Giveaway Winners!

First of all, thank you so much to all the participants for entering my giveaway. Your great support has made this event a success. There are altogether 121 entries for this giveaway, and I’m happy to announce that there will be another giveaway in September. So, please stay tuned!

I used Random.org to select the winners. Without further ado, I hereby announce our lucky winners for my first blog giveaway. They are #97 yadgirl and #18 TZel! Congratulations!

I have sent both of you an e-mail. Please respond within 3 days, or another winner will be chosen. Your prizes will be mailed directly from the sponsors.

*Does anyone knows how to put a number link for the 'comments' section? This will make it easier for me to count the entries. If you can help me, please leave a comment here or e-mail me at aikychien at yahoo dot com and you will get 2 extra entries in the next giveaway.

The Little Nyonya

Are you familiar about the Peranakan culture and its origin? It is said that many years ago, when a princess from China was betrothed to a Malay sultan here, she brought along few hundred maids and they eventually married the Malay men here. Their descendants were known as Baba and Nyonya.


The Little Nyonya (Chinese: 小娘惹) is a 34-episode drama serial which debuted on 25 November 2008 in Singapore.

Synopsis:

The story spans over 70 years, from the 1930s till the present day.

Huang Juxiang is born into a large Peranakan family where her mother is a mistress. She is gentle, beautiful and a fantastic cook. Due to a serious illness when she was 9 years old, Juxiang becomes a deaf-mute. Because of her handicap, she is ostracized by people. Right before the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, she is forced to marry Charlie Zhang, a rich Peranakan, and become his mistress. Juxiang resists the marriage and runs away from home. She then meets Yamamoto Yousuke, a young Japanese photographer, and after overcoming many obstacles, they finally get married and Juxiang gives birth to a daughter Yueniang. During the World War, Juxiang is injured and both she and her husband die, leaving behind their 8-year-old daughter.

The orphaned Yueniang eventually walks to her grandfather's house on her own. Her grandmother rejoices for her presence. Under the supervision of her grandmother, she learns to cook Peranakan dishes and sewing. She grows up looking exactly like her mother and is exceptionally beautiful. After the war, her maternal relatives who ran away to England to seek refuge there returned home. Yueniang ends up leading the life of her mother – always discriminated against, beaten up and tortured. She puts up with all these in order to protect her grandmother.

Yueniang's pretty looks incurs jealousy from her cousin and attracts the attention of many rich Peranakans. However, she only has eyes for penniless driver Chen Xi. Chen Xi actually comes from an educated and wealthy family. Yueniang's kindness, purity and persistence move Chen Xi and he falls deeply in love with her, and hides his identity to be with Yueniang. Unfortunately, their relationship is filled with many obstacles and difficulties. Under pressure from his family, Chen Xi is forced to marry Yueniang's cousin instead. Yueniang is then sold to a butcher, Liu Yidao. Many things happen after this and it is revealed that the Huangs use misunderstandings and mistakes for granted and resort to off-board measures.

Yueniang is unwilling to accept the fact that her life is always manipulated by others and decides to end her own life. Yueniang's strong personality impresses Liu Yidao and they become sworn siblings instead. Yueniang decides to choose her own path in life. She begins learning how to run a business and in the process, she is framed and ousted from her business. Despite the odds, she manages save her declining family business. Sadly, her love life has yet to begin a new chapter with no news about her love interest, Chen Xi.

My comments:

I have to admit that I love this movie, which is full of twists and turns. The Baba and Nyonya culture really fascinates me. Their traditional beaded slippers, culinary skills, mouth-watering dishes and pantun really makes me proud that they actually exist in Malacca, Malaysia. I really hoped that Yueniang and Chen Xi can marry and live happily ever after, but they did not. Albeit there are some loopholes, this is undeniably one of the best dramas I've ever watched, besides Dae Jang-geum.

My "crazy" sister watched 15 episodes a day. Can you imagine it? 15 hours sitting in front of the TV/laptop!


*You must watch this great drama! I promise you will LOVE it!

