Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Manoffin

I have had a cupcake craving for a long time now, Korea is nothing like America where cupcakes are at every corner. I finally found Manoffin Gallery, a place that sells "muffins"but thankfully it fulfilled part of my cupcake craving. I picked up the strawberry topped with nuts, filled with a strawberry sauce and dried berries as well as the Manoffin original that is topped whip cream and a chocolate Christmas tree. 

I am in love with the texture of the Manoffin original. It is fluffy like that of a cupcake, but a Korean style. It is difficult to explain, but it helped to satisfy my cupcake craving. As for the strawberry muffin, the texture is a lot more like that of a muffin. I am in love with the strawberry jam that fills the middle as well as the mix of nuts and dried berries. It was definitely a great touch. 

Another obsession I have with these Manoffins is the way they are wrapped. Unlike American cupcakes and muffins that are wrapped and unfolded in one, the Manoffin has a base bottom and a wrapping that circles around the sides. You first rip the side which unfolds the whole muffin but you can still stand it alone and it won't get dirty with the base. Perfect for those germ a phobes like me!

Food Goods - Lemon

We all know lemon is great for beauty fanatics. It not only helps to slim down weight, but it also helps to promote a healthy body. There are many things that you can do with the handy lemon which calls for you to stock up in your fridge. Lemon is great for Vitamin C intake so if you're low on oranges, swap it for a lemon.

• Daily early morning drink. Mix cold water, honey, and lemon cleanse the body when you wake up. Be sure to drink this on an empty stomach. You can use warm water if you want, but it is not recommended because the heat kills many benefits of lemon and honey. For those who can endure water and lemon directly, it will help you to efficiently detox and lose weight. A whole lemon mixed with a  cup of water is suggested for those who are over 150 pounds and unhealthy, half of a lemon for those who are 150 pounds and healthy. 
• Teeth Whitening. This is by far my favorite and most recommended for both men and women. Simply squeeze the fresh juice from half of a lemon, rub with table salt and baking soda along the teeth. Baking soda is known to help whiten teeth, but lemon gives it that extra boost.
• Smooth skin. For a simple mask, mash an over-ripe banana with fresh lemon juice and apply to the face and hands for clear and smooth skin. There is also the less messy alternative of a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of olive oil, and quarter teaspoon of lemon juice for the hands, elbows, heels and drier areas. I suggest covering up the area for ten minutes with a plastic bag or old pieces of clothing and wash away to reveal beatified skin. 
• Dark spots. There are many areas that women are insecure with when it comes to the body which include underarms, elbows, and dark spots on the face. Simply rub fresh lemon juice on the area for ten minutes and wash away. Over time, the color will gradually lighten. 
• Dandruff treatment. Mix a few tablespoons of fresh lemon with olive oil and rub it into the scalp. I suggest using a shower cap to soak in the treatment for 15 minutes and follow the regular shampoo and conditioner. 
• Itchy scalp. Mix an egg white and lemon juice, massage into the scalp of your head and soak in the treatment with a shower cap for an hour. Follow with your regular hair wash routine. I suggest to practice this twice a week for a month.
• For those with psoriasis, lemon juice also helps to strengthen the liver enzymes because the liver can make more enzymes from fresh lemon juice than any other food element. Therefore, having half a lemon to a whole lemon a day (depending on your health) will help to clear up your psoriasis. 
• Yellow nails. If you're like me and use nail polish just about daily, the winter colors are probably not so healthy for your nails. Dark colors may turn your nails yellow. Simply brush your nails with lemon juice and baking soda. This will help to lighten the color, not fully revive your natural born color.

Its amazing how the many foods found around the house can help in daily grooming and beauty care. The best thing is the DIY items save a ton of money which adds up when it comes to beauty products. Good luck!

Merry Christmas to All and Happy Birthday to MEEEEE !!

I am blessed to be born on this special day, Christmas day (over in Korea, it is Christmas day already). I am blessed to be on the other side of the world, but still celebrate with a bunch of new friends here in Korea. I am blessed to have a family that face timed me a cake and my niece blow out the candles for me. I am blessed to carry my tradition of having an "ice cream cake" this year, only separated with: ice cream and cake. I am blessed to have you, a true list of supporters who read my blogs. Thank you all. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

I also decided to include a photo of my birthday makeup, very simple with bold red lips. Just for laughters, my "ice cream cake" with before and after photos :] Baskin Robbins ice cream flavor: dulce de leche and strawberry madness along with a chocolate cake from Paris Baguette.

Cheap Eats - Pomato Soup

This was perhaps one of the most cheapest eats that I have had in Korea since I've been. Pomato Soup, what seems to be a more edgy touch to the Korean traditional eats attracted me as I was exploring one of the markets over in Guui. I ordered the Pork Katsu which comes with rice and a salad. When I say salad, I mean chopped up lettuce with mayonnaise and a bbq-like sauce. Don't get me wrong, I love my little salad, but the best part of the meal was the price. It only cost me $3.50 because they were running a special promotion on the dish on the random day that I decided to try it.

Pomato Soup is also known for their cheap prices with dishes that range from $4-6. It is quite filling so it is a recommendation on my end! Try the many fried rices or the katsu. You can never go wrong with getting a fried dish imo!

Life in Korea - Junkfood Stash

I am big on food, very big on small eats and junk food. I finally decided to share with the world my "stash." Everyone knows I am big on sweets and chips and when I go shopping, the three C's (cookies, chips, and candy) are always on the top of my list. Sometimes, I spend more money on junk foods than real food. 

Nonetheless, I love Korea for its flavored goodies. I am currently addicted to the chocolate covered sunflower seeds which is equivalent to a peanut's M&M, but oh so delicious. I recently bought a 1.5 pound bag of these sunflower seeds. You won't understand until you have tried them!

In addition to the oh so delicious sunflower seeds, I have a stash of the Ganache Macadamia Chocolates that are truffle like squares filled with macadamia nuts. It is delicious! Being that I am big on truffles, with my numerous posts (La Maison Du Chocolat, Leonidas, Lily O'Briens Cafe, teuscher, neuhaus chocolate), I've been on the search here. I haven't found any chocolate truffle places, but I did find a store brand that has helped me satisfy my current cravings: Royal Milk and Dark Chocolate Truffle.

I haven't found any great cookies here, but I did find a whole bunch of chips. Korea doesn't have the many typical plain flavors that we find back in America, but there are a bunch of seafood and sweet chips. For a different craving, these chips have a blast of flavor that is usually puffy inside. I love the big fluff of Asian chips, doesn't taste anything like the flat, thin fried potato chip you find in America. My favorites include the crab shaped chips, puffy fish shaped cuttlefish chip, the sweet potato chip, and the sweet flavored chip topped with black sesame in the shape of a ring.


Lastly, rice cakes and uncooked ramen noodles are a big snack here as well. They even have baby size bags of ramen that are compressed and kid's bite sizes. I have learned to like them, just not as much as the kids do here. They even have the chips where the ramen come in size and a bag of powder for the kids to add it to. All they do is shake it up and enjoy. I know for a fact when I fly back, I will be having a suitcase full of junk food!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Dunkin Donuts

I recently went on a bubble tea crave because I have bubble tea every week back in New York. I thought I wouldn't be able to find any bubble tea in Korea, but who would have ever thought that I'd find it in Dunkin Donuts. The only upset that I have is that the bubble tea here is made of powder which makes me a bit bloated afterwards. I try to stay away but they do have the common flavors of milk tea, green tea, and taro. It definitely helps to satisfy a random craving, although the bubbles are microwaved. I just wish they would sell it to me alone! This way, I'd be able to make my own bubble tea :]

Asia is known to put a twist on American chains in order to satisfy the difference in taste requirements. I love the fact that I was able to find bubble tea in a Dunkin Donuts, along with some of the traditional drinks that they carry back in America. It does cater to the taste of the Asians as well as those American drinks as well. 

