This is part our monthly newsletters. If you missed the previous ones, check them out here!

August Rush. Not the movie (a really good one!) but in every sense of the word - August has literally whizzed us by. We have been dazzled and amazed by the feats of China, as they played host to the Beijing Olympics 2008. Finally, another Asian nation which has been bestowed the honour of hosting the world’s greatest sporting event.

The good news does not stop there as our very own home grown Chong Wei  won Malaysia it's first silver medal in 12 years. Though he did not beat the Chinese stronghold, Lin Dan, it's still a feat to be celebrated. We are proud of you!

As the torch of the Olympics passed on to London for the 2012 Games. Many questions how London would be able to outdo China in their efforts to "wow" the world. It's a  phenomenon of sorts. As an Asian heritage company, we feel so proud that China or Asia  can host world class standard events.

As we talk about the passing of torch, it brings us back to that of Cziplee as a business. Started 37 years ago by an entrepreneur, who only had a loan of
RM 2,000 from his mother to begin his little tuck shop, CzipLee has grown leaps and bounds through sheer hard work of family, support from the community (yes, that means you!=)) and continuity in the generations forward to continue the good work.

Cziplee believes in preserving tradition, yet forging ahead in adapting to times. That's why we are working on many other means to reach out and satisfy our clients. From our up and coming, CzipLee Lite an online concept store, to our newly set up of a one stop printing centre in Bangsar which many have been requesting for - we strive to do what our founding father did best. Meeting the needs of the community.

And meet your needs we definitely will. Especially this month of August, as we celebrate Malaysia's 51 first anniversary of independence. Cziplee will be running some exciting promotions throughout the stores for as long as we can. Stay tune for updates via our twitter or our blog!

Also, did we tell you that it's almost time to rid your 2008 diaries? Moleskine 2009 diaries hits the store early September and what better way to look forward to another new year than with a new Moleskine diary! With 19 models to choose from and 1 very Special limited edition only available in CzipLee. There will definitely be diary for everyone! A sneak peek:

Till then, we've enjoyed this August rush and we are all gearing up for September. Are you?

To our fellow Malaysians, have a great Merdeka weekend!

Your friends@

P.S. Did you read that article about Killing a Snatch Thief?

Labels: 2008, Letters

The below article/letter is published with permission from the contributor/writer and was featured on the Malaysiakini website early this month.To visit Malaysiakini click here.

Would you kill a snatch thief?
Ir Hew YL | Aug 1, 08 4:05pm

Recently, I almost caught a snatch thief. I was walking along Jalan Telawi
Lima, Bangsar Baru in Kuala Lumpur where Maybank, McDonald's and the
Rocky Restaurant are situated, at 3pm on a bright Saturday afternoon.
Whilst walking I was reading a SMS on my hand phone. Suddenly, the
hand phone was taken off my hand by a guy on a motorbike and he proceeded
to ride off with the phone in his mouth.

Unfortunately for him, he was on the road shoulder and the obstacles there
did not allow him to speed up. I ran alongside him and pushed him
off-balance. His bike ramped over water-meters and he crashed into a
clinic's shop front.

I retrieved my hand phone which fell off in the crash. I looked at the guy,
thinking that he's now an accident victim and may need help. He got up,
glared at me and retorted "Apa u mau?" I gestured with my hands thinking
'What's happening man'.

After all, he looks like any other guy on a bike, just like the ones I
would hire to work as office staff, or the ones I played football with,
years ago.

Suddenly he revved off on his bike. I realised again he was a thief and
ought to be treated as one. I managed to kick him below his ribs, but I
doubt he was hurt. I chased but he went through two rows of tables along
the five foot way, up a six-inch step, and down another two steps on his
noisy 'scrambler' motorbike, speeding past the trendy restaurants.

By now there was quite an audience starring in disbelief that a snatch
theft case was going on right in the middle of a busy street in classy
Bangsar. The crowd was the usual middle to upper class English-speaking
people of Bangsar. My wife witnessed the whole incident as she waited for
me in our car waiting to pick me up after an errand.

For your information, in my family of five adults living in Bangsar, we
have now been victims of five snatch thefts and car break-ins in the last
two years. We all wonder why the rich residents of Bangsar cannot get
together to protect ourselves.

The saying that we have a First World infrastructure with Third World
mentality rings true again. Here was an area with Starbucks, McDonald's,
Western pubs, and foreign-trained professionals and so on. But here is
also where the Mat Rempit come to pick on easy victims, like my wife
(twice) and my 80-year-old mother and friend.

What is the difference between Bangsar and South Africa now? The crime
rate looks like it is just as bad. The difference is that in South Africa,
apartheid is back, in the form of gated communities, gated shopping areas,
gated office and commercial areas.

Private guards are everywhere in South Africa expecting trouble and armed
to protect themselves and their employers. In Bangsar, we still think we
are in a nice, safe area and that the police are nearby. Our five resident
associations still can't get private security in place.

But coming back to the snatch thief. In hindsight, for about three
seconds, I could have caught him and beaten him up. It was just like
starring at a cornered rat in the house, just before you kill it with a
stick and watch it die, twitching away before going still.

People I spoke to said they would have killed him, and asked why I didn't
kill him. Certainly, incidences like this have happened before and the
unlucky thief was actually beaten up and killed in a public show of anger
and revenge for past incidents.

When I remember that my wife was traumatised by snatch theft incidences
twice in six months and both times in Bangsar, and my 80-year-old mother
who was sent to hospital and is right now still suffering from a bad back
due to a snatch theft in Bangsar, yes, I think I could have killed him.

Many said to me the police would not do anything even though we have his
bike number plate (which fell off) so we better just kill him on the spot.

Then again, this is the year where political awareness is almost at an all
time high. I tend to think that this Mat Rempit may be one of those who
suffered years of mismanagement and mismatched expectations.

In the last many years, I have worked and played alongside with my fellow
Malaysians. This year at work, I saw with my own eyes my Malay colleagues
openly supporting DAP candidates while my Chinese and Christian colleagues
openly voted for Malay and Muslim candidates. Malaysian citizens have not
felt so united for a long time.

This snatch thief is another fellow Malaysian citizen somehow misguided
and lost in the world. We make excuses and say they are probably addicts,
foreigners, etc. Let's face it, they are our own Mat Rempit, out there in
the hundreds, crowding out the prisons, snatching as they like, not just
in Snatch-Theft-Center-Bangsar, but also in Kepong, Seremban, Johor Baru,
Klang, Kajang, anywhere.

Are there a few hardcore snatch thieves? Or are there populations of Mat
Rempit going around just snatching when they feel like it? With so many
incidents, it is obvious that there are hordes of them. With an impending
recession and the political situation in disarray, expect more snatch
thefts. My 83-year-old father has not been 'snatched from' yet. No bets on
whether he'll be a victim within the next one year in Bangsar.

So think about it. If you are ready to kill a snatch thief, please be
ready to kill the rest of the hundreds of Mat Rempit. I still think I
can't kill a thief, much as I think of him as a rat of a person.

HEW, YL

Labels: 101, 2008, Bangsar

25 years in Bangsar, and I've seen...

I've been living in Bangsar for close to three quarters of my life. The three quarters would include a good 25 years of experience in this neighbourhood, which equates to a good quarter of a century!

Man, I'm old. I can roughly tell you the spots of walls in Bangsar that were once spray painted with various messages courtesy of the alternatives trying to make a point. It was a furor of the media at one point, I remember. Well, the walls have since been white washed and given a nice gloss of paint.

Long before Alexis had their makeover, which some say has boosted their sales tremendously with its Australian like feel of a cafe, and long before Serene Outlook bedazzled the eyes of passerby's way past midnight with their fluorescent like display-the lot originally housed our favourites Coffee Bean which was just right across the road from Starbucks.

Long before there was even Bangsar Village 1 or 2, there was the Jolly Green Giant with its rat infested offerings, and also the almost dead Hankyu Jaya that now houses BV1. I've seen the motions, enough to say that KFC was once just neighbours to our dear old McDonald's, and right opposite was Burger King with its substandard value meals.

