My 2024 Recap: A Year of Happiness and Growth

It's that time again, the end of the year. 
Time to look back, reflect, and put together a recap of everything that happened in 2024. 
As I sat down to write this post, I started flipping through my photo albums, reminiscing about the moments that have made this year truly special.
To my surprise, I realized that 2024 has been a year filled with achievements, milestones, and unforgettable experiences. 
This year has been full of achievements, both big and small, and stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things; whether it was completing projects or traveling to new destinations, each experience has shaped me in meaningful ways.
While working hard, I didn’t let go of my happiness. I made sure to do the things I love and enjoy, and I spent a lot of time traveling this year, exploring new places and creating memories. It was a perfect balance of productivity and personal joy.
Writing this recap has reminded me of the importance of reflection.It’s not just about the highlights, but appreciating the journey and the growth along the way.
I really enjoy writing this recap, not only to reflect on everything that happened but also because it’s something I can look back on when I grow old. It’s a way to preserve memories and cherish the moments that made this year special.
As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I’m excited for what’s next. 
Here’s to new adventures, more achievements, and another year of learning and growing!


Campervan Road Trip in South New Zealand: Must-go-Places in Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Twizel, Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki (Part 2)

Hello guys! Welcome to Part 2 of my unforgettable campervan road trip through New Zealand!
In my last post, I shared all the details about the campervan we rented from MAUI Motorhomes, which made traveling through this stunning country not only easy but also super comfortable. It was the perfect way to explore New Zealand’s most iconic spots.
Our journey kicked off in Queenstown, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. From there, we ventured through the charming town of Te Anau, experienced the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, explored the historic Arrowtown, and by Day 5, we had made our way to the picture-perfect Wanaka. If you haven’t read about it yet, make sure to check out my first update HERE; you won’t want to miss it! :)
Now, let’s dive into the next part of the adventure!
We kicked things off in Wanaka, a stunning spot surrounded by mountains and lakes, and then made our way halfway along the Haast Pass, one of the most breathtaking stretches in New Zealand. After Wanaka, we made our way to Twizel, a small but charming town tucked away amidst nature's beauty. From there, we drove to the majestic Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The drive was absolutely incredible; snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes lining the way. Reaching Mt. Cook in person was something I’ll never forget, it’s even more impressive up close!
Finally, we arrived at Lake Pukaki, where the water was the most vibrant blue I’ve ever seen. It was like something out of a dream, and I couldn’t resist taking a million photos. We also treated ourselves to some incredibly fresh raw salmon, which was the perfect addition to the day.
Curious to see more of the breathtaking views and hear about the next chapter of our road trip? Keep reading to find out what happened next! You won’t want to miss it!


Campervan Road Trip in South New Zealand: Must-go-Places in Queenstown, Southern Light, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Arrowtown (Part 1)

Hey there! Welcome back to my travel blog! Can you believe it’s already November? We’ve got less than two months left to say goodbye to 2024!
The fourth quarter is always a whirlwind for me because I love taking time off to travel. 
At the end of October, I took a week off to visit Shenzhen with my family for a short getaway filled with food hunting and shopping. It was a fun trip, especially since I had the chance to show my parents around places I’m familiar with, and of course, treat them to some delicious food and great shopping. I think they really enjoyed the week and had a wonderful time.
Before I shared my Shenzhen trip, I thought it would be the perfect time to kick off my first post about my incredible 3-weeks New Zealand adventure from May. I’ve been promising to update you all on my New Zealand itinerary for months, and I’m finally ready to share it with you!
We spent 15 unforgettable days traveling New Zealand's South Island in a campervan, starting in Queenstown and ending in Christchurch. Along the way, we discovered towering mountaions, peaceful lakes and charming towns, each stop prividing its own distint experiences. Afterward, we spent 4 days in Christchurch, exploring the city and its surroundings by car. And finally, we flew to Auckland to begin our North Island adventure, discovced its cultural sites and unique experiences. 
For me, this journey was about fulfilling a dream: taking my parents to New Zealand. While they’ve traveled to many places in Europe, the U.S., China and Australia, New Zealand was the one major destination they hadn’t visited, so checking this off my bucket list was truly a special moment.
Of course, the trip wasn’t without its challenges. Traveling with my parents, both of whom are 80 years old and hadn’t traveled in over 4 years, required a lot of planning. A long journey could be tough for them, and driving around in a campervan added some extra challenges. Still, we were excited to make this dream trip a reality.
The month we spent together created memories I’ll always treasure. It was a blessing to see my parents enjoying the breathtaking sights of New Zealand, and I feel so fortunate to have shared those special moments with them. This adventure not only brought us closer but also gave us memories that will last a lifetime.
I’ll be sharing the itinerary in four parts, each highlighting the key destinations and memorable experiences along the way. Be sure to stay tuned for all the details about our campervan adventure!


