Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Web Hosting

Today, blogging has become the norm for many internet users. And I proudly admit I'm one of them. For the past year and a half, blogging has given me opporunities not only to talk about my passion for crafting and share about my creations, but also to reach out to people with similar interests from all over the world.

Having used a free blog hosting website for so long, I've come to realize that there are limits to types of features such hosts offer.

This brings me to think, why not scout for a web hosting provider that maintains professional service at reasonable price rates? After the initial start out with online selling and blogging, I'm sure most you crafters and artists have more of less made new friends and associates through social networking. Once you have achieved a stage where you feel you're ready to take it on to the next level and be recognized for what you do, you may want to consider expanding your revenue by setting up your own website. Not only will you have your own domain name which helps visitors to remember you, you will also have complete control over the website's layout, settings and contents. To add to the list of advantages, some web hosts allow unlimited web space and traffic to the websites they host.

With so many web hosts sprouting and pushing their services to online users, you may be spoilt for choice. Have a look at this list created according to ratings and reviews from users of each web host. It may give you useful information about services supplied by each host, and therefore hopefully aid you in deciding on one.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Sushi Mania + Rainbows

As it is every year, I'm staying back in KL for Raya. A few people wondered *probably doubted* if I actually miss home; why not go back during this one-week holiday? Part of it is because I don't want to spend this whole week relaxing, which I know I'm bound to do once I step into my home in Sibu. ^-^" Even though there are still 5 more weeks to the end-of-semester exams, I just can't let myself into the idle-and-carefree mode at the moment.

Nevertheless, I'm taking the first few days off to clear my brain before I start loading it with contraception, epilepsy, and management of diabetes. T-T These are just a brush of the surface of information we have to equip ourselves for the exams. I can't say I'm familiar with details these topics, although we've had quite a number of workshops and PSD sessions on them. T-T
Well, before plunging myself into studious redundancy, I justified giving myself a break of craftiness. :)

{ Sushi ~ again! ♥ ♥ ♥ }

{ I kind of like the expression on the onigiri :P }

The Extreme Sushi *round one* is bigger than what I usually make, because I can't find the original template, and my jangka lukis rosak ady. So I used a round bottle cap to draw a new one. Which turned out a lot bigger than the original. -_-"

As you can see from the photos, the nori *seaweed* strip on the Tamago *egg* can be snapped on and taken off. It's fastenend with a snap-on button. I've made slices of a salmon and tuna for the set. :P Actually wanted to make the rice as well as the nori strip for each, but I was too lazy. ^-^"

{ Tofu pouch with rice ball ~ }

If I'm not mistaken, the tofu pouch sushi is called the Inari-zushi. This is actually one of my favouritest sushi. :P I just love the sweetness of the tofu. :9 *mmm...* Here, I tried to imitate the real thing by making the rice ball and tofu pouch seperately. The rice can be stuffed into the pouch. Kawaii ne? :D

{ A closer look ~ These are attached with loops so that they can hang as charms }

{ Kawaii desu ne? ♥ ♥ ♥ }

Currently, the set is sitting in a clear plastic case, which initially held 4 mini cupcakes from Wondermilk. :) The case looks really cute, with its perfect squarish proportions.

{ All a-snuggles in the teenee box ♥ }

{ Ah... A perfect fit! }

Speaking of sushi, you should try this very cute game called Sushi Go Round. :P It's fun, but it gives me tachycardia and sore fingers with each increasing level. ^-^"

{ Wuv yoooo ~ ♥ }

That aside, I spent a little time assembling some rainbow patches made during last semester break into a necklace. ^-^" I'm never tired of the rainbow-concept. ^-^"

{ Long rainbow neckace }

{ Juicy colours make me hyper ~ }

Phew... That was an image-heavy post, no? Its been ages since I last posted about something I made. ^-^" Well, these are not new actually. They're more like repetition and re-creations of the originals. T-T Hope I'm not so dried up during the end-of-year hols. T-T

Anyway, hope you've enjoyed looking. :P

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from 20 September 2008

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.

