12/09/2023

Felix Mobile (Mobile phone carrier)

 

Felix Mobile has replaced my previous mobile carrier, which I've had for many years. I was lured by the unlimited data plan, as I use my phone as a hot spot to connect my laptop and I use a minimum of 100 GB per month. Most carriers in Australia have prepaid or postpaid plans for 100 GB at quite expensive prices and unlimited data for ridiculous prices. I was also lured by the fact that the company was new in Oz and they were offering a $35-plan for unlimited data, unlimited calls and SMS. I got a bonus for $5 for unlimited international calling. I have use the company for 3+ months and I couldn't be happier, how easy is to add or remove add-ons on the app, the quality and speed of the Internet that I get with it, the fact that uses 4G and the Vodafone network to operate.
 
They are carbon neutral certified. They claim to plant a tree on our behalf for every month we're on one of their mobile plans. But they don't do so directly as they've partnered with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation to plant the trees, i.e. they're supporting a great NGO but not planting trees directly like in Oz. We don't know where. It sounds off to me.  

They increased the pricing of their unlimited plan, short after I joined, but I was one of the few newcomers they kept the original $35, and now the unlimited plan is advertised at $40, which is lovely.

The two major letdowns are, firstly, the basic design of the app and color scheme, and, most importantly, the limited customer service they offer. No phone number to call CS, no specific chat on their website. The only way to contact them is via WhatsApp or via the  app chat. Contact via their website via desktop is poor and idiotic. 

12/05/2023

Sof Sole shoe goo - Clear

I've used this glue three times and I've had mixed results. The flat soles of my ugg boots totally unglued themselves, each one on separate dates; I used this glue and they were restored to its original goodness with little effort. I've also used this glue with a pair of flat leather boots whose point was unglued and the results weren't that good because, although the point got glued, there is still a gap with the dry glue visible, which looks horrible.  

This isn't an instant glue that seals surfaces on contact. This glue needs of some pressure on the shoes to make the parts being sealed make contact. I can put a rubber band and some pressure on my ugly homey boots or cheap shoes, but doing so with my good shoes isn't an option because it will deform or damage them.  The results are great for shoe flat parts not as much for small edges or points.

I love the smell of this glue; it reminds me of bygone cobbler shops.

12/04/2023

Zhu Ting 12-piece Flat Art Paint Brush Set

This is a great set of expensive-looking flat nylon hair brushes perfect for acrylic paint. The variety of sizes is great, but I miss one or two larger brushes. They are great quality. The bristles don't deform despite me leaving the brushes in water for days or using them with acrylic paint, gesso or matte medium.  The handle seems not to stain as quickly or badly as other brushes I own. They clean easily with hand soap under running water even when the paint is a bit dry on the bristles. They are great value for money as well. The only downside is that these brushes are on the small side, and a bit smaller than other brushes with the same sizing (see my photos).

MEZON Crystal-Clear Tempered-Glass Screensaver for OPPO A98 5G - 2 Pack

THE SAD END, update 13 Dec
After what I said below, my second item in the package lasted me a week. Why it started to crack, no idea, but most likely because of bad materials bad manufacturing and bad quality control. I wasted my money, like literally, and I'm upset.  One star is quite generous. I would give it 0 if possible, because the items don't do what they are supposed to, the items are pricey and don't last.
 
 
THE REAL IMPRESSION
I had written the text below after buying this pack. I received this on Sunday arvo. Today, Tuesday arvo, was all cracked for no reason. How that happened? To me, it is just about my phone being in my bag for little time and the screensaver being rigid, and probably with some manufacturing flaw, got scratched. But, what's the point? The screensaver I had with my previous phone has lasted me over 2 years and is still as new. I thought it was something behind the screensaver and I lift it carefully and the crack expanded, so that's really annoying and shows how bad the quality is. The advertising says that it is hit and scratch proof. Really? I hate wasting time and money on things that do not do what they're supposed to. Gladly the pack has 2 items, so I'll try the other one and update the review if necessary.
 
FIRST IMPRESSION
This a good value for money containing two screen protectors for OPPO A98. The film is rigid and quite thick, but adheres easily and beautifully to the screen with minimal bubbling. The non-perfectly adhered spots can be easily flattened out with my finger. The protector has a black marquee around the edges, which helps with the protector placement and removal as it allows me to distinguish its edges from the the screen. The set is  beautifully packaged and the package also contains a wet+dry couple of tiny towelettes to clean the phone screen before placing the protectors.

MEZON Ultra Slim Transparent TPU Gel Case for Oppo A98

Once upon a time, Oppo would include a transparent gel case in all phone packages. Those times have gone and now I need to buy it myself. This Mezon case is the sort of case it used to come together with the phone, and the sort of phone case I love, because it allows the phone colour and design to shine through, but still being protective and long-lasting. It's easy to clean, too. The case adjusts perfectly to the phone still allowing the input/output points to be easily accessible (like the plugging, audio jack sockets  for ex.). I wouldn't call this case ultra slim, to be honest; I would say it's average thickness. I find the price a bit high for the type of product and material. Packaging is minimal and not fancy, but I don't need more. TPU Gel cases tend to get yellow with use and the pass of time, but I haven't had this that long to tell. I will update my review in the future if needed.


11/25/2023

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil 400ml

I'm not a fan of the simple version Micellar water, but I'm a fan of this one due to the mix of water and oil. I use it all over my face, on my eyes and lips included. I have a slightly sensitive skin and I've had no signs of irritation in the long time I've been using it. This product removes my makeup wonderfully, water-proof mascara and lipstick included. It is not as good on waterproof mascara as other purpose-made cleaners, but it's still excellent. I have an age, and it works wonderfully on my skin.
 
I don't use the product straight out of the bottle. I shake the bottle and immediately, when the water and the oil are still mixed together, I squeeze a good amount of liquid into a recycled refillable spray bottle that I have from a lenses cleaner product. When I want to use it, I shake the small spray water and, when both liquids are mixed, I spray the product twice onto a makeup cotton pad, and then clean my face with the pad. In this way, the quantity of product I use is minimal, no waste, but it's enough to remove my makeup. As I use it this way, a bottle lasts me ages and it's great value for money.

WTF Shopping Moment: Rude AI

 
We are all excited but scared about how AI is taking the world by storm. I like AI capabilities to offer us a first-point summary of topics that I'm looking up. Well, that was till today. I was browsing Amazon and came across a toilet paper page. Amazon is now including, before the reviews, an AI-generated summary of what reviewers say about this toilet paper. Now, this is the first page I saw this morning while having my breakfast. Wonderfully summarized in  a way. AI totally understands the nuances of the English language, right? The giggle of the week.