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THE BEST GUIDE TO A GIRLS’ TRIP TO VIENNA

January 12, 2022 by Little Miss Honey

When thinking of going on a trip with your closest girls, one of the most important decisions is where you will go. And there are plenty of cities all over the world that would make for a memorable getaway with your ladies! One of the destinations that should be on top of your list is Vienna. The capital city of Austria, Vienna is among Europe’s most prominent cities because of its rich history and strong cultural heritage.

While the city’s past is still evident, Vienna has evolved so much over the years to keep up with its growing popularity. For you and your girlfriends, Vienna is the perfect place to relax, take in some culture, eat great food, and do other fun things. If you want to have an unforgettable time, check out this list of things to do on a girls’ trip to Vienna. (Pro tip: To avoid having to drag around heavy bags or backpacks with you, look for a luggage storage locker in the city and deposit your items there).

Top Things to Do in Vienna with the Girls

Vienna offers plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure with your gal pals. Below are some of the exciting and girly things to do in Vienna with your best ladies:

Check out the markets.

If there’s one thing that travelers absolutely love to do, it has to be shopping. Luckily, there is no shortage of retail options in the city of Vienna. For an authentic Viennese shopping experience, ditch the big boutiques and malls and go for the markets instead. Some of the best markets in the city include:

Naschmarkt: This is the biggest and most popular market in the city where a multitude of local and international specialties await. The market also offers culinary delights from all over the world.
Karmelitermarkt: Located near Schwedenplatz, just a couple of minutes away from the Old Town, this market has different stalls and local vendors selling fresh produce and other ready-to-eat goods.
Brunnenmarkt: Situated in Yppenplatz Square, this is Vienna’s largest food market, with over 170 stalls that sell vegetables, meat, fish, and even exotic spices.
Mondscheinbazar : This seasonal bazaar features 200 exhibitors who present their art, antiquities, fashion pieces, and more. For a small entrance ticket, you can enter the market and see the different items being sold here.

Go museum hopping with the girls.

As one of the most historic and culturally-rich cities in Europe, Vienna has a host of top-rated museums and galleries that you and your girls should include in your itinerary. Some of the ones you shouldn’t miss are:

Kunsthistorisches Museum: This fine art museum is one of the best in the world, housing numerous works of art and treasures acquired by the Habsburgs. Here, you will find the biggest collection of Bruegels as well as artworks by the likes of Canaletto, Anthony van Dyck, and Gustav Klimt.
Natural History Museum Vienna: Located just across from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, this facility currently has on display nearly 30 million individual items and artifacts related to natural history. Highlights include the oldest and biggest meteorite collection in the world as well as the Venus of Willendorf, a statue of Venus said to have been around since 30,000 B.C.
Leopold Museum: Found in the prominent MuseumsQuartier in the city, the Leopold Museum boasts an array of pieces created by Gustav Klimt and is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Viennese artist Egon Schiele.
MAK – Museum for Applied Arts: This museum, housed in a neo-Renaissance building, also doubles as an exhibition space for all things design. The exhibits have everything from furniture, textiles, glass, china, and other items that existed between the Middle Ages and the present day.

3. Watch a live performance at the Vienna State Opera.

Austria is synonymous with music and opera. After all, it is the birthplace of some of the world’s most celebrated musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss. Located in the capital is one of the top opera houses in the world – the Vienna State Opera. This 19th-century building, which will definitely catch your eye with its bright lights and stunning exteriors, is a performance space as well as the headquarters of the world-renowned Vienna State Ballet.

At the Opera House, more than 350 live performances are held throughout the season featuring over 50 different companies. The shows here are predominantly opera or ballet productions. Take your ladies for a night out and soak up some of the city’s culture by buying a ticket to one of the numerous live events held at the Vienna State Opera

4. Check out the hip bars in the city.

No girls’ trip to anywhere would be complete without grabbing the chance to relax, unwind and have a few drinks with your best friends. Fortunately, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to nightlife options in the “City of Dreams”.

