Cleffairy's Blog, page 15

Halal Beef and Chicken Bak Kwa by Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah

It is Chinese New Year 2021, day 1 as of writing. As most of us has sadly predicted, the Chinese New Year this year is indeed different due to the restrictions enforced by the Malaysian government due to the pandemic crisis. Unlike the yesteryears where it’s a tradition for families to make a trip back to hometown to celebrate Chinese New Year with their elderlies, this year everyone have to strike off that from their ‘to-do list’ as traveling and crossing state borders is still restricted.

To be honest, I’m quite frustrated and extremely annoyed that our movements are still restricted but since Covid19 infection cases is still out of control, there’s nothing much I can do about it. Anyway, enough ranting about Covid19. It’s Chinese New Year, and regardless of restrictions, my family and I are still celebrating…not the common way, but the new and improvised way, that is.

Instead of traveling back to hometown for reunion dinner and visiting relatives from house to house, we take everything online. We organized online reunion so that we still can greet each other and celebrate together despite of the physical distances, we still can be connected and celebrate the auspicious day together. Covid19 or not, traditions and togetherness should still be kept alive. If we don’t, that’s when the Covid19 truly beat you.

Apart from staying in front of the PC for online gatherings, we indulged in good food as well. Well, at least that’s what I do. I cooked some auspicious food for my family and snacks on goodies all day long.

And here’s sharing with you a Chinese New Year’s snack that’s worth mentioning; the Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah.

Thi is not just your ordinary Bak Kwa, mind you. It’s Halal Bak Kwa.

For those who are not familiar with this delicacy, Bak Kwa is traditionally a slice of sweet BBQ-ed sliced meat, usually made from pork or chicken. It is popular among the Hokkien and it is believed to be originated from Fujian, China. The process of making Bak Kwa is extremely tedious and must be of high quality, and therefore, Bak Kwa is considered a luxury food and it is only served during special occasions like Chinese New Year.

Typically made from pork , Bak Kwa is definitely non-halal and Muslims cannot eat it as pork meat is haram for consumption. Even the chicken variant of Bak Kwa is questionable in status as the chicken meat used might not be processed according to the Islamic Sharia, but these I’ve been snacking on is Halal, made by our very own fellow Malaysian Muslim, Firdaus Feeq. All the ingredients for Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah are sourced from Halal certified suppliers and was prepared in the most hygenic way and no preservatives are used in the making of the Bak Kwa.

Firdaus Feeq, the innovator, founder and the main chef of Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah aspire to allow Muslims nationwide, especially Muslim reverts to enjoy this delicacy as well. Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah is definitely a game changer in the Halal Chinese food industry, as the demand for Halal Chinese food is increasing by the day.

Made from premium, high quality beef and chicken, Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah is a must try. They are currently offering 6 variants of Bak Kwa; the Original, Madu Tualang and Spicy Szechuan, in beef or chicken flavour. They are sealed-packed in a vacuum plastic

Now, let me be honest. I cannot make any comparison between Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah and the non-halal version made from pork, as I don’t eat pork, and have never tried them before. All I’ve had before all these years during Chinese New Year is the vegetarian version made from mushrooms and soybeans but I can assure you that Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah tastes really good.

These chicken and beef slices is to die for. Once you open the seal of the Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah’s packaging, you’ll immediately smell this irresistibly delicious smoky fragrant wafting around to tempt you to eat one slice after another. The
Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah melts in the mouth and is highly addictive. They’re all sweet meats except the Spicy Szechuan version of the Bak Kwa.

Unlike the vegetarian version that I’ve tried before, these Bak Kwa are not dry, on the contrary, it’s surprisingly juicy, despite being smoked for hours. Initially I thought they would be a tad try, but they’re not. A welcoming sensation, I must say. My favourite is the Szechuan flavour, which was really spicy and a real kicker. A must try for spicy food lovers.

The Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah is a ready to eat food item and is good on it’s own, but some of you might prefer to pan fry it before eating them or pair it a slice of bread. The Szechuan flavour of the The Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah would pair well with a plate of piping hot white rice as well.

So, do is the Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah a yay or nay? Well, it’s a yay, that goes without saying. They’re sensational and the best part? They are Muslim-friendly. If you are a Muslim or looking for authentic Halal Chinese delicacy for your own consumption or a gift for your friends or colleagues during this festive season, then I’d suggest you to give this a go.

Wanna make some orders. Dendeng Bak Kwa Cik Midah can be bought HERE on their official store im Shopee.

Signs It Is Time for Your Home Bathroom Renovation

When there are signs it is time for your home bathroom renovation, maybe it’s time for you to give a new look to your bathroom. If you are one of the homeowners wishing to make some changes to your house, you need to understand that you don’t have to move to a new house in order to get what you need.

So, how to tell if it is time for a bathroom renovation?