One thing that I do want to point out is the Dunkin Donuts in Korea definitely has better looking donuts than those in the states. The best part is Dunkin Donuts have cake. These cakes are way too pretty to eat which makes me a little sad. Lastly, the price difference is high. Dunkin Donuts is known to be the cheap spot for coffee, not in Korea. As seen on the right, donuts cost $1.50 and you can find some for a little cheaper, but it usually starts at over $1 per donut. 

Splurge of the Week - Missha

It is impossible to live in Korea and not pick up beauty and makeup products. It is the time of the year where businesses throws all type of sales for the holiday season, the best time for shopping and splurging on yourself. This week's beauty and makeup splurge is from Missha.

I picked up three Pure Source masks which consists of honey, pomegranate, and aloe. For just about a dollar each, it was worth a try to see how well it would work on my skin. That, and I have never seen a honey mask before and I know honey and oatmeal works wonders for the skin! I was not a big fan of the honey smell, but it was an amazing 20 minute touch.

Next, I picked up a top coat that I forgot to get bring from the states. On sale for just $4, the brush is thicker than those in the states. It allows for one quick sweep of color through the nail and tops my color with a shiny coat. It is a great soft finish for the Missha Lucid Nail Care.

Following, I picked up a Creamy Matte Lip Rouge in PK03, a pink that I have been dying to get for a while now. Today was finally the day! The matte color works extremely well with my lip, I just wish there was a bit more moisture to the lipstick. 

Near Skin Bio White, is one of the popular lines of Missha. I decided to give it a try with the Healing Eye Treatment which is certified but he KFDA that uses white peptide bio technology to minimize fine lines. For those without wrinkles, it is good to prevent and protect earlier.

Lastly, I found an extremely moisturizing Excellent Milky Body Oil for a low price. American brand products can be hard to find in Korea for a low price, but I hope this will help my dry skin due to the difference in water. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Mister Donut

I have been dying to try Mister Donut since I first arrived in Korea. The donuts are absolutely delicious, they fall between a yeast and a cake donut. I picked up the advertised glaze ring donut which was not as sweet as the American donuts. In addition to the good eat, it was a bit expensive costing $1.30 for just one donut. It is really worth it when you just have those cravings though!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Paris Baguette

A Korean bakery chain with locations across the world, Paris Baguette is an extremely well known bread and pastry store. Paris Baguette is one of the most popular coffee places in Korea. The prices are pretty much the same in all chains, including those in America. The only difference is those in Korea have a more versatile selection of bread, which is amazing!

Many breads are stuffed with a cheese and sweet jam, but there are many other options as well. A few of my favorites at Paris Baguette is the Tapioca Bread, Stewed Bread, Chocolate Croissant, Strawberry Tart, Lava Cake, Garlic bread which is topped with a bit of sugar. In fact, all breads in Korea is topped with a bit of sugar. It is a little different, something to get used to, but I admit that it is pretty good. In addition to the breads and pastries, the royal pudding in a glass bottle is amazing as well. The best part about it is having a souvenir that you can use around the house for other liquid goods. 

A simple pastry store with walk in and pick up the exact goodies you want with a paper box and tongs. When ready, all you have to do is go on line and pay (order drinks here as well) and you are well on your way to a great breakfast, and or snack. I do not recommend eating these pastries over night because it takes away from the texture and flavors, although it is still delicious! For those back in New York, hit up Ktown on 32nd street to satisfy these cravings.

Today's Lunch - Korean McDonalds

I decided to fulfill a craving for McDonalds today and skipped out on the Bulgolgi burger after trying it at Burger King and just got the Big Mac meal. I love Korea for how pretty and perfect everything is. The Big Mac is perfectly put together, unlike those back at home that is just slapped together. Best part is, it definitely tasted like the meal back home so it helps to satisfy those cravings that you have! Built to satisfy :]

A few pointers for those who are eating at fast food chains in Korea: separate your garbage. When finished with your meal, there is a slot for ice and leftover liquid from your drinks you did not finish. There is also a place to stack your cups, and a separate garbage for lids and straws. Some places also have a separate disposal for the paper that comes with your tray and finally your garbage. I was definitely confused the first time I was in Burger King, but I'm pro now!

