Duality Box is a bimonthly book box subscription based in Malaysia, and the Shield Maiden box is their first box. Congratulations to the Duality Box team for this debut box! Here's an appreciation post for you girls ♡♡♡

I'm so happy to be receiving my first ever book box! Oh how I have always envied international bookstagrammers that are subscribed to amazing book box subscriptions. My heart actually leapt in joy the moment I found the existence of Duality Box, and it was thrilling to actually see their first book box. The fact that the theme is Shield Maiden made me more excited, I'm always up for anything that represents strong women.


Firstly, let me introduce the OC for Duality Box's Shield Maiden, Reana! Illustrated by @fox_artrancic, this theme art makes an amazing representation of a strong woman. "She is strong, powerful, wise and does not hesitate to flaunt her beauty. She embraces her scar. She is what we want all of our subscribers to be. We are all Shield Maidens!" (Duality Box, 2018).

Now, let's have a look of what's inside the box!

1. Exclusive Hermione's Chocolate (Harry Potter Series)


Hermione Granger has always been a fictional character that I always look up to. As quoted by the Duality Box's guide, Hermione is "an inspiration to a lot of people, in term of diligence and excellency". She's the perfect definition of beauty with brain, and she has never been afraid to voice herself out. Growing up with Harry Potter (both books and films), I admired so many things about Hermione; courage, brilliance, loyalty. If Hogwarts is real, she would definitely be my idol.

To have this Hermione chocolate bar made me smile so wide, it is so adorable! I like that the packaging is Gryffindor themed, and the spell Wingardium Leviosa is also on it. The taste? I can't say since I haven't eaten it yet (it's fasting month is my excuse, but if I really have to be honest, I don't have the heart to eat this chocolate. It's too cute /screams/)

— Designed by Su (one of Duality Box's founder)

2. Exclusive Feyre's Pillow (A Court of Thorns and Roses Series)


Another one to add to my pillow & soft toys collection! The ACOTAR series has been one of most anticipated read for me, but I haven't been able to actually start the series yet (I do have two of the first books in the series). I was so happy the moment I opened the box and saw this beautiful small pillow, the size is perfect to bring for travel! Absolutely in love with the simple design, and of course, I'd be acting like a High Lady anytime I'm going to use it. 

— Designed by Iffah (@nerdiffah) (one of Duality Box's founder)


Would you just look at its fine quality? Gorgeous!

3. Exclusive Adelina's Tea (The Young Elites Trilogy)


Is it just me or I have never heard of any book box subscription that gives tea as one of their exclusive items? Tell me if you know any, because I was ecstatic when they announced that a special tea will be included in Duality Box. 

I'm not really an avid tea lover (I drink more milk teas), but I've always been curious about the different taste of different types of teas. I feel like it's fun to taste new tea flavours, like an adventure.  

Adelina's Tea is inspired by Adelina from The Young Elites Trilogy (sadly, another series that I have yet to read). As the guide says, it has a tinge of roselle flower in it. Just like the Hermione's Chocolate, I haven't tasted this one either, but I can say that the scent of it is wonderful. It's a little bit overpowering, but I love it still. I can't wait to try and have a taste, maybe during today's Iftar!

— Tea by @rubellitemy

4. Exclusive Aelin's Artprint (Throne of Glass Series)


Is this my first ever bookish fan art? Yes! Have I read the series of it? Again, no 🌚 Shame on me. (In defense, I have too much books to read and I usually read standalone(s) first). But no worries, since I have four books from the series, I can start reading them anytime soon.

Okay, now, let's look at this oh-so-gorgeous art print! It features Aelin Galathynius from the Throne of Glass series. The main message in the art print, according to the Duality Box team, is that a woman can be feminine and fearless at the same time. Hell yes! This is the kind of content I'm looking forward to. Women's power in books always gives me more hope in this world, they gave me more assurance and strength that a woman can be whoever they want to be.

