Cindee's Useful Packing Tips for the Jetsetter in you

Hi Darlings,

Enjoying your summer so far? Summer at my end of the rainbow has been cloudy and wet. It still feels like spring here but luckily I'll be on the plane flying to a tropical island soon. I'm heading to Hawaii this wknd for the very first time and I can't wait. Im starting to feel the flutter of butterfly wings in my stomach. It's been 2 years since I've felt sand between my toes & the extremely satisfying feeling of sippin on a refreshing Mojito. (Mojito by day, Sangria by night) My last 2 trips were to Vegas - not quite tropical but nonetheless still one of my fave spots. I love the energy of Vegas and I can't wait to find out what the energy in Hawaii is like.
Me and my sweetheart will be staying in Waikiki. I've heard so many good things about Honolulu and can't wait to explore the Island.
I wouldn't say I'm well traveled bcos there are soo many places I havent been yet and would love love LOVE to see but at the same time I've had my share of flying - of airports ( i have yet to check out the yoga room at the San Fran airport), of "cookies or trailmix?", of pretending to listen to the safety talk they give on the plane, of the excitement that's created when I hear the wheels of the plane touch down ....of packing and unpacking.

In the beginning I wasn't too great at packing. I would pull a whole bunch of items out from my closet and try to fit everything in by folding them neatly into my luggage. But to my dismay, it wouldn't stay that way. I found myself constantly rummaging thru my suitcase during the trip - trying to find things and sometimes cleaning up stuff bcos my shampoo decided to pop open like a champagne bottle on New Year Eve. Not fun! Traveling and vacationing aren't meant for un-necessary and PREVENTABLE stresses like that.

I still get pulled aside by Customs (unnecessarily). I experience delays. That stuff I can't control. But for the things that I can control, why not take the drivers seat? Here are a few strategies that have worked for me. I hope you will try them out the next time you're packing your bags to go on holiday! And if you have any tips of your own to share - ohh please do =)
Cheers to that. Let's clink our shampoo bottles to toast the world and all it has to offer. Happy travels everyone.

* Deliberately plan your outfits. I know its sometimes easier not to put much thought into it but if you do, it saves a HUGE amount of time. I've had times where I've had too many things in my suitcase. You think - more items equals more options right? Yes, but that's not necessarily ideal.  You'll spend more time trying stuff on & it becomes harder to make up your mind. Wouldn't you rather spend your vaca time out in the sun being a beach bum or renting a beach cruiser to explore the city instead of being in your hotel room going through all your tops to see what will go with your skirt...or wait - should you wear shorts instead?

Make the process fun. I mean - that's one of the fun things about being a girl right? - dressing up, playing around with different looks.  I add to a growing file of photos from the internet that I look back on for outfit ideas. You can find lots of looks on Pinterest and start your own collection. Or there are plenty of websites out there like LOOKBOOK or chictopia for inspiration.

Using these lil treasures for inspiration, spend a day looking thru your closet and putting pieces together. What helps me organize my wardrobe is an app called StylishGirl. I havent added every single item in my closet to the app. Its a process lol but this app has been very efficent in keeping track of items. Its hard for me to explain all the capabilities of this app so you can check out the link or download it and see for yourself.

*Purchase travel sized items. I used to travel with full bottles of champagne. Oops I meant, shampoo lol and hairspray and such. Not a good idea. I dont know why I did it for so long. It adds extra pounds to my suitcase and now with the airline's weight limitations, you don't want to be paying extra charges. It's also a good idea to look into investing in travel size hair straighteners or if you use something like the Clarisonic they have the Mia. You can find a lot of travel sized products at Sephora.

* Find a place for everything. I'm sure you've heard this advice before to help declutter your life. Can't find your keys? Can't find your wallet...oh where is that darn iPhone of mine. If you keep these things in the same place all the time then the chances of you misplacing them don't happen.

