Fashionista Escapades: Pangkor Island

We stayed at The Orient Star, Lumut the night before our trip and lucky for us, there seems to be some fair going on right next door to the hotel.

As with most fairs in Malaysia, most of the stalls would appeal most to kids and children as they focused on selling toys and what-nots.

However, there was a ferris wheel but we opted not to ride the wheel.

So for those who are interested in leaving for Pangkor, well, let me give you some travel advice:

The hot sun can be quite harsh, more so when you're on the beach, so you might want to bring a hat to help you shield yourself from the sun. There's plenty of stalls selling large oversized straw hats in Lumut so make sure you equip yourself with one before leaving for the island.

1. To reach Pangkor, you must take a ferry from Lumut. If you don't know, Lumut is about 1 hour's drive away from Ipoh, the capital of Perak. The ferry costs about RM10 to and fro and once you've bought your ticket, keep your ticket stub for your trip back.

There's plenty of ferry shuttle service from Lumut to Pangkor and as you can see, this one is quite empty. The actual truth is, there's an open deck upstairs (we are on the lower deck of the ferry) so most of the passengers are actually on the open deck enjoying the view.

2. In Pangkor, there are various modes of transportation that you can choose from; you can rent a bicycle if you're environmental conscious, or a motorbike (especially suitable for couples) or a car. Prices vary, bicycles may cost you RM15 a day, motorbikes about RM30 per day and car would be around RM20 - RM30 per hour. Depending on your group size and your budget you can choose which package will suit you most. Other than that, you might also want to consider renting a minivan (inclusive of driver) who can bring you to any spot you like, or can drop you off at any resort. As we rented the car, I am not sure how much the minivan would cost you. If I'm not mistaken the charges are minimal.

The Dutch fort in Pangkor.

3. Activities in Pangkor ranges from the normal sunbathing and a swim at the beach to snorkelling, renting a jetski or island hopping. As time was of the essence, we only had time to go round the island, took photos round tourist spots (on good example is the Dutch fort), did a bit of sunbathing and browsed for some souvenirs to bring home.

Jetskiing is one of the best ways to take advantage of the surf and sun.

White pristine beaches at Pangkor Island.

Barefooted might be the best way to go =).

You might also want to get some souvenirs as a memento of your trip to Pangkor:

Turtle fridge magnets. 

Or some bead necklaces.

Dried prawns and anchovies.

I find Pangkor to be a beautiful island. I loved the beach and the sun and the sea. I loved everything about it. The town was so small and quaint. We went round the whole island for only an hour, it was that small! The only setback was that we didn't have enough time and therefore we didn't go for any water activities at all. I was so looking forward to snorkeling but unfortunately time didn't permit me to go for it. As we only had half a day, we went to Pangkor at 10 am and had to leave by 3pm, we didn't check any hotel and there wasn't any facilities at the beach to permit us to change without breaking the rules of modesty so we decided to forgo any activities that involved getting wet and having to change.

All in all, I was quite satisfied with my trip but I was hoping for a bit more from this trip and wasn't able to satisfy my hunger for a bit of snorkelling but it was a good time off session from my hectic work.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Snap! Snap!

Since I had to practice using Nikki for my upcoming vacation, I'd say this is my best shot of the first weekend outing photoshoot. I tried on flowers as they are very static and I read somewhere that it's very easy to photograph something that is static. I'd like to agree on that since flowers do not move anywhere (except for the occasional fluttering due to wind here and there) I found that it's easier to concentrate on photographs and this is my best shot so far (with very minor editing on Nikki). Haven't managed to try out Adobe Photoshop yet but I guess that might not be that far in the future.

What do you think?

But I must say that is my favorite photo so far =D

Cheerio!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Upcoming Vacation

Gosh! I am thoroughly and absolutely excited! Am due for a meeting in Perak this weekend (I am actually flabbergasted, why oh why do they have to hold a meeting on Sunday?) But then again, with a bit of quick thinking I managed to turn my meeting (on a weekend non-the-less) into a short mini vacation.

So, I am planning to leave for Pangkor Island this Saturday. Currently counting the days till my mini-vacation, which is another two days. Wow! I totally can't wait *grin*

Will be nice to take a quick reprieve from work as papers keep piling on my desk like there's no tomorrow. Let's hope that I attend the meeting with a tan, peeps!

By the way, Nikki's coming with me to Perak so I hope to show off my shooting skills this weekend.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Went Shopping for Nikki

Today is a day spent entirely for Nikki. As so very apparent as it is, I am thoroughly excited about Nikki's arrival that I spent the entire day shopping for Nikki (making sure that all her needs are met).

Nikki is very fussy, you see.

And if not taken care for, Nikki might not function as well as she should (which is a shame really, cause Nikki is certainly meant for the better things in life).