— Art print illustrated by @parvaillust

5. Exclusive Inej's Artprint (Six of Crows Duology)


I think it's about time that I get kicked out from this bookish community, because I haven't read Six of Crows Duology either /sobs/ Six of Crows have been in my top TBR list too, but the main reason I haven't gotten it yet is because I am aiming for the hardcover version. It's absolutely a must-have because they're gorgeous! Sadly, we all know that hardcover books are higher priced than paperbacks, and since I'm always short in fund (no, I don't regret any of my hauls though), I never managed to buy the Six of Crows Duology. Would anyone be willing to gift them for my next birthday? ;)

Anyway, this small art print is lovely as well! I love that it is in monochrome, it somehow makes the art more meaningful in a way. Inej Ghafa's fierce expression is captured perfectly too.

— Art print illustrated by @parvaillust

6. 'Mirror, Mirror' Bookmark


I'm always worried whenever I get myself a new bookmark. My bookmarks always disappear! But seeing this Mirror, Mirror bookmark, I'm really hoping to behave myself and not to ever lose it because it is absolutely stunning! I appreciate that they used this quote since I always call myself a queen (yes, I actually shamelessly named myself Queen Aera) ✨✨✨

— Bookmark designed by @stellabookishart

7. Exclusive Collectible Bookmark


This. THIS HERE. Such a beauty, isn't it? I have no words to describe how much I love this exclusive bookmark, it's beautiful! I probably will never actually use it to mark any pages, but perhaps I'll display it somewhere nice. This collectible bookmark makes me more excited in seeing Duality Box's future boxes!

8. Sky in The Deep + Author's Signed Bookplate


And of course, the newly released YA book, Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young! The cover itself is absolutely remarkable, it depicts a strong looking girl in semi-darkness, holding an axe. It captivated me even from the first moment I laid eyes on it, because it's not something that we always see. It is a story about war and battle (part Wonder Woman, part Viking, as quoted by some), and this is something that I rarely ever get to read. I heard good reviews about this book, and I can't wait to dive into it soon!

These are all the wonderful items included inside the Shield Maiden box. I have immense love for everything in it, and I'm so proud of the founders of Duality Box. Su and Iffah, you guys are the greatest! 

I am so looking forward to the next boxes! Broke or not, I'll have to find a way to stay subscribed to this amazing book box subscription ;)


Till next time ♡ Love, Aishah Humaira'


Resources:

PSD Colouring (base) - PSD 18 by Moon2k2

Background/border - Milkycelestials

Fonts -

I haven't been posting anything lately, even my book reviews had to be stopped due to the hectic uni schedules. I'm actually supposed to be completing more essays today, but as a Queen of Procrastinating, here I am, dusting away the virtual dusts from my beloved blog instead of doing what I am actually meant to do.

Anyway, I'm bringing back my haul posts because I probably won't be able to do much haul post in the future. I'm already broke, guys. Kids at home, don't be like me :) Save money for future use!

In the mean time, please note the few changes I made for the blog: new header, new editing styles and also new watermark! Not sure how long I'll be using this watermark since the previous one did not even last for more than two posts, so I'm hoping this one will be my permanent watermark. What do you think of it?

1. PUMA X BTS Turin Shoes


First in the list: Puma x BTS Turin shoes! It has always been a dream of mine to purchase (at least) a pair of shoes from Puma, and I finally did it. Thanks to a good supplier, I managed to get it for a cheaper price, because let's admit it, Puma shoes can be quite expensive. 

This pair of shoes is also the result of a collab between Puma and BTS, which made it mean a lot more to me to own it! If I have to be honest, I preferred their previous collab design, Court Star, more than Turin, but the special plates at the front part of the shoes hooked me in. The fact that Bangtan's debut date is on it, and it is also designed by them means so much. 

