Brahminy Kite

This morning I found a Brahminy Kite circling round the estate. It was clearly looking for her prey. It was the first time I saw it flew in the estate. This bird is found in South Asia and is in the same family as the eagles and hawk. Its most distinct feature is its white head and brown wings. A closer look at its beak show it is yellow in colour. It circled the small park looking for food but could not find any before flying off to another location.

Dylon Fabric Dye

Bought 2 packets of Dylon Fabric Dye from Spotlight at Plaza Singapura. One is Jean Blue, the other is Velvet Black. It cost S$6.90 each and the dye is in powder form.

I have followed the instruction on the back of the packet, including adding 250g of salt and using warm water. The Jean Blue dye was used on my pair of old but comfortable jean (close to 9 years old).

The result was quite satisfactory and the original blue of the jean was dyed back after fading. The only comment is that if the original colour prior to the application of dye is inconsistent, the final result will follow that inconsistency, ie light areas will remain lighter as compared to the rest of the jean. Nonethelss for S$6.90, it is a value for money option to restore the condition of the jean. Please take precaution when applying the dye as it may irritate the skin.

Before Dye

After Dye

Online Purchase

In recent weeks, I have tried online purchase in an attempt to lower my cost of purchase. Not all online purchases are value for money. Some are probably more expensive. The main disadvantages of online purchase are trust on the seller and the time required for delivery which can be as long as 3 to 6 weeks. The other consideration is a lesser feel on the quality of the product as well as sizes to match individual needs.

In general, my views of purchases are as follow:-

(1) Ebay - Sellers understand that buyers are from all over the world. Hence, they are willing to send products overseas with some giving free delivery (ie costs are included in their price). I have not used tracking as I am ready to loose the purchase to reduce cost.

(2) qoo10 - The website is tailored to locals (Singapore). Prices quoted are in SGD. Products are limited to the usual dresses, shirts, electronics etc. The prices, other than those on promotion, may not be cheaper than those in retail.

(3) Tao Bao - China main online retail portal. Sellers assume you are from China. Purchases have to made through a logisitcs forwarder. The process is more tedious than the 2 webpages mentioned above. But the varieties are fantastics including imitation products. Buyers have to be careful as prices can deviate between sellers. If sellers are chosen correctly, they can offer a very good value for money even when logistics and delivery costs are added. A good understanding of chinese is necessary.

Example of value for money purchase: a Targus keyboard purchased for about S$75 a couple of months back from a retail shop costs only S$21 from purchase on line. They are highly similar with only Targus logo missing. Both are made in China. A difference of more than $50.