The Travel Make-up Bag: Christmas Holiday Edition

Another quickie post today as I'll still be on a plane headed home for the holidays!! This time round, here's a sneak peek inside my make-up bag! Seeing as I'll only be in the Philippines for a short while, I decided to pack 'light' and only take the essentials - with a few options, of course. 

For my base, I've got the mini NARS tinted moisturizer in St. Moritz, MAC Pro Longwear concealer (NW26), MAC Prep + Prime highlighter in Bright Forecast and my Rimmer Stay Matte powder in Silky Beige. These products have been tried and tested for me, and work perfectly in the hot, hot, hot weather in the Philippines! 

For eyes, I've brought my trusty Urban Decay Naked palette (got to have options right?), Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion and of course, my MAC fluidline in Dipdown. I'm also currently trying out the new Covergirl Full Lash Bloom mascara, so we'll see how that fares in the humid climate. Other bits I've packed are the NARS blush in Almeria, a sample of Clinique's universal face primer, a MAC blush in Gingerly and two MAC lipliners in Staunchly Stylish and Kiss Me Quick (LE from the Maleficent collection). 

Now lips - every girl needs a few options! I've brought along my MAC lippies in 5-Alarm (Red Red Red collection) and Pander Me (Matte Lips collection), NARS Short Circuit (Guy Bourdin collection last year) and L'Oreal's Color Riche lipstick in Laetitia's Pure Red. I mean, these four lippies are all you will need for a quick holiday - a red, (cause you gotta wear a red lip on Christmas day!) peachy nude, orange and deep berry - no?

As for brushes and tools, I've got my trusty Revlon eyelash curler (which really needs replacing), Real Techniques buffing brush, Sonia Kashuk buffing brush (for foundation) and blending brush, Ecotools eyeshadow brushes and angled liner brush, an unnamed blending brush, Real Techniques blush brush and the ol' Tweezerman mini tweezers. Oldies but goodies!!!

Hope this post helps you pack your own make-up bags, or if you just like looking into other people's cosmetics bags (like I do!), then I hope you enjoyed it!

What's In My Bag: Long Haul Trips

Here's a quickie post today cause guess who's homeward bound for the holidays!? Yepp, I've got a long haul trip back to the motherland today, and thought when better than to share what I pack in my handbag to survive over 15 hours on a plane? You read right - over 15 hours. Pure joy.

For reference, I live in Ottawa and have to head over to Toronto (which takes about an hour) to catch the Philippine Airlines plane back to Manila (14ish hours) - which stops over at Vancouver (Toronto - Vancouver = 5 hours) too to pick up the rest of the passengers. Yey. 

If you've noticed from my last travel 'What's In My Bag' post, I love using quite big handbags, cause well, I kind of pack quite a lot (I'm a serious overpacker, but I'm working on it - I promise!). And hey, this is a long haul trip, so I gotta have things to prevent me from dying of boredom. The bag I use is this floral carpet-bag-inspired shopper from Pull & Bear (a brand which I'm uber glad is finally available in the Philippines!) and my gosh, it's got to be the roomiest bag I've ever owned. It's structured but you can definitely fit a lot in there, and plus, it fits underneath the plane seats - while still giving my feet space. Love!

As for its contents, well, I've got:

- Reading material (this one is Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick and if you'd seen my Book Wishlist, this was on the top LOL!) I usually bring two books with me, and I'm debating between The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion and Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard!

- Earphones and iPhone because who doesn't travel anywhere with their music library?

- Wallet and a smaller pouch (for coins, cause I like having them separate), of course

- My compact tangle teezer (which you can get at Sephora) because I swear, whenever I travel, my hair just... ugh.. it's a knotty mess!

- My skin-care/beauty travel essentials bag (which I'll show more of later on)

- A notebook for list-making, jotting down ideas or any funny anecdotes I hear while on the go 

- And of course, my passport and holder!

Not pictured are my camera (currently charging as I write this), a spare iPhone cable, a portable charger (for my phones, just in case) and a snack or two. I definitely also carry my laptop with me, but that usually gets transferred from my handbag to my hand-carry (you know, the one with wheels) when I can't be bothered to haul it around on my shoulders anymore. I also don't tend to use my laptop while on the plane that much, cause I usually like the inflight entertainment, and I've got my books to occupy my time. Also, I like to sleep during the flight - well, as much as I can in those stiff and cramped spaces anyway. 

