Biweekly Favourites

Hello there, I'm going to start something new on my blog this year, which is Biweekly Favourites. I really hope I could keep this up, and I think this is one of the motivations for me to at least switch on my laptop once every 2 weeks. Well, I really don't work with computers a lot, my daily routine mainly only involves piano and books. 

Favourite Gadget:

I got the Samsung Note 5 before Chiang Mai trip and only get the casing recently. This phone is amazzinggg....The reason behind picking this phone is because of my Note 1, I've been using it until Note 5 was released! Imagine how long my phone could last, I couldn't believe myself to when I told my friends about it. "Hey I'm switching my phone from Note 1 to Note 5!". Well, my Note 1 hasn't died yet and Xiang is using it as his backup phone. I hope my new phone could last me as long too!

Something amazing for the phone case: I could answer calls without flip open the case! 

Favourite Quote:

Read this on twitter, immediately I was connected to it! I was trying to find which book is this from but to no avail. On the pursuit of my music dreams, there are tons and tons of people trying to stop me, judge me, despise me, and whatsoever. Well, that is not their lives, I don't have to waste my energy trying to convince them. Do what you think it's right, do what you think it's your true calling,

"Keep facing your true north"

Favourite Book:

Paulo Coelho became one of my favourite author ever since I read his book "The Alchemist". This book is about 4 different characters; how much they're willing to sacrifice for their own desire, obsession, and fame.  

Favourite Planner:

 

This beautiful Starbucks planner serves as a monthly and weekly planner to me.

Favourite Music:

Favourite Skincare:

I've been using this for a while, bought this at SASA during sales at the price of RM 59.90/ box, buy 2 free 1. Each box contains 7 pcs. 

To be honest what's written on the back "beauty-salon formulation and money-back guaranteed within 14 days" caught my eyes. Well they're quite good for my sensitive skin, very moisturizing and is considered one of the cheaper choice for silk mask.

Favourite Drink:

I've been making this drink - Honey Lemon for quite some time now. It's my all time favourite! 

Ingredients:

1. Honey

2. 1 lemon, thinly sliced

How to make it: 

Fill the glass jar with a base of honey, top with 1 slice of lemon, then top with honey. Repeat the process. Refrigerate for at least 3 days. 

Pour some honey lemon onto the cup, add cold water and ice, a drink to be enjoyed on these scorching hot days!

My Top 4 Things To Do In Chiang Rai

Spending time working on my blog post on a relaxing holiday is quite therapeutic to me, how I wish my everyday are like these...more time for myself, and more time to manage my blog. Xiang and I visited Chiang Mai/ Chiang Rai on mid October this year, read my first post here - http://emmz-s.blogspot.my/2015/10/chiangmai-arrival.html. 

We drove all the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and spent less than a day there, so we didn't get to visit all the tourist attractions that we intended to. Below are my top 4 things to do in Chiang Rai, given our tight schedule.

1. Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

First place we went after arriving in Chiang Rai, at about three in the afternoon. The weather was scorching hot but it was all worth it when we caught the first glimpse of this magnificent white temple. This is the icon of Chiang Rai city, and the reason why Xiang willing to ride up north. 

It is a Buddhist temple privately owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat. He designed, and constructed himself. He's a great artist, undeniably.  

It was still under construction at the time of our visit, but still the temple look as great.

This tree startled me before entering the temple!

Still...a quick shot with "them"!

Entering the bridge of "the cycle of rebirth"

Hundreds of outreaching hands that symbolize unrestrained desire!

There's a saying not to look at those "hands" when you passed by, if you look at them those hands might pull you down to the hell. How we captured this photo? Camera behind and eyes looking to the front hahaha. 

At the bridge

It was burning hot, don't forget your sunscreen!

Opening Hour: 8.00 am- 6.00 pm

Entrance Fee: FREE

2. Black House (Baan Si Dum)

After visiting White Temple, we went straight to the Black House. We've been told that this is not a temple, but a private place owned by some rich guy and open for visitors. Since I know some basic Thai, it's easy to recognize from the name too. Baan means house whereas Wat means temple, "ok this is a black house, not a black temple", I told myself. Some calls it a museum.

 

The compound is so huge, all the houses are designed in black and only parts of them are open for visitors.

Besides black houses, there are lots of animal skeletons and animal skins too. This place is full of the signs of death, but they were all too creepy so I chose to ignore them, and only focus on the impressive arts and designs.

Follow me to find out what's behind the door. No we're not allowed to enter any houses.

There is an art gallery in the house behind this rock too, but it was so quiet. As a sign of respect I didn't take any pictures of the paintings.

Opening Hour: 9.00 am- 12.00 pm/ 1.00 pm- 5.00 pm

Entrance fee: FREE

3. Thaweesin Hotspring

This is a random spot that we chanced upon when we were driving back to Chiang Mai. We spotted the sky-scraping water splashing from the hot spring well and we decided to make a stop.