This also applies to packing. Once you figure out how and where to keep certain items then keep it that way. Every time you pack for a trip always use the same sections in your travel bag for the same thing you did last time. If you use the inside compartment of your suitcase to put your bikinis then keep it that way. It'll help you remember where you put things and you won't find yourself one night, stumbling blindly looking for your glasses.

* Make use of a travel bag. I got this one from Sephora. Instead of sticking all my products in a plastic bag and having to go thru them, I can sort and organize my things with this. Its good for small item stuff as well like hair pins, hair ties, contact case, band aids, advil...



* Frommers My sister got me these for xmas. I think its soo handy and the most clever thing ever. When you unfold them they become containers to seperate your clothing. It comes in 3 sizes. One bag I keep my intimates, stockings, socks.  Another I use for my accessories and I keep the other for dirty clothes. If you don't want to spend money on these you can also use Ziploc® bags in different sizes. Just as good.

* Carry on. Its a challenge to pack shoes. Who else has this problem? Its not just deciding on which shoes to bring but also the akward shape of them really take up a lot of room. That's why I pack all my shoes in my carry-on. It gets a bit heavy to lift above your head when you're trying to store it in the overhead compartment of the plane so hopefully there's another passenger around that can help you with it. Then when they ask you why its so heavy you can cheekily reply... "oh - you know, a girls got more than one pair of favorite shoes" ;P

Wanderlust Wednesday - L.A California

I love California. Ok - to be more specific, I love L.A. Particularly the weather. It's looking quite like a mirage in the desert right now since Im suffering in this cold city I live in. It's been below -30 for the past few days and I need a bit of sunshine. That's probly why I decided to post these photos.

How do you guys feel about traveling? Do you find it a treat like an occasional trip to the icecream parlor? Do you find it a necessity like fish needing water? Or is it something you find anxiety in like last minute christmas shopping? Its interesting that not many ppl share my love for travel. The first time I came across such a person I thought they were joking. But as the shock settled in I realized that not everyone is made the same way. I totally respect that bcos we all have our own ways of finding enjoyment...and shall i dare to say fulfilling?

Yes - to ME it is fulfilling. I think a lot of it has to do with how present you are in every moment. You cant help but have fresh eyes in a place you are unfamiliar with & you learn so much about yourself and gain a diff perspective to life. Its trying to bring that to everyday life that's challenging yet very worth attempting. I think one of the saddest and most common phrases I hear ppl say(including ME) when they get home from vacation is: oh - back to reality. Does our "reality" have to be so dreadful? It's kinda f*ked up if you think about it. We should always strive to live our lives fully and passionately - not only reserved for vacations. You know why? Bcos life is short.

I am very lucky to have these opportunities to travel. I never take it for granted. One thing that upsets me is when ppl don't respect of even understand where this comes from. I ran into a relative the other day and that relative managed to put me in such a bad mood. I have never met someone so critical and judgmental of me before. There were a few un-necessary and inappropriate words that came at me. I felt it came from ignorance more than anything. How can you manage be open to someone who is so CLOSED minded in their way of thinking. It's twenty twelve. Look around, things are different now. It's funny bcos growing up I used to look up to this person. Don't know why there's so much negativity surrounding them now but I guess everyone has their own battles to fight.

LA was full of one of my most favorite things - beaches. We went beach hopping and managed to hit up Laguna, New Port, Huntington Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice.

Do I have a favorite? They are all so different so its hard to say. Laguna and New Port were more quiet. It felt a bit retirement-ish but Laguna had the best paninis I've ever tasted. Malibu was closed off...I think its more of a private beach than a public one so we didnt get to see much. Venice was very interesting. So many diff types of ppl and things to see. I enjoyed it bcos it was so lively and colorful filled with artists, street preformers, vendors and shops. I remember wandering into a mystical store that sold belly dancing items. I was like - oooooh!

Here I am eyeing and drooling over some pasteries at the Famer's market. I noticed that they have a lot of bakeries and frozen yogurt stalls everywhere. Am I in heaven or what? Most favorite things: beaches, pasteries, frozen yogurt and yoga. hmmm... cali seems to be calling me.

