My Current Obsession - Clearasil Smart Sudser

Although I am on the other side of the world, I have still being doing a bunch of research and investment in American beauty products. Having tons of items shipped to me, I am extremely obsessed with this next product and I can't wait to get my hands on one.

The Clearasil drugstore brand has definitely wowed me this time with the Smart Sudser. This automatic face wash dispenser shoots out the perfect amount of face wash, measured for each use that will not dry out your skin when a large amount is used. Overwashing is a big problem for breakouts because your skin becomes dehydrated which is the reason oil is produced, causing acne. This cleaning system is just $15-20 which is definitely worth the investment to me!

Street Food Yum - Fun and Games

Korea is big on couple activities and this street game is one of them. This is one of the popular street games that can be found in a handful of tourist attractions and popular late hang out areas. These street vendors are usually out during late hours, in hope of attracting the young crowd.

Depending on the vendor, the prizes vary as well. There are vendors that have a variety of different candy and snacks to choose from as a prize. This game definitely brings out the inner kid and is worth the hype.

The concept of the game is simple, you pay a couple of dollars (usually two) and you're given a block of sticks that have different pictures on it. Select the numbers that you wish to cover and pick out these numbers from a bag. For those matching numbers you pick out, you will receive the corresponding shape of sugar crystal candy. For different stands, there is one giant candy that you can get if you get the special fish. Its nearly impossible, but always fun. I definitely got beginners luck picking 3/5 candies my first time!

Korean Traditional Eat - Bibimbap

Bibimbap, a dish that is served one of two ways which include a regular bowl or the option of a hot stone bowl, is a rice dish topped with meat and vegetables. Arranged in an organized manner, the concept is to mix up everything with a Korean chili paste until it becomes like a fried rice scramble. I recommend ordering the hot stone bibimbap which serves the dish in a sizzling hot bowl. I love letting my rice sit in a while until it becomes crispy on the ends and eat away. Depending on the location, the dish differs from place to place in regards to vegetables and meat. Unfortunately for those in Korea, many restaurants do not offer a meat bibimbap which makes me a little sad, but it still delicious!

Street Food Yum - Shredded Squid

Squid is a popular street food yum in Korea that comes in all different styles; some are soft, some fried, some grilled. Depending on what you are craving, you will find a kind to satisfy your taste buds. I randomly chose what I thought to be a grilled squid but instead it was a flat slice of squid that was slapped on a press pan. After lathering on some peanut butter, cinnamon and a bit of sugar, this squid is then placed though a machine that slides it through while simultaneously cooking. 

I thought it was a weird combination at first to have peanut butter, cinnamon and sugar on something that is supposed to be a salty snack but this baby was delicious! It is the right combo for someone with a sweet tooth like myself who is in love with peanut butter also. For just five dollars, it was not enough to keep me going because it was just that addicting. If you are not so big on the sweet salty combo, be sure to try out the other squid snacks!

Beauty Pick Me Up - Tony Moly

Tony Moly is one of my favorite stores for their cute beauty packaging which I have mentioned in my previous blogs. I am a big fan of their products, especially their egg line and so I had to continue with my beauty splurges. 

Just a small little splurge with a  few products that include their one dollar nail stickers that you can add to a clear coat of nails. In regards to cute packaging, I picked up two Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bars that slides on smoothly and is extremely adorable to have in your purse. I love the way it glides on and the color is extremely bold, unlike many other lip glosses I have had. Lastly, I picked up two Cutie-Beauty Perfume Bars because I couldn't decide between the scent that I wanted. These perfume bars are perfect to have in your purse for a night out. Simply dab on the areas that you would normally have your perfume and you are ready to go, especially after a BBQ dinner in Korea!

Street Food Yum - Sweet and Spicy Chicken Nugget

These chicken nugget poppers are one of  my favorite cheap eats on the streets. Depending on the vendor, some may serve a tatter-tot that looks exactly the same so be sure to ask. I am in love with the sweet and a hint of spicy sauce that pretty much makes everything delicious. 

For just $2 a stick, sometimes cheaper, this cheap eat helps to fill up your stomach and keep you on the go, especially a night out or even a day of shopping. You can find these street food vendors all around town, even outside of the tourist attraction areas as well. But of course, no tourist attraction like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, Gangnam, Insadong, and the many others will be a tourist attraction without one of these poppers!

Street Food Yum - Special Burgers

In the big tourist attractions of Seoul, which include Itaewon and Gangnam, there are the street food yums of Korean burgers. Why label it as a Korean burger and not a regular burger? These burgers put a twist to the traditional American burger.

