Bod Talk: Havaianas, Here I Come!

I was so busy that I rushed to Havaianas the second last day we were supposed to redeem them by. And was greeted by this sight in the window. Go BALIstic! Wow! Havaianas is having a contest where some lucky person is going to win a trip for 2 to BALI! ARGH....I want that!

The store-front. I wasn't sure I was at the right store because of the 

BALIstic sticker blocking the "Havaianas fish"?

A slightly better view from inside the store. Would have been really pretty

 if we could see the big fish.

YAY! I'm in the right store! Great way to show off all the variety of flip flops huh. Already so many rows to choose from.

Welcome to the Land of Havaianas!

But next to the entrance, you get to read up on the Design Evolution of Havaianas! From something resembling a Japanese slipper to the Havaianas we know today!

 

First thing you see when you walk through the door.

There are rows upon rows of Havaianas!! It's amazing! There must be an army of designers churning out collections every year.

Pretty??

Look! MORE Havaianas! And they have lots of stock! I love when there's always stock. Don't you just hate it when you find the PERFECT pair and they don't have your size? Anyway, I got my choice of Havaianas Slim from the range on the left (picture below) besides the last 2 pairs at the bottom. I could not pick between the silver ones and the gold ones and the grey ones. Black was out as it was a little plain, and the pink ones, not a great shade for matching stuff to be honest. I wish it were a lighter shade of pink. That would have been so pretty and I'd definitely have gotten it.  

 

MORE Havaianas!

Look Ma, even more Havaianas!!

And men say women are crazy and that they take hours to pick a pair of shoes. Who's talking now! There must have been a zillion designs in this shop mister!

A really spacious store! I like not feeling claustrophobic. 

I like when stores make sure there's a lot of space for customers to walk around. Look at all those sofas! There were at least 3 of them in the store!

The lovely staff were busy packing up my new pair of Havaianas.

The staff at Havaianas were really friendly and helpful. I didn't even need to show them my e-voucher. They just asked for my ID and checked my name off. I guess it also helped that I was the *ahem *second last person to collect my Havaianas *ahem*. The guy in the piccie showed me to the selections and helped me pick out my perfect size and went straight to pack them up while I was happily snapping away.

Great for summer! Classy and colourful.

This is probably my favourite Havaianas. It's it just princess-like and pretty?

And now, to reveal my chosen pair of Havainas! Which will it be? You just have to scroll down then!

TA-DA! My choice! Going for GOLD!

Loving my new duds. Sorry for my ugly feet! *gulps*

Yes, you'll have to see these babies at the Spa Party. Oops....

Anyway, I am so excited for the Spa Party tomorrow! Thanks LOADS to Havaianas and The Butterfly Project for my VERY FIRST PAIR!! See you all there!

Havaianas Stores can be found in Pavilion while the booths can be found at leading malls.

The Bookworm: Book Blast & Giveaway - Age of the Aura, Phase I: Champions of Power by Samuel Odunsi Jr.

Age of the Aura, Phase I: Champions of Power (SYNOPSIS) 
Genre: Science Fiction (Space Opera) 

The Blessed Galaxy has no other name. After being gifted with the Auras—five great powerhouses of celestial creation—the title was a suitable fit. For millennia, the governing bodies have ruled their respective reaches of the Galaxy while harnessing the might of the Auras. But now they face the threat of a calamity, from an unlikely source, that could shake the lives of all. 

Lowen Sars, a devout man of science, decides to take on the burden of saving the Galaxy’s people once he learns of the calamity. But he soon realizes that the role of a hero was a calling not meant for him, even with his sudden promotion. In his process of self-discovery, Lowen begins the fateful saga of not only the Blessed Galaxy, but also the kingdom in possession of the corrupt Aura. 

Read more behind the story! http://ageoftheaura.com/universe/


Download Phase I for FREE on Amazon! (June 24th-28th ONLY!) http://amzn.to/M8k1vf 


Enter to Win a Physical Copy of Phase I on GOODREADS!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Champions of Power

by Samuel Odunsi Jr.

Giveaway ends July 24, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Watch the Book Trailer! 