Here's a look at my skin-care/emergency kit! Wayy bigger than that pouch from NaRaYa from my last post. I actually got this case from Philippine Airlines last year when for once in my life, I flew business-class (man, that was AH-MAZING!) and I've been using it for travel ever since. It's the classic travel case with three zipped sections (the top one being netted and see-through) and you can hang it (though I wish it was a hook instead of a ring). I don't wear any make-up at all when flying, so it's mainly skincare and miscellaneous little bits that are housed in my case.

Anywho, I tend to keep most of my travel skincare products in the top section - I've got a mini Proactiv moisturizer, Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm, eye drops, a sample of philosophy's Eye Hope eye cream, a Clarins mini skincare set (hand cream, facial wash/serum, and lip treatment), bobby pins and my anti-allergy pills. I also keep a mini rollerball of Kate Spade's Twirl (which I believe is no longer available at Sephora or Ulta, sorry!), for when I get off the plane and want to smell good when I (finally!) see the parentals! In the second section I throw in miscellaneous essentials such as a compact mirror, a headband (and a few spares), dental floss, emergency feminine products (duh!) and boscia facial blotting linens.

In the last section, I throw in a toothbrush and mini toothpaste, emergency medication (for headaches, colds, what have you), a few bandaids, another moisturizer/mask (I'm trying out The Body Shop's Vitamin E moisture cream and the corresponding mask) and a boscia spot treatment pen-thing (also trying this baby out, we'll see how they work). I don't normally use facial wash while I'm on planes, and tend to reach for the Ole Henriksen facial wipes - I'm not into the whole notion of depotting my current facial wash into little pots and using them in the tiny bathrooms. I used to be, then it was just too much of a hassle, especially when they tended to either spill out of the packaging or I couldn't get them out.

As you can probably tell, I'm not one to let my skin go while I'm on the go. I hate that drying feeling airplane environments can have on my face, and of course the stress of traveling for almost 24 hours definitely means my skin will go absolutely crazy. I can't handle that. Just. NO.

So there you go - a look into my long-haul travel handbag! Perhaps reading this has helped you prepare for any future long-haul trips! I know it seems a bit excessive, but it works for me. What do you usually take with you on plane rides?
Happy discovering!

Smoothies, Heading Home & Typhoon Glenda, Phnom Penh

 Alas, a month and a half later here in Phnom Penh, it was time for me to head back to the Philippines! Granted, I was psyched to be heading back, but I did feel a little sad knowing that I wouldn't be back in Phnom Penh for quite a while. It's definitely grown on me and taken me by surprise, and I will surely miss everything - the sights, the people, and of course, the food! 

 My parents and I actually got to the airport earlier than we had expected, so we chilled out for a while at the FCC branch there - you'll find it on the second floor after you check in and go through immigration. I was definitely happy to get a chance to try it out before leaving the city! (If you remember, I did mention wishing I had tried out the actual FCC place over by Sisowath Quay in a previous post)

 Because we had just had breakfast before heading to the airport, we decided to get drinks to cool off from the heat (yes, it was HOT outside!). I got the mixed berry smoothie while my mom got the coconut banana smoothie. I sort of wished I had gotten what my mom had ordered instead, as the mixed berry smoothie wasn't as cold or sweet as I had expected. But that's just me. Oh well...

  We actually had about a five hour layover in Singapore, and my my, you will not get bored over at the Changi Airport. We were at Terminal 2, and gosh, the things to do there are endless! My parents tried out the foot massage machines next to the boarding gates, and as much as I wanted to post a picture of it here, I don't want to embarrass them (hehe). If you've ever been, you'll know what I'm talking about. 

Teehee, despite wanting to have a healthier diet, I couldn't resist heading over to McDonald's to try out their Shiok Shiok Beef Satay Burger (my dad tried out the chicken version). OH MY GOD, it is absolute heaven! My dad took a bite out of mine, and preferred the chicken one, while I sided with the beef satay. I believe that these are out for a limited time only, so do seize the chance to try them out! 

