Happy 10th anniversary dear

Daddy...

It's been 10years...a quite long one if we recall the day-to-day stuff but it is also a short one. Never thought that in a blink of eyes(ok...maybe several thousands of blink)...time has passed.

I know it's not a fairy tale...so I've never been into happily-ever-after (it is good to watch though...with a goeying eyes). And since I don't have any chrystal ball in my possession nor both of us have any experience in fortune telling...I guess there will be lots of ups and downs in the next 10years ahead. I hope we are blessed with an overflowing happiness (crossing my fingers) despite the bumps. I don't know what will happen (otherwise I would have probably been asking for a refund LOL) and I don't wanna give out a guarantee, but one I am sure...that we will go through it day-by-day (in between of the girls' laughing and my yelling "̮˚°◦♡ώκωķ(∩_∩)◦°˚"̮  )until the next decade. Just bear with me...my selfishness...my books shopping spree 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】 ...my unpredictable mood...and my home cooking too LOL

I don't know what will hold and what will give away...but at least I promise you....that I'll be there...as long as уσυ are there too

Luv u
xoxo

Crossed (2nd book in Matched trilogy) by Allie Condie

I guess this will be my last post in this week and the week after...tomorrow is my girls' last day of school and afterward, we are having a holiday YAY   (>.<)   So I wont be writing for sometimes...but please kindly frequent my blog since more posts are coming after the holiday.

Synopsis

On the edge of society, nothing is as expected.

Cassia flees to the Outer Provinces in search of Ky, only to discover he has escaped into the canyons. But even as she risks everything to reunite with Ky, a few surprises from her former life may haunt her...or change the game once again. The path to freedom is more twisted than ever. Is Ŀ♡√Ɛ enough in order to survive?

I say...

The long-awaited-book...this one was quite difficult to find @Jkt bookstore, even though I searched it on several big imported store. So when I saw this one (along with the newly released 3rd book)...I was practically jumping with joy...уααу!└(^o^)┘ \^o^/ └(^o^)┘уααу! ...finally I got books to read during the year-end holiday (well, I guess I will eat this up pretty fast - meaning in a day or two)

So...half of the book tells the story of Ky, escaping the Society and Cassia, trying to reach Ky - anywhere he could be. Again, the story flows smoothly, from Ky to Cassia...then back to Ky again...to and fro with flawless elegency. Up...until Ky is reunited again with Cassia, then I got this confusion on who is talking to whom ‎​=.=! pheω...‎​⊙﹏⊙

The way Condie describes things are as powerful as before and before you realize, you are drawn into it already...into the strong feeling of affection...into the strong desire of freedom...into the deep belief of Cassia and Ky toward each other...into the beauty of the colors, the river, the canyons, and the poems as well. This book tells a story of Ky and Cassia, joining the Rising, a rebellion against the Society.

Quoting a sentence from the book, loving let's you look, however the more you look into it...the more you will find out that he/she is different from what you've visualized. Ky and Cassia, after reunited, realized that each holds something...which conciously or not...being kept from the other. Some secrets are unravelled but more are still wait to be unfolded on the last book - Reached (I'm reading it right now). Because in the end you can't always choose what to keep. You can only choose how you let it go.

Life of Pi - the movie

'Tell me about your story that make you believe in the God'. Roughly the movie is opened by a flashback, the grown-up Pi telling his story to a writer. From the title, it must be a biography movie...a religious(?) drama, not my fav but since my hubby kept nagging me...telling me that it was a great movie and all, and I guessed (since he accompanied me watching Twilight), so I returned the favor. We watched it last weekend, missed the first 5-10? minutes since we were late...the traffic was bad.

It is a story about Piscine (sorry if I wrong-spelled it), an Indian boy which was named after the famous public swimming pool in France (where his parent met). Too bad, due to the pronounciation, he was often bullied by his classmate. Therefore, he deftly called himself, Pi. With modern-thinking father who opened the zoo and open-minded mother, Pi lived quite a comfortable live. He was smart and curious boy, he asked lots of thing...which made him believed in 3 different kinds of religion. He said, religion is like a room in a house. A single house (human) can have more than one room and probably with doubt at every corner. He saw things differently, just like his fierce close encounter with Richard Parker, a miss-named Bengali tiger (one member of the zoo). Despite Pi' belief, his father tought him (in an extreme way) that animal is an animal, without any streak for human emotion. Then, due to circumstances at that time, his father decided to leave India and migrate to Canada. They brought all the animal by Japanese Cargo ship and near Philiphine, the ship sank due to storm.

Then the movie gets more interesting from here on. Pi, the single survival was sharing a life boat with broken-leg-zebra, simpanze, a heyna, and Richard Parker (I will shorten it to RP). Due to hunger, all animal was eaten at the end by RP. Pi, striving for his own survival, found RP as the only living being that kept him sane. Feeding RP became his life purpose...he even became seafood eater (he used to be a vegan). Until after 200something days, he was ashored at some beach in Mexico. There, between life and death, RP left Pi behind without a single glance.