Book Reviews for Phase I

The Indie Book Review

A Book So Fathomless - "3.5 out of 5"

Beth Art From the Heart - "4 out of 5"

Voracious Reader - "3 out of 5"

Sadie S Forsythe - "3 out of 5"

Nik's Picks - "4 out of 5"

Dee's Reads - "3 out of 5"

My Cozie Corner - "5 out of  5"

Confuzzled Books - "4 out of 5"

Cheryl's Book Nook - "4 out of 5"

The Guide to Good Books - "5 out of 5"

Paranormal Sisters - "3.5 out of 5"

Books With Leti Del Mar - "3 out of 5"

Giveaway Goodies: Win an Anne Kemp Book Pack

Here's a quick contest. You can score yourself an Anne Kemp Book Pack! Just enter the Rafflecopter below.

Enter anytime between June 25th to July 3rd. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must Go's: The Butterfly Project's July Social Butterfly Event ~ The Massage PARTY x Amante!!

I got so excited when I saw the post saying the Rafflecopter for this AH-MAY(July)-ZING Blogger Event was open that I rushed through the entries! UNTIL, I read the rules and it stated that I have to do all the entries at the same time? D-UH! *knocks head against wall*

So...unfortunately this is going to be a bit of a rushed blog post yet again. READ THE RULES, ABBY!!

This time around the greatness that is The Butterfly Project is organizing a MASSAGE PARTY and is hosting it at one of the wonderful sponsors, Amante Nail Spa & Body Care! Bloggers will have their pictures taken at Photobooth Malaysia and be amazed at the beautiful party decor provided by the lovely Ask Joey - The Sweetest Party.

Sounds like a BLAST doesn't it?? I think so. Can you say MASSAGES? And PHOTOS? And BLOGGER MEET-UP!

If you're lucky, you get to 

Stay Calm & Relax with Amante this 6th July (Saturday)!

My THREE Reasons Why I NEED a MASSAGE!

Sad Reason #1
~ I feel so stressed out these days. It's not just the family stuff, parent getting sick (again), not getting to go out, I FEEL physically, emotionally, and spiritually stressed OUT! And this darned haze ain't helping!! GAH!! *pulls hair* Yes, I think I am losing lots of hair every month because of all these stressors. I am trying not to get stressed out but I have so many kinks in my back I can't help but get moody.

How could you NOT relax at a cozy place like this?

Sad Reason #2
~ I have not had a massage in months! That is not good news as massages are good for blood circulation. And massages help to get rid of the awful thing called *gulp* cellulite *whispers* Yes, I NEED this massage very VERY badly.

I want to look like this!

Hopeful Reason #1
~ What could be better than to CHILL OUT for a whole day not just with my new blogging buddies *hopefully* but it would be AWESOME to get a lovely massage one week after my upcoming mani pedi session!

No wonder so many people look up to Audrey Hepburn even to this day!

Want to be a part of the Amante Massage Party? Score your ticket over at The Butterfly Project! You'll float like a butterfly after this Party!!

May the odds be forever in your favour!

Bod Talk: Scent Affair Fragrant Bodywash in Almond

I was really surprised to get another bottle of Scent Affair Bodywash in the May HiShop box. And in Almond Oil no less. I'm not a big fan of almonds so read on to see if I liked it or not.

Product Highlights:

Anti-Bacterial

Moisturising

Nourishes the skin. Makes it smooth and soft

Improves skin complexion and retains glow

- See more at: http://www.hishop.my/scent-affair/scent-affair-fragrant-bodywash---almond-oil--275ml-#sthash.0Sm7FOSJ.dpuf

Anti-Bacterial

Moisturising

Nourishes the skin. Makes it smooth and soft

Improves skin complexion and retains glow

- See more at: http://www.hishop.my/scent-affair/scent-affair-fragrant-bodywash---almond-oil--275ml-#sthash.0Sm7FOSJ.dpuf

 • Anti-bacterial protection

• Moisturizing 

• Nourishes the skin. Makes it smooth and soft

• Improves skin complexion and retains glow

Sourced from Nature
The sweet fragrance of carnation and almond, complimented by the warm scent of cinnamon, provides a wonderful calming feeling that relaxes the weary soul after a long day.
Information
Our special body care solution which contains Almond Oil, a source rich in Vitamin E that helps to nourish the skin keeping it soft, beautiful and radiant.
- See more at: http://www.hishop.my/scent-affair/scent-affair-fragrant-bodywash---almond-oil--275ml-#sthash.0Sm7FOSJ.dpuf

The liquid in this concoction is translucent and has a subtle scent that isn't as strong as some of the other more expensive Amande scents. Which in this case is good for me as I don't really like almonds in general. Also, the bodywash is pretty moisturizing which is a plus point. It lathers up quite a bit so you don't need very much to begin with.