The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org/

==============================

I should have put this up a looong time ago. :P

Saturday, September 27, 2008

DecoAlley - Amazingly Sweet Stuff~

Came across this Etsy shop called DecoAlley, selling super yummy contact lens cases. There are other cases too; pill boxes and DS Lite cases. They're decorated with re-ment food, and silicon whipped cream. :9 Each contact lens case is only $12! Nuff said. I'll let the pictures do the talking. :P

{ Cream Pie }

{ Halloween }

{ Lollipop }

{ Ice Cream }

{ Mixed Treats }

Amazing aren't they? :P *Kaw Taw* ~ Sifu of fake food assemble! :D

Sports in My Life

Being a solitarist, I usually shun from group sports that require teamwork; basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball and futsal. No doubt that these games build team-spirit and foster ties among members. But then again, to be involved with such sports, one should at least have passion for them, be ready to commit oneself and do one's best.

From the recent sports event at my university, I was able to witness this togetherness that only such events can generate. IMU Cup boasts a range of games, including even indoor ones like chess, darts and DOTA. This time around, my batch was to lead one of the pharmacy-students teams in cheerleading.

Even though I was not involved, I was fortunate enough to be able to be there to watch their performance. As the cheerleading competition marks the end of the Cup every year, most of the students turned up to give moral support to their respective cheerleading teams.

I was particularly touched to see so many of our batchmates and juniors there. Of course, no one wants to be left out of the chance to scream and cheer all he/she can for his/her friends. Nevertheless, I could feel the warmth amongst us, as we unite as one to stand by our team.

The video is of the performance by Phoenix (our cheerleading team). It's great to be able to watch the performance again whenever I want to.

To upload sports videos that are memorable to you, visit SportsVids to do so. You can search for other sports clips uploaded by members as well. Being able to watch online sports videos is convenient for those who have no TV and therefore have no access to TV channels.

Watch some sports vids to get that boost of energy!

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Friday, September 26, 2008

Sweet Things @ Sweet Chat

Hoho... Just finished out last class for this semester. We're absolutely f-r-e-e!!! For a week at most. T-T After that, it's 2 weeks of dunno-what seminar, and then 2 more weeks of study break, and finally - exams. T-T

But I shall not go more into that. Just wanna share my outting yesterday. Went to MidValley with Jui Jien yesterday. We ate some desserts at this corner called Sweet Chat.

{ Jui Jien ♥ + Peanut Cream~ Hehe... We shared la :P }

{ Durian Pancake + Baked Sago Pudding }

Although the pancake wraps are very small, there's sufficient durian inside one to make you burp durians for the next 6 hours. T-T The sago pudding is nice - soft and warm, with a fragrant coconut milk aroma. :9 Peanut cream's ok - portion to price ratio is excellent. :P

After that we went jalan for a while. And then we bought takoyaki. :P It was thrilling to see those moving fish flakes again. :D

{ "Yummy takoyaki~ ♥" }

Am using the uni wireless... again! T-T Hope the stupid line at home is fixed soon. As I'm typing this, there's a sudden downpour of rain.... T-T Sien... Cannot go jogging la confirm. T-T

I apologise for the lack of posts the past few days. Been lacking inspiration and drive. ^-^" Hope to fill you in on more Etsy finds and crafty happenings in the coming posts. :P Hope la. :P

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Have it Your Choice, Your Style, with My.Suit

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After measuring, you get to choose styles for all aspects of the suit. This include jacket style and jacket options, whereby you can further decide on lapel style, vent, pockets, pick-stitching, sleeve-buttons and vest. You can also choose your pants style as well as their details.

Finally, when you're satisfied with the styling, you get to choose the fabric for your suit. The fabrics offered come in different colours, patterns and weight. If you cannot decide, My.Suit consultants will be there to help you out.

Once the 3 steps are complete, you can review every detail of the suit and it will be priced.

Convinced to have your own Made to measure suit? Make an appointment with My.Suit now.

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Steamed Cheesecake~

Tried making a steamed cheesecake, based on the recipe by Aunty Yochana :

Ingredients

4 eggs - separate egg yolks and egg white
120 gm sugar
1/8 tsp salt
250 gm cream cheese
150 gm whipping cream
100 gm cake flour
30 gm cornflour
1 tsp. vanilla essence
2 - 3 Tbsp. Chocolate emulco

Method

(1) Beat cream cheese, salt and 1/2 of the sugar in a mixing bowl till creamy then add in eggs one by one , followed by whipping cream.
(2) Fold in flour and corn flour and mix evenly. Add in vanilla essence.Whisk egg white with the balance half of the sugar until fluffy. Fold into the cream cheese mixture.
(3) Take out 1/4 of the mixture and add in chocolate emulco. Stir till evenly mixed. Put batter into a piping bag.
(4) Divide Plain mixture into 3 parts. Pour 1 part of the plain batter into a square tray 7" x 7" (lined with paper) and pipe some chocolate mixture on top. Steam for 10 mins. Repeat process till finished.
(5) Cool cake on a cooling rack.

