[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! :)

Best Job in the World? True or not?

What's possibly the best job in the world?

To be engaged in something you love, or simply just for the moolah (money)?

 

(Image credits to Google)

What if there's an opportunity for you to do something you LOVE and yet EARN $20,000 at the same time? 

"You have got to be kidding me", I hear you say. "Is this some kind of dirty job?"

OF. COURSE. NOT. LAH.

Carlsberg is currently giving you the chance to possibly hold the best job in the world and the payout is a whooping $20,000 for a mere 4 hours of work. ($5,000 per hour)

If you think it's too good to be true, then read on before deciding! 

Apparently, this is a campaign launched by Carlsberg and they are actually legitimately paying the successful applicant the amount of money that was promised! (Someone was selected as the lucky winner last year and he took home $10,000. That's even better than striking consolation prize in 4D!) 

SHIOK. 

And this year they have increased the amount to $20,000!

DOUBLE SHIOK.

Most importantly, it cost NOTHING to sign up for the campaign.

AND HERE'S THE CATCH:

Responsibilities:
- Be a Carlsberg ambassador
- Enjoy ice-cold Carlsberg during work
- Entertain your friends with probably the best beer in the world

Requirements:
- Zero experience (You don't have to be an avid drinker...)
- 100% Carlsberg Passion
- Able to Work for 4 hours
- Does not posess own transport (driver included!)

Job Requirements & Registration

Anyone who feels that they are the best candidate for the job can make an application at

www.probablythebest.com.sg 

This job is  only open to applicants aged 18 and above. 

Online registration (free, of course) opens on Monday November 21 and closes on Sunday December 4.

Selected finalists will be notified to attend a simple job interview on the afternoon of December 15

 

Of course no guarantees that you will be selected, but as long as you participate - You stand a possible chance! Never try, never know right??? The best things come unexpected. I currently do have a few friends who have participated in it as well!

It's only a day's work, so you don't have to worry about resigning from your existing job. LOL. Just think about all the honeymoon and holiday that you can go after winning the sum of money.

ALL THE BEST, GUYS!

Modern Girls = Money or Love?

So I came across an attention-grabbing pic on Facebook the other day (I'm sure many have seen it, too since people were crazily sharing it)

It was posted by a girl, believed to be a Singaporean since the notes are in Singapore currency, duh. LOL.

A bouquet of money - Perfect for anyone who sees money as God.

From the comments, it appeared that many were envious of the girl as they were gushing over how blessed she is (Since it is believed that this was a gift from her boyfriend)

Granted that money can be used to buy almost ANYTHING in the world - there is no denial that everyone loves it (Who doesn't love money, right??!)

But... I just find it appalling how people view Materialism as a form of blessing. 

Not that I am being jealous of the above-mentioned girl, but I just think that the line between money and love has blurred in our modern society.

If a guy is rich and willing to give you lots of money to spend on anything you like, you will instantly become the center of attention where friends would be green with envy.

People will think you lead a blissful life because your other half is RICH.

I do personally know of girls whom were open about their criteria in looking for a boyfriend. 

That is, MUST BE, MUST BE, MUST BE RICH.

Somehow, I pity those guys. Either they are obsessed with the girl, or just purely... blinded.

Yes, you would think your girl loves you for who you are. 

Try being broke and bankrupt, and see if she will still stick by you.

If yes, congratulations. She's a keeper.

If no, then I'm sorry. No love for you from the second your money is gone. LOL)

That's a reality happening in our modern society. 

(Yes, if you are those kind of girls... SHAME ON YOU)

I am not saying that ALL girls are like that, I am just quoting from the commonly-seen examples.

When I was younger, I thought materialistic girls were only found in dramas and movies. How naive.

Many have asked me the same question everyone would have faced at least once in their life -

 HOW ABOUT YOU?

What do you look for in a boyfriend?

To be honest, money is NEVER a priority in my looking-for criteria.

Don't get me wrong. I am not trying to be different from other girls or making myself sound like a worthy down-to-earth girl.

I am just speaking from the perspective of what I really think.

Even if you are an handsome individual who is rich and able to buy me the moon and stars, I will never fall for you if the feelings are not right.

Feelings.

