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

Bikini Contest Winner!

Pretty in Pink. I dont usually paint my finger nails anything but clear or a french mani but today I felt like painting them pink. Might as well go and paint the town pink while im at it.

Vegas trip was awesome. I cant remember the last time I had that much fun.

Thank you to all those who participated in my first give away. The winner is Jay from Kiss an Makeup. Congrats =)

Bikini Bod Countdown - Week 4 GIVEAWAY!!

I am so excited to announce my first GIVE AWAY contest. Im sure you guys are sick of seeing pictures of my body so for the 4th and final week I decided to give you guys a little summer treat. A chance to win this sexy tie dyed bikini. I spotted it and actually wanted it for myself bcos I love the shade and style. But since I've already purchased a few new bikinis I thought it would be nice to give you guys a little something back. My appreciation for the comments and readership I have gained in the past few months.

Description: SIZE S, grey and black tie dyed pattern, triangle string bikini

So to win this sexy string bikini all you gotta do is earn as many points as you can. I also added a bonus question to break any ties. Make sure to comment and tell me which ones you have done and also include your name and email address. So the points go as follows:

♡ Follow my blog. There's the link on the right side column. If you're already a follower just let me know when you comment 8 POINTS

♡ Follow me on twitter(click here) 5 POINTS

♡ Tweet about my giveaway or you can on FB 5 POINTS

♡ Post about my giveaway on your blog using the following code for the banner 15 POINTS

<a href="http://misscindee.blogspot.com/2010/07/bikini-bod-countdown-week-4-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww133/miss_cindee/bikini2.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://misscindee.blogspot.com/2010/07/bikini-bod-countdown-week-4-giveaway.html">Click here</a> to enter Cindee's bikini giveaway<br />

♡ Answer: How would you wear this bikini (with what kind of accessories...etc?) If you want to get creative go to Polyvore and cull together a look based on this bikini 5-20 POINTS

I'll choose a winner when I get back from Vegas.
Contest ends JULY 18 2010

5 Fun Tips to Play Up Your Summer Style

1♥ Accessorize by putting a fresh flower in your hair. Its the perfect touch to celebrate the warm weather while enjoying the sunset with your hunnie

2♥ Traveling this summer? Plan your trip based on an outfit theme. In the Sex in the City 2 movie their clothing choices were inspired by bold bohemian colors, desert silhouettes like harem pants, caftans & turbans. maybe you can do a nautical inspired theme or choose an animal inspired theme where you pair your LBD with peacock feathered earrings or accent a white summer dress with zebra printed sandalst. Use your imagination and be playful

3♥ Icecream tastes so good on hot hot days and so cute when the bubblegum shades are painted on your toenails

4♥ Protecting your skin from the sun is important(I just started to see some sun spots appear on my arms ahhh!) So why not do this in the most stylish way you can. Invest in some summery hats. Like a straw hat to wear to the beach with your new bikini and your sexy espadrilles or a cute boater hat unless you prefer a cowboy hat. Not only does it shield your face from the sun, it also adds some sassy style to your beach outfit

5♥ Walking barefoot on the beach? Why not try one of these foot accessories? I got THIS ONE when I was walking around Venice Blvd on my trip to Cali last year. I love it.

Bikini Bod Countdown - Week 3

Im a little late posting week #3. It was a busy week full of activity, Canada day and birthdays so I haven't gotten around to this post till now. I also got my Victoria's Secret bikinis as well! yay! The one Im wearing was on clearance. They have pretty good deals on bikinis so check it out if you're looking for some new ones. Beach Bunny is a cute bikini brand as well. Very popular right now and the designs are very different. When I was in Bali we also stumbled upon this bikini store by Kuta Beach. It's called Blue Glue and they have a Canadian site too. I think I'm good for bikinis bcos I made a few too. I think Im all set =)

So its really important to switch up the exercises you do so your muscles dont get used to it. Week 3 I went hiking with some good pals on a trail called Troll Falls. Beautiful scenery all the way up and it was quite an adventurous hike bcos we had to climb up rocks and jump thru streams.

♥ Since its summertime go for walks after dinner
♥ Bike to the store instead of driving
♥ Swimming is also great and as a bonus you get a little tanning done
♥ If you're lucky to be around a beach go jogging in the sand
♥ Wall climbing!! This is next on my list

I also tried to mow our lawn. The grass had grown to almost a foot. Yikes! It was such a struggle pushing thru all that grass. I hate to admit it but I couldnt do it =( I tried with all my might hahaha

Links of the Week-Good Reads

I think these 2 photos that I found capture those moments I have when I cuddle up to a book. I feel like Im in a different world where my imagination can run wild. I love the feel of books in my hands and the sound that's created when I turn each page.

One of my most favorite pastimes is to read so I felt like dedicating this week's links to some good articles that I have come across online. Not exactly book recommendations but just some stuff that I enjoyed reading. Hope you like them too!

♥ This article here at Abundance Tapestry made me become more aware of my actions and how they reflect my beliefs
♥ Define your personal strengths
♥ 101 most inspiring quotes
♥ The beauty of entrepreneurs
♥ Self Motivational Skills
♥ A letter to men
♥ Use your senses to refresh your soul
♥ Overcoming procrastination using self-talk
♥ Fashion & Posture
♥ How to find your own unique blogging style
♥ Parisian Style