Spoilt or malfunctioning water heater

In today’s world, most people can’t live without a water heater because no one is so hardworking to manually heat the water for bathing, hand washing, etc everyday. Hence, repair or get a new instant water heater installation service if it is malfunctioning.

Broken old tiles

Aged tiling if they are used over a long time and some are broken, chipped or even outdated patterned tiles will date your bathroom. Hence, engaging a tiling service can help your space to look better and reflect your decoration style.

Leakage or mold growth

Both of these are a common sign to renovate your bathroom for you and your family. Most household accidents happen in the bathroom, so please renovate to avoid slipping or inhaling mold and toxins.

Wear and tear

Bathrooms are prone to daily wear and tear. Some things may not function anymore over time. For example, a broken toilet seat, a hole in the middle of a door or damaged bathroom sink. In these cases, you can consider a new toilet bowl installation and sink installation service.

Poor lighting in the bathroom

Your bathroom is usually the first place you go in the morning, and it can set the mood for the rest of the day. Adequate lighting adds to the function of the bathroom.

Current layout not working

A bathroom layout should be functionally designed. A good bathroom layout and bathroom decor can create a more spacious feel.

Renovating a bathroom may take time, effort, money and patience, but it increases the overall quality and energy of the house. Having a spa occasionally at home is another type of relaxing too. You can do this through a bathtub installation in your master bathroom.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of a bathroom, do your research and hire an experienced bathroom renovation service in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor for your house. If your bathroom exhibits the above signs, it’s really a time for your bathroom to renovate.

KL East Mall unveils its first Chinese New Year Campaign

Sime Darby Property’s first wholly-owned mall, KL East Mall is ushering its first Lunar New Year with a campaign themed ‘Celebrate Streams of Fortune’, with great deals and special promotions up for grabs from now until 23 February 2021.

KL East Mall is one of the latest lifestyle boutique destination in the Klang Valley. This Chinese New Year, the mall’s Main Atrium is transformed into a mesmerising Chinese oriental aquarium with two larger than life-sized Majestic Peacock Fish, measuring 27ft, greeting shoppers with blessings of good luck and fortune.

The bold yet unique decorations represent the mall’s wish for 2021 to grant shoppers great strength, success, and good health.

During the MCO period, over 30 food and beverage outlets in the mall remain open for takeaway or delivery. Essential services tenants are also open and continue to serve the community.

Sime Darby Property Group Managing Director Dato’ Azmir Merican said “despite the Movement Control Order (MCO), it was essential to keep up with the festive decoration tradition that Malaysian shopping malls observe, to lift the festive spirit, spread joy and hope to all shoppers. While the mall anticipates shoppers’ return, the festive decorations will bring a sense of cheer to tenants who remain open during this period.”

Participating stores throughout the mall will add to the festive atmosphere by offering shoppers special promotions and deals. Throughout the campaign period, shoppers can redeem an exclusive set of Angpow packets by spending a minimum of RM88 in two receipts at participating stores or RM128 in a single receipt at Jaya Grocer.

All visitors to KL East Mall must adhere to the authorities’ standard operating procedures, including practising physical distancing, checking in with the MySejahtera App and measuring their temperatures upon entry to the mall and all outlets.

KL East Mall unveils its first Chinese New Year Campaign

Sime Darby Property’s first wholly-owned mall, KL East Mall is ushering its first Lunar New Year with a campaign themed ‘Celebrate Streams of Fortune’, with great deals and special promotions up for grabs from now until 23 February 2021.

KL East Mall is one of the latest lifestyle boutique destination in the Klang Valley. This Chinese New Year, the mall’s Main Atrium is transformed into a mesmerising Chinese oriental aquarium with two larger than life-sized Majestic Peacock Fish, measuring 27ft, greeting shoppers with blessings of good luck and fortune.

The bold yet unique decorations represent the mall’s wish for 2021 to grant shoppers great strength, success, and good health.

During the MCO period, over 30 food and beverage outlets in the mall remain open for takeaway or delivery. Essential services tenants are also open and continue to serve the community.

Sime Darby Property Group Managing Director Dato’ Azmir Merican said “despite the Movement Control Order (MCO), it was essential to keep up with the festive decoration tradition that Malaysian shopping malls observe, to lift the festive spirit, spread joy and hope to all shoppers. While the mall anticipates shoppers’ return, the festive decorations will bring a sense of cheer to tenants who remain open during this period.”

Participating stores throughout the mall will add to the festive atmosphere by offering shoppers special promotions and deals. Throughout the campaign period, shoppers can redeem an exclusive set of Angpow packets by spending a minimum of RM88 in two receipts at participating stores or RM128 in a single receipt at Jaya Grocer.

All visitors to KL East Mall must adhere to the authorities’ standard operating procedures, including practising physical distancing, checking in with the MySejahtera App and measuring their temperatures upon entry to the mall and all outlets.

