Half-assed Step-by-Step Guide on Recovering Lost Files From Corrupted External Drives For Free

 

It's been more than a year since I updated this blog. Life has really been busy, and with international travel out of the question, there was even lesser impetus for me to update this blog. I did however uploaded 2 travel vlog of my Okinawa Trip on Youtube so please check it out!

But this blog is not about the usual skincare or travel. It's about trying to recover lost files from corrupted external media.

Itinerary: 11 days 10 Nights Tohoku in Autumn

I'm incredibly late with this post but if anyone is planning a trip to explore the northern tip of the main island in Japan, they might want to read this and take a page from my book. In this blog post, I will list the itinerary and share my selected transportation for a 10d9n solo trip. This trip focuses mainly on pursuing scenic autumn foliage.

Review: Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum (Gen 2)

Name: Xiaomi Mi Robot Roborock (Gen 2)Price: $399SGD Rating : 4.5/5Web link : Link

I have to admit, trying to review this is really difficult as I’m no expert in home appliance reviewing. However, I have been using this product for slightly more than a year now and I think I’m at a good place to share my opinion about it. While I have not gone to the extreme which some tech reviewers go through to extensively test the functionalities of the equipment, I will be sharing with everyone how this equipment fared in normal everyday life.

I will also not be going through the technical specifications of the equipment as you can easily read those in Xiaomi's official website or on the Qoo Sales page. 

The Most Lightweight & Greaseless Sunscreen Ever : Nik's professional Aqua Sun Protect SPF 50+ / pa+++

Name: Nik's professional Aqua Sun Protect SPF 50+ / pa+++

Price: $30 SGD

Volume: 15ml

Rating: 4/5 stars
Website: LINK

Niks Professional is a skin care brand that originated from a Doctor's office. The first branch of the clinic was opened in the eastern side of Singapore and I've even been there once! I vaguely remember the queue being so long that after queuing for an evening, I still didn't managed to see the doctor and had to return the next day. I've never waited this long to see a doctor before but I guess the snaking queue attest to it's quality.

Here's a little about the brand itself 

" Niks Professional is an integrated medical skin care provider, incorporating family dermatology and aesthetic medical services, skin care products, facial treatment and medical camouflage service under one roof and a single NIKS brand.
We own and operate three medical clinics in Singapore focusing on family dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Our clinical services are complemented by a portfolio of some 200 quality medical skin care products. Our products are conceptualised and developed in Singapore and made in the finest factories in the United States and Europe. We brand our products and services under one unified, consistent NIKS brand. All our products satisfy stringent regulatory requirements in the United States and Europe, and are regularly updated to reflect advances in skin care technology. We are also active in paramedical camouflage cosmetics." 

Let's jump straight into my simple review.

Review: Loreal Elseve Extraordinary Oil

Product Name Loreal Elseve Extraordinary Oil

Size : 30ml - 100ml 

Cost : $17.90 ‐ $28.90 (Buy from Qoo10)

Rating:  5 star

So after having my hair short for more than 2 years, I've finally started growing them out in 2018. Since long straight hair doesn't quite fit my face, I also went ahead and permed them. 

My hair is remarkably resilient against hair dye but it doesn't do as well with Digital perms. It was quite a nightmare to get my hair in order after I first dyed them last may 2018. I tried a few hair products which didnt do much at all. Then I came across a sample satchet of Loreal's Extraordinarily Oil in my beauty stash and decided this was the best time to bust it open. Best decision ever. 

Packaging 

There are a few variant in the packaging but they all come in the same glass bottle with a pump head. The packaging is simple and utilitarian. 

Cost 

Going at $28.90 for 100ml in our local Watsons or Guardian Pharmacy is a tad bit steep. But you can always rely on the Internet and small scale neighourhood Beauty Stores to sell them at nearly half the price. 

Buy the same oil from Qoo10 for just $17.90!

Scent/ Touch

By far, I've only tried the High Shine (pink bottle )and Sublime Enhancer (orange bottle) versions of the line. I would describe both oils to be pleasantly scented and leaves a relatively light residue on the palms. The Sublime Enhancer is significantly less scented. 

Personally , I find the rose version to have a denser/heavier oil than the Sublime Enhancer . However they both apply onto the hair and washes out of the palms almost just as easily.  