I'll rather choose someone who is poor but rich in love. 

I'm okay with eating porridge for my 3 meals.

I'm okay with living in a small flat with my other half.

I'm okay with not receiving luxurious gifts (in fact, I prefer handmade ones. I really do not understand why anyone would DISLIKE handmade gifts)

As long as you are not some rich Casanova who has difficulty staying loyal and taking my simpleness for granted - Money and looks are nothing but just additional bonus.

What is money without love?

Maybe modern girls don't believe in true love anymore, I guess.

For a Good Cause:- 20 Fun Ways to use a Red Dot!

Remember the blog post I made on the Red Dot Campaign prior to our nation's birthday?

(If you haven't, here's the entry: CLICK)
Anyway, that contest had already ended. If you missed it, then too bad huh.
.
.
.

Just kidding.

Is any of you still holding on to these Red Dots? You are in luck if you do!
(Or if you do not have a Red Dot yet, I'll share with you how you can get it as you read on!)

Moove Media has came up with another interesting contest that you can stand a chance to win with these Red Dots!

The contest has already commenced since 15 September 2015, so be quick - THEY CHOOSE WINNERS ON A WEEKLY BASIS! 

And the the game is so super duper simple (Moove Media always make it so easy to win big!) - All you have to do is to think of DIFFERENT FUN WAYS TO USE THE RED DOT.

I am sure all of you Singaporeans and selfie kings/queens out there can do it lor!

I know many of us are good at making crazy faces and coming out with lots of patterns (pattern more than badmintion, ah!) when taking selfies. Now is your chance to turn that talent of yours into winning entries for the contest! In the rare occasion that you ever find yourself running out of ideas, you can engage your friends to join in the fun with you, too! Turn the Red Dot into anything - You can try to perform magic with it, use it as a clown's nose or smack it like a ping pong ball. Anything, lah. As long as these actions are being captured on camera - You can submit them.

I love these little illustrations that Moove Media came up with! Cracked me up, HAHAHA.

Now this is genius.

I have seen several entries on their Facebook page and some of them are darn hilarious - You may wish to take a look or just simply join in the fun by uploading your photos there. 

If Instagram is preferred, you can upload your photos on there too - Just don't forget to include the hashtag #20FunWays

As long as you participate, you CAN have the chance to win.

OH - If you do not have a Red Dot YET and is wondering where and how to get one to join in the contest, fret not.

Each Red Dot can still be purchased at $10 each via appointment with Moove Media- and it's entirely for  charity. Each Red Dot is a contribution for a good cause! 

You may wish to contact them through e-mail at: moovemarketing@moovemedia.com . 

(Even if you do not wish to join in the contest, you can just get a Red Dot for fun and charity, lah)

Go go - Join now, you can thank me later if you are one of the winners.

YOU CAN START HERE:-

FACEBOOK PAGE

The many patterns of Selfies

Taking selfies has always been the trend. Everywhere- almost EVERYWHERE -it is not hard to spot someone aiming a phone at himself/herself on the streets.

Or one may also see tons of selfies on Facebook as well. 

(I always wonder why people can upload so many selfies of the same poses. *rolls eyes*)

Of course, I can't criticize much as I am guilty of taking selfies as well - AND I shall demonstrate a few pattern-more-than-badminton expressions since I had too much time on my hands while taking this series of selfies:

The "show-teeth" smile selfie:

I would say smiling selfies are more decent, as compared to other irritating expressions (which I will demonstrate later). Of course, playing with angles is important as well. Tilting your head 45 degrees and aiming your phone at a higher position will give the "fake" impression that your face looks, erm, angular and slimmer.. I suppose. Oh, and don't forget the super bright lighting to shine on the side of your face so you look more like a dreamgirl.

The "close-mouth" smile selfie:

Not showing any teeth because your teeth ain't straight or probably you think you look better with mouth closed. I used to smile without teeth in photos but I realized it makes me look... unnatural in some ways. 

Oh well, not everyone can pull off the same smile, I guess.

The "act-innocent" selfie:

Alamak, how old liao still want to act innocent? But I guess girls just like to be associated with... innocence. Or the look that can make anyone go "Awww.." so you can get away with anything.

 Just give that lip of yours a little pout and you are good to go.