In term of the movie itself, it was beautiful with a nice blend of India culture. While for the special effect, like the one with sea of jelly fish, or flying fish scene, the storm and terrifying lighting, as well as the floating carnivore island that was found by Pi are awesome too. However, since it is perfectly beautiful...I could see clearly the animation of it. Pi tought us about strength for hope...for survival....and when the time is right...the strength to let go (give up). It's also about fear and be friend with it. It's about separation and get over it. It's about the journey to find your faith.

It's Pi's story...how bout your story?

Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner

Synopsis

There's Becky, a plump, sexy chef, with an overworked husband, an adorable baby girl...and the mother-in-law from hell. There's Kelly, a twenty-four-seven event planner who is charting her baby's every move on a spreadsheet, while hoping that her husband will pull his finger out, and finally find a job. And then there's the beautiful Ayinde, who is happily married to Philadelphia's most prominent basketball star, until the combination of a new baby and infidelity threathens their marriage. By turns moving, funny, and inspiring, Little Earthquakes is a great big delicious read from a prodigiously talented author.

I say...

Actually there is a 4th wive, which this story is started and ended by Lia, a run-away-girl who developed her career on TV show. She lost her baby boy and she was trying to make up and compromise for the guiltiness feeling...leaving her husband and making up with her mother.

At first, I didn't expect this book to be this good...well...I bought it on a sale rack...with an author that I've never heard nor read before...so with a bit of sceptical feeling (plus a boring day)...I spent my time reading it. And I luv it...it was witty (like those chicklit but this book was way better than the ordinary chicklit) and hilarious. I've never read anything like this...a day-to-day life with twisting horror (not in a spooky way) and fun...totally luv it

It tells about the journey of 3wives into motherhood. They meet accidentally at yoga classes and due to the given circumstances, become best buddy. Each with their own problem (may it be the breast-feeding stuff or in-law terror)...you might thought it was your story...because it was so downright true and yet heart warming. I recommend this for who ever is expecting their first baby...not to scare you but at least, you would be prepared for the worst. Just a little perfect book to bring inside your baby-delivering-bag *grinning*

Warning: reading this might remind you of uncomfortable days of your pregnancy...the pain of your delivery (not mine though - I was CS-ed)...and the nightmares which come along the cute and sweet baby.

Chubby Flower Hair Accessories

It's been weeks since the last time I opened my craft boxes. These few weeks have been the busiest days for me...not that I was working...but I was busy typing the practice papers for my girls. They are having their exams now and by 2nd week of Dec, it is holiday уααу!└(^o^)┘ \^o^/ └(^o^)┘уααу!

The cute chubby hair accessories

So when I finally had time, I started collecting my scrap fabric. I got some batik fabric (from the too-long-belt of my batik dress). So look what I made out of it...fancy hairclips with Indonesian traditional patterned cloth. If you are interested to make one for you, please kindly check my previous post. I'm pretty sure I wrote some tutorial re to it :-)

I got an idea from this hairclip (I bought this one)

My batik hair accessories

But the best ones are these chubby flower hair accessories (and it comes with a matching set уααу!└(^o^)┘ \^o^/ └(^o^)┘уααу! ). It involved lots of stitching but I bet...it worth the effort *grinning* I found an old clothes of my girl with pretty pattern on it and I cut it into 5 circles (around 7cm in diameter). I stitched the edge of the circle (one by one) and I pulled the thread so the circle was a bit in bowl-like-shape. I inserted some polyester fibre and pulled it firmly. If you don't have polyester fibre, you can cut your scrap fabric smaller to replace it or use bean bag/foam balls. Then I fastened the opening by stitching it altogether. Afterward, the fabric would look like a soft ball (with a bouncy feel on it)

After I made 5balls, then I stitched all the balls together (from side to side) for form flower petals. Next I glued/stitched the applicant right in the middle of the petals. Here I used (again) old button but you can put anything (beads or fake pearl). Then I attached (by gluing) the hair rubber or lined hairclip onto the back. Pretty cute isn't it? My girls adore it...they asked me for another already...they said...the chubbier - the cuter *grinning ear to ear*

some snapshots on my batik hair accessories

Colour your life :-)

Have you tried Rainbow cake? If you haven’t, I bet you still know what I mean…layered sponge cake with rainbow colours on it. Some even has chocolate chips sprinkled on it…definitely a feast to our eyes. It looks so pretty…bright with eye-catching-colours…sitting on a nicely decorated display…seems to persuade us to look closer and have a bite…ehm…in my case, a slice or two J

