Cleffairy's Blog, page 218

Feast

Title: Feast

SubTitle: Harvest of Dreams

Publisher: HarperCollins

Imprint: HarperVoyager

Pub Date: 1st July 2011

ISBN: 9780061990823

Author: Merrie Destefano

Reading this book, Feast by Merrie Destefano reminds me a little bit of Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland as well as through The Looking Glass. I'm not quite sure why… but perhaps because of the queer and mind boggling nature of this book.

I couldn't actually grasps the story for the first few chapter, but as the story goes by, I find this book rather irresistible and rather drawn to the characters in this book.

This is not a bad book to read, in my humble opinion. But to me… this is the kind of book that you'll need to get yourself in the mood first before reading it.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harper Collins Publisher via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this book.

For more information on this book, please click here.

Book description:

Madeline MacFadden spent blissful childhood summers in  Ticonderoga Falls. And this is where she wants to be now that her adult life is falling apart. The dense surrounding forest holds many memories, some joyous, some tantalizingly only half-remembered.  And she's always believed there was something living in these wooded hills.

But Maddie doesn't remember the dark parts — and knows nothing of the mountain legend that holds the area's terrified residents captive. She has no recollection of Ash, the strange and magnificent creature who once saved her life as a child, even though it is the destiny of his kind to prey upon humanity. And soon it will be the Harvest. . . the time to feast.

Once again Maddie's dreams — and her soul — are in grave danger. But magic runs deep during Harvest. Even a spinner of enchanted tales has wondrous powers of her own.

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Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth

Title: Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Imprint: Bonneville Books

Pub Date: 1 August 2011

ISBN:9781599554884

Author: Andy Hueller

Initially, I thought that I would not like this book, but boy was I wrong. Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth by Andy Hueller is one tale you wouldn't want to miss if you're the kind of people who wouldn't mind reliving your teenage emotions and fantasy.

Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth by Andy Hueller is a very absorbing and gripping tale, and if you're a fantasy lovers, you might want to consider reading this book.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received and ARC of this book from Cedar Fort Publisher via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

Calvin Comet Cobble lives at Hidden Shores Orphanage—at the very center of the earth. Cal's life is full of school bullies and mean teachers,but when he meets Mr. E, who can skip a stone clear across Lake Arctic, everything about Cal's life changes. Told with wit and charm, Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earthis guaranteed to inspire readers of all ages.

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Sequin Pink Bible

Can't seems to get your stubborn little girls to stop reading fiction nonsense and fairy tales and can't seems to make them have even a little bit interest in reading the word of God?

Well, fret not, this Sequin Pink Bible is just the thing you need to at least get your stubborn, worldly girls to have interest in biblical studies.

Bible seems to be boring to most girls… but you ought to tell  your little girls that bible are full of interesting stories on beautiful and strong women like Queen Esther in the Book of Esther, Ruth and Baoz, Queen of Sheba, etc, and getting them to be interested in doing so can be easier with this beautiful bible.

Bible description:

A fun sparkly and shiny Bible for little girls embellished with sequins…Cute to carry and easy to read!

A full sized Bible in the International Children's Bible® translation, the Bible kids can read and understand! This adorable Bible is bound in floral fabric and embellished with shiny sparkly sequins! The cover will invite other little girls to ask "what kind of Bible is that?" and the owner can show her sparkly shiny Bible, thus sharing the "light" of Jesus. Inside, the Bible will have four sweet full color presentation pages in the front, a dictionary/concordance in the back, and the full texts of the Old and New Testaments.

Now your little girl can enjoy having a fun sparkly Bible to take to church and Sunday School.

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Two Moon Princess

Title: Two Moon Princess

Publisher: Tanglewood

Pub Date: 15 April 2010

ISBN: 9781933718279

Author: Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban is a must read if you're looking for escapism. It's one fiction that you would not want to miss if you're looking not only for adventure, but romance as well.