For the stand in Itaewon, there is the special burger that includes the classic meat, lettuce, onion, and tomato but this burger is topped with an egg. As for the one in Gangnam, the patty is homemade and it sure is something special. This beef patty is actually stuffed with dukkboki, the Korean rice cake. For those of you who are looking for a regular burger to get that home good feeling, this is definitely not it.

Regardless of the reason that you are chowing down a burger from McDonalds or Burger King, Korea marks its staple with the traditional American burger and it is something to get used to. The best part is these special burgers help to satisfy those late night munchies!

Restaurant Review - Mi Casa

An elegant restaurant located in a back alley hidden corner of Itaewon, Korea is one of my favorites for Spanish food. I have been itching to try this restaurant for quite some time now and extremely glad that I was able to not too long ago. Although it is on the pricier end of Korean restaurants to visit, it is a recommended place to go to for a girl's night out as well as a date. 

Because the menu differs from day to day, a few of the dishes that I have and absolutely will recommend is the Pork Soup, Eggplant Tapa, Seafood Paella, and the Rack of Lamb. I also recommend sharing a bottle between a small group of girls or even between two on a date. If you choose not to, there is always the option of grabbing it by the glass or the different cocktails as well. 

As for the food, the Pork Soup is an appetizer to be shared between a minimum of two. It is a great way to start off the meal after the service of bread and spread that is offered. It is best to share between a group of four or more who will have a little over one cup of soup, but between two is reasonable as well. Just save your stomach for the other goodies that are on the way! There is a period of time that you wait before getting your actual foods so it will give your stomach to settle in some of the food and eat later.

After the serving of soup, appetizers follow. I ordered the eggplant tapa which is topped with other vegetables and a fresh thick tomato sauce. It is more like a dish of mixed vegetables rather than saucy eggplant tapa, but it is absolutely delicious. It is definitely enough to share between two, maybe a little too small because it is that good!

As for the main course, I was only able to sample the giant pan of Seafood Paella and the Rack of Lamb. The Rack of Lamb is cooked to your choice, topped with a few asparagus and a side of cranberry sauce that helps the aftertaste. My one recommendation that all guests must have is the Paella though. Served on a blazing hot pan that is fresh from the stove, the Seafood Paella is still steaming hot when it arrives on your table. I like to leave it sitting around for a while to let the rice burn a bit. That crispy texture just gives the dish an extra oomph. Mixed seafood of baby shrimp, clams, tomatoes, beans and other vegetables, it is topped off with three giant shrimps. 

With so much to choose from in the menu, it definitely took me a while to decide. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the restaurant and will go back. The price may scare a few people away because it is on the upscale of Korean restaurants, but it does help to satisfy a few Spanish cravings without sacrificing class. Be sure to stop by Mi Casa off of the Itaewon train station, exit 1. Take a right at the exit into the back street and make a left when you reach the end of the block and go straight. The restaurant will be on your left on the corner.

Address: 119-21 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone: 02-790-0063

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Capsule Recipe Pack

Innisfree carries one of the best natural products for beauty. I am currently obsessed with my recent purchase and absolute love with the Capsule Recipe Packs. I picked up the blueberry and black bean-walnut recipe pack which is a mask that helps to keep your skin fresh and moisturized. This thick lotion eats into your skin, leaving your skin fresh and shining after you wash it off. 

The blueberry capsule recipe pack has an act of antioxidant that helps to clear out your skin as well as hydrate the face. I much prefer the black bean-walnut recipe pack because of the micro scrub-like texture that eats into your skin. The best part is the process of washing it off which is like using a face scrub, an added bonus. I do admit that it is a bit of a fuss to wash of this thick cream, but the results are extremely worth the trouble. For just $2 a pop, I recommend using it at least once a week. 

Korean Traditional Eats - Korean Pancake (Pajeon)

The Korean pancake which includes the popular seafood and kimchi pancake is a party appetizer in Korea. It is a dish shared between a group which can come before a meal or as a dish with soju. In addition to the popular seafood and kimchi pancake, there is also the option of a bulgolgi beef and vegetable pancake.

Most pancakes are usually made with a bed of vegetables which include scallions, onions and eggs. Meat and other ingredients are then added to the sautéed goods until almost cooked. A pancake mix is then added to the pan of stir fry and cooked until the pancake is golden brown with a bit of extra crispy bites.

The one thing I love about this pancake appetizer aside from the crunchy exterior and soft interior is the size of the pancake. There is a reason as to why you must share the dish between a group of friends because it is almost impossible to finish between two.

