10 Things I Love about Hong Kong

HONG KONG, officially known as, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is situated on South China's coast, and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, making it known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbor. With a land mass of 1,104 km² (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's population is 95 percent ethnic Chinese and 5 percent from other groups. I am one of the latter.

For almost 6 years now, living in Hong Kong had been an adventure. I've prayed ever so greatly for change in my life 6 years ago and I got the opportunity to make it happen here. It made me realize that I should seize every day. I have to make it count as I wake up to a new beginning each morning. Every day is a chance for you to be opened up to something new and wonderful and worth it of your time. Slowly, I became aware of what works for me and not. It helped me to grow up and that being said, let me share to you for my Lifestyle weekend,

10 Things I Love about Hong Kong:

1. It's undeniably safe in Hong Kong.
  - It's my habit to collect my morning paper from the lobby for my daily dose of SUDOKU and CROSSWORD PUZZLE. And the moment I'm done answering them, I toss over pages to check what's up. And what do I encounter most of the time? Articles about which company is making more money, holiday tour packages for every season and pages are filled up with letters of thanks from different leaders all over the world for the friendship they share with Hong Kong and how to empower their ties. It's very rare that I'd read any brutal attack or murder reported. If there is, it would be a foreigner who'll do this, it is a crime committed in another country or such crimes were done due to insanity.

My friends and I are thankful every time we are able to take a walk to our village from the train station while playing with our iPhones in public without that fear of anybody going on a trip and snatch our phones. Police aren't corrupt and are up and about in arresting whoever by passes the law. I mean every policeman is expected to do so but Hong Kong police can't be easily dodged. I admire their dedication as they truly can be trust worthy. A couple of friends of mine were fined of HK1,500 for not throwing their finished cigarette into the proper trash bins.

Hong Kong's Chief Excecutive Leung Chun-Ying

2. Their Government acts!

           -  The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, commonly the Hong Kong Government, is led by the Chief Executive as Head of the Government, who is also the head of the Hong Kong SAR. The affairs of the Government are decided by secretaries, who are appointed by the Chief Executive and endorsed by the Central People's Government in Beijing. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy. The Hong Kong Government, financially independent from the Government of the People's Republic of China, oversees the affairs of Hong Kong. 

- WIKIPEDIA



There are 3 reasons why I like the HK government:

* It works hand in hand with the people.
            One thing I notice about the HK people is the way they walk. They walk very fast. A simple trait that signifies their great dedication into accomplishing things. They are very hard working and dedicated people. The government benefits from this human resource so well. In return, they give back to HK residents what they work hard for. Two years ago, all and I mean "ALL" HK residents of legal age received HK6,000.00 each just because HK had earned more than what they had expected for that year. How good is that?

* It ain't corrupt.

* It imposes just taxes and are used fairly and equally. Their elderly and retired employees are well-compensated and are privileged.


3. TAXES are just.
   

People even line up for it even if they already have phones.

This makes me realize that it is a good place to work in. The government is not corrupt and there's a good decent job for everybody. Minimum waged workers can afford to buy an iPhone or go for a mobile plan at least every 2 years and get a new phone because of a simple reason - they can! This simply denotes low crime rate (because what's the reason to steal if every body can afford it?) and low mortality (other 3rd world countries have high mortality rate due to people defending themselves or getting killed upon hold-uppers or cellphone snatchers). And this goes back to my point of view where the government benefits from the human resource they have. Everybody eats 3 times a day or even more than. Everybody is healthy and soundly capable of fending to what keeps them balanced. Needs are met and there's also room for leisure every now and then. People don't find the taxes offensive because they see it being utilized as expected. Health insurances alongside the compensation is attributed fairly in which employees get motivated to work accordingly.

4. OPPORTUNITIES are endless.

They say CHINA is booming so fast that it's the next country that would reign (next to another oil-producing country whose pride is as big as its egos). Right now, Disneyland is branching out to Shanghai, RMB is greater than Hong Kong dollar and a lot of Chinese visitors come every now and then thru Shen Zhen border that Harbour Plaza Resort City had turned their residential building into a hotel tower also. You'd often see them coming home to the hotel with huge LV paper bags and GUCCI purchases after spending their greens here in Hong Kong. The way I see it, China is just but one of the many countries who often visit here in Hong Kong. Whether it's for the holidays or business trips, Hong Kong caters to a lot of neighboring countries, in terms of trade, foreign exchange and investments.