Red Velvet and Rainbow cake @Michel's

Ombre cake

Initially, it made me wondered whether it is delicious and healthy (considering the unusual colours used). Since up to the last 2 years, we were so used to seeing monochromic cakes, like in chocolate or vanilla colours (mostly). Sometimes we had fruity cake in orange colour or bday cake in pink, but it wasn’t as colourful and in shocking colours and as famous as cakes sold now almost in every bakery/café/pastry shop. Each bakery/café seems to try to come up with the best version of Rainbow cake or whatever other famous cake, like Macaroon, Green Tea cake, Red Velvet, Blue Velvet, Ombre cake, and many more. All are in shockingly unusual colours, deep red, bright blue, shocking pink, you name it   J

Green Tea cake

Some are using food grade colour, while others choose natural colour extracted from fruit/veg. For me, I prefer the ones using natural colour even though the cake will have slightly odd taste or smell (like Red Velvet made fully from beetroot instead of using the burgundy-red food grade colour). But again…everyone have different taste   J

My fav - Red Velvet @Starbuck

While I was enjoying my cake, I was wondering why cakes with bright colours are so famous lately. It is kinda of a fashion…incomplete if miss these colourful cakes while you are hanging out. I guessed it has a relation with the paradigm shift going on in our society, which people nowadays are more expressive, in their personal outlook and action. It seems they are trying to be existed in their circle or perhaps it feels great to be different…to be daring. Perhaps unconsciously, we get bored with the normal monochromic cakes and therefore, we welcome these colourful cakes. Perhaps, it is a perfect time to spice up our life…get out from our comfort zone and  just like a tagline on one commercial-ads…live is never flat. So…lets enjoy it   *licking the cream off my finger*

Red Velvet and Green Tea cake @Klassen

Handmade Snow-globe

Christmas is coming soon...I hear it now and then...as the Christmas songs are on the air. I saw it here and there...the shopping malls with its tenants are putting up the Christmas tree and decorations...lovely. Even though I'm not a Christian (but my husband is)...I always Ŀ♡√Ɛ this jolly festive season. Who wouldn't Ŀ♡√Ɛ this year-end month with lots of sale (^.^). And I love those cute tiny fancy Christmas decorations and ornaments...those red and green knick knack...especially the snow globe (уσυ know, the rounded glass with mini Santa inside and when we shake it...the white-small-item-like-snow will fall and scatter around).

Yay...my handmade snow globe - or snow jar in my case he he he

So when suddenly I had the mood to tidy up my girls' stuff...there...I found a mini plastic santa (perhaps from the last year Chrismas cake). I quickly asked my sis whether she still keep an empty bottle/glass jar...and she had it :-) Too bad...the glass jar is a bit longer than what I wanted but...no problem...this would do (this is why mine is unique he he he).

So...I started to work on my version of snow globe. Here are what you need:
# 1 glass jar (like baby food jar - good if you can find the round one)
# 1 mini plastic Santa or any Christmas items that you wanted (perhaps a sledge or a reindeer or Santa's house...anything) as long as it is made of plastic
# Glitter powder and other applicants for decoration. I used plastic snow flakes, snow flakes beads, mini glass beads

These are what you need

How to:
1. Clean the jar (rub all the label) and dry it up
2. Glue the mini Santa onto the lid firmly. Let it dry properly
3. Glue the plastic snow flakes onto the inner side of the glass jar. Let it dry properly
4. Put the glitter powder and beads into the jar
5. Put some clean water into it
6. Glue the lid properly and close the jar firmly. Let it dry (half a day)before you start to put it upside-down

These are how to assemble it

TADA...it's a handmade snow globe :-) Well, in my case, it looks like the snow globe is being hit by a stormy glitter inside it LOL. I thought I was too excited when I poured those glitters. Anyway, it still looks great (for a first handmade) and my girls are excited to play with it. Betcha my hubby will Ŀ♡√Ɛ this simple gift (>.<)

Rise of the Guardians - the movie

Newly released movie and one in my list to watch...today we made it to watch the Rise of the Guardians. We managed to sneak a 90-mins of time in between of my girls' piano classes. My girls are having their final already and I prefer them to focus studying during this weekend (but who knows, perhaps we are going to re-watch it on the 3D IMAX version this weekend). As expected from Dreamworks, the details of picture, image and animation were AWESOME (yes, in capital letters). I Ŀ♡√Ɛ how Jack Frost made those fancy looking snowflakes or how the globe in Santa's castle was being devoured by the pitch-black-sand.

Now, let's meet the characters. The first one to be introduced was Jack Frost (of course - being the center of the whole story) who forgot about himself when he died, fell into a frozen lake, sacrificing himself when he saved his little sister. That event qualified him as the guardian. Though when he was being resuscitated and since nobody could neither see nor hear him, he became the naughty lonely person who made mess everywhere he went...leaving an icing trail. When in fact, he was a kind yet fun and fearless figure.

