Britney Spears may have come up with one of the most motivational songs I've ever heard.


So it's not a mind-blowing piece of literature, nor is it a brand new dimension in the pop industry.
So it's about all things shallow - money, looks and fame.
But just simply listening to the lyrics, when you are feeling depressed with your career, when you're wondering how to live the high life you crave, or even when you seriously need to hit the gym and work out, this song gives it to you straight: You want the finer things in life, work for it, bitch!

I chose this to be this week's Thursday Tune because I desperately need the inspiration. Trying to figure out where to go from here, and needing to train for the year-end's Moount Kinabalu climb, I need all the pushing I can get to get my ass to the gym and actually work for that bikini bod!

Ok, so who are we kidding. I'm not gonna get a bikini bod any time soon. But I will get a body that's fit enough to climb for 2 days! Even if it does collapse for 3 days as the aftermath.


Don't deny it, everyone's a secret Britney fan - yes, even you!

Til next time, 
Calista xx

I haven't lost a parent, or, thankfully, anyone who would make me feel remotely this way, but this song makes me cry every time I listen to it.


To all the people who have had to deal with this kind of loss: stay strong and know that your loved ones are still around you in whichever form you believe in - looking down on you, as your guardian angel, or even just with you in spirit - and they are proud of you. Push on, turn those dreams into reality and live a full life, a life that will make you smile when you look back upon your achievements, and know that you are loved.

Til next time,
Calista xx

My fellow shopaholics of Kota Kinabalu! I come bearing NEEEWWSSSS~!!

For its 3rd edition, this annual shopper's paradise is more determined than ever to continue being the most fun and exciting hotspot for online retailers and local shoppers to gain exposure, mingle and get to know each other better. Over the course of three days, online and offline store owners will get to meet and socialise with each other and other social media enthusiasts to promote their stores and most importantly, SHOP til they DROP!

Mel & I at our stall last year with some of the other awesome sellers we met.

Not sure if you remember my post last year (you can check it out HERE), but I had a load of fun selling new and preloved clothes and accessories with my friend Melanie, spending all the money I made at some of the other cool stalls and making lotsa new friends! =D

Lots for sale at last year's Shopaholics Bazaar!

To say I'm excited for this year would be an understatement, especially considering it's gonna be in a WAY bigger venue than cramped Palm Square - they're holding it in the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall, the one next to Gaya Street? So yes! 1 - 3rd November is Friday - Sunday, so if you're a fan of the Sunday market, all you have to do is cross the road to have a fashion bonanza (and to get outta the always-blazing sun! ;p)

Last year's trend was feathers - in every colour! Wonder what we'll see most of this year?

I'm probably gonna get a stall or maybe share with Mel again, so come and see what we have to offer! I'm already sorting through my house for stuff I can sell - the amount of never-used clothes/stuff is incredible =.="

Good opportunities even arised - I shot for Breeze Magazine in outfits provided by Shopaholics Bazaar vendors last year; you can check out my previous post HERE or the full set of photos HERE =D

Ooh, and before I forget, they're having a competition on their facebook page PrettyWildDiva where you can win shopping vouchers to use at any stall at the bazaar! It's an #ootd contest: All you have to do is send in your Outfit Of The Day photo, and the top 3 photos with the most amount of likes will win!

Sponsored by Hong Leong Assurance and Coway, this year's event is more than just fashion, so bring those boyfriends to join in the fun! See you there!

Til next time,
Calista xx

Taiwan has, in recent years, become more and more popular as a place to work, shop, and play, with Taipei easily accessible from hubs all over Asia and beyond.

Striking a pose with the Taiwanese flag

Fashionable, easy-going, a city without the hardness of the big, wide world - Taipei is modern yet has managed to keep its traditions, both in its people and in its architecture.

Shopping at Xin Men Red House, built in 1908 and situated in Taipei's fashion central.

It's safe to say that many of us have probably visited this bustling city at least once, or are planning to in the near future; but is that all there is? Shopping at XiMenDing (西门町）, marvelling at the majestic Taipei 101, or shrieking how adorable the pandas are at the Taipei Zoo?

Not surprisingly, Taiwan has so much more to offer than just the hustle and bustle of Taipei; all you need to do is venture out a little (and it is a little - Taiwan is a considerably small country!), and you'll find yourself in a whole different world of nature, beauty and relaxation.

People taking relaxing walks and spending some family time at Flying Cow Ranch, Miaoli

Let Air Asia and I take you on a journey of Leisure Farming!

Now I know what you're thinking: Farming? Why would I want to go on holiday to do farming?!
Ahh, but my friend, you have no idea what joy is in store!

A beautiful morning in the woods of Long Yun Leisure Farm

To begin with, Leisure Farm tourism is not what it sounds like - no work is involved, just walks through 100-year-old pine trees, breathing in the fresh air and aromatic flowers, and watching the sunrise/sunset over grasslands/hills as far as the eye can see.

Discover the uniqueness of a holiday where you can pick fresh fruits and vegetables, soak in the hot springs, make your own salted / century eggs, or see glowing twigs in a forest in the dark of the night. Food is another joyous occasion as every farm has its own flavour! Ever had a meal that is cooked with different flowers? How about a different type of fruit in every dish? Or a steamboat with milk soup? You can be sure Tien Ma Ma (田妈妈味) will surprise you with every meal - guaranteed fresh and healthy!

Easy on the eyes, yummy in your tummy: Hualu Leisure Farm

So next time you think of going on a trip, make sure you visit Taiwan - whether it's shopping and city life, history and culture, or nature and landscapes, everything you'd ever hope to see is there! Don't believe me? Keep a close eye on my upcoming posts, and let me introduce you to some of the gorgeous leisure farms I got to visit, all thanks to Air Asia and the Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association! =)

Taiwan Must-Knows:
Currency: New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) 新台币
Weather: Ranges from 13ºC to 32ºC (When I went during the end of April, it fluctuated between 18-30ºC, while the end of September was about 15 - 29ºC, bearing in mind I was on high ground most of the time)
Time Zone: GMT +8 hours (Same as Malaysia)
Language: Mandarin (aka Chinese)
Electricity: 110V, usually flat blade two-pin plugs, so if you're from Malaysia, an adapter is necessary.

How to get there?
Air Asia flies from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei daily, and from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei twice daily.

Coming up: 
1. Hua Lu Flower Leisure Farm 花露休闲农场
2. Da-Keng Leisure Farm 大坑休闲农场
3. House of Fruits Farmer 果晨之家
4. Tainan Duck Farm 台南鸭庄
5. Xian Hu Leisure Farm 仙湖休闲农场
6. Chu Niang in Historical Lane 古道厨娘
7. Fen Qi Lake 奋起湖
8. Long Yun Leisure Farm 龙云休闲农场
9. Zhuo Ye Cottage 卓也小屋
10. Shanbanqiao Opera Life Cultural Center 山板桥脸谱馆
11. Flying Cow Ranch 飞牛牧场

Til next time,
Calista xx