Download link for The Little Nyonya Drama Theme Song piano sheet - Like the Swallow (如燕). *All credits to Ah Doe

《如燕》
词曲：陈佳明
编曲：Terence Teo

愿意合上眼才能美梦无边
别让悔熏乌了从前
也许碎片才能让回忆展颜
何妨瓷花拼凑明天

谁带我寻获幸福的模
却自己谜中困锁
谁为我留下缱绻的天涯
信物是抹晚霞

Chorus:
思念如燕它飞舞舌尖
若是真爱配尝几分苦甜
意念婆娑时间里推磨
追随到何处才结果

燕如针线在青空缝编
几幅女红将以泪缀点
誓言斑驳情雾只是经过
风雨中且让我盈步婀娜

List of Worldwide Giveaways - Updated Daily

Giveaway- $100 Gift Card of choice! Ends 07/10- Open Worldwide!


International Birthday Giveaway!!! From today on until July 15 2010 and winners will be announced on July 16 and you will then have 72 hours time to email Sabrina.

Graduation Giveaway- FINAL WEEK

Here are the this week's books:

Up for grabs are:

• Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
• Beautiful Dead: Jonas by Eden Maguire
• Poetry Speaks Who I Am by Elise Paschen and Dominique Raccah
• Explorer X-Alpha by LM Preston
• The Star Shack by Lila Castle
• Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

Winners for this week will be drawn on Sunday June 13th .

Giveaway: Dido - Adele Geras

2 copies for UK winners & 1 copy for an international winner. Open until 16th June.

Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey and Giveaway!

RULES: Must be 18 years of age or older.

Open to US only.

Giveaway Ends June 15th

Willow Giveaway!

Must be age 13 or older.

Must be in the US or have a US address to ship to.

Shade Review and Giveaway!

Must be 13 or older.

Must be in the US or have a US address to mail to.
Ends June 29th

Twilight Takeover Giveaway!
Open to US and Canada only
Giveaway will end on 6/30

Twilight Takeover International Giveaway!
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
Bookmarks and VIP necklace

Open to everyone world wide! Ends 6/30

Happy Bree Tanner Day! (Giveaway!)
Win Bree Tanner goodies

Second Hand Saturday! A Book-A-Week Giveaway 5YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER TO ENTER! Open Internationally. Ends at 10:00 pm EST the following Friday!

You can win Linger at:
las risas (US ONLY, 6/11)
A Good Addiction (6/6)
A Bibliophile's Paradise (US/CA, 7/20)
Beguile Thy Sorrow... (US ONLY, 6/30)


You can win Forgive My Fins at:
Tera Lynn Childs (Every day this week)
THE BOOK BUTTERFLY (US ONLY, 7/1)
Romance Novel Sluts (Restriction and end date not mentioned)

LINGER and MATCHED ARC Giveaway! The contest will run through midnight on June 16, 2010!

Enter to win ARC of Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler + Swag (International)
Deadline: July 7, 2010

Win my ARC of Matched by Ally Condie!

This contest ends July 1, 2010. It is open Internationally!!

Win (Prize):: Whip Earrings
From (Shop):: Jenny Bunny
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 18, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://jennybunnycreations.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway.html

Win (Prize):: $10.00 Gift Certificate fro My Etsy Shop
From (Shop):: http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisssmith22
Open to (Restrictions):: US Residents, Canadian Residents, International (Everyone)
End date:: June 29 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://theartofzencrochet.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-giveaway.html

Win (Prize):: 40cm Eco Friendly Cushion/Pillow
From (Shop):: ECoInspired Soft Furnishings
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 7 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://ecoinspired.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-environment-day-giveaway.html

*Win (Prize):: handmade luxurious feather fascinator hairclip ($39 + $5 shipping) all absolutely free
*From (Shop):: http://rtisan.etsy.com
*Open to (Restrictions):: Pick [US, CANADA, INTERNATIONAL (EVERYONE), OTHER] all
*End date:: maybe Sunday June 6
*Direct link to giveaway:: http://rtisan.blogspot.com/2010/06/wheeeeeeee-fascinating-giveaway.html

Win (Prize):: $20 Gift Certificate
From (Shop):: FantastiCrafts/Vibrant Vows
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 18, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/05/fantasticrafts.html

Win (Prize):: Pink filigree bead necklace
From (Shop):: Ganesh Emporium
Open to (Restrictions):: US Residents, Canadian Residents, International (Everyone)
End date:: June 13, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://saladforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2010/05/ganesh-emporium-review-and-giveaway.html

