Update + stuff I got from my 2015 X'mas swap

Oh my god, I can't believe it's been so long since I last updated!

I've gotten tons of new toys ever since and well.. still no place to display them. I took a little break from buying any new toys for awhile so I could spend the money on re-vamping my room. I did manage to re-paint my room but still haven't gotten around to buying any shelves.. Oh actually I did get a few but then never gotten around to actually installing them lol.

I am such a procrastinator *sigh*

I've also been meaning to take pictures of all the toys I've yet to unbox but the weather in Singapore has been extremely atrocious! Can you believe it actually rains 5 to 6 times a week in my area? It's not so bad other parts of Singapore, just here in the North-west side. I gave up eventually because I couldn't get any sunlight. Even if it doesn't rain, it's extremely gloomy and very unflattering for photos :\

Anyway I hope to get back on track soon! I've been feeling really restless everytime I come home because my room is so.. meh. I just know my toys will bring some sort of energy to the room IF only I would have them displayed.

Meanwhile, I just want to share some Instagram pictures of all the cool stuff I got from a little Christmas swap I did with some of my toypals from all over the world! Yes I know Christmas was like 6 months ago!

Lousy quality pics because my phone camera sucks:

The first gift to arrive was from @doeroseq! I got to know this cool mom when I was searching for Kawaii Crush stuff on Instagram and commented on one of her pictures featuring the Hyper Happy Mall. It's funny we hit off like that and decided to follow each other thereafter. It's not everyday you establish friendships with people just by commenting on one picture xD 

She got me a Monster High Twyla vinyl which I love so much and was planning to collect someday. She thought Twyla kinda looks like me so she just had to get her for me! I was really shocked because our swap limit was 7 USD and these vinyls cost like 20 SGD in retail stores here!

And that was not all! She decided to send me a second surprise package containing these 4 Monster High toys a few weeks later! I really can't believe I got to know such a sweet and generous lady! I was really touched by this and I hope I do get to meet her in person someday!

The second gift I received was from Ellie, who I got to know when she came across and commented on my blog! I was really amazed at how much stuff she managed to fit in this flat box:

So much thought was put into her package! I absolutely loved the little notes she attached to each item! She and I are Zelf fans and it just so happens I hadn't started collecting series 5 yet. She also sent an extra pom pom for my Ghoul Spirit Spectra so she can have 2 just like on the box art! I thought it was super cute and thoughtful of her.

She also got me some handmade goodies from her etsy store! I super love the felt fox keychain she made that I immediately attached it to my house keys.

And I think she knew from my blog that I love K-On so she drew this lovely card for me!

Next, I got this yummy pack of jellybeans and a caricature of me from @oriental.fleur ! I got to know her on Instagram too and I was si excited to finally know a girl in my country who collects toys! The jellybeans tasted really awesome I finished them in less than a week lol.

And then I received this package from Kyraja, who knew I was frantically searching for Kawaii Crush stuff and was so thrilled to have found one near her! Unfortunately, I had already ordered Owleena on ebay so I kept the one she gave me and sold away the other. It's the thought that counts :)

I really love Kinder chocolate. The Kinder Surprise she gave me happened to contain a My Little Pony toy!

Goodies from Jon Jon and Avvi of Kawaii Unicorn Puppy Princess!

I knew Jon Jon from the Zelfs Buy Sell Trade Facebook Group and on Instagram. I think the bond Jon Jon and Avvi have is really cool. Check out their videos Youtube and see just how much fun they have toy hunting together!

There were a couple of Shopkins, a Glitzy Globe and one more pony to the collection: Nurse Redheart! I love the drawing Avvi did and I'm hoping to find a space to stick up the cards and notes I got from everyone :)

Not forgetting this lovely package from @ohmyponiesss! She's another fellow toy collector from my country. I first came to know her when she bought a TOKIDOKI Unicorno from me and then happened to find me on Instagram weeks later.

OMG I super love the Kimmidoll Love keychain she gave me! The detail is amazing and it's such a unique figure. They also have other interesting designs which I like but I have no idea where I can buy them! I've searched on ebay but there was nothing from this collection :'(

Next are the gifts I got from Paige; she got me a TOKIDOKI Moofia blind box and a Sylvanian Families baby carry case. I thought the tin she sent them in was absolutely adorable!

I'm so lucky I don't have Latte yet :)

And another package from a fellow Singaporean toy collector @nicoletoyhoard! So glad I know more female toy collectors in my country now. I've joined local toy collecting groups and they're all 99% guys who collect Transformers and Star Wars and stuff ^^;;

I got my first Tsum Tsum and Littlest Pet Shop figure!

And the awesome Lego minifig I got was this guy in a shark suit! He came with 2 faces and I thought it was pretty funny and ironic for him to look terrified in such a mean looking costume haha.

