Tan Face & Skinny Waist

Summer is just around the weekend for me (literally my last exam is on Monday!) and with that time comes what is most likely Personal Trainer's second most popular time of the year, where everyone wants to get their bikini body on. What you are looking at above is my motivation for the end of the summer. Unlikely? But worth a shot. Not being able to quite splurge on the personal trainer and as a person who is constantly lacking in motivation for diets meet my new craze: MyDietDiary 

It's an app that you can download at the app store, and is completely free without having to make an account, etc. You key in your age, height, weight, date and then how much you want to weigh and by when. It then basically gives you a calorie limit of how much you are "allowed" to consume a day. I also love that fact that you can basically "scan" barcodes of your food and it will automatically pull up the dietary information from the package. Be warned though, living in Hong Kong, I have found foods that don't yet exist and still have to key in myself.

However it also lets you keep in how much exercise you do a day. The more exercise the more food allowance you get. (Total motivation for me.) And the list of options that it gives you to describe what you've done is unlike anything I've seen. Calorie counting can be strenuous but with this I almost want to call it fun! :) 

And finally, it keeps track of your progress food to exercise balance, so that you can refer to your progress throughout. I would just remember one thing. It's an automated computer program meaning that if you told it you wanted to lose 10 kilos in a week it would put you on an anorexic like diet so be realistic with the system. 

So my goal is to lose 5 kilos by the beginning of August! I'll let you guys know how it goes! Anyone have a different strategy they use for their perfect summer bod? Or an app that it their life right now? Lemme know!  

Have a lovely weekend chicas, 

xx Em

~ Photos from the App Store ~

Summer Reading List

Hello Everyone!

I'd just like to start this post off by saying that I am not the most avid reader out there...In fact during the year, I find it quite difficult to fit in free reading apart from school books because, well, when I do have time, I'm usually asleep. :) But I actually do love reading, and try to catch up on holidays - especially during the summer. Here are some of my picks for light, fun, summery reading:

The Summer I Turned Pretty

(Trilogy by Jenny Han)

My friends and I read these last Spring. It's a really well-written, sweet love story. Easy to follow, and addictive to read, yet it'll only leave you smiling. :) Perfect companion for when you're lying next to the pool.

How to Walk In High Heels

(By Camilla Morton)

Morton writes this book in a way that's both informative and hilarious. Her quirky sense of humour makes it totally relatable as she describes and offers solutions to all of our not-so-cute problems as girls. I picked up several tips along the way. Just an all around great read. :)

Matched

(Trilogy by Allie Condie)

These ones are a little bit different than my other picks. They've got that totalitarian society element that's pretty popular these days (similar to the Hunger Games), but the love story in it is a bit more prominent. They're pretty easy to follow, and have several "AWWW" moments in them. :) Great for poolside reading - though, I must warn you before you get too "into" them, the third and final one won't be coming out until this fall. :(

Hush Hush

(Books By Becca Fitzpatrick)

I started reading these this year during one of the holidays, and continued to finish them after school started again. It is literally everything I look for in a good love story - action, humour and of course, the love. :) It was actually Emma that recommended this to me, and our friends all read it. There are three out right now, and the final one comes out this fall. I HIGHLY recommend these for the top of your reading list. :)

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
Let me know in the comments section. :)

Have a great week!

-H xx

All Books Available on Amazon.com at the Links Below:

~1, 2, 3, 4~

Summer Color Blocking

{ Zara Maxi Skirt, Forever 21 Heels, Sister's Shirt, DIY Necklace } 

So one thing about Hong Kong is the fact that there isn't really a "spring" period. The weather goes from cold to suddenly very hot. Or is that just me? But as the humidity, frizz, lemonade and visits to the beach start to pile up I have started to take out the bright colors and loose fitting items that remind me why I love this season. As a side note, by the way, I am extremely short (we are talking 4"11 here) and I have always been told that I couldn't wear maxi skirts but you know what? Heels are the key. Make em work babes! 

~ xx Em ~

"Dressing" It Up For Summer

What are my favourite items for summer? None other than dresses. :) Pretty sundresses can be worn anywhere - to the beach, shopping, or out to dinner, all with just a few simple changes in shoes and accessories. Here are some of my top picks this season:

The High-Low Dress

Forever 21 High-Low Dress

I'm still searching for the perfect one to make mine this summer, but after trying on several, and seeing my friends rock them, I've come to absolutely love the style. They're super flattering and lengthen your legs - especially paired with heels for those of us that aren't very tall. :)

