From Car to Lab: How This Portable Diffuser Saved My Nose (and Accidentally Panicked My Lab Mates)

We’ve all been there. Trapped in a confined space with a sudden, overwhelming wave of strong body odor. Whether it's a stuffy commute or a long day in a shared workspace, intense smells can completely ruin your focus.

Lately, my ultimate secret weapon has been a sleek, rechargeable portable diffuser. It has completely changed the game for me, but today, it also caused a tiny bit of unintended workplace drama!

Here is how a simple transport hack almost convinced my office that we had a hazardous material emergency.

🎒 The Mesh Bag "Gas Leak" Incident

To make it easier to move the device between my daily targets, I tossed the diffuser into a net mesh bag this morning of 8 June 2026. It’s a super convenient setup that lets me seamlessly transition the scent from my car, into the lab, and eventually to the prayer room (surau) without fumbling around.

There was just one hilarious catch.

As I walked into the lab, two of my lab mates locked eyes with my bag, their faces pale with pure concern. Seeing a steady stream of white nano-mist filtering out through the netting, they genuinely imagined I was walking around with a leaking gas cylinder inside my backpack!

Once I explained that I wasn’t staging a chemical intervention, we all had a great laugh. But it goes to show just how powerful the mist output on this little device really is.

🚗 My Strategic Scent Strategy: Car vs. Lab

You don't want to blast the same amount of fragrance in a tight car as you do in a large, air-conditioned room. To keep my environment perfectly balanced without overwhelming my senses, I adapt my settings throughout the day:

* During the Car Ride (Gear 1): I keep it on a high-frequency burst to quickly clear out stagnant air and establish a fresh perimeter for the drive.

* Inside the Lab (Gear 3): I drop it down to a lighter, spaced-out interval. It provides a subtle, pleasant background scent that keeps things fresh without distracting anyone (or causing any more gas-leak scares).

⚙️ Button Controls & The 5-Mode Matrix

The device is incredibly minimalistic. A single button located directly below the digital display handles both your power levels and fragrance strength.

* To Turn On / Off: Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.

* To Change Scent Intensity: Give the button a single, short press to cycle through the 5 distinct gears.

Gear / Level → Indicator Light → Spray Mechanism & Interval → Best Suited For 

1) Gear 1 → 🟢 Green Light → Sprays a fine nano-mist for 3 seconds every 5 minutes. → Strong fragrance mode to clear out car or room odors quickly. 

2) Gear 2 → 🔵 Blue Light → Sprays a fine nano-mist for 3 seconds every 10 minutes. → Normal daily commute or standard bedroom freshness. 

3) Gear 3 → 🔴 Red Light → Sprays a fine nano-mist for 3 seconds every 20 minutes. → Light background scenting for closed, air-conditioned spaces. 

4) Gear 4 → 🟣 Purple Light → Continuous spray mode. → Rapid scent distribution or large-area open rooms. 

5) Gear 5 → 🌈 Colored Light → Ambient light cycle only; mist generator is off. → Quiet nightlight or ambient sleep aid mode. 

💰 The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So far, so good! For me, this device is worth every single cent.

> Budget Tip: Instead of constantly wasting my expensive personal perfumes by spraying them into empty rooms or car upholstery just to mask bad odors, this automated diffuser handles the heavy lifting effortlessly.

If you are sensitive to harsh environmental odors and need a flexible, portable solution that travels with you throughout a busy workday, this gadget gets a definitive thumbs-up from me. Just maybe skip the mesh bag if your coworkers are easily startled!

💨 How I Cool Down Using My Portable Fan — Without Even Taking It Out

While waiting for my friend to finish a task the other day, I found myself heating up. Even though I was sitting in an air-conditioned space. Sounds familiar?

Instead of rummaging through my bag or pulling out my portable fan completely, I just turned it on inside its mesh pouch. Yup, no need to take it out. It still blows enough air to cool my face and chest, especially while I’m seated.

Not only did this save effort, but it also saved me from the classic “Oops, I left my fan behind” moment when it’s time to go. Having it run in the pouch keeps it secure and always within reach.

