How to travel from Beijing to Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Can't believe I'm standing on staircase made from ice!

I actually wrote a super long post quite some time ago but my browser crashed and everything was gone! So here am I writing again to tell you one of my most unforgettable trip after 2 months missing from my blog. So much things happened and I can't wait to tell you guys more! 

It has been my dream so many many years to go China to see Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. I have always love winter but Harbin's weather is another level! 

I was so happy that I finally made it to the 18th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival Grand Opening on 6 January 2017. The entrance ticket is really expensive. Official selling price is CNY 330 (RM209) and if you buy through any travel agency in Harbin town it's only CNY 310 (RM196) including return transportation. Will share about the details of Harbin-China Ice-Snow World later on in another blog post.

Ways to get to Harbin, China

Most people asked me how do I get to Harbin from Malaysia. There is no direct flight from Malaysia to Harbin. I chose the cheapest way to get to Harbin via Beijing. So I fly in to Beijing and take a train directly to Harbin. The fastest  and most expensive way of course is to fly in to Harbin from Beijing airport.

The fastest train to Harbin from Beijing is about 7 hours but I picked a night train which is 11 hours because I do not want to waste my day time taking train. 

Upon arriving Beijing I went to Beijing Railway Station right away to buy night train ticket to Harbin.

I found out later on, I could book the train ticket in advance via Ctrip app for a small fee. And I have successfully booked a return train ride from Harbin to Beijing via Ctrip where I just need to present the voucher at the counter to redeem my train ticket.

Ctrip is actually an online China based travel services provider (like Agoda) offers accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management. You can use your Visa & MasterCard to purchase. Good news that they have english language on their website : http://english.ctrip.com/

I bought night ticket to Harbin so that I can save one night accommodation. The ticket price is CNY 241.50 (RM153) for one way. 

Finally my train arrived at 8.30 pm. Super punctual! Be sure to be early because there are so many coaches and you will need to take some time for you to look before boarding.

First look at the train. Clean! 

Because of our last minute train ticket purchase and it's super peak season, we can't get sleeper on the train and only managed to Soft Seat.

Actually it's pretty comfortable and feel like our local ETS. There is also WiFi on the train but needed local sim card & WeChat account to login. 

Toilet in train also looks pretty clean. 

After 11 hour train ride, I have arrived in Harbin!

OMG so cold...it's -18 Celsius!!!! 

First look at Harbin city once I get out from train station. Looks like a big city.

In Harbin I booked my hotel via Ctrip and the room rates are cheaper compared to Agoda & Booking.com. 

Was glad the hotel allowed early check in.. Hotel looks really decent and great for the price CNY 178 (RM114). It is located near the Central Street in Harbin where all the shops and restaurants located. Most happening area in Harbin.

It was so cold in Harbin. You have to be properly dressed so that you don't catch the cold ; have to pick a really good gloves to keep your body warm. Probably I will share next time how to dress up for winter in Harbin! 

Was so excited to see ice sculptures everywhere in Central Street, Harbin! Will share more in my next blog post

Hope you love my travel sharing, do leave me a comment if you want to see more of my travel story ya! 

Unboxing Lazada Surprise Box!

I got a big box dropped on my doorstep few days ago! It's the Lazada Surprise Box in conjunction with their 5th anniversary! Scroll down to watch my unboxing video! 

Didn't realised Lazada has been in Malaysia for 5 years, time flies when we are busy shopping right? Lazada as the Southeast Asia’s leading online shopping will bring us a surprise birthday sale from today 22-24 March 2017 at http://www.lazada.com.my/birthday-sale/

Shopping makes me feel happy & accomplished...but with the increase of inflation rate every year and GST charges implementation, I have choose to shop wisely. I would prefer to shop online simply for 3 reasons

1. Better Price & More Varieties of Brands : Shopping online allow me to make price comparison easily. My tip is to look out for sellers that offer special bundle deal

2.Convenient & More Saving : I can do it anytime of the day with fast and reliable delivery to your home or office. Save my petrol, toll & parking!