There was also this memorable competitor to Seven Eleven (I know their theme colour was green), which now houses the sleepy steak joint at the corner, right next to Chow Yang Foot Massage. The "green" mart was the place to get the best ice cream, where you could do your own sundae twist-chocolate and vanilla at just less than RM 2.00! You could keep going round and round, and lick the melted ice cream real quickly to pack in more for your money's worth!

Well, memories are what I have of Bangsar and I do wish to see more improvements-especially in terms of safety and also the pot holes in the roads! That has never changed, unfortunately.

And now, Bangsar is...

It's time to look forward to see which shops have contributed to the colours and atmosphere of what makes Bangsar. I'd say it would be: La Bodega, which is jam packed for breakfast-having their own niche crowd of business people having bacon, eggs and sandwiches at jacked up prices for their first meal of the day.

Rocky Restaurant, one of my favourite hangouts just because they serve good home-cook food and when you are there, its like you are lost in time. An old-school coffee shop in the middle of the Bangsar hustle bustle!

There's also the range of boutiques that have sprung up-with cute names and displays selling clothes probably source from the similar countries and suppliers. But nevertheless, I've always enjoyed their creative display-Blook, Tea & Symphony, Cat's Whiskers and so much more.

Zooming in on CzipLee... 

And finally, there's CzipLee which has taken over lot from Public Mutual two years back and is housed right next to Nirwana, which has almost never seen a dip in their banana leaf and Indian Cuisine business though the economy has gone through some rough and tumble.

CzipLee has made its own niche landmark with the regular "oohs & aaahs" from delighted patrons seeing stationery wonderland, and not to forget-its range of well stocked school books, children titles and fiction that would get mothers and children absolutely delighted.

I for one love the fact that they are affordable. The prices are good, during the bad and good times-they don't keep hiking the prices, I really like that about them, especially now that inflation has hit an all time high of 7.7%. Even if they do, they try not to pass so much of the cost on to consumers-that should be a point well noted.

CzipLee: One Stop Printing Centre Come August 2008

Well, CzipLee has something up their sleeves, to cater to the changing winds of Bangsar, and that is a one stop printing centre. Loads of people having come in and out to ask for photocopying, printing, binding and laminating services and even designing of name cards. Well, CzipLee sure has that figured out, and will fill that gap, this August 2008.

Again, at their ever competitive pricing. Check it out soon, to see for yourself. CzipLee, meeting Bangsar's needs!

(This article was contributed by a true born and bred 'Bangsar-ian'. One of our regular customers! Thank you, YOU!=))

Labels: 101, 2008, Bangsar, CzipLee Printing

So  we were featured in The Star newspaper yesterday. And its Moleskine-related. We won't go on about it, you can read all about them yourself here and here:

Or if you want to read the e-paper version, here.

But just one clarification. There WILL BE 19 different types of Moleskines to choose from next year. This is in relation to the Diaries not notebooks! Just thought we get that out of the way. In appreciation to all your support to Moleskine@CzipLee, this one's for you:

So now, what are you waiting for! Hurry in! =)

For more on Moleskine, visit Plus.

Labels: 2008, CzipLee Plus, Moleskine

June was a quiet month from us on the web-front but it was one of the more exciting month's in-store!

1) Newsletter blast

We are proud to say we have built up a database of more than 4,000 members; and we're at long last, kicking off our CzipNews blast to keep all of you informed on our promotions, updates and more.

Keeping in touch with you is what we would like to do, so do share with us your emails and comments or tell your friends to subscribe to our mailing list - even though they may be overseas. You never know, we might just be able to arrange for that cute stationery, that Moleskine or anything to be delivered or purchased by your friend overseas!

Note: Emails were obtained with members consent through the CzipCard application.

You can subscribe or unsubscribe to our mailing list here. And send us your emails through our contact form here.

2) Nip Tucking Kajang & Bangsar

We have had add-on(s) to both stores for more products! We have been giving Kajang a face-lift for a while now and we're picking up the pace with a major overhaul for one of the key areas in the store (one that would make the guys from Nip/Tuck proud!). Let's just say after a decade or so Kajang was due for a newer look! Be patient, we are doing it in stages! Also, Kajang gets a new outlook too. Here the work in progress:

3) We have something NEW...coming up @ Bangsar

We created space in Bangsar for an exciting and what we consider a very integral component to the CzipLee tag-line of "Meeting Your Needs". This will be revealed by end of July! So check back this space!

