How To | Get the Best Travel Photos in Hong Kong

Recently I had a little visitor come and stay with me in Hong Kong, which gave me the opportunity to become a tourist in my own country. I'd advise anyone whose lived in a country for a while to do this, as it makes you appreciate and enjoy things you might have forgotten about. 

It also means you can up your travel Instagram game, without even stepping foot onto a plane. Here are some of my locations, tips and tricks on how to get the perfect travel photos in Hong Kong 

Where: The Big Buddha [Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island]

The Picture: Many people find it hard to get a good picture here as getting the Buddha and you in the same shot requires sitting on the floor and standing on your tip toes. Try getting your photo from a more unique angle such as from the side or distance. There are also some amazing views of the landscape and temple, which many people forget about as the main attraction is the Buddha. 

Edit Tips: If the day is a little gloomy, you can enhance the sky and add some more saturation and contrast to give your pictures that extra colour boost. 

Where: Sai Wan, Sai Kung 

The Picture: Getting the perfect shot in front of this waterfall can be tricky, as it is usually very busy. Be patient and wait for a time when people are out of the water, then quickly take the picture. Remember to stay in the centre of the waterfall in order to get the whole scene in the frame. The pools below are usually quieter but less dramatic. Hope you like Fernando the Flamingo.. he is a great prop. 

Edit Tips: Cropping is your best friend when it comes to busy places! Also you can add some structure to the water to make it look more dramatic. 

Where: The Peak Observation Deck [The Sky Terrace 428]

The Picture: Since you are so high up it's easy to fit in almost the whole of HK's skyline in the background(even in a selfie!). But be sure your body isn't covering any of the famous buildings such as IFC,ICC and China Bank. It can get busy up there, so go to the sides of the deck rather than the middle as they are quieter and still give you that amazing view. 


Edit Tips: The buildings are such an iconic part of this view so add some structure to help them stand out. You can also enhanced the colours but make sure skin tones aren't changed too dramatically so that you turn orange! 

Where: Central District 

The Picture: Photos amongst the buildings can give you some really good effects. Although a little dangerous try go in the centre of a quiet road and quickly get a snap to really capture being in the heart of the city. During the evening/night when the street lights come on is the perfect time to capture this picture. 

Edit Tips: By darkening the colours slightly you will create an enhance the lights in the background. If it's too dark to see yourself, only lighten you or the people in your photo while keeping the background darker. 




If you wondered why I had my back turned in most of these pictures, it's because Hong Kong is so hot and I'm always a sweaty mess #keepingitreal. 

Happy Traveling xx 

10 Productive Things to do in a Typhoon

Everyone loves that morning when you wake up and hear the rain bashing against your window and the wind howling, you look at your phone and are blessed with a typhoon 8+ warning. You immediately fall back into bed with the prospect of having a day of doing nothing. 

But after snoozing until midday, you tend to feel a little restless and with nothing open or running you're pretty much stuck in all day. So instead of eating and watching your way through the typhoon here are some productive things you can be getting on with: 

1. Bake a cake 

Nothing makes you feel cozier than your house smelling of baking. You will most likely have all the essential ingredients shocked in the back of your cupboards, so you won't have to worry about going out. It also means you can eat cake for the rest of the day. 

2. Re-arrange your wardrobe 

This is a chore that I always think about, but can never be bothered to do. Just suck it up and get it done so that you can enjoy a nice organised wardrobe for the next week...or few days..

3. Catch up on emails/ work stuff 

Although you have the day off work, you might have some emails or bills to get sorted (or a blogpost to write cough-cough) rather than leaving it until the last minute when you're busy and stressed, get them out the way now. 

4. Read that book you've been trying to read for months

We all have a book that's on our bedside table waiting to be opened, you may even take it with you sometimes in the hope that you'll open it. Reading also gives you a great excuse to stay tucked up in bed. 

5. Take photos/upload photos 

Footage of storms can make for some really great Instagram material, just as long as there isn't too much risk in going outside! On the other hand, you can spend time uploading your pictures from your last holiday, which you've been putting off for weeks. 

6. Discover a new look 

Brought some new clothes recently? have a box of hair colour waiting to be used? Why not change up your look and experiment in the comfort of your own home. 

7. Learn to meditate 

This is something I've always wanted to do, but sitting on my bed for half an hour just really doesn't appeal me when i've got 10 other things I could be getting on with. So, while you've got some quiet time give it a go. The noise of the rain is supposed to help? right?

8. Pamper Yourself 

Life can be stressful and you can easily forget to treat yourself sometimes. Spend an extra 20 minutes singing in the shower, use a  body scrub or even take a bubble bath. Your body and mind will be thankful. 

9. Find new recipes 

You may not be able to cook these recipes, since most supermarkets are closed in a typhoon. But you can go through all your recipes books, which have been sitting in your cupboard for months and label some you actually want to eat. 

10. Spring clean 

Some people love cleaning, while others hate it. I for one love it, especially when there's not much else to do. You can even put on some music and dance around while you do it, the rain makes it hard for people to see in your window!

xx

LOCO for COCO | A Coconut Review

Nothing screams summer quite like coconuts. You can drink them, eat them, smell them and rub them all over your body... in that order. They are also a super food, making them that much more enjoyable to have. While on my little trip to Australia I thought I'd pick up a couple of new products, which you can't get at home and the amount of coconut flavoured and scented products was every basic bitches dream! So here's my coconut haul and review with ratings out of 5. 

Coffee Scrub | Bean Body 

Coconutyness: 0/5 

Effectiveness: 4/5 

Usability: 3/5 

I'd seen this product a lot on instagram so I thought I'd join in on the fun and give it a try. Since it's made out of coffee it smelt like walking into Starbucks, so the coconut oil didn't stand a chance of being noticed. But after rubbing it onto my arms and legs whilst taking a shower(at night for best results), I felt as smooth as the day I was born and that smoothness lasted the whole next day. The only inconvenience was that the scrub is pretty messy and you gotta wait 5 minutes for the product to sink in, so you have to stand there naked, awkwardly covered in coffee. 

Body Scrub | K-Mart 

Coconutyness: 2.5/5 

Effectiveness: 3/5   

Usability: 4/5  

This is the second body scrub which I brought and i'd have to say this one was not as effective, although it was considerably cheaper. The initial coconut smell washes away with the product, so don't count on it to leave you smelling delicious. Although it isn't an intensive treatment it is perfect for everyday use, as the scrub helps to get rid of dry skin and leave you feeling smoother. I usually use body wash afterward the scrub, to make up for the lack of scent. 

Dry Conditioner | K-Mart 

Coconutyness: 4/5 

Effectiveness: 3/5

Usability: 4/5 

Since I had never tried a conditioning spray before, I was rather intrigued with this product. You can use it instead of a shower conditioner for those days when you really just can't be bothered with life. The first initial spray is very coconuty but it lingers in your hair throughout the day as well (especially if you tie it up straight after and untie it later) It also leaves your hair soft and shiny. With this and dry shampoo, you may never have to wash your hair again...but shhh ;)  

Paw Paw Balm| Models Prefer 

Coconutyness: 4.5/5

Effectiveness: 4/5 

Usability: 5/5 

I'd been told about how good PawPaw balm is before, so it was on my list of things to try. The fact that they had a coconut flavour just made me all the more excited. It is a multipurpose balm with Jojoba oil, which you can use on your lips, skin and stretch marks. With a strong coconut smell and even a subtle taste (please don't eat it I just licked it) it wins the most coconutyness product. Since is small you can just throw it in your bag and use it whenever for pretty much whatever needs a little moisture.

Although nothing scored a 5/5, that's just because I'm super fussy and nothing will ever beat an actual coconut, but some of these came pretty close! 

xx 

How To | Be A Girl Boss

Being put down for whatever reason Is horrible, especially If It's something you can't control. But as long as you stay confident and take control of your life, you can be the ultimate #girlboss. Here's a little bit of advice I have for being a woman in a world of men. 


