Book Review: The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

2/29/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 0 Comments


Title: The Smell of Other People's Houses
Author: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Contemporary/ Historical/ Coming of Age
Buy: No. Netgally Advanced Reader's Copy
Review: Goodreads


Synopsis
In Alaska, 1970, being a teenager here isn’t like being a teenager anywhere else. Ruth has a secret that she can’t hide forever. Dora wonders if she can ever truly escape where she comes from, even when good luck strikes. Alyce is trying to reconcile her desire to dance, with the life she’s always known on her family’s fishing boat. Hank and his brothers decide it’s safer to run away than to stay home—until one of them ends up in terrible danger.

Four very different lives are about to become entangled.


Review

The Characters

The story revolve around the four main characters which are Ruth, Dora, Alyce and Hank. 

Ruth: She's coming from a very loving family. But it didn't last long when she lost her father in a plane crash that leave her mother in a devastated state and make her incompetent to take care of Ruth and her little sister. Because of the tragedy, Ruth and her little sister had to live with their strict and unloving grandmother. She had to deal with the loss and had to adapt to her new life that is very different than before. She envied other people's houses because she didn't feel the loving environment in her house.

Dora: Dora has to deal with her abusive parents (physically by her father, and mentally by her mother). One event had make her leave her family and live with her best friend, Dumpling's family. She needed to escape from where she coming from and she really want to be part of Dumpling's perfect family. She loves the smell of Dumpling's house and don't want to go back to her real life.

Alyce: Alyce is trying her best to make the best decision for her own life. Coming from a divorced parents, she was afraid that anything she choose from will hurt her father's feeling. By choosing her dream, she would have to give up the life in a fishing boat that she have known forever and the life that her father loves.

Hank: Hank and his brothers run away from their house. His father passed away and her mother wants to marry a new man. Thinking that the best decision is to run away in preserving the memory of their father, they encounter with a terrible thing that happened to one of the brother.

The Plot

This book is told from multiple points of view. I enjoyed every character's voice and their own perspective. The way that this book written and the plot is really engrossing and make me feel the need to know what happen next. This book is full of emotion rather than just teen romance. 

The smell of other people's houses is a perfect title as the book itself is focusing on how as a person we occasionally judge or think that some people had better than us and we hated where we come from because of it. However, behind of those nice smell, there are so many heartbreaking and hurtful things happened that we didn't know.

This book deal with lots of difficult topics such as poverty, teen pregnancy, abuse and mental illness. There are so many issues that this book focus on without being too serious and heavy. It's amazing how the author can conclude this book with positive ending despite all the heavy issues that have been focused on.

Overall

I love the cover, the title and how emotional this book are. How could you not love the cover and the tittle? It's perfect. And the story is making me emotionally involved. I love every bit of it. To be very honest, I love Dumping the most in this book. Although she is not the main character, her character is vital to give a very good ending. Thank you, Dumpling.


Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

We don't have to be blood to be family.
Sometimes you can be inserted into another person's life just by witnessing something you were never really supposed to be a part of.
Because isn't that how forever happens- instantly?

Further Reading Suggestion

Eleanor & Park 



0 comments:

Book Review: The Terrible Thing That Happened To Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne

2/23/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 0 Comments


Title: The Terrible Thing That Happened To Barnaby Brocket
Author: John Boyne
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children Fiction/Contemporary/ Fantasy
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads


Synopsis
There's nothing unusual about the Brockets. Normal, respectable, and proud of it, they turn up their noses at anyone strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby Brocket comes into the world, it's clear he's anything but ordinary. To his parents’ horror, Barnaby defies the laws of gravity - and floats.

Desperate to please his parents, Barnaby does his best to keep both feet on the ground – but he just can't do it. One fateful day, the Brockets decide enough is enough. They never asked for a weird, abnormal, floating child. Barnaby has to go . . .


Betrayed, frightened and alone, Barnaby floats into the path of a very special hot air balloon – and so begins a magical journey around the world, with a cast of extraordinary new friends.