4) Books@Bangsar (our 1^st floor reorganised to serve you better)

Books@Bangsar (our first floor-and yes, we're not all about the stationery! =)) was revamped this past week. The team did a great job re-organising the place and in the next few weeks, we'll be putting up a few interesting boosters on the website and in-store to further enhance your experience at CzipLee!

5) Upgrades on www.cziplee.com

CzipLee.com is almost 2 now and we have seen a lot of upgrades to our beloved website. July marks the beginning of a new phase on our website and we can't wait to share with you all these new things.

We are still as excited as when we first sat down to conceptualise this website. Thanks to your constant support and the emails you guys have been sending in, we are ready to take it on to another new level.

To keep the expectations bearable, it's not anything too major, too quickly. Like all good things in life, we're going to take it slow and get it right.

6) We turned the big 4-0!

We've hit the big 4-0! And we celebrated our 40th anniversary with a blast internally, with our long lasting suppliers and business partners. It's a joy to grow old, gracefully yet staying young and relevant to you guys! Watch our for some specials soon!

7) Quick promo for July: Lamy

Just to highlight also that the Lamy Noto promotion is still on-going! If you have not seen it or you missed out on it, here is the pitch!

So that's July from us for now, we'll update again soon!

Till then,

Your friends at

P.S. If you want to read our monthly stories, read them here!

Labels: 2008, Letters

May Day is the title of this month's posting, yes we know its almost June but like the saying goes: Better Late Than NEVER! May came with a very urgent call to ask YOU to take advantage of the various offers and promotions that CzipLee brings to the neighbourhood!

Kicking off with the legendary Moleskine month diary, perfect for those who prefer the traditional paper and pen to jot down their activities, thoughts and also appointments in a special edition from July 2008 - December 2009.

The Moleskine 18 months diary comes in three styles: soft weekly planners, hard weekly planners and the very stylish, limited edition red twin set which comes in various sizes that fit the pocket, or extra large for those who prefer a roomier alternative. They will be available from June!

Next up was a whopping 25% discount for Cziplee members and 15% off for non Cziplee members on selected book titles such as - P.S., I Love You, a brilliant romantic story written by an ingenious writer, who will have the ladies eating out of the ideal husband character's hand with his touching, loving and beautifully thought-of-methods of easing his wife's pain -day by day, month by month-when he is finally gone in a tragic circumstance of a debilitating disease. A tear jerker, that will get you reaching for a box of tissue, but still heart warming and superbly romantic at the same time.

To find out the list of books which are on discounts besides P.S., I Love You, just look out for a cute, orange sticker bearing the words "We HEART you" or "Book Sale" with a picture of CzipKid arms akimbo! This offer will be as long as we can stretch the deals!

More good news to share about promotions and discounts with Cziplee now being part of Maxnetic, an online website that helps you to deduce the best places to wine & dine, shop, holiday, keep fit and a whole list what-to-do's in Kuala Lumpur and more. Best of all, members of Maxnetic, will also get privilege discounts at CzipLee ranging from 5%-25% depending on the offers. Just flash your Maxnetic card to our CzipLee staff to enjoy these privileges!

As for stationery lovers who find joy in all things mini but functional, get yourself to CzipLee as there is an ongoing Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer on the Stabilo Boss Mini Pingui which is a range of mini highlighters with different patterned penguin or as they call it Pingui prints on each highlighter! Get the whole collection and take advantage of the Buy 2 Get 1 Free while stocks last!

Besides that, CzipLee has also been giving out free Reader's Digest for purchases of RM 30 and above, in conjunction with Pilot Pen Malaysia, winning The Reader's Digest Trusted Brand Award for the Pen category! Hurry, hurry, grab your RM 15 copy of the latest Readers Digest! First come, first serve basis!

Phew! That concludes the May Day series, but keep a lookout in June 2008, as CzipLee will be replenishing its stock with new arrivals of art supplies. Look forward to many more innovative products, variety and most of all, fun items that will certainly meet your needs and beyond!

