Review of Mary Kay Upbeat For Her Eau de Toilette - flirty, festival-inspired scent created to capture THIS feeling

I'm a fragrance collectors, I lose count how many I own actually. Different fragrance gives me different feeling... some makes me feel girly, confident, calm and sexy! The latest one that added to my collection is Mary Upbeat for Her EDT! The fragrance name Upbeat actually caught my attention because it literally meant full of hope, happiness, and good feelings ...and that's actually the reason why I shower myself with fragrance every morning... to feel good , find hope & happiness the rest of my day!

Mary Upbeat for Her EDT is flirty, festival-inspired scent created to capture THIS feeling. Be you, be free! Upbeat, celebrates people’s love for music. There’s something almost electric that happens when a crowd gathers because of a shared obsession with music, united by their style and attitude about the world. It’s in this spirit that Upbeat, the new fragrance from Mary Kay was created.

The first sniff , I like the citrus scent as the top notes... so refreshing! However once the scent settle down it became a little bit of musky + floral scent. Although this fragrance is an EDP (Eau de Toilette interestingly the scent is quite strong at the first sniff however it went off after a while...  The bottle itself does gives a summer vibrant feel because it is in orange colour and that represent positive energy!

And according to the scent description ; here are the details for top, middle and bottom notes for this fragrance in case you are interested to know.

Top Notes

This unique fragrance opens with a captivating burst of red berries, sweet nectarine and sparkling apple. The delicious surge creates a boost of energy and a sense of excitement to last through the festival experience.

Middle Notes

Jasmine rose, muguet and wild honeysuckle add a sweet flirty nuance to this energetic fragrance. It exudes femininity, sensuality and the spirit of moving to the beat.

Bottom Notes

 Patchouli, skin musk, amber and agarwood unite to create the perfect mood for partying into the night.

Love how this Mary Kay Upbeat for Her EDT  has flirty, fruity, energetic scent with a sparkling open and a warm finish. 

Mary Kay Upbeat For Her Eau de Toilette is selling at RM89 (60ml). 

Kindly contact your nearest Mary Kay Independent Consultant at 03-7711 7500 or visit www.marykay.com.my or Facebook Page for more information. 

This is how I plan my first solo backpacking trip to Japan!

I wanted to write about this for the longest time... my first solo backpacking trip to Japan last Christmas & New Year because it was my first time trip travelling alone. I was thrilled, have so much fun and glad I finally achieved one of my personal bucket list!

I always wanted to do so but always wondering would I be able to do... who is going to take my pictures, will I be bored because I'm all alone... 

Well let me tell you ... You will meet plenty of awesome travelers who will help you to take pictures. I still keep in touch with these awesome backpacker I met along my trip! 

I bought Yi Camera action camera just before I went to Japan so that I can take wide angle selfie) and you get to meet a lot of new friends when you are travelling alone! Traveling with your friends and partner are fun but travelling alone makes you learn about yourself more and the experiences are really rewarding. Though almost 8 months have passed, it is amazing how like yesterday it seems in my memory! 

All thanks to the lucky draw I won at the AirAsia media event (thank you AirAsia!!) I got myself a round trip ticket to Sapporo. I have actually been to Sapporo few year back and I traveled with bullet train from Tokyo to Sapporo during winter but I did not manage to visit a lot of places.... So this time around I picked Christmas season to travel to Japan since AirAsia allowed me to redeem my ticket even on peak season.... yay I wanted to experience White Christmas in Japan! 

So a few of my friends have asked me what do I plan or prepare before I go for my solo backpacking in Japan?

Well here are some my travel checklist before I depart for my solo backpacking trip to Japan.

1) I only booked for 1 night stay in Sapporo because I have not plan for others night. I booked Social Hostel 365 paid ¥3,000 (about RM118/night) as it's highly recommended by my friend Sherrie who have stayed there earlier on . 

Very cosy and nice hostel to stay in Sapporo! Highly recommended!

I noticed that it's cheaper to book via booking.com compared to their website. A very decent hostel to stay actually... more reviews on this hostel later ya! 

2) Since I am going to travel in Japan for 12 days, I decided to get 14 days Unlimited Japan Railway pass from Japan Travel Bureau (JTB) located in  Amoda building.  I paid about RM 1716 , it's not cheap at all I know but transportation fee in Japan not cheap either ( one way train fee from Sapporo to Tokyo cost about  ¥27k which is about RM1k). I personally like to travel with train in Japan so convenient and flexible to move around within 14 days with (from North to South and East to West!) Now they also have a sales counter in Isetan KLCC now.