Small hack, big comfort.

Until then, have fun experimenting with your own little fan tricks and stay cool, literally. 🌬️✨

Operation: Power Range Expansion | Why I’m Upgrading to a 5-Meter Extension

If there is one thing a "Nomad" professional learns the hard way, it’s that cable length equals freedom. On 28 April 2026, my system hit a "Logistics Hardship." I was forced to operate with a single power port and a measly 1.6-meter extension cord. The result? I was practically pinned to the wall, unable to optimize my workstation for comfort or airflow. A critical factors when you're managing a high pulse and a blood pressure.

Today, the "Hardware Audit" is complete. I have officially packed my 5-meter heavy-duty extension.

🔬 The Comparative Logistics

Feature->The 1.6m "Legacy" Cord->The 5m "Pro" Upgrade:

1) Operational Radius->1.6 Meters (Critical Failure)->5.0 Meters (Total Freedom)

2) Station Placement->Dependent on Wall Socket->Independent / User-Optimized

3) Bag Weight Impact->Negligible->+0.8kg (Significant Static Load)

4) Stress Level->High (Cable Tension)->Low (Flexible Deployment)

⚖️ The "Weight vs. Welfare" Trade-off

Yes, adding a 5-meter coil to my laptop bag adds significant "Static Load." For a system currently recovering from a fever and recent body odor assaults, every extra gram matters. 

However, the "Mental Load" of being stuck too far from a fan or in a cramped corner is a higher risk to my existing high blood pressure than the extra weight in the bag. I’ll be utilizing my car for the heavy transport, minimizing the "Shoulder-to-Office" carry distance.

👵Senior Lead’s "Nomad" Guardrails

●The "Pee-Cough" Warning:  Carrying a heavier laptop bag can increase intra-abdominal pressure. If that itchy tickle strikes while you're hauling the bag, use the "Splint Technique" immediately to prevent another "Stress Incontinence" incident.

● The High Pulse Factor: Do not rush while carrying the bag. At high blood pressure rate, your heart is already working overtime. Walk at a "recovery pace" to the workstation.

🎯Final Deployment SOP:

1. The Trip Hazard: With 5 meters of cable, the "Trip Risk" increases. Need to use my flask to weigh down the excess slack so that me and others don't trip and aggravate my 5th March 2026 burn.

2. The Power Surge: Ensure the 5m cord is fully uncoiled during use. Coiled cables can generate heat through induction. And my system already has enough "Internal Heat" to deal with!

From Parcel to Office Fame: How a 30cm Stand Changed Everything

Received: 6 April 2026 (evening)

First use: 7 April 2026

Boss approval: 8 April 2026

Yes, it took only two days for my new 30cm portable monitor stand to go from "let's try this" to "my boss wants one too."

The Setup

I recently got a 30cm stand designed for my 15.6-inch portable monitor, the perfect travel companion for my workflow.

The parcel arrived on the evening of 6 April 2026. I unboxed it, set it up, and let it sit overnight. (Yes, I have self-control. Barely.)

The next morning, 7 April 2026, I started using it for real.

The "Show Off" Moment

By 8 April 2026, I couldn't resist. I brought my full mobile workstation to show my boss.

And here's where it gets interesting.

He didn't just say "nice." He was genuinely smitten with the stand.

Within minutes, he gave me an order:

"Make one set for me too."

But not just the stand. He wants the complete package, the same setup I use with my 17-inch laptop backpack.

Why the Backpack Matters

Here's the secret sauce.

My bag pack has two pocket slots, perfectly sized to carry:

- 14-inch laptop (one slot)

- 15.6-inch portable monitor + charger + stand (the other slot)

Everything fits. Nothing rattles. No awkward bulging.

It's a mobile dual-screen command center that fits in a backpack.

The Verdict

Item, Status:

〰30cm stand: ✅Boss-approved

〰15.6" portable monitor: ✅ Perfect fit

〰17" laptop backpack: ✅ Two-slot magic

〰14" laptop + charger: ✅ Ready to go

What I Learned

Sometimes the smallest upgrade, a stand, of all things; unlocks the biggest productivity gain.