Even though Austria is famous for its spritzers, the local drinking scene in the capital has plenty more to offer – from wines and beer to trendy cocktails. Some of our top picks on where to go for a drink when in Vienna are:

5. Walk the famous Ringstrasse.

You and your girlfriends cannot leave the city of Vienna without strolling the iconic avenue known as the Ringstrasse, also called Ring Road. Constructed in 1857 during the reign of Franz Joseph I, the grand boulevard was meant to highlight the best architecture borne out of the Habsburg Empire.

The 6.5-kilometer-long street is lined with exotic trees, botanical gardens, and historical landmarks. As a matter of fact, the Ringstrasse is home to a number of the top attractions in Vienna, including the Imperial Palace, the Hofburg Palace, the Parliament Building, the National Library the National History Museum, Vienna State Opera, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Spending one afternoon strolling the Ringstrasse is not only a chance to hang out, but it is also one of the best ways to go sightseeing.

Sources:

https://www.vienna-unwrapped.com/vienna-travel-tips-for-ladies/

https://girlsgetaway.com/2013/07/top-10-girlie-things-to-do-in-vienna/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/austria/vienna/articles/vienna-travel-guide/

https://www.her.ie/life/vienna-bucket-list-9-things-must-see-city-dreams-331758

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/vienna

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/austria/vienna

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/europe/austria/vienna/

https://travel.usnews.com/Vienna_Austria/

CREATING LASTING MEMORIES IN SINGAPORE WITH BESPOKE PHOTOGRAPHY

March 4, 2019 by Little Miss Honey Leave a Comment

For 6 years, Singapore has became a second home to me and my family. In this beautiful country, I have gotten my first official job as a doctor, became a wife & a mother to 3 adorable boys, got recognised as a lifestyle blogger and collected wonderful memories, experiences & friendships along the way. But like any good adventure book, my chapter in Singapore will come to an end as another chapter of new adventure to another country is beckoning us to turn a new page.

So to preserve the memories of Singapore, I thought having an official family photoshoot would be the best way to create lasting beautiful memories. I partnered with Bespoke Photography to capture our Singapore life chapter and preserve it for a lifetime. I saw their amazing portfolio, both photography and videography, and my husband & I were certain that we have the perfect team to achieve the vision we want.

Bespoke Photography is a family of talented and experienced photographers that captures youthful and vibrant images that is tailored-made to your preference. They have an extensive list of services from wedding, newborn shoot, family photos, maternity shoot, events, birthdays and even pet photography. They believe in capturing photos in natural light to accentuate the subject’s best feature and utilised photography’s rule of third in the most artistic and skilled technique.

When we were brainstorming on the venue for the photoshoot, I thought of Singapore Botanic Gardens because in our years here in Singapore, we have never visited it yet and I was thinking that it would be a good opportunity to hit two birds in one stone – visit Singapore Botanic Gardens and have our family pictorial. (Don’t worry, we didn’t hit any actual birds in the garden, in case you are wondering.)

It was a very sunny Saturday morning when my little family together with our nanny headed to Singapore Botanic Gardens to meet with Bespoke photographer. It was suggested that we wear light color clothes to contrast the vibrant surroundings of the place. It was nice that Bespoke took the lead when we started and knows the best spots for good photos in Botanical Gardens. We observe the professionalism and attentiveness of the Bespoke photographer. My family and I were initially awkward and conscious with lenses directed at us. But we were instructed that we didn’t need to pose or look at the camera. So we just enjoyed our time with each other as the camera clicked away capturing moments & memories. We noticed that Bespoke will bend down low or tiptoe up high to get the best photography angle for their customers even under the blazing hot Singapore sun. Taking photos of a family with young children especially very active young boys that can be challenging to direct and with short attention span, it wasn’t a problem with Bespoke. Photographer was very patient with the kids and got wonderful images of my toddlers climbing trees & having a grand playtime fun. I was happy we also had some photos together with our nanny, who has been like a family to us. I also took the opportunity to have some solo photos to update my photo for my About Me section of my blog.