Labels: 2008, Letters

Our previous sale was quite a hit that we are going to do it literally, well EVERYDAY!

As we go along, we will feature these selected titles, and we guarantee you that there are a number of good titles here!

Amongst many in the current selection, is the ever popular, heart-warming, hot selling and now, one of the most romantic movie in years: P.S. I Love You!

So make sure, you check out our Everyday Specials and get a good deal on some great books, today!

P.S. To identify the books, just look out for something like this:

Labels: 2008, books, SALE

April shower has certainly got it's name from the non-stop rain we have been experiencing this month. CzipLee has a different kind of shower - with lots of exciting news and products happening right around the corner.

We'll start with our interview with "bag lady extraordinaire" that spearheads this functional yet stylish brand of bags. You can now check out her range of laptop, tote bags and casual bags at CzipLee Bangsar. From the high flying executive to the girl next door, choose from cleverly named bags such as: Candy Stripe Penny, Practical Lisa to Just Melinda!

There's also Ming's exclusive post on the 7 stages of Moleskine, that tracks the relationship with this traditional, yet exclusive brand of notebooks. From people who long to have a reason to own one, to selecting the perfect Moleskine that suits you: whether hard or soft cover, reporter or classic - Moleskine blows you away with the simple yet elegant designs.

Moving on, 101 is a project we've just begun with CzipLee exploring the in and outs of Kajang: and Bangsar: . Giving you a local eye view on the surroundings and also the best picks to eat, to shop and others.

Next up is our very own Twitter: which allows YOU, our friends to track what we are doing, exciting events, new blog posts, new releases or well any happenings in CzipLee and cziplee.com! Sign up here to find out more.

If not, look for our 100% Fat Free newsletter sign up page around the website or just click on our icon:

For those who love comics and manga, get your hands on the DC Comic range of

series which brings a whole new meaning to the world of manga.

And finally, we have also been busy setting up CzipLee Lite, which is a dedicated web site to serve customers worldwide, who are looking to purchase premium stationery at remarkable prices. We offer packaged deals for those who are looking to buy not just one item, but items which compliment and blend well with the other. Stay tune for more updates on that!

That’s all folks, so make sure you follow us on twitter or sign up for our newsletter to keep tuning in to see what's new at CzipLee. As our tag-line goes, "Meeting your needs", is what CzipLee does best!

Have a great weekend!

Your friends@

Labels: 2008, Letters

This April 2008, we bring you a sneak peak into the mind of Jacqueline, founder of the Gin & Jacqie brand in Malaysia. (www.ginjacqie.com)

You may think its run by two talented young women, but it's actually the brainchild of one woman. So, here's a whooping cheer to an entrepreneurial lady.

Her concept is fun, easy and accessible to the average plain Jane to the high flying executive. To quote a few, Candy Stripe Penny, practical Lisa, Marshmallow and Just Melinda are amongst some of the bags that she offers. From laptop bags, to totes, to casual and travel as well as for mummies, there's certainly one for everyone!

Why did you start this business?

• I wanted something more fun and affordable for the ladies to carry, plus I was also up for a challenge!

What was your former job?

• I was in business planning in AEON (also formerly known as Jaya Jusco)

Did you have any experience in this area previously? Are you very passionate about bags?

• I had zero experience
• Learnt the ropes through experience, read up a lot and spoke to tons of people
• Was a passion and also a challenge

Your lines of bags are cleverly designed. Where do you find inspiration for the bags?

• I would say it's through travel, and feedback from the people I meet.
• I always aim to design bags that are functional and suited for daily use.
• For example, there's always a lack of space in a woman's handbag, so I created the bag organizer and compartments for that purpose =)

Your designs also have very clever and funky names, how did that come about?

• I'd be glad to say they are named after friends
• Friends who have a certain trait, style or fit the profile and practicality I am designing for

What are the season's latest bags? Are they readily available?

• The new collection consist of floral prints vinyl coated (mostly accessories)
• Go get your latest gin&jacqie bag from Czip Lee, Isetan or on the website: www.ginjacqie.com =)

Do you consider your bags in the affordable or the pricey range?

