Recap and Review: The Black Diamond Skye Tour

This past Tuesday my boyfriend and I went to The Black Diamond Skye Tour together. It was a lot of fun. I was feeling well before we got there so I was able to relax and enjoy myself much more than I could at Uproar. I'm sure the fact that the temperature was much lower helped. It was a really great day for a concert.

Mastodon was up first. I wasn't familiar with much of their music beforehand but I enjoyed their set. They used some TV screens that they played clips that appeared to be from B-movies that went along with their music. My boyfriend really seemed to like them so after they were done we went to the merch table and bought their album.

We ended up having to skip The Deftones set. They had a lot of very bright white strobe lights that faced out into the audience. Light is my main migraine trigger so I knew I needed to get away from them if I was going to feel well enough to enjoy the band I was there to see, Alice in Chains. I waited around until their first song was over to see if the lights would not be quite as intense. Unfortunately the lights kept flashing erratically so we had to walk out and sit at one of the picnic tables near where they sell food. I could still see the flashing over top of the wall that was blocking our view of the stage. I wish I could have stayed and watched them but I didn't want to get violently ill.

Alice in Chains were amazing. They also used quite a bit of lighting in their set but it was done much better and in a way that did not make it impossible for me to watch them. They used a lot of colored lights directed at the stage along with nifty video screens. They did occasionally shine white light into the audience but it was only a very few times and they did not flash. The lights would come on for a few seconds and then go off. For me at least this is better especially since where they used them made sense in relation to the music so I could brace myself a lot better. It was really nice to be able to enjoy a band's interesting use of lighting during a concert without being hurt by it. Besides the lights the music was absolutely amazing. I wouldn't hesitate for a second if I had a change to see them again. They put on an amazing show.

Still at the shop at this hour

It has been a week since my last post. Busy and sick.

Busy with the kids since nanny is on leave and sick; down with fever and sore throat. Gosh! Everything comes at the same time. For the past 4 days I have been taking my afternoon nap at home with the kids. I do not have the energy to think about anything but sleep. Probably the medicine is the culprit too. Sigh!

Today is the month end, so a lot of reports to be printed out. And some mails and update to be done. Yes! I am still at the shop. Hubby is at home with 2 kids and I hope by the time I reach home, both kids are asleep. And I can take my sleep too.

Tomorrow is another new month! Hopefully a better month too.

Happy Bunday! September 26th, 2010

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I hope everyone has had a great weekend and is looking forward to an exciting week. My boyfriend and I are going to see Alice In Chains on Tuesday besides that I don't think I have anything planned except cleaning, cleaning, and even more cleaning :)

Freebie Friday: September 24th, 2010

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There seems to be an abundance of awesome freebies this week. 

• A super cute free skull/crown/wing embroidery design from Urban Threads
• Another free design from Urban Threads "I Read Banned Books"
• Free Nars Pure Matte Lipstick From Saks Fifth Avenue (Only at participating stores in Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Boston, Chicago, New York Cite, Phoenix, San Francisco, Short Hills, NJ, an Troy, MI) You also have to sign up for FourSquare.com and jump through a couple more hoops. Click the link for all the information.
• Free Buxom Lash Mascara sample at a Sephora inside a JCPenney (In Store)
• Free Deluxe Bombshell Eau de Parfum at Victoria's Secret (In Store At Participating Locations)
• Free Sample of Acqua Di Gioia from Armani
• Free Packet of Cream of Wheat Cinnabon Instant Hot Cereal
• Free Samples Every Week from Nordstrom Sample Saturdays (Facebook and In Store)
• Free Sample of Covergirl Simply Ageless Serum Primer (Must Sign Up For An Account)
• Free Sample of Jergens Overnight Repair

Enjoy! I hope everyone has a great weekend! :)

Have you met this little fella before?

When the first time I saw him, I have to see twice to make sure my vision did not deceive me. I thought what a weird creature (and scary too). Must be some kind of poisonous frog.



Wonder where are his other friends?

Quirky Life: Computer Problems

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I've had some really great ideas for blog posts want to get together but computer issues have been standing in the way. It's supremely frustrating to say the least. I was using an old ThinkPad laptop as my primary computer but the power cord no longer stays connected properly. Every time it comes loose the computer beeps and the screen dims. It can go from being connected to not connected 30 times in 30 seconds. I've put it to the side because I think the power cord is finally going to stop working at all very very soon. I'm going to have to attack it and get all of my files off as fast as I can soon. We have another old laptop (a Compaq) that was laying around not being used so I'm using that for a little while. So far it's ok but the trackpad is way too sensitive. Last but not least I have my old Dell desktop which is frustratingly slow.

