Truly unfortunate

Just got an email from HarperCollins' Author tracker, it says, "The entire text of THE BAD BEGINNING, the first book in A Series of Unfortunate Events, has been made available online. For FREE. Open to anyone. Including horrible villains, innocent readers, and you".

Lemony Snicket is only one of my favourite authors, and his Series of Unfortunate Events is only one of my favourite books of all time. So, if you haven't discovered them yet... here's your chance to run away!

En Route to Mecca

Got a package today! Here's my latest article in the new Essenze magazine, which has just hit bookstores and newsstands...

In it, I talk about how the Hajj inspires Muslims around the world and how it is reflected in art, as condensed in the latest exhibition at the IAMM.

My article was turned into a lovely 3-page spread.

Let's play spot the author.

The cover.

Random rambling

Today's random ramblings:

1) I cannot sufficiently explain my current inordinate interest in Katy Perry's songs... although I cringe whenever I hear her sing live.

2) I am as close to floating on cloud nine that I've been in a loooong while.

3) I am very thankful that God has answered my prayers and has given me a way to get out of the deep hole that I've dug myself into.

4) After a brief bout of depression, believing that the thesis I wrote was utter crap... I've learnt to accept and realise that I've done a pretty good job after all...

5) It's always nice to be given a new writing gig, and it seems I will be landing a new one! Yaay!

Omega-3 for baby

When I was pregnant, someone told me that I should take Omega-3 supplements, and I did. I'd like to think that it did not only my brain and heart good, but my baby's as well. Omega-3 for baby via mummy? Most definitely! Find out why:

What a relief!

Over-the-counter medication and antibiotics are not necessarily a parent's best friend. There is mounting evidence that they're bad for our kids. How do we treat our babies when they have a cold or fever then? Here are a few suggestions for back-to-basics home remedies.

Old school book vs kindle

I love audiobooks, but I'm not so sure about e-books just yet. I've tried reading books and comics on the computer screen, but I must say that it doesn't appeal to me very much. I still like the feel of a book in my hands. Someday, maybe I'll find the need to buy an e-reader, like a Kindle, but for now I'm happy with a good old book. But, which is more eco-friendly? The paper-based book or the battery-operated e-reader? Check out the debate: