Community Book Sharing: Fumio Sasaki's Goodbye, Things

I have attended a few book discussions where it is the norm to read the book first and then attend the discussion. It is logical to read it first so that we can share our views or feedback of the book, which is the purpose of the book discussion. However, having to read it first may be daunting for me as I won't have the said book most of the time. Also having to finish reading it in time for the book discussion is also stressful and reading is supposed to be a relaxing hobby. As such, I have refrained from attending that many book discussions and also remained inactive in the book club I'm in. 

Recently, I came across this Instagram post by Revitalized Books about a Community Book Sharing event. This is something new for me as we can attend the session without having to read the said book first! The host will share some details and excerpts from the selected book based on a theme for that session. I was intrigued by the mechanism so when I saw the theme for April was ''minimalism'', I just had to attend it! The selected book was Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki. Coincidentally I have read that book lah but if I haven't then I can considered it as ''completed" for my Goodreads challenge at the end of the session! It sure beats reading the full book, right?! Also, the book sharing sessions here are for non-fiction titles which is a plus for me as I rarely reads non-fiction!

Overall, after attending this session last April 3rd, here are my 2 cents:

1) I saved time trying to read the book as there are too many books with too little time to read it all

2) I can rent the book from Revitalize Books (they are an online book rental shop) or borrow the book from the library if I really want to read it so I can save more trees

3) I can complete my book reading challenge faster!

4) I made new friends with like-minded interests

5) I can destress and enjoy the session with some light refreshments

6) This event is held every 2 months once so it is less taxing and more enjoyable this way

Here are the themes for the rest of the sessions:

5th June: Creativity

7th August: Rest / Sleep

2nd October: Happiness

4th December: Mental Health

The event is held at The Hatchery Place, a cozy in-home coworking and coliving space in USJ 11. It costs a mere RM20 for each session. If you are interested, you can follow Revitalized Books' Instagram for more deets:

Revitalize Books 🇲🇾 (@revitalize_books) • Instagram photos and videos

Here are some photos of the session:

The host and owner of Revitalize Books, Ai Jou, explaining about the session

Group photo!

Yummy light refreshments!

[Crochet] Spring Celebration CAL

This is definitely a way overdue post.

I have joined a Spring Celebration Crochet Along on Instagram in March-April and it was a mistake as I didn't have much time to actually do to complete it all. TBH, I should have thought it out before joining it. I've only managed to make 2 out of 11 designs! If only I have more time to do at least half of it but I couldn't... sad but true...

It was a stringent CAL with a tight timeline where those interested would have to follow the specially created Instagram account which would be closed to public when the registration ends. Then over a period of time, each design will have half of it's pattern published. Once we have finished that first half as required, we will have to Insta-story it so that the respective designers will add us into another special Instagram account which is private where the remaining half is published. If we missed the boat then we will have to buy the pattern in order to finish it if we want. Tedious right? Well, it can't be helped as to protect the respective designer's wellbeing. 

Anyway, it was a joy to complete this 2 designs. It was not as complicated but I just needed more time (I can only crochet at night about 2 to 3 hours). Thank you so much to the organizer and designers for this awesome platform! Here are my finished dolls...

Neo the Elephant by Alison @kornflakestew.co.uk

Immy the Lamb by Lucia Forthmann Crochet

International Book Giving Day and Happy Valentine's Day

It is International Book Giving Day today! Not forgetting it's Valentine's Day too! So kill 2 birds with 1 stone by gifting a book to your loved one today!

In view of this special day, there is a book giveaway to a lucky commenter on Nyc Nat Nook's Instagram! It will be picked by using a Random Number Generator! This giveaway ends on 29th February 2020 and the winner will be announced on 3rd March!

So go ahead and try your luck here but make sure to read the T&C first:
https://www.instagram.com/nycnatnook/

My first book discussion!

I've been in a book club (KL Book Appreciation Club to be precise) for years now but I've never attended a single book discussion. I've been to some events and participated in some giftaways organised by them but never their book discussions. Well, aside from calendar conflict or location distance, most of the time I do not have the book they were going to discuss as most books that I do have are usually older and not as current.

A while back, my Sister-in-law actually gifted me a Kobo Touch and I did not use it as much. Reason being, I still love the actual feeling of holding a book and not a gadget. Well, after much Kon-maring and spring-cleaning, I've finally overcome the joy of having gazillions of books! I honestly felt overwhelmed by the abundance of my to-be-read pile! I even hated lugging it! And now, I did feel the gratefulness of holding a gadget to read which is light-weight with dozens of titles in it! Imagine that! I never knew I would finally experience something like that!

I've actually started selling some of my books, majority from my to-be-read pile as there were some which had been there for years! If I wasn't going to read it then, I would definitely not read it anytime sooner. Well, I have my Kobo now so I could just get it from there as and when I want to read it.