Schedule People Around You 

Cancelling or changing your own plans and routines for someone else's benefit never leaves you with a good feeling. You will either feel like you've wasted your time or the person you cancelled for will assume you'll do it every time. In order to be successful you have to put yourself first.

Contacts are key 

It's easy to cut someone off if you don't like them or got in a bit of a fight, but sometimes keeping people sweet can get you what you want in the future. I'm not saying be friends with everyone, just try to avoid making enemies. 


Go Out Solo 

Since my job involves travelling around and eating out, I can't always rely on someone to accompany me each time. Although it's uncomfortable at first, I've now started to enjoy it. Yes, people give you a funny look when you say "table for 1" but you'll get over that. If you find yourself missing out on certain places you wanted to go to or things you want to do, because you can't find someone to go with, just take yourself out.



Stand By Your Decisions 

Whether this is with a toxic friend, family member or partner, it's important to stand you ground. Don't feel like going out? Don't go. Don't think you're being treated fairly? tell them. The sooner you take control and show them what you stand for the more respect you'll earn. 


Brand Yourself Not Your Relationship 

There are very few relationships I make public, especially online. Damage control is never pretty and it's easy to spot someone desperately hiding a heartbreak if that relationship as been so public, it effects future prospects and you own self esteem. Yes allow some pictures of you together if you want to but don't make your relationship your identity. 

Celebrate Achievements 

Finishing a book, getting more work done than you planned or even coming up with a blogpost idea after being in a creative funk (cough cough) are all achievements in their own little way. If anything gives you a sense of gratitude then hold onto it for a bit because you just did something to make yourself happy. It's these moments that help make your confidence grow. 

Happy International Women's Day  xx

Goodbye 2016.

It's time to say goodbye to 2016 and hello to the new and exciting 2017. 

As I was doing my yearly clear out and putting away my decorations, I began thinking about how important it is to have a mind clear out as well. I'm not talking about permanently removing memories from your mind, although sometimes I really wish I could.  What I mean is reflecting on the previous year and allowing yourself to make piece with everything and collect all the memories, put them in a file and store it away. 


2016 was a big year of growth for me. Some years are more of a work in progress while others offer you some serious insight into who you are and where you want to go. So i've categorised all the highlights from my year.  


University

2016 was my final year as a student in university. From writing essays until my fingers felt numb to producing an entire magazine about Hong Kong as my dissertation, I pushed myself over the final hurdles of my studies and graduated in July, which was something I never believed I could achieve. 

Travel 

I was lucky enough to get a good amount of traveling done, which I hope to continue in 2017. Firstly trips to and from UK and HK over the holidays. Some crazy partying in Malia with my best friends. I then moved back to Hong Kong at the end of the summer, ventured to Macau for my 21st and finally snuck in a trip to Vietnam with my family after Christmas. 

Work 

Getting started on the career ladder has been extremely eyeopening, I've learnt what kind of path I would like to go down, as well as boost my confidence in both my writing and myself. You can check out my articles on http://magazine.foodpanda.hk

People 

Every year you get to say hello to a selection of new people, some who merely just pass by while others grow to become main characters in your life. But with hello's also come goodbye's, which my year had a lot of. 

Obviously no year is perfect and sometimes sad moments are going to come, but I would rather keep them private. 

So here's to an exciting, successful and happy 2017, thank you for your support! 

xx 

Boys To Avoid | The Dating Diaries

Dating can be a little bit like conducting a science experiment. You put two chemicals (or people) together usually at a random pairing and either it blows up or nothing really happens. 

You all know by now I love sharing my personal life with you, and you seem to love it too! so from my own personal dating diary I'll guide you through the types of guys to avoid.