These japanese crepes were to die for! I think we went there 3 times during our visit. Couldnt get enough. The batter was that egg batter...the one used to make those chineses honeycomb pastries. They break off into little balls if anyone knows what Im talking about. lol* but the flavors of the crepe went so well with the chicken and sweet sauce. Yummers!

Sweaty and sunkissed! oh ya!

hm, do you think I've perfected my red carpet pose?

Wanderlust Wednesday - Langkawi Lagoon, Malaysia

Run away with me!

I've decided to start a Wanderlust theme on Wednesdays. Since traveling and exploring are my most favorite thing, I want to share my discoveries & experiences with you. It delights me to capture memories onto film and it would feel wrong and rather unsatisfying if these photos go unseen. So pls enjoy.

First on my list is a resort called Langkawi Lagoon Resort that we stayed at. On their web site it says that it is a "5 star jewl of Langkawi, Malaysia". Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands in the NW side of Malaysia & as we would find out soon enough, that it is a place of secrets and legends. As a birthday gift me and my darling sister decided to bring our papa here for his birthday.

When we first arrived at the resort we were greeted with these tropical drinks. It was perfectly refreshing considering how hot and humid it was that day. What are some of your favorite summer-time drinks? I still love my mojitos. Gin gin gin...cin. wait. Mojitos have rum. Not gin....

The rooms were traditional, clean and quite roomy. I thought it was rather cute how they incorporated a bit of modern into their decor, yet still remained true to the culture. Going somewhere exotic wouldnt be the same if the places you stayed at looked like a Hilton. Take me away....I laid on the bed so I could enjoy the air-con but only for a moment. There was something else I wanted to enjoy more. To the beach we go!

The Sea Villas are not attached to the main resort. These suites are what I call honey moon suites. They seem romantically alluring as they stand in these stunning, vibrant waters. Everytime I go somewhere so beautiful I always want my imaginary soul mate to come with me. Now its more than imaginary ♥

As we walked along the path we noticed on the outside of a suite were a fragrant arrangement of flowers. Taking a look closer, it was an entrance to Embunspa. Shall we walk thru the door that leads to bliss? Unfortunately we didnt get a chance to try any of the many services they offer. Perhaps next time? When I come back for my honeymoon? hehe. Asia is definitely one of the best places to go for massages.

She sells seashells by the seashore. She sells seashells by the seashore.

One of my simple pleasures is collecting seashells. Its interesting what kind of treasures you come across. I would like to stumble upon a seacomb adorned with pearls. that's what mermaids use.

This place is so photogenic. Wouldnt you agree? I didnt have to change the settings on my camera or position myself to get good lighting. It was just perfectly and naturally ready for its close up. These photos are obviously photoshopped for my own amusement but the originals didnt need to be retouched at all.

This resort was definitely a jewl and very pleasing to all my senses. Everything is so peaceful during the day and also at night. You can hear the stars twinkle as the waves gently arrive at shore....the slight breeze makes the leaves of the palm trees dance - expressing itself thru them. Stars, waves, breeze and leaves gather nightly to tell stories of the legends of this Island.

This is how you have fun in Vegas

I've been lacking on my updates bcos I've been happily and excitedly occupied with wedding stuff. I am leaving for Mexico tmrw morning and soon will watch my sister walk down the aisle. Happiest occasion ever. I will return to my blog soon and reply back to all the wonderful comments I've been getting

In the meantime, enjoy this video I put together of our Vegas trip oxo

Tips from Ms Wanderlust

By nature, I love to travel. There's something incredibly magical about seeing things with fresh eyes. Its almost a lesson in itself - to live life that way everyday no matter where you are. Of course its easier said then done especially when the drudgery of everyday life sets in. That's why its nice to get away from time to time. Each place that I have visited I have gained some kind of wisdom from. Whether it be chilling on Kuta Beach in Bali with some surfer friends we met and being taught that simplicity is bliss; to strutting down the streets of SoHo and falling in love with the individual forms of expression each person displays as they pass you by.

