TAI O, HONG KONG'S LITTLE VENICE

Nine years here in Hong Kong before I had seen the fisherman village of Tai O. The richness of its culture and the old traditional ways that they still practice were enticing for me but along with the depths of its rivers separating the village to two forks, are the many controversial events it went thru.

Here are 10 Interesting Things
You Should Know about Tai O:

1. Tai O is called Hong Kong's own Venice since the whole village is built on a body of water. Most of the time, you need to ride the boat to get from one pang uk to another. Civilisation here started 3 centuries ago and up until now, it remains standing and still gives the tourists some scenic view.

A line of pang uk that I saw while riding the boat to go back to the village proper.

2. Fishing was the Tai O villager's number one means of living during the earlier times Back then there were still 30,000 of them. Currently, it's dying out which brought the population to only 5,000. Livelihood of the locals depend on the traditional shrimp paste and salted fish at storefronts, sought after by tourists. May it be for sale, used in a restaurant or they supply outside town, Tai O offers the most authentic products. For them, this is a gift from the sea.

The salted fish and shrimp paste are making a name amongst expats here in Tai O.
These dried goods contain sea cucumber, squid, and scallops and other rare seafood
that may only be available in Tai O that's why they may be costly at one point.

3. In reaching places, boat trip services are offered by the residents. The Tai O town is big enough to be traveled by boat. From the Tai O Ferry Pier to where the public transportation to the city awaits, it can be covered within 15mins each way. Between the boat ride and walking, I prefer the first one most especially during Summer.

leaving the Tai O Ferry Pier after seeing Tai O Heritage Hotel

It's good to book your boats in advance most especially
if you are traveling in a group.

3. Many tourists come to Tai O to see white dolphins for a price of HK$25-HK$35/head. This is because the river opens up to the South China Sea and Macau. If you stand by the lookout area of Tai O Heritage Hotel, you would see one of the bridges of Macau from this viewpoint. This may require you to leave early in the morning though as they come out mostly during this time of the day.

It wouldn't hurt to give a tip on top of the HK$25 worth of the boat trip.

4. During the Stone Age, the inlets of the rivers surrounding Tai O was believed to have been the best hiding place. It also provided the best protection from Hong Kong's unpredictable weather for smuggling and piracy operations to be done smoothly. Though it's hard to prove these claims, this may have been true since in the end, they had to put up a prison for all the illegal activities that had been going on.

The mountains surround the river that holds
perfect location for trading and exchange of merchandise.

5. To keep things in order in Tai Po, a stealth prison and a watch tower was built at the coast near the Tai O pier. This is to guard the village from pirates and people that escape from China crossing the border to Hong Kong illegally. 

The former prison is surrounded by mock up bomb launchers.
Hong Kong Heritage Foundation Limited revitalised the police station in 2009 preserving
the cell for tourists to see and adding a restaurant for guests to have a bed and breakfast experience.

A guide may be booked
for a short tour of the former
police station.

6. This prison is now transformed into a boutique hotel that has 9 rooms and a restaurant. Once, there was an Indian police that wanted to escape from duty and gunfire was exchanged inside the prison. The prison can be closed concealing access to the 2nd floor from the 1st floor so that rebels would be prevented from escaping. So, when the escapee struggled for his freedom, some shots left a mark on one of the bullet proof gates. It remained to be historical that way including the preserved cell and the watchtower. The prison now is called the Tai O Heritage Hotel.

The hotel is still in the government's actual hold. If there would come a time that a holding station may be needed for anything that may arise (war, strict red alert and suspected piracy), the hotel will submit on its demand with no contest. The restaurant may be put down and everything will go back to its original state.

As of now, it takes pride on being accredited by Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific with a Sustainable Hotel Award 2015; for being the winner of Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice Award 2015 and many more.