I didn't separate the eggs and make the meringue. I just added the eggs after mixing the cream cheese, salt and sugar. :P I think that is perhaps why the cake's not as soft as I expected it to be.

I also substituted the mteric units with tablespoons and cups. :P Don't have a weighing scale here in Vista. T-T Oh, and didn't use chocolate emulco. Just dumped everything in the pan and let it steam. ^-^"

You'll notice that there's no butter included in the recipe. That's definitely a plus for diet-freaks-who-fail, like me. T-T The cake is oh so rich with cream cheese, yet its taste is not overpowering. It's just right. :)

The Original Healing Threads

I'm sure many of us have heard about complaints of hospital garments being too plain, too uniform-like and at times, uncomfortable. Maybe not first-hand on hearing; but if you've noticed when watching television dramas especially those from Hong Kong and Taiwan, some of these more or less have scenes taken in the hospital, whereby some snobbish patient grumbles about the hospital clothes worn.

The healthcare profession ultimately emphasizes on fulfilling care plans, acheiving treatment goals, and improving patient's quality of life. Despite that, many a time, the patient's needs are not fully addressed. In the in-patient hospital setting, majority of the patients are bed-bound with severe, mostly end-stage diseases, and terminal illnesses. Due to physical suffering and pain, the patient will not need more discomfort with regards to his or her attire.

The Original Healing Threads Casual is a specially designed hospital gown that loosely fits the wearer, providing maximum comfort and ease of movements. Made from micro-fiber, the gown comes in seven different colours, ranges in sizes from XS to 3XL, and is suitable for both men and women. It is easy to wear, with a hook and hoop closure at the back. It is also flexible in terms that the wearer can either have it long-sleeved or mid-sleeved. Catering for wearers from all walks of life, it needs no special care and can therefore be washed and dried in the wearer's own home.

This gown is one of the garments designed by three sisters, Peg, Patty and Claire. From what I read on the About Us page, two of the sisters suffered from cancer, and one of them had passed away because of it. With first-hand experience of terminal illness treatment and hospital stays, they resolved to improve a patient's comfort, and thus designed hospital garments that serve to restore individuality as well as dignity to the wearer. From there, Spirited Sisters Inc. started out and eventually, Healing Hands was developed.

More Reasons For Wanting To Live In Japan

Hoho.... I wanna share this awesome, uber kawaii shop Etsy shop based in Sapporo Japan. misssaporo supplies delightful cabochons (little plastic decos) in many forms of sweets, cakes, ice creams, cream blobs and doghnuts. I'm dying to get some for myself, even long before I bought the kawaii bling style handphone deco book.

{ A mosaic featuring misssapporo's items in her Etsy shop }

I have this impression that Japan is filled to the brim with an infinite variety of fake food, be it teenee cabochons such as these, or life-size and really life-like food replicas. Imagine the bliss when you're surrounded by sushi plush pillows or of carrying nyanko burger handbags without people even batting an eyelid at it. Ha... I wish to be part of that world. @.@

There are still 3 more lots of kawaii stickers available in my Etsy shop, if anyone's interested. :) These are the last ones of each. Grab them before they're gone!

{ Have a look at them here }

Fashionable & ERGO Baby Slings

I've often wondered how mothers manage to have their babies around them all the time. Using a perambulator is not feasible in some public places, and mothers cannot carry their little ones all the time while on foot. This is where babywearing comes in.

Back home in Sarawak, the native Iban mothers often use a large piece of cotton cloth to wrap their baby and tie it to them. The same concept is applied to the modern Baby Sling. Now, mothers can wear their babies comfortably, while having their hands free to do things. There are several types of babywearing accessories, including the traditional sling, pouches, wraps and carriers.

Baby wearing not only improves productivity of the mother; it also promotes bonding between the mother and her baby.

We're Proud of You PHOENIX!!! ~ IMU Cup Cheerleading Competition 2008

Woohoo! IMU Cup 2008's cheerleading competition was super the awesome!

PHOENIX WON 2ND PLACE!!!

