Chinese Abacus or “Sempoa”.

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Chinese abacus or also known as “Sempoa” is a calculating and numerical recording tool which used widely in East Asia since decades ago. It is a traditional calculation tool which used by most of the Chinese traders since decades ago.

From the historical studies, it is believed that the abacus was once invented by the Chinese and widely used by the Chinese astronomer and mathematician. The abacus has its own formula for calculation, and it is trust that if you are skillful with the formula, it can win the speed for the mathematical calculation compare to an electronic calculator.

Some research even state that, children sent for abacus classes could be smarter, as they are trained to be proficient in mental math calculations. The knowledge for the abacus calculation itself helps to train the whole-brain approach of the child, and it not only helps the brain just to think logically and analytically, it also indirectly helps to train our left brain to be more creative, intuitive, and in touch with our feelings. Once both left and right brain are functioning, it helps the child to fully utilize the brain and becomes smarter.

While looking back at my kid age, one can easily see the shopkeepers using the abacus to calculate their daily transactions with their customers. It is an ancient culture of the Chinese businessman to have an abacus as their tools for generating income. Chinese abacus is actually looks simple, but it needs practice in order to use it proficiently. 

Mentos Limited Edition – Lime Flavour.

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The limited edition Mentos lime flavour Chewy Dragees. It is the combination of sweet and sour taste and I like it very much. The wrapping of the Mentos is something nice to be a collection too. 

Heart Shape Candy from Thailand.

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The Heart Shape Candy which I bought from 7-11 Convenience stall in Thailand. The candy is the hard type instead of the soft chewy candy. In the middle part of the candy there is a sticky liquid which tastes as the flavour of the candy. As the packet that I bought consist of Orange and Strawberry flavour, therefore, for strawberry candy, the sticky liquid tastes as the strawberry taste, while the orange flavour tastes as the orange taste. 

Liquors Chocolate

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Anthon Berg, a well-known and famous fine producing chocolate. The taste, texture and aesthetics of the chocolate meet a high standard. 

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You can see a mini Anthon Berg’s website at the wrapping at the back of the chocolate.

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A miniature, dark chocolate bottle filled with some liqueurs is just perfect for any festive occasion.

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This miniature chocolate is harmoniously combined with the rich and robust flavours of premium chocolate.

Lumut Clock Tower

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This is the tower clock at the garden of Lumut, located in Perak state. 

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The clock tower is located near the port, where a usual port for tourist who would like to depart to Pulau Pangkor.

Quality Street Chocolates

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From the box of Quality Street chocolates assortment, you can find variety of different chocolate flavours. You can choose from the choices of Toffee Penny, Toffee Finger, Toffee Deluxe, Caramel Swirl, Milk Choc Block, Vanilla Fudge, Coconut Éclair, Orange Chocolate Crunch, Strawberry Delight, Orange Cream, The Green Triangle, and The Purple One.

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Some said this chocolate is not as good quality as its name “Quality Street” chocolate, but somehow I still think that, if you get an old tin of these chocolate, they can be a bit nasty as I believe any chocolate candy would as well, however, when you get a fresh batch of chocolate, they could be delicious.

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Quality Street chocolates come in many flavours and in different coloured wrappers.

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From what I know, Quality Street has becomes a tradition for some families in certain celebration. Eventually, they will prepare a tin of this euphoric mix of chocolates and caramels to delight their friends and family, especially on Christmas celebration.

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Christmas often becomes a wonderful time for those with a sweet tooth and I believe even a simple selection tin of Quality Street chocolates could be a fantastic gift.

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Both chocolates (shown in the photos above) might seem similar but actually it is different. The Orange Crème is slightly the same shape as the Toffee Deluxe, just without the ridges. The colours of both wrappers are slightly similar as well.

Homemade Cheesecake

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It takes a bit of hubris to describe whether a cake is “perfect”, especially for a cheesecake as many have their own personal favourite.

Although the physical looks of the cake is quite common and simple, but it is firm enough to hold the cake, yet moist and delicate. It is still a great gift from my neighbour even it is just a simple homemade cheesecake.

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Sometimes, by looking at the recipe of baking a cheesecake, it seems very simple and easy to make one by own self. However, I found that one of the problems where most people encountered when baking the cheesecake is that the middle part of the cake is not cooked. The reason might be because without a proper temperature of heat and suitable timing when baking the cake.

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My family and I were a cheesecake lover, so cheesecake is commonly served throughout the year for any time of desserts, and as well as served at celebrations or any party during holidays.

Apollo Roka Chocolate.

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Roka is a product name of a chocolate, where it is a wafer ball covered with nutty chocolate. Apparently, from physical look it looks like the well-known chocolate brand Ferrero Rocher chocolate, but of course the taste will be totally different, as you pay the price for the quality.

It is also one of the replacement chocolate for Ferrero Rocher when we were kids, as the price is much cheaper and affordable, though the quality is different. Anyhow, it is still able to make us happy as a kid.