7. The boutique hotel was added of a scenic overlooking restaurant where breakfast will be served to the guests as booked. It's called Tai O Lookout. It was named so because during the ancient times that it was still a serving prison, 3 people take shifts within the day to look out for any suspicious and threatening activity surrounding the open coast. According to the tour guide that described this lookout tower, it was almost entirely covered with a small opening for the guards to get in that it didn't offer good ventilation. The guards taking shifts here felt like they were bait for the mosquitoes to feast on each time. Many of whom died not because of any pirate or smuggler attack but of Dengue and Malaria.

The lookout area had been covered almost entirely to protect the guards from getting discovered and shot by the pirates.

This combo was the most famous snack.
It's Crispy Bun and Sparkling Juice.
Estimated price of this meal: HK$85

8. The Tai O lookout offers a refreshing feeling with its ceiling made of clear windows. It opens up to the natural sunlight to accentuate the wooden carved furniture that formerly belonged to China Tee Club.

When we visited the restaurant, they offered us their specialty which is the Crispy Bun that came with a burger marinated with shrimp paste. This signature dish along with the Sparkling juice that is a combination of strawberry, passion fruit, blueberry and lime are their famous snacks in the menu.


9. The boutique hotel rooms are well equipped with toiletries. Outside, it still has that serene vibe like a prison's but its sleekness and class exceeded my expectation. You would see a prison looking atmosphere outside but inside is a very warm and inviting hideout alright.

The two twin bed rooms.

How it actually looks like inside one of the hotel rooms.

10. Tai O has rich soil and promising sea.

The Sea is considered golden with the treasures it gives to the people of the 200 year old fisherman village. Besides the seafood that literally and vastly reproduced no matter how often they fished, opportunities didn't stop there for the fishermen. Drying and preserving had developed into original customs which made the village well known. It had given a local brand 80 years in the business as it attributes rich fields, clear salt and plentiful sunlight in Tai O.

Drying a bunch of mackerels under the sun.

On the other hand, the land gives out fortune thru its crops. The remarkable elixir  that is extracted from Begonia Fimbristipula is one of the most renowned companion of every family in Tai O across all generations, thru good times and bad. This remedial and protective tea is called the Phoenix Tea for it comes from the Phoenix Mountain of Lantau.

The Phoenix is known for aging, dying then regenerating to gain power. Named after it, this miraculous tea tree rejuvenates, detoxifies and fights off the years. It invigorates the digestive system that's why besides its medicinal effect, the people use this slightly acidic flavour as an essential ingredient in appetisers, soups and sautéed dishes.

Some places consider wine as healthy for the heart.
The people in Tai O considers drinking Begonia Fimbristipula
or the Phoenix Tea for the holistic effect it has for the entire body.

This is one of the tea houses where you may order the Phoenix Tea from.
We passed by this pang uk as we rode the boat back to the bus station.

The temporary prison cell
that held more than 15 prisoners at
a time without bathroom privileges.

It is such a momentous experience hearing Tai O's history and ancient culture and then seeing how it ended up looking preserved somehow. Tasting their food and seeing the prison turn into a hotel were the most remarkable for me. On the way home, I've purchased a mini bottle of shrimp paste. I'm calling out chefs who are looking for tasty shrimp paste and dried seafood to come down and check it out. I'm calling those who may want to try the elixir of life called the Phoenix Tea for its destressing benefits and most of all, check out the Tai O lookout for a breathtaking view of the South China Sea. Have a taste of a one-of-a-kind shrimp paste marinated burger and see how small the prison was that fitted 15 prisoners altogether before.

Related posts:

1. 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HONG KONG - have a share of what I treasure most about this harbour city!

2. HONG KONG HOTELS YOU NEVER KNEW WERE THERE - featuring Tai O Heritage Hotel (along with other special hotels) if you would like to know more of it.

3. 2015 BEST PHOTOS - I love taking photos and here is a line up of what I treasured dearly last 2015.

In writing this post, I would like to acknowledge, the following links:

1. www.taioheritagehotel.com

2. www.google.com

Let's explore the flea market!