Win (Prize):: Lovely Pink Rose Ring
From (Shop):: www.WhiteLilyJewelry.etsy.com
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 16, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://whitelilyjewelry.tumblr.com/post/657491830/roseringgiveaway



Win (Prize):: A Handmade Bracelet by Maria Hansford
From (Shop):: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mia09
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 30, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://athoughtfullife.com/?p=1254



Win (Prize):: RESERVED - Green and Gold Twist Firepolish Necklace - Handmade
From (Shop):: http://tmpenrose.etsy.com
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 9, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/2010/06/win-it-wednesday-new-giveaway.html

Win (Prize):: Sky Blue Chalcedony and Sterling Silver Necklace
From (Shop):: Epheriell
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: July 1
Direct link to giveaway:: http://epherielldesigns.com/june-giveaway-sky-blue-necklace

Win (Prize):: WIN a Free pair of SHABBY CHIC Earrings
From (Shop):: Distressing Delilah
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 16, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://voleurdebijoux.blogspot.com/2010/06/giveaway-distressing-delilah.html

Win (Prize):: Etched Copper Pendant
From (Shop):: Amanda
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 14, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://www.indiespotting.com/giveaways-sales/win-amandas-obsession-etched-copper-pendant/



Win (Prize):: Salute Necklace
From (Shop):: http://cooljewelrydesign.etsy.com
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End datej:: June 15, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com/2010/06/pam-robinson-of-cooljewelrydesign.html

Win (Prize):: Duck Egg Blue Cameo Rose Ring
From (Shop):: lusciouslockets.etsy.com
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End datej:: Jun. 15 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://lusciouslockets.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-giveaway.html

Win (Prize):: one teeny tweet
From (Shop):: Felt Me Up Designs
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 6, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://etsystalker.com/?p=9631

Win (Prize):: "Shattered" Pendant
From (Shop):: Jewelry by Solange
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone)
End date:: June 12, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://mintgreenwithenvy.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway-jewelry-by-solange-shattered.html

Win (Prize):: Choice of Sleep Mask
From (Shop):: Le Neko Noir
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone),
End date:: June 13, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://samyinwonderland.blogspot.com/2010/05/le-neko-noir-review-choice-of-sleep.html

Win (Prize):: Set of 2 bracelets
From (Shop):: Ocean Pearl Beaded Jewellery
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone),
End date:: June 11, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://www.theindiebride.com/giveaways-sales/ocean-pearl-beaded-jewellery-giveaway/

Win (Prize):: Custom crocheted gloves
From (Shop):: Crochetize
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone),
End date:: June 11, 2010
Direct link to giveaway:: http://crochetize.blogspot.com/2010/05/custom-crocheted-gloves-give-away.html

Author Interview & Giveaway!

Contest Ends June 11th! International!

*I won this!*

Alice in Verse giveaway
*I won this!*

Up for grabs are 5 MuLondon products for 5 lucky winners - one each! The winners will be chosen on the 30th of April 2010 and will be notified via email. This competition is open worldwide. MuLondon products can be purchased online and they ship worldwide. Follow MuLondon on Twitter and Facebook for exclusive discounts. *I won this!*

GIVEAWAY / SORTEO

Win (Prize):: You can choose between one or two of the jewels in the photo
From (Shop):: http://mariagotijoyas.etsy.com
Open to (Restrictions):: International (Everyone),
End date:: APRIL 30, 2010

*I won this!*

When I Was Joe Contest

Open internationally until March 26th
*I won this! Yay!*

MOVING AWAY INTERNATIONAL MINI-GIVEAWAY!

1)Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters
*I won this book! Yay!* It is open INTERNATIONALLY and ends on March 27.

Win a signed copy of FIRESPELL, Chicagoland Vampires pen, "I heart Cadogan" bumper sticker, St. Sophia's magnet and postcards for Twice Bitten and Friday Night Bites.

*I won this!*

Win an ARC of Ondine @The Bookette!

This contest is open internationally. Closing date: 23rd January 2010, Midnight GMT. Click the picture to enter.

*I won this! Thanks, Becky!*

Win a $20 Borders giftcard. Open Internationally =)

Ends 12/27

*I won this! Yeah!*

On the 4th Day of the Holiday, Bites gave to you...

Two words for you...Mari Mancusi. I am so jealous.