• Affordable

Who are your bags targeted to?

• For ladies on the go, who enjoy life and love colours!
• The bags can be carried by women of any age

Do you design for men as well?

• Not at the moment

Why did you choose to work in synergy with Czip Lee, Bangsar?

• Czip Lee is a great partner to work with simply because Czip Lee is forward thinking, they have great ideas and concept for books and stationery
• They also cater to all people regardless of age
• And gin&jacqie is pleased to provide an additional product to their extensive range of products!

Do customers get discounts if they buy from Czip Lee or if they buy on the gin&jacqie website?

• For Czip Lee, they will have their own promotion, so don't worry-you'd certainly have good sales to look forward to
• Otherwise, you can also check out the www.ginjacqie.com website for the sales & promotion page where discounts are always offered

What is your hobby?

• Reading, swimming & traveling

How do you relax?

• By zoning out in front of the television, playing Nintendo Wii, reading and of course: lots of beauty sleep!

If you had three words to summarize yourself, what would it be?

• Opinionated, care free and enjoys a good laugh

If you had three words to summarize your brand, what would it be?

• Practical, functional and stylish

Check out gin&jacqie at Czip Lee Bangsar today! (Discounts for CzipCard members! =))

Labels: 2008, ginjacqie

Labels: 2008, Moleskine

Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a melting pot of businesses, from high end restaurants, to coffee shops, affordable but trendy clothing shops to designer clothing, and best of all - the jack of all trades, CzipLee Bangsar which meets your stationery and book needs.

Bangsar Baru, namely the Telawi area is the pulse of the neighbourhood that has progressed so much, from the days of civil servants quarters and also rubber estates. No longer do you have the sleepy town mentality, but once you step into Bangsar - it is a literal central business district (CBD). Think Siam Square of Bangkok. Think the Rocks of Sydney.

Whether it is your banking needs (you have almost four major banks to choose from), or whether it is a fashion accessory that you desire, to even designer wear, or your local grocery shopping, Bangsar has something for everyone. Just remember to bring the cash and the cards, lest you overspend!

Landmarks of Bangsar, today would be Bangsar Village and Bangsar Village II, which are actually the newest development in the township. Delicious, the restaurant is always brimming with people, from 10 am - 12 midnight on a daily basis. Another thriving hotspot would be the Village Grocers which serves up the best vegetable and fruit produce. And of course that books/stationery store with that weird name! =)

Other than that, look out for the pasar malam that is held every Sunday night. You can get local delicacies such as murtabaks, the sweetish sourish asam laksa, to the Taiwanese dumpling lady with her chive stuffed meat dumplings.

Depending on your preference for taste and experience, we will be exploring different facets of Bangsar in the next few postings, so do keep tuned for more updates!

Labels: 101, 2008, Bangsar

Have you ever wanted to peep behind the counter of a books and stationery store? Well here's your chance; for instant in-store happenings, up-to-dates on your favourites, the odd but interesting observations and celebrity watch?!...=)

That's why we've just added twitter to give you all that and a whole lot more bla, bla, bla-s! So, follow us on our very own Czip Twitter!
Oh, and a special welcome to first timers via

WELCOME! =)

Labels: 2008, Events

After witnessing the Sydney event last year, and learning that it has gone global; we are proud to be jumping on the bandwagon:

Earth Hour: March 29, 2008 8 - 9 PM
- Cities around the world will join together in literally turning off the lights for one hour to offer leadership and symbolize their commitment to finding climate change solutions.
- Lights will be turned off at iconic buildings and national landmarks from 8 - 9 pm
- Local businesses and restaurants will also be asked to turn off their lights.
- People at home can take advantage of the hour by replacing their standard light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

So for just one hour tonight, CzipLee Bangsar will be a lot 'darker'. Not total darkness, just enough!

For more on EH2008, check here. Its not too late to sign up!

CzipLee. Trying to make that little difference!

Labels: 2008, Events

This Sunday, our friends at Smidapaper open doors to their new store at Island Plaza, Penang. So if you are looking for something to do this weekend and if you are in the Pearl of the Orient, pop by smidapaper's island store and rediscover scrapbooking!

