LIFE IS A BEACH: PHOTO INSPIRATIONS Part 2

In my hometown of Manila, Philippines, it’s the monsoon season right now but over here in China and the rest of the northern hemisphere, summer is in full swing…the heat is on! The sun is shining, the pavements are sizzling, and the humidity levels are rising. In times like this, one can’t help but think of turquoise waters, white sands, salty air and beautiful beaches.

It just isn’t summer without the beach, and here in China, finding a beach can be a chore, as most are just not as accessible unless you live in perpetually sunny Hainan in the south.

So in celebration of the beginning of summer, I'd like to share some past photographs I took in Vietnam and the Philippines that inspire me not to give up the hunt for the perfect summer destination in China (no matter how hot it gets here!). To me, that would be the perfect combination of blue skies, tropical trees, summer sunsets and the beach. 

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, Vietnam

My friends Angela and Emma entering
the pristine waters of
Boracay, Philippines

Blue skies and 19th century architecture

at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Bataan, Philippines

Tropical trees in front of Casa Unisan

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Bataan, Philippines

A little shade beneath the summer sun

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Bataan, Philippines

Manila Bay summertime sunset
Manila, Philippines

JEWEL STATE OF MIND

I love accessories! They can dress up a simple outfit instantly or add a little flair and color to your regular wardrobe. My favorite accessories are colorful jewelry. It doesn’t matter whether they are costume jewelry or made of precious stones, because they are all extremely useful and beautiful to look at. The power of enhancing your style with the right accessories is limitless.

Colorful beaded bracelets are perfect for summer!
Photo: Michal Zacharzewski, SXC

Chinese beads and coins made into bracelets
Photo: Andrew Beierle, SXC

Here in China, shopping for accessories is a must for any visitor because of the endless variety and availability of big, bold, bright and beautiful pieces everywhere. Now that it’s summer over here, simple outfits are normally the way to go and adding colorful accessories can be the perfect warm weather look. Lately, I find myself drawn to jewelry with symbolic and spiritual connotations such as Buddha beads and jade bracelets. I also love turquoise jewelry because of their calming and serene color and it is just something that never goes out of style.

BUDDHA BEADS

My collection of Buddha bead bracelets (from bazaars around China)

Buddha beads are also known as “mala beads” or Tibetan Prayer Beads. They are normally used for reciting prayers/mantras and meditation. They are also said to carry good luck but many people wear them for purely decorative purposes. Although I am not Buddhist, I do love wearing the bracelets because of their tradition, symbolism and beauty. Plus it’s never bad to carry around a little bit of luck.

 JADE

Chinese Jade
Photo: Isidro Lam, SXC

Jewelry stand selling Jade in a Hong Kong marketplace
Photo: Morgane Constanty, SXC

Jade is a gemstone with special meaning in China for thousands of years because of its unique symbolic energy, purity, grace and beauty. Jade is said to stimulate creativity, mental agility, and have a balancing and harmonizing effect on the mind and body. Its beautiful green color is said to also have healing properties on the body especially on the kidneys, heart and stomach. I personally like wearing jade for its unique green color, simplicity, elegance and sophistication.

TURQUOISE 

I love turquoise and coral-colored pendants.
I bought these at a marketplace in Huangshan.

Turquoise beaded bracelets.
The way to wear them is to stack them up.
Photo: Mee Lin Woon, SXC

I’ve loved turquoise jewelry for many years now. I can’t get enough of its wonderful, calming and amazing color. It reminds me of the beach, the ocean, the waves and endless summer days. It is also elegant and makes a big statement to an otherwise simple outfit. Wear it with neutrals like white or black and you can never go wrong.

My favorite necklace this summer was a gift
from my aunt in Spain. It goes great with a
white blouse or dress.

What are your favorite accessories?

BEAUTY AND THE BEACH

Boracay Island, Philippines. My own photo.

Summer has officially started in China and I like to say that the madness has begun...the umbrellas are out (Chinese women would not let the harsh sun touch their beautiful skin), the humidity and heat are unbearable, and there's the endless yearning to get away for a few days to a really, nice stretch of beach.

The search for the perfect beach getaway doesn't come easy in Mainland China though. Northern cities such as Dalian and Qingdao have some pretty nice beaches but the water on the east coast tends to be quite cold almost year round. A much better alternative would be heading south to the beaches of Hong Kong (which are quite beautiful and underrated) or to the numerous beach resorts in Sanya on the Chinese island of Hainan where the sun simply doesn't stop shining. 

When it comes to beaches though, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Boracay Island, is found in my hometown of the Philippines. It is at this time that I miss it the most...its clear tranquil waters and powder soft white sand. There's just simply nothing like it in the world. However, it is the monsoon season right now in the Philippines and not the right time to visit. November - May (the dry season) would be the best time to visit.

Boracay Island, Philippines. My own photo.

While hunting for the ultimate beach getaway this summer, it's important to always arm yourself with the right products to beat the heat and protect your skin. Summer often calls for a few extras you wouldn't otherwise use the rest of the year. Here are some of my favorite products this summer, which have become essentials to me this season and I believe are perfect for everyone!

Summer Armor: my product essentials

Clean & Clear Oil Control Film ($3.59)
Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser (US$3)

In the summer, my face gets so oily that only one facial cleanser will do: Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser. I've tried much more expensive cleansers over the years but I still come back to this one a lot. This affordable drugstore find is a true gem! My face feels squeaky clean after cleansing and doesn't feel dry at all. I also love the light, citrusy scent. Likewise, I cannot leave the house without Clean & Clear Oil Control Film. This product is awesome and very easy to carry around at all times. The thin sheets absorb oil, grease and shine on your face completely and is fantastic for quick touch ups. I also love the uplifting grapefruit scent. It makes you look and feel fresher in an instant.  

Alba Botanica Natural Pure Lavender Sunscreen SPF45 (US$10.99) (113g)
Jason Sport Natural Sunblock SPF45 (US$9.87) (113g)

These two natural sunblocks don't have any harmful chemicals and are made with certified organic ingredients. Alba Botanica Natural Protection Pure Lavender Sunscreen SPF45 has a nice light, lavender scent which I love! Jason Sport Natural Sunblock SPF45 is sweat and water resistant which is perfect for me since I really hate reapplying! I know I should always put again after swimming but I sometimes forget which is why I also like getting an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Inoherb Olive Oil Hand Cream (US$1.50)

I am really loving this hand cream right now. Chinese brand Inoherb Olive Oil Hand Cream has become a staple in my bag this summer! It contains olive oil, honey and shea butter to moisturize hands. I love its light olive scent and its silky creaminess. I can't even believe how insanely low the price is! It can be addicting as I find myself putting it on many times a day! 

L'Oreal Nutri-Sleek Multi-Effect Protection Spray (US$7)

I discovered this the other day at Walmart and me and my hair are hooked! L'Oreal Nutri-Sleek Multi-Effect Protection Spray contains Argan Oil to moisturize your hair and keep it silky smooth. It also provides your hair with intensive protection from the sun's UV rays. I believe they only sell the spray in China. In other countries, the serum version is available.

Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 in Honey Blush (US$15)

I cannot get enough of Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 Honey Blush right now. It is the ultimate summer lipstick. It has SPF15 to protect your lips, moisturizes and is described as a warm pinkish nude with golden flecks. Really beautiful shade!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Shimmer Gloss in Racy Raspberry 

My mother-in-law gave me Estee Lauder Pure Color Shimmer Gloss in Racy Raspberry and I love it! You can see I’ve used it up quite a bit. It’s a light coral pink with a subtle shimmer. It originally comes in a set of two lip glosses so I don’t think you can buy them individually in the same particular shade anymore. However, there are many similar ones in Estee Lauder’s Pure Color range like Pure Color Gloss in Impulsive Coral (US$22.50) which is perhaps the closest color to this one.

So, what are your product essentials for summer? Send me a note and would love to hear about your choices. 

I don't really wear a lot of makeup in the summer but I never
go out without lipstick! Here I am wearing my favorite lipstick now,
Clinique High Impact Lip Colour in Honey Blush.

Huangshan City's Old Town Magic

Last weekend, Marc and I decided to get away from the city for awhile and breathe some fresh mountain air. So, we hopped on a bus which took us four hours south of Hefei to wonderful Huangshan City (locals also call it Tunxi, its original name). This quaint and beautiful mountain city which is located in the southernmost point of Anhui province is known for two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mount Huangshan (which means “Yellow Mountain” in English) and Hongcun and Xidi, the ancient villages of Southern Anhui.

View from the my window on the bus as we near Huangshan City

A photo of Mount Huangshan

Ink painting showing Huangshan by painter Shitao circa 1670

Ironically, we actually didn’t get to go to any of these sites because we found out a little too late that although both sites surround the geographic expanse of the city, getting to them would take another 1-2 hour bus ride being 50-80 kilometers away from the city proper. The mountain is also best explored for at least 2-3 days because of its immensity and it is best to book tour packages or stay in one of the hotels located on the mountain. Since we were only staying 2 nights in Huangshan City and didn’t book any tour or tour guide for any of these sites, we decided to leave them for another trip and to just relax and enjoy the beautiful city of Huangshan and its one other famous attraction located right in the heart of its downtown area: The Old Town, also known as Tunxi Ancient Street or Song Street.

Me in front of The Old Gate at Tunxi Ancient Street

Tunxi Ancient Street in a way, kind of reminds me of Yu Yuan (Yu Gardens) in Shanghai, though the main difference is that it is much older and instead of a network of streets, this one consists of one main 1.2 kilometer street. Walking this street is truly like going through a portal back in time.

The street’s centuries-old history goes back all the way to the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279). At that time, many architects and workmen from Tunxi lived in the city of Hangzhou (the Song Dynasty capital), and upon returning home copied the structural style and architecture in the big city, and so Tunxi Ancient Street was built. 

By the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tunxi Ancient Street street had 47 stores with shops on both sides of the street featuring the local Anhui style of stone base, brick construction and tile roof. Nowadays,  the street is also used as a natural studio for films and period TV series in China. 

An ancient Chinese medicine store where you can buy herbs
for any ailment

Paint brushes and paintings on scrolls depicting Huangshan mountain

I loved this awesome stationery store
with cute cards and notebooks.

After walking for some time, this cute coffee shop
called Sweet Time Coffee enticed us to stop by.

The perfect shopping ender
which for sure they never made back then:
a great Banana Mango Milkshake!

TERMINAL BLISS

If there is one airport terminal anyone wouldn’t mind being stuck in for awhile, it would be Hong Kong International Airport. It is the 10^th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, and in my opinion, one of the best transit stops for shopping, dining and relaxing before your next connecting flight around Asia or to Europe.

I recently found myself once again on a three hour layover before my next connecting flight back to China after a really nice visit back home in the Philippines, and just like many times before, the hours just seemed to pass me by.

One of the things I love about Hong Kong airport is
that it is surrounded by blue skies, mountains and the sea.

The view of the mountains is usually so clear that
you can see the green grass on them. 

Getting from gate to gate can be less tiring on the
convenient horizontal escalators (also called walkalators).  

Here are three big tips I’ve learned in surviving and navigating an airport as big and fantastic as Hong Kong International which I believe is essential for every traveler:

• Make sure you check the gate of your next flight right away (this is the first thing I do) and estimate how long you have to just wander around and how long it’s going take you to get there on foot. Running last minute from Gate 3 to Gate 98 is no fun! Trust me!
• If you have more than an hour to wait, eat a snack at any of the many restaurants/cafes before shopping at Hong Kong terminal, which resembles that of two very large shopping malls (one on each side). You’ll need some energy as you navigate the array of goods available from perfumes, cosmetics, make-up, clothing, bookstores, electronics, pharmacies and spas…whew!
• BE AWARE OF THE TIME, at all times. It is so easy to get lost in a shopping trance at Hong Kong terminal. The fact that all the cosmetic products, creams and perfumes have testers doesn’t help! You’re free to try anything you want as many times as you want without the sales girls glaring at you. It’s truly great! But not so much if you miss your flight while putting Crème de la Mer on your hands. I’m guilty of doing this! But thankfully, didn’t miss my flight.

Aside from the huge duty-free shopping area, before every gate,
you'll find more shops, cafes and convenience stores.

You can take your pick from the airport's many restaurants.
Here's my view while having a snack at Pizza Express.

My favorite stores are definitely the bookstores where you
can browse for hours and grab a magazine while waiting.



HERE'S WHAT WENT IN MY SHOPPING BAG AFTER THREE HOURS:

When I saw Charlize Theron on the cover of InStyle’s June issue, I grabbed it right away. She’s one of my favorite actresses and is starring in two big summer movies this year: Snow White and the Huntsman and Ridley Scott’s Prometheus. Can’t wait!

Hoe Hin White Flower Embrocation Oil (5ml.) (US$2)

Since I was already in Hong Kong airport, I ran to the pharmacy and just had to get myself a tiny bottle of one of Hong Kong’s most renowned brands, Hoe Hin White Flower Embrocation Oil. This oil is a really, really great product. It has been around for years and is fantastic in relieving colds, flu, headaches, minor aches and pains, bruises and sprains, muscular aches, motion sickness, insect bites etc. It can also be used as an antiseptic. Ingredients consist of wintergreen oil, menthol, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and camphor. It’s a great product to have in your home cabinet.

DKNY Women Eau de Toilette (50ml.) (US$50)

I sprayed DKNY Women Eau de Toilette on my wrist in the perfume section early on and for the next hour; I couldn’t stop smelling myself or putting my wrist repeatedly on my face while walking around. I’m hoping nobody thought I was crazy. It smelled so good that I ran back and bought a 50ml. bottle of the eau de toilette. Top notes are citrus mandarin oranges, chilled vodka and violet leaf with middle notes of narcissus, lotus and orchid; base notes of woods and white birch. Other notes are tomato leaves, water lily, yellow daffodils and tulip tree bark. I’d describe the scent as perfect for summer…light, fresh, modern and intoxicating. Great for everyday!

Milka Mix Chocolates (380grams)

I love Milka chocolates and this is the perfect bag to buy for sharing with loved ones. This bag holds 82 individually wrapped pieces of Milka chocolates in three flavors: Alpine Milk, Crunchy Caramel and Strawberry. All are simply delicious! So happy I found it as the mix bags are not usually as available as the chocolate bars.

View from my window upon landing back in Hefei, China

All in all, I had a great trip back home even for a short two-week visit. It was great seeing my parents, siblings, in-laws and friends. But it’s back to my home for now in Hefei, and as for Hong Kong airport, till we meet again!

Hong Kong International Airport

Lantau, Hong Kong

Telephone: +852 2181 8888