Then there was fun, positive thinking and jolly Santa of the North Pole. Resided inside a pretty craving castle, nestled on an icing hills, he was not the Santa that you normally see either on the book or movie. Here, he was more carefree, a little bit rough but still had a pretty big eyes to see a wonder in every single thing. With 'naughty' word being tattoed on his right hand and 'nice' on his left, he loved to crave a toy out of an ice. Then the ice prototype would be duplicated by the yeti (yes - not by elf like we all believed) into toys for Christmas presents. While the elves (with bell attached to its pointy hat) were busy running errands for Santa.

Next on the list was this easter bunny, the guardian of Easter day who cherished the fresh beginning. With boomerang as his weapon, this brave guardian was not so brave when he get onto Santa's sledge. He preferred his tunnel to his warren, with egg-shape-stuff and egg-popping-flowers. There was a colourful stream to colour the egg as well...ehm some fancy place *yes, i wouldn't imagine so...it looked like Alice in Wonderland*

But my favourite would be the Sandman - Sandy, who spread good dream to every child at night. The cute and small golden figure which could not speak...but he had a charming way to show you what he meant. And do not get fooled by his cute figure, since he could be quite scary and freaking when he was angry...i would not be on his bad side when he was holding a golden long lash   *grinning*   The last one was my girls' favourite, the pretty greenish peacock tooth fairy (I love the details...and the castle too...awesome). With a bunch of tooth fairy babies, they collected the came-off-tooth from each child around the world and preserve the childhood memories that come with the tooth.

Then, meet the Boogeyman, the pitch-black figure that represented the fear and the dark side of everybody. He stole some sand of the Sandman and manipulated it to deliver the nightmare to every child...every night...Apparently, he was on his revenge toward the guardians, for outcasting him for almost...forever. Now, by spreading the nightmare, he made every child forgot about the guardians and the guardian would ceased to exist too. I was expecting more action at the final encounter between the good and the bad ones, however the pitch black sand was turned to the golden-sandy-sand as quickly as a single touch of believing child. At the end, Boogeyman was just a very lonely figure who sought for some recognition.

I enjoyed the movie so much, first because of the animation was pretty good and the story itself was easy to understand. If you are watching it on 3D screen, then prepare for lots of slide and fun (with a little bit of dizziness). Last thing that you should do is face your fear...open your eyes for wonders...and keep your dream and hope afloat...be a guardian

Enjoy the show

Hotel Transylvania - the movie

I'm no fan of horror movie, but I'm sure, even a scaredy cat person (just like me *grinning*) will Ŀ♡√Ɛ this movie, Hotel Transylvania. An animation about a father's Ŀ♡√Ɛ toward his only daughter. To keep his daughter safe, the father built a grande hotel which in some way, served just like a prison for his daughter (Mavis). Her daughter wasn't allowed to leave the premises until her 118th birthday. Oh by the way, did I mention that the father was the famous Count Dracula (and of course his daughter was a dracula too). This hotel was called as hotel for monster, where monster (like Frankenstein, invisible man, warewolf, mummy, to name few) could find a secured place, out of human's reach.

On this movie, you can forget about the vampires on Twilight. On Hotel Transylvania, the dracula turned to bat and burnt by sunlight. They drank blood-replacement and were scared of human. All measurements were taken to make sure human wouldn't be able to reach the hotel. All because of the terrible past of the father where he witnessed the people (human) were killing Martha, his wife. Little he knew that, as time past...human changed too (now they adored and were lining up just to see Edward Cullen the vampire LOL).

So, when a human boy suddenly popped up in the hotel lobby, Dracula was terrified. And just like the fate had been drawn, the human boy fell in love with Mavis, and vice versa. Dracula tried to separate them which at the end, brought unhappiness toward Mavis. Then, Dracula realized that loving someone meant giving them the trust and freedom. 

This movie sure thought me to be a better parent, to put more trust toward my girls and let them independently take decision and be responsible. This kind of parental love will encourage them to grow into a far-better-adult in the near future (I hope so ... *crossing my fingers*)

Now, next on my movies to watch list...I'm waiting for The Host (the latest movie adapted from Stephenie Meye's fiction with the same title as well) and of course, the sequel of The Hunger Games   :-)

Matched by Ally Condie

Synopsis

Cassia has always trusted the society's choices. And when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia is certain he is the one...until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

Now she is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path no one dares follow...between perfection and passion.

I say...