Review

This book started with the introduction to Barnaby's family. His family is perfectly normal and Mr and Mrs Brocket hated all those abnormal and weird people. Both are them have these ideal life where everyone should be normal. That include doing average in class, working in normal job, live in a normal house and have a perfectly normal family. Mr.Brocket especially hate people who  made show of themselves in public (loud and crazy people in the train for example) and he love normal routine such as eating at the normal restaurants, ordering normal menus and so on. Same goes to Mrs. Brocket. She is a normal tidy women that not impressed with people behaving unusual and you know..not normal. They fall in love and got married (which is very normal) and have two normal children. But then, came Barnaby the third child of the family and the funny thing is, he is the exact opposite of normal. He floats and that is not normal.

This book is pretty funny and sad at the same time. I really dig on children fiction because there are so many important things that I can learn from it. And the story can be really interesting and unique because it's children book. Anything can happen..like a boy who can float. 

The main character, Barnaby is really a sweetheart. From the beginning, he learns that he is not normal and somehow feeling unwanted by his parents. But his older brother and sister accept him the way he is and really find him as interesting little boy. Looking at him, they actually learn that there are so many extraordinary things they want to try but they can't. Because it's not normal according to their parents.

Throughout his journey of finding himself, Barnaby met lots of different person that have a different story of being abnormal,unusual and unique just like himself. From there he learns that normal is not really a good thing. You can be different and be yourself if that is who you are. To change and to be somebody that is not yourself because that is what people want, is not worth it. Love the awkward you or the floating you or whatever state you are. 

This book is very close to my heart and I learn a lot from this book. It's good book to read whenever you feel sad and lonely or just want to be remind that being you is okay. For a children book, the plot is interesting and really fit children perspective. The story about a boy who can float and his journey in finding himself throughout all the confusion and acceptance is really a good story for children and for me of course. 


Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

Just because your version of normal isn't the same as someone else's version doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with you.
It is possible, you know, to drift off to an unknown world and find happiness there. Maybe even more happiness than you've ever known before.
We all are. Their idea of normal just happens to be different to some other people's idea of normal. But this is the world we live in. Some people simply cannot accept something that is outside of their experience.


0 comments:

Book Review: Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

2/20/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 0 Comments


Title: Tell The Wolves I'm Home
Author: Carol Rifka Brunt
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Contemporary/ Coming of Age
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads


Synopsis
1987. There's only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that's her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn's company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June's world is turned upside down. But Finn's death brings a surprise acquaintance into June's life--someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn's funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn's apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she's not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.


Review

First, I need to warn everyone that this book is too sad for poor heart like mine and anyone. I actually did not expect it to be this super sad and heartbreaking. 

The main character June just lost her one and only uncle, best friend and godfather to AIDS. She has to deal with the lost and heartache. Along with that, she discovered so many secrets, misunderstanding, complex and complicated issue that happened with the lost. Her only sister, Greta finally become more friendly after Finn (the uncle) left and there is one person that she never knew before, suddenly become one of the important person in her life.

Finn death affected June so much that she feel lost and lonely. When she finally learns that there was someone else other than her that was very close and significant to Finn, She realized that maybe, just maybe she didn't really know Finn as much as she think she was. But, that is when she discovered everything, every single thing happened for a reason.

I love June's character so much because she's such a strong character. She was lost, sad and lonely but that doesn't stop her to be so kind, good listener and very open to the cruel fact. She learn so many heartbreaking situation, but she remains strong and kind.

This book is about finding yourself in the loss and finding your way through it. Being strong doesn't mean that we have to deal with everything by ourselves. Sometimes, all we need is someone that will always be beside us and guide us through it. Even though, the person who understand June the most is gone, she realized that she just have to open her eyes and see that there are still someone who love her and understand her. 

I'm not ashamed that I was crying too much because of this book. My heart is shattered to millions pieces so many times while reading this book. I can't put it down because, well I don't want to miss anything. 


Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)
Maybe I was destined to forever fall in love with people I couldn’t have. Maybe there’s a whole assortment of impossible people waiting for me to find them. Waiting to make me feel the same impossibility over and over again.
That's what being shy feels like. Like my skin is too thin, the light too bright. Like the best place I could possibly be is in a tunnel far under the cool, dark earth. Someone asks me a question and I stare at them, empty-faced, my brain jammed up with how hard I'm trying to find something interesting to say. And in the end, all I can do is nod or shrug, because the light of their eyes looking at me, waiting for me, is just too much to take. And then it's over and there's one more person in the world who thinks I'm a complete and total waste of space. The worst thing is the stupid hopefulness. Every new party, every new bunch of people, and I start thinking that maybe this is my chance. That I'm going to be normal this time. A new leaf. A fresh start. But then I find myself at the party, thinking, Oh, yeah. This again. So I stand on the edge of things, crossing my fingers, praying nobody will try to look me in the eye. And the good thing is, they usually don't.
You could try to believe what you wanted, but it never worked. Your brain and your heart decided what you were going to believe and that was that. Whether you liked it or not
…there’s just something beautiful about walking on snow that nobody else has walked on. It makes you believe you’re special, even though you know you’re not.
The sun kept on with its slipping away, and I thought how many small good things in the world might be resting on the shoulders of something terrible.