That way, Hong Kong's economy kept on getting stronger that  loan companies, retirement plans and financial assistance aid employed Hong Kong residents as long as they have good credit standing. Stable employment paired up with good partnership with other countries feed the country's momentum into growing within, saving the country from importing but more on contributing globally. Because of what I had explained previously, everybody has a job. Even people from outside Hong Kong like overseas workers that come here are also given decent jobs. This helps the small entrpreneurs to rise and contribute as well. In the end, gross national income exceeds more than expected.

As for me, I am blessed to have that much potential in the line of business I am in. Surely it would take time for me to speak Cantonese fluently. But if you'd only focus on learning so, for sure you can achieve without worrying about the costs because it's available in negotiable terms concerning your budget and it's worth it in the end. Just work hard and strive hard. I may not be that knowledgeable in explaining why but working here in Hong Kong makes me feel more driven rather than exhausted because I know that I'll be reaping something off it in the end.

5. HONG KONG BEING A MELTING POT

Hong Kong, before finally belonging to China, was a part of the British colony. Because of this, plus the fact that it holds a great geographical location, Hong Kong had become a melting pot catering to a lot of tourists and workers from all over the world. This had helped Hong Kong people in embracing different approach to Chinese culture by embracing traders from other parts of the world., hence being open to endless opportunites for economic growth. Hong Kong Disneyland is partly owned by the Hong Kong government that had led the country into offering jobs to thousands and thousands of its residents plus to other several ethnic races. HK grew vastly in terms of communication, innovation and infrastructure. Several know how to speak English and I believe that it is one giant step into opening the country to world class advancement. Nowadays, competition is becoming tougher and tougher. Asians are often looked down to because of their unfamiliarity to the English language. But greatly, Hong Kong puts effort in including English in their curriculum for academic enhancement, therefore, clearer expression of views, demands and easier way of doing effective and efficient communication.

Foreign investors are welcomed with open arms and are ensured of their rights in terms of business. This paves a channel to a number of connections that help the country gain its position of being on top and maintaining it.

6.  TRANSPORTATION

Hong Kong's mode of public transportation had been made perfect. Patterned on to the British railway services and buses, I bow to how traveler friendly the routes are to take. Here is a brief and useful map that you could see around the MTR station.

Bus stations, on the other hand, are fully sufficed with schedule and fare. And there's no heavy traffic except if there was an accident. I don't need to worry about traffic, pollution and not getting to my destination on time because the buses are on schedule. The trains work as early as from 5:30am to 12:30mn. Sometimes, when public holidays are on, they operate 24 hrs/day, complete with announcement and news advisories for the HK residents to get full knowledge of the adjustments. Trains leave and come on time too. Light rails aid the people to reach the residential areas because most of the trains are connected to commercial buildings, malls and government offices. 

The Hong Kong International Airport too is the best airport for me. Needless to explain with how efficient every worker here is, since they own that attribute (as I have explained how powerful their manpower is) additional recreations such as IMAX theatres, SPA lounges, restaurants and shopping centers complete the works. It's more than convenient for most of the people. I don't leave for holiday trips that much but Hong Kong International Airport serves not just an airport but a hub for a lot of hotel shuttle services. To get home from Tung chung, it is pretty helpful for me to go home to Tin Shui Wai via the Harbour Plaza Resort City Shuttle Service that operates as early as 5am 'til 1am the latest. Convenience wise, it runs every hour.

Ferries to and from Macau, Starline Cruises and junk boats are some of the sea transport that I have used and benefited from. They offer efficient and punctual services. Besides being a mode of getting people to where they should go, boats can be a form of recreation.

7. RECREATION

There are just but numerous kinds of recreation here in Hong Kong. Let me start with what I have experienced so far.

Tin Shui Wai Park

Location: TST

a park amidst tall buildings....