As expected, it is very comfortable to be worn. The only problem I have with it is the colour; white is something that is very difficult to take care of. But everything else is top-notch. Till now, I have only worn it outside once. I'm too scared to let even a speck of dirt land on it ;-))))))



2. Inecto Naturals Coconut Moisture Cream


I don't actually eat or drink coconut drinks, but somehow I always end up liking products based off of coconuts. This moisture cream is one of it! I initially bought it to use on my face after running out of moisturiser, but my pharmacist-to-be older sister mentioned that coconut creams are not suitable to be used on the face as they have thick particles that may clog the pores. So, I'm currently using it as body lotion.


The texture is very thick, but it didn't really feel sticky when used on my body. Absolutely loving the scent of it, very sweet coconut-y smell but not overwhelming at all. This whole tub only costs RM30 in local Guardian stores, which is quite a bargain to me. Other than this moisture cream, this brand also have other products like shampoo, soap, oil, etc. I'm positive they all smell delicious, so I might check them out too in the future!

3. A pair of orange Socks 


I think by now, you guys know how much socks I have already bought: A LOT. Several months ago, I thought I managed to curb my socks buying addiction, but I guess not. Found this little one in Daiso, and I immediately loved it. The tassels at the side, combined with its bright orange colour made it looked fun! A must buy for me :)

4. Zebra Mildliner Double-Sided Highlighters


After watching other journalers and studygrams on Instagram using these, I finally have a set of my own! I am so in love with the colours, especially the yellow and red one. My journals have been looking great while using these. Being oblivious with a lot of things, I only recently found out that these babies are actually two-sided, one side highlighter and another side like a pen. All this time I thought they are just highlighters, shame on me for not realising this!

5. Bio-Essence Miracle Bio Water


By far, this is one of the best face mists I have ever tried. I'm a sucker for moisturisers and face mists, so I have tried a lot of brands before. There were great ones, but the price are way too high for my student-life budget. 

Bio-essence Miracle Bio Water is very affordable though! Only RM7 for this small bottle (other brands cost RM20+ for this amount). It can be used not only for the face, but for the body and hair too. Since the size is small, it can be carried anywhere inside your purse easily. I'd recommend this for everyone, especially since the weather nowadays are very hot and we always need to moisturise our face.

6. An Ocean of Grey by Kamalia Hasni


My favourite bookstagrammer finally made her debut with a poetry book: An Ocean of Grey! I was absolutely ecstatic when Malie (Kamalia Hasni) announced that she was going to release a book, and I felt so happy when receiving it. The book is beautiful and wonderful, the words flowing inside it speaking volumes of emotions. I love every single bit of it!


It's a collection of poems inspired by the author's past of breaking up with a loved one, and I can feel the strength of emotions inside the words; sadness, sorrow, misery. I may have not been in any relationship, but I've experienced enough broken friendships to understand the words. I'll be writing a full review of it soon when I complete reading the whole book.

7. Dear You,   Love,


I wouldn't call this a poetry book, it's more of a collection of short letters from random people. The letters are very fun to read, some of them were outrageous, but some of them felt so close to me. Some people may think it's a waste for me to have this book, but to me, it's actually quite meaningful to me. 

I've always loved the idea of writing letters to someone that we cared of (I wrote to my childhood crush once and it ended being a huge embarrassment to me hahaha). Writing letters and maybe having penpals are always something that I'd love to do, but I don't know where to start. I'm planning to actually start writing letters and have penpals during my next semester break, so if you're interested in exchanging mails with me, don't be afraid to contact me! I'd love to write to any of you ;)



Just as I mentioned earlier, I'm already broke now. Not actually really broke, but almost. So I'm going to start to save money from now on, but knowing how I am, I'll be posting haul posts too in the future. But hauls will be less frequent than now, and probably in a smaller scale.

Again, save money kids! Your future is at stake :')


Till next time ♡ Love, Humaira


Resources:

PSD Colouring (base) - PSD 18 by Moon2k2

Fonts -