*I won this!*

Win: a pair of handmade earrings.
From: Smoke & Mirrors
Open to: International Residents
End date: December 19, 2009
*I won this!*

Win: Gift Certificates
From: PatchFirstShop
Open to: International Residents
End date: December 24, 2009
Please click here to enter the giveaway.
*I won this! Yeah!*

Two lucky winners will get a copy of Alexander’s Bridge by Willa Cather each. The give away will go until December 14th at 11:59 PST. The winner will be announced the next day.
*I won this!*

Win a Fantastic Space Invader Cushion Cover by VoodooRabbit.
Contest ends on December 14, 2009.
Open to worldwide participants.
Please click here to enter the giveaway.
*I won this!*

Win handmade stitch markers from La Belle Helene.
There will be 5 winners.
Contest ends on December 11, 2009.
Open to worldwide participants.
Please click here to enter the giveaway.
*I won this!*

Day #9 Giveaway: $20 Gift Certificate to New Fashioned Whispers

Ends at Midnight on December 17, 2009. Open to All Countries.
*I won this!*

Don't be tardy for the party .... giveaway!!! It's our Birthday!!!! *I won the surprise gift!*

HandmadeMN Giveaway - Kellybot

Contest ends Saturday, November 28, at 12:00 noon Central. *I won this!*

SugarChills Giveaway
Do this by November 30th and you are in! *I won this!*

Win a copy of Deer - OPEN INTERNATIONALLY - 28 november
You have to be a follower to enter. See actual post for extra entries.

CONTEST ENDS November 28, 2009 at 8 AM Paris time (that's 2 AM on the east coast)
*I won this!*

Win this sample box from various Etsy artists in the South Carolina Etsy Street Team.

There will be one winner, prizes include:
Music CD- Nascarnana
Bookmark- Prisspatch
Crown Earrings- Hawleywood
15% off coupon- Citydetails
Tissueholder- Brownbagboutique
Greeting Card- Kwinkelerphotos
Earrings- Brittanyh
Key chain and Notepad- CurlyfrySC
Stone Pendant- Roagom
Earrings- JewelrybyPatricia
Pig Patterned Bag- MinnieMaes
Christmas Earrings- Bethwicker

Contest ends on November 30, 2009.
Open to worldwide participants.
Please click here to enter the giveaway. *I won this!*

Win 1 of 3 prizes from ChuletinDesigns and Muapurses.
There will be 3 winners.
First Place a Pillow Covers Set 16"x16" with a value of $25 from Muapurses.
Second Place a beautiful Quilted Make-up Bag with a value of $10 from Muapurses ( 9"x6 1/2"x2").
Third Place a very elegant set of Feathered Hair Pins with a value of $6 from Chuletindesigns.
Contest ends on November 21, 2009.
Open to worldwide participants.
Please click here to enter the giveaway. *I won the 2nd prize!*

Win a pair of earrings of winner's choice from Shimmer Me Blue.
Contest ends on November 22, 2009.
Open to worldwide participants.
Please click here to enter the giveaway. *I won this!*

Handmade Spotlight (and Giveaway!): Mami Made It Contest ends 12:00 AM on Saturday, November 21.*I won this!*

Monday Giveaway and Feature: Morning Glory Creations

Entries will be accepted until Monday, November 16, 2009, 2pm Eastern Time. Please be sure to stop by every week for more great giveaways. *I won this!*

Flutter Giveaway
Flutter will give a way a pair of Tinsel Earrings where ornate vintage plastic beads are mixed with vintage Czech glass discs, metal beads and red beads. Earrings dangle 3" from surgical steel french hooks. *I won this!*

November Give-a-way Contest closes Nov 6th! Get goin! *I won this!*

Win this Dewy Moss Bracelet/Cuff from Fashion Touch.

Contest ends on November 01, 2009.
Open to worldwide participants.
Please click here to enter the giveaway. *I won this!*

Carolina Pad - Hot Chocolate Organizational Review/Giveaway *I won this!*
This Giveaway is only open to U.S and Canada. Giveaway running till 11/01/09

Sterling Silver Owl Earrings Giveaway 11/6
* I won this!*

Win this necklace from Whirl Wind Jewelry.
Contest ends on November 03, 2009.
Open to worldwide participants.
Please click here to enter the giveaway. *I won this!*