Some Thai ladies selling hot spring boiled eggs!

The water isn't very clean, we didn't soak our foot in here.

What we found at the back!

The ancient and forbidden temple, just right outside the hot spring.

Entrance fee: FREE

4. Thai Food

Thai food is much cheaper in Chiang Rai compare to Chiang Mai! We had a satisfying Thai dinner at Moommai Restaurant.

Tomyum Plaa

Seafood in coconut

Fish with lemongrass

They provide outdoor and indoor seats.

Cute dolls everywhere inside and outside of the restaurant!

A cute restaurant to dine in at night, not so sure about day time. There're only fans and no air-conditioner available in this restaurant. 

Travel Tips:

1. Avoid Chiang Rai Night Bazaar as it's really nothing much to discover and very limited food stall. I wasn't too sure about weekend but on a Thursday, it was nothing much to buy or eat.

2. Use Google Map instead of Waze if you're driving.

3. We bought data plan from AIS, it works everywhere even in the rural area! Superb data coverage!

4. White temple is too exposed to the sun, prepare yourself with full sun protection.

5. Other tourist recommendations to discover: Long Neck Village and Golden Triangle.

Evergreen Christmas at 1 Utama

Advertorial

December is the month of joy, holiday, and also shopping! I haven't visit other shopping malls for their festive's decorations yet but I was lucky to be invited to 1 Utama's Christmas Launch just last week. Christmas's decorations and year end sales are the two things I look forward to every year end.

1 Utama will be at its most enchanting, transformed into a spectacular Christmas Evergreen Garden. Christmas windmills, twinkling lights, giant pristine snowflakes and a floral wonderland are the main Christmas decorations in 1 Utama this year.

Christmas Evergreen Garden, located at LG Oval

The emcees of the Evergreen Christmas Launch!

Some Christmassy performance during the launch.

Mad Sally band.

There are various of performances and shows during the entire festive month in 1 Utama, shoppers get to enjoy a medley of songs and dance by carolers and bands. The performance highlight will be “It’s Christmas!” Musical, a well-loved production based around Christmas characters and a variety of pop songs about love. For full Christmas shows please check out the schedule below:

Christmas Shows Schedule:

• The Korean Diaspora Chorus: 13 & 20 Dec 4pm, GF Centre Court

• Swing Out Mad Sally: 11, 24 & 25 Dec 3pm, LG Oval

• It’s Christmas!: 12, 19 & 26 Dec 5pm, LG Oval // 13, 20 & 27 Dec 3pm, LG Oval

• Friend of Strings Chamber: 20 & 25 Dec 6pm, LG Oval

• Pewter Engraving Demo by Royal Selangor: 12, 13, 19 & 20 Dec, LG Highstreet 12pm-2pm and 5pm-7pm

• Storm Troopers Appearance by Royal Selangor: 12, 13, 19 & 20 Dec, LG Highstreet 2pm-3pm and 8.30pm-9.30pm

• Jolly Wind Ensemble: 19 Dec 3pm, 27 Dec 4pm, GF Centre Court

• St Ignatius Church Carollers: 12 Dec 3pm, GF Centre Court

More pictures during Evergreen Christmas's Launch:

So lucky to get a group photo with all the beautiful and cute little performers, emcees and Santa!

With the other MHB girls.

Call us selfie queens? 

Yours truly. 

Well have you done your Christmas shopping yet?

I personally love to do some shopping for myself during festive season as there'll be lots of promotions and sales! If you've no idea what to buy for Christmas gift exchange, you could check out some gift ideas at the various festive merchandise kiosks around LG Oval and Highstreet.

Christmas Shopping Rewards:

Spend RM150 (max. 2 receipts on the same day) at any ONECARD outlets to receive a stamp and a pair of glass coaster. Collect as many stamps to get festive gifts. 

ONECARD gift card Christmas Special 

    -A special gift when you purchase a ONECARD gift card worth RM200 and above. 

Exclusively for Maybank Cardmembers

   -Redeem a pair of candy jar with a minimum spend of RM300 or a 3-tier cake stand with a minimum spend of RM800.
(T & C apply)

More gifts and rewards! :D

And special rewards for Maybank Cardmembers!

And...Star Wars fans can also take photos with Storm Troopers during meet and greet sessions throughout December.

For more information, check out 1 Utama's:

1. Websites: www.1Utama.com.my | www.onecard.com.my
2. Facebook: Facebook.com/1Utama
3. Instagram: Instagram.com/1Utama
4. Twitter: Twitter.com/1UtamaOfficial
5. Youtube: YouTube.com/1UtamaHappenings
6. Wechat @1Utama & Line @1Utama

Photos courtesy of Andy Kho Photography - www.andykho.com