And when your boss asks you to build his kit within 24 hours of seeing yours? That's not just a purchase.

That's an endorsement.

Timeline recap:  

 6 April – Parcel arrives

 7 April – First use

 8 April – Boss wants one

Not bad for three days' work.

Tech Resilience: Solving the "Possessed" Display in Digital System Class

Date: 3 April 2026

Project: Classroom Hardware Optimization

Last Friday, during my Digital System class, I faced a challenge that every tech enthusiast dreads: my laptop screen began to flicker uncontrollably. It looked less like a hardware glitch and more like it was being "possessed [1]."

In a high-stakes class like Digital Systems, I couldn't afford to miss a single lecture slide. It was time for a creative workaround.

The Dual-Power Solution

Instead of struggling with the flickering main display, I deployed my 15.6-inch portable monitor as my primary screen. To keep my workspace mobile and independent of wall sockets, I powered the monitor using my 20,000 mAh (22.5 W) power bank.

Efficiency Audit

The most impressive part of this "field fix" was the power consumption. After a full 2-hour class session, the power bank dropped from 100% to 96%.

Consumption Rate: Only 4% for 120 minutes of continuous 15.6" display usage.

This setup proved that with a high-capacity power bank, you can run a complete mobile workstation with incredibly low overhead. It was a creative, efficient, and most importantly flicker-free way to stay productive.

Until next time, keep your displays steady and your solutions creative!

Reference:

[1] The look of flickering laptop display https://youtube.com/shorts/aAMlI6Dpyvs?si=YEPHGTV9T9OKJYNJ

Among tool for portable fan cleaning

This is taken on the morning of 11 June 2025. Where I get an idea to use lab spatula that I have to clean the narrow portable fan.

Cleaning up process last 12 June 2025 with lab spatula.

The the above idea after my electronic bending tweezer and bending forceps unable to be used to get through the inner narrow part of my portable fan.

I refrain myself from try to open the portable fan for clean up. As I know myself very well that I will start yanking up things when my patience and health not in optimum stage. So, better be safe than sorry.

🧼 My Self-Made Glass Cleaner, Surprisingly Good for Windscreens and Toilet Stalls!

📅 Evening of 23 June 2025

Today’s little experiment turned into a surprisingly useful discovery.

I brought along my DIY glass cleaner. It is originally made to keep my car windscreen spotless. And I gave it a try on a used public toilet stall door before using it. Honestly? I didn’t expect much. But it really helped remove the urine stench. ✨

It’s bleach-free, smells fresh (thanks to essential oils), and doubles up as a quick spray to make awkward public toilet situations a little more bearable.

I’m now planning to make a bigger batch for tomorrow’s errands. This little bottle may just become a new handbag essential.

Until then, have fun making your own DIY glass cleaner. It’s safe, simple, and multi-use from windscreens to bathroom survival.

🚿 My Self-Made Urine Remover Spray as Toilet Saver on a No-Water Day

📅 Evening of 23 June 2025

After a long day, I finally got around to making a fresh batch of my DIY urine remover spray. And honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

I managed to whip up a 500 ml batch using what I had at home, except for one key ingredient: I bought a 610 ml bottle of white vinegar just for this. The rest is rose essential oil, distilled water, a bit of liquid dishwasher detergent, and even baby wash shower cream in strawberry scent. Where all already sitting in my cupboard.

After mixing everything well, I poured it into a 1.5-liter storage bottle, plus two 30 ml sprayer bottles for on-the-go use.

Why the urgency? There was a pipe burst on the road next to P10, FKE, UTM, and by yesterday evening there was no water at all. So I already expected today’s public toilets to smell terrible, especially at the campus.

That’s exactly why I made this spray as soon as I got home. And yes I’ll be using it before stepping into any public restroom tomorrow. Quick spritz, cleaner smell, and peace of mind.

Earlier today, I brought along my trusty 30 ml sprayer bottle filled with homemade glass cleaner. Which I used earlier last week to clean up windscreen. 