It was an enjoyable photo shoot for the family. We were even more delighted when we got the final results of the photos a few days after the shoot. Here are some of the photos from our family pictorial:

Are you keen to preserve memories too? You may not be moving to another country like us but you may want to document your child’s first few weeks in cute photos, prenuptial pictorials, a fun group photoshoot of your kakis before you all head off to Uni and many other events in your life you want to preserve in a time capsule. Bespoke Photography is there for you to photograph the exquisite and eternalise moments.

For more information, head over to their site. Check out their rates here.

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MY DAILY TEA HABIT WITH AEQUILIBRIUM TEA

January 18, 2019 by Little Miss Honey 36 Comments

I love routines and rituals. It keeps me calm & grounded. After a day’s work, I love to come home and feel relaxed. So what I would often do is to take a warm shower as I get home then after, I would make myself a warm cup of tea. I learned about herbal teas from my colleagues in the office who would bring some from overseas and I started enjoying them a lot.

Now, I am happy to discover an artisan, quality tea company right here in Singapore, the Aequilibrium Tea. The packaging of their brand is so exquisite & classy. Aequilibrium is inspired from the Latin Libra like to Zodiac meaning balance & perfect equality which indeed Aequilibrium Tea gives me when I relax drinking it after a busy day at work. They are a lifestyle brand for tea lovers that allows them to enjoy quality tea made from traditional herbs & fresh ingredients and inspires them to have a more holistic approach to life. Their tea selections are carefully mixed to have the most pleasant aroma, taste and therapeutic benefits to attain the perfect balance of Qi – Yin & Yang.

I would heat up a pitcher of water and I would steep my chosen Aequilibrium Tea for that night in my floral tea cup. I would often drink my tea slowly while I jot my gratitude list for the day, taking the opportunity of peace & calm when the kids are in the playground.

Aequilibrium has two series. The Floral series and the Herbal Series.

The Floral Series are:

Ladies First – consist of Mulberry, Goji Berry, Rose & Chrysanthemum. It dispels internal heat, replenish Yin & blood.
Kiss From A Rose – consist of Rose & Lavender. It provides calming effect
Sweet Dreams – consist of Chamomile & Lavender. It stimulates sleep & relaxation.
Cool Harmony– Honeysuckle flowers & Chrysanthemum. It dispels heat in body and provides a refreshing effect.
Heavenly Osmanthus– consist of oolong leaves and osmanthus. It improves skin quality and boost lung health.

The Herbal Series are:

Relaxation – consist of Goji Berry, Chrysanthemum, Rose & Stevia leaves. It relieves stress and dispels heat in liver
Mind Calming– consist Dried Longan, Goji Berry, Red Dates & Chamomile. It soothes the mind, replenish Yin & blood and stimulates sleep & relaxation.
Tea-Tox– consist of Hawthorn slices, Cassia seeds, Chrysanthemum & Green Tea leaves. It improves digestion and help weight loss.
Soothing Sensation– consist of Hawthorn slices, Mulberry leaves & Chrysanthemum. It provides a relief for your throat.
Four Treasures– consist of Chrysanthemum, Oolong leaves, American Ginseng & Dried Longan. It strengthen immune system and provides a calming effect on your mind.

My favorite among the tea selection is the Ladies First for its very smooth blend & calming effects. I also love the Tea-Tox because it is helping me with my weight loss.

My nightly Aequilibrium tea habit is one of things I look forward to every night going home from work, second to seeing & being with my boys. I feel like I have this little ritual that allows me to pause and calibrate my day. It strengthen my practice of mindfulness when I enjoy sipping my tea, feeling the soothing warmth gliding through my lips, tongue and throat. I learned that popular tidying expert, Marie Kondo, also have a herbal tea habit usually on the start of her day.

Do you want to start your Daily Tea Ritual too?

I recommend you try Aequilibrium Tea. They are perfect gifts too. They do corporate gifts and wedding favours. They also can organised Health Talk by Certified TCM physician, tea workshops, pop-up booths and private parties.

If you want to know more about Aequilibrium Tea, check their Instagram and Facebook.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Aequilibrium Tea. All opinions are my own. Regardless, I only recommend products which I personally believe will be good for my readers.