 Almost there!

 By the time we reached Manila, it was almost midnight and darn rainy as Typhoon Glenda was on its way in a few hours ;( Our flight to Manila via Singapore Airlines was one of the last in to the Philippines, and apparently, the plane was damaged due to the typhoon. Thank God we had arrived safely at our hotel before Glenda graced us with its presence!

So, as it is, I've come to the end of my Phnom Penh adventure, and I will cherish every moment I spent there! I guess for me, the highlights of my stay are definitely visiting the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay despite the heat, and trying out the local cuisine over at Mali's. Oh, and I can't forget Central Market. Or Paul's BrewHouse...

I do hope that my previous posts will help you plan out your trip to Phnom Penh, and I do hope that you have as much fun there as I did. I definitely can't wait until my next visit! 

Until next time, Phnom Penh!

Happy discovering!

What's In My Bag: Short Plane Trips

Here's a quick post for today as I am spending my last few hours here in Phnom Penh taking in as much as I can before heading home! And of course, fretting over how I'm going to fit everything I bought into my suitcase. Geez! The problems of a last-minute packer. 

Anywho, I thought it seemed appropriate to write a post on what I bring along with me for short plane rides (and you know, what I do to keep me busy during layovers)! 

Without further ado, here's a look inside my travel bag (which I got for Christmas from my cousin a few years ago, and seems to be from a local brand)!

- My trusty laptop and external hard-drive for writing up any blog entries I haven't had the chance to finish yet (I do have a laptop case, don't worry - I just happened to misplace it while writing this post)

- Of course, my passport holder that holds *ahem* my passport, frequent flyer miles card and any other small essentials 

- My mini camera bag (of course, blogger essential)

- Kate Spade sunglasses I have actually yet to use since I purchased them in New York last May

- Magazines to read when the wifi isn't cooperating with me at the airport, and for when I don't like any of the in-flight movies. I do usually bring a book with me, but on this occasion, I am holding out buying any while here in Phnom Penh so that I can get one I really want when I reach Singapore for my layover. 

- my Kipling pencil case to stash all my pens (well, a whole bunch of pens, highlighters & a ruler) that I don't necessarily always use but always have on hand

- Chewing gum & Icebreakers to chew on when I'm bored (and for when anyone needs a mint)

In this small polka dotted pouch (from NaRaYa), I carry my hand-dandy itty bitty bits that I know I'll lose if I just throw them into my bag! I've got a small flashlight, my Maybelline Baby Lips lipbalm, eyedrops, a sample of Stila's Convertible Color in Peony, a mini of Make Up Forever's lippie in N9, a mini Dior Hypnotic Poison perfume, bandaids and my earphones! I also do carry around a few meds for headaches, colds, etc. (not pictured) just incase. Also pictured is my notebook where I write down any blog post ideas and little reminders.

Other items that I do bring along with me (but have forgotten to take photos of in my rush to get this post out) are things like my wallet (duh!), my Ipod (which is charging as we speak), a cardigan, my phone (also charging) and an Apple charger just incase. Oh, and sometimes some chocolate too, just because I can.

What do you bring with you on your trips?
Happy discovering!

Phnom Penh Observations + Tips

 As I am heading back to the Philippines soon, I've decided to dedicate a whole post to a month and a half's worth of my observations and thoughts on the city that I have somewhat called 'home' this summer. Well, I wouldn't go as far saying that it's my 'new home', but I do admit that Phnom Penh has made a 'new' lasting impression on me. 

Note: these are just things that have definitely stuck with me during my stay here. I don't mean any negativity here, so don't judge. Remember, these are merely observations.

Observation 1 - The streets here are confusing. Though they are numbered, a majority of them do not follow any sort of pattern or order. For instance (and I am just really making street numbers up as for the life of me, I can't remember any of them because they are THAT confusing) walk down one street, and you'll be greeted with intersections at St. 110, 117, 124, 135, etc. If you don't have a map or guide, you're at a huge risk of getting lost. So you know, have at least one of those things before coming here. Oh, and you can call this Observation 1.5 - there are definitely those streets that are so uber narrow that it seems impossible for a car to fit through. I mean, it's nothing really new, but with the confusing street numbers? Just be glad that almost all of the actual street names are translated in English and you can get some idea of where you're at. 

Observation 2 - Lexus cars. There are quite a lot of them. And not just Lexus ones really. A whole herd of luxury cars can be seen on the streets of Phnom Penh. Granted, there are still a large number of motorbikes, but I swear, it's as if luxury cars are, well, not so much of a luxury here. 

 Observation 3 - Quite a lot of the buildings by the city's centre do resemble those that you can find in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Not that surprising as Vietnam is just a few hours away, but I definitely couldn't help but feel a little homesick at the sight of these thin, colourful buildings. However, as you do go further out of the centre, the houses do grow in size - and by that I mean, there are tons of mansion-type homes along the streets, decorated with elaborate gates and high walls. As in, damn! By Cambodian standards (and I may go as far in saying Asian standards), those mansions are like the ones you find in magazines and Hollywood films. The houses in our neighborhood here? Towers, mesmerizes and just takes your breath away with it's beauty. Not to say that those stick-figure homes aren't worth looking at. 

Observation 4 - There are a large number of restaurants here, and it fits the saying 'there's something for everybody.' Indian, American, Chinese, Italian, Cambodian - you name it, there's pretty much a 90% chance that there's a restaurant serving your preferred cuisine here. It's just a matter of being able to find it. I am a tad bit gutted that I haven't had a chance to try out every restaurant the city has to offer but then again, my diet's probably thankful for that. 

 Observation 5 - the colourful Tuk-tuks that are everywhere you look, and their very persistent drivers. The Cambodian tuk-tuks are what I would consider a cross between a Philippine jeepney and a Thai tuk-tuk. Some sort of Asian transport hybrid that appeals and serves the needs of both locals and foreigners. There's enough space for you to put everything and still be able to move around, but it's compact enough that it doesn't take as much space on the road. And of course, each tuk-tuk is different from the other in terms of aesthetics, so definitely keep an eye out for those that are adorned with all sorts of flowers, religious images and more modern, eccentric designs. 

Now, their drivers. Hmm... I am definitely not kidding when it comes to their persistence, and it's not really a bad thing. They do strike up friendly conversations with you, but they can shove a leaflet in your face and sweet-talk you into taking a tour with them. They can be a bit difficult to ignore, especially if you're walking along Sisowath Quay, but they'll leave you alone once you tell them you're not interested. Don't be afraid to say no and walk away. In terms of price? Don't be afraid to haggle - heck, make sure you haggle! That is key! If you know yourself that where you're headed to isn't that far away, do make sure that you're not paying more than the ride's worth. 

Observation 6 - A whole load of Phnom Penh's landmarks are so uber clean! As in, pristine and seemingly newly opened establishments that you can't resist staring at. Sure, there's still that rustic charm to it, but you know, the surroundings are very much well maintained. And of course, the huge amount of Cambodian flags and images of the King and Queen adorning said landmarks. These guys are really patriotic, and aren't afraid to show it :)

Observation 7 - speaking of well-maintained surroundings, well, the areas further from said landmarks aren't exactly that clean. Quite a lot of the streets are filled with litter and dirt, which is a bit of a disappointment, what with the whole 'pristine and majestic' thing they've got going on with the likes of the Royal Palace and Supreme Court. It is partly due to the large amount of construction going on in the city centre and partly due to the vehicles coming in from unpaved provinces, but you won't find as many street sweepers cleaning up the streets. Make sure to properly clean your face off after a whole day of sightseeing. Much of their 'gardens' along the roads aren't really tended to, and unlike in Vietnam, you won't find as many tall, old trees. But of course, the city's only starting to really develop and urbanize, so I'm sure that'll change in the near future or so.

Observation 8 - the friendliness of the people is infectious! During my stay here, I didn't meet a single person who was ill-mannered or had a frown on their face. Everyone seemed to have woken up on the right of side of bed, or perhaps they just go about their day with a smile plastered on their faces. Whatever the reason is, it was really nice seeing those smiles on a daily basis. Especially when the weather turned sour with the rain.

