Thursday, December 31, 2009

Every End's A Brand New Start!



Now...what should I say? In a blink of the eye, year 2009 has come to an end. I really don't feel like growing up. I wanted to stay is a kid, because the adult world is more complicated and only the best one wins. Tomorrow will be 1st January. Gosh, I feel so old.

My birthday is just around the corner, but I don't think anyone will give me presents. Well maybe my best friend will. Please forgive me for being so pessimistic, but the truth is, nobody's given me anything in the last few years, except my BFF, and that's just once. Thanks, buddy!

I want to personally thank some people here:
Dad, thanks for peeling off the grapes' skin and pitted them (take out the seeds) for me. I'm really touched. I mean it. Mom, thanks for cooking meals for me. I know you're a great cook, but I can't always give you compliments, or else you'd cook the same dishes for days! Dear baby Jie, thank you for being so cute and chubby. Your face is really good to pinch! (Sorry if it hurts!)

I'd like to say thank you to Mrs. Yeoh for your guidance these years. I managed to get a merit in my grade 8 practical exam because of you. You have been an excellent teacher (and still are)! Thank you!

My teachers in Nan Hwa, thank you all for your guidance and dedication. You're all great teachers! My friends, thank you for willing to accept me as your friend. I know I can be bossy, speak with low EQ and sour-faced sometimes, so I'm sorry if I ever got on your nerves!

Mary, thanks for your support and for being my top commentator! And to all my loyal followers and blog-pals, thank you!

*************************************
I've published a new post on my other blog, it's called... Boys Over Flowers Music Sheets - 꽃보다남자 - The Ultimate Collection!!! So head over if you want to download the sheets. Man, I love this K-Drama!

P/S: If you want to buy me a b-day present, please go check My Wish List! Or just send me an e-card...Or a hug! XD

I hope next year will be a better year! Let's say goodbye to year 2009 together!

Love and hugs,
Aik.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Feature : Jess Kay Designs

I received a pair of Green Chalcedony Dangle Earrings from JessKayDesigns. I won the earrings on Michelle's blog, Nature Manipulated. NM features many talented artisans on her blog. There will be a giveaway every Monday. Check out Michelle's interview with Jess here!

Jessica is a jewelry designer who works hard to create beautiful pieces that have an attention to detail. Most of her pieces are one-of-a-kind, with limited edition designs, so every piece is unique and special. You won't get the same pieces anywhere else, because all the jewelry in JessKayDesigns are handmade with love by Jess herself!


The earrings are made from bright green faceted chalcedony briolettes (10 mm) and sterling silver earring hooks. The design is simple yet elegant. It matches the Green Chalcedony Cascade Lariat Necklace (picture below). Jess mentioned that a discount will be given you purchase them as a set.

Three bright green faceted chalcedony briolettes (10 mm) dangle from a LONG sterling silver chain, which is treaded through a sterling silver circle. The stones are secured to the chain using sterling silver wire twisting.

Green Chalcedony Dangle Earrings
The earrings arrived in a cute, reusable organza bag.

*If the jewelry you have purchased is a gift for someone, please send a note to seller and a small jewelry box will be provided.

Some of my favourites from JessKayDesigns:

Amethyst and Chain Dangle Earrings
Amethyst and Chain Dangle Earrings
$26.00 USD


Carrie Bradshaw Paris Necklace - Clear Quartz Rounds on Chain
Carrie Bradshaw Paris Necklace - Clear Quartz Rounds on Chain $35.00 USD

For more, please go to JessKayDesigns. You can also become a fan of Jess Kay Designs on Facebook to get updates about sales and new designs.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Review : Earrings from Azure China

I won a pair of earrings at azurechina, but she kindly offered me another pair. Have a look at the origami papers she used for her earrings here. I chose no. 2 (with gold-toned kidney style hooks) and no.4 (with gold-toned fish hook style hooks).

These earrings are simply lovely! They are made from specially-ordered origami folding paper from Japan. They are quite sturdy, and don't flatten when you press them lightly. (Don't try to crush them, though!) The earrings are triple sealed for luster, protection from water, and stability. The hooks are very shiny too! You can get a pair of earrings of your choice at $4.99 USD.

To purchase, go to this page, then choose the paper, style of hooks, and type of hooks (gold or silver toned).