3. Less compulsive purchase : Usually I put a lot items in the shopping cart when I was browsing online shopping sites, but only a number of things I went ahead to purchase after have a good think about it. Often times when I'm out shopping, I end up buying things compulsively...  that I don't really.

Thanks to Lazada team for spreading the joy by sending me a Surprise Birthday Box with curated contents just for me <3 These items will be on sale too during this Birthday Sale!

First time doing un-box video, pardon me because I can't contain my happiness <3 

A box of item filled with love <3

Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband

Saw my friend Fiona has this... and I been checking this out! Yay finally got this <3 This helps to track movement and calories burned, and I can set alarms to remind me to exercise or eat right. This is the first swim-friendly fitness tracker from Fitbit., so I do not need to remove it whenever I need to go swimming :)

This is super light and looks sport to match with any outfit :)  I'm planning to get accessory band on the right....nice right ??  

Hush Puppies Men Wallet 

This is made from Italian Saffiano Calf Leather with 7 credit card slot. This would be a perfect gift to buy for your loved one... With Father's Day just 3 months from now, perhaps you can get this for him :) 

I didn't know Hush Puppies sell Home Fragrance like this! I tried the scent, not bad I would said.

A6 Size Notebook Bottle 

This is small & thin, easy to chuck into my backpag when I go travelling. Shall use this when I go travel next week :)

Nestle Cereal

Contrary to popular belief, Lazada do offer varieties of food on their site and Nestle is one of it! They said meal is the most important meal of the day, so this will be my breakfast for next 2 weeks :) Good Food, Good Life!

Signature Snacks

Instead of eating unhealthy snacks, why not tried these assorted nuts which are made with highest quality non GMO ingredients! 

See anything you like on the above ? All of these items might be having some special deal during Lazada 5th Birthday Surprise Sale! So what are you waiting for..... 

I have started camping on their sites from 12am to see what's are the special offer.. (my motto is Save to Shop More lol!) and looking through their promo that will be available tomorrow...these are the things I'm planing to get....cos their deals are irresistible!

After attending Phillips Cooking Workshop with Amy Beh in Feb, I really really really wanted to get an AirFryer... but cannot justify to pay RM1.3k for Philips Viva Collection Red AirFryer since I don't really cook that often. Now that it's RM699... I am so tempting to get it!! What you all say ....

 Maybelline Magnum Barbie Mascara , RM10.47 ... this is super crazy deal available at 8pm to 9.59pm... unbelievable deal cos their normal price is RM36. I love how Maybelline's mascara able to coat my lashes nicely and affordable to own. Now RM10.47 really no excuse not to get it already....

 On top of that, don't tell me I didn't share with you this Lazada Special Code BDAY30 before checking out to enjoy RM30 off with min purchase of RM300. 

ON top of that, if you are MAYBANK CARDHOLDERS: It's a Special Birthday deal! Get up to 10% OFF* on desktop and 12% OFF* on app on selected items when you shop using your Debit/Credit card. Double happiness eh! #LazadaMY #LazadaSurpri5e

Once again, I would urge to visit http://www.lazada.com.my/birthday-sale/ during 22-24 March 2017, Lazada will be offering lots of amazing sales & promotions await you! 

Happy Shopping people, let us contribute to Malaysian economy! 

Cooking class with Amy Beh using Philips AirFryer TurboStar

 

I always wanted to own a AirFryer and was glad to attend Chef Amy Beh cooking class where she whip Up Some Chinese New Year Delights with the latest Philips Airfryer TurboStar which is the latest in the Philips range of airfryers.

Philips Airfryer TurboStar features a more compact design without compromising on capacity, the latest addition to the Philips Airfryer range continues to offer great tasting fried food cooked with up to 80% less fat. Not only is the new Philips Airfryer space-saving, but it is also time-saving as pre-heating is no longer needed. It comes equipped with Philips TurboStar technology that enables users to fry with little or no oil and produce food that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The TurboStar technology also cooks fried food 50% more evenly and faster with no turning needed. 

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Philips has released a limited edition red Philips Airfryer (HD9623/31) to liven up the kitchen with the festive colour. So ONG right!!! I really love this red colour! 