When the super loso MC announced 'is it a bird?', I've a feeling it's Phoenix already. Everyone just roared and jumped when he finally announced it was Phoenix. :P

The team deserved no less, with its flawless synchronicity and teamwork. I'm just so happy for everyone in the team. :) The amount of time they've sacrificed for practising - I shudder to think. All hard work and team-spirit won them 2nd place! :D

{ ♥ You girls RAWK! ♥ }

I was supposed to take a video of them performing, but I's too excited to cheer for them already. ^-^" So I just blah lah with the video! I wanna support them! Hope to get the video anyway, from other batchmates who did manage to capture the stunning performance. :P

GOOOOO PHOENIX!!!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Catholic Matching

Want to make new friends? Prefer catholics? Then you should try this website that offers services for catholic Dating . It is similar to any other social networking sites, whereby you can create a profile, start meeting new people and chat. Signing up is free! No harm in trying something new. Have fun while you're at it. You might get to meet some really cool people!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Super Cheap Destash Lots

Haih..... This weekend will be looong one. I'm in no mood to study for the upcoming class test (Management for the Pharmacist). Langsung don't have. T-T I wanna go walk the whole Sunway Pyramid. T-T But I guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow. *WAAAAHHH!*

With each day, my obsession with tokidoki is getting stronger. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I've listed up 3 more de-stash lots in my Etsy shop.

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Super Kawaii Lot Destash $15

{ Have a look at the detailed descriptions of items HERE }

If this is not a deal, I have no idea what is.


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Stationery and Cards Set Destash $13



{ Have a look at it here }

Lot contains brand new cards sets, mostly from The Sampler. I don't use them, so putting them up for sale would serve them better purpose than stashing them away.

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And another kawaii lot here for $8. :)

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I woke up early this morning to bid on a tokidoki tee. I super the geram because last last minit, 10 seconds to ending of the listing, someone bade $0.50 higher than me. T-T ARGH!!! I really want that tee, and the price is actually quite low compared to what online retailers are selling it for.

{ tokidoki allover tee }

Super sien. T-T

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Chunky Charm Bracelets + Kitschy Pins

I've too much stuff that I don't use. Here are some gorgeous accesories from Etsy.

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Black & White Chunky Charm Bracelet

US$26 (RM90)

Black cherries + striped kitty + plastic camera + pearl white & black hearts + large gliterry black & white acrylic circle charms + black skull + buttons + irridescent little fish charms + acrylic chandelier + drop sparkly acrylic beads

All on a chunky black plastic chain with large silver lobster clasp.

Makes a fun clink-clunk when you wear it. :)

I got this from RainbowMermaid on Etsy. It looks so attractive that I convinced myself that I must have it. But then, I could never muster the guts to wear it, even though I love every little charm it has. T-T It's brand new and super the shiny and chunky. :P

Original price was US$30 (RM103), not including shipping. I'm offering it for US$26 (RM90).

Interested to own this one-of-a-kind charm bracelet? Just contact me via email (starfighter_leo@yahoo.com).

Any questions, just ask me. :)

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Vintage CHERRY SODA Bottle Cap Trinket Charm Bracelet

US$27.50 (RM95)

FIVE Vintage CHERRY SODA Bottle Caps + Vintage Colgate Tooth Paste + Gumball Charm + White Fender Signature Guitar Pick + Ceramic Playing Card Beads + LEGO Plates + Dice Beads + Buttons + Glass Ladybug Beads + Face Star Beads + Barbie Shoe + Ceramic Red Heart Beads + Vintage Wooden Game Piece + red, black, white beads

All on a chunky silver chain bracelet with toggle clasp.

Bought this from VintageNoveau on Etsy. I really love this bracelet, but again, never had the guts to wear it. T-T

Original price $29 (RM100), not including shipping. I'm offering it for US$27.50 (RM95).

Wanna own this super kitschy one-of-a-kind charm bracelet? Just contact me via starfighter_leo@yahoo.com.

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Dia De los Muertos & Mradi Gras Pins Set

US$5.80 (RM20) for set or US$1.40 (RM5) for one

Resin filled bottle caps made into pin brooches, acented with beads, glitter, sequins and cut-out graphics.

Got these from lesvieuxjours on Etsy. Love them (that was why I wanted to swap in the first place). But I don't use them much, but I do admire them all day when I have the chance. :P

Original price for the set is US$15 (RM51.80), not including shipping. I'm offering US$5.80 (RM20) for the set, or US$1.40 (RM5) for one.

Thirsty for these kitschy pins? Just email me at starfighter_leo@yahoo.com.