Two Moon Princess is wonderfully written and the characters was very inspiring. This is one book that I wouldn't mind reading over and over again. There's much more to a fairy tale than just a happily ever after, and Two Moon Princess shows us just that.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received this ARC from Tanglewood Publisher via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Product description:

To Andrea, the life of a princess is not a dream; it's tedious and stifling. But the certainties of her life, both good and bad, are thrown into chaos when she accidentally travels to an alternative world, from a cave on a forbidden beach in her family's kingdom to the warm and carefree life of Southern California. Then a careless visit to the cave results in terrible consequences: a brewing war between kingdoms, her sister's love for the wrong man, Andrea's own conflicted feelings for an enemy leader, and dark family secrets exposed. Andrea needs to act to resolve problems which she helped to create, and she faces many difficult choices, torn between duty and desire on so many levels. Readers will enjoy the mix of traditional elements of the fantasy genre,with fresh ideas and a look at our culture through the eyes of a stranger.

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Between Two Ends

Title: Between Two Ends

Publisher: Abrams Books

Imprint: Amulet Books

Pub Date: 1st May 2011

ISBN: 9780810997141

Author: David Ward

Between Two Ends by David Ward is one fantastic, satisfying read. It's all I ever want in an adventure-fairy tale kind of fiction. You see, I've always adored the Arabian Nights… and the story of Scheherezade, the legendary Persian Queen who spin stories night after night for her beloved husband who only marries a virgin and sends them to the gallow the day after their wedding because of the betrayal of his first wife.

And now, reading Between Two Ends, I was hurled into the world of One Thousand Nights where her world became alive. I feel like a child again when I read this book. It has such a positive effect on me.

This is a very interesting and wonderful read, and I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a good fairy tale adventure.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received this ARC in exchange of an honest review from Abrams Books via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this.

Book description:

When Yeats and his parents visit his grandmother's creepy old house, Yeats reunites a pair of pirate bookends and uncovers the amazing truth: Years ago, Yeats's father traveled into The Arabian Nights with a friend, and the friend, Shari, is still stuck in the tales. Assisted by the not-always-trustworthy pirates, Yeats must navigate the unfamiliar world of the story of Shaharazad–dodging guards and tigers and the dangerous things that lurk in the margins of the stories–in order to save Shari and bring peace to his family.

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Max On Life

Max on Life by Max Lucado is a very inspiring and motivational read, just like many other books written by him. I find it interesting that after following his works for so long, he have yet to lost touch in motivating and inspiring people to lead a better and a much more fulfilling life. Max Lucado is getting better and better in writing, I give him that.

I highly recommend this book to those in need of motivation and inspiration…. and those who are doing some soul searching in life.

This book makes a perfect gift and would be a welcome addition to one's permanent library. If I were to rate this book, I'd give it a 4 star.

I received a printed Advance Reader Copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher in exchange of an honest review. Iwas not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Product description:

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.

In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.

Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?

A special addendum includes Max's advice on writing and publishing.

Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.

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Empty no more.

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Little Bird says… " Happy birthday".

My life, would have been empty. Void of warmth and happiness if I was not blessed enough to know MommyLing.

Among all of my blogger friends, she's the closest to me in regards of age. Unlike most of my blogger friends whom I've been lucky enough to be acquainted with, Ling and I are only one year apart, and at many levels, we're on the same page. (Most of my blogger friends are much older than I am…usually… 10, 20, or even 30 years older than I am)

You see, before I got to know her,  I've always feel so out of place when I mingle around with young people… say… people who are single and still in their 20s. Strange, isn't it? Considering that I am also that age. Yes, people…I am still in my20s. In fact, I'm just 26, though alot of people, including Claire and Smallkucing's Mamarazzi thought I should be at least a lady well in her 40s when they first come to my blog.

People tend to have such perception of me when they read my blog… especially if they' started to follow my blog two-three years ago. Oh well, it can't be helped. I sounded pretty much like a menopausal, brooding old lady with my writing, and I never did attempt to correct them.

It's all right. I mean, I don't mind people mistaking me for being a wrinkly, stern old lady. After all… I kinda get some kicks whenever I meet up with people who assume I'm old. Oh God, whatever wouldn't I give to have their picture taken when they saw me for the first time? I know a lady who practically gape when she first saw me. Poor lady assume that I was actually Cleffairy's daughter. I really had a good laugh after that.

