Zestful One

Hotmail’s new look–15 years and going strong

Posted by IcedNyior on October 4, 2011  |  1 Comment

If you’re like me, Hotmail was the first real email address you had. It was the coolest thing to see your nickname and getting really excited if and when someone emailed you. Hotmail launched in 1995 and was one of the first free email service.

Over the years, unfortunately, Hotmail started to lose its luster, especially with a whole lot of new free email providers cropping up like mushroom. Hotmail with its clunky design and lack of features (2MB space only!) got left behind.

From left : (i) The small crowd of techies & bloggers
(ii) Unsubscribing from a newsletter with a dropdown menu within Hotmail.

Fast forward to 2011 and Hotmail is still (surprisingly) the largest free email service in the planet with 360 MILLION unique users per month who receive 9 billion and send 300 million emails Every Day! And in celebration of its 15th year, Hotmail is ready to unveil new features! These new features offer improvements in the vital areas of spam filtering (which is a big issue for Hotmail users), performance, storage and mobile compatibility.

“We’ve all used Hotmail at one point in time and we loved it for its features and simplicity. Things are a bit more complicated today. People want more than just an email address. Users want huge storage space, seamless integration with instant messaging and contact management as well as easy access across all mobile devices.

With our latest Hotmail release, we are bringing all this and more to our users. Hotmail has come along way since its humble beginnings. It is now more feature rich, more integrated and more secure than ever before. It’s the perfect time to fall in love again with Hotmail, “ said Barrie Ooi, Head of Windows Live, Asia Pacific.

From left : (i) Attached photos will be automatically presented in a album format
(ii) Hotmail is coming to Mobile. In fact I think the Android one is launching later today!

Last night, I was invited as part of a select group of bloggers who were given a sneak preview of the new features launching today (press release was embargoed till 6am this morning) by Microsoft. Barrie, quoted above walked us through some of the exciting things coming to Hotmail in the next few weeks.

The new features include:

• Smart Newsletter Filtering which allows users to highlight and delete newsletters with a single click or unsubscribe completely.
• Categories and advanced folder management that allow users to choose to categorize their messages in the inbox as opposed to having to file them in separate folders.
• Scheduled cleanup allows you to automatically get red of emails of a certain age sweeping away old newsletter and out-of-date offers. You can also now keep only the last message from the sender.
• Flags done right that position your priority messages right at the top of your inbox. No more having to mark messages as unread or email them back to yourself to keep them at the top of your mind.
• Instant Actions are buttons that appear when your mouse hovers over a message allowing you to delete, flag, sweep, etc messages with one click. Users can also customize their UI by adding and removing buttons based on the tasks they use the most.

One of my favourite new feature is the Sweep function. The sweep function lets you select a bunch of emails then proceed to setup rules or filters on how these emails should be have (get deleted, move to a folder, etc). This will be really convenient for people who have tons of email.

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Hotmail has always been (unfortunately) associated with spam and they know it. In fact, they found out that 35% of your inbox is made up of spam. That’s more than 1/4 ! Thus, they have implemented a SmartScreen filter (made up of humans reporting spam and a computer algorithm) and managed to cut down the spam to ONLY 3% currently. In fact you can see the sharp dip in the left image below.

Another interesting fact is that Hotmail servers has the storage capacity of 140 Petabyte! 140 petabyte =1400 terrabyte = 1400000 gigabyte! Not only that, they are continuously increasing 10% every month (or was it week? I forgot.) That’s how Hotmail can give you virtually unlimited storage. Best part is, you can send attachments of up to 100MB – compared to the usual 10MB!

After a scrumptious dinner at Apartment, KLCC and an interesting demo and discussion with Barrie, we were given instructions not to announce anything until the press conference with media today. We were also given some Windows Live goodies. I also won a set of Windows Live plushies! Don’t they look cute?

So what do you think? I think Hotmail’s new features looks very useful and this puts them back in the running with the other big email giants like Gmail and Yahoo! Mail. Was Hotmail your first email too?

How to avoid bad body odour

Posted by IcedNyior on October 2, 2011  |  No Comments

I had this friend who had bad body odour. It was so bad that we wouldn’t sit near him when we went out because we couldn’t really stand his smell. I spotted him wearing the same shirt two days in a row and so I asked him about it. He said “I only change shirts if I wear it for more than 5 hours or I do sports. Its still clean what”. I was speechless.

FUN FACT: The No Sweat Survey commissioned by Rexona has showed that 65% of Malaysians often joke about their friends’ body odour but the brutal truth is that they are actually serious about it. In addition, a staggering 60% of people would hold their breath rather than confronting one’s unpleasant smell.

I think that is quite true. We did joke to that friend of ours about him being smelly but we sort of laughed it off as well. Thankfully, he finally realized and changed. Perhaps someone actually had the guts to tell straight up to him. Haha!

In an effort to improve the public’s understanding about sweat and it’s consequences, Rexona organized a “Don’t Sweat It with Rexona” event where the FIVE main causes of sweat were explained in 5 different stations.

*note: for some reason I lost my photos in my phone and don’t have the photos I took at the event :(  Will try to get some pics up soon* Got the pics below. Enjoy!

(1) Sweat : The first station was a Kinect games station. We could play against our friends in a game by moving around. Light movement such as this is one of the causes of sweat.

(2) Heat : Next was a setup of two beach chairs and some props – floppy hat, shades, beach ball, umbrella – with spotlights. We played dress up and pretended we were at a hot beach while the crew took photos of us using polaroids. I really do like the idea of polaroids at events, it gives a tangible souvenir of your experience.

(3) Stress : Stress is one of the causes of sweat and two inflatable dolls were in place for us to punch and release our stress.

(4) Humidity : This station is one popular station. You could get a hand massage in a closed humid corner. The bad thing is, there was only one person doing the massaging so the line was rather long.

(5) Emotions : This is a little known fact but changes in emotions can also be a trigger for sweat. Rexona treated us to the thriller Dream House starring Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Naomi Watts. There were twists and turns to this story.

Short Movie review on “Dream House”: My warning is, don’t watch the trailer. It gives quite a lot of the movie. I expected a horror, but its actually more of a drama. The movie was just ok for me and I won’t really recommend to watch it in the cinema but a friend who watched really did like it so you’d have to make the decision yourself.

I’ve actually been using for Rexona for some time now. I currently like their ‘”Powder Dry” from their Rexona Woman range (left pic). It smells like talc which I think is really fresh. At the event we were given Rexona Women Shower Clean which “has an uplifting scent that keeps you feeling shower fresh and is proven to keep you fresher and drier longer” in both the roll-on and spray type (right pic). The scent seems nice so I’ll probably use it after my current one finishes.

What’s In My Makeup Bag

Posted by IcedNyior on June 12, 2011  |  No Comments

I like these meme things where you get to see the contents of people’s bags – handbags or makeup bags. It shares a glimpse of that person’s life. I’m not sure what my makeup bag says about mine, but here goes.

When taking pics for this post, I realized that I bring more than one makeup “bag”. In fact, I have three different items. Due to it’s size, I cant put it all in one pouch as my pouch is rather small. As below, I have (from left), a makeup pouch, a Stila Special Issue Love Your Look No 2. Palette & a lipstick pouch.

The Stila Special Issue Love Your Look No 2. Palette (below) is actually a pretty old palette I think. I got it for really cheap during a sale (can’t remember how much). It consists of 3 eyeshadows in Lame (top left), Oasis (top right) and Coin (bottom right) & a cheek color in Tint (bottom left).

In the lipstick pouch I have a Nivea Fruity Shine in Pomegranate. I think I bought this from Singapore because I’m pretty sure you can’t get the Pomegranate one here. Not so sure why. I also have an elf (eyeslipsface) lipstick from their Studio line in Barely Bitten. I also have a short eyeliner pencil with a missing cap.

Sometimes, if I’m too lazy to carry my whole arsenal of makeup out, I just take the lipstick pouch. The lipstick can double up as a cheek colour (as long as you apply it with clean fingers).

The makeup pouch was given to me by April. She bought it during one of her trips to Bangkok. I like it as it’s made of plasticy material and is waterproof. Top left is Body Shop’s Pressed Face Powder (No 04), then from left is SilkyGirl Double Intense Mascara, elf mineral eyeliner, Daiso eyeliner coat – because that elf eyeliner smudges like crazy, Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie in Berry Boost, Mehtolatum Lipice lip balm in Mandarin Orange (minty! I like), NYX Rouge Cream Blush in CB 05 Glow, Guardian Dental Floss in Mint (I like its cute size), Panadol, Eyedrops, Menthol inhaler and Ventolin Evohaler.

So yea, that’s about it. Sounds like a lot now that I list it out. haha. As you can see, a lot of my makeup are drugstore brands, with the exception of one or two. I personally like brands like NYX and ELF which are cheap but good quality, the only problem is that it’s a bit difficult to get over here in Malaysia. I also have mild asthma and the tendency to get sick so I bring around some meds just in case.

So, now I’m curious: What’s in your makeup bag?