High Shine Vs Sublime Enhancer  

As I've mentioned above, the Sublime Enhancer is less viscose compared to the High Shine version. It barely leaves any residue on the hand compared to the High Shine. 

However, the High Shine version is my preferred choice as it suits my permed hair and lifestyle better. 

Usually, I wash my hair in the morning and leaves the house with wet hair. High Shine fits my lifestyle better as it requires lesser product to fully coat wet hair and keeps the curls somewhat intact. Keeping the curls intact is a big deal as anyone who has ever permed their hair before would know. Those curls don't last if you don't make the effort to keep them in some sort of curled/twirled fashion everyday. 

I use roughly 2 - 7 pumps of oil depending on how generous I feel that day and how much time I have to work the product into ringlets of it's own. I usually separate my hair into 2 or 4 bundles and twirl them into ringlets before allowing them to dry naturally.

With the default oil, my hair feels lighter and fresher but my curls are noticeably looser and messier. The upside is the oil doesn't transfer onto head as much as the High Shine version so my scalp stays fresh longer. 

I would recommend the default oil for someone with unpermed hair that requires some tender loving care without weighing it down. 

Overall Impression 

Spoiler alert, I absolutely love this product. After perming my hair, my head has been a constant cosplay of Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. The big and bushy version of the first movie - not the subsequently subdued and tamed Emma watsons version. 

The other products I've tried always felt greasy on both the palms and the hair. And to make matters worse, they don't even get absorbed by the hair - doing absolutely nothing for the state of my locks. 

Extraordinary oil on the other hand, goes onto the hair with ease and gets absorbed quickly. The product smoothens the appearance of my hair and locks down the shine in my hair. It makes my hair looks naturally glossy and healthy while taming it. It does not weight my hair down or feel icky like some hair product does. 

A small tip here , it is always easier to apply oil on wet hair as it ensures even distribution and smoother applications. So if you ever have problem ensuring an even application on your hair, make sure to wet your hair a little before applying. 

My hair is still a far cry from the hair you see in shampoo commercial but anything it has, I attribute it to this oil. If you have frizzy, damaged and permed hair like me, get this! 

.

Itinerary: 12 days In Greece On A Budget With Public Transport

Budget Airline Scoot introduced a few new destinations into it's ever expanding menu of routes last year. So a friend and I decided to take advantage of their national day promotion (which featured a 1-for-1 deal) and managed to get return tickets for just $480 each! 

Since it was a promotional flight, travel dates were limited and we eventually settled on a winter tour of the beautiful country from 27th Feb to 13th March. Approximately 12 days and 11 nights. 

If you've always wanted to explore Greece but hasn't a clue how to start, you're in for a treat! Continue reading to learn more about where we went, how we travel and how much the place cost. I'll drop as much travel tips as I can so this blog post should be pretty informational. 

Hokkaido Spring Day 5:

My fifth day in Hokkaido this spring turned out to be a little more exciting than I expected. After a bit of research, I decided against an early bus out to Furano and set out to explore the capital of the region instead.  It wasn't originally on my itinerary but I decided to check out Hokkaido's hallmark omiyage manufacturer and it's equally hallmark attraction. I went to the famous Shiro Koibito Park.




The nearest train station is Miyanosawa Station. It is roughly 7 minutes (walking distance) away with well-marked signages to guide you along. The possibility of getting lost is close to zero. Entrance fee is free.

Review: The ORCHID Skin Orchid Flower Aqua UV Sun Gel SPF30 PA++ 5

Name: The Orchid Skin Sun Screen SPF 30 PA++
Price: $40 for 3 ( 60 ml)
Rating: 2.5/5
Weblink: Qoo10

Hokkaido Spring Day 4: Nakajima & Maruyama Park, Mt Moiwa Ropeway

I wasn’t quite sure what to do on my fourth day in Hokkaido so I decided to focus on my main theme for this trip – Cherry Blossoms. I sought the advice of the staffs at my hostel (The Stay Sapporo) and decided to get myself to the local parks first.

 

I crossed some gorgeous red poppies frowing by the sidewalk along the way. Aren’t they amazing?

Hokkaido Spring Day 3: Noboribetsu

It was the last working day for my Hokkaido Rail Pass and it was perfect to offset my JR Super Express Train Hokuto to Norboribetsu. A one way trip on this train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu will set you back at 4480 yen (roughly 72 minutes) so if you ever intend to make long distance day trips like these, plan them according to your Rail Pass availability.