 
Parks are everywhere here in Hong Kong. They are very much well kept and are designed to be of service to people of all ages. It has a playground for kids, mini pond for the nature lovers, a track for remote controlled mini cars and RC addicts, a field to hold events at and a walkway that is covered with smooth stones for therapeutic effects on the elderly complete with spacious areas where some could practice kung fu, do yoga or do tai chi. I see some of them singing on their own, just quite practicing alongside somebody who's playing the violin and/or having their own dance class.

This happens usually in the morning. I saw and captured this while I was on my way to run some errands.

Smooth Stoned Pathway for therapy for stimulating the elderly's senses of feel and touch.

Next, beaches and lakes are very much taken care of here in Hong Kong. It serves the residents well when the Dragon Boat Festival and the Summer season happens. It does not have the white beach like Boracay's sands but it surely is clean and is pretty much functional. Sai Kung beach is where most of the junk boat trips happen and Repulse Bay is where Team Mushu had their first race. Lamma Island is now the most sought for amongst tourists and foreigners and all of these places hold a beach good to lay on for a tan. Park Island extends to a beach. It's got a nice view where you could take photos of the famous Tsing Ma Bridge.

I see the Tsing Ma Bridge twice everyday going to and from work and every time I see it in the morning, I instantly feel pumped up seeing the blue skies and the end of the sea meet in the horizon. When I see it as the sun sets, it's just but so breathtaking. It does look almost the same as the San Francisco Bridge, only this is shorter and in white. But the serenity this view gives while you pass thru it is what's so superb.

Hiking, cycling, swimming, we've done it. Compared to where I came from, Hong Kong is doing pretty good in maintaining their environment clean and green so that the civilians here would find it convincing to promote health on oneself. Polluted air and seas are aimed to be prevented since Hong Kong encourages organizations that would address it directly. Here is an example of these organizations:

Clear the Air is a charity organisation committed to improving air quality in Hong Kong. Current projects include:

• Diesel – Recent government policies centred on voluntary schemes to phase out old polluting diesel vehicles (pre Euro 3) have proven ineffective. Further campaigns have to mandate a compulsory and scheduled phasing out of old polluting vehicles.
• Energy – Aim to reduce harmful pollutants (PM 2.5) from power station emissions through more stringent Air Quality Objectives (AQO). Work to improve energy savings and efficiency in all public and private buildings across Hong Kong.
• Events & Education – Participating in and/or driving various territory wide environmental events and educational programs on clean air.
• Idling Engines – Successful idling engine patrols have highlighted awareness among the public and the government of increased road side pollution leading to a ban on idling engines across Hong Kong to be tabled at Legco.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – Free IAQ assessments for schools to be extended; the first campaign started April 2008.
• Marine – Research conducted to implement a "smoky vessel spotter" scheme. More needs to be done to establish a Clean Port Policy scheme.
• Tobacco – Clear The Air is advocating the Government to license all tobacco retailers, pressing the Financial Secretary to increase tobacco tax, pressing Legco to rescind the flawed qualified establishment exemptions and educating the public that the true cost of smoking to Hong Kong society is in excess of $73.32 billion per year.
• Town Planning – Clear The Air defends the benchmark of "canyon effect" and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) to auto-regulate urban traffic density.

I haven't tried riding the helicopter all over Hong Kong, a form

of leisure that would give you a tour on air of the beautiful Hong Kong. Bookings online can be done. If you're into GROUPON, they always have a good deal for it.

Boat trips, on the other hand, are famous forms of leisure amongst group of friends who are into water sports and activities that involves the sun and the sea water. Every summer, I get to experience junk boat trips with friends from work that eventually became our ritual already. Some of them had ventured out into doing a new show or company in the span of 6 years so this is the season we get together to catch up. This is my friend Kate who chose to teach Belly Dancing to learn and get exposed more to the craft. So, we took this picture to make this boat trip last.

Recently, I had come across boat trips that offer squid fishing, wine orientation and tasting during the entire 2 hour trip and in Central, I have tried to ride Aqua Luna while the Symphony of Lights went on to show from Central to TST to join our friend Jenna Coy during her last visit. It was a magnificent experience. Hong Kong just maintains the cleanliness of their environment, therefore allows for its residents to reap the benefits.