The "puffy" selfie: (AND THE MOST IRRITATING TYPE, IN MY OPINION)

OH MY GOODNESS, I can't stand it whenever girls do such expressions in selfies. (Me included) There is always a tendency to that in selfies when you run out of "ideas" - but please do not KEEP TO THAT EXPRESSION throughout ALL your selfies. 

Do you think that kind of face will make you look cuter in all photos? One or two is fine, but ALL?! You must be kidding. It gives one the urge to slap your cheeks to deflate them.

Pattern more than badminton. Duh.

Okay, I guess I'm done with this really random post. Disclaimer: I'm not an expert in taking selfies, but just thought I would like to share some of the commonly-seen selfie expressions here. 

If you feel offended in any way, I assume you are guilty. LOL.

[GIVEAWAY] TRADE and WIN MOOVE COWS CONTEST

The Moove Cows are at it again!

Do you recognize these familiar cow faces that are almost everywhere in Singapore?

(I am sure you do, because I tried asking my friends and their reactions were like, "OH YES, YES! I RECOGNIZE THESE COWS!!!")

Oh, they are known as Moove Cows by the way!

The Cows are especially highly active during SG50, and you should be excited whenever you spot them because you are entitled to winning prizes when you do.

And you should be glad that you are here reading this blog entry, too, because I am doing a really SIMPLE giveaway of the Trade and Win Moove Cows stickers here that will entitle you to win prizes as well! Just don't be lazy and read till the end of my post - I guarantee you that you will not walk away empty-handed if you are one of my chosen winners! (Yes, I'll be selecting 8 winners in my giveaway, so everyone stands a chance!!)

Just in case you haven't heard of it yet - Here's the Trade & Win Moove Cows contest that is quite simple, interactive and fun to play with your friends. I'll show you how.

Step 1- Find 2 Moove Cow Stickers (They can be given out at any NDP show or through selected partners...AND NOW ON SGCOMPLAINQUEEN'S BLOG TOO! HAHAHA)

Step 2-  Find 1 other Moove Cow sticker to complete a set of 3. You may ask your friends (You never know if they have one of the Trade and Win Moove Cows stickers), family or even trading community online on Moove Media's Facebook page. Click HERE))

Step 3- OMG! You are almost there.... Almost touching the prize now. Simply just upload a photo of yourself with the 3 designs you collected in your most Singaporean way. Never mind about being unglam - It can grant you prizes, you know!

Don't forget.. The army Moove Cow doubles up as 2x points!

**BONUS** If you managed to get the Moove Cow sticker in army uniform, that counts as 2 points!  Exciting, boh?!?

The game reminds me of trading card games, but in a more exciting way!!

Now for the part you have been waiting for - and I promised- So here it is:-

I have gotten 16 Trade and Win Moove Cows stickers in my hands *evil laugh* And I'll only release hostage of them if you can answer a reeeaaally simple question.

The really simple question:
How many set of stickers should you collect for the Trade & Win contest? (Hint: The answer can be found in this blog entry itself! Just don't be lazy and scroll up.)

E-mail your answer to: catherinejaevans@hotmail.com with the subject header: "TRADE and WIN MOOVE COWS CONTEST" by 20th August 2015! I'll release hostage of the Cows to you if you are one of the selected ones.
Do provide me your Name and Mobile number so that I can contact you soonest if you are one of my lucky winners!
It's really that easy and fun. Get your friends to join too!


AND YES - PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO TAG YOUR PHOTO ENTRIES WITH #TradeNWinMooveCows
(So they will know what you are doing with the cows... Hmm)

Here- A deserve-a-punch-on-the-face photo before I end this entry...

When Virtual meets Reality

As ironic as it may sound, I do have my dislikes for social media at times.

The impact of social media can be huge. 

Every single word that you post after pressing that "Enter" key on your seemingly harmless keyboard can be seen by the kazillions of people online (and that includes your family members, spouse, relatives, etc).

You'll have no idea who are the ones reading it, just like how I am clueless who is reading my current blog entry, too.

As much as I love social media (which explains why I became a blogger to begin with), I have had my fair share of negative experiences that changed my perspective towards the impact it can cause in real life.

I was someone who did not give second thoughts about ranting online, and did it one day when I was upset with a classmate. 

Everything happened a long way back.

While I did not name names, she happened to read what I wrote (which I had no idea she read my blog as I was not really high profile back then). Things somehow got out of control and we engaged in a "keyboard" war. 

Our friendship took a bad turn as we eventually brought it to real life by giving each other the cold shoulder since then.

Things were never, ever the same again after the incident.

And it all started only with just a blog post.

See how powerful social media can be?

It may be a spur of the moment, but there is no turning back once the damage is done.

That is one of the reasons why too much Facebook-ing can be bad as well. With Facebook, one is able to post his/her thoughts online instantly within seconds, and it is not helping that many are using it as a platform to express their emotions and thoughts. albeit the negative way.

(Yes, I am not afraid to admit that I am guilty of being one of these people)

Don't get me wrong -I love Facebook. I use it as a social platform to interact with my friends (and it has helped me to re-connect with long-lost ex-classmates too, which I am thankful for), share my blog posts to a larger group of audience, promote my blog, etc. Not to mention that I enjoy reading the random posts shared by friends on there as well.

It's just that most people have underestimated the power of Facebook and its influences.

There were times when I was aware certain people were posting about me (without naming my name) as those posts were simply too obvious.

Of course, feigning ignorance is my forte.

多一事不如少一事.

Always remember, think twice before you post. 

Unless you are mentally prepared to sacrifice the relationship or friendship, that is.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge - Do you even have ANY idea AT ALL?!

So this ALS Ice bucket challenge has been taking the Internet by storm - Everywhere, I mean literally EVERYWHERE, people are doing it and TALKING about it.

But how MANY are actually doing it RIGHT?

By saying "doing it right", I do not mean the right way of pouring that bucket of ice water over your head.

It's the REAL purpose behind the cause.

I have seen so many videos, each with different versions, and most of them were mainly the same content - with the subject pouring the ice water over himself/herself, and ending off with a nomination of 3 names of his/her choice.

JUST. LIKE. THAT.

There is no explanation, no detail, no mentioning of the Cause in the video. (Not even in the description as well!)

It's basically just a video of a person looking silly and wasting ice cubes away while trying to maintain composure as he/she pours the freezing water on his/her own head.

In other words, this person is only doing it because it is a supposed "trend"; hence its deemed to be an "IN" thing. Heck, some did it without even knowing what the Cause is all about! Isn't that doing for the sake of doing it?

(And there were still some ignorant people who got all defensive and said "OH, didn't you check out those famous people who did it as well? Even Bill Gates and George Bush are doing it!")

Like Duh. 

*Rolls eyes*

Of course, not all are in favor of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I guess I am one of them.

While I feel that this is a good initiative to gain awareness of the disease and Cause itself, it does not really serve a monetary purpose. 

BUT it does serve a purpose if people can save the money that is used to purchase those ridiculous packets of Ice and DONATE them to charity.

LOL.

Don't get me wrong, I am not implying that it is wrong to engage in the Ice Bucket Challenge. Well, I do admit it is working well in a viral manner. 

BUT PLEASE, AT LEAST INCLUDE A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF ALS AND PROVIDE A LINK THAT LEADS TO THE DONATION PAGE.

http://www.alsa.org/donate/

What's the purpose of posting a video bluntly and showing off to your friends that you have taken up their challenge?

Do you think everyone who VIEWS the video will know the message behind it if there isn't any information provided at all?!

Now here's a fact about the ALS disease:

There is no known cure for ALS

ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease (named after the renowned baseball player of the same name who was stricken with it in 1939), attacks a person's nerve cells and rapidly leads to total paralysis. The mind of someone diagnosed with it, however, remains sharp. 

The average lifespan is between two and five years from the time of diagnosis, although there is an approved drug that can prolong survival by a few months. It is quite rare, affecting approximately 30,000 people in the US.

P/S: I have no intention or means to offend anyone in particular with regards to this blog entry. This is definitely not targeted at anyone in particular. I just feel that people should actually know and UNDERSTAND the real purpose behind this Cause; and not doing for the sake of doing it.

It's easy to be a copycat and follow, but how much do you even know about the ALS disease in the first place?