My lovely boyfriend knows how much I've been frustrated by the computers I've had access to and to help ease that stress he built me a brand new desktop. Before I move it in I have to clean and reorganize my room which is no small feat but at least that gives me some light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Posting More Postcards

Each week is a challenge, a fun challenge, to send snail mail postcards to my college daughter and a few of her besties. Here are the latest in the lot.

This was sent during the first week of classes when the girls not only had to figure out how they are going to balance their class load this semester, but locate the classes in the most obscure locations on campus without being late. Good luck girls!

Some of my besties have been with me since my college days. There is nothing like dorm life to find the best friends you will have forever.

Mom steps in with great advice, words of wisdom, and just common sense. Eat right! Your body’s begging you.

Everybody needs a little down time and one of the best ways to do so is to let your real life go just for a couple of hours and get wrapped up in a great flick. There’s something out there for everybody. And no, it doesn’t have to be a chick flick. Like I told the girls, a documentary might even count as study time, cuz hey, you might actually learn something.

P.S. from September of 2011: In the past year, this entry has become the most-visited page on my blog, and I'm curious to know why. How did you find this blog entry? Did you search for certain terms on Google? Did you search for something once you came to the Sheri Berry blog? What were you looking for that brought you to this entry? Please leave a comment below to let me know what you were searching for when you came here to help me provide more of it to meet your interests.

Cakes, lanterns and the moon

After reading Small Kucing's blog yesterday on Oyster King, I could not resist the temptation to taste oysters. Slurp! I love oysters, either fresh or made into oyster pancakes. Kuching's oyster pancakes are usually made dry, in crispy pancakes.


We had our dinner in Peach Garden, Jalan Song last night. And of course we ordered the Oyster Pancake, which is RM8.00. But big serving although not many oysters on it. Nevertheless for time being, it satisfy my craving.

If you noticed a chunk has been eaten. Cannot resist but still remember to take photo before it all gone! :p

Today is the Mid Autumn festival. How time flies. Mid Autmn celebration is equally big as Chinese New Year, although it is not declared a holiday in Malaysia. Have you eaten your mooncakes yet? Or leave it for tonight, a special night for every Chinese around the world. Although there is no autumn (or 4 seasons) in Malaysia, nevertheless we still celebrate the autumn blessing with the traditional dinner with family and then enjoying the sight of full moon with Chinese tea and mooncakes. The children will lit up and show off their beautiful lanterns. There tend to have few burnt paper lanterns.

We have bought some lanterns for little gal to play with tonight. I still like the old fashioned paper lantern. Look more authentic than the music-and-battery-operated lanterns.

As for mooncakes, nothing to look forward to because I have been selling and eating mooncakes for a month. Why not? I gave away free testing of mooncakes to customers in the shop and I tested them myself. When I have a craving, I will nib on some of them sometimes. Lol! Only this year I started to try new flavours of mooncakes, the Shanghai Single Yolk, Mix Fruits and Nuts, and Sweet Corn. Nevertheless I still love the Pure Lotus, White Lotus and Snowskin Mooncakes but I have not tasted snowskin this year. You may agree with me, the mooncakes now cost a lot. 1 mooncake can buy you a bowl of kolo mee and a hot tea in coffee shop. Gosh!


So, any dinner and mooncake feast tonight? Probably we will have dinner at my parents' house. It has been a while I did not visit them so it is good reason to gather around and chat tonight and let my girl have a lantern walk around the big compound. *wink* And meantime, enjoy this mooncake bought by my Indonesian maid from Singkawang.


Happy Mid Autumn and Happy Mooncake Festival, everyone!

Just For Fun: A Survey

I was tagged by Novie at Just Another Avenue. Thanks for tagging me :)

 

1.What was your fondest childhood memory?

 

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That's a hard one...lately I've been reminiscing about the bird houses we used to have in our backyard. The front of them opened and swung down so you could see inside. During the spring I would go and check to see if a bird had made a nest. They inevitably would then there would be eggs to check on and then there would be baby birds to check on. I didn't bother them I'd just look for a little bit then close it back up. It was fascinating to me. 