I'm not sure if I'd buy this for myself because there are quite a few more nicer scents to choose from. But all in all, it's pretty nice for a reasonably priced bodywash.

The Scent Affair Fragrant Bodywash in Almond (as well as other scents) comes in 725ml at RM 22.60, 275ml at RM 7.80, as well as the refill pack of 500ml at RM 8.90

Disclosure: I was given the product above as part of the Beauty Ambassador Programme but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Mane Deal: Twistbands - More Than Just A Hairband?

This is the most exciting thing I received in my HiShop's May Beauty Box. It's a Twistband! The one I received is called Raspberry and is from the Lisa Collection.

Product Highlights

~ Made of soft elastic 

~ Doesn't leave marks on hair

~ Fashionable item and can be worn on the wrist

Made of soft elastic that keep your hairstyle secured - See more at: http://www.hishop.my/twistband/twistband-hair-tie-solid-lisa#sthash.bg5OwQpx.dpuf

Made of soft elastic that keep your hairstyle secured
· Thicker than regular hair ties, they don’t leave marks in your hair
· They also look super cute on your wrists

A good hair tie is impossible to find in Malaysia. While scrunchies were hot in the 80s, they are definitely not today.

It's time we rock our hairstyle with something more fun, sophisticated and of good quality. Twistbands are chic hair ties that keep your hair secure without pulling or leaving marks.

Best of all, they look as good on your wrists as they do in your ponytail.

ANGELA colours are: tan * white * black - See more at: http://www.hishop.my/twistband/twistband-hair-tie-solid-angela#sthash.muaIT0F5.dpuf

I decided to test their claim that Twistbands won't leave marks on hair. BUT, it's quite difficult to test such a thing and so I decided to test it on my own wrists!

The below pictures are of my experiment. I used a normal hairband (this is what I usually use when I tie my hair), my Twistband, and a normal rubber band!

Start of experiment

20 minutes later

20 minutes later, without the bands

1 hour later

As you can see for yourself, Twistbands actually work! And you know what? I love them! I love how stretchy they are (it's like a stretchable piece of ribbon) and it doesn't tug on my hair at all. And the great thing is that there are so many colours to choose from! Something to suit everyone.

I've been using mine since the day I got it. It's also a spot of colour on my wrists when I'm not using it on my hair. I think I might actually get a couple more myself! A great new find for long-haired people like myself.

Twistband (assorted colours) comes in packs of 3s with Hair Ties at RM16 - RM26, Hair Tie Baubles at RM36, and Headbands at RM32 - RM 38.

Disclosure: I was given the product above as part of the Beauty Ambassador Programme but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Giveaway Goodies: The Best Book Ever Giveaway Hop WINNERS!!

My review of Steven Manchester's The Rockin' Chair is now available so check it out! 

It's about time to reveal the three lucky winners for this giveaway hop. I had fun participating and hosting and LOVED everyone's comments on my review so THANK YOU to everyone who entered.

*drumroll please*

Giveaway #1 (INT) of a Steven Manchester Book of Choice  

was won by Elizabeth @ Book Attict who picked the newly released (today in fact) The Rockin' Chair!

The Rockin' Chair  (released TODAY!)

Amazon * Book Depository 

Giveaway #2 (US only) of a copy of Goodnight, Brian sponsored by Steven Manchester

was won by Mayla!

Goodnight, Brian  

Amazon * Book Depository

 

Giveaway #3 (Malaysia only) was won by a fellow Malaysian book blogger Newrulefarah who picked Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris!

Grave Secret

Amazon * Book Depository 

 

All winners have already confirmed, with their books on the way to them.

Bod Talk & Mane Deal: HiShop's May Beauty Ambassador Programme Box

Oh yeah! I got another one!

 

This is what I received as part of HiShop's May Beauty Ambassadors Programme.

I have mixed feelings about the May box if I am honest. And it has nothing to do with there being just 3 items in the box.

The reason I am a little disappointed is this:

If the bottle on the bottom right looks familiar to you, it IS! I got this in the April box! But this one in a smaller size. That's the only difference.

I'm disappointed that I got the exact same scent. And on HiShop's part, I think they should keep track of what they send to which bloggers so that they get the maximum reviews for their sample boxes.