Oh well, thanks to this new direction in my life, I finally had the chance to attend a book discussion! Thankfully, location was near to me at Lovely Ever After Book Rental, USJ Taipan. Also it's a romance novel at that! As it was the last one for the year, we had Christmas potluck and gift exchange too! It was such a fab discussion which I've truly enjoyed, lovely companions with yummylicious food! I honestly can't wait for the next one now LOL!

In this romance book discussion, it was about Suzanne Enoch's It's Getting Scot in Here. I've read and reviewed it here previously. A catchy title right??? I'm amazed of the thought provoking discussion, even for a romance novel! I truly had a field day, felt so much at home with these lovely ladies, what more can I asked for? So here's to more book discussion, not sure if I would attend those of another genre as yet. FYI, there are also Literature, Science Fiction and Young Adult. Perhaps in the near future. To end this post, here are some photos of the event courtesy of Zarina.

Group photo!

Our yummylicious potluck

Gifts for exchange

Additional gifts: cute owls and deers from Murni whereas the packet trinkets were from me

Thank you to Irene (she happens to lead the romance book discussions) who has been encouraging me to join and I finally did! Here are what I've brought home...

My cute owl from Murni, lovely Jon Paul bookmark from Sharnila and I've bought those cute doggy ones!

I received this from the gift exchange

So here's to more book discussions in the near future!!!

CSM: Marketplace in a Boot Christmas Market

Nyc Nat Nook is participating in their first Christmas Market in a boot! There will be accessories and craft kits available for clearance! So if you are looking for an affordable Christmas gift, please drop by our boot this Saturday morning!

CSM: Project Kita Pop-up Market

Nyc Nat Nook will be at Suasana Presint 2 Putrajaya for Kita Pop-up Market this weekend! Aside from our DIY mosaic kits, we will also feature some new crafts on that day ya! So drop by and check out our booth!

See you there!

CSM: The Santai Pop-up Market

If you have no plans for this coming Merdeka weekend, please drop by and holler your support for The Santai Pop-up Market at Sunsuria Forum! The organiser has allotted lots of activities and booths to suit your various palates!

Nyc Nat Nook is joining this market for the first time so hope to see some familiar faces there! We will have lots of handmade crochet gifts and also DIY mosaic kits for the creative minded. Please see location map below, our booth is no.7, facing Focus Point. So come one, come all!

CSM: Chill Bazaar @ Da-men Mall

Nyc Nat Nook will be at Chill Bazaar / HOPE Art Bazaar this weekend at Da-men Mall. This is a collaboration between Art Market Malaysia, Single Mother Association and Community Subang Jaya so there will be lots of activities during this 2 days event. Please drop by and holler your support if you are in the vicinity.

Aside from selling ladies accessories, mobile phone accessories and handmade gifts, there will also be Mini Crochet Workshops and DIY Mosaic Gift Kits. If you would like to book a seat, please send an email to nycnatnook@gmail.com.

Location: HOPE Art Bazaar @ Da-men Mall, Entrance Water Feature, Ground Floor
Date: 27th and 28th July 2019
Time: 10am to 10pm

You can find more details here:
https://www.facebook.com/NycNatNook/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanStitchStuff/

CSM: GMBB: Good Market - Family

This coming weekend, there will be a Family themed Good Market at GMBB from 11am to 8pm. Nyc Nat Nook is grateful to have been invited to join this creative market! Aside from selling crochet gifts, we will also have a mini crochet workshop, Understanding Basic Crochet, for freshies! So if you have no plans for this weekend, please do come by and holler us your support! If you are interested in our mini workshop, please send me an email to book a slot as seats are limited.

More deets here:
https://nycnatnook.easy.co/blogs/blog/family-good-market

GMBB Mall:
No. 2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

CSM: Merchant of Joy Markets: Nyc Nat Nook

As highlighted in my previous post, Nyc Nat Nook will be at Merchant of Joy Markets this weekend, December 15 and 16, 2018 from 10am to 8pm.

Location: Level 1, Atria Shopping Gallery (In front of Mr. DIY)

Aside from promoting our "Books for Rent", we would also be clearing most of the old stocks from Sholee Sphere! Lots of great bargain buys at affordable prices, suitable for the coming Christmas gifts galore!

Not forgetting, there will be FREEBIES ALERT!!! Just remember to 'LIKE' our Facebook page, show it to us at the markets and you will receive a premium gift from us! Limited to the first FIVE customers!

https://www.facebook.com/NycNatNook/

Merchant of Joy Markets

Come this weekend, there will be a bazaar at Atria Shopping Gallery. It is called Merchant of Joy Markets hosted by The Happiness Project. It will be located in front of Mr. DIY at Level 1 from 10am to 8pm with loads of stuff for sale like clothes, accessories, household wares and even food! With Christmas around the corner, it is a good time to complete your gift shopping!

In fact, Nyc Nat Nook will be participating in it's first bazaar here!!! There will be lots of stuff on clearance sale like accessories, bags and mobile phone accessories so that we can have new, niche products for the coming year. Stay tune for more updates!