Day 9 : Last Item I bought

Posted by IcedNyior on June 9, 2011  |  1 Comment

Last item I bought was this Silkygirl Double Intense Waterproof Mascara. Mascara finish so need to look for new one and this was on offer (it was RM19, not RM24.88 as stated on box. Don’t know why.

Its good practice to occasionally chuck out old makeup – especially the liquid ones, or the ones you use on your eyes. Based on my previous experiences, mascara will have a funky, chemical-ish smell after some time. So yea, I don’t believe in spending a lot of money for something you’ll chuck after sometime. Plus, the small bottle of makeup remover is going straight to my travel toiletries bag.

But yea, review will be up soon on my beauty blog (need to test it out more first). Wait, you do know I have a semi-updated beauty blog right? Please visit Shoestring Beauty :)

* This is part of the 30 Things in 30 Days Challenge *

Malaya Optical, Uptown Damansara

Posted by IcedNyior on January 17, 2011  |  No Comments

I got invited to a blogger event organized by PlusSizeKitten & hosted by Malaya Optical in Uptown Damansara. We were all allowed to bring a couple of friends but my friends weren’t free / was lazy to go so I went alone.

Malaya Optical is a brightly light store with rows upon rows of eyewear ranging from specs frames to sunglasses. Its on the same row as Uptown 37 (where there’s Starbucks, Umai-Ya & HSBC) and before the Satay Haji Samuri.

Left: The hard working people at Malaya Optical. Right : Tammy welcoming everyone and giving away the prize for best FB post/comment/slogan

There were a lot of people in the shop but Ryan – the owner (I think), Optometrist & Professional Eyewear Stylist/Designer – was very friendly, asking if I have already registered and if I wanted coffee/tea (they have a small dispenser right at the corner, cute!) or a lollipop. They also had some refreshments outside (sandwiches and kuih).

Upon registering, we were required to line up to purchase our contact lenses. Oh, on the same day, they had a special one-day promotion on Facebook (join here!) where if you printed out the voucher, you can get the “Logic BigEyes” contact lens for RM15 a box (1 pair inside). Usual price is RM90. I picked up 2 boxes for myself (brown and black) and a couple more boxes for a friend. Will be reviewing this in my ShoestringBeauty blog soon!

Besides the special RM15 contact lens offer, we were also given two vouchers:

• a Comprehensive eye exam (worth RM150)
• Voucher for 1.50 Super Multicoated UV Protected worth RM150 (valid to 31 March 2011)

The eye test machine on the right is different from most machines I’ve seen in the sense that they have these rings around your iris which are differently coloured. I forgot to ask what the rings mean. They also did the usual round of Eye test with the different lenses. I found that my power/degree is pretty much the same but my astigmatism seems to have gone up a little. I asked about the astig and the guy said that, mine is not that serious as its less then 1.0, so that means I don’t have to change to toric lenses.

As you can see from the many compartments and boxes stacked up high, Malaya Optical is surely where you can get a lot of brands of eyewear. In fact, Ryan mentioned, “whatever brand you want, we have it.” I even saw high end brands like Miu Miu, Marc Jacob, CK and the like. Even for the contact lenses, they have a whole cupboard (with glass cover) of the different lenses – non-coloured and coloured. Even some really cool ones like the Glow in the dark and Jewel series types below.

Oh I’m also pleased that they carry Biomedics55 which is this really awesome non-coloured contact lens that I usually wear. It’s a bit more pricy but its super comfortable especially during long wearing times.

I left pretty early as I needed to go off someone and I made an appointed to do my eye test the next day as there were way too many people in the store on that day. But all in all, I found that all the staff in Malaya Optical were friendly and patient in explaining and answering questions – even when they had a lot of people in store.

Check out their history printed at the back of their card, their first store was way back in 1957! Explains the name doesn’t it? Pic frm Sugar Coated Muffin.

Win RM 30,000 weekly with Shell V-Power 97!

Posted by IcedNyior on December 22, 2010  |  No Comments

Did you notice this last weekend? A bunch of Men In Red were walking all over KL and Selangor holding a banner saying “Menangi RM 30,000 setiap minggu!”. The pic above left was taken at Bukit Bintang by April.

Chris and a few other bloggers were invited to catch up with the Men In Red while they were at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara (pic on right). They were explaining this new contest by Shell offering cash prizes and a set of 6 exclusive limited edition Ferrari Key Ring collectible sets.

Above is a pic of the Ferrari Championship models which are the Ferrari 156F1 (1961), 250 GTO (1962), Ferrari P3 (1966), Enzo Ferrari (2002), F430 Spider (2005) and F2007 (2007). Pretty yes? I know my dad would like a set.