Heineken® @ Celebrations Are Best When Your Phones Take a Rest

December is finally here, and the excitement of the season is in the air! 
It's a special time filled with warmth, joy, and new beginnings as we approach the year’s end.
Are you making any plans for year-end celebrations? Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a big New Year’s party, or a quiet moment of reflection, this season offers endless opportunities to create lasting memories.
This time of year has always been my favorite. 
I love the magic of Christmas; the twinkling lights, the cozy atmosphere, and the festive cheer, and it's the perfect way to cap off a year of hard work. 
There's something fulfilling about taking a step back to relax, recharge, and celebrate. 
December truly feels like a grand celebration, bringing people together and adding to the fun and joy of it all!
Speaking of the holiday season fast approaching, Heineken® has just launched a new initiative that I find incredibly fitting for this time of year. 
As we get closer to the festivities, Heineken® is encouraging everyone to step away from their screens and embrace genuine, meaningful moments. In a world where we're often glued to our phones and social media, this message comes at just the right time.
With their message, "Celebrations Are Best When Your Phones Take a Rest", Heineken® is inviting us all to put our phones down and truly engage with the people around us, whether they’re friends, family, or even new acquaintances. It’s all about making memories and fully experiencing the present moment without the distractions that technology often brings. 
In a way, it’s a reminder to prioritize real connections over virtual ones, to be present, and to celebrate the joy of being together.
So, as we prepare for the holidays, let’s take Heineken®’s advice to heart: let’s make this season all about creating memories that will last, enjoying every moment, and making sure our celebrations are filled with genuine connections.
After all, it’s the people around us who make this time of year truly magical.

OFF&RELAX; Soothing Scalp Care Innovation from Japan, Exclusively at AlproスギPharmacy!

It’s been a while since I attended a fun event, and I really miss it.
Being in a room full of people, sharing laughs and stories, always made for a wonderful experience.
Reflecting on those times reminds me how much I long for the energy of being with others.
So, I was excited to receive an invitation from AlproスギPharmacy for its exclusive in-store distributorship of OFF&RELAX in Malaysia.
This event not only introduced its premium Japanese haircare line to the local market but also provided the perfect opportunity to reconnect with that vibrant atmosphere I’ve been missing.
Thanks for having me! I really appreciate the warm welcome and the opportunity to be part of such an exciting event!
I previously blogged about AlproスギPharmacy when they opened their first location at the Starling Mall in 2023, highlighting their exclusive products and services all the way from Japan. 
If you’re interested, feel free to check it out at HERE.
In my second post today about AlproスギPharmacy, I’d like to share their OFF&RELAX hair product series, featuring soothing fragrances inspired by nature.
This new hair care series not only features a variety of botanical ingredients that address different hair concerns, but it also offers delightful scents.
Each fragrance is thoughtfully crafted to boost your mood, leaving you feeling refreshed, uplifted, and ready to tackle the day with a positive outlook.
Continue reading if you’re on the lookout for new hair products that can elevate your hair care routine and bring a refreshing touch to your day. :)