This particular indulgence is nothing like purchasing a new shade of lipstick or that pair of designer pumps that promises to complete my shoe collection. Traveling provides glimmering insights, delightful experiences and memories that will stay close to my heart forever. Knowing that there are so many places that are unrevealed and left to be discovered excites my spirit and I cant tell you how grateful i am to have been able to travel to so many places already. So here are a few tips id like to pass on to you whether you're just starting to see the world or if you're already a seasoned globe trotter

♥ Pack as light as possible and only bring what you need. Carrying around too many things and heavy luggage is pretty much like carrying around emotional baggage around in your life. Its not necessary. Ask yourself what the purpose of your trip is for? Are you being whisked away for a romantic weekend getaway in the mountains, partying it up for a bachelorette in Vegas, visiting some relatives or going sunbathing somewhere exotic? Think ahead bcos even tho you want to carry less you also want to plan ahead and be prepared

♥ When I know the purpose of my trip, I will plan my outfits. It is a lot easier to do when you're going to be away for the wknd or a few days. For longer trips I pack a few of my staple items that I can layer on, mix and match or pair easily with new items I buy on my adventure

♥ Bring with you a scented candle. You can choose one of those luxuriously scented candles if you like and tie it into your travel theme. Something musky and romantic for a rendezvous in Paris, an exotic floral scent for a Malaysian beach trip or perhaps a sweet and juicy scent for a wknd shopping get away in NYC with the girls. Light it as often as you can...while you're taking a cat nap at the hotel or anywhere in between waking up and getting ready for a night out. Smell is a powerful sense as it is tied very strongly to memories. So when you come back to the routine of ur daily life, you can always 'get away' anytime you want simply by lighting the candle

♥ If you wear contacts always bring an extra pair or else you'll be sorry if you end up losing or ripping one

♥ Make sure you prepare your camera before you go on your trip. Upload & back up all your current pictures so you can make more room to take more. Invest in a memory card that carries a name you trust... like Panasonic. One of my friends had bought a no name memory card on sale for half the price. Good steal you might think but when you come across techinical issues & find out that half the photos you took are corrupted you will cry!

Here are a few photos from my most recent adventures.
Where did you go for YOUR last trip? What are some of your favorite places?

♥Sibu, Sarawak♥

This is the hometown of my mom and dad. We visit here every few years to see my grandpa. Its such a small town that there's not much to do but to eat. Eat, eat and EAT! Im always inticed by the smell of food everytime we walk by the cafes. They have so many different kinds of noodle dishes here that I just have to give in and eat 5 meals a day

♥Langkawi, Malaysia♥

I dont think I've been to such a beautiful place as Langkawi. Its an island in Malaysia bursting with exotic colors and mysterious legends. We brought my dad here for his birthday to enjoy some father daughter time. We island hopped on speed boats, watched Eagel feeding, explored bat caves and enjoyed perfect tropical weather

♥New York City♥

Ouch. Bring a good pair of walking shoes. lol* I love this city for so many different reasons. Its overwhelming to even think of how to describe it. Visit it for yourself and you will see, its more than one can even imagine. Ever since this visit I cant seem to stop thinking about moving my little arse down there. Its just a matter of time =)

♥Los Angeles, California♥

"I know a place, where the grass is really greener. Warm, wet and wild there must be somethin' in the water. Sippin' gin and juice. Layin' underneath the palm trees..." Beautiful California. How can you not be happy in such a place that's full of life and is summer all year long. Perfect place to be a beach bum bcos there's so many diff beaches to enjoy. Definitely a breath of fresh air

♥Bali, Indonesia♥

♥Bangkok, Thailand♥

♥Las Vegas♥

This was my first trip to Vegas and I did not know what to expect. Sure, every tells me it's a party city and all that jazz but you dont KNOW what they mean until you are down there. I felt there was something in the air that brought out a diff side in me or perhaps it was bcos of all the glitz and glamour I was surrounded by. So many jammin pool parties, beautiful bodies and dancing till the sun comes up