(As much as I would LOVE to name and shame, I've called them by their nicknames instead cuz i'm classy like that) 

Mr Can't Commit

You'll go on dates, call and text all the time and when you think it's all sunshine and roses, it comes crashing down just as quickly as it started. They'll say something like "my last relationship was so bad" or "it's just really not the right time" but in all honestly their just keeping their options open and so should you.


Mr Controlling

You're going out again? What time will you be back? Who are you going with? The constant accusing and nagging from this one will have you wanting to tear your eyes out or theirs. It may seem like he's being cute worrying about you, but you'll get tired of it verrry quickly.

Mr Jock 

This guy spends more time, money and everything else he has to offer in the gym. At first it's hot, but when all he can talk about is the gym it can get very boring. If you have to listen to him going on about protein shakes one more time you might just put him in that nutrabullet. 


Mr Moody 

There's always something mysteriously attractive about quiet, moody guys. It triggers your emotions and makes you want to fix them. But the more you try to meddle, the more you'll get punished for it. Before you know it they've sucked you into that blackhole of moodiness with them. 


Mr Fake 

This guy wins you over almost straight away with his happy and charming energy. But there's just something not quite right and you can't seem to get to the bottom of it. After spending a sufficient amount of time with them you'll come to realise there is nothing genuine about them and you've pretty much been dating a ghost.  

Mr Lazy  

It's all fine chilling out once in a while but it'll turn stale very quickly and when it gets to the point where you have to drag them to come out and do something other then sit at home.

 Unlucky for me I've had to deal with some of these lovelyyy humans, but hopefully you don't have to! xx 

Thoughts Girls Have | When They Change Their Hair

Wow shocker huge announcement, I've changed my hair.... I know let me just give you some time to let that sink in. 

I said goodbye to the ombre blonde locks and hello to the dark glossy waves. Whenever I get a bit fed up with my look I either get something pierced or change my hair. Right now I think hair was the better option, because you can always change it back #noregrets  

The new hair new you theory

You know that scientifically proven fact that if you look slightly different you are automatically a different person? That's what this theory is all about. Okay so i'm like half joking but half serious to because if you look different, then you automatically feel a little different within yourself, more confident and trust me confidence makes all the difference! 

What have I done 

While sometimes it's great to mix things up, other times it's not so great and you have instant regrets. Mostly it just takes a little bit of getting used to, but in some extreme cases you just attempt to get it back to how it was and forget the whole thing ever happened... (cough my red hair stage cough) 

I want more 

That sudden rush of confidence when you get a new look can get a little addicting I must say, you can easily get carried away and suddenly your hair is too damaged or too short to do anything else...and you go back to my last point. 

I need a new wardrobe 

Different hair colours go with different coloured clothing and that's a fact. So once you've changed your hair you'll most likely realise nothing looks quite the same anymore. But who doesn't need an excuse to buy all new things...seriously? 

Maybe no one will recognise me 

This may just be me being antisocial but nothing is worse then people coming over to talk to you when you're just really not in the mood. Thus having a new do will not make you completely unrecognisable or a least a little bit, right? 

I hope people notice though

On the contrary to my previous point, you still do want people to notice that you've changed. Especially those insta followers and everyone you've ever disliked because you know your hair is the bomb and they should know it to.  

Should stop looking at myself?

Like I said before a new look is the ultimate confidence boost so you just know you're going to be spending the first week (or 2) looking at yourself in every reflective surface possible. But just go with it because you have new hair and nothing else matters. 



When does new hair stop being new? 

Who said there was an expiry date on hair anyway? As long as you still get excited about it or want to tell people, then it's new! except if it's like over 2 months...then maybe you're stretching it a tad. 

xx

Outfit Of The Month | October

OCTOBER 

So..I didn't really have an outfit for September but October has been a little more organised. Although I absolutely love October due to the weather getting slightly  less "I'm dying of heat stroke" and of course Halloween and pumpkin spice (which you should all know how obsessed i am) I've not had the best month.

