Blog - Page 8 of 56 - The A List

It's been a little while since I shared something fun about me, and since I have a lot of new readers here, I thought I'd re-introduce myself with some personal facts. A lot of you have been following me or reading here since my blog began in 2014, so some of these facts you may have already known. Most of you know that I was Miss USA in 2011, and most of you know that for 10 years I was a redhead. Most of you know how much I love to travel, and most of you know that I am obsessed with my fur babies. Inside are some fun facts you probably didn't know. Do we share any fun facts in common?

May 30, 2021

Alyssa's Thoughts

Hong Kong

10 Fun Facts About Me

For those who are new around here, I was crowned Miss USA in 2011 (this upcoming June marks 10 years since I was crowned), and that gave me the right to compete at Miss Universe representing the United States. I have experience being at this magnificent event, and so I know exactly what those young women are going through as they endure long hours of rehearsals with swollen feet and blisters, all-night video shoots, and fierce competition. I know what it's like to have so much support surrounding you, to feel loved and cheered on by people all over the world. But I also know what it's like to receive hate and to endure such intense cyberbullying that it forever affects you as a person. Brace yourself for a long read, as this is an extremely personal story with a lot of intense and sensitive revelations.

May 7, 2021

Alyssa's Thoughts

Hong Kong

Words Have Power

Two weeks ago, I turned 31. It wasn't a milestone birthday, but since I had spent my 30th birthday in quarantine after returning from London at the beginning of the pandemic, I wasn't going to object to doing something special this year. As COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Hong Kong, as well as case numbers continuing to decrease (0 new cases were recorded during our visit), I was looking forward to a more "normal" birthday. So when the Four Seasons Hong Kong invited me for a rejuvenating staycation over my birthday weekend, which happens to coincide with the Four Seasons brand's birthday, I packed my bags several days beforehand and couldn't wait to finally visit one of the most renowned luxury hotels in the city.

April 5, 2021

Collaborations

A Rejuvenating Birthday at Four Seasons Hong Kong

Despite chopping my hair shorter, I didn't really need to change any of my hair care products that I had been relying on to grow my hair out naturally and to keep it healthy. I did switch things up a bit for a little while, but ultimately decided to go back to my usual routine and usual products, which I share below. I just want to point out that hair care is more than just what you use on your head - it also involves eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, using certain tools, and limiting heat.

April 3, 2021

Beauty

What I Currently Use On My Hair

From warmer, sunny days to the scent of fresh flowers beginning to bloom, it's official - spring is here. It was a pretty dreary winter for many reasons, so spring feels like a much needed and very welcome arrival. The birds have started singing their seasonal hymns and there's a feeling in the air of brighter, happier days ahead. What better way to fully immerse yourself in springtime than to have it reflect in your wardrobe colors?

March 29, 2021

spring

The Best Color Combination for Spring: Lilac and Green

For those that have been following me for the last year and a half, there's been one special furry addition to my life. Over a year and a half ago, I was introduced to a lovely little lad named Argos here in Hong Kong. You've seen Argos make a few cameos on my social media, usually by photobombing my photo shoots because he loves attention, and he's even appeared on the blog when we stayed at the Rosewood Hong Kong back in 2019. Named after Odysseus's loyal dog in The Odyssey, he's my beau's dog, having been adopted in Australia. He is one unique little fella, both in personality and physicality (he has alopecia on the underside of his body which makes him feel like smooth velvet). I wasn't sure what our relationship would be like when we first met, so this is the story of our journey and our new bond.

March 14, 2021

Alyssa's Thoughts

Hong Kong

Argos And Me: Our Story

Hong Kong is a very vertical city, with skyscrapers and buildings towering over the winding streets below. It's difficult to have a bad view of Hong Kong from pretty much any point, however being up in the sky provides you an opportunity to oversee everything in the city. Towering over the neighborhood of Admiralty on Hong Kong Island is the JW Marriott, and on the top few floors of that houses one of the most luxurious hotels in the city - The Upper House.

March 11, 2021

Collaborations

Hong Kong

Up in the Sky at The Upper House

There were so many aspects of Bridgerton that we loved, with the costumes making us swoon (along with the handsome Duke of Hastings). While we don't dress that way anymore, although personally I don't think I could remain in a corset all day long, the style is still an inspiration today. With elegant patterns and modest silhouettes, it's possible to feel like you're on the set of Bridgerton this spring and summer. I'm sharing some beautiful pieces that are very Bridgerton-like, as well as sharing who my favorite character is. I bet you can guess though...

March 10, 2021

dresses

Hong Kong

Spring Style Inspired by Bridgerton

It's officially March (which is crazy - how is it March already?!). Spring is literally right around the corner, which means the weather start to change, the days will slowly become longer, and flowers will start to bloom. Other things that will change include our wardrobe, with winter pieces being switched for spring and summer pieces that have been in storage. Sweaters will be traded for dresses and coats will be traded for swimsuits. One style accessory that doesn't have to be switched out just yet are boots, which springtime being the optimal time to transition your spring wardrobe with boots.

March 1, 2021

spring

Hong Kong

The Best Boots to Transition to Spring

Hội An is an extremely popular destination for Tết for Vietnamese nationals and international tourists due to it’s proximity to the sea but also due to its pride in local culture. I had always wanted to visit Vietnam, and was originally supposed to visit in September 2019 but postponed until January 2020 to be able to celebrate Lunar New Year in Vietnam. I had my heart set on the beautiful, lantern filled, canal city of Hội An as the perfect place to ring in the new year and to introduce myself to Vietnam.

February 5, 2021

Vietnam

Vietnam

Celebrating Tết in Hội An

Located on a private stretch of the beautiful Ha My Beach, the all villa The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is a stunning home away from home while taking in the beauties and wonders of Hội An. Lunar New Year, or Tết as it is known in Vietnam, coincides with Lunar New Year celebrations in Hong Kong, China, Korea, Laos, Singapore, and Thailand, making it an exciting time to visit. There was one place that was more than perfect for not just my first visit to Hội An and Vietnam, but also for my first Tết – The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. Read through to learn more about the Lunar New Year celebrations at this amazing resort.

January 30, 2021

Vietnam

Vietnam

Lunar New Year at Four Seasons The Nam Hai

I try to invest in coats that will last years as well as work with several different outfits. Most of the coats in my closet are several years old but still look and feel brand new despite being worn continuously over the years. They also continually pair with my style and outfits every year, even if my style slightly changes or evolves. Plus, finding coats that will remain a staple in your closet is both environmentally and economically friendly.

January 24, 2021

fall

Hong Kong

Favorite Coats to Last Years