Ok now to the IMPORTANT part : How do you win in the Shell V-Power 97 Win Weekly at Shell contest?

Spend a minimum of RM30 on any Shell fuels, lubricants *giggle* or Shell Select items; fill up a form and drop it into contest boxes at Shell stations nationwide. Weekly prizes include:

• RM 30,000 + Limited Edition Ferrari key rings set X 1
• RM 3,000 + Limited Edition Ferrari key rings set X 3
• RM 300 + Limited Edition Ferrari key rings set x 300
• RM 50 Shell voucher x 600

So let’s see, that’s like 904 chances for you to win something in a week. Sounds good? For more deets : http://www.shell.com.my/vpower

Disclaimer: Shell is a client of my company but I was invited to this event as a Blogger and I am not working for this account. Note that ALL posts and writings expressed in this blog is my personal opinion and has no relation to my work or the company I work for.

[Beauty] Green to a Tea at Enak KL with Alive Skincare and Zuii Cosmetics

Posted by IcedNyior on November 14, 2010  |  No Comments

Green To a Tea is an event organized by the people at Green Sentral to showcase green products in a tea-time setting. This round of Green To a Tea is done at Enak KL in Starhill and showcases ALIVE Organic Products and Zuii Cosmetics.

Head over to my “beauty blog” – http://shoestringbeauty.blogspot.com – to read more!

Anya Hindmarch Autumn Winter Collection 2010

Posted by IcedNyior on November 10, 2010  |  2 Comments

I got invited to Anya Hindmarch Tea Party by April who got it from Erin. Headed down to KLCC Sat Morning after waking up late because I didn’t set my alarm. Hehe sorry April!

Got there around 12.30pm (awesomely got from Damansara to KLCC in less than 30 mins) was greeted by friendly Sales Assistants at Anya Hindmarch KLCC. Was greeted by this awesome display of cakes and desserts below.

Red velvet cakes, dainty fruit tarts, truffle and macarons, all were gorgeously presented in such a pretty way (note the flowers at the back). I was so amazed at how they managed to fit 4 tables & chairs, the middle table for the food and a side table for drinks – coffee, tea and sparkling white wine (I believe).

And in the midst of all this, we were treated to a preview of the 2010 Autumn Winter Collection. Rows and rows of bags along all the walls tempting in their unique yet classic designs and colours.

Worthy Book Reviews – Vouchers and Free Stuff!

Posted by IcedNyior on October 11, 2010  |  3 Comments

Thanks to Tocky and the good people at Worthy Media, I was given a copy of this book

WHAT IS IT?

Worthy Book is a revolutionary KL consumer lifestyle mini directory guide for Dining, Entertainment, Retail and Services. Selling at only RM 35 per copy, Worthy Book offers more than RM18,000 worth of special discounts, free samplings and attractive values to over 100 top brands in Malaysia for you family, friends and loved ones!

In addition, Worthy Book believes in giving back to the society, so you will be pleased to know that RM 2 from each copy of the Worthy Book sold will be donated to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Malaysia.

I must admit that I was a bit skeptical on how “Worthy” this book really was. But when I looked at their site and saw that most of the brands were places that I actually did go to (or at least am planning to go), I thought that it could be a pretty good deal after all.

*Closed* Sept Giveaway: Manhattan Fish Market vouchers

Posted by IcedNyior on September 14, 2010  |  16 Comments

————- Giveaway Closed———–

Sorry I’ve been sooo busy at work. Thanks to all 14 people who participated! I used random.org to randomize the list (refer screenshot below).

Congrats to Philip Khor, Koh Shern, SamZzNg & junw3! I decided to give FOUR sets instead of three. You should get an email from me soon. Enjoy! :D

————- Giveaway Closed———–

I honestly cannot remember the last time I did a giveaway on this blog so yea, this might be the right time. It being the month of my birthday and all :D

So I’m giving away  RM20 Manhattan Fish Market vouchers and I got three sets to give away

FYI, Manhattan Fish Market had a change of menu some time back and my favourite is Shrimp on the Rocks – Generous amount of shrimp just nice for two people, Shrimp on the Rocks is actually cooked and pre-chilled shrimps served on a bowl of ice, with the sweet and flavourful Cajun Honey Mustard as the dip.

To Win : Just leave a comment and winners will be randomly chosen.

Closing Date : Monday, 20 September 2010, 11.59pm

Vouchers will be posted (via normal post). Vouchers expire in Nov 2010.

Note: open to Malaysians.

Comment away!