Being ill and just not really feeling like yourself isn't too great on the soul, you lose a bit of your sparkle and feel a little lost. But now I'm medication free, getting that sass back and this outfit just made me feel so confident and edgy that I couldn't not make it the #ootm. Because if you look good then you're pretty much on the way to feeling good, am I right people?  

THE OUTFIT 

Top: Forever 21

Shirt: Zara 

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Shorts: Zara 

Shoes: Nike 

Choker: Piece of velvet (LOL) 

This month has been a bit temperamental, one minute you're drowning in a pool of sweat and the next it's raining and you're shivering. I've been constantly carrying around a button up shirt to just throw over my outfit when I get a little chilly and it's not as annoying to carry around as a jacket. Denim shorts are always a go to because they are comfy and go with everything. I also got some new shoes this month which i'm a little obsessed with, you all know what i'm like with new shiny things. Although I'm sure the white won't be staying white for long!

I've finally given into the choker trend and it honestly makes me feel like a badass bitch. And my sunglasses.. they are oversized and dark to help hide all the eye bags (just keeping it real). I've mixed up my makeup look for the fall season by using brown eyeshadow both on my eyelid and underneath my eye as kind of a liner, this gives it a softer more causal smokey eye look with a nude lip, which is perfect for the daytime. 

Bring on November 

xx

Halloween Tutorial | Pumpkin Spice Latte

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! My annual halloween costume tutorial i.e my favourite post of the year! i've done scary and (somewhat) sexy before, so I thought it was time for a funny costume. Now you should all know by now about my obsession with all things halloween and pumpkin spice, so why not put the two best things about autumn together and make a pumpkin spice latte costume?! I know pure genius Nicole, queue the round of applause. 

So here's my step by step guide to being the basicest bitch in town: 

STEP 1: 

On the first piece of your white card, stick your Starbucks logo onto the centre, making sure it's a little over halfway up since the logo in Starbucks isn't exactly in the middle of the cup. (it's gotta be realistic people!) 

STEP 2: 

Measure the card around your biggest area, boobs or hips, so you can slide it on and off easily and not have to be cut out of it. Then with your second piece of card work out how much extra space you need and cut the paper. I decided to cut mine in half. 

STEP 3:

Then staple the second piece of card to the first piece at both ends so it forms a cylinder shape. Don't be afraid to just bang a whole load of staples in there, you want to make sure it's nice and secure. Make sure the logo is still in the centre at this point, so only staple at the back of your costume. 

STEP 4: 

Using the hole puncher, make 4 holes into your cup, 2 either side at the front and 2 either side at the back. Make sure the ones at the front match up with the ones at the back, as this is where your handles/straps are going to be. 

STEP 5:

Secure everything with about 2 layers of tape, but go crazy with it if you want, better safe then sorry! This includes the holes you just punched so that when you put the handles in they won't rip out so easily. 

STEP 6:

Reopen the holes just by poking some scissors through the tape, and measure your shoulders and cut 2 pieces of sting to size, to use for your handles. 

STEP 7: 

Thread your string through each of the front and back holes and tie a whole load of knots to make sure the string doesn't slide through the hole. Now you can actually wear you're cup! 

STEP 8:

For the final touch staple your white fabric onto the top rim of your cup to give it that whipped cream affect. And boom your cup is officially complete!

STEP 9: 

Add a little pumpkin spice theme to your makeup by using tonnes of bronzer and highlighter around your face and as eyeshadow. If you happen to have any orange eyeshadow laying around (yeah I know I went through some bad makeup stages lets not talk about it) you can use the shadow as lipstick by applying balm and then sticking the orange to it with a lip liner brush. Don't forget to add you're little pumpkin hat or accessory. 

AND VOILA YOU ARE OFFICIALLY A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

(I even got some props, some actual pumpkin spice! which I spent far too much time trying to find, but it's in Citysuper for all my basic bitches) 

Don't forget to check out my other tutorials from the past three years here: 

Dead Prom Queen

Washed Up Mermaid 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

xx