Travel Log: Mountains of Malaysia via Cameron Highlands and Cameron Highlands Tours Review

Cameron Highlands isn't necessarily one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, but it is certainly a unique one.  It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Ipoh and 4.5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur so it isn't easily accessible.  Be careful though because the last hour is a windy one!

Cameron Highlands is known mostly for its tea plantations, strawberry farms, and breezy mountain views.  We visited for about three days and enjoyed the cool (60s in the winter) weather and beautiful vistas.  I couldn't imagine staying here for more than a few days, but am glad I visited (this is a nice place for nature lovers).  The hotels and/or furnished apartments can be anywhere from $20 - /person and our meals were usually $3/person so it is also an affordable destination.

Warning: Taxis do not commonly run past 9-10 pm so if you venture out, bring along the phone number of a driver. We ended up asking a nice local to help us ring a driver and another one even gave us a ride himself!

We participated in a tour for 40 Rs, listed originally at 60 Rs (about $13) from Cameron Highlands Tours, who I would not recommend.  The fast-talking tour operator fit 9 people in a Land rover from 1962 (including elderly people) and didn't deliver on the guide (ours only spoke when he led us through the Mossy Forest and did nothing besides drive the rest of the way).  The main tourist strip is in Tanah Rata and has a number of tour operators so do a little research there first.

Tip: When you are selecting a tour company, talk to a few first, compare, and get terms and locations down in writing.  Negotiate price and/or locations visited because they always set a higher price expecting it to come down.

Here is my review of the main attractions in the area (in order of preference):
Tea Plantation (Boh Tea Plantation in our case)
This is one of the oldest tea plantations in the area (since 1929) and its largest producer of black tea.  Some tea plantations may charge admission, but Boh Tea plantation does not because it can make quite a bit of money from tea sales anyway.  I liked seeing the tea making process clearly laid out and the views were definitely worth it.  Try to spend more time to relax here if you can!

Brinchang Point and Mossy Forest Walk
This was an interesting walk through one of the highest points in the area and supposedly an inspiration for the scenery in Avatar.  A guide will walk with you for about 20 minutes.  Wear comfortable shoes with traction and pants that can be easily washed because it is wet and muddy in there!  Brinchang Point is another nice hike.  I enjoyed any chance to leisurely stroll and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Brinchang Night Market
This is very local and very fun. My mom and future sister-in-law had a ball selecting fresh rambutans (thorny fruit that taste a little like longans), devouring freshly roasted chicken, and pointing and picking through a wide selection of other noodles and roast/fried vegetables (corn or yams).  It isn't very clean and there aren't many tourists, but I really enjoyed seeing how locals ate and lived.

Taman Rama Rama Butterfly Farm
We visited the butterfly farm, which was really more of a mini zoo.  The front section had dozens of butterflies (the guide will help place them on you for photos though we are not sure if the one on my hand got dirt or something worse all over me), but there are also everything from snakes, indigenous flowers, rabbits, and pigeons.  I actually enjoyed this because of the great interaction with the insects.  My brave future sister-in-law even posed with a snake!

EQ Strawberry Farm and Honeybee farm
Strawberry and honey paraphernalia is everywhere in Cameron Highlands.  However, a visit to the EQ strawberry farm was severely disappointing.  There is no admission and though we were told that we could pick strawberries as part of the tour, the pick your own strawberries section was closed.  All we could do was view strawberry plants for 50-100 feet behind a wire fence.  Skip it, or at least this location.
The honeybee farm was small and was located in a small garden with a few honeybee combs nestled in wooden structures.  While the fresh honey products looked interesting, I wouldn't have gone out of my way to come here.

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Beautiful Backgrounds and Being a Wonderful Wallflower

Blend in Beautifully.

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There are definitely times I want to stand out and be noticed - "Look at me, I rock!" and there are other times when I prefer to take a social back seat and simply sit back and observe.  Maybe I prefer to be a wallflower during these ocassions.