Let's explore the flea market! by kytetoomalatai featuring stretchy high waisted shorts

River Island lace camisole top
285 HKD - riverisland.com

LE3NO stretchy high waisted shorts
145 HKD - le3no.com

Steve Madden toe post sandals
465 HKD - nordstrom.com

Loeffler Randall suede fringe handbag
3,695 HKD - saksfifthavenue.com

Related posts:
1. D'TALIPAPA - a place in Boracay where seafoods are magic!

2. BORACAY '13 - Why we didn't actually like staying in Station 1.

3. AMELIA ON A PICNIC - perfect ensemble for a picnic.

HONG KONG HOTELS YOU NEVER KNEW WERE THERE

Staycations are becoming a hit nowadays. And let's admit it, there's nothing more convenient than being in a totally different looking view in half an hour or so with the whole family without the hassles of packing, unpacking and flying. This Summer, rediscover Hong Kong with these hotels that you never knew were there all along to give you a totally different outlook.

1. ROYAL VIEW HOTEL

The name suggests its look from the outside as it stands at the edge of a hill solo. It is the perfect getaway if you really want a different feel of Hong Kong. Overlooking Tsing Ma bridge and the harbour separating Lantau and Tsuen Wan, Royal View Hotel has 688 rooms ranging from Superior to 3-bedroom suites. With a room size selection of 385 sq.m. up to 1,428 sq.m., these serviced suites aim to provide a spacious yet efficient interior. Its outdoor lap pool is so relaxing because of the trees. Its shade give out a vibe that you're in a lagoon. The weekend buffet presents fresh sweet tasting seafood and their lamb chops and steaks are seasoned perfectly. The room provides a 3G phone for the guests to use for free. It can be used to research about upcoming sales in the city, shows that you may want to watch, events that are ongoing and it provides IDD service to call the Philippines, USA and of course, Hong Kong for free.

This makes an experience different in a way that there are no 7-11's around, no food stalls nearby, it is really secluded. So if you need a quiet time to unwind, relax and rejuvenate, this is the place to be. It is perfect to stay in for a long weekend to indulge on its Lido Beach which is just a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Walking distance to the Tsuen Wan Waterfront Promenade is fairly bearable. The multi-intelligence mall for kids, Discovery Park, is just HK$25 away. And altogether, this makes a great suggestion for both solo and family staycation.

2. HARBOUR PLAZA RESORT CITY

If you are planning to get close to nature, this by far is the cheapest, yet most worthy of your money. Start your day with a good yum cha just a stairway up the hotel's lobby. They have a massive pool kissed by the sun from early morning 'til late afternoon that is perfect for sunbathing. The kids' room is sanitised every two hours and is spacious and facilitative. Total opposite of the Royal View Hotel, it got a lot of eateries around. But, it's still is provincial in a way. The park is open for some meditation, good long walk and exercise. I have lived more than 8 years here and I can attest to how it had developed to its best to this day.

So for those who would like to stay for a week or two, try checking in here since it's just walking distance from a movie house, groceries, shopping malls, hospital, wet market, police station and many more. Also, it is 45 minutes away from the Shen Zhen border which you may want to visit for a day and then just come back home to Harbour Plaza Resort City in the evening.

A little trivia goes, Tin Shui Wai was known as the fish pond area of Hong Kong before. A New Territory taxi driver explained to us that livelihood long before was about farming and being a fisherman because some of the rice paddies were turned to pools. In the long run, aquaculture had declined that led many to abandon their fish ponds. The government tried to save it thru land reform. But there was a planned preservation of the ponds from the Tin Shui Wai New Town Development. To separate the two, an ecological mitigation area for the wetlands served as the buffer. Later on, it turned into and educational and tourism facility called, The Wetland Park, that your kids may enjoy as you visit. You can jump in the light rail transit going here. Probably around 15 minutes away from the hotel.

3. NOAH'S ARK RESORT

Surprise your children with an epic adventure at Noah's Ark. This is absolutely a perfect destination to consider during a staycation here in Hong Kong this Summer.  This season calls for a chance for kids to explore a new experience without the stress from school.