So, I went shopping for a case to keep her in (bought that one yesterday night), and then a bag (complete with padding) to keep her in and finally a UV Filter to make sure she's kept safe from harsh UV rays and not to mention to keep her lenses safe from scratches.

Opps, not forgetting, I also bought her silica gels (which is not easy to obtain, mind you).

Now her basic needs are met. What I need now is some cleaning cloth (specifically for Nikki) and also short courses so that I can utilize all her complicated functions and features. I went for an outdoor shoot today (took a lot of lousy photos but some were indeed quite well taken I must say), will upload them later and I'll let you be the judge.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

One Down, a few more to go!

OBE's over!!! Yeay! No, make that a BIG YEAY! So, one of my tasks is complete. The OBE/ SCL workshop had just finished an hour ago. As that one is one of my major task this week (and although today is Friday and the working days are over already for this week) I still have a few major tasks to complete. Now, let's see what those tasks are:
1. Final Exam paper for the next semester (only managed to complete Question 1 and Question 2(a))
2. Research Report (about 75% complete)
3. OBE/ SCL workshop report (I'll finish that in a jiffy)
4. Self Review Portfolio (I'll do that starting Monday)
5. Book to visit Hong Kong University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong for our benchmarking trip in July (I'll get to that soon)

Gosh, seems like there's lots more to be done. I really am swamped this week. What more Nikki's waiting for me to explore the joys of snapping photographs (be patient Nikki, I'll learn soon enough). So have a great weekend peeps! Looks like I'll be spending most of it in the office this weekend.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Nikki's here!

I am very, very happy to announce that Nikki's here!!! Don't know Nikki? Well... Nikki's my new digital SLR camera that I just recently bought *happy grin*. Remember my indecision about buying something in my previous post? Well, that indecision was caused by me not being sure whether I wanted to buy or not to buy an SLR camera. Anyway, it's all water under the bridge now as I have made my mind and finally made my purchase.

So, here it is, my Nikki!!!

Nikki says Hi =p

Work? What Work?

Due to my very hectic two days (Monday and Tuesday) I finally managed to clear my schedule a bit today to finish of my research report (although by the end of the day I still haven't managed to get it ALL done, but my progress is at 75% (am very, very happy with that).

In regards to the course tomorrow, well, it is still going on tomorrow (no, it is NOT cancelled) but most of the stuff are almost ready so I am also very pleased with the progress so far. The best thing is, it will be over by Friday afternoon so that clears even more of my schedule.

For the Final Exam paper, well... I haven't gotten up to that yet. As you can see, I am NOT a wonderwoman (and pitifully I don't even have the looks *sigh*) so I'm currently planning to sneak into the office on Saturday to get that done. That will free my schedule for the following week. I am due to leave for Perak on Friday so I'd like to get everything settled before I leave. At least getting back to the office and seeing a clean and clutter-free table is a immediate de-stresser to me.

What else do I have to get done? Oh yeah, the Self Review Portfolio. I'll start on that one by Monday and hopes to get at least 75% done by Wednesday. Let's see how that'll turn out.

However, I am pleased to note that I am happy about many things today; firstly, my research report is almost finished. Secondly, I am spending tonight's dinner in the company of good friends (we're celebrating Eim's Mum's Surprise Birthday Party) and the best part is, my trip to Pulau Pangkor next week is confirmed to be ON. Praise to God, so many blessings to look forward to.

Count your blessings peeps! It's a good way to start or end any workday. It certainly works for me!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Life's a Peach but Work is definitely not Peachy

Work has been steadily piling on my desk. I am due for a training this Thursday and Friday (in which I am both the secretariat and the trainer) so my hands are a bit full with bits of work here and there. Not only that, I am also entrusted with preparing final year examination questions for both my diploma and degree subjects (sorry but I ain't telling what my subjects are, so there!), the due date is this 24th June so multitasking is a must for me this very hectic month. Not to mention I also have UiTM's Self Review Portfolio to compile and complete by the 20th June and am due for a meeting in Perak also on the same day (which might I remind you is a SUNDAY). Hopefully I can get everything settled. Now that I think about it, I am due to submit my part of the research report to my research partner by middle of next week. Yikes!
However I must admit that this month had been a very eventful and enjoyable one as I had an opportunity to catch up with my schoolmates as some of them managed to come back to Kuching for my friends weddings. It was fun catching up with all the gossip and updating each other with what's happening in our lives. Somehow it feels a bit unbelievable that we are now nearing the end of our twenties and although we are supposedly be all grown up, we are all still the same teenage girls who used to wait for the bus after school gossiping about boys and the latest tv shows more than 10 years ago. Gosh, how fast time flies.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Wedding Bells

I will be attending two weddings this weekend. One on Saturday and another on Sunday. Actually, I've been attending weddings every week for the past two weeks and will be attending more weddings weekly until the end of June. Quite intimidating if you consider the fact that I am yet unmarried and it does look like I will continue to be unmarried this year. So far the wedding bells seems to be chiming for everyone else but me this year.