When I saw these pictures by Cecilia Parades of people that actually blended into these walls with flowers, I was struck by how seamlessly they merge with the background.  But then I started to think that blending in can be a very good thing.  If I find a beautiful backdrop and can be a part of it (an environment, a culture, a place), doesn't that mean that I fit very well with that setting?  I can be an integral part of that setting, but then step away from the way and be myself.  Perhaps the most important thing is finding that beautiful place where you can blend in and fit just right.

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup: DIY Chevron Reverse French Manicure, $50 Spa Week Giveaway and Blogging as Therapy for teenagers

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living these past two weeks:

- Photo Love: Southern California Dreaming
- Beauty DIY: Chevron reverse french manicure
- Decor Thoughts: Style at Home High Low Decorating Ideas
- {Fashion} LOTC: Jason Wu for Target Apparel and Accessories
- FFF - {Art} Fun Find: Paper Architecture by Ingrid Siliakus
- Photo Love: Asian Inspiration and Lunar New Year Celebration
- Tropicana Trop50 Review and Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: $50 Spa Week giveaway
- High Street Highlight: Juicy Couture Furry beret - ooh, la la!
- Fashion Highlight: Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

- FFF - Electric sunsets in Iceland

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- My friends may throw a Super Bowl party this year (my husband and I first met at one!) and I am loving these meatball recipes.  Which meatballs would you try?

- I am still hoping to get to Viet Nam this year and it is hidden beaches like this that make it all the more tempting!

- We all know the benefits of exercise (to negate that ice cream sandwich I had for lunch of course) but did you know longevity may be a great side effect?

- Quite a few of us share a love for blogging, but did you know it can be therapeutic for teenagers?

FFF - Electric Sunsets in Iceland and Celebrating Milestones

Happy Fun, Free Fridays lovelies!

Travel Finds
I know I just got back from a trip across the world, but travel is always on my mind!  I have heard more and more about the beautiful natural vistas in Iceland and would love to visit some day (not when it's dark for 16+ hours a day though!)  I imagine there are few places in the world where you can see a sunset with the electric colors below as captured by Joe Capra (though the sunset in Phuket was spectacular!)
These pastels are also a color inspiration for spring!

Where have you experienced beautiful sunsets?

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Otherwise this weekend I am...
...attending a baby shower and a bachelorette party on the same day!  My friend moved here a little over a year ago and is now having her first child.  It will be great to celebrate her dragon year baby and have an utterly girly time.  I am also going to a friend's bachelorette party (or hen night as she would say since she is British).  There will be quite a few events to celebrate her last days of singledom.  I don't know if I can last through all of them (jetlag=no sleep=weakened immune system=major headache), but I do love daring the bride to be to do silly things.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{Fashion} Highlight: Chanel Spring Summer 2012 takes flight

Ahh to have sat in one of the "first class" or even "business class" seats at Chanel Spring/Summer!  The airport runway was recreated with this show and the clothing was somewhat of a 1960s homage to flight attendants (err if flight attendants wore Chanel of course!)  Jackets and cuts were boxy and waists were undefined.  While the silhouette wasn't fitted (I normally don't' even take a second glance at dresses with a boxier shape), the detail was typically Chanel and typically divine.  I loved the large beads on the bodice of the dress below - they make a bold statement on a simple dress.  I also think a gradient tweed jacket should be in the works for me some day.
The mixed sizes of the stones and the tulle cape also make the first dress a quirky and wonderful wedding gown alternative no? It is all in the details (hmm or a fab DIY if you had the time)...

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High Street Highlight: Juicy Couture Furry beret

I breezed into brunch this past Sunday with my black beret/cap and Mackage Jamie coat and was greeted with "Ooh you look so stylish and French - love the hat and coat!" Ahh yes, flattery will you get you anywhere, especially when you compliment my outfit (my husband was jealous he didn't get complimented, hehe). I totally recommend Mackage coats by the way - the look is so unique and they are decently warm too (the Leigh is probably my favorite this season because of the belt and collar!)

But if a Mackage coat is out of your price range now (wait for end of season sales or for it to appear on a sample sale site!), at least you can still get a cute beret.  Now that is an accessory that is sure to please and keeps your head a bit warmer during these cool winter days.  Oui, oui!

Furry beret, Juicy Couture, $24.99

Tropicana Trop50 Review and Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Spa Week $50 gift certificate (US and Canada)

One of my lifestyle resolutions (not just a New Years resolution) is to eat healthier.  We have done this by cutting the amount of sugar, carbs, and meat that we eat on a daily basis.  This has not only resulted in leaner physiques for us, but a generally more positive feeling about how we look and feel.

I was asked to do a review of Tropicana^® Trop50^®- a line of fruit juices with 50% less sugar and calories.  The campaign behind the juices - True Resolutions - is a great way for people to share their deeper motivations behind their resolutions.  This really reflected my own recent diet resolution - yes I wanted to eat better so I could fit in my old clothing, but I also wanted to make smarter eating choices for the long run so I could live a longer, healthier life (my husband's genetics definitely work against him so we make a team effort to live healthier).

I tried the Tropicana Trop50 orange juice with vitamin D and Calcium (gotta love extra vitamins).  It was like fresh orange juice with a thinner consistency and didn't have the taste of orange juice from concentrate.  It was light and refreshing but didn't taste too diet-like.  I don't like to drink any diet drinks because of the strange aftertaste.  But I would definitely try this juice again.
I don't usually eat or drink many sweet things, but this juice was a nice and guilt free treat.

A visit to the spa is also a welcome want to treat yourself.  I am giving away a $50 Spa Week gift card so that you can indulge and congratulate yourself as you make strides towards your own true resolutions.

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Use the Rafflecopter widget below (simply click the buttons to the right of each option to note your entries) to register your entries.  This is the first time I'm using this tool so let me know how you like it!

In addition, you can reveal the truth behind your New Year's resolution on Facebook here and receive a $1 off Trop50 coupon for yourself and 50¢ off coupons for 50 of your friends. You can also enter a sweepstakes to win a $1000 gift card (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 1/31/12. See Official Rules for details.). 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Photo Love: Asian Inspiration and Lunar New Year Celebration

Happy Lunar New Year to my friends that celebrate this holiday!

Taryn Davidson for Elle

It is year 4710 and the year of the dragon.  People who are born in this year are said to be enthusiastic, fun-loving, and excitable. They are known to be honest, courageous and trustworthy as well.  These are all certainly admirable qualities and I don't mind a second "New Year"as a reason to get together with friends, celebrate, and begin anew.

I will be in NYC briefly as well as Singapore so I hope to see of the festivities around both locations.  Singapore is already decked out from the local supermarkets to the main shopping malls.  I even hear the distant drumbeat of lion dancers every now and then!  I know Chinatown in NYC will be festively decorated as well.
Are you witnessing any New Year preparations in your part of town?

Have a lovely week!

FFF - {Art} Fun Find - Paper Architecture and weekends in NYC

Happy Fun, free Friday lovelies!

{Art} Fun Finds
I am constantly amazed at the different materials that people use to create art.  I stumbled upon this paper architecture piece that brought me back to my hometown of NYC.  I love how Ingrid Siliakus created the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, and Brooklyn bridge all out of paper (talk about precise cutting!)  I pinned another one of her works on Pinterest. Come say hello and let's follow each other there as we share more inspirational/fun images (let me know if you need an invite too!)

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...flying to NYC for a brief visit.  I'm basically flying to NYC en route to Asia, but I am going to be happy to meet a few friends and get a nice dinner in with my family for Lunar New Year.  Good food cooked by my mom always makes me happy (and helps me get over jet lag, I am exhausted!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{Fashion} LOTC: Jason Wu for Target apparel and accessories

I've fallen in love with Jason Wu slowly - from the dress he created for Michelle Obama for the inaugural ball to the wallpaper newspaper in his apartment to his close connections to his (Taiwanese, go Asian men!) family.  I am also loving him a bit more because his collection for Target is getting closer by the day (I'll be setting a calendar reminder on February 5th!)

These Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) designer collaborations can certainly be hit or miss. But I like that Jason Wu has stated that he didn't just want to make designs from his runways in more affordable fabrics.  He created new pieces for this collection  - "an American girl in Paris" - and while they retain his touch for delicate details, they are also more casual and whimsical.  I love the brightness of the striped pieces and the fun prints (the cat tote is both cute and chic!)  These looks definitely translate from a more casual work outfit to the weekend.  I'm just crossing my fingers that Target's website is prepared for the traffic!

I've included my favorite picks from the collection below:

Textured Pleated from Gold Peplum top - $32.99, Pleated skirt in black - $29.99, floral lace clutch in black - $29.99

Straw and Canvas clutch in cream - $29.99

Short sleeved tee in navy/red stripes - $19.99, cuffed shorts in admiral blue - $26.99

Flared dress in white with black patent belt - $59.99

Cat tote in cream - $39.99

Poplin dress in navy - $39.99

Trench coat in black - $54.99, Flared dress in black with nude patent belt - $59.99

Long-sleeved sheer blouse in white with black ribbon - $34.99, Pleated canvas skirt in Belize blue - $29.99

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Decor Thoughts: Style at Home High Low Decorating ideas - Creating glamorous home looks for less

The High / Low section of Style at Home is pure, inspired genius for decor and design lovers.  Their creative team styles two, almost identical rooms for a situation or place in your home - a wine and cheese party, lounge, living area etc.  The crucial difference is that one of the rooms costs thousands of dollars less to style!  I find quality decor a bit expensive, but love the inspiration here.

The lower cost items came from an array of familiar mass retailers (Pottery Barn, IKEA, Homesense, Pier 1) as well as specialists that were lower cost (e.g. chairtablelamp.blogspot.com).  I love the ideas and the message that great decor may be available at a much more affordable price elsewhere!

Here are some favorites:
Boudoir High - $10,101

Boudoir Low - $4,194

Vignette- $3,457

Vignette - $1,899

Dressing Room - $9,070

Dressing Room - $3,116

Beauty DIY: Chevron Reverse French Manicure

Confession: I never really loved French manicures.  They are certainly delicate and lovely, but sometimes, the opaque edges just looked like long nails to me.  But I am obsessed with the edgier manicures today that play off the contrast between two colors on one's nail.  I saw a chevron manicure in a magazine and knew I had to try it for myself.  This look can be easily created with materials you have at home, including an unexpected one (I'll share below) to prevent the nail color from ruining your cuticles.  I also love the endless possibilities of colors and shines; while I paired matte and glossy gray nail polishes this time, there is so much that you can do with different colors as well.

Here are my steps for creating a chevron reverse french manicure:

1. Gather all of your materials and colors.

2. Push back your cuticles, buff, and apply a lip balm or vaseline to your cuticles and around the edges of your nails where nail polish may spill.  This will make cleanup much easier!

4. Apply the base coat and then your base color all over the nail.  Let dry.

5. Design the chevron top coat but starting about 1/3 to 1/2 from the bottom of your nail.  Apply broad quick strokes from the center of your nail going down to each bottom corner in a "V" shape.  Fill in this shape even if some nail polish gets onto your cuticle.

6. Apply a top coat and quick dry drops as appropriate.  Peel off any excess polish.

Photo Love: Southern California dreaming

I'm off yet again to Southern California!  Whenever I think of California, I think of the rumbling surf, fresh and light food, and easy, breezy styling.  My husband and I are always most excited about eating out in LA and near San Diego.  Food Network tortures us with reviews of various LA eateries and it has forced us to write down a list so that we don't miss out on any good morsels!  A Peruvian restaurant is mandatory as is a stroll down Rodeo drive (I may even do an outfit shoot - gasp!) and likely a visit to the Getty Museum (it has been at least five years since my last visit and I do love this museum).  Let me know if you recommend any other fabulous things in the area!

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Have a lovely week!