Have an Ox-picious Chinese New Year with Cookies Vibe

Things changed. Chinese New Year is not going to be the same this year. Not only because my father-in-law has recently passed on and our family reunion will lack one important family member for the first time but because of Covid19 too. Instead of gathering and merrymaking with my family members like I used to in the yesteryears, I think this year’s reunion gathering will be restricted to merely zoom meeting or Google meet, considering how the interstate travel ban is still in place. I’m not very sure what to feel about that, honestly. Happy? Sad? I don’t know. Maybe abit of both. Happy, because my family members will be safe from Covid19 threats at home. Sad, because of…so many things that words cannot express. Oh well, I guess I shouldn’t dwell on things that I cannot change now, should I?

Anyway, Chinese New Year 2021 is less than a month away and usually, I would have gotten everything ready for the celebration by now; a visit to my hairstylist, new clothes, Chinese New Year’s snacks, you name it, but since this year my family and I are not really celebrating because we’re still in mourning period, I still try to keep the celebratory mood up.

I can’t visit the salon or splurge on pretty red dresses as the non essentials shops are closed due to the government’s order, but I sure can buy cookies and snacks online. So I’ve gotten these for Chinese New Year cookies from Cookies Vibes. These are among their top premium cookies and recommended favourites apart from their premium pineapple tart and premium extra moist fruit cake.

I’m not exactly a fan of sweet stuff. I’m more into the savoury and spicy kinda girl when it comes to tidbits and snacks, as sweet things, especially cookies and cakes taste cloying and they make me nauseous, but I somewhat changed my mind after having a taste of these cookies from Cookies Vibes. These are rich in taste but not cloying on the palate.

Cookies and snacks from Cookies Vibes. From left: Cashews Teacakes, Mini Popia, Black Pistachio and Hazelnut Latte.

Cookies Vibes focuses on producing high quality cookies for you to indulge on and therefore, they did not skimp on the ingredients. Cookies Vibes cookies are made from 100% Anchor pure butter, a renowned butter brand imported from New Zealand alongside other high protein premium nuts such as almonds, cashews and hazelnut. The cookies produced by Cookies Vibes are 100% Muslim Product and is Halal.

Hazelnut Latte- made from hazelnuts, almonds, cornflakes, with hints of Nescafé and Butterscotch chocolates. This one is my number one favourite among the four. It’s surprising because I’m not a fan of Nescafé. The Hazelnut Latte is taste sweetly nutty and chocolaty. It melts like a dream in my mouth and I regret to report that the whole container of it didn’t survive til Chinese New Year.

Cashews Teacakes-made from cashews, almonds, cornflakes and chocolate. The Cashews Teacakes is milky and crunchy. Those who loves cashews will be able to appreciate this cookies, since they’re generously topped with cashews.

Black Pistachio- made from pistachios, cocoa and white chocolate. If you don’t like overly sweet and sugary cookies, then you will be able to appreciate this Black Pistachio. The cookies are quite bitter with only slight hint of sweetness that comes from the white chocolate drizzle.

Mini Popia Udang, crispy mini popiah stuffed generously with spicy Serunding Udang exclusively prepared by Master Serunding from Kg. Laut, Kelantan. This is highly addictive. I don’t really recommend you to snack on these while binge watching dramas on Netflix, cuz you’ll end up finishing it off in one sitting.

Cookies Vibe provides a variety of options for Chinese New Year and Raya. There are over 35 types of cookies & snacks for you to choose from.

Wanna order some for Chinese New Year or Raya? Orders can be made HERE or through your nearest Vibers Family agents from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Apart from selling the cookies and snacks individually, they also have Cookiies Subscription packages at as low as RM55 per month for 6 types of cookies. Use the code: ELLIE for 5% discount during checkout. Deliveries are made via post or Mr.Speedy in Klang Valley.

Check out the info below:

Hotline: 011 657 00101

Address: Cookies Vibe , U1-19, FLEXIS, ONE SOUTH, SERI KEMBANGAN, 43300 SELANGOR

INSTAGRAM : www.instagram.com/cookiesvibe

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cookiesvibe

Twitter / Tik Tok: @cookiesvibe

website: www.cookiesvibe.com

Email: cookiesvibeinfo@gmail.com

Have an Ox-picious Chinese New Year with Cookies Vibe

Things changed. Chinese New Year is not going to be the same this year. Not only because my father-in-law has recently passed on and our family reunion will lack one important family member for the first time but because of Covid19 too. Instead of gathering and merrymaking with my family members like I used to in the yesteryears, I think this year’s reunion gathering will be restricted to merely zoom meeting or Google meet, considering how the interstate travel ban is still in place. I’m not very sure what to feel about that, honestly. Happy? Sad? I don’t know. Maybe abit of both. Happy, because my family members will be safe from Covid19 threats at home. Sad, because of…so many things that words cannot express. Oh well, I guess I shouldn’t dwell on things that I cannot change now, should I?