3) I bought data sim from Sakura Mobile ; paid for ¥5,940 (about RM210) for 11 days usage of LTE DATA SIM 3GB together with express shipping to my hostel so that I can use when I check in. Although Japan is really an advance country but there are still a lot of places which don't offer free wifi and I need data to check and plan my trip on-to-go. 

My trusted data storage systems! 

4) Make sure I installed my mobile phone with My Cloud app so that I can sync and backup all my photos to personal Western Digital My Cloud Mirror at home when I travel in Japan. I could conveniently search and backup all my pictures easily via my My Cloud App.

You know one of the worst nightmare one can have ...losing our precious travel pictures when  camera got stolen, memory card got corrupted etc. Plus my family in my hometown was able to view all my travel pictures in My Cloud with the access I gave to them :)

5) I have researched roughly where I wanted to go for my winter trip and one of my highly recommend site is http://www.japan-guide.com/ because they have really extensive travel guides  also forums to ask questions (which is super helpful!!). I was lucky to fond out a lot of places of interest are closed during New Year from the website because apparently to the Japanese, New Year is one of their most important celebration. Didn't waste my time & effort to travel these places to find out they are closed. 

6) I used Hyperdia to plan all your trip schedule ; they provide very comprehensive timetable of their railway and flight service within Japan. You will be able to know which stations, platforms and trains to get on in this . I installed their mobile app and it's super fantastic, I can just swipe and check on their timetable to decide on my next destination. A must have mobile application if you are travelling in Japan on your own!

7) Lonely planet book is good to have but mobile applications are always better! These are mobile applications I have all the time with me; super useful when I'm travelling. Besides, AirAsia apps for me to do mobile check in, I have used accommodation booking apps like Agoda, Booking.com and Expedia. For me apps like Tripadvisor & XE Currency converter is a must have for traveler lah... can do quick check on places of interest, reviews of accommodation and do quick currency conversion.

8) Last but not least ; the most important of my travel plan is to get proper attire for my winter holiday. Since this a winter holiday, I need to make sure I layer my clothing appropriately to make sure you keep warm. I am not sure about you, but I felt it's pretty hard to know what to wear during winter holiday because we are not used to it. So this is what I have learnt about dressing appropriately for winter holiday in Japan where temperature fluctuates between -10 Celsius to 3 Celsius. Bear in mind, wind is pretty strong and it was snowing in Japan during Christmas ..

For Body : 1st layer I wore Uniqlo HeatTech followed by Uniqlo Fleece Top or Cotton Long Sleeves Shirt and Uniqlo Fleece Jacket (as I easily get cold, I wore another fleece jacket lol) and most outer layer Down Jacket as windbreaker (best to a long one that can cover your thighs too!). Best to wear few layers, so you can remove the necessary layers when you enter indoors. And it's better to buy Uniqlo from Japan because it's so much cheaper and have more choices! In New Chitose Airport  (Sapporo airport) itself, there is a big Uniqlo outlet for you to purchase your clothing! 

For Pants :  I wore Uniqlo HeatTech Legging before I wore my jeans...for better protection against the wind, wear windbreaker pants.  

For socks, hat and gloves : Remembered to get wool socks or Uniqlo HeatTech socks or hat to keep yourself warm. The last time you want frostbite! I would personally prefer leather gloves over wool gloves because they are water resistant.

Let me share some of my personal experience about picking shoes for my winter holiday.... I hope you can learn a thing or two!

For shoes : Ideally wear winter boots which are waterproof with wool insulation inside. But to be honest, those winter boots selling in Malaysia are not only expensive, bulky but it's ugly (old fashioned). Hence would strongly suggest you to buy from Japan. Price ranges from RM50 to few hundreds depends on the quality and brand, but definitely more choice for you to pick!

I wore this cheap boots I bought from online to Japan. It's okay to walk on ice (slippery okay!!) but not on snow because it's not a waterproof boots. I remembered how my socks are wet and my feet are cold when I walked on snow! Ewwww...

You can travel with sports shoes during winter but bear in mind, it would be slippery when you walk on ice, hence best to get ice grip for your shoes or boots. It's easier to walk. I got this from online. You also can also buy this from Japan convenient store.

