[Product Review] Tico Bricks!

If there's something that can keep me away from spending too much time on the computer and mobile phone, it has to be this.

And I am sure you guys will love this new product as much as I do ; especially after reading this post.

Presenting to you...

*drum rolls*

TICO BRICKS!!!!

If you are wondering what Tico Bricks are, they are actually small bricks (measuring at only 3.9mm x 3.9mm x 4.9mm) that you can build many cute things out of them. They have many series that feature different themes, one of which the latest one is the Amusement Park series!

I was really thrilled when the lovely folks from Play Distribution had kindly sent me a set of Tico Brick from the Amusement Park series over for the review. It took me a long time before finally selecting the Ferris Wheel design because EVERY single one looks so adorable!

Initially, I was not sure if my patience would lead me to complete it as it does seem complicated to build - but hey, I DID and was even so engrossed in it that I did not realise that the time was passing so fast.

I have documented my process to share with you guys, and I do think it's pretty amazing to see the bricks taking form with each step! (Please pardon me if the photos are not very well-taken as I was literally making and taking the photos all by myself at the same time)

What's inside the box: - 

Two packets of small bricks, two bigger square bricks that are meant to be the "grass patch", and one instruction manual (step-by-step)

As the bricks are pretty small, I had to be careful and ensured that I had everything in place inside the box. 

                                 

 Let's begin by connecting the two "grass patch"together!

Every brick here was joined together after referring to the instruction manual (Don't worry, the manual is very clear-cut. All you have to do is follow step by step)

And here was the first step done! Still looking nothing like a Ferris wheel yet...

Slowly... Omg, see the colourful-looking small blocks there? Those were actually meant to be human figures that would soon be admiring a Ferris wheel before them. SO CUTE, RIGHT?!?!

And 4 trees were planted...

Here's a picture of how it looks like from the side view:-

It's slowly taking place.. AT THIS STAGE, MY EXCITEMENT GREW. 

You know the feeling of building something using your own bare hands? I was enjoying every single minute of this.

It's starting to take shape now!! *squeals in delight*

And here came the crucial part of the bricks. I had to build the "rod"first before attaching it to the main parts.

Build 4 of the same "rods" and we have this:

  I would say the MOST difficult part would be putting this set of bricks together to form a circle for the wheel. I spent quite a lot of time on this part as the position of the bricks kept shifting when I accidentally touched it while I was trying to secure them during the process. 

There were 3 layers of bricks here to secure them- and it was pretty good at this stage as the bricks were nicely fitted.

Here's a close-up of how the 3 layers of bricks look like :

After completing the wheel, I placed it aside to build the "carriages".  Each "carriage"is a different shade of colour and there are 14 of them in total. This part would require a bit of time too as the bricks would not be really secure until they have been fitted to the wheel.

 Arrange the "carriages" nicely together and combine it with the wheel that was built earlier..

Ta-da! Here we have it.

Now I've gotta join this part to the first one that I did. Gosh. Gosh. I got so anxious that my hand was trembling in excitement. I JUST COULD NOT WAIT to see the Ferris wheel taking full shape.

Pardon that the wheel was not really looking that round in this picture - I had adjusted it afterwards.

AND TA-DA... PRESENTING TO YOU THE FINAL PRODUCT..  I HAD FINALLY, FINALLY COMPLETED IT. 

I am not trying to exaggerate, but I could feel tears of joy when I saw the full form of the Ferris wheel. Did I... Did I... just build it myself?!

The sense of achievement is too overwhelming.

AND DID I MENTION THAT THE WHEEL IS ACTUALLY MOVABLE??! I know I may have said this a thousand times, but THIS IS TOO CUTE.

(I have posted this in my instastory as a teaser and my friends have been commenting about its cuteness)

This is how the Ferris wheel looks like on the whole. And in order to show you guys in live form, I have done a short video that captured the moments. Enjoy!!


Video here:

 Let me show off a few more photos of the ferris wheel. I am so proud to call it mine!

Enjoy the ride, my little humans!