A modern type of camping maybe done by having all your friends with families check in at Noah's Ark Resort, located at Park Island. Underneath the Tsing Ma Bridge also, similar to Royal View Hotel, the resort faces a breathtaking view of the harbour and is situated to the nearby theme park, Noah's Ark.

They have a room that can hold up until 8 people that is perfect for a big family. That room has a huge table where all of you can have a quiet dinner altogether, face to face, without any disturbance of today's technology. Quality time is assured because of the activities the resort can offer. Also, their mission and vision aims to educate and encourage kids to be loving to the animals, environment, to others and to themselves with their exhibitions, displays and attractions.

4. HERITAGE HOTEL AT TAI O

If you're up for some history and serenity, experience a getaway at Heritage Hotel in Tai O. It's a hotel, museum, and historic facility all in one. And it is an award winner by Trip Advisor, Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific, Human Resource Magazine.

Services here include a tour of the former police station and that of a prisoner for illegal trespassers to Hong Kong at the earlier 1900's. It is facing the South China Sea already so this facility also aimed to patrol against pirates from neighbouring countries back then. It's just in the year 2009 that it got restored into a 9-room boutique hotel by a Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. An added restaurant above the prison had been built, called the Tai O Lookout to be able to cater to dining guests. Don't miss ordering the one-of-a-kind Crispy Bun with Tai O shrimp paste marinated Pork Chop. And beside the look out is a well preserved booth where policemen exchanged shifts as look outs, hence, the name.

The fish that accompanies the shrimp paste marinated burger
is truly the best kicker in this dish.
I don't eat chocolate but I tried it and it was
deliciously moist and its chocolate flavour is not too
sweet and not too bitter.

5. SILVERMINE BEACH RESORT

Silvermine Beach Resort had been recognised
and had been awarded consistently.
The most recent is being the Resort Hotel of the Year
from the last June 2015, awarding ceremony.

If you want to escape the busy city life, jump in a ferry and take a trip to Mui Wo to find this gem that offers incomparable comfort with their super sized beds and semi buffet treats. By booking Silvermine Beach Resort, you get the sun, sand and the solitude. Bring your family for a series of outdoor activities that become limited while living in the metro.

Imagine my big Samoan husband,
my half Samoan, half Filipino, one year old and I on this bed.
We all have the best sleep for this is the most
comfortable bed we've ever slept in together as a family.

In terms of what's exquisite about this place, it is accessible to the city, a school, a wet market, a police station, a bus station, a taxi stand and the pier. This way, even if you choose to be in the hidden part of Lantau Island, villagers exude that energy all through out the area because they are efficient in their own ways.

Things that you shouldn't miss in staying here in Silvermine Beach Resort: The herd of carabaos resting in the evening right in front of the hotel. It's a good way to introduce what a carabao is to kids without any restraints or the idea that they are tied up because these carabaos are free to roam around. The outdoor swimming pools (one for the kids and one for the adults) are very rejuvenating because of the scenery that surrounds you, mountains and gardens. And my personal favourite, watching the sunrise by the hotel's wooden deck over coffee facing the beach horizon. The hope that it whispers is empowering.

6. GOLD COAST HOTEL

It's the kids' break from school. Why not take advantage of a HK$11,800 worth of a month's stay at Gold Coast Hotel? This 2-room apartment type is fully furnished, with a sublime sea view. Being 30 minutes away from the city, Gold Coast Hotel gives you a East-meets-West fusion of food, ambiance and service.

Its yacht and country club is such a great view from the hotel and from the Gold Coast Piazza. It provides a nice membership package including an exclusive spa service. Chilli and Spice is the most popular restaurant in the Piazza for their cooking service of the seafood that is freshly available outside the restaurant and their lamb curry is the most delicious I've had so far while staying here in Hong Kong.