 

 2. How was your first kiss?

 

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I honestly can't remember. I just remember being really mad when boys would sneak up and kiss me when I was little. It was so rude. 

 

3. Where do you think is the best place to retire?

 

 

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Anywhere as long as you're close to the people you love. 

 

4. If given the chance to speak to God face to face, what would you tell Him?

 

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I'd just say hi. 

 

5. Do you consider yourself LUCKY?

 

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Even though I get frustrated a lot of days most of the time I feel that I am very very lucky.

 

 

 6. Are you aggressive or the shy type?

 

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I'm super shy. A lot of times I wish I wasn't because I adore people and would like to talk to more. 

 

7. Cake or Ice cream?

 

 

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Are you sure you don't mean "Cake or death?" (Eddie Izzard references FTW!) In either case I'd pick cake all the way.

Music Monday: Lady Gaga and Don't Ask Don't Tell

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Lady Gaga gave a speech at a rally in Portland today. She and many others were gathered together against the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy the military has. Don't Ask, Don't Tell has always come across to me as something so antiquated that I have a hard time remembering it was put in to place in the early 90s. It's a violation of basic human freedoms and rights. Who you love in your personal life should not effect your standing in your professional life. Losing good soldiers because they were outed is disgraceful. They work to make sure the citizens of their country have freedoms but they are not granted those freedoms themselves. All of the speakers stories were moving and powerful. Gaga's speech was electrifying. She reminded me of why I have an interest and passion for politics. It's because I love people and believe in trying to make the world a better place for everyone. I'm hopeful that tomorrow DADT will be repealed but if it's not those of us that find it to be so horribly wrong must not give up hope. We have to keep fighting.

Here is Gaga's speech:

No pets allowed

I love going to one of the coffee shops in Green Heights. Not only because of the food and nice Sarawak 3-layer tea or its cleanliness, but I go because of its "no pets" policy. So far I have never see any coffee shops in Kuching that put up a "No pets" sign in their shops and disallow customers bringing in their dogs or cats with them. My personal opinion is that it is not only unhygienic but a nuisance to other customers.

Imagine yourself in a coffee shop where you may spot one or two stray dogs (or shop owner's dog) going around every table begging for food! I encountered one incident where a stray dog was barking and preying at my mee sua the whole time I was eating in a coffee shop in Hui Sing. From there onward I never gone there for mee suah. The dog is still there because I saw it when I went over last weekend, but I had laksa so the dog did not come near my table. Lol!

So it just happened that I had breakfast with hubby in the morning in BDC area on Friday morning and a couple brought their cute terrier covered in shirt to the coffee shop. They were sitting next to our table. And my usually sweet hubby was almost having an outburst. He never likes the idea of having pets in an eatery, so he was critisizing the couples (quietly to me). He is calling me to eat faster, so we just have our quick breakfast and left the coffee shop with hubby still complaining about the dog. We are not blaming the dog, mind you.

I don't know about you; it is everyone freedom and right to bring their pets to where ever they want to, but the thought of eating and sharing seat with a pet is not my cup of tea.

Freebie Friday: September, 17th 2010

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I'm sorry for the lack of updates this week. Between feeling sick, computer problems, and just being busy time got away from me. I'm feeling better now though so expect more regular posts from me :)

• Free Quaker Life Soft Baked Bar
• Aveda Men Pure-Formance Duel Action Aftershave (In Store)
• Free Gucci Guilty Perfume Sample

Business assistant

Few days ago I went to visit my friend's shop in another shopping mall with my hubby. It just so happened that there was a meet-the-fans session. The crowds were crazy and we hardly could go through the stage to reach our friend's shop. If not for the velvet rope and barricades, we would not managed to squeeze ourselves through. The security guards were good in dealing with the crowd control.

When we reached our friend's shop we were surprised to see that he has just installed a new poster on the stanchions in front of his shop. A great way to utilise the shopfront and create publicity to his shop.

After visiting my friend, it makes me think of getting a new banner display for my new product promotions next month.

