Complimentary New Vibram for the Chinese New Year

Published exclusively in this site on 31 January 2012.

Escapade Sports is kicking off the year of dragon with a cool giveaway! All you have to do is take a photo of their store front in Causeway Bay or Central, then post it on their Facebook fan page, and you are automatically in a sweepstake for a new pair of Vibram five fingers. Like I said before, these babies are great for a large variety of sports, so don't miss the chance in getting a free pair.

On the Rocks - Review of Da Verm Climbing Club

First published in ELEQT on 5 February 2012.

Jessie bought this amazing Twangoo deal for a rock climbing experience at Da Verm, so Jerome, Jasmine, Jenny and I joined her on an exciting outing last Saturday at Sai Ying Pun, which was a chill 30 minutes walk from IFC. It is super close by to the University of Hong Kong, which you could swing by for a cheap cup of Starbucks after the climb. This was an especially cool deal since we only needed to buy one groupon for the entire group! The groupon was for five entries, and there were five of us, so you do the math. Each session was available for the entire day, so in theory, we could have been there from 11:00am to 11:00pm. Not that we would have enough energy to, but just thinking about it makes a pretty good deal on its own.

How to Make the Festive Turnip Cake

First published in Aroxta on 28 January 2012.

My friend Joyce, who is somewhat of a domestic goddess, invited us over for a session of turnip cake-making. Turnip cake, which sounds something like “Robert go” in Cantonese, is a traditional Chinese dish that is particularly prominent during Chinese New Year. Here’s the authentic yet effortless way in whipping up two batches of these delicious treats:

Wanna know the process of making a turnip cake? Read the rest of the article at Aroxta!

Anybody for Lychee? Camping at Lai Chi Chong

First published in ELEQT on 3 February 2012.

Ada was asking around for pointers on camping in Hong Kong, so I would like to take this opportunity to talk about another spacious campsite in our cluttered little city - Lai Chi Chong. Literally meaning the lychee villa, this quaint island on the Tolo Harbour has a fully equipped residential campsite, a ghost village, some geological wonders, and the works.

My Chinese New Year - Live Demo of Rosarini's Travel Poncho

First published in ELEQT on 3 February 2012.

I promise I don't just write about the products and leave it at that. I actually like what I write about enough to be wearing it too! Remember last week I was saying how Rosarini's poncho would make a critical component for the upcoming Chinese New Year? Well here it is, a photo log of my Chinese New Year, wearing the travel poncho that sparks unique looks for three consecutive days!

First Day of Chinese New Year

On the first day, I wore the amazing poncho as an asymmetrical top, with one side of the arms showing, and the other side gathering and securing all the fabric from the side to the shoulder by tying it together with a hair clip from Heinna Couture. Red on red makes a perfect blend, so I just simply put on a pair of leisure yoga pants from Lululemon and a shrug from Serenity Fair, then I was all set for the serial family gatherings!

Cultivate Your Whimsical Side - Daydream Nation

First published in Elysiants on 28 January 2012.

Daydream Nation, a cute and whimsical brand that is firmly rooted in our very own city, is having a crazy sale at their Wanchai shop from now until Tuesday, 31 January 2012, with everything up to 90% off, as well as a whopping buy 3 get 1 free!

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Accessorise the Year of Dragon in Red and Gold

First published in Aroxta on 20 January 2012.

The Chinese are super excited about the upcoming year of dragon, because dragons are considered a good omen in our traditions, so everyone is rushing to get married or have kids this year. Want to catch up with the fad in Chinese New Year? How about jazzing up your look with some funky yet auspicious accessories? Here’s a few of my favourite picks:

Patinova’s sterling silver Chinese dragon cufflinks are designed right in time for the year of dragon. Based on a prototype from the early Republican Period around a century ago, these cufflinks are both monumental while maintaining its contemporary twist.

Wanna know what my other picks are? Read the rest of the article at Aroxta!

Priceless Accuracy - TAG Heuer Mikrogirder

First published in Elysiants on 27 January 2012.

TAG Heuer's latest invention, the Mikrogirder, is sleeker and more accurate than you can ever imagine. With the revolutionary mechanical regulator, its unconventional means of watch-making makes it even closer to ultimate accuracy, creating a breakthrough in the industry. Now there isn't much excuse left when you don't perform your best on the track! Head off to their shops around town and try out this state-of-the-art innovation now.

Kite Flying in Grass Island (Tap Mun)

First published in Elysiants on 26 January 2012.

Fancy a chill stroll, local delicacies, and kite flying over the holidays? Head over to Grass Island for a breath of fresh air! Known as Tap Mun in Cantonese, this tiny island off the coast of Sai Kung is famous for its scenic campsites.

Chinese New Year Gatherings - What to Wear

First published in Elysiants on 21 January 2012.

Chinese New Year is just right around the corner. Have you planned out what you will be wearing for your family gatherings and celebrations? Here are a few ideas:

Heading over to the racecourse on Wednesday, 25 January 2012? ranee_k has the ultimate Chinese New Year look that will make you shine through all the tai-tais. Its founder and designer, Ranee Kok, with her refined sense in materials, colours, and forms, has created a beautiful collection that fuses the best of East and West together. The Parsons graduate, with her experience in working with Donna Karen, has her brand featured prominently both in New York and Hong Kong. With her very own unique blend of cultural influences, she brings a sense of confidence and identity to woman from different corners of the world. Grab one of her beautiful cocktail pieces and pair it with a beautiful Ascot hat from Jaycow!

Refurbish the Chinese New Year Wardrobe - Oba Trunk Show

Published exclusively in this site on 14 January 2012.