Besides the Gold Coast Beach which is one of Hong Kong's longest beaches, the Piazza that holds French, Italian, Indian, Thai and Chinese restaurants and the view of the luxurious yachts, nearby attractions can also be readily accessed. Butterfly gardens serve as natural habitats for butterflies in pursuit of the tropical landscapes of the Gold Coast community to be redeveloped. There's also eco-gardens where residents can participate in organic farming with an intention of caring for the environment. Gold Coast Hotel gives its residents encouragement in doing physical exercises with its jogging routes which you may do for 10, 15 or 30 minutes. Gym facilities are also well equipped.

The minimum stay at the Gold Coast apartments is 1 month. But hotel rooms are rated per night. They have shuttle bus services to and fro Central, Olympic and Tsuen Wan stations. Airport shuttle bus service may also be availed. Some facilities include a barbecue area for your family to enjoy, there's a kids' cove, there are outdoor pools, billiard tables, tennis and squash courts and sun deck area. There's nothing more that you'd ask for except to be able to extend the kids' vacation months to stay longer I'm sure.

7. REGAL AIRPORT HOTEL

This last hotel is for those who want time on their own or with their loved one. This is the kind of hotel that would cater to somebody who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you want to have a sleeping in time because of too much stress at work or if you want to lay low from being in all of these social networks, choose Regal Airport Hotel to lodge in.

You always neglect airport hotels because you always think they are actually unworthy of your money. But Regal Airport Hotel's buffet include, juicy, sweet tasting seafood. It brings you near the IMAX experience because it's just a 5 minute walk to the Hong Kong International Airport arrival area. That being said, it gives you a therapeutic view of the airplanes flying away and taking off.

Honeymooners and couples, get encouraged with their luxurious cabana type of a room where you and your loved one could get a couple's spa and massage. Om Spa, located at Regal Airport Hotel's 3rd floor takes you away into a Thai escape with fragrant essential oils and authentic Thai vibe because of how the rooms are decorated. My husband loved the massage service he had. And I loved the rose facial I got alongside of him. It is one of the best experiences we've done together.

This list of hotels had left me in awe for I never knew how good they were until I had the chance to actually sniff what it could offer me and my family. If you know of any more hotels that would want to be in the list, kindly suggest it in the comments below. So that #teamtoomalatai could have a new place to check out and enjoy. Thank you in advance!

Related posts:

1. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - This is where my husband and I had stayed for our honeymoon in Phuket. Check out how it's so accommodating, you don't need to go out of the resort.
2. VENETIAN HOTEL MACAU - One of the best hotels I've been to my husband and I did a photoshoot in our room. LOL!
3. PICO DE LORO RESORT - Headed to Batangas, Philippines soon? Hamilo Coast where this exclusive country club belongs to the 3 coves that is considered Marine Protected Areas. Read about its exclusivity.

WHAT YOU MAY BE MISSING ONLINE

There's absolutely a lot to find online that can benefit us. Education, opportunities, connection. The world seem to get smaller and smaller yet ties can become stronger. There is a need though of what you are pouring your time into. Since the internet had vastly given birth to websites, sources and social networks, it also had become dangerous in the sense that should all of them be given attention?

I admit that I spend a lot of time in the internet. Instead of taking my time to rest, I always catch myself browsing over a social network's newsfeed. I cheat on making way to achieving a recipe thru pinterest and gym time is often neglected when I extend more hours working online for researching for my blog. All of these are actually not much of an issue if I would manage my time more wisely.

It's crucial to separate what is of essence with what's actually nonsense when you google. It's hard not to depend on online information most especially when it is about a review of a location you want to travel to. I guess it's right to say, choose wisely what you spend time into.

With that being said, I don't want to hold you further but I need to give out this important information you might find handy considering the things that you'd love to do or learn without compromising the beauty of connecting live to a person and/or without feeling guilty that nothing productive happened with your day.

1. There's yet another free webinar that you may find beneficial to your own learning towards investing wisely. If you are investing on stocks, this may guide you thru critical analysis, strategic approach and fundamental steps:

2. Into connecting to an audience thru your talent? Are you capable of telling a story allowing a group of people to learn from it directly? Would you be interested to do drama? How about if Kevin Spacey would be your teacher? Would you be interested?