Anyway, Chinese New Year 2021 is less than a month away and usually, I would have gotten everything ready for the celebration by now; a visit to my hairstylist, new clothes, Chinese New Year’s snacks, you name it, but since this year my family and I are not really celebrating because we’re still in mourning period, I still try to keep the celebratory mood up.

I can’t visit the salon or splurge on pretty red dresses as the non essentials shops are closed due to the government’s order, but I sure can buy cookies and snacks online. So I’ve gotten these for Chinese New Year cookies from Cookies Vibes. These are among their top premium cookies and recommended favourites apart from their premium pineapple tart and premium extra moist fruit cake.

I’m not exactly a fan of sweet stuff. I’m more into the savoury and spicy kinda girl when it comes to tidbits and snacks, as sweet things, especially cookies and cakes taste cloying and they make me nauseous, but I somewhat changed my mind after having a taste of these cookies from Cookies Vibes. These are rich in taste but not cloying on the palate.

Cookies and snacks from Cookies Vibes. From left: Cashews Teacakes, Mini Popia, Black Pistachio and Hazelnut Latte.

Cookies Vibes focuses on producing high quality cookies for you to indulge on and therefore, they did not skimp on the ingredients. Cookies Vibes cookies are made from 100% Anchor pure butter, a renowned butter brand imported from New Zealand alongside other high protein premium nuts such as almonds, cashews and hazelnut. The cookies produced by Cookies Vibes are 100% Muslim Product and is Halal.

Hazelnut Latte- made from hazelnuts, almonds, cornflakes, with hints of Nescafé and Butterscotch chocolates. This one is my number one favourite among the four. It’s surprising because I’m not a fan of Nescafé. The Hazelnut Latte is taste sweetly nutty and chocolaty. It melts like a dream in my mouth and I regret to report that the whole container of it didn’t survive til Chinese New Year.

Cashews Teacakes-made from cashews, almonds, cornflakes and chocolate. The Cashews Teacakes is milky and crunchy. Those who loves cashews will be able to appreciate this cookies, since they’re generously topped with cashews.

Black Pistachio- made from pistachios, cocoa and white chocolate. If you don’t like overly sweet and sugary cookies, then you will be able to appreciate this Black Pistachio. The cookies are quite bitter with only slight hint of sweetness that comes from the white chocolate drizzle.

Mini Popia Udang, crispy mini popiah stuffed generously with spicy Serunding Udang exclusively prepared by Master Serunding from Kg. Laut, Kelantan. This is highly addictive. I don’t really recommend you to snack on these while binge watching dramas on Netflix, cuz you’ll end up finishing it off in one sitting.

Cookies Vibe provides a variety of options for Chinese New Year and Raya. There are over 35 types of cookies & snacks for you to choose from.

Wanna order some for Chinese New Year or Raya? Orders can be made HERE or through your nearest Vibers Family agents from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Apart from selling the cookies and snacks individually, they also have Cookiies Subscription packages at as low as RM55 per month for 6 types of cookies. Use the code: ELLIE for 5% discount during checkout. Deliveries are made via post or Mr.Speedy in Klang Valley.

Check out the info below:

Hotline: 011 657 00101

Address: Cookies Vibe , U1-19, FLEXIS, ONE SOUTH, SERI KEMBANGAN, 43300 SELANGOR

INSTAGRAM : www.instagram.com/cookiesvibe

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cookiesvibe

Twitter / Tik Tok: @cookiesvibe

website: www.cookiesvibe.com

Email: cookiesvibeinfo@gmail.com

Deepblu COSMIQ+ Dive Computer Review

So, I’m a newly certified open water scuba diver and honestly, I was quite overwhelmed when I started to buy my diving gears. There are so many things to buy. Although it was fine if I didn’t buy anything yet, but I decided against using rental equipments when I took my Open Water certification exams for 3 reasons: Hygiene, safety and familiarity. Hygiene being the number one reason because when I started to dive, Covid19 pandemic is already on rampage, and I did not want to share equipments and risk getting infected through it. Sure, the rental equipments are properly sanitised, but you can never be too careful, there’s still risk.

So yeah, I bought everything I needed to dive. All I didn’t buy was just the weight and tank. Anyway, as I mentioned, buying diving gears can be quite overwhelming as there are many brands out there in the market, but here’s sharing the review of my first dive computer; the Deepblu COSMIQ+.