After several fictions of action and dystopian world, now was the perfect time for a little bit of romance. And the book I chose, yes, I picked it up from the bookshelves due to its green cover (I Ŀ♡√Ɛ green as you might have known) was this one. I flipped over the cover (couldn't open since it was sealed up perfectly) and I read all those encouraging recommendation for this book. It claimed as the superb dystopian romance after Hunger Games...‎​‎​⊙.◎ ‎​‎​w(°ｏ°)w ⊙.◎ And when I tore the plastic wrapping, there on the last page...the sequel book to this one, called Crossed and soon-to-be-released Reached (the last book in this trilogy). Geez...I hate it...hate it...hate it....why every fictions nowadays have to have the sequel...and why the authors don't bother to put it up on the cover ‎​=.=! pheω...‎​⊙﹏⊙

I couldn't imagine...living in the this utopian world which every single thing is decided by the society. Every body practically wear the same thing, doing things assigned by the society, die when you reach 80, eat the same unappealing stuff, and even this strange sleep tag. Every data is collected and processed...it's like a fake world...like a robotic-kinda-of-world. It's like you ask your super computer to predict the number out of the rolling dice...nice try though

But I loved the romance...it described fall-in-love in such a smooth way...from a light flirting to such intense and emotionally bantering. It wasn't a sexy romance but yet I got this soft-fleeting and longing-ache feeling after reading it. It was beautiful...intoxinating...gripping me through the last chapters. The romance reminded me a lot of Twilight saga, a choice of Bella between a normal life with Jacob or risky and unpredictable true Ŀ♡√Ɛ with Edward. The world and plot were pretty similar with the Hunger Games trilogy, about fighting the 'so-wrong-society' without a clue of what an ideal society should be.

I Ŀ♡√Ɛ уσυ...like red...

Easy bows

This time I was quite lazy do something. But my girls, are getting used to get some surprise after school, kept on nagging me for new bows, especially we just bought new ribbons few days before. So I made this simple one just to satisfy them

I was using barrette clip, so I disassembled the clip prior lining it up. I used two ribbons (about a yard length) and fold it few times (any length is fine). Fasten the middle using either craft wire or strong thread. Use another ribbon and make a knot (pls refer to the above pic). Afterward, attach the knotted ribbon onto the folded ones (right in the middle, to cover the wire or thread). Glue the ribbon onto the clip altogether, to fasten it and you are done   :-) Simple and very easy

Breaking Dawn part 2 - The Movie

^_- ♡Ҡ...who has watched it during the last weekend? Who was willing to queue for it? I knew, it was a tough job to get a ticket for this show. Early this week...I have been anticipating (along with other female in this world LOL) the release of Breaking Dawn 2, the final closure of the famous Twilight saga. I was informed by my friend a week ago that the ticket could be bought on 12nov, using MTix. So, right at 5.30am in the monday morning, I was siting nicely in front of my laptop...checking the MTix website instead of preparing my girls' school lunch boxes LOL. After few times trying, I still couldn't buy the tickets (no BD2 option anywhere - either I was too early or the system was in process of updating its database). I almost gave up...but not before my last attempt around 7am (after my girls were off to school with their daddy). Luckily, the site showed several movies, including BD2, in which the tickets were ready to sell. I hurrily bought 2tickets for Friday night show...and been counting down until now (several hours to the show - I am writing this on my BB while waiting for the movie).

Based on my initial prediction, and according to the second part of BD fiction, I didn't expect much action. In the fiction, it tells about Renesme (Bella and Edward' daughter) with her unique talent and her surprising growth, along with the efforts of Cullen family, in convincing other Vampires that Renesme isn't the taboo immortal child as being feared by the Volturi. One thing that I am looking forward in this movie, is on how Bella is developing her 'shielding' power...and of course the first look of Bella as vampire (must be a sight).

And it turned out...
...the fanfare and drumming pls...

^_- ♡Ҡ, before I go on, telling bout the movie, I would like to tell уσυ about the crowd. I saw it at one (biggest?) mall in Kelapa Gading and there, they put 4theaters for this movie...and all were sold out...including the most corner seat on the first row（ˇˍˇ）ck! ck! ck!...ε٩(๑> ₃ <)۶з I wouldn't risk spraining my neck for this LOL. Crowd was seen here and there, even there was a snake long queue in the ladies room ‎​=.=! pheω...‎​⊙﹏⊙ . It was such a mess, the movie was supposed to be started at 9.15pm but at 9.05pm, the previous show' audiences were just off and we had to wait until 9.21pm to enter the theater (normally the door is opened 15mins before the time on the ticket). Not to mention the commercial ads shown before the movie (normally it shows movie trailers)...I counted more than 10ca...what a great marketing strategy. I felt like watching the tv at home...at least, with tv, I can always switch the channel during the ca. So, finally the movie was started at 9.35

It was red...blood red turned to white, just like how the veins inside Bella was frozen. With improvization of Cartel Bruwel's Bella Lullaby, the screen was opened by introducing the lead actors and actresses. It seemed all those blood were being sucked up to her now-blood-red-eyes. That was all...I expected more of this but that was...the transformation of Bella. The first touch of Bella toward Edward wasn't as dramatic as in the fiction as well.

It jumped from one scene to another in quite a smooth plot. I like the 'cat fight' when Bella drank for the first time. I noticed minor changes between the movie with the fiction, especially the interpretation in the movie of Jacob's transformation right in front of Charlie...quite a scene. The scene that I was expecting, the one when Bella is practicing her shieling power was pretty flat. But I like the Benjamin and the war warrior Gareth...perfect couple as if come out from the fiction though I couldn't say the same for the Amazones.