And guess what? It worked so well. By the time I got home in the evening, it was almost empty. I didn’t even realize how much I’d used throughout the day. A few spritzes here and there on toilet seats, water hose, door handles, floor and wall.

It’s crazy how this simple, bleach-free cleaner has become such a handy essential in my bag. 

Until then, have fun crafting your own urine remover spray to get bleach-free, gently fragranced, and super handy for unexpected toilet disasters. 🌸🚽

Arranging stuff into 1 box for neater placement

This is taken on noon of 29 June 2024. Where I put most of our group stuff inside 1 box in the vecad lab pantry. For faster usage.

The look of the box containing the stuff.

Until then, have fun in arranging your group stuff inside a box.

The look of hanging hook for tissue roll in cabinet

This is taken on 24 July 2024. Where I managed to persuade my boss to buy hanging hook to put tissue roll in lab cabinet.

Now no need to put the tissue roll on the table in the lab pantry. Basically fully utilizing the existing spot. More space to put laptop on the table. Since my lab still have no functioning air conditioning. Despite the technician have come in the morning. Yet they said again wrongly ordered motherboard replacement. Well, too tired to argue.

Until then, have fun in fully utilizing space. 

Creative way to cool off room during hot blazing day

This is taken on the morning of 11 June 2024. Where I managed to remember to take ice from freezer compartment of pantry next door. 

The setting for the cooling system. Consist of ice, container filled with water and a humidifier. Since yesterday my colleague able to feel the room a lot cooler when I turn on humidifier with water. Basically this is 1 upper level of upgrade. My colleague even venting out why he have not think of such before. Well, I simply reply I do not know since he is the one with PhD brain.

Details on the used humidifier. 

Humidifier easy instructions:
Yellow light = 3 hours operation.
Blue light = 6 hours operation.

The air conditioning unit in the lab no longer functioning since 1 week before Ramadhan 2024.

Until then, have fun in using creative way to cool down room with broken air conditioning unit.

Hook to hold bag safely while driving

This is taken on the noon of 24 May 2024. Where I remember to take picture of the placement of my bag when I am driving.

This hook bought last time in Mr. DIY shop. It is really helpful to help hang bought groceries and food. Which I also discover another function of it. That is to safely hold my daily bag in place while driving.

I think I should hang it closer to me later. For even more safety reason.

Until then, have fun in using a hook to keep your bag in place while driving.

The look of used hook to hang my daily keys

This is taken on the noon of 14 May 2024. Where I managed to take picture of the new hook used on keys I used daily.

The look of previous hook used on my key.

The look of 4 color of the bought hooks. I bought 2 unit for each colour (red, orange, blue and green).

I choose 4 different type of colours as I am currently using 4 groups of keys in daily basis. The colour code helps me a lot when in rush. For example today, I forget to keep the hook of house key inside my bag and put on the hook of lab keys. Which I end up unable to lock the lab door when in rush to go for lunch. But noticed the error fast. When I see the colour on the hook. I am able to switch to the correct key and lock the door. As when rushing, will make me slower in processing and troubleshooting. That is why I found that using colour coded method helps me a lot to stay alert. My own way to improve my daily process flow.

Until then, have fun in using colour coded hook for your daily keys.

Self label my shovel and dustbin using nail polish

This is taken on the noon of 7 June 2024. Where I managed to label my shovel and dustbin with hot pink nail polish. After planning for it quite sometimes. 

I just use the applicator inside the nail polish and freestyle it. Have tries using alphabet template, but it does not turn out well.

I have used permanent marker last time. But it easily wear off. To use paint sprayer, I  would need to make the word template. So this is the best option for me.

Until then, have fun in labelling your gardening and household things.

Baby of Little green pigeon (burung punai daun)

Found this baby bird on the evening of 15 February 2023 in the lab corridor, on my way to the toilet. Fortunately one of the staff recognizes the breed. Which is a baby of little green pigeon (burung punai daun) [1]. I immediately take it away from the corridor. After the staff said the stray cat will devour it if it is left behind. I ask my lab mate for help. End up putting the little baby bird on one short tree branch outside the lab area after a good discussion.