Design Your Own Japanese Origami Lucky Star Earrings

After you have paid, contact azurechina using the conversation feature of Etsy.
1. Specify the number which designates the origami paper of your choice.
2. Let her know whether you would like fishhook style, or kidney style hooks.
3. Let her know if you prefer the hooks to be silver or gold toned.

She is currently on vacation so you'll have to check out her sold items page to see more examples of her products.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Your Smile Makes The Earth Warmer :D

MAN... I'M GETTING SO FAT I CAN HARDLY
SCRATCH MY OWN BUTT!!


THESE MORNING WALKS ARE KILLING ME!!!!



WHAT PART OF QUIET
DIDN'T YOU UNDERSTAND?


OK, NOW DON'T MOVE FOR ABOUT A WEEK!



SORRY MOM, I'M NEW AT THIS!


I hate it when this happens!



I'M SO CUTE, THEY WON'T CARE
IF I SHRED THIS!!



I REALLY NEED TO GET GOING, BUT JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET MOTIVATED.............



H
ey..Gimme my BALL back!!


I said, Go
to sleep!!


Nice doggie...GOOD boy



A little power nap...



Sleeping
in again


WHAT PETS DO
WHEN WE'RE AT WORK

















HAVE YOU SMILED TODAY?





Help make someone else Smile.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

My Wish List!

View Image

My birthday is coming soon! It's on 23rd January! Want to give me presents? Here's some on my birthday wish list:

01. Captivate by Carrie Jones
02. Let The Right One In by Lina Leandersson
03.
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
04.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
05. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
06.
Fallen by Lauren Kate
07. Fire by Kristin Cashore
08. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
09. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
10. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception 11. Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie Immortal Meridian Deadly Little Lies (A Touch Novel) Leviathan
16. The Everafter Academy 7 Fairy Tale The Hunger Games
20. Catching Fire
21. Evermore: The Immortals Revealers Wings The Hollow Prophecy of the Sisters
26. Ice Bad Girls Don't Die Deadly Little Secret (A Touch Novel)
29. Hush, Hush
30. Vampire Academy Collection Devoured
32. Sea Change Rampant Need
35. Dreaming Anastasia
36. Linger Another Faust Give Up the Ghost Nefertiti: A Novel by Michelle Moran
40. Any Burt's Bees Products

I wish to:
  • Have good results in exams
  • Make more good/best friends
  • Study hard and neglect laptop twice a week
  • Pay attention to theory lessons
  • Be healthy always
  • Have beautiful, sparkling white teeth
  • Have high EQ
  • Be spunky and sunny
  • Smile always
  • Find my goals for the future
  • Be more friendly
(That's quite a lot, huh?)

I hope:

All my friends and family are always healthy and happy.
All my friends and family will have good luck and a wonderful life!

Did you watch Boys Over Flowers? I'm currently watching this K-drama! Yi Jung and Ga Eul are the cutest pair ever!

See...I'm saying the truth!

※※※※※※※※※※※※※

OK, Gu Jun Pyo is handsome, but I don't like his "maggie-mee-like" curly hair. He's still quite cute, though.

※※※※※※※※※※※※※

If you want to get free Boys Over Flowers piano music sheets, send me an e-mail at:
aikychien at yahoo dot com.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Grab This Book! First Person Wins!

I won a copy of Hot for the Holidays by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Anya Bast and Allyson James on Book Bound. This book is a paranormal romance. Since I'm not reading erotica novels, I decided to giveaway this book to one lucky reader of mine. Anyone can enter, no matter where you live.

This is how it works:
The FIRST person who e-mails me his/her name, address and contact number at aikychien at yahoo dot com will get this book. E-mail title: Hot for the Holidays Contest

Requirements:
You must be 18 and above to enter. You must be a follower. Non-followers, please click the "Follow" tab on the right sidebar first before you enter. The first person must leave a comment in the "lovely thoughts" column under this post so that others know this book is already claimed. That's all!

Book Contents:

Vampire's Ball by Angela Knight, A Little Night Magic by Allyson James, Sweet Enchantment by Anya Bast, and A Christmas Kiss by Lora Leigh

*I will be having more first-come-first-serve giveaways like this one in the future on my blog. So, be sure to check back when you're free! Have a happy new year! :)

Friday, December 25, 2009

Karen Dayle's Mini Christmas Blog Giveaway!

Karen Dayle's Mini Christmas Blog Giveaway!

Homework title : What Is Your Memorable Christmas Experience

My Answer : My most memorable Christmas experience was in 2006. My dear aunt, SL reserved two tables (equivalent to 20 seats) in a Christmas party at the local church. All my relatives gather to celebrate the joyous occasion together by having a sumptuous dinner while enjoying the excellent performances presented by the local teenagers and kids. I really enjoyed myself. All of us got a intricately carved wooden key chain as a gift.

Thanks to: Candy Blush, PPESO, SKIPHEARTBEAT, Jhelo Cruz and breathe for LOVE for making this mini Christmas blog giveaway possible.

Let's see what you can win:
3 .com domains – Jhelo Cruz
Free Unlimited Domain Hosting – SKIPHEARTBEAT
$ 10 cash via paypal – Karen Dayle
$ 5 cash via paypal – Karen Dayle
125 x 125 Ads Space for 1 month – breathe for LOVE
125 x 125 Ads Space for 1 month – Karen Dayle
Free cellphone load worth 100-150 to all networks – PPESO
1 BRTC BB Cream SPF 37 Sample – Candy Blush

Don't forget to visit these great blogs:
Karen Dayle
The Contest Geek
Pinay Flip

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Yay! Straight A's!

Today I went to school to get my PMR results. I was neither nervous nor anxious. I felt strangely peaceful, calm...and emotionless. (Am I crazy or too cool?) I thought : Well, even if I didn't get full A's, I'd still be the same. I won't cry overnight hugging my pillow. And even if I passed with flying colours, I'm still me. I won't fly into the sky and kiss an angel.

Hey, talking about angels, did you guys read Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick? I'm currently reading it. It was quite unpredictable, which I loved. I never saw the bay guy coming. I won the book over at Teens Read and Write, a wonderful book review blog. Be sure to check it out!

OK, back to the topic. Over 40 students score straight A's, and I'm one of them. However, everyone wore a different mask of expression. Some were esctatic and laughing, some were shrieking with joy and disbelief; while some were weeping and sobbing.

Today is officially the end of our "honeymoon year", because more will be coming in the future. I hope I won't get too much pressure for learning all the new subjects and topics I will be introduced to next year.

I won't know what my future is, and I don't know what my goals are, but I hope that God will lead me to the right path. May God bless everyone I know. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Make sure you watch the K-drama Boys Over Flowers every Monday - Friday 8.30 pm @8tv! I highly recommend it to everyone!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Book Review : If I Stay by Gayle Forman

book cover of   If I Stay   by  Gayle Forman
Book Details:
  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Doubleday & Co Inc. (7 May 2009)
  • ISBN-10: 0385616201
  • ISBN-13: 978-0385616201
Synopsis:

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love— music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind? Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it’s the only one that matters.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman is a bestseller and has received lots of compliments by book critics, bloggers and reviewers. Gayle weaves the past and present nicely, and as the story unfolds, Mia's past memories are being played like a movie. With each piece of memory, we know more about Mia's world before the accident: a happy and loving family, a great boyfriend, a passion for music.

An accident destroys everything, all except her love for music. Now, she can only hear, see and touch, but cannot feel anything. And no one senses her presence. She has a great choice to make - one that has tremendous effects on everyone around her, including herself - to stay and keep on living her life, or to leave and join her family in another world.

I really liked reading about Mia's love for music and her wonderful family. I think her boyfriend Adam is also a great character. He is caring, loving, and he has no intentions to give up on Mia although she is on the brink of life and death.

I'm confused about something, though. When Mia saw her dad lying dead on the road, she didn't feel anything. Wasn't she suppose to feel something? Grief, sadness, shock? And one more thing is that I find it lacking of suspense, and sometimes the story moves on a little bit too slowly.

Although I didn't feel emotionally connected to Mia, sometimes tears still come to my eyes. I'm sure that no one would find it easy to make choices were they in her shoes. If I Stay is moving and thought-provoking, and I'd recommend it to both teenagers and adults.

Rating: 8/10

I'd like to thank Gayle Forman and Ruth M from Random House UK for sending me a hardcover UK edition of If I Stay! Thank you!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

And the winner is...