I got lots of Moomin stuff (and a lil Zelf) from @memouseketeer! I came to know her from liking and commenting on her Instagram photos too xD Apart from her awesome vintage toy collection, she also has a very cool fashion sense!

I've heard of Moomin because one of my colleagues likes Moomin alot but I didn't know Moomin originated from Finland! That purple Moomin licorice has got to be best tasting thing EVER I wish she had send more haha. She also sent me a pack of Finland's famous Salmiakki licorice too but I didn't know how to appreciate those T^T

And finally the last package I received for my X'mas swap was from @twinklestahh! Her initial package for me actually got lost in the mail :( But she was so kind to send me another to ensure I gotten something in exchange.

The Zelfs card is actually drawn and printed by her! I was really thrilled with the Lalaloopsy mini she sent me as well as the mini troll! This is actually my first legit troll that isn't a Zelf lol. She also sent me a bunch of cute stickers and letterheads.

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I am really extremely grateful to have been able to exchange gifts with so many people last Christmas! I don't usually get Christmas presents because I have very few friends. My family never buys me anything either so it was really fun doing this! I really love letters and parcels. It was always my dream to have a penpal when I was younger. But it's a little redundant this days with easy communication through the internet.

I really hope I get to do another one this year :)

Monster High - Ghoul Spirit Spectra Review

So it has begun! I've finally started collecting Monster High dolls ;A;

I've always wanted to collect them because I love their crazy colored hair. The first few dolls that drew me were Venus McFlytrap and Catrine DeMew! I thought Venus was really cool because she was green (green is one of my favorite colors) and has a side shaved hair-do! Something I almost never saw in dolls until only recently. And Catrine's color scheme is purple - another of my favorite colors!

But I didn't buy any because I felt I didn't have the money to start a new collection (don't we all?) I was trying to focus only on Sylvanian Families, Zelfs, K-ON anime figures, Gambit and Lalaloopsy Minis back then.. but I guess that doesn't matter anymore; I've already failed a million times over till date lol *slaps self*

Anyway, my first Monster High doll is special because it was given to me as a belated birthday present. So I guess I have to blame my friend for making me start a new collection :<

My friend chose Spectra for me because I had purple hair back then. Also, he thought she looked alot like me.

Spectra Vondergeist - Daughter of a Ghost. Poltergeist definitely rang in my head!

I think the doll's face doesn't really look like how Spectra looks in the cartoon..

On to the doll herself:

Her earrings are black unlike those on her box-art. I don't mind it though. But they are abit large in scale. These are removable.

Cute shirt with the Monster High logo and some chains.

Her bracelets are actually the shape of a skull! I'm fascinated with her clear hands. I think they're really cool. However, Spectra only comes with one pom-pom. I was expecting two since she was holding two up in her box art :(

Her hands are removable! I'd be extra careful when removing and putting them back on though, they seem quite fragile.

Her skirt. Chains seem to be Spectra's theme though. I wonder why..

I love her hot pink heels and shackle cuffs. She can't stand on her own though. Also, she doesn't come with a doll stand. I used Ghoul Sports Spectra's stand for this – Yes, I've already gotten more Spectra dolls :x

She also has clear feet! I really love this detail of her which makes her look more spirit-like.

She's boo-tiful!

Gotta love Monster High puns lol! She wasn't really one of the dolls I wanted to collect in the beginning but I love her so much now! I'd want to try doing her make-up on myself one day :)

Popin' Cookin' Review (Part 2)

This is the second part of my Popin' Cookin' review :) If you missed it, here is the link to part one.

 The 4th set I'm going to review is the Pizza Set!

The grape soda actually fizzes! But only for awhile though. Same goes for the cola in the Hamburger Meal Set but it was flat by the time I could take a picture :(

Presentation: ★★★

A pizza box was provided in the form of a cut-out in which you had to fold and tape down. I didn't use the box for my presentation because for some reason, it kept curling and yowarping. Maybe it would've been better if the box was made out of paper or card?

Difficulty: ★

This was easier to make than the Hamburger Meal Set but just as fun. I did panic a little with the cheese though: it seemed gooey and impossible to cut after mixing, but apparently it just takes some time for it to solidify.

Fun: ★★★★

The potato squares are made the same way the fries were in the Hamburger Set but it was alot of fun making the pizzas. The steps are almost similar to making a real pizza (making the base, spreading the sauce, adding the toppings). The cheese topping actually melted after being put in the microwave!

Taste: ★★★★★

This set is my favorite in terms of taste! The pizza didn't exactly taste like real pizza but it did taste really yummy! The pizza sauce does taste like pizza sauce and the cheese did taste like actual melted cheese. The pepperoni bits tasted like barbecue flavored chips and the peas were basically salted rice krispees. The base of the pizza tastes like the real thing too! The grape soda tasted like grape candy or grape syrup flavoring. Nothing about this set tasted weird. I would consider buying this set again just to eat it :P

Next is the Sushi Set! I was really excited about this one because of the fish roe sushi.