Philips invited a few of us to a CNY cooking workshop organised by Feminine magazine for the readers. So they kinda extended the invite to us.

Well the only reason I agreed to go is because I want to learn cooking from Amy Beh, been seeing her cooking shows on TV since I was young...so kinda excited to see her!

So she will be showing cooking demo using Philips Airfryer TurboStar.

Ingredients prepared to cook 3 dishes

1) TONG KWAI FLAVOUR ROASTED PORK 衣锦还乡

2) GRILLED SPICY FISH WITH WONDER MUSHROOMS 余庆年年

3) TAMARIND HONEY PRAWNS 甜蜜嘻哈

We used Alce Nero products and they are quite nice!

TONG KWAI FLAVOUR ROASTED PORK 衣锦还乡Recipe & how to cook roast pork with Airfryer

Ingredients: 
Main
 550 g Pork belly with skin
1 liter Water

 Marinade (B) – To combined
1 tbsp Oyster sauce
1 tbsp Ng Heong Fen (Chinese Five Spices Powder)
1 tsp Pepper 1 tbsp Salt
8 g Tong Kwai Fen (Chinese Angelica Powder)

 Marinade (C) – To rub on
1 tbsp Organic apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Salt Method:

1) Place the pork belly, skin side up, into a pot of boiling water and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the pork to soak for 6-8 minutes in the pot to allow the shape of the meat to become firm.
2) Remove and pat dry with kitchen paper towels.
3) Prick the skin with a sharp skewer all over to enable the skin to blister evenly and thoroughly during roasting.
4) Score or cut small, uniform gashes in the surface of the meat side and rub combined marinade (B) over the meat and sides.
5) Turn meat over and rub organic apple cider vinegar followed by salt onto the skin. Wipe the skin with kitchen paper towels to remove any excess water or liquid.
6) Place prepared pork piece in a plastic container. Leave the skin side up without covering the container. Keep in the refrigerator overnight to dry the skin.
7) Set the pork belly onto the PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar basket and grill at a temperature of 180°C. Roast for 40-45 minutes or till the skin is evenly blistered and crackling.
8) Remove roast pork from basket. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve at once.

Although it doesn't look that good, it tasted so good! No need oil to roast pork!

GRILLED SPICY FISH WITH WONDER MUSHROOMS 余庆年年Recipe & how to grill fish with Airfryer

Part 1: The Fish 
 Ingredients 
 Main 2 pcs Garoupa fish slices
2 stalks Lemongrass, smashed
2 tbsp Ginger, finely shredded
 Some Curry leaves

For Marinade Paste 
Marinade (A) 
Adequate Salt (To taste)
1 tbsp Curry powder
1 tsp Turmeric powder

 Ingredients (B)
5 no Shallots
4 cloves Garlic

Seasoning (C) 
1 tbsp Organic tomato sauce with basil
1-2 tbsp Kalamansi lime juice
1 tbsp Organic extra virgin olive oil

 Method 
1)Combine ingredients (A) and (B) in a food processor and blend into a fine paste.
2)Mix seasoning (C) into the marinade paste.
3)Lightly season fish slices with marinade paste.
4)Place the fish slices into the PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar wire basket and grill at 180° C for 15 minutes or until fish is done.
 5)Remove fish out and set aside.
 6)Place smashed lemongrass and shredded ginger into the PHILIPS AirFryer wire basket. Grill at 160° C for 3 - 4 minutes or until fragrant.
 7)Garnish fish with lemongrass and ginger. (GRILLED SPICY FISH WITH WONDER MUSHROOMS) P

Part 2: The Wonder Mushrooms Ingredients: 
Main 
2 pcs King oyster (Eryngii) mushrooms
55 g Red capsicum
55 g Green capsicum
2 stalks Lemongrass (white portions only), finely sliced
2 tbsp kaffir lime leaves, finely shredded

 Seasoning (To combined) 
2 tbsp Organic extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp Organic acacia honey
Adequate Salt (to taste)
A sprinkle Coarse ground black pepper.