CSM: World Orangutan Day

It's this Saturday! For more details, you can check out their Facebook page below:
https://www.facebook.com/FreeTreeSociety/

CSM: Modern Sewing Market 2018

Modern Sewing Market 2018:

Modern Sewists Malaysia is having their annual market at Passion3 Research, Section 14 PJ tomorrow from 9.30am to 9.30pm. There will be lots of sewing paraphernalia and handmade handicrafts for sale, so if you are a handmade enthusiast, do drop by and check them out!

For more deets, please check out their event page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/338531923319950/

A Saturday afternoon with book buddies and book nooks.

Last Saturday was a lot of fun for me but not for Princess, especially since I had the chance to catch up with some book buddies and also immersed with so many book nooks! Princess was definitely bored to death LOL!

We've attended KLBAC Book Meet at 16 Tea House, Damansara Community Library and it was such an awesome event! From book sales to book readings to book donation, the many activities did liven up the small space! They've even included a surprised baby shower for Vivian! Though I didn't joined in the quiz trivia and lucky draw, it was a lot of fun watching them in action! The admins definitely lived up to our expectation and did their level best! It was a successful event indeed!

During the trivia - Princess took the only photo of me - from the back

It's sad though as I was busy catching up with everyone, in the end I didn't take many photos! So I've only had a few to share...

Mommy to be, Vivian, with the baby booties I've made and gifted her!

I would like to applaud 16 Tea House for their hospitality and great service! Well, I had the unfortunate incident where my drink went missing when it was still half full. Thinking that one of the waiters could have cleared it, I asked them hoping to recover it soon before it has been washed but it was not in sight. I was having some cakes but without my drink to wash it down so of course I was a little annoyed. However, one of the staff was kind enough to offer me another glass to replace my missing drink! I was truly surprised and asked for H20 only as I just wanted to wet my dry + cake filled mouth. Instead, he has served me another glass of their delicious fruit tea!!! I was truly grateful and thankful for his nice gesture and thoughtfulness! Unfortunately I was too surprised that I forgot to get his name LOL! Thank you 16 Tea House!!!

Yummy nasi lemak and delicious fruit tea!

After the book meet, Ai Jou and Jessica wanted to drop by Lit Books, Tropicana Avenue so I tagged along as Ai Jou was to drop me off later to meet hubby. I was excited as:

1. I'll be conducting my first crochet workshop here next month! Oh yes, finally! I'll be teaching how to crochet a basic feather bookmark :-)
2. I've never been here so I do have to check this awesome place out before the workshop! Also checking out their unique and one of it's kind merchandise!
3. Not forgetting, meeting the kind bosses who have allowed me to conduct my first workshop at their premise!

Moi, Ai Jou and Jessica

I've just realised I had not taken any photos with the kind bosses... perhaps next round!

Yummy hot cocoa!

I like this quaint bookshop as they have a small cafe serving good coffee and dessert! Definitely a book haven!

A memorable quote before walking into Lit Books, penned by the boss!!!

I just loved this simple yet catchy light box of their logo!

All in all, I did have a lovely afternoon with great company of buddies and books! Now I'm looking forward to my first workshop next month, getting ready all the starter kits and patterns, gearing up for the day! Wish me luck!

CSM: KLBAC Book Meet

Bring your family members and friends for a bookish day out at 16 Tea House, Damansara Community Library!

Please click on the Facebook link below for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/theKLBAC/

International Women's Day!

I'm every woman... it's all in me...
W onderful
O ustanding
M arvellous
A mbitious
N ice

CSM: Susan Stitch Stuff @ Christmas Maker Market 2017

This is a big step for Susan Stitch Stuff, in fact, it's the first!!! We are participating in a handmade market this coming Sunday at 1 Mont Kiara Mall so please do drop by ya... there will be many local talents too at this bazaar!

If you are looking for handmade handicrafts as Christmas gifts then look no further. This Christmas Maker Market 2017 will be filled with many local handmade artisans and unique handicrafts to suit the various palates! Also, there are many workshops available, please see below, so you can make one or two by yourself! Hopefully something creative catches your fancy! Be there or be square!

List of workshops and vendors

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1972262196374488/

Venue: Will You Cafe, Level 3, 1 Mont Kiara Mall (Parking RM4 per entry on Sundays)
Date: December 10th, 2017
Time: 10am to 4pm

CSM: Adoption Drive and Flea-esta this Sunday

As Christmas is just around the corner, it's time to be back at the bazaars and to clear our existing stocks! So if you are looking for budget gifts for ladies, then you are in the right place. Please drop by our booth at Flea-esta @ Summit USJ this coming Sunday, to check out our ladies accessories for clearance with some new arrivals plus a little handmade handicrafts... just in time for Christmas!

Location: ground floor, main entrance near Information Counter, Summit USJ
Date: 3rd December 2017
Time: 11am to 7pm

Also, not forgetting to adopt a furkid! MDDB Adoption Drive will be at Citta Mall this Sunday so do drop by to donate or adopt or support!

Here's their Facebook page for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianDogsDeserveBetter/