By the time you read this, I’ll probably be waiting to board my flight to Hong Kong.
As you can see, I’m all packed already. Aside from my the Hong Kong guidebook in my handcarry, I’ve severely limited myself to Newton (my Nook) and one other book. It’s so hard to transition into the fact that I already have an e-reader, because I’m so used to traveling with a small stack of books, regardless of the fact that I’m sure to buy another stack to take back home (erm, yes, on my last trip out of the country, I shelled out $100 for excess baggage, which were purely books — loot from the Popular book fair and Bras Basah Complex!)!
I was at the National Book Store near my office (so near it’s impossible to resist dropping by on my way home!) today, meaning to buy more anti-mosquito patches (because I’m paranoid about getting sick again, and they have a surprisingly extensive selection of anti-mosquito paraphernalia!) but predictably I totally forgot about the patches.
You know how I’m a sucker for book thingamajigs. They had some new Japanese stuff today that I couldn’t wait to try out — fabric book covers, and belt ties!
The fabric book cover fits most trade paperbacks and smaller hardcovers — it has an adjustable flap in front that can be secured with the garter belt against the cover. It also has a built in leather thong for a bookmark. Right now it covers my copy of Hotel Pastis, which I’m not actually bringing to HK, but I am bringing the cover in case I need it there, and that gives me an excuse to buy a book! :)
The suede / leather book cover is still on my wishlist (mostly because of the heavenly scent), but this is an affordable (P90 only) and serviceable cover. The fabric is lined on the inside with nylon, so even if the cover gets wet, the liquid won’t seep inside.
They also had velcro belt ties, which I got because I don’t want books tumbling about in my bags (#1 cause of creases!). They come in a pack of two (P60), are adjustable and can fit about three paperbacks. Right now it’s holding my blank journal (that I hope to fill up over the next few days) and Newton. I’ll probably use the belt ties packing books I’m taking home.
Finally, I’m taking this with me, because I’m excited to read it:
SIGNED by artist David Lloyd on his Philippine Tour — Squee! Special thanks to National Book Store for this signed copy.
And because I’ll be away for five days and I’m not sure about the internet situation when we get there, I’m raffling off two sets of book covers and belt ties (2 winners):
To join:
1. The raffle is open to all blog readers with a Philippine mailing address.
2. To enter the raffle, tell me why you want to win the bundle in the comments section of this post.
3. Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, May 18, 12 noon, Manila time (I’ll be back here by then).
4. One raffle entry per email address, per person (in other words one entry per person). I will reply to your entry in the comments section to validate it, and I reserve the right to weed out suspicious entries.
5. Two lucky winner will be drawn via Random.org (first two on the list). Winners will be announced here within three days after the end of the entry period. Random.org screenshot will accompany the announcement of the winners.
6. An email will also be sent to the winners to request his or her (Philippine) mailing address. The prize will be packaged securely and sent via a local courier, unless I will be seeing the winner anytime soon (e.g. FFP book discussion, FBB meetup, quiz night, geek fight or whatnot).
The raffle officially opens as soon as this post is up.
Good luck!
Have fun!! Lots of eating to be done in HK – and I hope you brought a 3 pronged plug converter for your Nook’s charger. Can’t wait to hear/see about your trip :)
I did have fun, and I did eat a lot. We had an adaptor and an extension cord (I am glad my eldest sister is OC!) but I didn’t get much reading done — our itinerary was packed. More on this later!
Oooh! :) I wanna win the book tie & the cover so I could use it for an upcoming trip as well. I don’t have an ereader so I’m expecting myself to bring at least 3 guidebooks and 2 novels to read. Then maybe come back with even more books in my luggage *gulp* :)
Haha, in my pre-Nook days I packed at least four books in my luggage. Where are you headed, Ruby? :)
I wanted to win this since I always carry books with me whenever I go even if its just a short trip or visiting a friend. This would be a big help!!
Agree, I hate when books get crumpled in my bag!
Have fun in HK! Visit book stores if you can. =)
I did! Haha. More about that in another post.
my 3rd time to join ur raffle ^^ i hope i win this time.
enjoy in HK!^^
:) Thanks Critee. I did have fun!
As always, I love, I want, I need. A must have for a book lover! Thank you!
I love that!
That’s cool. I want to win those book covers. You know, I’m very paranoid on getting my paperbacks dirty, folded, etc that is nasty. As always, I want my books to look like new.
Thank you for your giveaway:)
Hear, hear, Ivan
I want them since I carry books most of the time. I want the color of the leather cover. Weeee….hope I’ll win..
It’s not leather, mjo. it’s fabric.
Wiiii!!! I want those book covers and that belt tie.^^ The reason why I want those book covers is to prevent my books to be damaged since I always bring one when I’m going out. While for the belt ties, I guess it will make my bag more organized since I’m always tagging a novel, a planner, and a notepad with me.ü
Thank you.
Kay, I’m using a belt tie to keep my moleskine planner and notebook together in my bag!
I haven’t tried covering my books with a book cover like that and I want to experience it–it might make me a leather book cover convert! I’m also lazy and I’m not fond of covering my books with plastic, so this is a great and easy alternative. :)
That belt tie looks multi functional! If I win, I’m excited to use it in various ways, aside from keeping my books together :)
Thanks in advance!
Hi Andrea. It isn’t leather, but the fabric appears to be durable… Yup, the belt tie is multi-functional, I’ve tried it on my lunch box too :)
quite helpful thingies! most of my books are paper backs those thingies will be great support to not wear my books out! ^^
have a wonderful trip!
Hi Blooey, I want and need the book cover as I have clammy hands (ew.) and I tend to cover my books with plastic AFTER I finish reading them, which is weird but yea, that’s how I do it. :)
Have a safe and fun trip! :)
I cannot read a book without covering it first! :p
OMG! Where did you buy these awesome bookish things? I want to win since I always accidentally damage my book covers in my bag. My latest damage is my book 1984 and the edges of the cover are torn :( I’ve been looking for nice book covers but no luck (or maybe I overlooked). Hope I win! Haha!
I found them at NBS on an endcap shelf!
hi there,
I’m April also from the Philippines. I was wondering if you’re willing to sell any sv books and memorabilia? i’m willing to buy those. thanks!
Hi April, unfortunately I don’t have any to sell
I want them too! Have fun on your trip to HK! :)
Thanks Shadowniss. I did have fun!
i cover my books with plastic. but i still place the book in a plastic bag when i carry it in my bag. i need a nicer book cover :D
really, a plastic bag? and I thought I was OC!