Congratulations to my friends, Couple Number One: Azlin and Danial and Couple Number Two: Norlida and Rapiz; both couples are tying the knot tomorrow.

These wedding bells reminds me of this beautiful quote uttered by a bride in the movie Leap Year which I found to be a very heartfelt message that most brides would wish for from their grooms. May you never steal, lie or cheat. But if you must steal, steal away my sorrows. If you must lie, lie beside me all the days of my life. And if you must cheat, cheat death.

To both Azlin and Norlida, I would like to wish you Congratulations and may you find happiness, joy and content with your partner and may you be blessed with beautiful children and a good and fulfilling life ahead *amin*.

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Should I or shouldn't I?

I'm in a dilemma.

I'm thinking about buying something.

Something for me.

But it's expensive.

No, it doesn't cost a month's salary, but almost.

The question is, should I or shouldn't I?

Sometimes I wonder. Do we spoil ourselves too much? Buying things that we don't really need. Splurging on items that are expensive and unnecessary.

I do that sometimes. I know that a lot others do it too. So now I'm still contemplating my next expensive purchase. I know there is a cheaper alternative. But, still...

Should I or shouldn't I?

Fashionista Escapades: Singapore

As I mentioned in my last post last year that I was heading to Singapore for my mid-year holiday, right? So, let me share the highlights of my trip, for those who might be thinking of Singapore as their next holiday destination.

I had the good fortune of going to Singapore twice in June last year, one week after the other. We had the good opportunity of staying near to Bugis area and let me share that it was a very strategic place to stay; very near to Mustafa (a great 24-hour shopping spot and very cheap to boot; it is right next to Seranggoon MRT) and also within walking distance to Bugis Village Mall and Bugis MRT station.

This interesting display was found in front of a stall selling fresh fruit juice at Bugis. This certainly is a very interesting way to capture the customer's attention.

So what can you expect from Singapore?

If you're into shopping, it would be favorable for you to go to Singapore either in June (in time for the mid year sale which starts from end of May until end of June) or in December for the year end sale (which coincides with Christmas). Best places for shopping would be almost anywhere because Singapore has an abundance of shopping malls to choose from. One of the best places to go to would have to be Orchard Road as you would be spoilt choices with shopping malls lining side by side all along the road. I got great bargains shopping for Zara tops, the fabrics was absolutely soft and the cutting flattered my shape.

If you looking for fabrics, then Arab street would be the best place to go to. It's within walking distance from Bugis MRT (about 5 - 10 mins of walking) and you'd be looking at rows upon rows of shops selling fabrics from crepes to cottons to silk. Whatever colors and texture, I'm sure there's one for everyone. I'd recommend Arab street especially to those who are looking for wedding fabrics.

Bugis Village, famous for selling street wear at very affordable prices.

If you are looking for bargains, you might like Bugis Village Mall. There's skirts and shawls and tops all at a very reasonable price. You can even find some priced at less than S$10. I even bought gypsy skirts and blouses for only S$10 each.

And for those who love gadgets, my word of advise, DO NOT BUY at SIM LIN PLAZA. We had an absolutely horrible experience with a few shops there who are selling faulty phones and camcorders and were not able to change the faulty phone with a new one. Instead we got into a huge fight with the proprietor but it didn't end well. It was an absolutely hellish experience for me. Instead, I'd recommend you to ION or Takashimaya. There are more choices to choose from and you'd be certain of the quality.

If you are traveling with kids, then I'd recommend the Night Safari for a different experience at the zoo. As the name indicates, Night Safari is a tour of the zoo, at night. If you are going to Singapore for the first time, I'd recommend a short trip there as it is a unique experience that you would never forget.

Besides that, you might also want to bring the kids to Sentosa Island, a theme park with many activities to choose from.

A trip to Singapore is never complete without a trip to Merlion, so we headed there for a final farewell to Singapore's most famous icon.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

What the H*** Happened?

It's been a while.

I know.

It's been a very long while.

My last blog post was (drumroll please) June last year.

Oh My God. Almost ONE WHOLE YEAR since I last posted anything. What the H*** happened to me?

Well, apparently nothing happened to me. Here I am, still alive and kicking. It would appear that, I had lost track of time and forgotten to blog. So here I am, one year later, just realizing that when I posted that I was going on leave to Singapore in June 2009, I never returned to Blogosphere. Gosh, this is extremely embarrassing *blush*.

So, a quick update.

What happened to my book?

Did it get published?

To cut a long story short, it did *yeay*.

It is currently on Amazon but we actually are not that satisfied with the content and surprisingly, it is mighty expensive! Hopefully we can discuss with the publisher soon though. And, the best thing is, I've finished another book (currently entitled the ABC's of PhD) and have submitted it to Prof and he is in the process of editing it and submiting it to a university publisher. Let's hope that all goes well and my book get published *amin*

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo