The Park Terrace

When I first arrived in Bangkok, the hotel my boyfriend and I stayed at was very conveniently situated on a road full of nightlife, markets and massage parlours (some PG13 and some not so much). Each night would be this fun adventure as to where we should go for dinner and drinks, and in the week that we stayed there we found ourselves going back to the same place on the main road- The Park Terrace.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park was one of the must-see places in Bangkok that I heard a lot about before arriving, and I was quite excited to spend the day there and see what it was like for myself. Other than choosing one of the hottest days I have experienced in BKK so far (sweat is a given when you live here), it really was all I hoped it would be. I have never been to New York but Lumphini Park seems like a smaller version, with that crazy contrast between the city skyscrapers and the rare greenness of the park.

Chatuchak- the market of all markets

I love a good market, ask anyone who knows me. Was I prepared for Chatuchak market when we arrived? The answer is no... no I was not. Let me tell you the basic stats first before I go into detail. The Chatuchak Weekend Market (or Jatujak as known by the locals) is arguably the biggest market in the world, with approximately 15000 stalls and shops covering over 27 acres of land. Yes I know, its unbelievable. Don't go with an empty purse!!

The Perfect Valentines Date

As some of you may already know, my name is Sarah and I am a hopeless romantic. At the same time, I personally don't think that love and romance requires tons of money spent on me or materialistic gifts. I prefer thought, affection and a mushy well-written card.

I am so over the same old thing each year when it comes to Valentines Day. Giving each other big fluffy teddies and silly gifts emblazoned with hearts that go into the back of closets, and spending ridiculous amounts of money on fancy dinners at that fully-booked restaurant is just not my idea of a good time. Not being able to have a nice conversation and worrying about what to order or if you chose the right outfit can easily make you forget what Valentines Day is actually about.

Beat the Boredom

Oh the irony of finally having a holiday and a break from work over the festive season, only to find that you are bored out of your skull and you have watched every series and movie on your laptop in the last 3 days (been there). We are so used to these fast and furious action-packed lives, going from work to gym to all those other commitments we have filled our plate with. No wonder we feel numb with boredom when the madness finally stops and we have a few days off!

The importance is not to fill your days up being so busy that you actually burn out, or just sit on the couch all day. Find a combination of relaxing and fun activities to do that are also constructive, and you will end your holiday feeling accomplished and rested. Here is my list of fun Christmas holiday activities to do with family, friends or by yourself.

Make Christmas tree decorations

If you are falling short on Christmas decorations for your tree this year, don't go out and buy more. Rather make them yourself as a fun activity and add a sentimental touch to your tree. Whether you do it yourself or get children or friends to help for the day, there are so many ways to create fun and easy decorations. You can use felt, paper, pine cones, fruit or ribbons. You can even personalise decorations with names of family members.

A personal favourite of mine is these easy-to-make polystyrene glitter balls:

• cover a small round polystyrene ball with craft glue
• roll ball around in glitter until all surfaces are covered
• Use a pin to secure a folded piece of ribbon or string at the top of the ball to hang on the tree

Image from hgtv.com