Beauty Gadgets - Slim Face Massage Roller

A little weird, but yes, a slim face massage roller. You simply roll along your face and it will help to slim down your face. The way it works is it helps to remove the water tension in your face, thus making your face slimmer. You simply roll your retention from your face to other parts of your body. It also feels a bit sore after rolling along your face, equivalent to a workout for the face. You will feel a bit of soreness and pain in your skin, but it is all worth it. By working out the muscles on your face, you are tightening the skin and slimming down the fat. Another great invention!

Todays Lunch - Vecchia & Nuovo

A two floor classy and elegant brunch place in Gangnam, central Seoul, that brings me back home for a moment. Vecchia & Nuovo is an upscale and pricey place for a brunch, but the food and drinks are amazing! For those who are willing to pay $11 for a drink, and $22 for a kid sized meal that brings you back home, this is the place to go. Although the prices may be way too expensive, the quality of the food makes up for the prices. These dishes can be paired with those dishes in American restaurants for the good quality food. Also remember, there is no need for tips in Korea, another plus to eat out!

I apologize on skipping out on the photos for lunch, it was too much of a high class place that I did not want to seem like a tourist. For my lunch, I ordered the Earl Grey Tea Boba (everyone knows that I left America crying about not being able to have bubble tea again). I am grateful there was bubble tea here, even though it wasn't as great, it definitely hit the spot for me. 

As for my main course, I ordered the chicken penne pasta with parmesan cheese, definitely bought me back home for a second. Keep in mind these dishes are expensive because pasta is expensive in Korea as well! For those who are craving sandwiches, they bake their bread on the premises which ensures good quality. I took a bite of the curry chicken sandwich, and it was delicious! There is also the hot chocolate that is rich in flavor and topped with a heart shape steam milk creation, like those in cappuccinos. 

Lastly, a must have was the cheesecake. Who am I to not go for dessert! Most cheesecakes in Korea are not like those back home, made of pounds and pounds of cream cheese. In fact, cheesecake in Korea contains a bit of cakey texture, which takes out the wow factor. Because I ordered the regular cheesecake topped with a berry sauce, I was amazed at the quality of the cheesecake. It is measurable to those back at home that I pay a lot for. Therefore, the must have from Vecchia & Nuovo is the Oreo cheesecake, which I had to get one to go. Hopefully this $15 cheesecake that is the size of my hand will keep me content until my next discovery of American comfort foods!

Street Food Yum - Dong Dae Mun

There is always great food in shopping areas. One of the more special treats that I found was the french fries stuffed with a hotdog on a stick. I am not big on hot dogs, so I didn't try it, but it looked delicious, considering everyone was practically munching on it. Another note about Korean hot dogs: they're not the same like they are back in the states. Just a FYI for those who are craving for a NY street hotdog. 

 Aside from street carts, there are those street food vendors that have seating under a plastic tent. Today's street food yum is just that. Be aware that when you order these portions, they are meant to be shared with others. If you are visiting Dong Dae Mun and happen to stop by one of these spots, you will see that they have kimchi pancake, fried fish paste, and other goodies already cooked. You will be shouted at and hollered to come over, but they're extra friendly people trying to get customers. 

The only problem with such stands is the sanitation level. It is not as high as you expect because you are sitting on plastic stools, eating off of folding tables out in the street. You will probably be squished because of limited space and may have to give up the extra table that you have for three. There's not such thing as napkins in such areas, they have a roll of toilet paper hanging around for you to grab and use so bring your own if you're big on germs! Keep in mind that most street vendors server their dishes on a plate that is wrapped with a plastic bag. It saves on the dish washing and usually, they just wipe the plates clean.