. . . the rest of the story

Well, the 24 hour craft craze on HSN ending with a bang. The new Cricut Imagine was an enormous hit. That was expected, at least from my perspective. When I first learned about the machine and was asked to be an artist for its cartridges, I was delighted to join in. This machine really is amazing from everything I could see (all night long:). I have to give a shout out to Jinger (with Provo Craft) and Megan (with K&Co) for the amazing work they did as guests on HSN. The others were great too, but these two girls are special to me. I was lucky enough to work, literally, right next to Megan for a couple of short, but fun years at K&Co. She will always be dear to me (she’s just that way, even more wonderful in person:). I met Jinger a couple of years ago and it is she who got me thinking about the possibilities of working with Provo Craft. I admire them for the talent in which they make guest hosting seem so flawless and easy. And I know it’s anything but easy. Great job, girls!

I learned a few things while watching with the rest of you. I was thrilled to find that my little creatures you have come to know as Woodland Tails were part of the packaged deal when purchasing the Cricut Imagine on HSN. The cartridge is called Nursery Tails, so any of you out there who got in on the buy during that 24 hour period will now be the proud owners of my little creatures, to turn them into many cute and amazing projects. I believe the cartridge will soon be available individually as well. This is what it looks like, above, if you haven’t gotten a chance to see it.

I also noticed that there were a few sneak peeks of some of the other cartridges during the 24 hour marathon. The Woodland Christmas cartridge has been called Snow Angel and it should soon be available as well. I believe it was on the HSN site, but I noticed that it was sold out by yesterday morning. Helloooo, what wasn’t sold out with Cricut Imagine and its cartridges during that craft craze?! This is what the Christmas cartridge looks like.

I’d love to hear from all of you who bought the machine, once it arrives, and you have a chance to start creating with it. May you make many sweet and adorable creations with the little woodland characters and give them a nice home. Oh, and don’t forget to sleep a bit too. :)

Have not been shopping

It is ironic but I have not been shopping around in the shopping mall where my shop is. Most of the outlets are open now, but I do not shop around. Not at all.

I used to love window shopping and whether I buy or not buy, window shopping makes me feel great. I don't know about you, but I like the feeling of browsing from one outlet to another. Now I know how it feels to be on the other side of the shoes as I am a shop operator! Lol! Customers are always right and nothing changes that fact. *wink*

Back to shopping, I used to love shopping for jewellery and fashion accessories, but now if I ever do any shopping, it would be for the children. Even the last time I went shopping (early August in KL) most of my stuff is for my children. The last purchase I ever made (also in KL) is a belt and a top. So you can say that I do not shop much nowadays like I used to be.

Since I started my business, I think I have lost some weights. Even my friends commented that I have slimmed down. *happy* I am thinking of buying new clothing especially dresses. Lately I have been browsing online shopping websites from my shop and love to check out on dresses. I have few dresses for special occasion but sorry to say, I do not have a black dress. I think black dress never gone out of fashion and fit for any occasion. So maybe I will treat myself to a nice black dress when I get my next cheque.

By the way, I have just make a new purchase (not clothing or anything alike) this morning. It was initially planned to be a trip to lawyer firm for some signing with hubby but after that, we dropped by Tun Jugah shopping mall to check out on something. It just felt weird to go back to the building where you have been for almost 9 years, but a lot of shops closed and new shops moved in. Everything looks different to me. Not much look familiar for me in there. I have mixed feeling of going back there; hard to explain to you. Anyway, both of us ended up with something. It is actually not a purchase, more of a subscription comes with a gift.....I am still waiting for the "gift" to come.....shall let you know what it is once I receive it. Lol!

Save the date and don’t be late to Imagine the possibilities!

Finally the day has come when I am able to share some long anticipated news about a product I have been working on with Provo Craft. Cricut Imagine, Provo Craft’s newest craft machine will be launched tonight on HSN (Home Shopping Network). My art will be shown and available, as I have been working with them on two different cartridges for this new product. I hope they are going to share information on both collections, but I will watch with you to see which Sheri Berry art is chosen . . . and printed . . . and cut . . and applied to many wonderful craft projects displayed on HSN tonight and tomorrow throughout the day. This event begins at midnight tonight (September 14, and runs throughout the day on the 14th).

If you want to learn more about the Cricut Imagine launch, go to here to learn more about the scheduled events on HSN. If you want to learn more about Cricut Imagine, go to Provo Craft to learn more about this amazing, new machine.

There are two cartridges of my art that should be on display tonight. One is based on the collection Woodland Tails and it is a charming collection of baby and child imagery. It might be called Woodland Tails or possibly Woodland Babies by Provo Craft. Here are a few samples above of the many images this cartridge provides.