No microwaving needed for this set. Everything is made by adding water. The tamago and salmon solidifies and becomes konaku jelly-like after leaving it for awhile.

Making the fish roe was like magic! Again like the ramen noodles, how does liquid dropped in liquid turn it into a solid?!

And look at the rice! It looks so real! I'm just so amazed with the texture.

Omg they look so real and appetizing!

Presentation: ★★★★

This set also came with a cut out which I accidentally tore -_-" So be careful with the packaging if you want to use them for your presentation. The cut out had mini plates on them for you to put your sushi on, which I thought was pretty cute. This set also included some 'soya sauce' but I didn't have a mini saucer to put it in.

Difficulty: ★

Easy to make but getting the fish roe to stay on top of the sushi might be abit tricky because the rice is not sticky at all. The fish roes actually glide off the rice because it's smooth.

Fun: ★★★★★

In my opinion, this set was the most fun to make! It feels like I'm literally playing with my food making the sushi :P

Taste: ★★★

All the ingredients tasted like grape candy, but not the same kind. Wouldn't it be interesting if this set did taste like rice and fish? But then again, I'm not sure if that's such a good idea..

Although the ingredients themselves didn't taste bad, the texture made everything feel and taste weird in my mouth. The only sushi that tasted nice was the fish roe one because the seaweed is made of that Hi-Chew type of candy. The fish roe actually pops when you bite down! The rice was a no for me. It didn't taste bad but it was pretty weird because of the texture. The texture was nothing like real rice. Funnily, the so-called "soya sauce" actually does make everything taste better!

And lastly the Donut Set! I was really drawn by the sample donuts on the box and thinking that these would actually taste like real donuts.

One thing I dislike about these Popin' Cookin' sets is how ridiculously small the containers to mix the powders in are. I spilled quite abit of powder each time I had to stir / mix something. Not a very good idea if a kid who wishes to make these because if you spill too much powder, you might not have enough mix to make certain parts of your food.

Mini donuts! Looks pretty real too don't they?

Presentation: ★★★

Like the Pizza Set, this set came with a cut out to be folded into a box. Again, I wish the box was made of paper or card because the foil packaging curled again with these :(

Difficulty: ★

Really easy! I would recommend this set if you're afraid you'll end up with #popincookinfail

Fun: ★★★★

Despite the steps being really simple and repetitive (add water, mix and press into the mold for the donuts and just water plus powder for the different icing flavors), the donuts were still alot of fun to make because you can create any kind of donut you want! I'm not a very creative person so my donuts look typical, but here are some other designs you can make:

Taste: ★★★

So did these taste like actual donuts? Sadly, no. The lighter colored donut base smelt like vanilla but tasted nothing like vanilla. I can't really put my finger on what it tastes like. It definitely didn't taste like grape soda or Ramune candy though. The darker one smelt like chocolate but I couldn't really taste the chocolate in it. The bases themselves taste weird without any icing, but it's not an unpleasant taste. They felt pretty funny to chew though - much like the sushi rice.

The chocolate icing is my favourite, followed by the strawberry. The vanilla icing didn't taste at all like vanilla (I don't know how to describe it, but it did taste a little weird). And who doesn't love sprinkles and rice krispees :D

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In my opinion, you can skip the smaller sets like the Ramen and Takoyaki ones. After buying so many, I realised that most of the process includes the same few steps so it isn't as thrilling or exciting once you've done the slighty more complicated sets like the Hamburger Meal. 

If you're on a budget and would like to try making these just for the experience, I highly recommend that you try either the Hamburger Meal or the Pizza Set along with the Sushi Set because I found these three sets to be the most fun and interesting. I am not sure where is the best place to buy these Popin Cookin sets online but you can always try Amazon.com :)

So which of the sets I've reviewed would you like to try out?

Popin' Cookin' Review (Part 1)

Hey guys! I apologize for the lack of updates. Today I'm going to be reviewing some Popin' Cookin' sets! These aren't really toys but edible candy. If you haven't already heard of konapun - this is the edible version of it!

Check out the insanely cute packaging! Initially I had only planned to try just one, but ended up buying so many because the packaging looked so exciting (￣Д￣;;)

These cost about 6 - 12 SGD (approx. 4 - 8 USD). If you want to buy them in Singapore, Bugis Street level 3 sells them the cheapest. They also have the most variety of Popin' Cookin' and DIY candy.

I started with the Hamburger Meal Set! Will my DIY burgers turn out the same?