Garnishing 
Some Toasted white and black sesame seeds

 Method: 
1)Cut king oyster mushrooms into half then into slices.
2)Mix lemongrass and kafir lime leaves with combined seasoning.
3)Toss mushroom pieces and capsicum pieces with combined seasoning.
 4)Place the mushrooms and capsicum pieces into the PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar basket. Turn temperature to 200° C and set time for 5-6 minutes.
 5)Once done sprinkle over with some toasted sesame seeds before serving with the grilled fish.

Recipe for TAMARIND HONEY PRAWNS 甜蜜嘻哈& how to grill prawn using AirFryer

Ingredients: 
Main 
 8-9 pcs Large tiger prawns, with shells intact
30 g Tamarind pulp
150 ml Water
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Organic Balsamic Vinegar
 2 tbsp Organic Wildflower Honey

 Accompanying ingredients 
3-4 pcs Dried chilies, cut into sections
Some Curry leaves 1 no
Onion, cut into wedges.

Method: 
1)Rinse prawns well, cut off feelers and pat dry.
2)Mix tamarind pulp with 150 ml water. Mix well then strain the tamarind juice.
3)Combine tamarind juice with salt, organic extra virgin olive oil, and organic wildflower honey in a mixing bowl.
4)Put prawns into the mix and set aside to marinate for about 20 minutes.
5)In the meantime, fry dried chilies, curry leaves and onion in hot oil until crispy. Set aside.
6)Add an additional 1 – 2 tbs organic extra virgin olive oil to the marinated prawns.
7)Place marinated prawns onto PHILIPS Airfryer TurboStar basket. Grill at 180° C for 12-15 minutes or until prawns are done.
8) Remove and add accompanying ingredients. Serve at once.

As significant as each dish is, it is also important to remember that cooking methods have health consequences. For example, consuming too much oily fried food is bad for the heart. This Chinese New Year, Philips Malaysia is collaborating with celebrity Chef Amy Beh and Feminine magazine to introduce the healthier versions of several familiar traditional dishes made using the Philips Airfryer with new TurboStar technology.

Unbelievable right, who ever thought these dishes with Philips Airfryer? So fast, healthy and convenience! Anyway there are two digital version of Philips Airfryer TurboStar technology, the price are (HD9640 at RRP RM1,399 and HD9643 at RRP RM1,499). 

For more info visit Philips Official store at www.blip.my or

Shop for yourself this Valentine's Day at AirAsia Big Duty Free!

Valentine's around the corner! Have you got anything for your loved one...be it your parents, siblings, best friend or your partner? Well why not get something for yourself this Valentine, after all we need to learn to love ourselves before loving others. 

Well the reasoning is pretty simple our ideal partner is a reflection of us. We will attract people that are like us. Not just in terms of romantic, sexual/physical attraction but through metaphysically - these people tend to turn up in our lives. Plus healthy relationships occur between two people who are comfortable with themselves (i.e knowing how to love themselves), in addition to one another. Love only develops after making your own happiness a top priority!

So for me I always took the extra miles to make myself happy because when I'm happy I bring positive vibes to people around me! To me dressing up, looking into and mirror and say "Hey why are you looking so pretty today", going for a  holiday I always wanted or even splurging for something you want occasionally is a way to show how you love yourself!

Shopping! Well that;s probably the best way to love yourself right ? Agreed? We shop cause we want to feel good, look good and be contributor to our economy lol... Oh well with the inflation, GST and petrol price hike, well I have to spend on petrol, toll, parking fee before I even get to shop! So now I prefer to shop online because of convenience, time & cost saving and plenty of choices.

Speaking of that I always enjoy purchasing duty free items because it's simply cheaper than in the city (why pay more when you can spend less?), usually I get on my AK flight and I start browsing through the in flight catalogue..and occasionally I make purchase in flight for special travel set :) Well I just realised AirAsia Big Duty Free who guaranteed lowest pricing has a website for easy browsing too at https://www.bigdutyfree.com . I can now enjoy pre-book duty free items and enjoy additional saving! So it's like double savings lah! Somemore Online pre-book orders are accepted up to 48 hours before you fly with AirAsia. Your order will be reserved and ready for your collection on your selected flight. Not only everyone can fly, Now everyone can shop too!

There are more than 100 products to choose from on the website featuring luxury brands and merchandise which will be delivered straight to your seat when you fly with AirAsia. Super convenience for us lah! 

So I got myself a Lambretta Cielo Mesh Rose Gold Watch... been looking for a rose gold watch forever and I'm so glad to find it over at bigdutyfree.com . It's has more than 30% off from the original  price, where it's  RM408.16 instead of RM658.33! 

And on top of that, use promo code "JSYBDF" you will get additional 10% off, hurry up use because promo code will be expire on 28th Feb 2017.

Tadaaa.... here is my beautiful watch & braclet!

Lalala.... I'm so happy with my new Lambrette's watch!

With the lowest price guarantee from Big Duty Free ,why need to wait someone to buy for you when you can buy for yourself? Plus some more can earn BIG Points every time we shop with BIG Duty Free..and accumulate lots of BIG points can go and redeem free air tickets!! Well join BIG Loyalty membership for free if you haven't!

#OOTD

Oh well, happy Valetine's people...I can't wait to love myself more (valid reason okay?) and buy some little gift to cheer up myself.. Go, go, go shop moreeeee! Don't forget to get additional 10% off when you key in JSYBDF ! 

Remembered when you shop at Big Duty Free, you save money and earn Big points somemore lor... so no reasons not to shop!

Happy Valentine's all my friends, remembered love yourself first ya! For latest updates on promotions and activities, visit bigdutyfree.com.

Secrets how to keep skin healthy and glowing during my winter holiday in Harbin.

Hey everyone! There is another few days before Happy Chinese New Year ends. Gong xi gong xi hope you are blessed with abundance of wealth, health and happiness.

Sorry been missing from my blog for a while as I just got back from travelling weeks just before CNY not long ago. I finally managed to visit the famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Harbin, China. 

If you read before, Harbin temperature during winter season is really harsh and it is about -18 to -20 Celsius during the day time ande temperature dropped below -30 Celsius and more at night. And during my last year backpacker trip to Hokkaido, the winter was below -10 Celsius already quite unbearable where my skin & lips was peeling.

Knowing that CNY is just around after I'm back from Harbin, I knew my skin cannot take risk... cause want to look pretty pretty during CNY ma :) Hence finding the right skincare range to use in winter is really important as your skin is exposed to extreme coldness and dryness . You want to avoid at all cost skin from becoming very dry, peeling, cracking and bleeding especially on your face area. 

 I'm glad to tell you that I found the right skincare not only to suitable to use in Malaysia summer season but in Harbin winter season! Kid you not...not only my skin survive -30 Celsius but it was behaving really well during my trip and I wanted to share you in details! 

This is my winter skincare regime & in fact I continue using when I'm back in Malaysia. So basically this Jurlique skincare range that are able to hydrate & protect my skin from summer to winter :)

Jurlique Soothing Foaming Cleanser (RM150/200ml)

A soothing foaming cleanser for sensitive skin that lifts away surface impurities to leave the complexion fresh and clean. It helps to re-balance skin's sensitivity, hydrate and dryness leaving skin clean and comfortable. This is suitable for people with sensitive skin.

I can smell calming lavendar scent when you lather up the cleanser with water. It's a milky foam that gently cleans my skin leaving it soft and hydrated. 

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist (RM147/100ml)

This can work as a hydrating mist and toner. It's suitable for normal to combination skin that able to restore and hydrates the complexion. 

This is one of my favourite product from Jurlique because it has my favourite  rose scent that is very lovely. Plus my skin immediately feel soft & supple after few spray on the skin, I would recommend you to warm your palm before pat the product into the skin for better absorption. For convenient, I pour some into my travel size container and carry them around handbag so that I can use to refresh my face anytime I want. This also can work as makeup setting spray.

Jurlique Activating Water Essence (150ml/RM265)

This works like a pre-essence product where we need to apply after tone before serum. This product will prepare the skin to fully absorb the benefits of your serum and moisturiser. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hand and warm and gently press over your face, neck and decolletage for better absorption. Interestingly this product key ingredient is marshmallow root as it would be able to provide intensive hydrating, softening and balancing properties to our skin. 

Love how it has really light herbal botanical scent with notes of lavender, geranium, and sandalwood. Lovely combination of scent! The texture of this product is like water but it works magically to make my skin feel soft and hydrated preparing my skin for next step. 

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum (30ml/RM288 or 100ml/RM592)

This is youth defence serum that promise to help reduce the appearance of first sign of aging i.e fine lines, improve elasticity, restore radiance and increase hydration whilst protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. 

Key Ingredients: 

- Wu-Zhu-Yu (Evodia Rutaecarpa) : Improve micro-circulation within epidermis.

- Peach Leaf Extract : Contributes to the skin’s capacity to protect itself against future environmental damage. 

This serum is a savior as it keeps my skin not only hydrated by glowing under -30 Celsius weather! I just use 1-2 pumps onto fingertips and press gently over face, neck and decolletage and the gel serum immediately absorb into my skin nincely. I love the floral scent and how the serum does a great job keeping my skin hydrated and comfortable in Harbin although the air is dry and cold. It leaves my skin visibly glowing, hydrated and keeping my fine lines at bay. Absolute love this product and I'm highly recommending this! 

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil (RM241/50ml)

This treatment oil is designed to smooth fine lines, restore luminosity and deeply moisturise. A potent proprietary blend of extracts helps protect against environmental aggressors and aid in skin wellness. Skin feels smooth, hydrated and looks even toned and radiant.

This oil is quite rich and would be suitable to use in the day & night after serum in winter. Just take 2-3 drops and gently press onto face, neck and decolletage until absorbed for additional moisturiser protection. And in summer or other seasons, I would recommend you to use this product during your night skincare regime and this would be extremely be suitable for people sleeping in air condition room. If you have extremely dry skin, you can use in the morning too but maybe 1-2 drops would be sufficient due to our humid weather.

Jurlique Calendula Redness Soothing Moisturising Cream (RM150/40ml or RM288/100ml) 

A rich moisturising cream for sensitive skin that deeply hydrates and soothes whilst protecting skin from environmental aggressors.

During winter our skin will sometimes turn to become sensitive hence I got moisturer from sensitive range to use as well. This soothing product helps to heal and restore damaged or scarred skin. Although the product texture is cream but it's light and non-greasy so it's okay to be for people with oily skin I believe.

I was a bit hesitate to use natural skincare brand in winter because I have the perception natural/organic skincare brand might be less hydrating and less efficient but Jurlique proved me wrong.

And after a month  of using the product (in Harbin & Malaysia), I can see my skin are properly hydrated and in fact skin was glowing! The pores & fine line are noticeable smaller and faded out. The fact that Jurlique skincare especially the Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum was able to perform during Malaysia hot weather to Harbin cold weather truly impressed me. Unlike previous winter trip I always came home to Malaysia with nose area skin peeling (cos the skincare was not hydrating enough) and sometimes I have to swap to another skincare range in Malaysia (it's too rich for Malaysian weather)

I also went  to try Jurlique Water Essence Skin Activating Facial Treatment a week before CNY. I'm super impressive with the facial because it really condition, hydrate and revitalise my skin.. 

I can see the GLOW immediately after facial 😍😍😍 unbelievable and this is a #nofilter #nomakeup picture!! 

Good news is there is a 50% for first trial (Normal price RM430 for 1h45m facial)... Pls go try and experience is relaxing yet effective facial :) 

Thanks to Jurlique skincare for making my skin was looking great during Chinese New Year too :) Makeup stay well and this is a #nofilter pic!

Good news to you all out there, here is an exclusive link for you to get Jurlique free sample kit to try 

https://jurliquemy.typeform.com/to/ld9gH1

On top of that, you are entitle to an exclusive 20% off  on any Jurlique anti-ageing serum. And with purchase of any 1 piece of Anti-ageing serum. You guys can save and present it to enjoy the deal in store. My promo code is JUREX20-JESSS619 and promo code valid till 28 Feb 2016. Hurry up and try out to feel the difference yourself.

For more information, visit https://www.jurlique.com/us