0 comments:

Yell Standing- Egg (Eng|Han|Rom)

2/20/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 0 Comments


Sometimes you just wanna yell at the higher place. Shouting at the top of our heart "I'm gonna be okay!!" "I'm beautiful!!". You'll be okay and everything's gonna be alright.






Biseuthan naldeul oneuldo jinakajiman
비슷한 날들 오늘도 지나가지만
Another day, just like any other,
passes by

Hancham dongan jejariraseo geobina
한참 동안 제자리라서 겁이나
Scared I might be going nowhere

 Mwonga jakku buranhage mandeuljiman
뭔가 자꾸 불안하게 만들지만
I keep getting anxious but

 I'm fine jamsi meomchwo seoseo geoureul bwa
I'm fine 잠시 멈춰 서서 거울을 봐
I’m fine, take a moment to look in the
mirror

 Ddo neoreul bulleobwa
또 너를 불러봐
And call your name again

Take me higher

Nuga bieuseumyeon eottae
누가 비웃으면 어때
So what if they laugh at you

Take me higher
Naega midgoitneun neonde
내가 믿고있는 넌데
I have faith in you

You’re so beautiful
You’re so beautiful

Deulyeodabwa geoeul suge
들여다봐 거울 속에
Look into the mirror and see

Nuga utgo itna nuga nalgo itna
누가 웃고 있나 누가 날고 있나
Who’s smiling, who’s flying

 I wanna love me now

Iksukhan naldeul ttodasi banbokdoejiman
익숙한 날들 또다시 반복되지만
Another day, just like any other,
passes by

Hancham dwichyeo jineungeotgata geobina
한참 뒤쳐 지는것같아 겁이나
Scared I might be falling behind

Mwonga jakku buranhage mandeuljiman
뭔가 자꾸 불안하게 만들지만
I keep getting anxious but

I'm fine jamsi meomchwo seoseo geoureul bwa
I'm fine 잠시 멈춰 서서 거울을 봐
I’m fine, take a moment to look in the
mirror

Ddo neoreul bulleobwa
또 너를 불러봐
And call your name again

Take me higher

Nuga bieuseumyeon eottae
누가 비웃으면 어때
So what if they laugh at you 

 Take me higher

Naega midgoitneun neonde
내가 믿고있는 넌데
I have faith in you 

 You’re so beautiful
You’re so beautiful 

Deulyeodabwa geoeul suge
들여다봐 거울 속에
Look into the mirror and see 

Nuga utgo itna nuga nalgo itna
누가 웃고 있나 누가 날고 있나
Who’s smiling, who’s flying

 I wanna love me now

Take me higher

Nuga bieuseumyeon eottae
누가 비웃으면 어때
So what if they laugh at you 

 Take me higher

Naega midgoitneun neonde
내가 믿고있는 넌데
I have faith in you 

 You’re so beautiful
You’re so beautiful 

Deulyeodabwa geoeul suge
들여다봐 거울 속에
Look into the mirror and see 

Nuga utgo itna nuga nalgo itna
누가 웃고 있나 누가 날고 있나
Who’s smiling, who’s flying

 I wanna love me now

 Eng: http://www.tartfroyo.com/
Han: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iod8r1yiTAM
Rom: TheXezza

No copyright infringement intended.

0 comments:

Book Review: When I Was Me by Hilary Freeman

2/16/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 1 Comments


Title: When I Was Me
Author: Hilary Freeman
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Mystery/Thriller
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads



Synopsis
One girl, two lives. Which is real?

When Ella wakes up one Monday morning, she discovers that she is not herself and that her life is not her own. She looks different, her friends are no longer her friends and her existence has been erased from the internet. Even worse, years of her history appear to have been rewritten overnight. And yet, nobody else thinks that anything weird has happened. 