Below are the information on the Deepblu COSMIQ+:

Modes: Scuba Mode, Free Diving/Gauge Mode, Watch, Logbook
Nitrox compatible: Yes
Maximum depth: 100 meters deep
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C
You can switch between: conservative, progressive and normal
Altitude diving: Yes
Battery: Run 7 hours or 4-6 weeks in standby mode
Screen: Coloured LCD screen

What I like about the Deepblu COSMIQ+

Affordability

First of all, let’s talk about the price. For the specs, the Deepblu COSMIQ+ is quite reasonable. The dive computer retails at RM1199 on Shopee and I can assure you that you won’t be getting any other dive computers with Bluetooth or colour LCD screen at this price. Other brands with Bluetooth function costs more than RM1500. I was really lucky, I got my Deepblu COSMIQ+ for just RM937.37, including postage via Shopee during their sale back in 2020. In my opinion, I couldn’t get better deals than this. It was really a steal.

Design

The Deepblu COSMIQ+ came with in a beautiful protective case, containing a USB charger, two wrist bracelets, a screen protector and the dive computer itself. Mine is a gray coloured version and it comes with an additional camouflage gray nylon bracelet alongside with a wrist bungee strap. The design is pretty stylish, if you ask me.

Convenience

The COSMIQ + is absolutely idiot-proof and easy to use. Similar to smartphones, the dive computer can be easily charged via USB, thanks to it’s USB magnetic system. You will not have to worry if you have no spare battery if you’re on a diving trip as all you need to do is just plug it to a powerbank and you’re good to go. Great for diving trips where you have limited electricity access and once it’s fully charged, it can go up to 8-10 dives without any problems. I used it up to 10 dives before needing to charge it again. The standby time for this dive computer is about 6 weeks without the need to recharge.

Clarity, Readability and User Friendly

The biggest advantage of the Deepblu COSMIQ+ is it’s huge colour screen. Once it’s automatically activated when you start your descent, the Deepblu COSMIQ+ lights up like a beacon and can be easily be read. I haven’t night dive with this dive computer but I reckon it’s extremely advantageous for night dives or limited visibility diving too, considering that you wouldn’t have to shine your torch on your dive computer to read the info on it.

The dive computer is easy to set. Only two buttons and you can see the computer to progressive, normal, or conservative mode.The COSMIQ + dive computer uses the Buhlmann ZHL-16C algorithm, a common reference by major dive com manufacturers.

The Deepblu COSMIQ + is relatively conservative compared to many other dive computers and, you will find all the essential elements of the dive computer similar to others, the NDL, the water temperature, ascend and descend alarms if you do it too fast, safety stop countdown, surface intervals and so on.

The Deepblu COSMIQ + is also Eenriched Air Nitrox compatible where the oxygen level can be programmed from 21% to 40%.

Social Media Enabled

The thing that I liked most about this dive com is that it’s designed to be catered to the new generation of divers who loves all things smartphone and social media.

The Deepblu COSMIQ+ can be sync to the Deepblu apps that’s free to download on Google Play or Apps Store. The apps offers a social media network similar to Facebook or Instagram where your you can share pictures or stories of your trip and even share your logbook.

Synchronizing your dive settings with the app is quick and easy. All you need to do is just connect the Divecom with Bluetooth to your smartphones/ tablets and plan your dives via apps.

Logbook scynronization is also easy. All you need to do is just set the dive com to the logbook mode and sync it to your gadget of choice and the details of your dive transferred into your digital logbook. The apps gives the possibility to add pictures to logbook, so it’s really cool.

Dive chart is also available via apps and these functions save you the hassles of having to write into your logbook after every dives. Logbook verification can also be done through apps.

What I Don’t Like About Deepblu COSMIQ +

What I don’t like about Deepblu COSMIQ+ is that it can only hold up to 25 dives before it’s overwritten by newer divelogs (50 dives on the latest firmware update) but if you are not fussy, this can easily be amended by just syncing your logbook to your smart devices after every diving trips. Only basic dive log info is viewable through the dive com eg: your dive date, time, max depth, temperature, etc. The detailed dive charts are only viewable via your smartphones/tablet through the Deepblu apps, so should you require any decompression chamber treatments, this will be quite a problem during emergencies where immediate access to your logs and charts is required. But then again, other entry level dive com manufactured by other brands doesn’t even record your depth chart, so it’s still a plus point as Deepblu COSMIQ+ does record it and you can view it via apps.

The size is also too big and bulky for everyday use, but personally, I don’t mind as I prefer to use smartwatch and health tracker anyway for my daily use, so I’m not at all bothered with it’s size against my wrist. The casing is also too big for traveling, but this can be easily be amended by keeping it in a smaller casing of your choice that can easily be purchased online/offline.

Overall, this is an idiot proof dive com. Easy to use, easy to read, fashionable, and dive friendly. You wouldn’t miss any info you needed should you use this dive com, even if you’re just a beginner.