The look of the baby bird on the corridor floor. It already pooped. Might due to the fallen over stress. It did not even try to run away when I start to pet its body.

The look of the baby bird on tree branch.

Can see the baby bird close it eyes when I pet it using my finger. We did try to let it drink by putting water on its beak. And left 1 full bottle cap of water beside it.

Eventually, its mom comes to seek it and encourages it to fly and follow her. Glad to be able to help it reunite with its mom. The decision to leave the baby bird on the tree branch did help it out.

From google search, notice that the baby bird is around 9 days of age. Based on the look of its fluffy baby feathers and some empty fur spot on its neck.

Until then, be safe and creative while helping out the small creature.

Reference:

[1] Little green pigeon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_green_pigeon

How I use lab coat in daily life

Normally people will use lab coat for experiment in lab or on medical work like medical doctor. Like me, I use the lab coat to protect my work clothes from fur sticking on it. As my cat named Furball just love to hug me very much.

Furball just unable to stop herself from asking for my attention. This happens when you have the one and only cat like anak tunggal. She no longer care to stray roaming around outside the house. Just keep on sitting in my lap asking for pets, kisses and hugs. Or wait patiently for me to finished off tending my plants. Well, I am grateful for that also. To be able to have a cuddly cat as my teddy bear substitute. I do found that I am more calm and happy spending time with her than others during my weekend and free time. Maybe due to aging process makes me a homey person.

Until then, have fun caressing your cat with a lab coat to have fur free work clothes.

The look of prawn skin lodged in between of my top right side teeth

This is taken on the morning of 6 October 2022. When I was finally able to remove the lodged prawn skin in between my top right side teeth yesterday evening during dinner.

The size of the prawn skin is 0.6 cm. Measured using vernier caliper (angkup vernier).

It took me almost 30 minutes to remove this stubborn prawn skin using a toothbrush. Slowly brushing it backward. From top to bottom. In a slow and gentle manner. And I do it after a good night rest. Would not be able to remove it myself if I did not get enough sleep. 

My simple label for homemade product

This is taken on the morning of 27 July 2022. Where I manage to cut smaller labels for my homemade product. This is for the made batches. It is just a simple yet tedious step. However, it is very important for me and helpful in long term. Especially in organizing management, stock management and inventory.

Video recording session using my video light and selfie stick

This is taken in the evening of 25 October 2021. I think I am able to be the next Steven Spielberg apprentice😁. 

Fortunately I have my selfie stick and my 180 LED video light in my daily bag. So I am able to assist more than well in the inpromptu vidoe recording session for the midnight work submission. 

Selfie picture taken using my precious Samsung A11 phone.

Despite it is only 12 minutes video, my hand that used to hold the video light does ache. Despite the 180 LED video light just weigh 190 gm.

If I was reminded earlier, I would be able to bring better equipment such as tripod, ring light and etc. This happens when no detailed discussion in work process and assuming everything in place. A totally wrong work SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). I missed out a lot of things also because I am not too well due to my dry flu condition.

Till then, be safe while taking video for work submission.

Reference:

[1] The look of my 180 LED video light

https://serinurulbeauty.blogspot.com/2020/07/review-on-180-leds-video-light.html

The look of police light blinking effect from my RGB LED ring light

This is taken in the morning of 13 December 2021. Where I just bought the RGB LED ring light the day before. But really worth money spend. As it is not turn hot at all despite long hours of usage for my video presentation the night. 

Below is the video of how the RGB LED ring light able to emit effect police light blinking. 

Product specifications:

●70 RGB lamp beads

●168 heating and cooling lamp beads

●size diameter: 26 cm

●colour temperature: 3000K to 60000K

●input voltage 5V

●frequency: 50 Hz to 60 Hz

●lumens: 1000 LM

●interface: USB with PTZ+mobile phone clip

I get free tripod stand with the purchase.

It is was 70% cheaper than one video light that I aimed since 2019. The one that have effect police blinking light. 

Till then, have fun in enjoying the bought RGB LED ring light for your work.