Chinese New Year usually calls for new clothes, or so it gives the excuse for. Where could you stock up for your last minute festive wardrobe?  Oba, a Shanghai-based online shop that is due to kick start at the end of January 2012, will be hosting their pre-opening trunk show this weekend in Wanchai and Central, and you are invited to get your hands on their exclusive pieces at a 20% discount even before their official launch!

More Art Events for January 2012

Published exclusively in this site on 13 January 2012.

VA Gallery is moving their new home to Art One in the Convention Plaza, and they are hoping to invite you over to celebrate their opening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, 19 January 2012! Not only do they promise some great bubbly and nibbles, but you can also expect amazing contemporary Chinese artists Cai Guo-qiang, Xia Xiao-wan, Liang Quan, Song Kun, and Fan Ming-zheng to be participating in their opening displays. RSVP with them, and be prepared to rub shoulders with some of the big names from the art circle for a chill drink next week!

Art Events for January 2012

First published in Aroxta on 11 January 2012.

Culture Club Gallery is presenting a photography exhibition by Edith Ho from now until Saturday, 28 January 2012. As one of Hong Kong’s most innovative young Argentine Tango dancers, her exhibition, Abrazando, will be focusing upon the sensual energy and exchanges in feelings between couples she captured through her inspiring lenses.

Wanna go to other art events in January 2012? Read the rest of the article in Aroxta!

Fashion Events for January 2012

First published in Aroxta on 10 January 2012.

Samantha Thavasa, a quaint Japanese handbag brand, will be throwing their launch party on Thursday, 12 January 2012, at Ozone in Ritz-Carlton. Celebrities Nicky Hilton, Yuri Ebihara, and Jessica Michibata will be joining the bash, so pull out your glamorous chic look, RSVP here, and enjoy a star-studded night!

Wanna know what other fashion events are in town this month? Read the rest of the article at Aroxta!

Transport and Driving in Hong Kong

First published in Expat Arrivals on 9 January 2012.

Hong Kong is a very compact city, with an excellent system of public transportation, so driving is more of a vanity than a necessity. Moreover, Hong Kong is densely populated, so the parking is very expensive, and the traffic jam, though nothing as bad as Bangkok, is still rather frustrating.

You are only recommended to buy a car if you like to do outdoor sports that involves moving huge equipments around, such as biking, or if you have lots of kids you need to shuffle from one place to another with a huge trail of baby necessities. If you are single, childless, and enjoy an odd drink or two, you are definitely better off taking the public transportation.

Kowloon is almost as compact as Hong Kong, and certainly very densely populated as well, so you can probably rely on the terrific transportation network instead of driving. Even if you live in houses in Fairview Park or Palm Springs, they have regular shuttle buses taking you to all sorts of civilised areas, so honestly driving isn’t a must.

Wanna know what I think about Hong Kong's transport system? Read the rest of the article at Expat Arrivals!

Shopping Sale for January 2012

First published in Aroxta on 6 January 2012.

With Christmas and New Year over already, what can we be looking forward to now?

Serenity Fair is hosting a private New Year cashmere sale at their offices in Central, with 40% to 60% off their newly arrived luxury cashmere throws, blankets, robes, knitwear, and slippers. Their super soft products aren’t usually sold in Hong Kong, since they are made mainly for exporting to Europe and America, so grasp the rare chance in stocking up on quality woolies by making your appointment here now!

Wanna know what other sales are going on in town? Read the rest of the article at Aroxta!

A Nishe Sale

Published exclusively in this site on 6 January 2012.

Nishe, a cute and quaint women's wear brand, was founded by a Hong Kong based Australian designer Polly Siu. They are hosting their end of year sale from Monday, 9 January 2012 to Tuesday, 17 January 2012, at their showroom in Lai Chi Kok. Everything is marked down to 70% off, so drag yourself over there before everything is out!

Preparing for the Chinese New Year Feast - Latitude Design Studio

First published in Elysiants on 24 January 2012.

Planning for your family gatherings over Chinese New Year already? Latitude Design Studio has your fine china and daily tableware covered! Producing handmade heirloom pieces through collaborating with local artisans who are strong in traditional skills, they aim to bring the old school products back to life with a contemporary spin.

Eco Glam for 2012 Spring/Summer

First published in Elysiants on 23 January 2012.

Start the new year by treating yourself with a dose of better skin! Nowadays we are definitely more conscious about what we use and consume, which is why companies have been responding to our needs and are coming up with environmentally friendly solutions. Here are a few you can try as a new year's resolution:

HK Honey

I have mentioned the Re-use Candle Making Workshop before at Shanghai Street Studios, which is being ran on the last Saturday of every month. I am totally in love with their upcycling packaging with a local twist, creating natural beeswax candles with unique scents. HK Honey, ran by designer turn urban beekeeper Michael Leung, does more than just cool workshops. When he first saw bees being kept in European city centres, he thought, if they could do it, why can't we? He never turned back, dedicating his career in harvesting locally produced honey and other bee products.

Perfect 'Aircut

Published exclusively in this site on 3 January 2012.

Last year, I went to an art auction for Clean Air Network, a local NGO dedicated in fighting our city's air pollution problems. All the pieces were created with environmental issues in mind, which were intriguing as well as inspiring. This year, they put their heads together and came up with a deal you simply can't resist - the Cut 咳 Cut 'Aircut Deal. Collaborating with Voi Voi Rakkaus, the latest Japanese hair salon in town, they are offering $1,000 haircut vouchers for any donations over $500. Ran by renowned Japanese hair stylist Ko Hasegawa, who has been in the field for over 23 years, his uber trendy and comfy establishment in Central will be offering a shampoo, cut, massage, and finish for half of the original price from now until Sunday, 22 January 2012, all in the name of charity.