Anyway, I'm straying. Where was I? Well, yes… I was saying that I do not feel comfortable around young people who are still single. Some people will ask me why… well here's why… I feel out of place. Very out of place. I don't feel that I belong to that group of people anymore. Look at me…. I am 26, married, and my son is already 6 years old. Not many choose to settle down so early these days, and what common topic could I possibly have with single people my age, anyway?

I don't belong anymore. At times, I feel empty. Before I knew Ling, I couldn't relate to people my age… all because in terms of marital status… I'm prematurely ahead. When I chill out, I would like to talk about my family, my boy… and yes… I'd like to talk about what ails me too… you know…sometimes, we women need that kind of release. To talk about what's bothering us… and to share our problems. We're not necessarily looking for a solution… but merely for people who are willing to listen without attempting to judge you. And guess what? I cannot talk to people my age about all those because they are not in the same shoe as I am.

My priorities and their priorities are different…. and therefore conversation between me and my young friends, no matter how close they used to be with me, will be very awkward. What's worst…because these people have yet to go through what I've gone through, they do not understand how I feel. They tend to judge and offer shallow advice when all I want is just for them to listen.

Knowing Ling… filled an empty void in my life and my heart. She's only 1 year apart from me, she's married, and she's blessed with two beautiful little girls whom she dubbed as monsters occasional. Ling understood me pretty well. Ling may not know this, but last year … something happened to me. It's nothing historic, but it's depressing and crushing nevertheless because I felt as if I need to evaluate my life all over again. I doubted myself, and I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. She did not know, but she was my pillar of strength, and she gave me the courage I very much need to face the unexpected venom that threatens to kill me inside out.

I'm not sure if she remembers it, but she told me that sometimes to set things right, you got to confront the problems that you have in hands and sometimes, one need to be cold-blooded. She was right. Because certain things can only be solved via confrontation or by being cold blooded. She reminded me that people in my position, should never let others, especially the one that I love trample me mercilessly.

Ling is beautiful lady on the outside and I can vouch that she's beautiful inside too. And underneath that beautiful and sweet demeanor, she's a very strong inspirational character with faith and passion inside her. She's someone I look up too. I admire how she handle her children, and her endless faith in her life.

This might not be much, Ling… but here's wishing you a very happy birthday. You're one of those few people whom I keep in my prayers before I go to bed every day( I say day cuz I dun exactly sleep night… LOL!). I hope God will bless you and your family always.

Cleffairy: Happy birthday, Ling, and thank you very much….not just for all of your yummylicious nasi goreng, red bean desserts or mysterious roasted chicken, but for being in my life…. and for being there when I needed someone to cry to.

ps: Let's go makan makan when you and the pontianak with unruly hair free okay? Celebrate both of your birthdays together.

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Great Deals and Community Giveaway Project at WeBuy

I'm bored. Really bored. I was feeling under the weather. My class has started for this year and I've been busy with my yearly Scriptfrenzy activity that I don't go out much these days.

I was stuck at home and I was craving for some authentic Nyonya food when I stumbled upon this site, WeBuy.

WeBuy is a site that offers great deals and discount vouchers for various restaurants, merchandises and goodies. You can purchase the discount vouchers online, and when you've purchased the vouchers, it will be emailed to you and you can use it whenever you pleased when the Buy period was over.

One of their current offer that caught my interest is this:

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RM15 for 1 out of 8 chicken dishes at Tuan Ee. This Buy comes with a plate of fragrant rice as well as 1 glass of cooling cincau drink.

Tuan Ee is well famed for their authentic nyonya dishes, and they're not only well noted for their cooling drinks on a hot day…

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Or just their superb chicken that beats my own 'ayam ponteh' or 'ayam buah keluak' anytime of the day…

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But they're also well noted for their wonderful dining ambiance that will definitely send you back in time where fast food restaurants bears no meaning at all.

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The entrance to Tuan Ee's place…

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Warm, cozy and welcoming exterior that I'm sure anyone with fine taste will be able to appreciate.

Apart from this particular Buy that will enable you to enjoy a tantalizing meal at Tuan Ee at 51% off the original price, there's also this Buy that will enable you to enjoy authentic top notch Chinese delicacies at a reasonable price while it cost a bomb elsewhere.

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All you need to do for this buy is spend RM RM40 for the voucher, and you'll get RM80 Cash Voucher + RM20 Cash Voucher for the next visit at Cubes Chinese Cuisine/ Wine Bar. Let me see…if I got my maths right, that means if you buy this voucher from WeBuy and use it, you'll be saving up to 60% with this Buy, isn't that right?

Wanna know what's in store at Cubes? Well, it's these yummylicious dishes:

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Roasted Peking duck (RM48 per bird)

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Egg rolls. These eggs rolls comes with the Cubes signature roasted Peking duck.

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There's also stir fried veggies with almond slices for veggy lovers ( this dish is Rm 15 per plate)

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And if you don't fancy ducks, you can always order roasted chicken for Rm18 per plate.

Fancy some wine as you dine?

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No problem, the Cube have it too.

Now, what I've discovered about WeBuy is that they not only offer their users various vouchers that will make the wallet and the tummy happy, but they also give away alot of expensive gadget and goodies.

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One of the Buy… or rather giveaway that I missed was the Gucci bag…

And iPad. *groan* if only I found out about WeBuy earlier. I could have stand a chance in getting myself one of these stuff.

I actually missed out a lot of their irresistible Buy. In case you're wondering what you've missed before stumbling upon this blog entry, you can go here:

What You've Missed

Oh well…it's just not my luck, I guess, but my sources are telling me that there's more coming up next in WeBuy. So, I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed and in the meantime, I've LIKE WeBuy Facebook page so that I won't be missing anymore nice Buy/ deals/ giveaways. You might want to click that and Like their Facebook page too. Wouldn't want to miss their upcoming goodies now, would you?

Anyway, apart from irresistible vouchers, goodies, they also have this RM203,000 WeBUY Community Giveaway Project. Now, you ask me, what the heck is that?



This is what's it's about:

RM203,000 is to be given away to all participating WeBUYers within 120 hours. To win this, simply click BUY. It doesn't cost you a thing and once the deal reaches 500 BUYs, the deal will be activated and everyone gets RM3. and if the deal hits the next tier of 1500, the prize will be upgraded to RM5 for everyone. The more the BUYers the higher the prize money. Now that they have hit the first tier, all of us get to benefit on the RM 3 in our WeBUY account to be used on your next purchase on WeBUY. Great news!

Whoa… I think I'll just stop here and head over there now before I miss this deal.

Cleffairy: In case you're interested to dine in Tuan Ee's or the Cubes, here's the address:

Ah Tuan Ee's Place

74, Jalan SS2/72

Petaling Jaya

47300 Selangor

GPS: 3.118673, 101.625810

Tel: 03-7957 2915

Cubes Chinese Cuisine/ Wine Bar

18-1, Block L1-1,

Palm Square Jaya One,

No.72A, Jalan Universiti,

Petaling Jaya,



Tel: 03-7960 3788

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Starting a Micro Business and Books Giveaway

With unemployment rates high, the teen population is finding it harder and harder to find work. Adults are competing for the same minimum wage jobs. But there's an alternative—starting a micro business. What is a micro business? It is a very small, one-person business that you can start easily and quickly with what you already know or own. No money needed, low risk and no debt! Students can spend as much time running a micro business as they wish and can even close it down during busy times. The best advantage for teens to own a micro business is that it not only brings in extra cash (often more than imagined), but students end up learning a great deal about business, money and themselves. It may lead to an entrepreneurial life or at the very least, prepare students for higher learning opportunities.

I've read the book, Starting a Micro Business by Carol Topp, and I found that it's full with innovative ideas and very helpful for teens who wants to earn more money but do not exactly know how.

