The Essential Travel Kit

{ Case: Marc by Marc Jacobs }

I leave tomorrow for a two week school immersion trip to Beijing (no, it wasn't my idea). So I thought that as I was packing away I would show you guys what I was bringing make-up wise. Seeing as it's a rather short trip and definitely school oriented, I am only bringing some of my essentials. Granted, I have selected a lot of these items with the fact that Beijing gets very hot during the summer in mind. Take a look!

{ Foundation: BB Cream from Japan, Chanel brush }

{ Compact Powder and Brush: Chanel powder, H&M Kabuki }

{ Eyeliners: Laura Mercier in Teal, Drugstore Black, MAC in Blue Stripe } 

{ Mascaras: Maybelline Falsies Waterproof, MAC Opulash, Sephora in Black }

{ Qualities: Lengthening, Natural, Thickening }

{ Paint Pot: MAC in Rubenesque }

{ Lips: Clinique Chubby Sticks in Chunky Cherry, Super Strawberry, Whopping Watermelon }

{ Extras: MAC Red to Shop, Marc by Marc Jacobs Daisy rollerball, Shu Uemera eyelash curler }  

My Latest Craving: Halloumi Cheese

I first discovered this item a few years ago at a Lebanese restaurant. It was served along with other dishes like hummus and falafel with pita bread. I instantly fell in love with it, as it was very unique to other things I'd eaten in the past, but also, what can I say? ...I love cheese. :)

{Grilled Halloumi Cheese}

Halloumi is safe for eating by vegetarians because it is typically prepared using sheep's milk, and is free from rennet. Although I am not a vegetarian, I do tend to migrate towards eating veggies, fruits, cheeses, carbs, etc. Not a huge meat person, though I like a good burger. :) It's also quite healthy, as it contains minimal fat and instead, a pretty good amount of protein.


I've been loving this lately on pita bread with hummus as I mentioned, or I've also discovered its deliciousness (sorry, couldn't come up with a better word) in salads in place of feta as well as on a sandwich with avocado. (The sandwich was at one of my friends and my fave restaurants - "Eat Right")

{Halloumi & Cous Cous Salad}

{Halloumi Burger}

The cheese is tasty, and although I couldn't find the right words to describe it, I felt that this summary from About.com pretty much summed it up:

"Plain, Halloumi is firm, salty and a bit rubbery, perhaps most comparable to a thick feta, though the taste is certainly unique. Cooked, the saltiness fades into a strong savory bite, with a slightly creamy texture."

It is usually served pan-grilled, and from what I've seen, can be paired with almost anything and be super-duper yummy. 

So, that's something I've been loving recently. I highly recommend that you try it, and, if you already have, let me know what you thought in the comments below! I'd also love some new recipe ideas using Halloumi. :) 

Have a great weekend! 

-H xx

~1, 2, 3 ~

Rules of Summer I

{ From Left to Right: The Body Shop Lip Balm; Chubby Sticks in Whopping Watermelon, Super Strawberry, Chunky Cherry; Sunglasses; Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume; MAC Rubenesque paint pot; Forever 21 Statement Necklace; MAC Red Racer Lipstick; MAC Red to Shop Nail Lacquer; MAC Blue Stripe Eyeliner; China Glaze nail polish in Pool Party; Chanel Compact Powder; H&M Kabuki Brush

Inspired by my all time favorite blogger Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere I decided to start my own Rules of Summer. The idea is to create a sort of miniature bucket list that takes place over the course of that summer. Being out of school makes it easy to focus your time and the warm weather brings about the adventurous spirit in all. Here are my first Rules of Summer 2012 to accomplish: 

1. Have an outdoor picnic

2.  Go to a drive in movie

3. Make s'mores

4. Go to a flea market

5. Shop vintage at a thrift store

6. Buy a watch* 

7. Sneak into a hotel pool

8. Lunch with my besties 

9. Eat chocolate dipped ice cream

10. Snap a photo with an Abercrombie & Fitch model 

* Small confession. I have a terrible thing against watches. They are chunky and uncomfortable and give you the worst tan lines. Yet my Tumblr and Instagram seem to be filling up with arm candy whose center piece is usually a delicate (yet large) gold watch. Not for time keeping I'm sure. So I'm thinking maybe its time I took another peek into the watch world. 

May's 5 Things - Halle

Hello Everyone!

The weather is hot, hot, hot now, particularly in the very humid Hong Kong, but I am so excited that it's summertime! Here are the five things I've been loving this month at the beginning of this warm season:

1. Neutrogena "Wetskin" Sunscreen

So, I'm a bit pale. Actually, that is an understatement. I have very fair skin, which burns very easily. So, each summer I'm constantly faced with concerns regarding preventing myself from burning. Before I swim, I usually apply a pretty generous amount of regular rub-on sunscreen. (I like the ones from Neutrogena as well - in a very high SPF, such as 100+) It's not too much of an issue to wait the 10-15 minutes for this to soak in prior to swimming, yet, when I'm found facing a day by the beach or pool when re-application is necessary every hour or so, this new sunscreen makes it so much more convenient. You can spray it onto your skin when it is wet very conveniently, and it does not require an extensive amount of drying time. It also offers the same degree of coverage as other Neutrogena products. Needless to say, I think this sunscreen is going to become an essential item on hot summer days.

2. Rayban "Aviator Large Metal" Sunglasses

I found these at an outlet with my family last summer on sale in the US, and instantly fell in love. I feel like this style is very versatile and flattering, and this colour is my absolute favourite out of the available coloured options in this same style. They complement every outfit selection in terms of colour and adding an extra hint of stylishness, which I absolutely adore. Plus, they protect your eyes from harmful UV Rays. What's not to love?

3. Violet "Le Pliage" Longchamp Bag

I've grown to absolutely adore Longchamp totes in the last couple of years. They come in a variety of colours, are versatile enough to match any outfit, and are large enough to hold all of the essential items - even when you're carrying them to school! I like the larger size of the bag for these reasons, since it can hold all of my books, extra flip flops when I'm wearing heels - everything a girl needs. This colour is actually from last year's Spring Collection. I got it as a Christmas present from my mom. I think the colour is quite summery, and it actually does match with more outfits than I anticipated. Other worthy colours are the beautiful chocolate brown and classic black.

4. Sperry Topsiders In "Brown Deerskin"

I used to wear boat shoes all the time when I was growing up, but stopped for a few years when I was about thirteen. This past summer I spotted this colour in Macy's and totally fell in love again. This school year, they've become my go-to shoe, and I've been loving pairing them with cute shorts and tanks so far this summer. Super comfy and versatile.

5. Bath & Body Works Body Spray - White Citrus

This was my summer scent last year, and I am still finishing up the large bottle I bought all those months ago. It smells so fresh and light, and is perfect for days outside or carrying in your purse just to make yourself feel fresh again in the heat. It's not too overpowering, but just sweet enough for summer. :)

I hope you enjoyed this post! Talk to you Friday!

-H xx

~1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ~

May's 5 Things - Emma

Summer officially started for me last week, along with the coming of June. So I think that many of the things keeping me happy last month had much to do with the coming season!

{ MAC lipstick in Red Racer }

As a little birthday gift to myself I snagged this red lipstick from MAC's new Hey, Sailor! collection. Lately, the collections haven't really been up my alley, but when this nautical themed one came out I wanted practically every item they had. Red lipstick is something that I have been looking for a while and this shade is gorgeous. The packaging is just so sexy as well. I couldn't help but snag it.

{ My view... }

The weather has just been so beautiful lately, making it easy to mosey down to the pool for studying or asking for an outside table at a restaurant.  With gorgeous days, who can't be happy?

{ MyDietDiary }

I want to call this app something along the lines of a life saver for my summer body. In a week I have already lost 4 kg (about 9 lbs)! I was so shocked but so excited. To read all about my obsession in depth check out my last post here!

{ China Glaze nail polish in Pool Party }

I've been wearing this nail polish non-stop since the warm weather has kicked in, rotating between my fingers and toes. It is such a versatile color, and matches with everything (even when I went through a bit of a green stage). It is hot neon pink that comes up almost exactly the same shade as the bottle (thought this photo may not be an accurate description).

{ Sweet 16 Birthday Pressie! }

Okay, so my birthday was on the third and I had such an amazing night. But I'm going to have to say the highlight was this, a present from my parents. Basically 16 years worth of charms, collected from vacations all around the world. From New York to Cambodia, Thailand to Monetary, there is a memory behind each gold piece. The way I'm seeing it... this is the new family heirloom.

xx Em

5 Fun Ways To Beat the Heat

Hi Everyone!

It's summertime again! :) The sun's out, we have time off of school, but sometimes we don't know where/what to do when being outside makes us oh so sweaty. Here are some ideas of fun ways to stay cool this summer. :)

Spa Time With Friends

Invite your girls over for a night in. Turn on your favourite music and get out some face masks. (I like the ones from Lush) Take turns painting each other's nails and spend some quality time together. :)

Movie Marathons

Catch up on all the movies you've been too busy to watch this year, or just re-watch your favourite classics. (Hello, Notebook anyone?) Have a good cry and a good laugh. You deserve to have some chill time after this summer. :)

Quizzes! (But not the kind from school)

Take an afternoon with the girls taking those quizzes in your old magazines. Try guessing the results of each other and see who can get it right. :) And don't forget the snacks while you take them! Bring on the candy and guessing.

Closet Organizing

It might sound boring, but one of my favourite pass-times is to organize my closet. From separating pieces by style to colour-coding, when you're finished, looking at the final product will make you smile. :) Also, you might rediscover some old items you'd forgotten about, and either wear them again or swap them with a friend. :)


Beach Picnics

If you live near a beach, or a pool, plan ahead of time with your friends to each bring one item to add to the cooler. Take it to the water spot closest to you, and spend the day in the sun. (But don't forget the sunscreen!)

Enjoy these warm days!

-H xx

~ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ~

New Posts Coming Your Way - Just On Other Days :)

Hi Everyone!

So, in order to be able to put out more posts for you guys, we'll now be posting every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. We'll be alternating bloggers between posts, so you'll get a good variety of all of our fave topics more frequently! :)

I'll be posting a new feature tomorrow night, so check back then!

-H xx