push lower and then I could feel it). The frequency of emptying the cup was reduced by day 3 to 8 hours and by day 4, I only needed to empty the cup once in the morning and once at night. There is no risk of infection from prolonged usage because the cup sits inside your body and not exposed to airborne germs and bacteria.

So, is it a worthy investment?

It’s a huge YES for me because of the 3Cs and 1 E = convenient (no more stocking up on sanitary pads, forgetting one when I am out and about, or not to forget the rush to put on panties right after taking a shower before it starts leaking 😝), comfortable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Not to mention how it is more hygienic and less messy compared to using a sanitary pad.

Is there any ‘But’ moment?

Yes. Despite its many advantages, I wouldn’t buy one for my teenage daughter. It’s fine if you are already married to switch to menstrual cup but it’s a whole other argument for unmarried ladies to use the cup. Anyway this is just my opinion, perhaps a trip to a gynecologist office can confirm whether it’s safe for unmarried ladies to use a menstrual cup.

If you are thinking to get one for yourself / family member, the cup that I bought retailed at RM180.90 (yes, a bit pricey but can be used for 10 years) on Shopee (click here for the Shopee link).

Definitely not going back to using sanitary pad if I could help it 😉

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Adonit Snap on GoodNotes

Over the past year, I have been into styli ever since I laid my eyes on Pencil by FiftyThree. I fell in love with the stylus so hard that I begged Le Hubby to gift it on my birthday (and he gave in, love ya Suami Terchenta!)

Why styli? Well, I have done away with paper and pen as mentioned in my previous post, partly because I hate to be wasteful and because of the convenience of being able to search keywords to look up my notes. But occasionally, I do have to sketch or make notes on PDF files, so I found it a little bit inconvenient without a writing tool. That is how I ended up with my Pencil FiftyThree.

I love my Pencil (obviously because it was a gift!), but to me, I prefer a hard-tipped stylus because it feels more natural to write compared to a soft-tipped / capacitive stylus. While The Pencil did a good job taking down notes in GoodNotes apps, the wide rubbery tip did not give me the 'satisfaction' of writing. It's probably a better tool to sketch a drawing and do a lot of cool drawing stuffs since it is designed for Paper apps.

That is why I ended up buying Adonit Snap.

Why I bought Adonit Snap:

It has a nice design, flat like The Pencil.
Its body is magnetic and it comes with a small magnet plate that you attach to your smartphone, and you will never lose it. So convenient to bring anywhere and not fear of losing it.
When not use for writing, it can double up as a selfie button when connected to a smartphone's bluetooth. Cool, right?
It is cheaper than Adonit Pixel (my dream stylus) by a few hundreds.

I perfectly knew that Snap is not meant for iPad, and GoodNotes apps is not compatible with Snap. Still, after weighing the above reasons (especially the price factor!), I proceeded to order Snap in matching color with my new iPhone (previously The Pencil matched with my old iPhone because I love matching my gadgets, LOL):

Adonit Snap next to Pencil FiftyThree. Snap is smaller and shorter.

Not only Snap is smaller, it is also thinner but still comfortable to hold.

The Pencil, Snap and a real pencil for comparison.

So let's see both styli's performance when using the GoodNotes apps:

Both are written using the same setting i.e. fountain pen and second finest line on preset. Notice the difference in the thickness of the handwriting.

The good thing about The Pencil is it is compatible with most note-taking apps such as GoodNotes. It even connects with the apps to deliver a more superior experience, such as palm rejection and better accuracy. I guess this would have been a fairer review if I had used Adonit Jot or Pixel to compare against The Pencil. But that's not the purpose of this review. It is simply to see how well is Snap's performance when taking notes using GoodNotes.

The Pencil works wondrously when 'kissed' with the apps.

As I mentioned before, Snap is not designed to work with iPad. It is simply not a tool for work, but more for fun. Therefore, it doesn't require any connection to link it to GoodNotes, and to write with this stylus, simply choose Smart Stylus > None.