If you guys are fans of bricks building too, I am 100 PERCENT positive that you will love what Tico Brick have to offer. I admit I got hooked to my first set that I am considering to purchase more.

Here's a happy me with my Ferris wheel.

If you were to ask me what do I love most about it, I would definitely comment on its quality. The bricks are really defined - not those cheap and fragile kind. (I read that the bricks are actually originated and manufactured in Taiwan which are made of toxic-free Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene 

(ABS) plastic. Whoa, chim... but if you feel the material physically, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised by its quality, too)

Most importantly, the final product will be something that you can be proud of. 

Different series have different level of difficulty - but the completion will certainly give you a sense of achievement. This may sound hilarious, but I admired my Ferris wheel so much that I spent almost  five minutes staring at it in awe.

Here are some of their other awesome designs from the same series - I am sure you can tell
why I had such a difficult time trying to choose one. Every single design is LOVE.

In case you are unaware, the recent Starbucks and Toast Box mini bricks are actually made by TICO, too. These little exclusive cuties can be found in-stores at Starbucks and Toast Box!

Look at their designs - How could anyone NOT love them?!?!

For more information and details on how you can purchase and make your Tico Bricks like I did, do stay tuned.

I can assure you that they will be able to provide you with hours of fun! :)

My Volunteering Journey (It's life-changing!)

The activity started as I went to ward after ward, and I sang my usual oldies while trying to engage the patients to clap and sing along. Trust me, I felt like my life was complete at that very instant when some of the patients clapped, gave thumbs up, encouraged and offered me the brightest smiles ever. I was overjoyed that they seemed to be enjoying my presence.

And what truly changed my life was the moment when I was brought to the palliative ward which I was told that the patients might not be able to react to my singing. 

Nonetheless, I was eager to enter the place and pray that music can create miracles for the patients. 

AND OH BOY, SOMEHOW IT DID. Allow me to share a little positive encounter! 

I decided to choose upbeat familiar songs and went to the bedside of a patient. His eyes were open, but he did not really seem responsive when I attempted to interact. Somehow, I knew he could hear me. 

"Tian mi mi... " I started the first verse of a song which I personally love. His lips seemed to be moving in a subtle manner, but obvious enough to make me stop in my tracks. Was I seeing things? I thought it was just my imagination but it was not soon after that I heard a weak, soft but audible voice coming from his direction. 

I could not believe my ears. When I got to the second verse of the song, he was already singing on tune with me (even with the right lyrics!!) I could tell he must have been a very good singer in his younger days. 

I got so emotional and tried hard to control my tears of joy so that I could finish the song with him. When it ended, I looked towards the direction of another volunteer, and walked over to her. 

"Oh my God. He sang. He SANG with me! Let's go on with the next song, I'm going to sing more for him!" I exclaimed in a shaky voice. 

I went back to his bed side. "Uncle, have you heard of this song called "路边的野花不要踩"? Slowly, he started nodding his head. My heart skipped a beat. "I shall sing this song for you okay?" 

And this time, he completed the whole song with me. Yes, his voice was weak but I could hear him clearly. I was overwhelmed. It was not soon after that he could respond to me by nodding his head gently to most of my questions. "You sang really good, Uncle!" I said. 

A tiny smile formed on his lips. 

I couldn't ask for more in this life.

The moment was phenomenal and surreal. You know the feeling when everything felt like a dream but you are actually living the dream? I could feel tears welling up in my eyes even when I am thinking back of the priceless moment. 

Today's experience made me feel so complete and accomplished as a performer - Accomplished in the sense that I am able to light up that little smile on the patients' faces which I never knew I could. Music is wonderful. 

It totally took my perspective of life to another level after today and I would definitely love to do it again and again and again and again, just to shine that little bit of positivity onto the patients' life. 

Creating miracles through music is something I've always dreamed to do, and I am very honored to be given the opportunity to take that step. My heartfelt thanks to Shaane and his team from St Luke's Hospital (You guys are awesome beyond words!) , and of course not forgetting my dearest friend cum sister, Chloe, for coming along today and supporting the cause. I am very thankful. 感恩。

P/S: I will be preparing more oldies next round and aim to learn songs in different languages to cater to the non-chinese too! I promised a patient that I will prepare her song dedication the next round and I've never felt so motivated in learning it!

SG50 Bearbrick Design Competition 2015 - WOOHOO!!! I made it!!!!

Been so busy lately that I haven't got the chance to update my rusty blog!

To those that are still staying tuned to my updates, THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU. Haha.

I'm thrilled to share a good news with everyone here (I went crazy myself when I received the news as it was kinda unexpected) - I participated in a SG50 themed bearbrick design some weeks back, and my design was selected to be part of the exhibition!!!

I don't have photographs featuring it yet- so I grabbed this from the official Action City website

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(Those are the judges for the designs!! I see mine on the table!! Aaah.)

There will be 50 designs in total (alongside with designs by local celebrities) that will be displayed at the upcoming exhibition at 313@Somerset. 

As this is a SG50 themed design contest, my design features the iconic Toa Payoh (TPY) Dragon Playground (I just love the dragon playground so much! LOL), and I have implemented it on the bearbrick. 

(Friendly tip: If you can't tell it's the dragon, try using your palm and cover half of its face.. You might just see it appearing...)

I am feeling anxious as they will be producing my design on a 400% (that should be considered medium-sized?) bearbrick.

I have no idea how it is gonna' turn out, but for sure I'm thrilled!!

If you are a bearbrick enthusiast, fanatic, or just... purely my supporter *shy*, I look forward to your support! My bearbrick will be unveiled on the 21st September 2015!!

As below are the details: (I will definitely be turning up on the first day to take pictures!)

SG50 – My Memories of Singapore BE@RBRICK Exhibition 

(313@somerset Level 1 Atrium from 21 – 27 September 2015)

Feel free to take pictures, tag me, or a selfie (if we get the chance to meet) there!

Thank you so much to Action City and 313@Somerset for the opportunity. I am deeply humbled by the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I know I have mentioned this in my Facebook before, but I am going to say it again.

I'm thankful to all my colleagues who have helped me in one way or another - Many of you went the extra mile to assist me in conceptualizing to visualizing the design. I'm sure the turnout would have been very different if not for you guys.

So.. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I couldn't have been a happier girl seeing my dream and passion turning into reality.

God bless... 

Be transported back in time through SMELLS!

I've time-traveled.
I didn't know it's possible.

And I'm gonna' share with you how I did it - through the sense of SMELL.

Here's one thing you probably won't know about me: - I have ALWAYS been fascinated with perfumes, perfumes and perfumes. 

There were MANY times when I catch a whiff of someone walking past and I would be like, "WHAT'S THAT PERFUME SCENT?! OMG!!!"

Of course, perfume scents are VERY subjective. 

One of the main reasons why I love perfumes is because I have always felt that scents CAN evoke memories. I am not sure if it happens to everyone, but I did have many déjà vu experiences whenever I smell a particular scent.

There were scents that somehow registered in the sensory part of my brain when I was a kid, and I would immediately be reminded of my childhood even if I were to come across the scent now. It's just all very intriguing and mysterious at times. Almost like  time traveler experience. I couldn't find any exact word to describe it either.

So you can imagine my delight and curiosity when I was approached for an opportunity by Mrs Prachi Garg, founder (and a Master Perfumer!) of Je t'aime Perfumery, to feature a perfume-related exhibition that very much relates to my sentiments about perfumes!

It will be a collaboration with the Singapore National Museum and 12 unique smells will be on display during an exhibition from 17 April 2015 to 18 May 2015 that showcases an olfactory translation of Singapore history.

Trust me, this is really something very, very interesting! We all know history can be read, but now we can actually SMELL history?! Even if you are one who isn't interested in perfume scents, I bet you will be curious to find out as part of an experience.

Mrs Prachi Garg has kindly sent me all the 12 unique scent samples (and 1 bottle of their perfume that simply looks so exquisite!). 

I'll be reviewing them here (Yes, and all of you will have the honor to read about it before they are officially on display to the public on 17th April 2015!)

Arrived via Courier in such a nice packaging!

The bottles look so cute! Each of them is individually labelled with the names of the scent. I totally LOVE the names they came up with. (Do you notice that there are also picture illustration printed on the labels?! Awww!!)

The names of the scents:- (And most of them are related to Singapore history, which is so memory-evoking!!)

Not in any particular order:

1) Ancient Singapore - Life before 14th Century

2) Ancient Singapore - Singapore Stone

3) Road to Merdaka - 8 cents meal

4) Colonial Singapore - Sri Mariamman Indian Temple 

5) Colonial Singapore - Rich Lavish Cloths

6) Play Colonial Singapore - Near the Mosque

7) Syonan to Fear

8) Independent Singapore - Green Singapore

9)  Independent Singapore -Where Children can Play

10) Road to Merdaka - Home Food

11) Archaeology - Hotel de l' Europe

12) Colonial Singapore - Masons

Judging from the names of the scents, I was already feeling so excited. I wondered if they would indeed smell like how they were named.

As below is my review for each scent - Please do note that all of them are based on my PERSONAL opinions in which I tried to describe them to the best of my ability. I was not given any notes how they SHOULD smell like (since scents are very subjective anyway) Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy my descriptions as much as I did smelling them!

1) Ancient Singapore - Life before 14th Century

In order not to confuse myself with the different scents, I actually took time to smell each of them and wrote my thoughts here along the way.

Interestingly enough, this scent DOES smell ancient (in a tropical way). Okay, I am not particularly sure how ancient smells like to you, but I could imagine a forest-like environment and felt like I was somewhere deep in the woods AFTER a rain. I had the idea of rain as it has a tinge of wet scent in between that reminds me of it. I could picture myself lying flat on the ground and closing my eyes as I feel the closeness of nature!

2) Ancient Singapore - Singapore Stone

OMG. This scent is absolutely... Interesting. I took more than five minutes to ensure I was smelling it right.  I have no idea how the team was able to imitate the smell of something wet (but yet not entirely wet) so well! Although it was labelled as "Singapore Stone" and I am not sure how a stone smells like, but I can ascertain that this scent does remind me of something wet after a rain. A tinge of muskiness and yet not too overwhelming. Oh gosh, I just love how all these scents are starting to trigger my senses and imagination!

3) Road to Merdeka - 8 cents meal

I was amused by the title of this scent - 8 cents meal. I was expecting to smell a tinge of roti prata in it (I guess I was influenced by the picture illustration HAHAHA)

My first impression when I took my first whiff - It started out smelling like almonds, but with a tinge of sweetness in them. As I continued on with my third and fourth whiffs, I discovered that the almond scent was not as strong anymore - but it does, interestingly, smell like how it was named - a food! (One of my colleagues smelled it and told me that it reminds him of Nasi Briyani.. How interesting!)

4) Colonial Singapore - Sri Mariamman Indian Temple

OK, I LOVE this scent. It smells a bit like floral + baby powder that blends in nicely with the nice aroma of india temple oil. It smells hauntingly beautiful. I could totally picture myself exploring an indian temple which is really intriguing.

5) Colonial Singapore - Rich Lavish Cloths

This smells kinda' exotic and requires some getting used to. I pictured a rich Caucasian lady as she struts down a poshed hallway. I felt that the scent is.. rich. And yes, I think I came across the scent somewhere before... ....

6) Play Colonial Singapore - Near the Mosque

A pleasant scent that strikes a familiarity when I took my first whiff. Now, where did I smell this before? I would say it's close to a car freshener (it has a fresh, fruity scent) smell that I came across. Totally not dull, but an uplifting scent that I don't mind wearing on myself during sunny days! Haha. I am sure this scent will be able to appeal to many, too. It's not too overwhelming.

7) Syonan to Fear

Now, do note that I did NOT filter this picture at all! The red-color effect was due to my finger blocking the flash, which I did it on purpose to create "Fear" - just like how the name goes. HAHAHA. To be honest, I'm kinda' fearful of opening the bottle.