Let's see who's the lucky winner! ^_^

True Random Number Generator



87

SandyM204!!!

Congratulations, Sandy! You've won a hardcover copy of The King's Rose! Please reply to my e-mail within 3 days with your name, address and contact number.

Thank you so much for entering, everyone!
You all are the
BEST!

A great thank you to Alisa M. Libby for sponsoring this giveaway!
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Get your own copy of The King's Rose on:
Alibris
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Better World Books
Powell's Books


Read my reviews for:
The King's Rose
The Blood Confession

Monday, December 21, 2009

Book Review : Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

I love this cover ~ It's so pretty!

Book Details:

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (July 21, 2009)
  • ISBN-10: 0802798128
  • ISBN-13: 978-0802798121
Synopsis:
When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother's coffee shop, she leaves him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over, never expecting this random act of kindness to turn her life upside down. The adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is actually a guardian angel on a break between missions, and now he won't leave until he can reward Katrina's selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Fame and fortune seem like the obvious requests, but after two botched wishes, Malcolm knows Katrina is hiding something from him. But how can she tell him the truth, when her heart's desire has become Malcolm himself?

Review:

I absolutely adored this book! It holds my attention until the last page! Coffeehouse Angel is narrated by Katrina, the shy and self-conscious girl who lives with her grandmother, Anna, who owns an old-fashioned coffeehouse. Katrina thinks herself as plain and ordinary, being not aware of her talents. When her grandmother falls sick and her business is threatened by their next-door-neighbor, Java Heaven, Katrina's worries starts to double.

Although Malcolm is an angel, his appearance is quite quirky - he wears kilt. This has aroused some small talks among Katrina's friends and family. Suzanne instilled a flash of humor in some of the pages, which makes me laugh. Malcolm wants to grant Katrina's biggest wish/deepest desire. But the problem is, Katrina doesn't even know what is her deepest desire.

Suzanne's writing is really good! I love all the characters, and the flow of the story is excellent! Although the words used are simple, the meaning behind them is huge. Forgiveness is one of the main themes of this story. Katrina learns to forgive the nefarious owner of Java Heaven, Mr. Darling after a conversation with her grandmother in the hospital.

Always remember that to forgive is to set someone free. (pg 217)

I love the ending of the story and wouldn't prefer it another way! If you want to know what happened, please be sure to get yourself a copy of Coffeehouse Angel. Cute, romantic and heart-warming, Coffeehouse Angel is guaranteed to be delicious and entertaining to the last drop!

Rating: 10/10

A great THANK YOU to Suzanne Selfors for sending me a (signed) hardcover copy of Coffeehouse Angel! ♥

Lovely Links:
Buy Coffeehouse Angel on Amazon
Read more about Coffeehouse Angel
Coffeehouse Angel Facebook Fan Page

Also by Suzanne Selfors:
Saving Juliet

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Book Review : Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley

Book Details:
  • Hardcover: 368 pages
  • Publisher: EgmontUSA (August 25, 2009)
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • ISBN-10: 1606840118
  • ISBN-13: 978-1606840115

Synopsis:

Orphaned fairy Zaria Tourmaline suffers from having a mind of her own. Although she tries to be a good fairy, her quest to find out what really killed her parents leads her to break the laws of Feyland again and again, putting herself and her friends into the path of perils she didn’t even know existed.

Review:
This story is about the journey of a fairy named Zaria who lost both her parents and her brother when she was young. Zaria is a violet fairy, and she possesses ten million radia (inborn reserves of magic). She is a brave, clever and humble fairy. Her best friends Leona, Meteor and Andalonus are willing to help her when she is in trouble or is facing difficulties. This shows the unfailing help and support between friends.

Zaria helps a human, Sam to locate his father, and help him regain his memory. Even though she does not have a family who will always care for her, she stills helps Sam and be happy for him. She is such a kind and helpful girl, and I really hope she can reunite with her family.

Lily Morganite, the Forcier of Feyland (tax/radia collector) is one of the members of the High Council. She seems to be connected to the disappearance of Zaria’s family members and later the death of Beryl, but none is revealed in the end. Later on, she goes missing and her whereabouts are unknown. In Fey World, corruptions do happen, and diabolical faeries and smugglers do exist. However, using the characters of Zaria and her friends, the author tells us that in the end, the good will triumph over evil.

Victoria Hanley has created a fascinating world full of faeries, genies, gnomes and trolls which will make young readers squeal with delight! This novel shows us the power of friendship, the importance of trust and love between family members and/or a child and her guardian, and the joy one will find in helping others. This book is recommended to ages 10-14, but if you are an adult who enjoys fairy tales with lots of adventures, you can try reading it too. Violet Wings has a lot of moral values which will encourage the moral and educational developments of children.

Favourite line:
Remember, my darling Zaria, that love does not disappear with time. My love, and your father’s, and your brother’s, will be with you always. (pg 353)

Rating : 9/10

Victoria kindly sent me a signed hardcover copy of Violet Wings to review. Thank you, Victoria!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Book Review : Need by Carrie Jones



Book Details:

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (December 23, 2008)
  • ISBN-10: 1599903385
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599903385
  • Genre: Paranormal fantasy
Read The Synopsis :: Read An Excerpt

Buy NEED on
Amazon :: Barnes & Noble :: Powell's Books

Review:

After her stepfather's death, Zara is sent to sleepy, cold Maine to stay with her grandmother in order to be "safe". But it turns out that she isn't safe after all - someone who leaves trails of gold glitter is stalking her. And her stalker is no ordinary human.

Zara is a heroin like no other. She memorizes and chants phobias (which I find quite interesting), is a clever girl, and yes, she sure has the guts. She doesn't seem to enjoy living in Maine because of the cold weather, but she enjoyed her grandmother's company. Her grams is a nice, kind, warm old woman who is quite protective of her granddaughter and I really like her character. Her humorous tone makes me smile sometimes. I also love that this 60-year-old lady actually works as a paramedic!

Zara's best friends Issie and Devyn are always there to help her. But the popular girl, Megan seems to loathe her. And the two boys - Ian and Nick, are always competing for her attention. Whom can she trust and confide in? Is it the always-smiling, helpful Ian, or the handsome, protective Nick?

In this exciting novel, Carrie Jones brings us to a realm where diabolical pixies with sharp teeth and unquenchable needs exist. Full of suspense, danger, surprises, and a suitable amount of romance, I'm sure NEED will capture the hearts of teenagers who have a liking for paranormal fantasy. I highly recommend NEED to all Twilight fans.

Rating: 9/10

Buy NEED on
Amazon :: Barnes & Noble :: Powell's Books

Carrie's Online Connections:
Website :: Blog

Official NEED Website
Need, by Carrie Jones Facebook Fan Page

Watch the NEED Video Trailer now!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Yay! You Won Dark Time by Dakota Banks!

First of all, I want to thank Dakota for sponsoring this contest! There are 114 entries altogether for this contest! And the winner is...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

22 

Timestamp: 2009-12-11 09:57:57 UTC


#22 Mary in Wonder!!!

Congratulations, Mary! Please reply my e-mail within 3 days! Thanks to everyone for participating in my giveaway! :D

If you want to purchase a copy of Dark Time, please go to:
Amazon / HaperCollins / NeweggMall / Wikio

Don't forget to visit Dakota Bank's Website to find out more about her book!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Win A Kindle @ Cym's blog

amazon_kindle_2
Cym is giving away a Kindle! It is real simple. Link up any (old or new, any genre) book review that you have written to the below MckLinky.

Notes:

1. Add a permalink to your specific post, not the main page of your blog (only one review per blog).

2. List the name of your blog and then in parenthesis include a little information about your book review (title and/or author, genre etc.) Be sure to use spaces and limit characters to 75.
For example, Cym Lowell (The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, Thriller).

3. Become a follower of Cym's blog

4. Every week that you link up a blog review, you will be eligible for the monthly prize drawing (each week = 1 entry, for up to 3 entries this month). Friday, December 18th I will announce the winner of the Kindle.

So enter every week for more chances to win (only 3 weeks in December)!

5. Link to this blog party post from your post so everyone can get in on the fun. Add the Book Review Blog Party Badge at the end of your post for easier linking or a link back. THIS IS A MUST in order to be eligible for the monthly giveaway.

Grab the Badge...
CymLowell


Please go to Cym's blog to enter!

Don't forget to enter:

Ends 18th December, open worldwide.