Hokkaido Spring Day 2: Hakodate Morning Market + Onuma Park

Rise and shine at 6:30! I wasn't planning on waking till 7am but it was so bright I found it hard to continue sleeping. After taking a shower, I packed up and checked out of my hostel. I found myself at Goryokaku Koen again by 8:18 am because I just couldn't get enough of these Somei Yoshino!



I wandered aimlessly like the hopeless dreamer I am, soaking in every bit of the Sakura rays. Let my photographs show you the beauty I saw.

Wonder Woman the Movie : It was WONDERFUL!

I caught the movie last Friday and boy was it good! I'm sorry if I'm blowing the entire mystery of this entry to bits by disclaiming so early in that this movie is amazing!

I've watched many blockbusters recently and one just disappoints me more than the other. Even the stuffs from Marvel weren't able to pump me up as much as Wonder Woman had - and no, it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the heroine is a female.

How to survive the Mongolian Gobi Desert!

Before I realize, it's nearly two years since I embarked on my Trans-Siberian journey and toured the Gobi Desert. Yes, I have a problem staying on top of this blog thing.  I know the Trans-Siberian journey is one of legends and myths and is on the Bucket list of practically every wanderlusts. And many young wander "lusters" like me, rely solely on the internet for our travel research because we're too cheap for Guide Books. So I'm paying it forward here with a short entry xD

- Click here to read about my 6 days in the Gobi Desert.

Other than being known for having the longest and oldest train routes on earth, the legendary Trans-Siberian journey is also famous for the diverse landscape and cultural experience it provides.  A trip into the exotic and charismatic Gobi desert is a must-do if you ever decide to take on the Russia –> Mongolia –> China route.

Without further blabbing, here is my short entry on preparing for the Gobi Desert while you are on your Trans-Siberian adventure because ... let me be honest with you, it's harder than you think.

Hokkaido Spring Day 1: Hakodate, Goryokaku Park & Mt. Hakodate

I took a red eye flight with a layover in Kuala Lumpur on my first ever trip to Hokkaido. I had bought the tickets only 3 weeks before the trip so AirAsia’s tickets were the only ones I could get that didn’t break my bank. My return tickets cost me SGD$628.50




My flight was scheduled to fly at 8:45 pm and it was a whirlwind of a busy day! Thank God I managed to get everything together in time! After finishing all my morning and afternoon appointments, I rushed home and took the MRT to the airport because what do you think? because I’m cheap! I checked myself in with AirAsia's check-in booth to avoid having my bag weighed. I hadn’t bought any baggage space for the trip over (Cheap alert!) but I think I might have accidentally crossed the 7kg limit by one of two kilos, oops=X. I had grand visions of leisurely whizzing through the departure gates with just the booth printed boarding pass but verification of travel documents was required for entry into Japan so I was sent back to the counters to have my passport checked.





Had a brief layover at KLIA. Maybe it's the fact that I'm flying a Budget airline this time but man, the boarding gate between my flights were so far away! I also had to go through the x-ray machines twice even though it was a transfer. The last time I flew with Malaysia Airline to Osaka, I didn't have to do any of that. Was it just a difference in airline or are they stepping up security after that fiasco?

Kose Babyish High Moisturising mask (50 sheets)

Name: Kose Babyish High Moisturising mask
Retail price: SGD$19.90 (50 pc )
Quantity: 50 pieces
Rating: 2.5/5

I bought Kose's Babyish High Moisturizing mask (50 sheets) at my local department store recently because I thought they were selling it at $15.50. Turns out the promotion price was only applicable if you purchase another $15 worth of stuffs. Anyway, here's my short review of the product.

Packaging

It's a 50 piece mask pack. It's basically a big aluminium Ziplock bag with 50 sheets of mask all stacked together in the watery essence. Pretty standard pack mask design though some might worry about the air-tightness of the Ziplock and worry about leakage or premature drying.

I say, just be sure you've fully pressed the Ziplock down. Unless very intense pressure was applied on the bag, it's unlikely to leak though I've been careless enough to allow that to happen haha.

50 sheets of mask piled together while soaking in the Essence. This is how they roll.