Check out what Smidapaper offers. Part of their selection of scrapbook materials are available at CzipLee Bangsar!

Congratulations to the Smidapaper gang! =)

Labels: 2008, crafts, Events, smidapaper

A selection of books are on offer just for you! So pop by CzipLee today and just look out for this sticky:

A public service annoucement brought to you by CzipKid! =)

Labels: 2008, books, CzipKid, SALE

Labels: 2008, ginjacqie, Kajang, Letters, Moleskine, smidapaper

Labels: 101, 2008, Kajang

)

If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.

I don't conquer, I submit.
~Giacomo Casanova,Great Loves:Of Mistresses, Tigeresses and other conquests ~

The sky was clear - remarkably clear - and the twinkling of all the stars seemed to be but throbs of one body, timed by a common pulse.

~Thomas Hardy, Great Loves:A Mere Interlude~

Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.

~Anais Nin, Great Loves:Eros Unbound~

I'm a romantic; a sentimental person thinks things will last, a romantic person hopes against hope that they won't.

~F. Scott Fitzgerald, Great Loves:Magnetism~

The mere habit of learning to love is the thing

.~Jane Austen, last line from Karen Jay Fowler's The Jane Austen Book Club~

For what is love itself, for the one we love best?

An enfolding of immeasurable cares which yet are better than any joys outside our love.
~George Eliot, Vintage Classics:Middlemarch~

I think it is all a matter of love: the more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it is.

~Vladimir Nabokov, Great Loves:Mary~

Love has always been the most important business in my life, I should say the only one.

~Stendahl, Great Loves:Cures For Love~

And perhaps one more. Just one more, from the Beatles (of course!):

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to

the love you make."

Happy Valentine's Day to All!

photo credit:smidapaper

Labels: 2008, Valentine's Day

It has been a wonderful month off from the store, celebrating Christmas, the New Year then now, Chinese New Year. From the turkeys to the presents. To the lovely homemade repertoire from aunts and grandmas alike, to the mouthwatering baked goods (personal favourite: Kuih Karpet aka Love Letters) that seems to be a regular fixture in every household, it has truly been a wonderful occasion for all!

Not forgetting the many "Ang Pows" (red packets) collected and winnings from the gambling table for the lucky few, this Chinese New Year certainly makes for a great transition to one of my all time favourites: Valentine's Day!

Last year, I showed some Crashing potential. This year, The Remix:

I have been scouring both stores for some Valentine's Day gift ideas. Here's what I found at CzipLee:

1. Love-stories:

From the flush of first love in Turgenev's First Love, part of the highly regarded 'Great Loves' series from Penguin, to those Vintage Classics with books that change the world, with books from the "it's a girl thing" people at LBD and to the evergreen and well loved Jane Austen.
Fall in love with a book this Valentine's...=)

2. Love-inks:

A Pilot Ageless futuristic pen in RED of course:

Or if not, get the RED Moleskine Van Gogh Museum series (as featured in Zero Degrees Feb issue) A vibrant hard cover notebook lined with shantung silk, but still boasting the time-tested durability that ensures musings are kept safe from the elements.

4. Love-journeys

To fuel your travel bug this year, see Asia in 2008 with the ultimate Asian travel companion:

The hugely popular glossy scarlet LUXE Asian Grand Tour Box puts you on the expressway to fabulous with Asia’s top 12 cities and all the treats they contain: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Bali, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Tokyo and Cambodia & Laos.

LUXE guides come with handy online updates, so not only do you get all the latest hot info, but when you buy the LUXE Asian Grand Tour Box, you get twelve guides for the price of eleven, how’s that for holiday spirit? Dust off your passport and start packing…

LUXE. Twelve into one does go.

5. Love-keeps

And to top it all off, keepsake the warm memories with my favourite themed scrapbook range, the Making Memories "Love Story" collection:

Ahhhh...Love....=)

technorati tags: all about love Valentine's Day gift ideas book pen notebook scrapbook travel guides Love

Labels: 2008, crafts, CzipKid, Events, In Store with CzipKid, Moleskine, Penguin Books, Pilot Pen, smidapaper, Valentine's Day, Vintage Classics

Labels: 2008, Events