Samsung Galaxy S4; Your New Life Companion

The highlight last week was definitely the arrival of the almighty NEW Samsung Galaxy S4, one of the anticipated phone in 2013! Wait no more guys, cause it's finally here in town.

Their official launch was held last Saturday at a few venues namely Sunway Pyramid, The Gardens, Berjaya Times Square as well as Low Yat Plaza. This time round, their launch was somewhat different, less formal as they are doing it the carnival style and touring around town so that the public can join in the fun too. Sounds interesting isn't it? It sure was an eventful and busy morning for everyone :D

The launch was kickstarted at the first venue, Sunway Pyramid. 

Spotted among the crowd of people was our very own local celebrities Awal Ashaari and Liyana Jasmay at the launch. I was hoping to bump into them so that I can take a photo of them but oh well (: 

The troupe of entertainers of the day! Probably not a good idea for those who are coulrophobia :P 

The fun then continued with a flashmob performance at Berjaya Times Square! *dancing to the music* 

The colourful parade then reached for the final destination for its great launch at the LowYat Plaza's Samsung Outlet. 

Energetic dance crews in suit and cute little blue bows yawwww 8) 

Besides the flashmob and dance performance, there's also a performance by the Chiya-leaders! 

Plenty of balloons (reminds me of the movie UP) and weeeeee confetti, a scene you won't wanna miss! 

Representatives from Samsung that officiate the launch, presenting you the NEW Samsung Galaxy S4 :D 

There's even a Samsung Galaxy S4 truck, jommmm let's check in what's inside :D 

Photo credits to Senri. 

Photo credits to Senri. 

So that's pretty much about the launch. All photo of the launch are courtesy of Samsung Mobile Malaysia unless stated otherwise. I guess most of you are really excited to know more about the phone! Even most of my friends and classmates asked me about the phone. Let's move on to the phone, shall we?

I dropped by Garden's Samsung Outlet later that day to check out the phone and there was a continuous crowd of people there to check out the new phone too, well who wouldn't be excited right? 

Ohhh mai, I can finally lay on my hands on youuuuヽ(*≧ω≦)ﾉ

My new life companion, perhaps? Cause I'm lovin' it already! 
S4 is now available is black and white, wonder if they will come up with more colours like S3 in the future. How bout a pink and red S4 too? ⊙ω⊙

Comparison between my S3; it quite obvious that the display is much improved and bigger now despite the same physical size. With the 5 inch Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, I wouldn't deny that the display is much sharper and brighter. Vast improvement indeed (;  

The sleek and slim design (only 7.9mm thick) is definitely the feature that got me hooked. My S3 is light to me but I must say S4 is even lighter! 

On display, is also an array of colourful covers to go with the new Samsung Galaxy S4. 

Being a typical girl, first thing that I test would be the camera for sure! The camera on the Galaxy S4 is now 13 megapixels (up from 8mp on the Galaxy S3) on the rear and 2 megapixels on the front.  

On the right is the new feature, dubbed Dual Camera that allows the front and rear cameras to be used at the same time. This feature works in photo and video mode, and users can choose from a number of presets, including shaped vignettes, side-by-side mode and a postage-stamp look. It works in video calling as well, which I reckon this feature will come in more handy compared to photo and video mode. 
While on the left is just me trying out the front camera with the beauty face mode（＾ω＾） 

Photo credits to Senri.
In addition to the dual camera, there are some really neat new photo-taking modes as you can see and cool ones like drama, sound & shot mode, eraser shot and animation shot. I wish I can have a S4 on my own to try out all these different modes! 

Photo credits to Senri.
Good news for the fitness junkies! Being said a life compainion, the new Galaxy S4 cares for your health and lifestyle too. Another feature called the S Health keeps users up-to-date with health and wellbeing information through its sensors which monitors health and surroundings. Also, users can easily check their health conditions using food diary, exercise diary and sleep monitor to stay fit and healthy.  

Photo credits to Senri.
Introducing Air Gesture, a new feature where users can change the music track, scroll up and down a web page, or even accept a call simply with a wave of the hand, creating a new touchless experience with the GALAXY S4. Isn't that cool? *waves* It even works with gloves on which is really useful for those who are staying in countries that has winter season. Well, I experienced it myself during a trip to Genting SnowWorld, since S3 couldn't work with gloves on, I had to take photos with my freezing cold hands. 

Photo credits to Senri.

Another new feature would be the Samsung Smart Scroll that tracks eyesight movement to scroll up and down webpages by tilting the device, allowing for effortless browsing and navigation. Seems pretty cool too, but probably not everyone would find it practical though. Well, there's also Samsung Smart Pause feature that tracks eye movement to pause a video when the user looks away before resuming once their attention returns to the screen.

If I were to continue talking about how good this phone is, well I guess it's gonna be a long winding post. But I would suggest you to head to the nearest Samsung outlets to feel check it out yourself how awesome it is. One thing for sure, it's definitely better in a significant number of ways. Interested in getting it as your new life companion? This sexy phone my friend is priced at RM2,199, available with telco plans too. Heard that it's SOLD OUT on the launching day itself at Low Yat, so hestitate no more! Get the new Samsung Galaxy S4 for a richer, simpler and fuller life!