Six Days of Autumn in Melbourne

Having wrapped up my lengthy post on Guangzhou from June, I’m excited to begin writing my one-week holiday in Melbourne—a city that truly feels like a second home.
Melbourne holds a special place in our hearts, thanks to Lik’s aunty and cousins who make every visit so memorable. 
We cherish our annual trips to Melbourne not just for the family connections but for the city’s irresistible Aussie lifestyle, which always leaves us feeling refreshed and recharged.
This time is particularly special because it’s our first visit in several years, and we’re excited to experience the city’s vibrant energy once again and also meet up with our family in the city. 
Our trip has a dual purpose: attending a wedding, which promises to be a beautiful celebration, and then using Melbourne as a relaxing stopover before heading to New Zealand for a three-week adventure. 
By breaking up the long journey, we hope to make the flight to New Zealand more comfortable for our parents and give them a chance to enjoy a leisurely week in Melbourne.
I've been getting a ton of DMs about our New Zealand itinerary—sorry for the delay and thanks for your patience. 
I promise that once I wrap up our Melbourne adventures, I'll share all the details about our Campervan trip in New Zealand. 
Now, without further ado, let’s kick off our one-week holiday in Melbourne!

5D4N in Guangzhou 广州: Hotel Review, Delicious Food, Places to Go, Fang Jiong Bin 方泂镔 Concert

Hello, blog! Haven't been here for months.
I actually haven’t been very active on my blog in 2024.
Work is busy, and most of the time, after I come back from work, I just love sinking into the sofa and chilling out with Netflix.
It's become my go-to way to de-stress and recharge after a long day.
I spoke with an old friend a few weeks ago when we ran into each other at an event.
We both had to admit that blogging isn’t as easy as it once was.
With the rise of social media and its more immediate and interactive formats, maintaining a blog now requires a greater investment of time and effort—writing detailed posts, editing pictures, and organizing content all demand a lot more work than simply sharing quick updates on social platforms.
We both miss how excited and committed we used to be about blogging and miss for those simpler times.
However, even with these challenges, I’m not giving up on my blog.
I want to keep the spirit of my blog alive and continue sharing my experiences, even if it means putting in extra effort.
So, from this month onwards, I’m going to work harder on my travel posts.
Speaking of travel, if you follow me on IG @mizhippo, you probably noticed that I took a month off in May to travel to Melbourne and New Zealand, and then a weekend trip to Guangzhou at the end of June.
I’m excited to document everything here and share it with all of you. 
I hope that by capturing these travel experiences, I’ll be able to preserve these memories and make them accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Before starting my month-long getaway to Melbourne and New Zealand, I’ll start with a recap of my Guangzhou trip first.


GKB Tiger Milk Mushroom @ For Respiratory Health and Immune System

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, health has taken center stage in the lives of many, including my own family.
The past few years have been a journey of heightened health consciousness, particularly since both my parents contracted the virus.
While they have recovered, their health hasn't been the same as before.
This experience has made me more vigilant about seeking out effective supplements to bolster their immune systems and prioritize their overall well-being, with a special focus on respiratory health.
I stumbled upon GKB Tiger Milk Mushroom, a fungus health supplement developed by GK Bio International Sdn Bhd, a company specializes in probiotics and fungus health products with certifications including GMP, MeSTI, ISO 9001, ISO 22000 and HACCP to guarantee highest product safety, quality and manufacturing standards.
If you've been following my previous posts, click HERE, you might recall that I've shared insights about GKB products before.
GKB Tiger Milk Mushroom specifically aims at relieving cough, cold and sinusitis; a good thing to have now, because a lot of people are worried about breathing problems in the current climate.