Aside from the bad, the one good thing is that these vendors have their menu not only in Korean, but Chinese and Japanese as well. There isn't any English, but it was great progress being able to read Chinese and ordering the exact food that I want! The dishes include a stir fried noodle which has pork and vegetables mixed in, as well as a spicy pork dish. Absolutely delicious, a little pricey for two plates of food that cost $24, but it was good!

Shopping Splurge - Dong Dae Mun Cheap Pick Ups

The first official shopping splurge in Korea and it only set me back a total of $100. I know back in New York, this $100 will probably be for one item. This week's shopping spree is all from Dong Dae Mun, by the History and Cultural Park in Seoul, Korea. There are just so much stores and outside shops that you can probably get lost, but the best thing is being able to bargain and getting a good steal. For some items, you can skip the bargaining (like my $8 beige parka jacket). 

The only problem with Korea is that there is usually one size fits all. This does not work out to those who are not the typical Korean small. Keep in mind that the size system in Korea is different from that in America, usually a lot smaller. 

For my first steal in Korea, I picked up an eight dollar parka jacket, ten dollar extremely warm and thick hoodie, $5 for two pairs of leggings, $3 zebra tights, ten dollar checkered sweater (doesn't look as good as it does on full bodies like me than it does on skinny Korean girls), $15 furry leather gloves and a $7 wrap scarf that is just oh so comfortable. 

It is definitely a place for college students looking for a good deal. For girls who love to shop and can bargain. There is a regular mall in the area for those who look for luxury Korean brands and items. Unfortunately for me, we just didn't have enough time to explore. I expect prices to be just like designer brands, which equals to a lot of damage!

My Current Obsession - Naked Palette 2

Many of you, like myself, have been awaiting for the Urban Decay Naked Palette 2. A new palette on the original take that allows you to fulfill all your make up needs for any occasion. 

I am excited for this new palette and cannot wait to get it! It is now available at Urban Decay for $50, will reach Sephora, Ulta, beauty.com, and Macy's stores by mid to late January. For those who are like me, internationally located, we will have to wait until February. That is unless you are going to have a friend ship the item over to you, like I will! Yes, it is that much of an obsession to have.

This new palette of colors contain the:

• Blackout - Blackest black with a matte finish that is repromoted (color is not available individually)
• Booty Call - Shimmery cork that is new
• Busted - Deep brown with a shimmery finish that is also new
• Chopper - A copper shimmer with silver micro glitter (permanent)
• Foxy - Cream bisque with a matte finish that is repormoted (color not available individually)
• Half Baked - A golden bronze with shimmery finish (permanent)
• Pistol - Light grayish brown with a shimmer finish that is newly introduced
• Snake Bite - A dark bronze shimmer with a metallic base that is new
• Suspect - Pale golden beige with shimmery finish that is repromoted (color not sold alone)
• Tease - A creamy pale brown with a matte finish newly introduced 
• Verve - Oyster witha  shimmery finish that is repromoted as well (color not sold alone)
• YDK - A cool bronze shimmer with metallic base (permanent)

There is also the extra bonus of Naked - A sheer shimmery pinky neutral lip color that practically goes with every look (permanent) and the Good Karma Shadow/Crease Brush - A dual ended brush that helps you create all the looks needed.

It definitely comes in the perfect month, December, a month for Christmas gifts and birthday gifts, or both! Like mine :D

Today's Lunch - Kimbap

One of the most popular eats in Korea is Kimbap, it is practically the most cheapest eats here as well. Today's lunch is the Kimbap that only cost me $3. Absolutely delicious, cheap and filling. This Korean Traditional eat is filled with a sour radish, egg, crab meat, carrot, fishcake, a special topping, and other things depending on the store. This is something that is great for all teachers who are pressed for time, I am always big on small foods that are filling and of course, no one can beat the price! The cheapest I have seen a roll of Kimbap go for is actually $2.