Check out their Facebook and Twitter page for more details.

xx

Penang Famous Duck Kuey Chap @ Lebuh Kimberley

Kimberley Street was named after John Wodehouse, the Earl of Kimberley, who was the British colonial secretary in the 1870s. At night, Kimberley Street is one of the popular destinations for street food. 

Somehow, we knew about this shop through a Taiwan food reality show. Since the host strongly recommended this shop, we just HAD to give it a try. We are always up for something new! 

Not sure if you all know what kuey chap is. It's basically something like kuey tiao but in a thicker and shorter form like pan mee, served with soup. In Sarawak, we do have kuey chap but it's served with pork. Yet in Penang, the kuey chap is served with duck so it's a braised duck noodle. I think you can only find duck kuey chap in Penang, even in Penang itself there's only a few places that sell this unique dish.

This is the Duck Kuey Chap stall; as you can see there's a lot of ingredients you can choose to  have with your kuey chap. 

They have the internal organs, duck tongue (OMG, IKR), and blood. 

Since I don't eat internal organs, I have my kuey chap with only sliced duck meat and every bowl of kuey chap comes with an egg too :D Must eat their chili paste, syiok! 

You can opt for porridge as well if you don't fancy kuey chap (: 

The soup is really flavourful while the duck meat is tender and perfectly braised.  A bowl of kuey chap costs RM7 which is quite pricey for street food in Penang but the portion is huge as they are quite generous with their ingredients. Now that I'm blogging about it, I feel like having a bowl too! *swallow saliva*

If I'm not mistaken, the third generation is running the business now. 

If you're sick of having the same ol' Penang Char Kuey Tiao, Assam Laksa, Kuey Tiao Tng, well you should totally put this in your to-eat list as well. Highly recommended. We even have it twice in one month!

P/S: Should try the lobak in front of the restaurant too (corner left in the photo), super nice! 

Kimberly Restaurant (汕头街权记粿汁专卖店) 
137 Lebuh Kimberley,
George Town, 10100,
 Pulau Pinang.
Business hours: 6.30pm – 11.30pm (Closed on Thursdays)

Just opposite Restaurant Kimberley, there's this famous braised chicken feet and kuey tiao soup too!

We tried and it was okay, nothing extraordinary like what we expected. 

xx

Are you ready 4 the Next Galaxy?

You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why. The NEXT GALAXY is coming to town! What galaxy, you ask me? Hint: It's something sleek and pretty! Now now, take a guess 8)

Well, of course it's the Samsung Galaxy S4 that I'm talking about! On both Friday and Saturday, there is this S4 teaser event that was happening in various malls around Klang Valley. Did you manage to catch it yourself?  As for me, I had the chance to catch the teaser at Tropicana City Mall on Friday night.

Waiting for the crew to get ready and set up their instruments. 

First thing that caught my attention was these colourful balloons. Who doesn't love balloons, eh? 

The teaser started with this guy who played his cello. 

The next thing I knew, three other musicians joined him and formed a mini ochestra. 

And the performance didn't just end there as a few acapella singers joined the troupe a few minutes later. They started off with a cover of Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory with a twist in the lyrics which I think was creatively done. They were really good and entertaining. Their mellifluous voice that harmonized with the sweet melody of the ochestra managed to draw an appreciate crowd as everyone were curious of what was actually happening #successkid.jpg

They danced and move around as well, for a sec I thought I was watching Glee live performance *claps 

Look what is written on their T-shirt! Geddit geddit? :D

It was a brief yet interesting teaser which left everyone anticipating for more. Definitely a unique and catchy way to promote the upcoming galaxy in public. So here's the deal....I have a good news for you guys! *drum rolls*

 The wait is finally over cause the official launch will be happening real soon. I'll reveal the date as soon as it's confirmed so hang in there! 

Check this video out too to find out more about the new smexy galaxy, oh wait, it rhymes :P I was totally blown away after watching the video, the new specs and functions are just wow..left me speechless. I'm really excited and eager to molestcheck out the phone myself at the launch!  

 

xx

Vanity Trove April Edition; The Shower of Summer

I know this is uber late since April is about to come to an end but I just found out this beautiful surprise after I went to check for my parcel last Friday. Instead of collecting the parcel that I was anticipating, I saw that I have an uncollected parcel dated since the 1st of April. I was still in Penang that time, mind you. Wondering who is it from, I was astonished to find that it was Vanity Trove since I was not expecting to receive their beauty box this month. 

Due to my busy schedule and cranky laptop acting up for the entire month, I didn't really have the time to blogwalk and check out what VT gave in their April edition beauty box. So being the curious me, I unwrapped the parcel right away in class. I just couldn't resist the excitement of unboxing already! This time round, I realised that they used a different courier service and my nicely-sealed beauty box comes in a good condition, no dent or ugly mark on it at all (Y)

Ready to see what VT has in box for me this month? For those of you that already know, oh well :P 

You ready? :D 

Tadaaaaah, a boxful of sunshine! ☼

This month theme is The Shower of Summer. Time to bring out that bikini and straw hat of yours! 

#1. Perkins Nail Wrap @ RM39.90 (20 strips)
Uniquely made in Korea, this transparent nail-wrap base allows fuss-free sticking and creative mix and match with its wide range of 21 different glamorous designs and colours. Now you can have fabulous nails without spending much money and time or even the need to visit a nail parlour.

I'm a nail freak if you know me well and I'm a sucker for anything floral so I was really happy to receive this item in this month's trove. They are so pretty that I don't feel like using them at all :P Somehow, I didn't see any bloggers who got the same design as mine. I'll most probably do a tutorial if I have the time to try out this nail wraps, so stay tuned (: 

#2. Kate Eyeshadow DB @ RM49.90 (1.6g)
This two shades palette can be used individually or mixed, you can even create a third colour by mixing the two shades for a beautiful gradation! Look at that black line in the middle? That's where you can mix it :D It is great for both begineers and professionals and comes in 8 different hues.

To be frank, I've never use eyeshadow before in my makeup simply cause I don't know how to use it.  Hopefully with this Kate eyeshadow, I'll take my first baby step and learn some eye makeup. I really love this nude shade that they gave me cause it's suitable for any occasions be it day or night. 

#3. ORIKS Gemstone Nano Platinum Aqua Watery Cream @ RM398 (50g)

A Korean skincare product yet developed in France, this moisturizer functions to diminish fine wrinkles, tighten pores and brighten your complexion. It contains more than 90 types of natural minerals to boost skin vitality and protect your skin from harsh environmental stressors. The hydrating formula locks in plenty of moisture when applied to maintain supple and dewy skin after a long day in the hot summer sun.

Its pink packaging steals my heart at first sight. It seems like a pretty good stuff, since their BB creams are not bad either. So I suppose it will work on my sensitive dry skin. Can't wait to try it out! 

#4. Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Florale @ RM255 (50ml) or RM350 (100ml) 

 L'Eau d'Issey Florale is the pure expression of a flower. Its top notes smell of the breath of a barely opened rose. This flower's true nature, its dewy softness, is set against the sparkling and crystalline notes of mandarin. In the heart notes, the floral purity of lily, with accents of orange flowers, is soft like a caress. The deep scent of white wood travels along a trail of musk, giving its base the weight of a fragrance from the past.

Out of the four fragrances that are being featured in this month's VT, I've gotten Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Florale which is not on the catalogue. As the name suggests, it does smell somehow floral and fresh. I love this sweet scent cause it's not too overpowering, just distinctive to my liking. Surprisingly, the smell lingers for hours. Good thing for its small packaging, I can bring it along in my makeup pouch. 

#5. KilaDoll Tranexamic Acid Whitening Mask @ RM2.90/per pcs

Made in Taiwan, KilaDoll specializes in facial masks that are designed for asian skin. Their masks are highly breathable and ultra thin, which allows the essential liquid to penetrate the skin for better absorption. This Kiladoll Tranexamic Acid mask helps to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots as well as to brighten dull complexion and tighten pores to give skin luminosity. It contains licorice root extract that helps to restoring skin suppleness and soothes skin.

I've never heard this brand of facial mask before. Although I would prefer hydrating/moisturizing mask, I guess it's no harm trying out this mask once in a while. 

#6. Clarins Intensive Brightening Serum @ RM295 (30ml)
This is the most advanced skincare for a fairer and healthier skin. Thanks to the exclusive Trans-Luminescent Complex, it has the ability to revive your skin's micro-mirrors at every layer so that your skin appears clear and radiant. With its brightening serum, skin looks fair, even and translucent with a rosy glow.

Clarins has been one of the top-notch quality skincare products that I've ever known. I'm really surprised that they gave 5 sample sachets, very generous indeed. So I guess it's definitely more than enough to try it and see the difference on my dull complexion. 

Last but not least, there is also this 50%  discount voucher given by Clarins in this month's trove. 

Verdict: All in all, I was really pleased and satisfied with this month's trove compared to last month's trove. They have more cosmetics and of course three full sized items (ʃƪ´⌣`)♡ If I would have to choose my favourite item in the beauty box, I would say all of them. I guess they have really taken their subscribers' thoughts and comments into consideration and came up with a better trove and I will still give them two thumbs up for their quality and service-wise. Keep the good work up :D

Vanity Trove has revised their subscription fee to only RM50 a month, which is totally worth it I would say! Hesitate no more and get yourself one of these fabulous Vanity Trove beauty boxes too. I can't wait for my May's trove already cause I got a feeling that it's gonna be, wait for it......AWESOME! Do stay tuned for my review as well (; 

For more details; just check out
http://www.vanitytrove.com/my
https://twitter.com/VanityTroveMY
https://www.facebook.com/VanityTroveMalaysia

xx