The Arts

At the end of 2020, we got to travel back to Hong Kong to see family. Being with loved ones during such an isolated year made the biggest emotional and mental difference. We went through the 14 day hotel quarantine where they slapped on a wristband tracker and forced you to stay in the room the entire quarantine. My family brought us food and games, and spent most of the time working, eating, exercising and binge watching TV shows like Queens Gambit and Emily in Paris. After being released from quarantine prison, we took the opportunity to explore the city while the streets were less busy than usual. My favorite place this trip? Hands down the West Kowloon Cultural District.

Hey Yeh - Hong Kong Opera House

This is the newly built Opera House - part of the Arts District. Across the street, there is a large grassy area for picnics by the promenade. There are multiple museums, theatres and installations in development right now, which will eventually be the world’s largest cultural quarters with a blend of music, art, performance and education. It is AMAZING and you can read more here! The lack of emphasis on the arts was a big reason why I left Hong Kong, and I’m so happy they are finally investing time, money and space to let art breathe in the concrete jungle.

hey-yeh - hong kong sezane opera house
Hey Yeh - Hong Kong Opera House
hey-yeh - hong kong sezane opera house
Hey Yeh - Hong Kong Opera House

A 2020 Guide to Sustainable Gifts

With the holidays right around the corner, we decided to share some of our favorite eco-friendly brands that are perfect for gifting (plus discount codes available)!

by Humankind Daily Routine Set

$34 USD

Help your friends and family reduce single-use plastics in their daily routine by starting them with a daily routine set from by Humankind. This set comes with biodegradable floss, dissolving mouthwash, refillable hand sanitizer and deodorant.

SHOP

Ethiopian Hand Towels

$34 USD

Beautifully handmade in Ethiopia, using Ethiopian cotton for elegance and absorbency. Each purchase empowers artisans at Creative Women in Ethiopia.

SHOP

Conscious Step Socks

$14.95 USD

Each pair of socks is made in India with organic cotton, and supports Conservation International and their work to preserve forests.

SHOP

Creative Live - DIY, Photo, Art Online Classes

$7 - 30 USD

Instead of buying products, why not gift an online course to further knowledge and learning for your friends and family! Creative Live have many classes ranging from Music, Photography, Videography, DIY and Design.

SHOP

Castille Dishwashing Kit

$35.95

Reusable, single use plastic free, and perfect for anyone looking to make their home a little less wasteful, this dishwashing kit gets you started on your zero waste journey with ease.

SHOP

Pela Phone Case

$39 - 50 USD

“Designing for SustainabilityOur print designs take a holistic approach to sustainability by using UV curable GREENGUARD Gold certified ink. Pela cases are the world’s first truly sustainable phone case. They are durable enough to protect your phone from drops and scratches and are also 100% compostable! As part of our mission to create a waste free future, Pela is a proud member of 1% for the Planet so we can support organizations who are working hard to better the planet.”

SHOP

Girlfriend R+R Joggers

$68 USD

Recycled, Recyclable and ridiculously comfy. Who doesn’t need more loungewear these days? Looking for activewear? Girlfriend also has some amazing sport bras and leggings made with recycled plastic bottles!

SHOP

Manduka Eko Yoga Mat

$92 USD

“The eko® mat is a natural yoga mat made from sustainably harvested tree rubber. Unlike other rubber mats available today, the foaming agents used to create the eko® are non-toxic. What this means is that no toxic chemicals have gone into the manufacturing process to soften the rubber.”

SHOP

Able Elvia Zip Belt Bag

$108 USD

The Elvia Zip Belt Bag is perfect for keeping things hands-free. With just enough space to carry the essentials, this belt bag is both functional and chic.

USE 20% OFF CODE: COURTNEYY20

SHOP

Nordgreen Watch

$150 - 300 USD

Nordgreen puts extensive efforts in social activities and production - not only do they focus efforts on sustainable packaging and responsible manufacturing, your purchases include a donation to your choice of health, education or environment NGOs.

15% off code: COURTNEY

SHOP

Airbnb Unique Stays or Experiences

$100+ USD

Give the gift of an experience or a staycation with airbnb’s plethora of unique locations and activities to choose from.

EXPLORE

Oddbird Handwoven Robe

$159 USD

Using all sustainable cottons and natural fibers, Odd Bird believes in products ethically made and priced. Products include Turkish towels, blankets and robes, all handwoven in Turkey.

SHOP

How to Switch to a Plastic-Free Daily Routine

Every few months or so, we replenish our shampoo, conditioners, deodorant, floss and mouthwash with brand new plastic bottles of it all. And every day, our ocean consumes 28,000 TONS of single-use plastic.

Along with bringing my own cup and reducing plastic use in other parts of my lifestyle, I have started looking into other impactful ways / companies that have made sustainability living easier. And by Humankind makes switching to a plastic-free daily routine effortless! They offer clean-ingredient refillable deodorants, dissolvable mouthwash, and biodegradable floss. They also have shampoo, conditioner and body bars that smell so fresh and wonderful. You can start a subscription but only refill when you need to, so no one is forcing you to take it monthly.

I’m excited to embark on this plastic-free, clean-ingredient grooming routine. Will you join me? Check by Humankind here, and you can start easily with their Starter Kit.

Hey Yeh - by Humankind Plastic-Free Daily Routine

Incredible Cabin Getaways at Lake Arrowhead

Need a cabin getaway for your Thanksgiving weekend or just planning your next remote work location? Here are a few of my favorite cabins in Lake Arrowhead. Need more inspiration? Scroll down to see the full list of cabins that I favorited.

Mid-Century A-Frame

Lake Arrowhead, California
4 Guests
2 Bed 2 Bath
$160 USD / Night


Modern A Frame

Lake Arrowhead, California
4 Guests
2 Bed 2 Bath
$160 USD / Night


Oak Tree A Frame

Lake Arrowhead, California
8 Guests
4 bed 4 bath
$366USD / night


Need more cabins and places to pick from? No problem! I’ve bookmarked a lot :)