A tense and dark psychological thriller full of unexpected twists and turns about the random events and decisions that make us who we are. If you can't trust your own memories, then who can you trust?

Review

I actually did not expect anything from this book at first. I picked up this book because of two reason: 1) It's on sale. 2)The cover is pretty. Anyway, I'm glad that I picked up this. Sometimes, I'm lucky when it comes to pick a random book. Sometimes, I don't. But this time, I'm lucky. 

This book started with Ella waking up one day feeling like not herself. I do sometimes..like where am I? Who am I? But this is not the case for Ella. Because she literally waking up as a new and different Ella. Her room, her mom and her appearance looking so much different than yesterday. Maybe she loses her mind or maybe she just need to calm down and sleep a bit. But nope..even after calming down and all, she still not herself. It's really crazy.

There's so many things Ella needs to find out. The truth, her real self and someone who can really understand her confusion. And she also needs to adapt to her new life now. As she going through with all that emotion and experience, I feel her sadness and loneliness. She actually is a strong girl mentally. Yes, she cried and break down..but there's something in her that I admire. Especially when she was supposed to major in filmography and the next day she's majoring in chemistry/science..I can't even. How am I supposed to feel about this? It's break my heart, like I was picturing myself as her. What will I do if I was her? I can't think. She adapted very well, bravo Ella. 

Apart from that, she's trying her best to get back to her real self with the help of this one person who knows everything. And because of that, she discovered something really complex and she had to made a decision for herself. This book is really interesting and I cannot believe how thin this book is. Like I need explanation. I need more. Please, how's Ella doing after everything? I really get attached to Ella and don't want to leave her.

I don't want to review a lot about this book, because I might spoil it without realizing. The vital part to enjoy this book is by not knowing anything about it. I enjoyed it very much and really recommended this book to anyone..and everyone. It's fast paced book and very thin book (I don't like this part), so yeah.

Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

Either I have lot my memory.
Or I have lost my mind.
And if I'm not me, fully me, then who am I?
Like the radiographer, she seems delighted that my brain is 'perfect'. Some people have great legs, others great hair. Apparently, I have beautiful brain. It's just my luck that nobody else will ever be able to appreciate its gorgeousness unless I leave my body to science and it ends up in a jar on someone's desk. 
The truth is, I have already lived many lives in my lifetime; there have already existed more versions of me than I can count. I have been constantly changing, little by little, cell by cell, pore by pore. All these other transformations were so slow that I simply didn't notice them happening. This one is different because it was so violent and sudden, because it happened overnight. 
 

1 comments:

Books Comparison: Tom Gates vs Big Nate vs Diary of a Wimpy Kid vs Dork Diaries

1/30/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 9 Comments

Hello everyone.

Middle grade fiction/graphic novels(is it?) is one of my favourite genre. I love the funny and witty middle grade comic/drawing/diary and I basically read this genre when I feel boring, sad or just need some emotional boost. However, there are so many choices of book for this genre and as a regular reader I tend to compare this book genre and choose what I love the most. Just to remind everyone, this is my personal preference and you may/may not take my opinion seriously..because everyone is different.


So, let's get started...

Tom Gates by Liz Pichon


First Book Title: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
Author: Liz Pichon
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels
Buy: Yes



Review

To be very honest, I pick up this book or this whole series (at that time they only got 5 books) because of the drawing. It is so pretty and it was a love first sigh I have with this book. This series now have about 9 books currently and possibly to be expanding more. My favourite book from the series is the latest book I've read which is the 7th book: Tom Gates: (A tiny bit) Lucky. I am pretty sure last time my favourite book from the series is the 6th book. I think it depends on the latest book I've read at the time because the story is getting better and better throughout the series.

I don't know much about the series at first but I was impress by how much I like this book throughout the series not just because of the drawing but the storyline as well. The first book for me it's not really the best, but I still continue with the series. Surprise..surprise.. I love it. The character development and the storyline is getting more interesting by the time I finish the second book (I think). I'm not really sure when, but I realized that I laugh a lot and I don't feel boring reading this series anymore. I love every character especially Tom because he was an honest kid and really innocent and I grown to love his character like he was this funny kid I personally know. Tom is very smart kid, love art and music (both are not my expertise, but I adore people who have talent in these area). He is pretty straightforward and full of idea in his drawing and creative making music. Smart..smart kid. I love how he express every single thing that happen in his day and personally I was a little bit jealous of his life, because it's so fun. Other than the lovable characters, they are some character I find annoying. Well..you can't love everyone right?


Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce


First Book Title: Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
Author: Lincoln Pierce
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels/Comic stripes
Buy: No. Borrowed from my sister.



Review

So far I think I've read 5 books from the series and remember that it was really funny and I really looking forward to read it whenever I visited my sister (because she has like huge collection of children graphic novels/comic stripes). Okay, my sister literally has tons of this kinda book and her favourite is always Big Nate. I know why she and my brother in law love it because it is funny and you feel like you're reading comic stripes from the newspaper and it's a quick read. For those who can't commit to long writing or essay kinda thing (kids especially), I really suggest this series.

However, I was reading some of the review from the Goodreads about this series and I found that people either love it or hate it. They are some issues regarding this series and mostly because Nate character can be a little bit controversial. He's a trouble maker boy, really hate his school and always making fun of his teacher and classmate. Some of the things that he said might be a little harsh and would really influence children in a bad way because he like to tease and said lots of bad things about his teacher and so on. But don't worry, it's not like this series teach children how to be rude and talk in bad ways. It's more into the freedom of speech by this innocent boy who has so many thought about something. I think it's really normal for children at that age to be like him because we doesn't necessarily love our teacher at that time right? It's pretty normal for children to make fun of each other..but I don't know you. So people might find it a little unpleasant and not a very good book for children. It all depend on how you see the book. I read this book when I was not in middle grade, so I don't really take it seriously and I was not bother by the way this book has been written. Basically, this is a really funny book but there are some uncomfortable scene, so don't thing much about it..just enjoy.


Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney


First Book Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels
Buy: No. Borrowed from my sister.




Review

Diary of Wimpy Kid series is the most popular series in this genre. I always saw this book in the bookstore and specifically in the best seller section. I guess most of the children that love and want to try reading will definitely pick up this series. I'm not really sure why this book is popular, but I was introduced to this book because I watched the movie first. And I love the movie so much, I wanna try to read the book. Yeah, maybe that's one of the reason this book is popular.

Let me tell you what I think about this book. For me, it was okay. Not really special or funny, just okay. I think I've read 5 books from the series, but to be very honest I don't remember anything that I've read. I might read the same book from the series, because I can't remember the latest book I've read from the series. Compare to Tom Gates, I feel really close to the character and the story grown in me after some time. But Diary of Wimpy Kid doesn't give the same effect. I can't recall anything and I'm not really interested anymore to read this series. I may/may not pick up this series again, depending on my mood. The series currently have 10 books and possibly of expanding. 10 books? Wow..nice.


Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell


First Book Title: Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
Author: Rachel Renee Russell
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Children fiction/graphic novels
Buy: Yes



Review

Dork diaries is about a Nikki, the unpopular girl that has huge crush on a perfect boy at school. She written a diary that basically about her crush, the mean girl at the school and drama drama drama.This series currently consist of 10 books and I own 2 of them. I've read 3 or 4 books from the series.

I think something is definitely wrong with me. Or is it the book? This series is just not my cup of tea. I tried my best to read this series (hence those 3 or 4 book that I've read), but I just couldn't like it enough and lose interest in it. But please, do not listen to me. I'm just weird. It's not that I hate Nikki or anything, I just hate the whole storyline. Cliche, boring and really depressing for me. I don't find anything from this book that might interest me. Full of drama..but not good drama. Just some whiny drama and mean girls drama. I do not need this kind of drama in this type of book. And it just not funny..at all. For those who really like drama type of book about an unpopular girl who always been a target of mean girls and how she manage to shine away and make her crush notice her and so on..you can guess where this is going, you definitely should pick up this book.


9 comments:

Benefits of Good Oils

1/17/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 0 Comments

Hello everyone.
Has anyone taken any supplement regularly to maintain healthy body system? Me..me..me. So far I only consume/take 3 type of supplements/oils everyday. 

Olive Oil

I consume this oil because of my skin and hair problems. I do use olive oil to massage my face as well as apply it to my hair to prevent hair damage.