Go-To Strapless

Ray Ban Shades, Hollister Dress, Cotton On Belt, Abercrombie & Fitch Sandals

Basic strapless dresses are my staples. I have a few different styles/colours. The more casual, the more versatile. These simple dresses can be worn over a swimsuit to the lake in the summer, paired with sandals out to the mall or worn with some wedges out to dinner. Endless possibilities & endless comfort. :)

Classic Summer Dress

Ray Ban Shades, GRG Bandeau, Forever 21 dress, Steve Madden Flats

Patterned or plain, bright or neutral, these dresses are comfortable and versatile. Pair them with a swimsuit, some shades and a beach, and you're instantly chic. :)

The "Maxi-Mini"

Ray Ban Shades, Zara Dress and Belt, Steve Madden Wedges

This is a new style out this season. A shorter, form-fitting dress beneath a maxi dress length translucent fabric creates a beautiful style that is summery and effortlessly stylish. They're also really flattering and can be paired with sandals, heels, or wedges, depending on the colour/pattern you choose. :) Definitely one of my new favourite items. I picked this one up from Zara at the beginning of May, and even though it significantly reduced my spending allowance for the rest of the month, I think it was worth it. :)

Thanks for reading!
Have a great week!

- H xx

~1~

My Summer Wish List

{ My summer swimsuit body inspiration }

Summer is finally just around the corner! Two more weeks, dreaded exams, and then FREEDOM! Personally, I might just be a bit excited. But with both my birthday and the holidays around the corner here is a peek into my summer wish list. But small hint I am pulling together an Outfit of the Day post for next week, so tune back in!

{ Ideal "keeping cool" hair }

{ Floppy Hat }

{ Lust Worthy Neon Turquoise Heels }

{ My dream outfit }

{ Alice in Wonderland like abode - how romantic! }

{ Corset Sweetheart Top }

xx Em

~ Images from Tumblr ~

Study Snacks!

With final assessments and exams just around the corner, study hours seem to be increasing. Here are some of my favourite companions for when I'm hitting the books...

Coke Floats

This has been one of my faves since I was a kid. Refreshing, sweet, and it contains caffeine - a bonus for studying!


Fruit (With Nutella, of course)

So, this is one of my healthier options. Fruit is the healthy part, but I like to add the sweet part so it's a bit more mood lightening. :) Hey, studying burns calories anyway, right?

Pretzels

Filling and easy to eat, and they come in large bags. Perfect.

And finally, my ultimate studying companion, Starbucks...

Whether I'm grabbing a coffee on my way home or sitting inside at one of the tables working, everything about it is wonderful. <3

For more on my love of Starbucks, particularly Iced Caramel Macchiatos, click here. :)

Enjoy, lovelies! 

And good luck with your studying + exams! :) 

- H xx

~1, 2, 3, 4~

Trending Now - Neon

As you may have noticed in my previous "5 Things" post I have a small knack for neon. Hello, those shoes? But after just a tiny bit of tumblr stalking it appears that I am not the only one with who is craving a dash of something overly colorful. Little bits of neon (especially yellow) are popping into formerly low key outfits to give them a vibe of something a little more fun. Here are four ways to rock the latest trend...

{ Nails }

{ Accessories }

{ Clothes Incorperated }

{ Army Candy }

~ 1, 2, 3, 4 ~

xx Em

April's 5 Things - Halle

So, in addition to Emma's post from Thursday, we've decided to make this a topic for both of us in the last week of every month to show you what each of us has loved during the previous four week period. :)

Here are my five things from April:

My favourites from my pencil case

Coloured Pens - It's that time of year again! With exams coming up, I've been trying to keep my notes organized as I can using different colours of pens. I think it's more interesting to look at a page with different colours on it, rather than just plain black text. It makes studying a little prettier. :)

A beautiful picture of my beautiful coffee <3 hehe - photo from Tumblr

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiatos - Okay, I'll admit, this isn't a love that's been going on during April... I am madly in love with this drink and have been for about a year now. It's just that extra little treat that I've been enjoying more and more lately as my study hours get longer. :) Seriously, if you've never tried it, try it. I don't mind the taste of coffee so long as it's not too strong, and I think this is the perfect blend of sweetness and cream with that taste. Plus, when it's iced, it's super easy to drink, and refreshing in the hot weather! :)

A twisty pony - photo from the internet

Twisty Ponytails - This is a super easy style I've been wearing to school and out on the weekends. It looks good with any outfit really. I've paired it with "boho" style sundresses, and also with my school uniform and have been happy with the results. I do it with a little bit of a side pony and then a few pieces twisted back from the front. :) It keeps the hair out of your face, and adds an effortlessly stylish twist to the classic ponytail.

