Blogger Interview with Internations

First published in Internations on 31 May 2012.


Please tell us a little bit about yourself.


I am Gillian, a Hong Kong based Canadian blogger who keeps a local lifestyle blog. I moved back to Hong Kong after my studies and I am totally loving it here!


When and why did you decide to start blogging about your experiences?


I never thought of keeping a blog until December 2010, when my friend Erica invited me to go to events on behalf of Lifestyle Asia, the online magazine she represents, and do the write ups for them. On February 2011, after several months of guest contributing for various online magazines and blogs, I decided to keep my own blog on top of writing for others, because I have just way too much to write about than an occasional guest post.


Do you have any favorite blog entries of yours?


It is difficult for me to choose which piece I like the most, because they are all my babies, but a few of my most clicked on posts do include a Singapore travel piece, an interview with Percy on her paper art, and a guide for men in lingerie shopping. This pretty much covers the most significant areas of my blogging interest - Travel, Art, and Fashion.

Fashion Literacy for Non-Fashion Majors

First published in ELEQT on 30 May 2012.


If you are like me and haven't had the luxury of going through formal fashion training, where can you pick up some foolproof tips on styling? Here are some of my bedtime reading materials:

Parisian Chic - a Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange is an all-in-one French style and beauty guide by their beloved celebrity model Ines de la Fressange. Through this book, she lists out Parisian women's well kept secrets on being effortlessly chic, with her daughter Nine d'Urso modeling out different fashion staples that every French woman has tucked in her wardrobe. This book is well worth the money I put in, as there are quite a few tips that I found particularly useful. One of those would be when you shop in H&M, people would easily be able to identify which piece you are wearing is from that particular brand. So how can you stand out from the crowd? Instead of shopping at their women's section, why not check out their men's collection? You might just be able to pick up something that is fashionable yet a bit less commonly worn, giving you a touch of a boyish look that the Parisian women are just so proud of.


She also points out some very obvious beauty tips that we tend to neglect. For example, you must get your teeth professionally cleaned twice annually. If you can spend that much time and money doing facials and makeup, surely you can spare an hour every six months to keep something so blatantly on your face sparkling white. She also hands you her rundown on how to be a charming hostess without slaving away behind the stove, then goes on a bit further in offering tips on home decor, as well as where to shop, eat, stay, and sight-see around Paris, including a few in-the-know online shops. This book guarantees to be of great help, whether or not you intend to visit Paris anytime soon.

Modern Twist to China’s Oldest Port - Escape to Guangzhou

First published in Spree Luxe on 24 May 2012.

The “New” New Industrial China


Guangzhou is one of the earliest ports open for foreign trade in China, so it is somewhere you can expect to see western influences dating back centuries ago. Revisit modern day Guangzhou and discover its history.

Playing with Futures - Art HK 12

Published exclusively in this site by Keely on 24 May 2012.

For the fifth consecutive year, Art HK 12 has been injecting our city with a dose of annual artistic flair, and this year our creative shot took place last weekend at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.


I was super excited when Gillian asked me to write about this leading Asian art fair, and during my visit, their Art Futures section certainly caught my eye, as they presented 35 of the world’s youngest galleries and the emerging artists they represent. I particularly like how they focused upon artists younger than 35, since it provides an opportunity for us as the audience to be inspired by new techniques and daring ideas. Now who says artists can only be well known after death?

Off the Beaten Track - Spoon Art Fair 2012

First published in ELEQT on 23 May 2012.

While everyone else was crowding over at Art HK 12 yesterday, Charmaine and I quietly slipped through to Grand Hyatt Hong Kong next door for a VIP docent tour of the brand new Spoon Art Fair 2012. Organised by the same peeps who coordinated the wonderful Asia Top Gallery Hotel Art Fair 2012, Spoon Art Fair 2012 was also set in the context of hotel rooms, provided a channel for young artists worldwide to present their collection, and enlightened the Hong Kong audience with a whole new perspective of art.

Gourmet Art - Art HK 12 X Mandarin Oriental

Published exclusively in this site by Jasmine on 18 May 2012.

It is May again, which means everyone in Hong Kong is getting their annual art fix at Art HK 12 and Le French May! I can just feel our city buzzing with activity and excitement. I don’t know about you, but I am completely OD-ing on art this week, since I managed to cram several art events in my schedule before leaving for an exotic holiday in Mauritius.

After catching the rather entertaining production of Bizet’s Carmen with the girls, I moved onto finding out more about Mandarin Oriental’s input for Art HK 12. As the designated hotel for Art HK, they sure have got an uber creative art-inspired menu by chef Uwe Opocensky at the Mandarin Grill + Bar, which is topped off with a fantastic art installation exhibition by Tang Kwok-hin at the Clipper Lounge, and an assortment of special Art HK 12 cocktails at the M Bar!