Benefits of Olive Oil
  1. Protects Heart Health
  2. Helps Fight Cancer
  3. Helps with Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention
  4. Supports Brain Health
  5. Fights Mood Disorders and Depression
  6. Great for Boosting Skin Health
  7. Can Help Prevent or Treat Diabetes
  8. Helps Balance Hormones

Borage Oil


I consume this supplement to help me maintain my menstrual cycle and prevent period pain.

Benefits of Borage Oil
  1. Supplies Anti-Inflammatory Properties
  2. Has Antioxidant Properties that Fight Cancer
  3. Can Lower Arthritis Symptoms
  4. Fights Eczema and Skin Disorders
  5. Helps Heal Respiratory Infections
  6. Aids Growth and Development
  7. Might Help Lower Fat Accumulation and Weight Gain

Black Seed Oil

This oil help me with my allergic reaction and also maintain my digestive system.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil
  1. Prevent Cancer
  2. Protects Liver Health
  3. Prevent Diabetes
  4. Help with Weight Loss
  5. Prevent Hair Loss
  6. Maintains Healthy Skin
  7. Fights Infection

I'm not an expert or dietitian/doctor/etc. But I do consume these 3 oils and looking forward to see the difference it will bring to my life. However, I'm the laziest person in this world. So sometimes I do skip this routine because I totally forgot about it or just being lazy me. 

p/s: Listening to Lazy Girl by SNSD


0 comments:

Face Massage: Road to Youthful Skin

1/17/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 6 Comments

Hello everyone.
I'm getting old and I know you guys out there are getting old as well. Apart from anti-aging skincare, I discover today (I'm quite late..I know) that face massaging can help to prevent wrinkle and all those aging problem.


Check out Wengie's video down here for the face massage tutorial:



One of the reason I'm so excited for this face massage thingy (in addition of it's benefit of anti aging) is because I can't see my jawline anymore. My face is getting bigger than before and I usually don't mind those chubby cheeks because I just love it. But it's getting out of control. I need to 정신차려(snap out of it) a.s.a.p.


Steps:

  1. Prepare your scrapping board/guasha. I borrow it from my mom because I don't have one obviously. 
  2. Choose a suitable face oil for your face. I, again borrow the argan and olive oil for face from my mom for the same exact reason as before. 
  3. Massage your face as shown in the video above. 
  4. After massaging, clean your face with facial wash especially if you have sensitive/acne/oily skin because you don't want those excess oil lying in your face for a long time. 
  5. Do it every night. 


Hopefully this method work for me and everyone who has the same problem as mine.


6 comments:

Drink Water and Lose Weight

1/16/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 1 Comments

It's the time of the year that I started to feel that I need to change my routine and start living a healthy life. First step of this awesome dream/journey/inspiration of being fit and healthy is by drinking water. I admit that I love coffee (with lots of sugar and cream) and taking less water regularly that might be the reason that I haven't really lose weight and somehow gain more. And I need to change. Yes, right now.

Of course it's not easy for me because I just not really of fond of plain water and like I said I love sugary water. But you know what they say..


First thing first..
Because I have a problem drinking plain water, I decided to put slices (2-3 slices) of lemon into my water bottle (1.5 L). I squeeze the lemon slices a bit before putting them into my water bottle, so that it will taste a little better than just a plain water.

My water bottle (1.5L)
Tips and Tricks: source
  1. 2 glasses after waking up: helps activate internal organs
  2. 1 glass 30 minutes before meal: helps digestion
  3. 1 glass before taking shower/bath: helps lower blood pressure
  4. 1 glass before going to bed: avoid stroke and heart attack

The benefits of drinking water and stay hydrated: source
  • Weight loss
  • Provide Extra Energy
  • Headache cure
  • Healthy skin
  • Cure digestive problems
  • Cleansing and kidney health
  • Better exercise

Yes..it's long way for me to actually have a healthy lifestyle but I will try. I will try my best. Take a deep breath. You can do it. Anyway, I actually will also starting my workout routine and will be updating the routine soon. Be sure to stay healthy everyone.


1 comments:

Goodbye Sadness- BTOB (비투비) (Eng/Han/Rom)

1/15/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 0 Comments


Please..let the sadness go. Don't hold into it anymore. I have to remind myself each day. Of course it will always be hard, but you and me have to try. It takes courage to be happy and let the sadness go. Oh..my poor heart. Be strong.





Bye Bye Bye seulpeumeun Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye 슬픔은 Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye, Goodbye sadness

Sesangi nal oemyeonhaedo
세상이 날 외면해도
Even if the world turns away from me

Ddeugeobge ddwineun naui gaseumeun
뜨겁게 뛰는 나의 가슴은
My hotly beating heart

jeoltaero mureup kkulhji anha
절대로 무릎 꿇지 않아
will never kneel

Nareul norineun dynamite
나를 노리는 dynamite
The dynamite that teases me

machi dogideun sagwa gateun
마치 독이든 사과 같은
like a poisonous apple

Chagaun wiseondeul soge nan
차가운 위선들 속에 난
Within the cold hypocrisy, I’m

oeroun eodum suk moonlight
외로운 어둠 속 moonlight
the moonlight within the lonely dark

Fly fly you can fly

Aljanha mureupe hyungteoneun nuguna kajigo 
itdangeol
알잖아 무릎에 흉터는 누구나 가지고 있단걸
You know that the scars on your knees is something 
everyone has

Igeon salm salm sukjedo cham manha
이건 삶 삶 숙제도 참 많아
This is life, there’s lots of homework 
within life

Su manheun saramdeuri kaman nwadujil anha
수 많은 사람들이 가만 놔두질 않아
So many people won’t let it go

Yeogiseo chiigo jeogiseo chiyeo
여기서 치이고 저기서 치여
Getting run over here, run over there

Onmome meongjagukdeuri amuljil anha
온몸에 멍자국들이 아물질 않아
The bruises all over my body won’t heal

Cry,cry nunmuri meomchujil anha
Cry cry 눈물이 멈추질 않아
Cry, cry, the tears won’t stop

Nugunga son nemireojwo
누군가 손 내밀어줘
Someone please extend me their hand

Jageun naui eokkae wiae
작은 나의 어깨 위에
On my small shoulder

naeryeoanjeun noeulcheoreom
내려앉은 노을처럼
like a sinking sunset

Jogeumeun hime gyeowo jichil ttae
조금은 힘에 겨워 지칠 때
When I’ve become exhausted

neoman nae gyeote isseumyeon dwae
너만 내 곁에 있으면 돼
I just need you in my embrace

Bye Bye Bye seulpeumeun Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye 슬픔은 Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye, Goodbye sadness

Sesangi nal oemyeonhaedo
세상이 날 외면해도
Even if the world turns away from me

Ddeugeobge ddwineun naui gaseumeun
뜨겁게 뛰는 나의 가슴은
My hotly beating heart

jeoltaero mureup kkulhji anha
절대로 무릎 꿇지 않아
will never kneel

Fly fly you can fly

Aljanha mureupe hyungteoneun nuguna kajigo 
itdangeol
알잖아 무릎에 흉터는 누구나 가지고 있단걸
You know that the scars on your knees is something 
everyone has

Igeon salm salm sukjedo cham manha
이건 삶 삶 숙제도 참 많아
This is life, there’s lots of homework 
within life

Su manheun saramdeuri kaman nwadujil anha
수 많은 사람들이 가만 놔두질 않아
So many people won’t let it go

Yeogiseo chiigo jeogiseo chiyeo
여기서 치이고 저기서 치여
Getting run over here, run over there

Onmome meongjagukdeuri amuljil anha
온몸에 멍자국들이 아물질 않아
The bruises all over my body won’t heal

Cry,cry nunmuri meomchujil anha
Cry cry 눈물이 멈추질 않아
Cry, cry, the tears won’t stop

Nugunga son nemireojwo
누군가 손 내밀어줘
Someone please extend me their hand

Michige ulgo sipeun nal
미치게 울고 싶은 날
There's a day I wanna cry like crazy

haneobsi utgo sipeun nal
한없이 웃고 싶은 날
and day that I wanna laugh endlessly

Nawa hamkke ulgo useojuneun
나와 함께 울고 웃어주는
Cry and laugh together with me

neoman nae gyeote isseumyeon dwae
너만 내 곁에 있으면 돼
I just need you in my embrace

Bye Bye Bye seulpeumeun Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye 슬픔은 Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye, Goodbye sadness

Sesangi nal oemyeonhaedo
세상이 날 외면해도
Even if the world turns away from me

Ddeugeobge ddwineun naui gaseumeun
뜨겁게 뛰는 나의 가슴은
My hotly beating heart

jeoltaero mureup kkulhji anha
절대로 무릎 꿇지 않아
will never kneel

Bye Bye Bye seulpeumeun Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye 슬픔은 Goodbye
Bye Bye Bye Bye, Goodbye sadness

Sesangi nal oemyeonhaedo
세상이 날 외면해도
Even if the world turns away from me

Ddeugeobge ddwineun naui gaseumeun
뜨겁게 뛰는 나의 가슴은
My hotly beating heart

jeoltaero mureup kkulhji anha
절대로 무릎 꿇지 않아
will never kneel

 Everybody wanna know

Hanchi apdo anboyeoseo neomu yasokhangeol
한치 앞도 안보여서 너무 야속한걸
The possibilities in the future that we 
can't see

 Nobody wanna cry

Hanbeon mideobojagu
한번 더 믿어보자구
Please believe in it one more time

Gosaengi manha bro
고생이 많아 bro
You've worked hard, bro

0 comments:

Book Review: Irène by Pierre Lemaitre

1/09/2016 Ezza TheBookDragon 0 Comments


Title: Irène
Author: Pierre Lemaitre
Amazon Link: Buy now
Book Depository Link: Buy now
Genre: Crime fiction/ Thriller
Buy: Yes
Review: Goodreads


Synopsis

For Commandant Verhoeven life is beautiful: he is happily married, expecting his first child with the lovely Irène.

But his blissful existence is punctured by a murder of unprecedented savagery. Worse still, the press seem to have it in for him – his every move is headline news. When he discovers that the killer has killed before – that each murder is a homage to a classic crime novel – the fourth estate are quick to coin a nickname… The Novelist…

With both men in the public eye, the case develops into a personal duel, each hell-bent on outsmarting the other. There can only be one winner – whoever has the least to lose…

Book Review

This is one of the mind blowing book I've read at the beginning of the year. Mind you, I haven't read much of mind blowing books before. So maybe this is the first time. I can't believe that I've been tricked by this book because the twist is something that my mind didn't expect, hence the mind blowing thing. This book is the first book of the Verhoeven series written by Pierre Lemitre, a French author that have been translated to English by Frank Wynne (thank you, thank you so much).

The story start with the horrifying murder that happened to the two young woman that became a case for Commandant Verhoeven and his team to investigate. Let me tell you, the murder is too vivid and horrifying that I still get nightmares about it these days. I hate it but I love it.

Camille (Commandant Verhoeven) and his team consisting of Louis, Armand and Malevel are looking for clues and anything related to the murder and finally got some information that the crime is actually a crime series that happen before and surprise surprise...the murders that happened are exact copy from the crime fiction novels (multiple novels).

It's really intense book as I couldn't put this book down because I just want to know and solved all those mysteries. The main character is really interesting as well as the team. I love every part of this book and there's not a single page that I felt boring or not interesting enough. Every single page is worth it. Then we have Irène, Camille's wife as one of the important character as title is named after hers. So of course, everything will be related to her and I hate that. Leave Irene alone!!

I don't want to write long review because I'm afraid that I'll spoil all the important details of this book. As for me, if I were given this book to read, I definitely will jump into it without knowing anything about it, That will be the best way to enjoy this book. Highly recommended this book for someone who loves crime fiction and wouldn't mind all these scary crime details that will give you nightmares for several days. And the twist..something you cannot imagine (if you're just like me..pea size brain..hehe). It's funny book too despite the serious topic of murder. 


Book Quotes

(may contain spoilers)

"Bastard!" "Who's a bastard?' "Oh, the world is full of bastards, Louis, but that hack from Le Matin, is leagues ahead of the rest." Camille told Louis about his encounter the previous evening.
"What's that?" "A list of wallpaper shops. Specifically those that stock the Dalmatian print." "How far have you got?" " Number thirty-seven." "And?" "And, I'm about to call number thirty-eight." "Obviously."
"It's not much, is it?" "Oh yes, there's one more thing: the letter was posted in Courbevoie, right next to the crime scene. The man's got style.
"Apparently the minister is 'deeply troubled'." "Troubled? A minister? You jest!" "Not at all, Camille. To me, a minister who is deeply troubled is deeply troubling in itself. But ministerial anxiety has practical benefit. Everything we were told was impossible yesterday is now top priority. By this afternoon you'll have a bigger squad room and lot more officers."



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