The other cartridge in a holiday collection and it is based on my favorite new Christmas collection, A Woodland Christmas. Again, I am not sure if it is called A Woodland Christmas by Provo Craft, but the art should be recognizable to any who are familiar with my style. Let’s see if it debuts tonight or in the morning with the celebrated Cricut Imagine launch.

I have been working with Provo Craft on cartridges that are also available, or will become available, for the Cricut machine. I am aware of one that is out already called Savory by Provo Craft (known by my collections as Organic Fruitation). To learn more about it go here. I have seen it in Walmart as a Cricut Lite product. It is a cartridge that works with the original Cricut machine, and as I understand, it will also work with the new Cricut Imagine. I believe Provo Craft has made it possible for all cartridges to work with this new machine. So, if you already have Cricut cartridges you should be able to use them with the new product.

I will keep you updated as additional cartridges that I have designed for Provo Craft become available. There are two others that should be out within a few months and I will update you on those as I know more about their debut. They are Cricut cartridges, so you should be able to use them for either machine.

So, don’t forget to save the date and stay up late to be among the first to see this amazing new machine by Provo Craft and the cute little cartridges by yours truly!

Happy Bunday! September 12th, 2010

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It's my last day of antibiotics yay! I'm hopeful that this next week will be much much better. I hope everyone is having a great day! :)

No show

The new girl that hubby interviewed yesterday did not show up today. So I guess it means she did not take up the offer. Or probably she took another offer from other outlet. Not only my shop that have immediate vacancy around here. As I was strolling around the mall this morning, I noticed that few shops putting up vacancy notices in front of their shops.

Alas! Why it is so hard to get a loyal staff to work for you?

Happy Thoughts: September 11th, 2010

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Things that are making me happy today:

• I'm almost done with my antibiotics.
• I bought a really cute earring holder that's shaped like a birdcage.
•  It's finally starting to feel like fall.
• I've been able to find two cute pill holders recently.
• I'll have a brand new awesome working computer soon all thanks to my lovely boyfriend.
• I got some cute new pencils and an eraser. They're so cute I feel happier when I use them.

What's been making you happy lately?

New girl?

Hubby interviewed a young lady this morning for the post of sales promoter. After briefing her on the job responsibility, we decided to give her a try. A little quiet and does not have much experiences, not to mention touching the pc.

She will start her first day tomorrow. Just hope that she will come and not like the previous girl that I interviewed, who sms-ed me last minute telling me that she could not take my offer. Sigh! Very hard to find staff nowadays. Give me some headaches only.

On a good side, my little gal will be coming back from her holiday tonight. However the flight which is supposed to be departing from Sibu at 8pm now is been delayed to 930pm. So I will be seeing her after I closed shop tonight.....

Freebie Friday: September 10th, 2010

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• Free Harley-Davidson Poster
• Free Weekly Regal Theatres Coupon (Facebook)
• Free 1 Year Subscription to Spin Magazine
• Free Kids Toothbrush From Colgate
• Free Waffle at Waffle House (Expires on Sept. 17th)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Open as usual

It is holiday today. First day of Hari Raya, but I still have to open up my shop. Don't know how the crowd would be as the mall is relatively new; just opened early this year. Hopefully to see a lot of shoppers as it is going to be a long weekend.

My Malay staff suddenly resigned a week ago. She just sent me a SMS on the last hour; told me about her ailing grandparent in kampung on the pretext of resigning. However it turned out hoax. How I found out? Her father suddenly came to look for her few days later. And the poor father was surprised to hear that she has resigned and that was how I know. Anyway, that the end of her and I am still looking for another girl to work for me. For time being, I would have to be stucked in the shop till we find a new girl.

So anyone care to bring some lemang, curry, rendang and satay to share with me? It is better than eating economy rice here. Lol! Selamat Hari Raya and happy holiday.


glitter-graphics.com

Found Objects: September 8th, 2010

Some interesting things I've stumbled upon.

Cosmic Catnip Bubbles: I love blowing bubbles and have spent a good deal of time watching my cats chase them around my room. I think they would go even more crazy for these. The also have Bacon Bubbles which is supposed to be for dogs but my kitty Cosmo absolutely loves bacon. I think I might get both kinds as Christmas presents for the kitties this year.

Invisible Awareness Week: September 13th-19th is Invisible Awareness Week. I'll be doing at least one post next week about it.

My computer case: This is the case my boyfriend got for the computer he's building me. Isn't it cute?