Application Icon :) 

Sleep Cycle - This iPhone app is great for so many reasons. When you're often a late sleeper like I am, it helps you keep track of when you're going to bed so that you can see where you can improve. It also helps monitor your sleep patterns and how deep your sleeping is going so that you can maximize your rest time. What I like most, though, is the wake up functions. I usually have my phone in my speakers and use it as an alarm in the mornings. But the iphone ringtones can sound a little harsh, and this one has a bunch of nicer options that help you wake up feeling a lot more relaxed, since you don't have to hear a loud beeping first thing in the a.m. My fave is "Warm Breeze."

Chocolate Cheesecake :)

Desserts - There's been a lot of baking going on in my apartment recently, and I am loving it. :) (The above is a picture of the remaining part of the most recent item - Chocolate Cheesecake) Even though it's not the best thing for you to eat health-wise, they put you in a good mood and add a bit of extra happiness to your afternoon/night. :) Desserts are also great study companions - or rewards for working hard! :)

Have a great week, lovelies!

-H xx

April's 5 Things - Emma

Sorry guys for taking the back seat last week, there was just so much stuff going on.  But most importantly May has begun! And so it is time to say here were the five things keeping me happy through April....

{ Joe Malone White Lilac & Rhubarb Cologne } 

In small words, this stuff is absolutely heavenly. It was limited addition a couple months back and I have to admit, it was love at first sniff. I bought it on the spot with my own cash. A bit of allowance down the drain there? So absolutely worth it. If you manage to score one at a local shop, snag it instantly. 

{ Neon Aldo Heels } 

Over spring break we moseyed on over to South Korea and it was there that I snagged these absolutely gorgeous neon heels. They look a bit yellow on camera but I would describe them more neon and perhaps a tad bit more on the green side too. Not so... lemon-y. But they are FAB and they seen to make everything work, especially at the bottom of jeans and a nice top. 

{ Mickey Mouse Electric Toothbrush }

After complaining to my dad a while back that electric toothbrushes really irritated my teeth (it hurts like crazy, no idea why) he came home with this... a kid's Micky Mouse Electric Toothbrush. Pretty fly right? And you know what -- I absolutely love it. Hello, it sings to me at the minute mark, is really soft and seriously cleans my teeth. Brushing made fun? Check. (Sounding like a 5 year old... check...) 

{ Collection of jewelry now slightly organized }

I have been into jewelry for years; and I am talking everything from the costume to the dainty.  In the beginning of April I went through a bit of a spring cleaning (early, I know) and tried to slightly organize it on my dresser. Bracelets, long earrings, and large necklaces on a bodice, long chains on a butterfly necklace holder, and earrings on a folding plastic sheath. Whatcha think? 

{ Modern Family TV Series }

Random love of the month: Modern Family. I am completely obsessed with this show! It is phenomenallllll. Sneaky hint? They dont air it in Hong Kong so I watch it here: http://watch-modern-family-online.net/  Enjoyy! 

xx Em (: 

Yummy Sugar Cookies!

Hi Everyone!

So tonight I'd like to share a recipe that I tried around Easter with my friend Jamie. It's a pretty simple recipe we found online, and we made just a few adjustments to it. In the end, the result we got was exactly what we hoped for. The cookies were the perfect balance between hard and soft and tasted wonderful! :)

See the recipe below!

When we decided to make cookies, we chose to follow this recipe:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies/detail.aspx

When we made it, we cut the recipe in half so that it made 30 cookies. (You can change the settings above instructions so that it suits 30 servings, and then it will automatically adjust the quantities of ingredients for you)

Following this, we proceeded through the steps and made a few adjustments:

1. Once you've mixed the additional quantities, add about another quarter cup of melted butter, or as much as you need for the dough to become soft enough to move easily. (It had a bit of a shine from the butter)
2. Add one more teaspoon of vanilla. (We tasted the dough to see how we felt the flavour was, and decided this would be the right amount for us, but you can adjust this to your preference)
3. We added a bunch of coloured sprinkles to add colour to the plain cookies! :)

We baked them for about the given amount of time at the same temperature, but took them out a minute or two early I believe, just when the edges were golden, but the middles still looked soft. Then we let them cool for around 20 minutes. :)

Finally, we left some of them plain (which still tasted really yummy), but decorated about 3/4 of them using storebought Betty Crocker's Rich & Creamy Vanilla Icing and some more sprinkles. The icing went really well with this recipe and tasted great with this, but I think it could be even better if you made homemade frosting. :)

Then, they looked like this! :) :) All ready to eat. :)

Also, as you can see, we made ours mostly easter-themed, but you could make them for any occasion using different coloured sprinkles or cookie cutters. :)

I hope you enjoy these! :)
Let me know if you'd like me to post some more of my fave recipes! :)

-H xx