Tips for visiting Art HK 12

Published exclusively in this site on 17 May 2012.

For this year's Art HK 12, which started with its vernissage on Wednesday, 16 May 2012, and will continue through to the weekend, there are a few galleries that I am determined to take a good look at. One of those would be Simon Lee Gallery, a leading international gallery specialising in contemporary art. They decided to break through their comfort zone in London and venture towards Asia by building themselves a new base on the third floor of Pedder Building earlier this year.

A few weeks ago, despite heavy rain, I managed to make it over to their gallery to meet up with Katherine, their Asia Director. She is super nice and obviously knows a lot about the industry, well, enough to clue me into who's who. After she finished her studies in Cape Town, Paris, Florence, and London, she started working with the original Simon Lee Gallery in London, where she acquired her knowledge and skills in the contemporary arts market. As she followed her family to Hong Kong, Simon knew she was a gem he can't afford to lose, and decided to let her to start up a branch of their gallery in Hong Kong. Much to our benefit, I would say.

How to Spend a Frugal Weekend in Hong Kong

First published in China Travel Blog on 8 May 2012.

Hong Kong is as materialistic as it can get, but we do offer some non-shopping alternatives for those who would like to explore the city's natural scenery. No, surprisingly, Hong Kong isn't just made up of shopping malls. In fact, it is famous for packing the beaches and mountains along with its central business district all within an hour's ride. We even get travelers that come over especially for the hiking and surfing. Here are a few secret hideaways known mainly to the locals:

Kowloon Walled City Park is right on the site where the locals stood against the Brits centuries ago and won victoriously. During the early colonial era, since the police had no right to patrol within the walls, it was infamous for gangsters and junkies. Now, the notorious settlement has been all cleared out, and the Hong Kong government has built a quaint Chinese style garden right on top of it, with a wee museum inside describing the curious history of the land. Kowloon City was also once where our city's airport was situated, which is why there is a huge variety of cuisine available for sampling. The park is relatively close to Islam Food, which does authentic juicy beef buns at an unbelievable price, so it isn't something you can afford to miss!


Wanna know where else is cheap and cheerful in town? Read the rest of the article at China Travel Blog!

Yummy Mummy - Ideas for Mothers' Day Meals

First published in ELEQT on 13 May 2012.

I can't believe this weekend is already Mothers' Day. Have you got your plans sorted out yet? Feast in East Hotel will be supplying unforgettable brunch, tea, and dinner experience on the coming Sunday, 13 May 2012, making it a great place for your family to spend quality time together. If you haven't got around to buying flowers for dear Mommy yet, they will give you a place to prepare bouquets! You are already a Mom? Well even better! You will get to redeem an exclusive gift from Shu Uemura with a voucher from their brunch or dinner. The nearest one to East Hotel is just in Cityplaza next door, so you don't need to leave the complex for your gift. There will also be adorable girls from the Jean M Wong School of Ballet performing during brunch hours, so make sure you grab a good seat!

Nature in Action

First published in That's Zhejiang on 1 May 2012.

The best way to appreciate the exotic culture and fabulous scenery in Qinghai Province would be taking a laid back cycling trip around the dazzling Qinghai Lake, which is the largest salt lake in China. During the summer, with the cool temperature in the region, Qinghai attracts loads of tourists from around the country, dragging their bikes and tents over to the Great Northwest for a glimpse of their soothing lake, and here are a few stops that nobody ever misses!

Hairy Business - Interview with John Mouzakis, Stylist of QG Private i Salon

First published in ELEQT on 12 May 2012.

On a weekday evening, Jasmine and I found ourselves on the spa floor of Four Seasons, staring at the dazzling view of the Victoria Harbour. What brought us here? Well, we were invited by John Mouzakis, the latest addition to QG Private i Salon, to share with us his tips on everything from hair styling to secret hideaways on Lamma. As someone who always struggled to communicate exactly what I want to be done with my hair, this was an enlightening conversation, and hopefully it will shed some light for you on your next trip to the salon!

Savory Treat - Inhalo Salt Therapy

First published in ELEQT on 10 May 2012.

Jessie has always been interested in trying out Inhalo's salt spa, and was super tempted when she found out that they had a Valuup deal, so Jasmine and I went along with her to find out what the fuss was about.

The place is tucked right behind W52 and in the same building as Sheer, making it a convenient getaway during lunch hours or before happy hour. We were greeted by Caroline, who explained to us where the concept came from. The European salt miners were found to be free from breathing problems or skin allergies, so the Europeans have been recreating the salt cave environment around the world to provide the helpful remedy, and Inhalo is the first of its kind in Hong Kong, after being personally tried and test by Caroline and her family!