After a while, the bottom of my boot is coming off... So I need to buy new shoes! 

I bought this super comfy boots from ABC Mart in Sapporo station. As this is not really 100% waterproof,  I bought and apply waterproof spray on this boots for better protection. I think I paid about RM237. A good winter boots makes your walking on snow and ice easier...

Here are all the 8 tips I can remembered so far, I will add in more tips along the way if I can remembered more. And if you have not try solo backpacking, you should consider Japan as one of the option. Japan is a great country to do solo backpacking for female traveler because the country is safe, people are nice, transportation network is extensive and lots of other female backpackers you will meet along the way! 

That's all for now, I will continue my solo backpacking story in Japan for my next posts :)

 Hope you enjoy my story & tips so far! 

Leave me a comment, if you have any questions, I will try my best to answer you :)

Launch of i1holiday an integrated Hotel and Holiday comparison website!

As a person who loves travelling, I spend a lot of time doing research to compare prices at different sites so that I could get the best travel deal. In fact I'm travelling in few days times again to Hanoi :D

And recently I was invited to i1Holiday.com launch, an integrated Hotel and Holiday comparison website by World Cloud Ventures Sdn Bhd. It compares hotel rates from across all other hotel booking website to bring you the best deals. The website will continue to evolve in bringing the best deals in travel and hotel rates. 

It works somewhat like a search engine of sorts, where it pulls search results from various hotel and holiday websites such as Agoda, Booking, Expedia and more.

i1holiday then lists the best deals and forwards users to the corresponding website to make their purchases and bookings when they click on the link. As of now, i1holiday is web-based and mobile friendly. There is a mobile app for iOS and Android in the works, and by Q4, i1holiday have plans to offer travel package comparisons as well.

i1holiday launch its Cinema Ad in GSC cinema which can be seen at Midvalley, Pavilion and Gurney Plaza. They have also invited 30 kids from Angel House charity home during the Cinema Ad launch coincide with the premier of Independence Day.

Thanks for having me at the launch :) 

As usual, my travel style is free & easy, I only have booked first night for my coming Hanoi trip, so I shall hunt for hotels deals later on at http://i1holiday.com/ later on... hope I can find some nice hotel deals!

My #AltheaTurns1 Birthday Haul!

Do you remembered a picture of me showing off you girls my Korean beauty haul on my facebook & instagram last week? It's from Althea, a wonderful shopping land where you can get your authentic K-Beauty fix and have it shipped from Korea to your doorsteps (no tax no fuss!) within 10-15 working days! Best of all there are FREE Shipping over RM150 with 30 Days Unconditional Return!

And today #AltheaTurns1!! Happy Birthday Althea!! Please bring in more K-beauty products to us ya.... by the way they are having some amazing anniversary deals that you definitely do not want to miss out ! 

FREE Althea Limited Edition Birthday Box + DIY Party Kit 

For orders placed on 20 July 2016 onward, you will received very pretty pink Althea Limited Edition Birthday Box + DIY Party Kit (while stock lasts). 

Using the stickers given in the box, I had fun DIY-ing my own Althea party hat!

Free Full Size beauty products for first 1,500 Althea shoppers 

Sneak peek of what I have bought hor!

For the first Althea 1,500 shoppers, each will not only received sample but FULL SIZE beauty products! Nuff said...hurry up and make your purchase now!! 

Pick 3 Best Sellers for 100% Rebate!

So what else FREE? Well if you pick 3 items from their Best Sellers list you will get 100% rebate to be credited to your Althea's account! So you have no reasons why you do not want this products for FREE hor....add add add to your shopping bag!

Join #AltheaTurns1 Instagram Contest

After you  have done creatively designing your own DIY Party Kit, Wish Althea happy birthday with #altheaturns1 hashtag on your Instagram and stand a chance to win amazing prizes such as Macbook Air, Ipad Air 2, iPhone 6S, Galaxy S6 Edge, Canon EOS M10 Selfie Camera, Althea credits and beauty hampers from Althea! How awesome!!!

Hehe this is my Althea's purchases!

Quickly make your way to www.my.althea.kr and check out this super amazing Althea's First Anniversary sale! 

Receive RM20 credits ya when you sign up via this link or when you put in jessying in coupon code area when you register and make first purchase in Althea! Don't say I didn't share hor....shop for FREE now with your free Althea credits! 

These Melaka Hotels Pamper Your Eyes While Giving Retreats!

Melaka trip with my BFFs :)

Melaka is one of the top destinations in Malaysia. This historic state always ready to give the best retreats amidst the historical, cultural, and natural environment. And in fact of my favourite weekend  getaway city!

Another retreat comes from Melaka Hotel. Specifically, these amazing hotels that spread in the strategic spots of Melaka that ready to pamper your eyes by the lovely looks. Have you stay in any of these hotels below ?

 The Gingerflower Boutique Hotel

Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock 

This hotel is housed on the restored Peranakan shophouse in Melaka with the architecture influenced by Peranakan and Dutch culture. The interior is nicely decorated with the touch of European style. There are 13 guestrooms available in contemporary style, complemented with coffee table, coffee/tea maker, AC, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, and safety box. The bathroom is nicely designed with marble coated and features hair dryer.

This Melaka boutique hotel provides lobby cafe within dining area sets on natural and minimalist setting, both indoor and outdoor. There are also book rental, board games, and bicycle rental provided to ensure more pleasant time in this quiet and warm hotel. The Gingerflower Boutique Hotel is located close to Melaka River and Jonker Street, promising you the best view and experience while traveling in Melaka.

1825 Gallery Hotel 

Jalan Bunga Raya 27,29, & 31 

This hotel is embracing the royal colonial inspired by the antiquity with the elegant white building showing the influence of British and Chinese culture. Decorated side by side with the antique furniture, the lobby is so tempting with the wooden floorboard, brick walls, and small ponds. The 3-star Melaka Hotel presents 42 guestrooms that look so pleasant with the unique furniture alongside with the modern amenities comprise AC, cable TV, Wi-Fi, desk, coffee/tea maker, and opulence dark themed bathroom. 

The Deluxe room is presented with private balcony. If you dream about the memorable stay with 1825 Gallery Hotel, book the River Suite Room that enhanced with the wide balcony overlooking the historical Melaka River and the bathroom with the wide marble bathtub that also has the window overlooking the river. Additional facilities are available as instance garden and shared lounge or TV area. 

Da Som Inn Hotel 

Jalan Tukang Emas (Goldsmith Street) no.28 

Claimed as an art specialty boutique hotel, Da Som Inn brings the guest to feel the old time back to the year of 1611. This is the well-maintained old hotel with the Dutch settlement area showing the unique 200 feet long and thick wall underground sewerage pipes. The hotel embraces warm, cozy, yet homey experience inside the open-air old building. The guestrooms are well-designed spring on the classic nuance, complemented with desk, Wi-Fi, AC, ceiling fan, TV, desk and chair beside the window, refrigerator, and the bathroom. There is also the Deluxe Quad Room with 2 double beds that are really comfortable for the family of 4. 

The hotel serves the guest with varied breakfast, also free flow of coffee, tea, water, milk, juice, and biscuits that you can sample while relaxing at the open air seating area. There is a cafeteria that can be used also as the lounge with some books available to read. Da Som Inn Hotel is located in a strategic location, within several minute walks to the top tourist spots in Melaka, including the Jonker Street Night Market and Jonker Walk. 

The Settlement Hotel 

Jalan Ujong Pasir 

This hotel is reborn from 4-storey government building of the year 1960s that is situated on the fringe of the Portuguese Settlement. The Settlement Hotel now embraces the rich heritage of Melaka with the unique combination of multicultural influence. Stepping into the hotel, the guest will get the majestic welcome from the 350-year-old Sultan Bed that is placed on the front porch. The floor is tiled with century old tiles from the Palembang mosque in Sumatera, showing more appealing view inside the hotel.

There are 45 guestrooms inside the residence block as the accommodation. The room features AC, TV, in-room safe, Wi-Fi, minibar, and coffee/tea maker. The bathroom is complemented with bathtub, hairdryer, and toiletries. For the more private yet exclusive retreat, this hotel presents 4 private villas that are scattered on the 35.000 square feet garden and lawn. The private villas deliver more memorable stay since its were designed inspired by Malay traditional wooden house. Some facilities you can enjoy on The Settlement Hotel, for example, traditional spa village, rooftop garden, and restaurant.

Which hotels in Melaka is your favourite one? I miss Melaka nyonya food and taking picture in Klebang sand dunes a lot... I shall plan a retreat trip to Melaka soon! Anyone wants to come along?