So do I recommend this Deepblu COSMIQ+ as your first dive com? Absolutely. I highly recommend this, especially to new divers. It’s great as a first dive com, and considering the price, it’s still worth your money as it generally comes with all the basic functions that you will need for recreational diving. If you are just a recreational diver, you will be able to use this dive com for a very long time before you upgrade your skills and requires a more advances dive com to cater to more complicated diving activities.

Deepblu COSMIQ+ Dive Computer Review

So, I’m a newly certified open water scuba diver and honestly, I was quite overwhelmed when I started to buy my diving gears. There are so many things to buy. Although it was fine if I didn’t buy anything yet, but I decided against using rental equipments when I took my Open Water certification exams for 3 reasons: Hygiene, safety and familiarity. Hygiene being the number one reason because when I started to dive, Covid19 pandemic is already on rampage, and I did not want to share equipments and risk getting infected through it. Sure, the rental equipments are properly sanitised, but you can never be too careful, there’s still risk.

So yeah, I bought everything I needed to dive. All I didn’t buy was just the weight and tank. Anyway, as I mentioned, buying diving gears can be quite overwhelming as there are many brands out there in the market, but here’s sharing the review of my first dive computer; the Deepblu COSMIQ+.

Below are the information on the Deepblu COSMIQ+:

Modes: Scuba Mode, Free Diving/Gauge Mode, Watch, Logbook
Nitrox compatible: Yes
Maximum depth: 100 meters deep
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C
You can switch between: conservative, progressive and normal
Altitude diving: Yes
Battery: Run 7 hours or 4-6 weeks in standby mode
Screen: Coloured LCD screen

What I like about the Deepblu COSMIQ+

Affordability

First of all, let’s talk about the price. For the specs, the Deepblu COSMIQ+ is quite reasonable. The dive computer retails at RM1199 on Shopee and I can assure you that you won’t be getting any other dive computers with Bluetooth or colour LCD screen at this price. Other brands with Bluetooth function costs more than RM1500. I was really lucky, I got my Deepblu COSMIQ+ for just RM937.37, including postage via Shopee during their sale back in 2020. In my opinion, I couldn’t get better deals than this. It was really a steal.

Design

The Deepblu COSMIQ+ came with in a beautiful protective case, containing a USB charger, two wrist bracelets, a screen protector and the dive computer itself. Mine is a gray coloured version and it comes with an additional camouflage gray nylon bracelet alongside with a wrist bungee strap. The design is pretty stylish, if you ask me.

Convenience

The COSMIQ + is absolutely idiot-proof and easy to use. Similar to smartphones, the dive computer can be easily charged via USB, thanks to it’s USB magnetic system. You will not have to worry if you have no spare battery if you’re on a diving trip as all you need to do is just plug it to a powerbank and you’re good to go. Great for diving trips where you have limited electricity access and once it’s fully charged, it can go up to 8-10 dives without any problems. I used it up to 10 dives before needing to charge it again. The standby time for this dive computer is about 6 weeks without the need to recharge.

Clarity, Readability and User Friendly

The biggest advantage of the Deepblu COSMIQ+ is it’s huge colour screen. Once it’s automatically activated when you start your descent, the Deepblu COSMIQ+ lights up like a beacon and can be easily be read. I haven’t night dive with this dive computer but I reckon it’s extremely advantageous for night dives or limited visibility diving too, considering that you wouldn’t have to shine your torch on your dive computer to read the info on it.

The dive computer is easy to set. Only two buttons and you can see the computer to progressive, normal, or conservative mode.The COSMIQ + dive computer uses the Buhlmann ZHL-16C algorithm, a common reference by major dive com manufacturers.

The Deepblu COSMIQ + is relatively conservative compared to many other dive computers and, you will find all the essential elements of the dive computer similar to others, the NDL, the water temperature, ascend and descend alarms if you do it too fast, safety stop countdown, surface intervals and so on.

The Deepblu COSMIQ + is also Eenriched Air Nitrox compatible where the oxygen level can be programmed from 21% to 40%.

Social Media Enabled

The thing that I liked most about this dive com is that it’s designed to be catered to the new generation of divers who loves all things smartphone and social media.

The Deepblu COSMIQ+ can be sync to the Deepblu apps that’s free to download on Google Play or Apps Store. The apps offers a social media network similar to Facebook or Instagram where your you can share pictures or stories of your trip and even share your logbook.

Synchronizing your dive settings with the app is quick and easy. All you need to do is just connect the Divecom with Bluetooth to your smartphones/ tablets and plan your dives via apps.

Logbook scynronization is also easy. All you need to do is just set the dive com to the logbook mode and sync it to your gadget of choice and the details of your dive transferred into your digital logbook. The apps gives the possibility to add pictures to logbook, so it’s really cool.

Dive chart is also available via apps and these functions save you the hassles of having to write into your logbook after every dives. Logbook verification can also be done through apps.