8. BENEFITS

Speaking of which, Hong Kong can afford to keep their word in terms of the rewards anything and everything offers. You get grocery coupons once you reached a certain number of points with your phone bill, credit card usage or you earn miles from purchasing something on sale. Ha! You can get a Le Sportsac Passport Holder by purchasing a hk$10 magazine.

Not to mention, when you work in a reputable company, they offer health insurance and basically, you're covered with just about everything even industrial accidental leave. And mind you, I haven't encountered a company that doesn't offer this. Even domestic helpers are protected by law of getting the rightful minimum wage. Pregnant people are supported by their employers offering them sufficient aid and rightful treatment making them comfortable as possible in the workplace. Taxes are computed thoroughly that if they had collected more than what you're supposed to pay, it's a guarantee that it'll be sent back to you.

I've included this as one of my favorites in Hong Kong as I had a lot of free treats, earned perks from cheap deals and had not experienced any hoax in redeeming points such as my "Park n' Shop" grocery card.

9. The INTERNET is fast - and I mean FAST!

My personal calculation for gaging my own addiction using the Internet Addiction Test is 45 and it says that :

20 - 49 points: You are an average on-line user. You may surf the Web a bit too long at times, but you have control over your usage. 

It's funny that it was stated this way, "Congratulations! You're score is 45." It almost sounds "Congratulations, you're not an addict!" I suggest you take this test because some questions astounded me that asked whether if you had compromised your job due to being online longer than you're supposed to.

There's one thing about me, I love to write, I love to blog and I love expressing my views in a positive, informative and inspirational context and that usually eats up most of my time. I can only do this productively via the internet. Being far away from my family too adds up to my need for it. It's for communicative purposes and research. Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest are my most visited sites excluding my yahoo mailbox because for me that's like checking the usual mailbox. It's one of the subconscious things you do everyday like brushing your teeth and taking a bath. Together with these activities of daily living, I'm sure you'll agree with me if I include email checking in that category.

That being said, I hail the fast internet service of Hong Kong enhancing the businesses, updating the stock markets and making banking and finance accessible thru it. As for me, it aids my passion to write. To some people, it makes communication possible and/or helps them in making time pass.


10. FREEDOM

I'll be straight about this. Fashion wise, Hong Kong gives a lenient approach as to how each person here styles up. Gays and lesbians are accepted and are treated fairly in terms of employment, judicial rights and environmental efficiency. Everybody strives to respect what each people believe in. If you believe in God, Yoga or the mere philosophy of just showing up to work and doing what is expected of you, no judgements are given at all. A few people pay attention to status as it's always easier to do the public transport than owning a car. Racism is put to a minimum, probably because of a huge number of races that stay here in Hong Kong. Everybody had their own right, purpose and standing in the Hong Kong community and I like it that way.
  

JOLLIBEE

I've introduced a lot of new places to check out for my "Wine-&-Dine Wednesday". This time, I'd like to go back to an old favorite.

JOLLIBEE is an all time top choice of Filipinos when it comes to fast food. Kids go crazy over it and so do I even until now. It is the constant competition of McDonald's in the Philippines. Just put it this way, if America has McDonald's or KFC, Philippines got Jollibee. And so, am I glad to still be able to experience "Chickenjoy" even if I had moved here in Hong Kong for quite sometime now.

Located at Shop Z4, G/B Eurotrade Center, 13-14 Connaught Rd. Central, Hong Kong
Tel. No. (852) 2522 7930, (852) 2522 7553
Fax No. (852) 2854 1977
(MTR Exit A), Jollibee alongside with a lot of Filipino "carinderias" (food stalls), serve a lot of Filipino overseas workers here in Hong Kong, giving them a little of what "home" feels like. Culturally, Filipinos love eating altogether and because of the Spanish influence, they are used to varied spices that make their food aromatic and more than enjoyable to eat. You would have an idea of what I'm actually talking about if you go visit Jollibee on a Sunday as it draws the crowd with the aroma that their food gives out.

Besides its delicious array of fast food and desserts, it offers a must-try "Palabok" (rice noodle dish with shrimp sauce and topped with several ingredients such as cooked shrimp, boiled pork, crushed chicharon, tinapa flakes, fried tofu, scallions, and fried garlic) and Philippine-style-Spaghetti. Both come in meals with the fried chickenjoy.

My personal favorites would be Palabok Fiesta, Burger Steak, Chicken Joy and Peach Mango Pie (for dessert). The gravy together with Chicken Joy makes it zesty too. Jollibee cooks their chicken like no other. I'm surprised that KFCs here in Hong Kong don't come with their own gravy. In the Philippines, they had to do a marketing strategy of going "Unlimited serving for gravy" to beat Jollibee.

For burger lovers, I suggest you try the Amazing Aloha. All of these foods come with affordable price. You may be able to have a full stomach with HK$50 at hand.

Not only Hong Kong but also United States, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei and United Arab Emirates are extended of these mouthwatering delicacies. May I share to you this video that was shot in the United States and was featured in CNN.



A lot of foreigners love Jollibee. My boyfriend always asks for it as a "pasalubong" whenever I come home from Central. And he loves the Iced Lemon Tea here too. The so-called Halo Halo actually is a famous Philippine dessert. Hopefully it gets offered here in Hong Kong but not for now.
I have a friend here in Hong Kong that aims to go to Jollibee every chance he could get. Lawlaw, together with Kelly, had gone with us in the Philippines and we all went there for dinner for them to experience the authentic Chickenjoy and Jollibee Spaghetti before we had to go clubbing. We had to take a photo to remember that fun night.

Jollibee has won many accolades. It has consistently been mentioned as one of the Philippines' and Asia's most admired companies in surveys conducted by publications such as Asian Business Magazine and The Asian Wall Street Journal and has received other plaudits from Euromoney and Asia Money. In 2008, it was also the recipient of the FMCG and F & B Asia Pacific Supply Chain Excellence Award at the SCM Logistics Excellence Awards.



-WIKIPEDIA

What's Hot for SPRING 2013!

Spring began with the vernal equinox at 7:02 A.M. (EDT) last March 20, 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere. Here’s more about the start of spring, what I think about spring, and stunning spring photos!

The Vernal Equinox

Ah, spring! This season brings increasing daylight, warming temperatures,and the rebirth of flora and fauna.

The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” Days and nights are approximately equal everywhere and the sun rises and sets due east and west.

At the equinoxes, the tilt of Earth relative to the Sun is zero, which means that Earth’s axis neither points toward nor away from the Sun. (However, the tilt of Earth relative to its plane of orbit, called the ecliptic plane, is always about 23.5 degrees.)

-  http://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-spring-vernal-equinox



I've been reviewing last year's trend and I still love the vibe Springtime brings. The smell of the budding flowers, the sound of the chirping birds, the idea of playing with explosive colors and the day that awaits for new adventures to happen. It gives you the freedom to generate endorphin release by everything you see that are coming "alive". From the limiting winter, spring allows you to recreate your style in fashion, paves a way to going for outdoor activities and many more. This ain't the season to just sit at home and be still so allow me to refresh your eyes with splendid ideas to do this Spring.

1. FASHION

Like what I said earlier, Winter had limited you to getting covered by thick jackets, wool neck warmers, ear muffs, leather gloves and UGG boots. This time of the year, match colors that you least expect to go with another - for a change. Highlight curves by picking the right mid-leg skinny pants and give a glimpse of your mysterious bod by choosing lace or silhouette silk fabrics that leaves it room to breath. The picture on the left could be a cool basis for what I'm talking about.

I just went to Elements Mall and man did I see a lot of stores featuring a lot of shouting neon shoes, accessories and scarves. Jeans like these in the picture can be seen and purchased in Zara. For shoes, H&M are on them neon heels and ballet flats that are available on "sorbets".


Lane Crawford features its Spring collection combining art with renowned artists' views. The picture below of a skeleton stands for this campaign.
What surprised me the most was "Hogan"'s collection, which for the longest time had featured silver, black and leather. Now they are sporting rubber shoes and shirts with the same outlook - colorful! For a lot, the hues melon, ube and cherry blossom seem so fun. Accessories also play a great role in doing these colors. The weather gets warm by the day and becomes breezy in the evening. To that, headbands could be helpful all through out the day to keep your 'do in place. For your own warmth, cardigans are advised to be in the bag so that once it gets chilly, you're ready. If it doesn't favor a cold night, it can easily be tied around the waist.