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Singing in the Rain Glass Pin Brooch

US$13 (RM45)

Glass art pin brooch featuring a boy in rain boots holding an umbrella in the rain, with a duck to accompany him. :) Measures 4cm by 4cm approximately.

Bought this as a custom order from lawatha on Etsy. Love it, but I can't find a bag to put this on. :P Quality and uniqueness is top-notch. :)

Original price is US$18 (RM62). I'm offering it for US$13 (RM45)

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Email me at starfighter_leo@yahoo.com with any inquiries, about method of payment and mailing, shipping charges etc.

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I've also listed a new lot containing ephemera paper goodies from KLue Urbanscapes, plus some pin buttons from The Sampler, as well as a mushroom charm cellphone strap handmade by me. :)

Have a look at it here.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Eh... I'm Burned Outthe

Yes. I'm totally spent. Just had a paper on Endocrine System this morning. I can't say I sailed through it. In fact, I kind of struggled with quite a few questions. But with luck, I might be able to scrap a 70%. Please don't gimme less than that. T-T Pweeees

This semester, I can't find any motivation at all to study and give my best for class tests. In previous semesters, I'll cram and cram and make sure I can hafal all the lecture notes and important excerpts from text books. This semester, I read to understand the whole idea only. Didn't go into details. A mistake obviously.

What is the hormone that causes excessive hair growth in women?

Damn it if I know the answer. T-T

It's either DHEA or Progesterone.

No?

Then, damn the question for being so stupid. T-T Don't they realise that Progesterone and Oestrogen and god knows what all have almost the same spelling and pronounciation? *blond moment*

*Trying to ignore the fact that I didn't study properly*

Got no kawaii to post at the moment. Too tired to search for Etsy goodies. No strength to craft something up.

I'm getting old.

T-T

Sponsored posts are no good for blogs. I find that traffic seems to dwindle a few days after I post up one, and then rise up back again when I post about something kawaii. :P

We all loveth kawaii, neh? :D

If by whatever means inspiration suddenly gets me, I might whip up something. :P

At the mo, just let me rot in monotony, thank you.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Your shopping dreams come true with MyUs.com

Many a time, I watch with longing as listings on eBay pass me by. Usually, there are a few reasons for this, with the most frequent being the seller unwilling to ship to international destinations. Otherwise, shipping charges are so high that it made me wonder if it's really worth buying an item with shipping costing more than the value of the item itself.

After checking out the MyUS.com website, I see hope for international customers to gain access to a wider scope of items in the United States, and purchase them with reasonable shipping charges. Once signed up, I will be assigned a valid US street address to which my purchases will be shipped. I will be notified upon receival of a particular purchase, and given the option to ship the purchase to me or hold it. This means that I can purchase from multiple retailers or individual sellers, have all my purchases accumulated and shipped out to me as one mail. Such consolidation of puchases will definitely save me tons on shipping charges.

As a member of MyUs.com, I'll have complete control over my shipping preference, be it frequency of shipping (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) or speed of delivery (express, air or freight). Such flexibility is definitely a plus.

Other than that, MyUs.com forwards US letters such as statements or checks, as well as magazines and trade journals that are not available internationally. Talk about glabalization. You'll have access to almost every printed material found exclusively in the US.

For more information about MyUs's forwarding services, head over to MyUS.com website.

Sponsored by MyUS

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Onigiri + Kinder Egg Surprise

I don't know why... WHY Blogger won't load with my home connection... Kept trying to access the damn site yesterday, but to no avail. T-T I'm currently using the uni's wireless. Class is due in 15 minute's time.

These few days I'm quite free. In the sense that I don't feel that much pressure as to when there are PBLs and class tests coming up. I managed to finish up a custom order placed looong ago. I'm really thankful that the girl is understanding - she said I could have it done any time. :)

{ Shiotarou + Takuandori = ♥ ♥ ♥ }

{ Oh~! Kawaii leeeeef~! ♥ }

Yesterday, I bought this Kinder egg thingy. RM3.80+ for one. Kinder chocolate has always been my fav, and this edition of kid's chocolate did not disappoint.

{ Yums }

{ Oohhh.... Chocolate~! ♥ }

{ A spoonful of bliss ♥ }

Two scoops and habis already. But the sweetness was a satisfaction. :) The other half of the egg contained some toy. Too kiddy for me *bleh*.

Gotta run. CNS cal in a moment.