What I Don’t Like About Deepblu COSMIQ +

What I don’t like about Deepblu COSMIQ+ is that it can only hold up to 25 dives before it’s overwritten by newer divelogs (50 dives on the latest firmware update) but if you are not fussy, this can easily be amended by just syncing your logbook to your smart devices after every diving trips. Only basic dive log info is viewable through the dive com eg: your dive date, time, max depth, temperature, etc. The detailed dive charts are only viewable via your smartphones/tablet through the Deepblu apps, so should you require any decompression chamber treatments, this will be quite a problem during emergencies where immediate access to your logs and charts is required. But then again, other entry level dive com manufactured by other brands doesn’t even record your depth chart, so it’s still a plus point as Deepblu COSMIQ+ does record it and you can view it via apps.

The size is also too big and bulky for everyday use, but personally, I don’t mind as I prefer to use smartwatch and health tracker anyway for my daily use, so I’m not at all bothered with it’s size against my wrist. The casing is also too big for traveling, but this can be easily be amended by keeping it in a smaller casing of your choice that can easily be purchased online/offline.

Overall, this is an idiot proof dive com. Easy task use, easy to read, fashionable, and dive friendly. You wouldn’t miss any info you needed should you use this dive com, even if you’re just a beginner.

So do I recommend this Deepblu COSMIQ+ as your first dive com? Absolutely. I highly recommend this, especially to new divers. It’s great as a first dive com, and considering the price, it’s still worth your money as it generally comes with all the basic functions that you will need for recreational diving. If you are just a recreational diver, you will be able to use this dive com for a very long time before you upgrade your skills and requires a more advances dive com to cater to more complicated diving activities.

7 Recommended Muslim Friendly Restaurant For Chinese New Year

So, MCO2.0 is here to stay and Malaysians are back to having to endure their movements being restricted and confined to their homes most of the time. Although the initial movement restriction to curb the Covid19 was announced to be effective for just two weeks, I have no doubt that it will go on and on for months, seeing how ‘effective’ it is in handling the infection spike. Noting the daily news report, I don’t think the daily Covid19 infections will be going down anytime soon. The numbers keep raising and we’re definitely not flattening the curve at all.

Musings on the current Covid19 situation in Malaysia aside, I can speak with conviction that all the nearest upcoming festivals celebrations, especially the Chinese New Year is effectively ruined. At least for me it is already ruined, considering interstate-travel and gatherings is banned throughout the MCO2.0 period.

It is indeed a very sad situation. I already knew that the Chinese New Year’s celebration this year will not be the same due to my father-in-law’s recent passing. It simply will not be the same anymore without him around during reunion gatherings.

What I didn’t really expect was that I wouldn’t be able to spend the festive season with my mother-in-law as well, considering that she lives in another state and interstate travel is still banned. It’s very depressing indeed. First year of Chinese New Year without father-in-law by the act of God. And first time spending the holidays without mother-in-law too.I don’t mean to sound so negative but Chinese New Year is all about gatherings and togetherness. This year will simply won’t be the same.

But I guess life goes on and despite the fact that government can restrict the way we spend our holidays they definitely can’t restrict what you decide to eat. Being a rebellious one, I’m definitely going all out this coming Chinese New Year. I’m not much of a cook, so cooking for Chinese New Year is out of the question. I plan to order some chinese food via Foodpanda delivery and here’s recommending some restaurants in Klang Valley that’s available in Foodpanda should you decide to do the same:

1. Restaurant Yunnan

Restaurant Yunnan is a Chinese restaurant offering Halal Chinese Muslim food from Yunnan. They’re specialized in Mee Xian and Spicy Mala Claypot Noodles. Other must try items on their menu is their chicken and beef dumplings.

2. Mr Dumpling

As the name suggest, this restaurant offers a variety of dumplings on their menu. Among the highly recommended ones is their Beef and Cabbage Dumplings and Chicken Mushroom Dumplings. Also a must try is their Spicy Chicken Rice and their ‘make your own’ hotpot bowl.

3. Sunny Garden

Sunny Garden is a Chinese Muslim Restaurant that offers a wide variety of Chinese cuisine and snacks. Among the must try item on their menu is their Beef Noodles and Mee Tarik. Their fried chicken dumplings and Eggs Fried Rice is also among customer’s favourite.

4. Master Cook Muslim Chinese Cuisine Restaurant

Master Cook Muslim Chinese Cuisine Restaurant offers a variety of home cook rice dishes. If you’re looking a taste of home, then this restaurant is a safe bet.

5. Dolly Dimsum

Want to have some Halal version of Dimsum? Then Dolly Dimsum is a good choice. They are offering an extensive Dimsum menu. Apart from Dimsum, they are also offering cooling desserts for you to wash down your Dimsum with.