Don't fret. Because it's all a click away. This website offers a masterclass that you may enjoy fully with the help of the professionals that you see on TV.

3. Been wanting to trying something different? Sign up for a free crossfit class in FITNESS ACADEMY HK and unleash the beast in you. No expectations, no judgements, just focus and determination and your body will thank you after a good day's work out. The box (what you call the training grounds for crossfit) may be intimidating, not until you let a day breeze thru it. This is one way to get you up your seat and ditch getting succumbed to the internet without having a productive day.

4. RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN

There's no age limit in wanting to achieve your dreams. Make it happen by committing to a driven institution. The top design school in Hong Kong offers courses that is not just limited to fashion but interior design, app design and photography, 3 of the most in demand specialisations in the industry. Rewrite your future by excelling in what you truly love. Feed your creative instincts by learning from the experts.

The teachers in raffles are more than educators. They practice as they teach embracing diversity and continuous trends. They hold small classes to make sure students are given personal attention and monitoring. They aim each of them to be recognised globally by developing their potential at its utmost momentum.

5. Would you like to get paid as you tap your android on the road? If you are the kind of person who likes to play games, wants to be the first to know about the new released apps, and answer quizzes, you'll be delighted to know about an app called Cash Gift.

Cash gift makes you earn points that may actually be converted to gift cards, free coupons and Pay Pal credits as you do tasks, namely, downloading some cool stuff, watching a video, installing and playing games like candy crush, simply passing level 5 of a certain game and voila! You earn coins.

I am not really much of the game person because I don't like overloading my phone with games. But the idea is, I just one task that says, Tap to get 20 coins and rate them 5 to get 30 coins. It's that simple. Then exit.

I've been waiting for mine to come about. And I just earned my points to redeem my second dollar from Amazon. At first, I was wary with how real this goes but I got my gift card via email and now, I'm ready to use it. US$2 is not that much but I basically just have to tap my phone and points keep on coming daily. I wouldn't mind doing that!

6. A similar rewarding system offers redemption of lifestyle coupons to use in Park N' Shop for groceries, ZALORA for trendy fashion ensembles, Maxim's for pastries and Mannings for toiletries. Just log in to www.valuedopinions.hk. How does it work?

As you join in, you will be asked about your personal preferences about, food, sports, lifestyle, fashion and recreation. This first part was actually fun because all that you have to do is tick. The system will get hold of your answers putting it into a pool of downlines that somehow calculates the surveys that may need your response to. Most of the time, as a consumer of a certain product. To share, I have answered a survey about German wines, a learning institution, importance of an insurance and something that I would be expecting in a new gadget. It is not hoax as I am HK$3 away from redeeming mine so just bear with it. It is checking your email of surveys that will actually pay you.

Enjoy surfing guys!

Related posts:

1. 10 THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG - planning to go to Hong Kong for a vacation? Here are some suggested itinerary for you not to miss.

2. CASHFLOW - a board game that will teach you how to handle finances as you anticipate real life situations.

3. LIMITLESS - a blog post featuring the 15 Richest Men of the World of Forbes Magazine in 2012. 

HOW TO LOOK EXPENSIVE

I was not wrong in giving in to this book as it truly lives its purpose of being the bible of beauty secrets and tips. The title itself is truly catchy. I mean, who doesn't want to look expensive? It "basically" pinpoints most girls' aim when it comes to dressing up. I practically followed the most essential for me. 

My hair is my crowning glory. At the time I got hold of this book, I was dying for a makeover. And I got complimented on because of the change with my mane alone just by following Andrea Pomerantz Lustig's advice to keep the colours a shade or two different from your own and nothing more. This book does wonders.

The female species crosses bridges just to get the right look and often times, they are led to a sabotage just to be milked of their money. This book actually gives you techniques to be able to know and demand to serviced boutiques, salons and spas of what you need for the "better" you. It is also a huge mirror letting the reader understand that what you may want is not necessarily what is right for you. Instead of wasting a fortune in something that will make the people mistake you for another person (because of so much surgery you've done to enhance your look), being learned of what will make you look fresh and different without any invasive procedure is still the better option. The good thing is, this book doesn't limit you to just following every step. It encourages you to DIY too since that's the cheapest and most convenient way of innovating your look.