The bulk mode of the packaging might put some people off as questions about hygiene and product (mask Essence) distribution can be raised. I'm personally not too bothered by that since I always wash my hands before applying face masks. While Essence distribution is indeed a worry factor for bulk facemasks - remember you also pay much lesser per piece so imho, it all evens out. But each to its own. I personally enjoy bulk facial masks as they forces/ encourages me to keep using them Everyday.

Texture & effect

The facemask seems to be made out of some thin paper fabric. Quality and moisture retention ability of the face mask is average. The quality of the masks are definitely below say, Leaders Insolution masks. The masks tends to be on the slightly dry side and my forehead is a little too high to be fully covered. The mask feels cheap (sorry) and doesn't fit the face as well as I hope.

But the fit isn't too much of a problem as I always wear my face masks with DAISO's silicon face mask on top of it to keep everything in place. If you haven't tried the DAISO Silicon mask yet, and you're a big facemask junkie - you need to check it out. It is such a game changer!

The essence from the facemask is watery and tends to drip a lot when worn.

Unlike many of my other face masks, I often remove the mask after an hour or so to a "just-as dull" face. Because the mask was not able to retain as much Essence, the skin starts to feel a little dry after an hour. The skin is slightly plumped after the treatment but nothing to rave about.

Conclusion

Overall, there's nothing to boast about here. Kose's babyish high moisturising face mask borders on the disapproval zone.

With a label that claims (and a few others) to be topping the popularity chart; I'd say I was more than a little disappointed. While I understand it's only meant to be a daily maintenance face masks and is cost at only 39 cents each - it is still the most under performing facemask I've ever used.

Unless your skin is super dehydrated and unable to retain its own moisture which forces you to face mask every day (like me) , or your skin is super good and you just need some basic hydration, otherwise I say just give this product a miss. Spend your time on something better.

Since I'm stuck with this product now, Ive devised a way to make it work twice as hard. I apply a layer of sleeping gel mask to my face before slapping the mask and the result is a brighter and more hydrated face when I remove the mask.

Hope this review was helpful. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think or what you want me to review next time !

Review: Heme Baby Q Silicon Sponge

Nme: Heme Silicon Sponge
Retail price: SGD$9.90  
Rating: 4.5/5

I’ve been wondering for a long time if there could ever be something that can replace a makeup sponge in application while being super convenient to maintain. And apparently, I’m not the only one lamenting the inconvenience of our old fashion sponges because someone came up with the idea of using silicon to apply foundation! I’ve tried this sponge for a few days now and here’s my quick review!

 

Cheap, Easy & Fun Bachelorette Games That Are Not Raunchy

It's time to celebrate your BFF’s closure to her exciting single life and you've been assigned to conjure up activities for her bachelorette party. But not every bride is into wild and raunchy parties (strip tease? Boring!) And not every guest is age appropriate so you're not quite sure what to do.

Here are some bachelorette party activities you can consider that are fun, wholesome and won't break the bank. The highlight in this line up is maximum impact for minimal effort because, let's be realistic, who has time to slave over games preparations?

Photo from: Wikipedia

Some beauty shoppings & randomness!

This is a little random update of my life, just for the heck of it. Went beauty necessity shopping today after church and here's what I found.

Okay , nothing really exciting and what's with those mini Tiger Balms?!

Review : Innisfree Super Volcanic pore clay mask (first impression)

Name: Innisfree Super Volcanic pore clay mask
Retail price: SGD$22.60 (full size)
Volume: 100ml
Rating: 3/5

I've been breaking out non-stop after my first trial with the Cledbel face lifting mask and serum. It might not be the product that's against my skin but rather my skin itself being sensitive for no good reasons. But my skin has been feeling dehydrated, dry and congested recently. I've even taken to applying a hydrating face mask almost every night to combat the acne and skin discomfort.

Decided to give this mud mask a try since I was so impressed by Belif's mud mask the last time I tried it. Maybe this would become my holy grail, who knows? I've only ever used this product once because it's a sample and I can only have one try with it xD.

Review: Cledbel Face Lift Solution, Super Miracle Lifting Mask

Name: Cledbel Face Lifting Mask
Price: $32.90 (Buy on Qoo10)
Volume: 70ml
Rating: 1/5

I've been conscious about my smile lines for the longest time so when I saw Cledbel's face lift solution promoting on Qoo10 last early november, the beauty product enthusiast in me perked up.