Both handwriting is legitimate, but writing with Snap requires some getting used to since it is less accurate.

The trick with writing with Snap is to practice for a while until you get the hang of it. By getting the hang of it, I mean knowing the angle of holding the stylus so the apps can detect it and knowing how to space between each letter. If you write like you are using The Pencil, the handwriting may end up too close to each other or even piling up on each other (what a description, LOL!).

So, this is the best part about GoodNotes apps. After writing down my notes, I can select the words and then convert them to text. I then simply transfer my notes to OneNote where I keep all my work notes.

As you can see below, both handwriting are perfectly legible and when converted to text, it is 100% accurate.

Accuracy is important when you are buying a stylus for taking notes

My conclusion is that Adonit Snap can be used to take notes using iPad. Although it is not designed for note-taking apps, it can deliver as long as you don't put too much expectation as you would on other premium smart stylus like Pencil FiftyThree. If you are, then you will be greatly disappointed with its performance.

I only wish that Adonit would design a stylus that has the feel and look of Adonit Snap but with all the features of Adonit Pixel (the 1.9mm tip is a good start). If they do, I would probably be among the first in line to purchase that stylus.

Hoping that Apple will design a stylus that can work on all iPad models as well *wishful thinking*

Sunday, May 15, 2016

iPad Mini Keyboard Review - Logitech and ZAGG

We all know that Apple launched iPad Pro last year to compete with Microsoft Surface tablet that could do pretty much all personal computer functions (spreadsheet, emails, presentation slides etc.) sans the bulkiness of a traditional laptop. Yup, personal computer is now up against tablet PC as the latter is now designed to replace desktop / laptop to suit current mobile lifestyle.

Even before iPad Pro was launched, I have been bringing my iPad around to attend discussions and meetings in the office. Microsoft integration with iOS has brought so much convenience in my life because it allows me to remote my desktop from my iPad, sync my notes on MS OneNote and still get the work done.

So you can see that I am a heavy user of iPad simply because it's much more mobile than a laptop. The only difference from a laptop is, iPad doesn't come with a keyboard. The on-screen keyboard is not really favourable because it takes up the already small screen space on the iPad mini.

So to maximise my productivity when I use my iPad mini to take down meeting notes or amend spreadsheets, I invested in iPad casing that comes together with a keyboard. There's not much options of keyboard cases for iPad mini to choose from compared to the other iPad models, but I managed to get these models and tried them out.

1. Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for iPad Mini (Logitech)

Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for iPad Mini from Logitech

Logitech needs no introduction since is a household name for computer peripherals including tablet computer. I can see why. True to its name, the keyboard folio is ultra thin and weighs slightly above 10oz.

Retailing at slightly more than RM300, the keyboard folio comes in limited colour - black, grey or turquoise/white (however, I noted that the newer version comes in black, purple and grey). Like all other keyboards, it connects with the iPad via Bluetooth. It's easy to pair the keyboard with my iPad and once connected, it stays connected until the keyboard juice runs out. It also has an auto-wake / auto-sleep function to preserve the battery's life. Opening the case will wake the iPad mini and the keyboard is ready to be used instantaneously.

The case outer layer has a velvety feel to it and at a glance, it's easy to mistaken it for a boring ol' paper notebook cover (if not for its vivid turquoise colour). When you flip it open, the keyboard has only one viewing angle while typing. You can however flip the keyboard to the back if you want to transform the iPad back to its tablet form. Just switch off the keyboard and you are ready to go.

Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for iPad mini

In terms of function, it is effortless to type on the keyboard and doesn't require me to exert strong pressure to type. It also includes iOS short-cut keys for copy, paste, undo, volume adjustment and more, which are very convenient and time-saving. Furthermore, the layout closely resembles the QWERTY keyboard and doesn't feel cramped at all despite its small size.

The keyboard layout

After recharging the keyboard for the first time, the battery can lasts up to 3 months. The keyboard will inform you when it needs recharging by yellow blinking light on the right, above. Since the keyboard sync with the iPad using bluetooth adapter, I expected that the iPad will drain its battery faster, but thankfully, the keyboard's bluetooth hardly affected the iPad battery usage.

The battery can last for months after recharged

Over the one year of using the keyboard, I found Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio user-friendly, and thought that I will get to use the keyboard for many years to come. Sadly, my daughter dropped the keyboard case and this happened:

The low-profile clip that keep the corners of the iPad firmly fastened to the frame broke when my daughter dropped my iPad

The problem with this keyboard is finally revealed - the low-profile clips turned out to be not sturdy and once dropped, the clip can break and render the folio case useless! After it broke, I could no longer fasten my iPad mini to the case. Some of the keys are also not functioning and renders the keyboard useless... *heartbroken*

I had no choice but to search for a more durable keyboard case for my iPad mini since I depends heavily on the keyboard.

So the search brought me to:

2. ZAGG Cover with Blacklit Keyboard for iPad Mini

Since now my criteria is a hardy keyboard case, I opted for the clamshell keyboard model which look sturdier than Logitech Ultrathin Folio Keyboard case. Price-wise, it is slightly more expensive than the former (retailing at RM399), but it is one of the thinnest keyboards available which is what I have in mind.

At one glance, the keyboard layout seems quite packed - the keys are arranged in 6 rows unlike Logitech's 5 rows. However, after a while, I got used to the layout and only got annoyed with the small numeric '1' key (due to its irregular size compared to the rest of the numeric keys) since I always hit number '2' thinking it is number '1'.

Here's what I like about ZAGG keyboard:

1. The clamshell design makes it look and feel like using a good ol' laptop sans the mouse. Other people often get impressed when they look at it and some even thought I had a mini laptop!

It turns my iPad mini into a mini laptop

2. The leather-textured cover feels sturdy and offers maximum protection to the iPad. As the case entire frame holds the iPad in, the will take a horrendous drop to break the entire case! No more worries about broken clip.

iPad slips inside the frame and the entire case hold the iPad in its place

The case outer layer is sturdy and the leather-like texture offers good grip

3. I can use the keyboard even in low-light environment, thanks to its backlit function. I can select different backlit colour which I find comfortable for my eyesight - from neon blue, neon pink, neon green, red and yellow.

How the keyboard looks like

4. The battery is also long-lasting just like Logitech's keyboard. Once fully-charged, the keyboard can lasts for 3 months before it needs to be re-charged. I can check the battery status by holding down 'CMD' + 'ALT' (with the battery sign) keys. Green light means the battery is still full.

The power switch is on the lower side

Just like the Logitech keyboard, ZAGG keyboard also includes short-cut keys which are very helpful.

Now, the down side which I find is major annoyance and wish ZAGG will look into it (in descending order):

1. The keyboard constantly loses connection with the iPad if it goes to sleep for more than 5 minutes. Even when I hit the any keys repeatedly just as the manual suggested, the keyboard won't automatically connect. Eventually, I will have to go to Setting and 'disconnect' the keyboard, and then re-connect the Bluetooth before I can use the keyboard again.

It's really tiresome to keep connecting the keyboard to the iPad every time the iPad goes to sleep

2. Since using the keyboard, I find my iPad battery drains faster. I mean, A LOT faster. Imagine, after recharging the iPad battery, I will find that the battery will be down up to 50% 2 hours later. Even when I don't use the keyboard but leave both Bluetooth connections of the iPad and the keyboard 'ON'.

3. The viewing angle is just at 135 degrees just like a laptop. If I want to scribble on the iPad screen or show some data to another person, I have to take it off the case. In other words, I can't fold the keyboard backwards to use my iPad as a tablet.

Nevertheless, I hope this keyboard will last a lot longer than the Logitech Ultrathin Folio Keyboard case. There are pros and cons to both keyboards but I find that I prefer the Logitech keyboard better unless ZAGG is able to rectify the major problems with the Bluetooth connection issue.

If anyone else has experience with other models / brands of keyboard case for iPad mini, do share your experience in the 'Comments' column.