The book is worth to read from cover to cover but the tips are simply revolving around these main points:

"1. Less is always more. Cheap is often too much of a good thing. Simple looks classic; flashy looks trashy.

Emma Watson wears this cliche on her belt as her strength.
She's the best example of this mantra.
That make up, that confidence and that simplicity
plus the real her.
Who else can "actually" do that?

2. Build an edited beauty collection. By choosing the right products, you'll need less... and spend less.

3. Knowledge is priceless. If you know what you want and how to get it, you can DIY. If you're an informed client, you'll get your money's worth at the salon, makeup counter, dermatologist, or nail spa.

4. Price point isn't as important as good taste. All the money in the world can't buy taste, but once you develop good taste, you can find it for any price.

5. Maintenance is everything. Remember that a cheap manicure is a good manicure that's been on too long.

6. Expensive-looking hair and makeup doesn't advertise itself. It's understated, refined, tasteful, not blingy. It makes you look like the best version of yourself, not like somebody else.

This book is heaven sent regarding the best products.
It features products that are a lot cheaper than the original
one, yet has the same effect.
It's magic!

7. Buying new beauty products is a lot cheaper than buying new clothes - and you'll get more wear out of them. A new lipstick, eyeliner, or especially nail polish is a way to accessorise your existing wardrobe and feel fresh and stylish without stepping into a fitting room.

8. The key to a look that reads high net worth is to enhance what you've got without worrying trying to become someone else. 
"You only better" is the goal of each and every tip and technique you'll read about in this book."

- Andrea Pomerantz Lustig

While the book encourages changes here and there, may I add 2 more points in her first 8 mentioned above.

9. Get a decent amount of exercise. This makes your body regenerate in its most natural way. It helps your body overall to stay rejuvenated. When you exercise, your lungs are put to its maximum use, your body gets filled with endorphins (happy hormones) and your cells get to multiply efficiently to change the dead ones, revealing a newer, fresher you.

10. Get enough sleep. What you may have to do to your body to achieve a certain look, needs a certain amount of exertion. In return, be kind to it by listening to its demand for rest. The number of hours of sleep vary from person to person so allow self awareness to kick in. Take your time in learning your own body. Master how to say yes to optimum health and no to unnecessary engagements.

Related posts:

1. PRODUCTS I LOVE - See the skin products I invest on.
2. DEVILED EGGS ARE SO EASY - Follow a recipe in cooking one of the greatest energy boosters.
3. HOLIDAY TRAVEL - See a wardrobe set for you to travel on.

THE BEST INVESTMENT IS EDUCATING YOURSELF

Investing on proper education I must say is the key to making your dreams into reality. When you are pursuing your passion, you research on it, you read about it and you seek the people who have the same interest for you to be led into its totality.

Grace CY Lam mood notebook
developing her designs and
managing the hues to be considered
for her dresses.

Raffles School of Design is holding an information session this morning to aid you of which design courses suit your drive and to give out a better understanding of how each design course is different from the other. This introduction seminar will be conducted by the school's own designers and lecturers whose passion had led them to a limitless world of expression. It will be followed by an admission seminar which will be presented by their own admission department to guide you in every step of the way as you choose your path to success.

It is a rare opportunity for you to meet their designers upfront and ask them questions regarding Art and Design, as some of them are huge in the business already. I got the chance to meet one of their designers, Grace CY Lam, who had represented their institution in the Fashion Week held in Canada. 

A campus tour and some refreshments will completes the seminar at the end.

ALL OF THESE ARE FOR FREE.

If you're feeling 50-50 whether you'd want to take a design course or not, it's worth it still, to gauge in person the chance that you might regret losing. As for a trivia, Grace CY Lam took up Law. She is now in the field of design where she said, "She had never felt home for a long time." She got pushed to creating something exceptional and not until then did she realise that it was right for her to follow her passion and that it was right that she went for the course even when she thought it might be too late for her to take up another course.