There are instructions on the back of the box. I don't understand Japanese so I searched on YouTube for videos on how to make them. Don't follow the colors of the headers! They don't match the content of the packets even though they're the same color. I ended up mistaking my cola packet for ketchup :\

Everything is just powder mixed with water but it amazes me how each packet gives a different texture!

Tadah! Miniature fries! By the way these actually really smelt and tasted like potato!

Ran into some problem making my burger buns. They were pretty sticky and hard to even out on the surface. The mixture kept sticking to the spoon so I didn't end up with smooth round burger buns :(

I really liked how the ketchup tasted. They taste the same as tomato flavored Twisties :)

My crumpled burger buns lol! But overall super cute!

Presentation: ★★★★

I was expecting the set to come with the little mini tray and burger wrappers as shown on the box but instead they provided this cut-out you can use to present your finished product on. Though I must admit the cut-out looks pretty neat. I'm glad they included the drink cup, the french fries packet as well as the flags for the top of the burger. However, there wasn't any toothpicks so I had to use my own.

Difficulty: ★★

Fairly easy to make except the part with the burger buns. I saw some people on Instagram having the same problem as me but there are also people who's burgers turned out nice and round so I'm not really sure what I did wrong there :(

Fun: ★★★★

I had alot of fun making this set! There was so much to do! The process also included cutting, using molds and having to microwave. I especially love how they have a variety of different textures for this (from the buns to the fries to the ketchup as well as the mini cola).

Taste: ★★★★

Before I started making these, I actually read the comments on Youtube that these tasted horrible! I was prepared for the worst; but to my surprise, I loved how they tasted! They don't taste like real burgers but rather like potato chip seasoning? The buns tasted like bread crackers, the cheese tasted like cheese crackers and the patty tasted like barbecue flavored chips. I wolfed down the whole burger and it tasted really good mixed together. People were also saying that the cola tasted disgusting but it tasted like regular cola candy to me.

Next is the Ramen and Gyoza Set! Unlike the Hamburger Meal Set which came in a box, this came in a smaller packet. I kind of like how it resembles that of instant noodles.

The gyoza "skin" is actually made of candy! It feels and tastes exactly like a Ramune flavored Hi-Chew. I thought it would be easy to make the skins but apparently the white candy turns to mush very quickly, causing it to tear apart when handling.

Sprinkles for the gyoza fillings! I love how they added some green ones to look like vegetable bits. The sprinkles tasted like Ramune too but they are a little more sour?

Final product!

I love the mini tamago! I'm very amazed at how the noodles actually look and feel like real noodles! Before it become like this, it wasn't a solid texture. I had to pipe it into the soup and it just magically became noodle like!

Presentation: ★★

Rather boring. This set only came with a plastic ramen bowl which I had to cut out myself. I like how they added some details to the rim of the bowl but that was it. I think they could have added some red like the bowls shown on the packaging and have the bowls and plates be pre-made without having to cut.

Difficulty: ★★

Making the noodles was easy but handling the white candy was rather frustrating. I had to re-make my gyoza many times because the white candy kept tearing apart. I eventually gave up in the end (hence you can see that the gyoza at the back looks deformed lol)

Fun: ★★

This set is smaller and has less stuff to do compared to the hamburger one. However, no microwaving is needed for this set so you can do it anywhere!

Taste: ★★★

I was a little disappointed that this set tasted purely like candy. I read in the comments that the older version actually tasted savory – like the soup tasted just like soup! It would have been more interesting if it did. However, this set doesn't taste bad. Everything tasted like Ramune candy but with slightly different levels of tanginess.

Next is the Takoyaki Set!

Making the shrimp / octopus! This was actually very fuss free. Just mix the powder with water and press them into the mold – no mess!

Place them in the microwave, flip them over and..

Add the sauces and it's done! Looks pretty legit. Yum!

Presentation: ★★

The black plastic tray they provided looks simple but does fit the theme. I suppose they do look like the tako grill. I thought they were going to include the brown paper tray like the one shown on the packaging.

Difficulty: ★

By far the most easiest and fuss free to make up until the point whereby I had to squeeze on the mayonnaise. It was very hard to get the mayo to flow from the piping bag like how it would using a squeeze bottle.

Fun: ★★

Like the Ramen and Gyoza set, this set has less things to do compared to the hamburger one. Though I did enjoy the process of flipping my tako balls over like they do in real life.

Taste: ★★★

The sauce and mayonnaise tasted like the real thing but the Takoyaki balls and shrimp itself didn't. The shrimp tasted like chicken flavored potato chips and the tako balls tasted similar to the buns from the hamburger set. I liked how each ingredient tasted individually but it tasted really weird put altogether.

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I'll be reviewing the Pizza, Sushi and Donut sets in my next post! Have you tried any of these Popin' Cookin' sets?