6. Walid’s Kitchen

Walid’s Kitchen specialty is their Wantan noodles. If you fancy some Halal version of Wantan noodles, then grab some from Walid’s Kitchen. They are also offering a decent amount of Dimsum on their menu.

7. DA GAI JAY Alhambra

DA GAI JAY Alhambra is specialized in Pan Mee and Yee Mee. But if noodles are simply not enough, they are also offering some delicious fried snacks on their menu, so you might want to give yourselves some nice snacking experience. Their fried fishballs and fried dumplings is quite addictive, I assure you.

We may not be able to celebrate Chinese New Year like we did the previous years, but let’s just try to keep the tradition to dine with family members on Chinese New Year’s Eve alive, shall we? Let’s just order some delicious food from Foodpanda and celebrate Chinese New Year at home. Physical gathering may be illegal but we can always host a virtual gathering via Google Meet or Zoom, so let’s do just that for now.

7 Recommended Muslim Friendly Restaurant For Chinese New Year

So, MCO2.0 is here to stay and Malaysians are back to having to endure their movements being restricted and confined to their homes most of the time. Although the initial movement restriction to curb the Covid19 was announced to be effective for just two weeks, I have no doubt that it will go on and on for months, seeing how ‘effective’ it is in handling the infection spike. Noting the daily news report, I don’t think the daily Covid19 infections will be going down anytime soon. The numbers keep raising and we’re definitely not flattening the curve at all.

Musings on the current Covid19 situation in Malaysia aside, I can speak with conviction that all the nearest upcoming festivals celebrations, especially the Chinese New Year is effectively ruined. At least for me it is already ruined, considering interstate-travel and gatherings is banned throughout the MCO2.0 period.

It is indeed a very sad situation. I already knew that the Chinese New Year’s celebration this year will not be the same due to my father-in law’s recent passing. It simply will not be the same anymore without him around during reunion gatherings.

What I didn’t really expect was that I wouldn’t be able to spend the festive season with my mother-in-law as well, considering that she lives in another state and interstate travel is still banned. It’s very depressing indeed. First year of Chinese New Year without father-in-law by the act of God. And first time spending the holidays without mother-in-law too.I don’t mean to sound so negative but Chinese New Year is all about gatherings and togetherness. This year will simply won’t be the same.

But I guess life goes on and despite the fact that government can restrict the way we spend our holidays they definitely can’t restrict what you decide to eat. Being a rebellious one, I’m definitely going all out this coming Chinese New Year. I’m not much of a cook, so cooking for Chinese New Year is out of the question. I plan to order some chinese food via Foodpanda delivery and here’s recommending some restaurants in Klang Valley that’s available in Foodpanda should you decide to do the same:

1. Restaurant Yunnan

Restaurant Yunnan is a Chinese restaurant offering Halal Chinese Muslim food from Yunnan. They’re specialized in Mee Xian and Spicy Mala Claypot Noodles. Other must try items on their menu is their chicken and beef dumplings.

2. Mr Dumpling

As the name suggest, this restaurant offers a variety of dumplings on their menu. Among the highly recommended ones is their Beef and Cabbage Dumplings and Chicken Mushroom Dumplings. Also a must try is their Spicy Chicken Rice.

3. Sunny Garden

Sunny Garden is a Chinese Muslim Restaurant that offers a wide variety of Chinese cuisine and snacks. Among the must try item on their menu is their Beef Noodles and Mee Tarik. Their fried chicken dumplings and Eggs Fried Rice is also among customer’s favourite.

4. Master Cook Muslim Chinese Cuisine Restaurant

Master Cook Muslim Chinese Cuisine Restaurant offers a variety of home cook rice dishes. If you’re looking a taste of home, then this restaurant is a safe bet.

5. Dolly Dimsum

Want to have some Halal version of Dimsum? Then Dolly Dimsum is a good choice. They are offering an extensive Dimsum menu. Apart from Dimsum, they are also offering cooling desserts for you to wash down your Dimsum with.

6. Walid’s Kitchen

Walid’s Kitchen specialty is their Wantan noodles. If you fancy some Halal version of Wantan noodles, then grab some from Walid’s Kitchen. They are also offering a decent amount of Dimsum on their menu.

7. DA GAI JAY Alhambra

DA GAI JAY Alhambra is specialized in Pan Mee and Yee Mee. But if noodles are simply not enough, they are also offering some delicious fried snacks on their menu, so you might want to give yourselves some nice snacking experience. Their fried fishballs and fried dumplings is quite addictive, I assure you.

We may not be able to celebrate Chinese New Year like we did the previous years, but let’s just try to keep the tradition to dine with family members on Chinese New Year’s Eve alive, shall we? Let’s just order some delicious food from Foodpanda and celebrate Chinese New Year at home. Physical gathering may be illegal but we can always host a virtual gathering via Google Meet or Zoom, so let’s do just that for now.