SCENTS OF SUMMER

Summer is in full swing here in China and a change of season is always the perfect excuse to buy new things...new clothes, new shoes and of course, new perfume! If you're a self-confessed perfume addict like me and constantly looking for the next best-smelling bottle of goodness...it's time to shop!

For summertime, since the heat is on, it's best to leave the musky and heavy scents for the colder seasons. Fresh, light and breezy are best in warm, humid weather.

Here are my summer picks:

CHANEL NO. 5 EAU PREMIERE

Eau de Parfum

http://www.chanel.com

I really love Chanel No. 5’s woody, powdery, floral scent. But I know the original one is not everyone’s cup of tea. Many people claim it smells too old-fashioned. To be honest, I don't agree with that, although, it is definitely a heavy perfume.  So I prefer the lighter version of the fragrance that was released in 2008, Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere. Eau Premiere still keeps the distinct scent of No.5 with the familiar notes of Ylang-Ylang & Jasmine Absolute, yet is also slightly different with a little more citrus and rose notes in it. It is lighter and fresher but still elegant & sophisticated. Perfect for everyday and even in hot weather! 

VERSACE BRIGHT CRYSTAL

Eau de Toilette

http://www.versace.com

This is my new favorite now! I've basically been using this everyday and it's my go-to scent this summer. Bright Crystal is a fruity floral scent that smells unbelievably posh. That's the best way to describe it. It's very refreshing and light, yet lasts pretty long on the skin. This pleasant scent has fruity top notes of yuzu and pomegranate, floral middle notes of peony, magnolia and lotus, and base notes of musk and amber. Experience its juicy goodness this summer!

DURANCE LOTUS-LAVENDER

Eau de Toilette

http://www.duranceusa.com

I love the scent of lavender so I'm always on the hunt for the perfect lavender fragrance. Durance Lotus-Lavender Eau de Toilette smells amazing and is my latest discovery amongst the many lavender perfumes out there. The mix of lotus and lavender notes creates a sparkling and fresh aroma. The fragrance is described as aromatic, herbaceous, balsamic, rustic, powdery and iridescent. It smells clean, green and wonderful.

LUSH KARMA KREAM 

Hand and Body Lotion

http://www.lushusa.com

I can't believe I just discovered this recently! My mom-in-law introduced me to it when I smelled this amazing scent on her. LUSH Karma Kream is a hand and body lotion that smells like a spicy, citrus dream. The unique scent is made up of the intoxicating fragrances of orange flower, lemongrass and patchouli. It also contains cocoa butter and almond oil to soften and calm skin. When you put this on, you don't need perfume at all! The scent lasts all day yet is light enough to wear in summer. Best of all, all LUSH products are handmade, organic and against animal testing. 

Last but not the least, my latest obsession and on my current wish list...

ARMANI CODE FOR WOMEN

Eau de Parfum

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

This signature fragrance for women from Giorgio Armani is captivating and just lovely. A blend of Orange blossom, Madagascar vanilla, Sambac jasmine, sandalwood and honey gives this perfume a powerful radiance that cannot be ignored! Super feminine and sensual...in my opinion, this can be worn all year round! A fragrance for all seasons!

SAKURA DREAMS

Spring has finally sprung upon us here in Dalian and the best thing about it is witnessing the amazing array of flowers and foliage suddenly appearing all around you. The city just blooms with greenery and colors as far as the eye can see. It is an ideal time to go hiking at the many city parks or go out of town to the nearby districts like Lushunkou to see the many spring flowers such as sakura, peach blossoms, winter jasmines, azalea, magnolia and butterfly orchids.

I, however, just cannot ignore the powerful beauty of the cherry blossoms, also popularly known as “sakura” from the Japanese. They are simply breathtaking when seen up close and here are some close-up pics I took on a recent trip to Lushunkou District, Dalian.

A WALK INSIDE THE FORBIDDEN GATE

A trip to Beijing just isn't the same without a visit to The Fobidden City - the Chinese Imperial Palace and home to past emperors and their households for almost 500 years, from the Ming Dynasty until the end of the Qing Dynasty. Its massive and amazing presence sits right at the heart and center of Beijing.

The palace complex was built in 1406 until 1420 and consists of 980 buildings. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and has the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

The throne in the Hall of Preserving Harmony
surrounded by ancient red wooden columns

Many interesting structures and symbols are found all throughout the Forbidden City. The ceremonial ramps at the center of the northern and southern ramp leading up to the terraces feature intricate and elaborate bas-relief carvings. The ramp behind the Hall of Preserving Harmony is carved from a single piece of stone - 16.57 meters long and weighing 200 tons.

The ceremonial ramp and its elaborate
bas-relief carvings

The Hall of Supreme Harmony's rooftop featuring ten
lined up statuettes of animals - the only building
at the time allowed to have this many - a symbol of
supreme status.

Many ridges of the building roofs feature a line of statuettes of various animals including a phoenix and a dragon. Minor buildings only have three to five, but The Hall of Supreme Harmony has ten, a unique feature in the Forbidden City, symbolizing the building as a very important one during Imperial times.

A gilded lion in front of the
Palace of Tranquil Longevity

Walking through this massive complex of Chinese ancient architecture, secrets, ancient stories and symbols was an amazing peep into China's imperial past and its many mysteries....some of which we may never discover from a time gone by.