But what shocked me a lot more was the fight that happened right after Alice was back with the Cullen and friends, facing the Volturi pack. The fight was pretty intense and spread out, so it was kinda hard to keep counting the fallen bodies. I was jaw-dropping literally when Jasper (the first victim) and then Carlisle were killed. I screamed to myself...there wasn't supposed to be a fight...it was different with the fiction!!! Then, adding up to the victim list, were Seth and Leah (in her dramatic suicide action in saving Carlisle' wife)...I guessed it was both of them since it was difficult to distinguish who is who in their wolfy body. I didn't see the magnificent power of Benjamin (well, I thought every vampire alive can do what he did in the movie...geez...for someone who possesses the nature element changing power can only knock the icing ground...what a disappointment). But Volturi was also losing lots of its member, including Alex, Jane (met her terrible end with Sam wolf), even the trio Volturi, unexpectedly were tore and burnt...

...But all of it was only in Alice's future prediction if Aro insisted to fight. Aro, saw the terrible end of his and his family, regretly decided to leave in peace (just like the end in the fiction)...left behind such precious talents of the Cullen. I felt cheated LOL...but I Ŀ♡√Ɛ it (the fighting scene)...could be the only surprising element in this movie. All were well in the end...live a Ħªppy live FOREVER

Overall, I thought this BD2 exceeded my expectation. Maybe this one will really be an epic that live forever.

*felt like wanting to re-read my Twilight saga fiction again*

Poor Customer Service of Indovision

I was disappointed…truly. I’ve been a subscriber of Indovision (said to be the #1 cable TV here) for years. So far, I’ve never had any problem with it. Until I decided to unsubscribe and change to another provider, first because another provider offers much complete services (heard from my friends) and second, because Indovision never give a promo to the existing customer. Their promo (like pay 6months and get another 6 months free) is only applicable for new customer. It seems Indovision intended to gain big sum on new customers, but on the other hand, forgot to improve the existing customer satisfaction.

After checking my billing, it said that I have paid the subscription fee for Nov – Des 2012, therefore, I told them to terminate my subscription according to my billing period (per Des). I sent fax last 8 Nov (the rule) and the CS confirmed this back to me via phone. Suddenly on last 10Nov, we couldn’t enjoy the cable TV. I called the CS (after being on hold for 5-10mins before I could talk to the CS and another 5-10min on hold while theyand she told me that they will work on it as per that day. They realize the error wasn’t on me, but on them (either their system or human error on their side). I even told them that it was ok for me if they terminate my subscription ahead of my requested date, however, I insisted them to return the money that had been autodebited by them earlier (fair and square), however, the CS ensured me that it wouldn’t necessary since they would re-activate my subscription. I called 3times (once for every day from Saturday until Monday) and the CS always answered me the same, that they will work on it the soonest. I was confused, it took so little time (perhaps less than 5mins) to disconnect my cable TV but it took them 3days to work on it? What the hell was going on?

On last Monday morning, I emailed my formal complain letter to Surat Pembaca Kompas, by cc-ing Indovision. Then within 2 hours after my sent email, the CS inisiatively called me to inform that I could enjoy the cable TV since they had re-activated my subscription. Well…Kompas sure was effective, wasn’t it? Too bad, I could only enjoy it for 3 hours before it went off again. Monday night, I sent another email to Indovision (too tired to be put on hold) which until this Friday, I received neither reply nor call from them. This morning, I called them again, asking them to confirm whether they will return my money or activate my cable TV. They asked me to be patient...wasn't I patient enough, considering I'd waited for 4days? I threated them if I still haven’t received any confirmation by lunch hour, I am going to write another complain to Kompas. Again, Kompas was such an effective word to use when you are dealing with CS. Within 2 hours, the CS called me that my girls could enjoy the Disney channel again. Let’s hope, it doesn’t go off within few hours again because I’m too fed up with them.

so much for the so-called-#1-paying-TV in Indonesia. Perhaps they don't put much effort for customer who almost discontinue the subscription...but again, I wish this will serve as a lesson for those who is a subscriber or wants to be a subscriber of Indovision.

Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove - PIK

Who had the hellish traffic today? I had...it was the worst one. The 20mins trip to Pluit Village (where my girl has her Yamaha classes) became 70mins and we had 180mins on our way home instead of the normal 30mins phewww! Well...nothing much can be said...safe drive and just enjoy the traffic   :-)   And lets hope that tomorrow traffic will be a light one. if yes and if you aren't going out of town, then why don't you visit this place? Initially I didn’t have intention to write about this place…but since I put some of the pics that I took there as my blackberry profile, lots of my friend keep asking me bout the place. So here it is…Wisata Alam Mangrove

Simple and plain, yet beautiful

We heard bout this place from some time ago, however we never had a chance to visit this place even though it is quite close (still in Jakarta). Several times, we went to the neighbourhood area but again, we skipped this. Maybe I had a thought that this place would not be an awesome place that worth to visit *yeah…blame me he he he* Anyway, since we had nothing on our plan and we were nearby, last weekend we decided to drop by for a while…in which ‘a while’ was extended for an hour and so *grinning*. If there weren’t dark cloud hanging low with thundering sound, I believed…we would have been there for some more time…taking picture and exploring the places (the area is sooo big). It was too pity we didn't bring our camera, but yet we managed to get some good shots with my mobile's camera.

Playing hammock in rabbit garden

The place is easy to find, thanks to those signages (there are several signages showing the way…so no worry…you will find it unless you can’t read). First, head to Pantai Indah Kapuk, follow the road to PIK hospital and Waterbom. Then follow the road to Yayasan Buddha Tzu Chi and the newly established Tzu Chi School, the grande grayish Chinese building on the right corner. Go along the side road of the Tzu Chi building then turn to right. Wisata Alam Mangrove is located directly at the back of Tzu Chi building. It is a dead-end anyway, so you will not miss the place.

Catch the rabbits

For entrance, we have to pay IDR 10k/person and another IDR 5k/car. From the outer gate, we cannot see anything unless greenery. A few metres to reach the parking lot, I started to complain…geez…it was scorching 2pm sun and we were strolling under the sun *melting* Luckily, after a while, the weather became more friendly, a little bit cloudy with some breeze. From the parking lot, we strolled for a minute when we reached the Rabbit garden. It isn’t a garden, just a place (3m diameter) surrounded with fence with a big hutch in the middle of it, complete with handmade burrow and tunnels as well. There are several rabbits with various kind/breeds, I saw one Lob rabbit, and many Rex ones. Children can enter the garden and play with the rabbits with IDR 2k/person as the fee.

The seating area in front of the restaurant

Right across the Rabbit garden, there is an arc of villas for rental. They have various types of villas, 2-3 bedrooms, starting from IDR 1,3m per night. They also have bigger house to cater small company or big family outing as well, starting from IDR 5m per night. All of the villas are landed, with wooden façade and furnishing. While next to the rabbit garden, there is a small restaurant. Not far from the restaurant, there are small outbound places (on the right and left side) and another arc of camping ground (on the far left side). Here, you can use tent for camping, or if sleeping inside tent is not comfortable, they provide wooden villas in the shape of tent. So you will still get the feeling of camping…in a much comfortable way   *sounds good right*  

Camping villa above the embankment

Another awesome thing is some of the camping villas are landed/grounded, while the rest are built above the embankment. However, for the camping villas, they don’t have en-suite bathroom inside the villa, but they provide public bathroom for use. For the camping villas, you can choose the one with fan or air-conditioned, starting from IDR 300k/night (includes breakfast for 2 persons).

The simple outbound area

Beside villas, they also offer several activities such as canoing or ride the boat (starting from IDR 50k). You can participate in mangrove conservation by replanting the mangrove, with IDR 150k/person. They also caters wedding, meeting, company outing, or pre-wed photo-taking (since the place is quite beautiful in an unsual way).

Landed camping villa

Well, in short, this place is awesome (if you are not afraid of some little insect though he he he). It is close, cheap, and a good place to learn about mangrove conservation. So, why don’t you visit this place during tomorrow holiday…bring along your kids…and don’t forget your camera. Have FUN!

The landed villa

Taman Wisata Alam Angke Kapuk

Kapuk Muara, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara

Telp. 021-2903 3066

Web: www.jakartamangrove-resort.com 

Handmade Ruffle Tote Bag - Another Sewing Project

Another bag that I like from www.makeit-loveit.com is the tote bag. I liked the design a lot and I thought it would be a great art-n-craft bag for my girls (hers was torn already phewww). Again, I copied the design however I didn’t follow her instruction. I used mine instead (for me…it was easier). For this project, I used my girl’s old cloth which the material and colour were still in good condition.

Pardon the mix-matching, i used any old clothes available on hand

How to (if you are confused, pls kindly refer to the detailed explanation on the above site:

Step 3 - 5

1.      I draw the design first, the outer look and the inner side. Since my girls have lots of stuff, so I want to have small pockets inside the bag

2.      I make the prototype patterns. For this bag, I need:

a.      1 zipper

b.      2 rectangles for outer and inner part with dimension of 25cm x 60cm

c.       Another 1 rectangle for inside pocket with dimension of 20cm x 60cm

d.      1 rectangle for the top part with dimension of 10cm x 60cm

e.      1 rectangle for ruffle with dimension of 10cm x 100cm

f.        2 rectangles for handle with dimension of 8cm x 40cm (you could make the length longer or shorter, depends on your design)