Spring Cleaning: A Time For a Teenager to Make Money
Guest post by Carol Topp


Here are some ideas for a micro business a teenager can start this spring:

House cleaning: Offer to tackle large jobs like washing windows, moving furniture, etc. Many people are grateful for a young, strong teenager to help them with heavy lifting. What is easy for you might be very difficult for them, especially if they are an older person.
Routine house cleaning: Some customers need regular house cleaning and may hire you on a weekly or monthly basis. Don't wait for them to ask: offer to come weekly or twice a month and see what they say.
Attic cleaning: Offer to help people do a job that they put off, such as cleaning an attic.
Garage cleaning: A big job that can earn you big bucks!
Yard cleanup: Offer to trim bushes, pull weeds, plant flowers and spread mulch to spruce up a yard.
Car and van cleaning: People spend a lot of time in their automobiles and their cars and vans need frequent cleaning. Melissa gladly paid to get her van cleaned inside and out every week because her four children could really make a mess in it. You can make some cash by offering to clean a van inside and out.
Organize. Organize a house, playroom or garage. Charge the customer for any bins, tubs and labels that you purchase for them and then add on the value of your time. Take before and after photos to use on your advertising fliers.
Declutter: Do you love HGTV shows on organization? You might be able to find someone to hire you to declutter their house like you see on TV.
Garage sales: Advertise, organize and run a garage sale for your neighbors. Get several neighbors to participate together and really earn the bucks!
eBay sales: Offer to sell your neighbors' stuff on eBay and take a cut for yourself. Combine the decluttering, garage sale and eBay tasks into a full package to help your customers profit from their excess stuff.



Carol Topp, CPA advises teenage business owners though her Micro Business for Teens book series. Carol's day job is accountant to business owners, and she enjoys teaching teenagers to succeed beyond their dreams. Students appreciate how she shares what they need to know in clear and helpful lessons. Her website is MicroBusinessForTeens.com

For a chance to go into the draw to win a complete set of Carol Topp's Micro Business for Teens series please leave a comment with a way to contact you by Thursday 21. Giveaways is International and winner will be notified via email.



GRAND PRIZE!


The Complete Set of Carol Topp's Micro Business for Teens Series
(Winner will receive the four books shown below)






Starting a Micro Business

ISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1

Retail price: $9.95






Running a Micro Business
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-1-8

Retail price: $9.95





Money and Taxes in a Micro Business
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-3-2

Retail price: $9.95





The Micro Business for Teens Workbook
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-2-5

Retail price: $14.95





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I received an ARC of this book from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. I was not compensated in any ways for hosting this book tour.

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Bento nasi ayam?

These days, whenever I had to fetch my boy or wait for him til he finish his class, I'd go and chill out in a nearby cafe. And as usual, I'd be hungry and wouldn't be able to resist from ordering food from there, despite the fact that the place actually cut people's throat with their price.

Second time around, I decided to order their chicken rice (Rm 7.90, comes with a huge quarter chicken along with braised egg and chicken soup), in which I assume would be served on a normal plate. But to my dismay, even the chicken rice comes in a bento box.

Good Lord, I don't know what the hell is wrong with their cafe, do they seriously think that people actually enjoy eating out of bento box? Well, I guess eating from a bento box is really enjoyable if the dish is an authentic Japanese dish where the dish and whatnot is cut to bite-able piece and the rice is sticky enough to be picked up easily, but this dish is not.

I have no complaints whatsoever on the taste… the rice was really fragrant and buttery while the chicken was crunchy and juicy, but eating this stuff out of the bento box is a real killer. I practically have to dig for the huge chicken and the rice were really hard to scoop out.

I got really fed up cuz the food was really good and yet the presentation spoils my mood. So I requested for an empty plate and ended up scooping everything out onto the plate and eat from it. And from the look of it, I was not the only one there who requested for an empty plate along with the food that I ordered. I saw a couple of patrons there who did the same with their nasi dagang, nasi lemak, nasi ayam and whatnot. TSK TSK TSK.

Cleffairy: I chose practicality over flowery presentation and decided that instead of trying to change people, I'm better off changing myself first. But I wonder how far can this go? I may be able to accommodate this cafe and their impracticality, but how many more impractical people I have to accommodate just because they refuse to hear and see reason? I wonder.

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