*2 minutes later*

Okay, I have just opened the bottle to take my first whiff.
You are probably NOT going to believe this, but I can really smell FEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How did this happen?!?! This is totally NOT a pleasant scent.  It smells like fart at some point even. LOL. In fact, it creates the effect of panic, adrenaline rush, impatience, etc. It's a mood-changing scent, I would say. No, I am not going to register this in my mind. BUT it's totally something that people should smell to experience it for themselves in order to understand what I meant.

Now, let me move on to the next scent. I need something pleasant.

 8) Independent Singapore - Green Singapore

My first impression: SMELLS LIKE FRESH GREEN APPLES, DEFINITELY! I could imagine myself drawing the window curtains on an early morning while I sniff in the fresh air from nature.
The birds are chirping cheerily and the gentleness of wind blowing against my cheeks... Ahhh... This is hypnotic.

 9) Independent Singapore - Where Children can play

This smells similar to the Green Singapore upon my first whiff, but there are more to it afterwards. It smells sunny, bright and cheerful - a day when children are all eager coming out to play. I could picture young kids laughing as they gather around to play with their friends.

 10) Road to Merdaka - Home Food

Contrary to its name, I thought it smells like fruit cake that contains cinnamon and spices. It is, however, interesting how the scent indeed smells like food and not just any other scent, Damn, its actually 4am in the wee morning now as I am taking a whiff at this. Must I feel hungry now? *wails*

11) Archaeology - Hotel de l' Europe

I can't believe I am addicted to smelling all these different scents! I did this review within one shot and my nose is still, surprisingly, in good shape. This smells like a kind of shower gel to me. I'm imagining myself having a bubble bath now... in a hotel room. LOL.

12) Colonial Singapore - Masons

The last scent of the day. I was caught by surprise when I took my first sniff. I was reminded of ancient ointment but the scent somehow transitioned into an oddly pleasant smell- like a soap bar. With my eyes closed, I could picture myself traveling back to the olden times on a sunny morning. It's an odd but pleasant scent.

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Of course, nothing beats smelling them physically .. So here's your chance if you are interested in experiencing them for yourselves.

From 17 April to 18 May 2015, the National Museum will put on display 12 unique smells in SINGAPURA:700, an exhibition which showcases an olfactory translation of Singapore history.

These signature scents will be displayed at different locations in all the galleries at the Museum. They range from a musky Ancient Singapore to a spicy Colonial Singapore. Visitors can also take a whiff of Independent Singapore, a refreshing fruity scent that captures the energy of a nation gearing to surge forward and grow. There is also Fear, an unpleasant smell to represent uncertain times, which can evoke negative emotions.

Create your own Singapore Scent on 3rd May  

Each participant will get the chance to learn the techniques of perfume making and how to mix different ingredients to create your unique Scent of the Nation. Tickets for this 2 May event will be on sale on SISTIC from 10 April.  

Each participant gets to keep a 75ml bottle of perfume they create.   

And this is how the bottle looks like! Gorgeous.

Mrs Prachi was very kind to send me a bottle as well! I love how the perfume in it smells - Simply classy. Not to mention that the design is so attractive - with small shiny 'diamonds' near the bottle cap. 

Before the workshop, participants will have a chance to join the museum-volunteers on a guided tour to smell your way through Singapore's history and experience her transformation from a humble fishing village to the pride of an empire, before becoming an independent nation-state as she is today.  

I strongly suggest you all to attend with your friends as it will be such a entertaining activity! (Can foster bonding as well at the same time. Heh)

About the Master Perfumer: Mrs Prachi Saini Garg  

Prachi quit a successful career as a multi-media artist to start a perfumery in Singapore to help people express themselves through scents. At her workshops, clients can create beautiful, ugly, artistic or even commercial smells. Some people have found their signature scent and others have even tried to launch their own brands with her help. Je t’aime provides all the raw ingredients while the creative process is left to the client’s imagination. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Prachi for extending the opportunity for me to review the exquisite scents! It has definitely been my MOST interactive blog post so far, as I truly enjoyed the process of smelling the scents and being transported by my imagination to different eras. while typing this blog entry at the same time.