Step 6 - 8

3.      Then I draw on the cloth and cut it out

4.      I sew the ruffle onto the top of the outer rectangle

5.      I sew the inside pocket onto the inner rectangle

6.      Then sew the sides of inner and outer rectangles altogether

7.      Sew the bottom part properly

8.      Sew the top part onto the ruffle (to tidy up the ruffle part)

9.      Sew the zip onto the top part

10.  Sew the handle rectangle sides (the length ones) together. Do it for another rectangle. Then turn inside out

11.  Sew the handle onto the top part of the bag

TADA…now my girls have this lovely art-n-craft bag J

The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann

Synopsis

Part murder mystery, part gothic fantasy, part steampunk adventure, The Peculiar is Stefan Bachmann's rivetting, inventive, and unforgettable debut novel.

Don't get yourself noticed and you won't get yourself hanged. Bartholomew Kettle and his sister, Hettie, live by these words. Bartholomew and Hettie are changelings - Peculiars - and neither faeries nor humans want anything to do with them.

One day a lady in a plum - colored dress comes gliding down Old Crow Alley. Who is she? What does she want? When Bartholomew witnesses the lady whisking away - in a whirling ring of feathers - the boy who lives across the alley. Bartholomew gets himself noticed. First by the lady in plum herself, then by something darkly magical and mysterious, by Jack Box and the Raggedy Man, by the powerful Mr Lickerish...and by Arthur Jelliby, a young man trying to slip through the world unnoticed, too, and who, against all odds, offers Bartholomew friendship and a way to belong.

I say ...

I Ŀ♡√Ɛ the book...physically. I Ŀ♡√Ɛ the smooth front cover with eye-catching drawing/picture and the sandy back cover. The mechanical owl(?) with strange metal attachment all over its body and feathers on the cover is awesome. Cool! Re to the author, since this was his first book...well I couldn't say much bout it then. Let's just dig in :-)

And it was confusing...new terms...weird things...strange environment...really peculiar. But I loved how the author writes, like he put some charms into each weaving words, like reading an English poems. Though the way he described Bath of few decades ago in such a gloomy way, I still could sense the beauty in it. Thumbs up!

I guess...another book is coming soon since the ending of this one is a bit hanging. I just hope the author finishes it at the soonest (unlike this one which he wrote since he was 15yo...‎​=.=! pheω...‎​⊙﹏⊙ ...I couldn't wait for that long) LOL.

My 1st Sewing project

I was supposed to publish this post first...but instead, i published the 2nd post. No problem though...but this one is about when I started to learn sewing using the sewing machine. I would like to make a car seat cover for the front seat…since I always put my girls’ trolley school bag there. And, most of the time, the wheels of the trolley leave dirt and dust on the seat. Since my car seat is not covered in leather (I hate the smell he he he) so it is quite difficult to clean it up. Therefore, I made this seat cover to protect it.

Now...driving under the scorching sun doesn't matter anymore

At first, I sew manually by turning the side wheel of sewing machine (it was such a labor work). I spent nearly 15mins only to sew about 15cm phewww…and seeing that I still had lots to sew…finally I braced myself and switched the machine on. It hums pretty loud (I didn’t know whether it is normal or not) and slowly I nudged the pedal using my toe only. It didn’t move...only the humming was getting louder. I gave up…I press lightly onto the pedal and it moved YAY….yippey….:-D

Slowly…an inch by an inch…I managed to sew the cover perfectly. Well, it was a bit messy but what the hell…it was my first time and I was so proud when I finished it (I kinda felt like a supermom who could take up any challenge LOL). And since I can sew, lots of ideas popped up in my mind..i wanna make this and that and many moreeee   :-D

The car-seat cover made from felt

So the first thing that I made after the seat cover was long sleeve gloves. I have mine, bought it from the Sox galleries... but since my skin is pretty sensitive...these sleeves feel uncomfortable and itchy. I rarely used it and now my arms have gotten some tan color compared to other parts unexposed to the sun. So, i made my mind to sew these long sleeves myself (scorching sun motivated me a lot LOL). I cut it out from my old bolster case and used simple design as well (well, an amateur couldn’t go into a complex design yet). Beside cloth, I used rubber band (for cloth – not hair).

How to:

1.      Measure the width and length of your arms (from upper arm to your fingers).

2.      Draw 2 rectangles onto the cloth (or you could make a pattern before). My dimension is 35cm x 55cm

3.      Cut the pattern

4.      Measure and cut the rubber as well. Mine is 15cm for wrist (2 pieces) and 25cm for upper arm (2 pieces)

5.      Sew the edges (the width) of both rectangles

6.      Sew the wrist rubbers onto the rectangles (about 10cm from the edge)

7.      Sew the upper arm rubbers onto the rectangles (about 5cm from the edge)

8.      Sew the edge (the length) of both rectangles

Now you have long gloves that are comfy for driving J