You get to wear different sandals too and open-toe heels which leads us to the second thing you may be dying to do.

2. EXPRESSION

     To some, they lack the push. It's important to be surrounded with positive energy that would suffice you with that support when you are ready to embrace change. May it be about how you dress up, acquiring a new lifestyle or changing careers. In any of these, remember that you need to stay true with who you are. Because how you understand yourself would reflect how you carry yourself.

Vibrant colors are all around us during Springtime. And one way to know what kind of personality you have is how you express yourself thru the style you pick. Keeping in mind the cliche, "Don't judge a the book by it's cover.", is important that you'd consider the occasion that you're going to attend, the age bracket you're in and the work you do when you groom up. Say, in choosing the shade for your nail polish, pick your favorite color and style up around it. You're allowed to play with any shade as much as you like. Usually, a darker blue denotes power, fuscia pink is fun to wear at the beach and peach embraces natural clean up. Make the pastel greens, baby blue, orange and yellow go for that weekend road trips. Personally, I love keeping it classic. French tip, blood red and electric blue are always my picks.

3. DECOR

Your house should be treated as your own sanctuary. The change of seasons are always a good excuse to redecorate. To give your humble abode a different vibe, you can decide on getting colorful vases like these. If you put it by the window, it will be ready to wake you up in the morning with a warm greeting together with the sun seeping thru.

It doesn't stop there. The kitchen could also be full of fun for a workplace and so would your dining table if you had to eat on these:

While I was studying nursing before and were reading about how to feed kids on their terrible two's, there was a suggestion to put colorful food altogether so that they'd have a feel of "play" still even if it's all about "eating" compared to what they'd prefer to do = "play". So the next thing about Spring, is playing RESPONSIBLY by combining having fun with "productivity".

4. PRODUCTIVITY

Everyday is an opportunity to try doing or creating something new. It's most special when you share the experience with a friend or with your family.

Boundless ideas pour on us every time and there's nothing much better to do than be productive about it. Here is an inspiration of how you can innovate your ideas.

Hobbies can reach that point in time that you may find it boring from how it used to be moving you. But if you continuously find a way of giving it a different approach, an outcome like these flavorful cupcakes can make a crowd go "Wow!" To a lot of people, baking could be a means of killing time, earning money or bonding with their family, whichever reason, this tip of mixing and matching colors and flavors may do you so much good

This goes the same with our next best thing to do during Spring time.

5. NUTRITION

The kitchen should not be limited to the usual viands and selections that we prepare for our family. Alongside "productivity" and "decorating", keeping in mind "presentation" is a huge factor to consider when preparing a meal for our loved ones. Yet again, being playful, indulging to the crispy-ness of Springtime and your own momentum for creativity would make wonders for the food you're about to prepare. Here, I've encountered some snacks via Pinterest that are rainbow themed and would surely make kids running to you to have a joyous experience.

Pancakes layered with Assorted Fruits

Rainbow Jello Desserts

Rainbow Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Fruit Snacks

I found these flavored syrups in Elements. These are nice ideas too from Spring segue to Summer crushed ice breaker for the warm days that may Start from April all the way to the first weeks of August. My personal favorite is the Kiwi one. Together with the rest of the fruits, these snacks or drinks instantly replenish the body and keeps it hydrated all through out the day. Hopefully, with these ideas, you won't have a hard time gathering up the kids after playing outdoors.

Not only kids may enjoy these colorful treats. Cocktails may also be enjoyed in the evening by the adults. You spending time with colleagues may be a refreshing idea and I'm pretty sure presenting your drinks this way would not only be perceived as inviting but may also be found remarkable. Impressive presentations like these may just catch your superior's attention once your colleagues would be talking about it to him/her after having a great weekender at your place. Being as imaginative as you can be may just lead to anything. Not all people own qualities of being a good host at parties. This way, you may be marked as prepared not just inside the office but also outside work in which you may be regarded as having that varied sense of commercialism.