 

April box

You can read all about my review here as I don't want to write the same review again for obvious reasons. The good news is that I got another bottle in Almond. Will be reviewing that!

And the thing I was most excited about is the little thing called a Twistband (the cute pink ribbon).

As for the coupons:

8% off your total Milkadeal purchase! Just type in MAD0613 in the special box! Valid until 30th June 2013. 

Get a RM20 rebate off your total purchase with minimum purchase of RM99 from HiShop, just key HISURPRISE. Valid until 31st July 2013. 

 

Get a RM20 rebate off your purchases of and above RM100 from HiShop, just key HS0613. Valid until 30th June 2013. 

 

8% off your total White.my purchase! Just type in WHITE0613 in the special box! Valid until 30th June 2013.  

 

 

Check out HiShop's Facebook Page 

The Bookworm: The Rockin' Chair by Steven Manchester

• Title: The Rockin' Chair
• Author: Steven Manchester
• Format: Paperback 272 pages
• Publisher: The Story Plant
• Published: 20 June 2013
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction
• ISBN 13:  9781611880670
• ISBN 10: 161188067X
• Source: Gifted for Review 
• Buy: The Book Depository|Amazon|Nook

In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)

A wonderful book to share with the family, about a family facing years of adversity. A great Christmas stocking stuffer that reminds people about the importance of family and forgiveness. No matter how near or far, how shallow or deep.


Summary 

Memories are the ultimate contradiction. They can warm us on our coldest days – or they can freeze a loved one out of our lives forever. The McCarthy family has a trove of warm memories. Of innocent first kisses. Of sumptuous family meals. Of wondrous lessons learned at the foot of a rocking chair. But they also have had their share of icy ones. Of words that can never be unsaid. Of choices that can never be unmade. Of actions that can never be undone.

Following the death of his beloved wife, John McCarthy – Grandpa John – calls his family back home. It is time for them to face the memories they have made, both warm and cold. Only then can they move beyond them and into the future.

A rich portrait of a family at a crossroad, THE ROCKIN' CHAIR is Steven Manchester’s most heartfelt and emotionally engaging novel to date. If family matters to you, it is a story you must read.

 
My Thoughts

Firstly I must say I am very very thankful for this book. And for Steven's kindness in letting me review it. This book marks a big milestone for me as this is my first time reviewing a book before its published date! How exciting indeed! So, thank you Steven, for your wonderful gift.  

Goodnight, Brian was the first book of Steven's I'd ever read and so a small part of me will always compare it with his other books. Even more so because of how much I absolutely adored the former. The Rockin' Chair is a good book to start with for those who are new to his writings. It is not as intense as Goodnight, Brian and thus will probably be easier to read for some. It talks about a family that's full of regrets. Regrets stemming from their childhoods all the way to their futures. The book starts off slowly, as the author wants to let the seriousness of the situation sink in before proceeding to share bits and pieces of each small tale, that weave together to create the core of this book.

The main character is this book is no doubt Grandpa John, who at the beginning of the book loses his best friend in life, to Alzheimer's. As he grieves and longs to join her in the house of the Lord, he is sent a message, telling him that he has work to do before his time is up. It's just like a good ghost movie whereby they have some things to take care off before they can be at peace. And as such, he gathers the whole family for a bit of much-needed southern intervention.

The Rockin' Chair touches on illnesses of the mind and encourages strength from within. The characters in the book have to overcome drug and alcoholic addictions, tough relationships, beatings, and nightmares garnered from the pains of war among other things. Grandpa John dishes out sound advice left, right, and center without skipping a beat. The book gives us hope that no matter how painful or how deep the scars in our hearts, it can always be healed by the power of one's love. It reminds us that we are our greatest critics and that we have to forgive ourselves before we can forgive others.

"Anything that I have ever accomplished - all that I am - is because the Lord blessed me with your love" 

~ My favourite quote from the book.

Steven Manchester is a master at stringing together the simplest words to create messages with such strong hidden meanings behind them. Every turn of the page creates a brand new picture, his words, like brushstrokes on a painting, are a joy to visualize. You'll learn all of life's lessons amid the beautiful living, breathing Earth and its creatures. So sit back and enjoy life in all its simplicity and take a cue from Grandpa John.