Korean Traditions - Garten Bier

An obvious Korean tradition is going out eating with a group of friends which almost always includes a bit of alcohol. Usually, for late night get togethers afterwork, natives visit a Hof which includes week days. Hofs are spots that you have casual drinking usually with a few or big group of friends and enjoy a few dishes of food. It allows for mingling with the natives, but that is up to you to initiate the conversation.

My recent discovery is the Garten Bier, a Hof chain in Korea that is a spot for casual drinking with friends. I am absolutely in love with this place for a number of reasons. For starters, each table has its own mini fridge that helps to keep your drink cool so you never have to worry about a watered down drink or your beer getting warm. In addition to the mini fridge, I am in love with their unique beer glasses which almost no one orders, but it was a must for a first timer. The photo shows a 1100 cc glass of beer which is the largest and prettiest size that Garten Bier carries. I'll be quite honest, it is a bit difficult to drink out of the bubbly shape, but it sure is a great experience.

In addition to the cute glass, their pitchers of beer are served a bit classier than any other Hof I have been to which is with a glowing light that centers your beer. Yes, it does take away a bit from the amount that you are receiving, but I absolutely love the unique concept behind the theme. I definitely think it's worth the attraction to lose a few drops of beer. Plus, the price you pay for beer is still cheaper than those back at home and even at the bar!


Aside from beer and alcohol, you must order foods at most Hofs. The only dish that I have tried at Garten Bier is their chicken pizza which was not bad at all for a homemade pizza. Do not expect a pan pizza like back in the states because it is a thin flat bread that is topped with cheese, vegetables and meat, served to you on a flat board. I do hear the salad is pretty good, but I have yet to try it. There's just something about drinking beer and eating a salad that bugs me. There will be updates again about Garten Bier because I am in love with the place and design that I will return!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Tartine Bakery & Cafe

In a little hidden street alley of Itaewon, which is an area known as the foreigner's spot, has a tiny bakery and cafe called Tartine in Seoul, Korea. This very small and cozy spot has palm size pies and tarts that are absolutely delicious. In addition to the pies, there is also cookies, cheesecake, dessert squares and actually cakes. Because the popularity of Tartine, there is actually three locations to sit and they are directly across from one another.

I definitely recommend the cafe for their tarts. Do not get any of the other desserts because it's just not the same. Desserts vary from day to day so you may or may not be able to find the same items on the menu, but a definite recommendation is the dark hot chocolate, nanaimo bar, the key lime pie, and the banana cream pie which are usually available on the weekends. Tartine is known for their tarts and it should stay that way. The cheesecakes taste nothing like a New York style cheesecake and the brownie is just layered with cream.

When in the store, be sure to order their drinks as well. They have a wide selection of drinks that incorporate a handful of flavors that beats the cliche coffees. You'll be in for a pleasant surprise because mine included an actual blackberry at the bottom. One of the best things about Tartine is the service. On every fifth visit, you are able to score a free treat just for being a wonderful customer.

For just $2.70 single cookies to $7.50 for a palm size pie, it helps to satisfy any dessert cravings. Tartine is known for their pies, cookies, cheesecakes (the Korean style which is half cheesecake texture, half fluffy cake texture), butter tarts, rhubarb pies, chocolate taste, nanaimo bars and other special orders. Next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and pick up one of these goodies! They can be found all around Seoul, including many of the department stores due to the popularity and high demand for the goods. For those of you who are looking to sample the real thing, definitely visit the store in Itaewon.

Address: 119-15 Itaewon Yongsan-Gu Seoul
용산구 이태원 119-15
Phone: 02-3785-3400

Todays Lunch - Omelet Rice

The omelet rice is basically the Korean vegetable fried rice wrapped in a scrambled egg. This omelet fried rice is usually topped with a red or brown sauce depending on the restaurant you eat at. It differs between ketchup and something along the lines of a BBQ sauce. The omelet fried rice is definitely a cheap eat in Korea ranging from $4-6 American equivalent. It is a satisfying lunch for the filling rice and satisfying price.

My Current Obsession - Scented Nail Polish

I don't know about you, but I always have a bad habit of sniffing my nails after I get a manicure. Problem with that is there's a bunch of harmful chemicals that I should not inhale. I have been looking into this for a while now and this is where my current obsession comes to play, scented nail polish. Tuff Scent, a line that developed nail polish with a perfume scent has totally captured my attention. For the first three days, your nails will smell like the corresponding scent of choice. A two in one for beauty and makeup addicts like me! I'm definitely excited to stock up on this product and they ship internationally!