6. BALANCE

As I've emphasized the importance of balance in everything in most of my blog-posts, engaging in outdoor activities are also suggested once the sun comes out after Winter. Make sure that during Springtime weekends, after a week's work, you give time for yourself.

Smell the blooming flowers and inhale that refreshing energy from nature itself. Springtime is the best time to do hiking. Winter is just too cold and summer is just to hot - simple as that. This doesn't make you escape from putting on sunscreen and most especially, bug spray. One thing I noticed is that, the moment the sun comes out here in Hong Kong, so would the tiniest but most annoying bugs. So whether you'd be deciding on hitting the beach, going for a picnic or deciding on hiking, prepare the necessary protection for your skin. In addition, bring adequate supply of food and water to keep your body replenished to counteract the water loss. Probably, during Winter, you've been in the gym burning the guilt away from those Holiday feasts. So, this time around, I'm inviting you to jog around the neighborhood or at parks to rejuvenate your lungs with fresh air while it's not too hot for it. This way, you could make your body leaner for that new swimsuit you've purchased for the upcoming Summer.

7. COLLECTION

It is important to truly know what's worth it for your money when going shopping. A secret of mine when looking for long-term finds are:

a. I choose basic staples.

Nude, White and Black are what you'd mostly see in my closet. Because no matter what the season is, these colors never go out of style. I just make sure that when a certain season kicks in, I have something to match with what I have and still make it pumping!
Like these cute bows, it may give the basics I have a different vibe.

b. I purchase those that I know will serve me right.

It's undeniable that I have an unusual body type. The most difficult that I'm struggling with is my lower body. My hips don't lie let me tell you that! While my waist seem to be smaller than the usual hip size it'd go with normally. So, whenever I am blessed to really bang a good find (most especially pants), I purchase 2 or 3 of it. It's hard to find the right fit for me so when I am satisfied with the fit, there would be no hesitations at all. It makes me save money too rather than buy one of each style and then the ending would be, not all of them look good on me at all.

Another addiction would be flip flops. Ipanema and Havaianas offer a great line of slippers that I may use not only during Springtime but also all the way to Summer. It doesn't easily break and it makes my feet rest from heels which are good. I have bunions that tend to kill me a day after I wear heels so, alternating foot wear is a must for me. I also love taking walks so, these benefit me a lot.

c. I purchase during end-of the-season SALE periods for the next year's season.

For example, Summer is almost up but I usually, check on items that may be long-sleeved or thick or may be made of wool (any finds that are good for Winter) because usually, they are priced cheaper than buying it "during" Winter. So, I'm a year ahead when buying stuff. But this practice requires a high standard skill in choosing the fabric. Because, you don't want them to wear out while it gets kept in the closet for 3 more seasons. The last thing you'd want to see would be a sweater deteriorating like OREO as you get back to it. LOL!!!!

I like fabrics made in Bangladesh, Cambodia and India. My clothes that served me the longest are made from these countries and their designs and the very material of it is strong. Even if you put it in the dryer, it rarely shrinks. Or it would take 3 years for it to get worn out.

No bias, Philippines also got a lot of nice clothes compared to anywhere else. As far as I know, SM Department Stores and Robinson's Department Stores have their own factories where independent designers are encouraged to work on their own staples and most of them choose strong fabrics but are priced cheap. If not, you'd be able to explain how reasonable it is because of the details of how it was made.

8. VIBRANCE

"Less is more".

I've always lived around this saying. But that doesn't mean you miss out on being vibrant. Understanding what you need versus what you want could help you out in which lifestyle you should keep. Don't be afraid that people will judge you based on your looks. What's most important is for you to accept the real you. Never live under a shadow of anybody. I know most of the ladies have that dream of being a Victoria's Secret angel but not knowing that somebody actually sees you more than that is something. And that energy should start from you. How people would see you directly lies on how you act around them.

So for the last best thing that I could think about Springtime, celebrate yourself by shining your own light - by staying truthful with your thoughts and being passionate with your actions. Your smile is the best asset so this is the easiest thing to share to anybody. Surround yourself with people who offer positive reinforcements. Springtime is a season full of promise with the life it brings and offers you. Have a great one!