The last chapter will have you in tears. I had to take breaks every handful of sentences as my vision kept fogging up and interrupting my reading process. The Rockin' Chair has messages that you can take away and use to enrich your own lives and pass down to others. Every Steven Manchester book should come with its own box of Kleenex. Believe me, you're going to need it!

Steven Manchester is the published author of the #1 best seller, Twelve Months, as well as A Christmas Wish (the holiday prequel to Goodnight, Brian). He is also written Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of his short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Give Steven Manchester a buzz:

Email * Website * Facebook

To purchase The Rockin' Chair

Amazon * Book Depository 

Check out Steven's other books:

Twelve Months - Amazon * Book Depository

Goodnight, Brian - My Review * Amazon * Book Depository 

Pressed Pennies - Amazon
The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy - Amazon 

Disclosure: I was sent the book for review but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.  

Giveaway Goodies: The Best Book EVER Giveaway Hop

Looks like you've stumbled upon my giveaway as part of The Best Book EVER Giveaway Hop! Welcome! You've come to the right place.

This hop runs from June 4th to 10th and is co-hosted by The Best Books Ever and I'm a Reader, Not a Writer so big thanks to them for hosting this great-themed hop!

If you want to know what makes a book the best EVER, you can head on over and check it out yourself at The Best Book Ever Categories! My giveaways sure qualify!!

Now here's the thing about my stop. I have not held a giveaway in quite awhile so I thought I'd go BIG! I have THREE giveaways for you to enter! Some are limited to certain locations so please read the Rafflecopter carefully and enter for your respectable location. And of course, have FUN!

I am giving away 1 book to an International winner, 1 to a Malaysian winner, and 1 more sponsored by the wonderful Steven Manchester, to a US winner! So there's something for everyone! 

Steven Manchester is the published author of the #1 best seller, Twelve Months, as well as A Christmas Wish (the holiday prequel to Goodnight, Brian). He is also written Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News.  
Recently, three of his short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

I reviewed and ABSOLUTELY LOVED his Goodnight, Brian. It's so touching and is the type of book that keeps on giving and teaching. Most definitely a book everyone should take the time to read! Steven's books are classified under Emotional Stories according to the The Best Book Ever Categories but they are so much more than that. It'd take too much space to list them all because his books fall under so many great categories. So I will just leave it up to you to decide which ones it goes under.


Here's a quick look at his 3 main books, with links if you wish to order them for yourselves. OR you can always try to win some in my giveaways first!

The Rockin' Chair  (pre-order)

Amazon * Book Depository 

Twelve Months  

Amazon * Book Depository

Goodnight, Brian  

Amazon * Book Depository

Giveaway #1 (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #2 (US only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I thought a little giveaway for my fellow Malaysians was in order as I haven't come across too many Malaysian only book giveaways online.

Books up for grabs (Malaysian Giveaway ONLY):
~ Some of the books below are preloved and some are brand new, book of choice can be discussed and will be confirmed after winner is chosen. I am not responsible for lost books in the mail.
Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer (Vampires)
The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella (Series)
Jane & the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor - Stephanie Barron (Historical Fiction)
The Takeover - Stephen W. Frey (Books for Everyone)
Grave Secret - Charlaine Harris (Mystery)
Further Under the Duvet - Marian Keyes (Series)
Ugly - Constance Briscoe (Series)

Giveaway #3 (Malaysia only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bod Talk: Gimme a H-A-V-A-I-A-N-A-S, what does that spell?

 Why I want a Havaianas!

 Do you really have to ask?

Everyone keeps on talking about this thing called Havaianas. Havaianas this, Havaianas that. But what's the biggie? It's a pair of slippers! Right??

My THREE Reasons Why I Want (NEED) a Havaianas!!

Reason #1  
~ I have suffered at the hand (foot rather) of a ratty pair of slippers. This is super comfy and comes in a rainbow of colours!

The below 'illustration' with help using the LINE program. This is a true story, I really DO have the dark spot. Please read below for clarification.

Reason #2
~ Everyone keeps on talking about Havaianas but I still don't have one yet! It's time for a new pair, for a new me! Even celebrities love Havaianas! They are so chic and stylish I hope they can make me those things too! *wishes*

Reason #3
~ If I DO get to attend the Butterfly Project's Spa Party *wink wink* *ahem ahem*, I'm going to need something to show off my pretty new nails!

Connect with Havaianas

Website    *   Twitter


Have YOU Havaianas? 

 I NEED one *points above*