6 Days 5 Nights in Guilin 桂林 @ Yangshuo 阳朔 & Guilin 桂林 (Part 2)

Good day, everyone! Welcome back to my blog.
If you've been following along with my adventures in Guilin from part 1 (click here), then you've probably eagerly anticipating this post.
Well, the wait is over!
Here's comes part 2 of my Guilin trip.
This time, I'll be exploring Yangshuo 阳朔, a charming town nestled near to Guilin city.
Yangshuo is a small county located southeast of Guilin city, about 65 kilometers from the city center.
It has a long history, dating back over 1,400 years to the Sui Dynasty.
Known as the "heavenly hometown of travel on earth", Yangshuo is famous for its stunning scenery.
Many travelers are drawn to its idyllic countryside views, beautiful Karst hills, and peaceful landscapes along the Li River, which resemble traditional Chinese paintings.
We spent two nights there, and let me tell you, the overall experience in Yangshuo was very relaxing.
We enjoyed our 2 nights here, even though the hotel accommodations weren't as comfortable as those n Guilin city, because being a small, the options were limited.
Nevertheless, we still had a great time overall. 
Without further ado, let's follow me for the 3 days 2 nights in Yangshuo!


6 Days 5 Nights in Guilin 桂林 @ Guilin 桂林 & Longsheng Town 龙胜 (Part 1)

Hi there, my dear readers! How has everyone been since the start of 2024?
I hope you're all doing well.
I've been incredibly busy since the beginning of the year, trying to keep up with all the tasks that keep popping up.
It seems like there's always something that needs to be done! :)
It's hard to believe that it's already March, and I just realized that I haven't written anything since my last post on the final day of 2023. Time really does fly!
Today, I wanted to write a long post about my trip to Guilin in December 2023.
I usually travel in December, whether it's a short or long trip because I believe a year-end trip is a time to enjoy and relax after all the hard work throughout the year.
So, during last year December, I traveled to Guilin with my eldest sister's family, along with my brother-in-law, and my 2 nieces, Jia En and Kai En.
When we decided to travel to China, the first thing that came to my mind was that I wanted to use a travel agency.
I like using a travel agent when I go to China because it can be a bit hard to travel on my own.
Places are far apart, and it can get complicated, going with a travel agent helps me to avoid all the hassle and makes the trip easier without using too much of my time on the planning.
Besides, I also enjoy listening to the stories about China shared by the local tour guide, otherwise, I wouldn't know anything about the places we visited.
This trip, we choose Airlink Travel Agency because my sister had joined their China tours before and she thinks the packages they offer are pretty worth the price.
Our group consisted of only 13 people, a size I find ideal; neither too small nor too big.
I paid a total of RM2800, excluding travel insurance and 1-2 admission fees.
For me, it's quite worth it, considering we stayed in 4-5 star hotels, and the food they served were excellent too.
Well, there is one reason why we paid such a cheap price; this tour included shopping stops.
If you prefer to avoid these stops, you can pay an extra RM500.
If you ask for my opinion, I would say it's worth paying the extra RM500 without hesitation.
My shopping stops experience during this trip wasn't great, and I'll share more about it below, please continue reading to find out more about my experiences. #hehe
So, without further ado, let's start my Part 1 travel story at Guilin City and Longsheng Town right away!

Herbalife @ New Herbal Aloe Personal Care Range for Good Skin Care

As Malaysians gain more knowledge about skincare and become more mindful of the products they use, there is a growing interest in formulations containing natural ingredients that are less likely to cause skin sensitivities and irritations.
Taking this into account, Herbalife, a renowned health and wellness company and community dedicated to enhancing people's lives through great nutrition products and business opportunity since 1980, introduces the Herbal Aloe Personal Care Range.
This range offers nature's nurturing essence of aloe vera, alongside other calming plant-based extracts and botanical compounds.
Together, these components harmonize to rejuvenate and protect the skin, providing a skincare regimen aligned with holistic wellness, allowing people to look and feel their best. 
I've been a Herbalife fan since my late twenties when it was introduced to me by a friend.
I was drawn to their protein products for years, and I particularly appreciate their commitment to quality and efficacy.
Glad to know that they are now launching a  comprehensive personal care line infused with Aloe Vera, which has always been my all-time favourite for soothing and calming my skin.
So, without further ado, let's check out the new Herbal Aloe Personal Care Range.