You may, or you may not, agree with me on these observations, but remember, these are my thoughts. Don't judge me if you don't agree with any of them. Don't let my opinions shape yours. Instead, use them as a guide and make your own. Perhaps you can enlighten me with yours?

Alas, my top tips for when you're here in Phnom Penh?

1. Stay hydrated - bring water with you as you will undoubtedly get dehydrated, especially if you're visiting during the summer months (March-mid June). If you're going to visit the city's attractions on foot, you will definitely need a nice, cold bottle of water. Prices can be a bit outrageous for a bottle of water, so do bring your own if you're on a budget.

2. The currency here can be a bit confusing, so you may be better off paying in dollars when making purchases. That being said, your change will be mostly in Riel so you can use those instead if you're making small purchases (i.e. drinks or small snacks).
For reference: $1 = 4000 KHR

3. Haggle, haggle, haggle! I cannot stress that enough! If you're at places such as Central Market, Russian Market or Olympic Market, be sure to bargain. And if they won't agree with your price, don't be afraid to walk away, as 100% of the time, the item(s) you want are a few stalls down at a more reasonable price. And they may be willing to bring it down a tad bit more.

4. Be respectful - no bad mouthing their religion, culture or members of their Royalty. Enough said.

5. Keep your camera on you at all times! Do not, and I repeat, do not leave it behind in your hotel room as you will regret it! And I don't mean this in a negative way at all. There are so many gorgeous sights here, from the main landmarks in the city centre to the lesser known attractions in the smaller streets that are worthy of your attention. Every opportunity you can get to capture your adventure here, take it! Although crime doesn't seem to be much of an issue here, be sure to keep your valuables secure though. You never know.

I know that I have probably missed a few observations and tips, but these are the ones that are more prominent in my mind. Hopefully you consider any of them on your trip here! And do share any of your observations and tips with me, especially if things have changed before I'm able to make my way back!

As always,

Happy discovering!

Street 240, Phnom Penh

I definitely didn't want to waste the good weather that graced us today here in Phnom Penh, so I took a stroll along Street 240, just to the left of the Royal Palace (and quite close to Paul's BrewHouse). I'd heard that there were a quite a few shops here in the 'fashion district' of Phnom Penh that I had to check out before leaving the city.

Aside from shops and restaurants, there are quite a number of houses along this street, and the architecture is amazing! As you may probably have guessed by now, I'm a sucker for colonial type houses, so if you're like me, definitely do take the time to stroll down this street.

Found Waterlily, a boutique that sells all sorts of hand-made trinkets made from buttons, plastic spoons and even small toy planes! According to their leaflets (my copy, which I can no longer find), designer and owner Christine Gauthier's creations made from all kinds of beads and recycled materials are frequently featured in fashion magazines and are used for various fashion shows, shootings and trade fairs around Asia.

I absolutely adore the lime green/blue exterior! So welcoming and refreshing.

Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take any snaps but the lady there did let me take a photo of her at work! How awesome is that piece she's doing? Though I've tried it out before, I don't think I have it in me to do anything of that scale!

Looking at the buildings, I sometimes can't help but feel as though I'm not in Phnom Penh - the only things that reminds me of where I am are the signage!

Another awesome discovery - D's Books! They've got all sorts of international titles here that I do believe are secondhand but are in tremendous good condition! Hence, they're uber affordable... I'd say, half the original price or less? Before coming here I actually checked out Monument Books - the National Bookstore or Chapters of Phnom Penh, just along Norodom Blvd. - before coming here and the prices were a bit much for me. So if you're looking for a good read while in the city, definitely stop by here first!

They also do have a cozy reading area at the back of D's Books. The bookworm in me squealed with delight, but thank God I didn't have that much money on me - I would have done serious damage. Not going to lie.

The 240 along, ahem, St. 240 is a 10-room accommodation with a restaurant and shop selling organic products on the ground floor. It definitely has a whole chic, refreshing vibe to it, so if that's your thing, do check it out! If only I hadn't eaten lunch before my walk, I would have definitely tried out the restaurant.

  

So, if you fancy a nice afternoon walk to unwind and window shop after a whole day of sightseeing, do check out St. 240! Heck, have a relaxing stroll down this street after visiting the Royal Palace! Like I said, there are definitely a number of shops that you should check out (both local and international brands) and restaurants that'll suit everyone's fancy.

Happy discovering!

Strolling along Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh

Mi papa and I took advantage of the great weather and had a little stroll along Sisowath Quay over the weekend - it was an uber sunny Saturday morning, so we tapped into our inner 'Filipino' and brought the umbrella out! Thank God we did too! I could've seriously fried an egg on my head if we didn't!

Sisowath Quay is a historic, three-kilometer boulevard along the intersection of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers, filled with cafes, hotels, shops and restaurants. If you've ever been to Ho Chi Minh City, think of it as the Pham Ngu Lao of Phnom Penh, just you know, with a river next to it. You'll often find a number of tourists and locals along the boulevard, especially late in the afternoon when it's not too hot out.

The flags along the riverside are usually flags from all over the world (I did spot the Philippine flag a few weeks back when we passed by), but those were temporarily replaced with Cambodian flags, as well as flags of the royal colours, to commemorate late King Sihanouk's ashes being enshrined at the Royal Palace's Silver Pagoda that same day.

Wat Ounalom is also located along Sisowath Quay - it stands as the centre of Cambodia's Mohanikay order, making it the most important wat of Phnom Penh. Wat Ounalom was established in 1443 and is a complex of 44 structures. There's no entrance fee, which is a plus.

You can find one of Phnom Penh's must-visits along Sisowath Quay - the Foreign Correspondents Club, a place that proved popular with foreigners in the past, and continuous to be one of the city's hot spots. It's a hotel and restaurant, and I believe there's also a FCC in Siem Riep, as well as other countries in Asia. If you're looking for a place to hang out at in the evening and experience the city's night life, pop by the FCC's Roof Terrace for some live music, cocktails and of course, a stunning riverside view.

Also, right next to FCC, we found Stef's Happy Painting Gallery where you can find absolutely bright and fun paintings! I dare you to not smile at the sight of these gorgeous pieces of art - they definitely make you feel happy and optimistic! I have seen a few of the items from here at other restaurants, so definitely check this gallery out.

Because it was still a 'holiday', there weren't as many vendors and locals along the boulevard, especially as part of the road - particularly the section in front of the Royal Palace - was still closed off to all vehicles. That meant that it was quieter and cleaner than usual; every time we would pass by here in the past, there would always be traffic because of all the street vendors and tuk-tuks waiting for passengers! I definitely seized the opportunity to take as many pretty, less busy photographs as I could!

How gorgeous and 'bright' is the park in front of the Royal Palace?

To the right of the Royal Palace is Phnom Penh's National Museum, where you can find one of the world's largest collections of Khmer artifacts, particularly pottery.

Right in front of the National Museum is this ramshackle, colonial building. It definitely looks abandoned, but in the evenings I believe that it's used as the Heritage Bar. I do know that the building is for sale, judging by the huge tarpaulin sign in the front (which made it much harder for me to take a photo of the entire place in all its rustic glory). So if you know anyone who's looking to purchase a charming colonial site such as this one...

Kick-ass police motorbikes

My dad and I found ourselves right in front of Wat Ounalom once again, and this time we were able to get a better look over the walls of the place. Check it out if you have the chance!

My dad and I were only able to cover a short part of the boulevard, but I do think we were able to see the more major attractions. Rest assured though, there's so much more we missed. If only the heat was bearable, I'm sure we would have covered the whole three-kilometers.

Sisowath Quay is a must-visit while you're here in Phnom Penh, and I can see why. It's close to quite a lot of the city's landmarks, particularly Wat Phnom and the Independence Monument, so it's very accessible. You're also free to roam around the place, take as many photos as you want and interact with the locals. Be a part of the culture if you will. You can take your time here - spend the whole day if you want! With all there is to see along the riverside, there's no doubt you'll need more than two hours to visit everything!

I'd definitely suggest you take a stroll along the Sisowath Quay in the afternoon or evening, so that you don't have to deal with the heat and can better appreciate the view. Have a drink at any of the cafes here, people watch, and just take in the place!

Happy discovering!