So, get up right now and take that step to educating yourself! Located at 1/F, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Raffles School of Design will hold this free seminar from 10:30am to 1pm, today, April 23, 2016. Have a fruitful Saturday!

Related posts:

1. RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN - writing down a rare experience of knowing how Grace CY Lam, a fashion designer, came up with her final line up of evening gowns that was showcased last Mar. 14-20 in Vancouver Fashion Week.

2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP - "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." - Diether Uchtdorf

3. ON-THE-GO-IN-WINTER - check out my first POLYVORE creation, putting pieces of clothing, following your own design, together to create something fresh, new and trendy.

WHAT APRIL HAS IN STORE FOR US

Spring had just paved the way for us to anticipate great events this April.

Let me start off with a wonderful evening with our musical director, Rony Fortich, whom I always look up to in so many ways. Talent, discipline, professionalism, success and humility. He, along with a number of vocalists, don't just sing and perform, but they tell a story thru their songs.

One Night Stand, A Monthly Cabaret, was put up to feature the brightest artists, both old and new, at 12 Monkeys Music Hall in the Philippines. One Tuesday of every month, One Night Stand will showcase musical theatre cabarets onstage leaving a memorable night to linger more than usual with a special pang to how music brings out memories and how it takes us to a blissful abyss.

On April 5, as Rony turns 39, he will be performing "No Disclaimers, Rony Fortich's Birthday Jam" featuring Ring Antonio, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Kristine Diaz (who I am proud to say is a friend and colleague), Arman Ferrer, Yanah Laurel, Fred Lo, Gab Medina and Felix Rivera (who never fails to give out an astounding performance by touching your soft point with his genuine delivery).  It's so ironic that these superb talents have the following disclaimers when they are the best of the bests in transcending the audience into the ether with their voice.

NO MORE DISCLAIMERS

Rony Fortich's Birthday Jam at One Night Stand

April 5, 2016 (Tuesday)

9 PM

12 Monkeys Musical Hall

Dorr charge: 400 Php

For table reservations:

0917-570-3222

Second one would be a FREE webinar that you may need as you try to know about investing your money into something good and worth it.

You don't want to push thru a messy start so Spearhead Mission, in collaboration with Bo Sanchez's Truly Rich Club, had reached out to Filipinos who are able and willing to save, invest and re-invest. To be guided well, physically and spiritually in making it happen for your hard-earned money, know the do's and don't's, the basics and the connections you have to make as you pursue a journey to being financially free.

A message from Bo goes:

"Have you been wanting to attend any or our live Truly Rich Club Quick Start seminars but you just couldn't do so because of your geographical location?

Well, here's my good news! Joey Tayaban, the Concierge Director of Truly Rich Club, will conduct a Truly Rich Club Quick Start Webinar exclusively for you on how to invest in the stock market. It's an online seminar so you can join in the comforts of your own home or office. And it is LIVE so you can ask Joey and her team, including JP Adena, your questions.

This is happening on April 10 from 8:30pm to 10:30pm, HK/Phils time

To join the TrulyRichClub Quick Start Webinar, please click the link below.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3918356349514803202

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez"

Last but not the least, summer is just around the corner and I would love to encourage you to try doing cross fit with Fitness Academy. Take away the fear of being asked to lift heavy weights. Fitness Academy will create a program solely for your needs and capacity.

I have tried their free trial classes and honestly, at first, I was more than wary. As I researched, it led me to images of female body builders that instantly stirred hesitation in me. But being a mom of one, I'd like to explore different ways of getting fit. I am aware that there are certain challenges in every thing we want to pursue so I just went and showed up. To my expectation, it wasn't that bad as I thought it would be. It was a good intense 1 hour work out that the only couple of things you should possess is a well energised body (aim to have a good sleep before and a muffin at least one hour before the work out) and commitment. 

Sign up for a free trial by clicking here.