Beauty Gadgets - Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Steam Towel

I recently blogged about the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask that I am absolutely in love with. In addition to the face mask, I also picked up the Jeju Volcanic Steam Towel. Although this towel is not made from Jeju Island like the Pore Clay Mask is, they are on the same line of products. Hence, the name of the product. It is suggested to be used prior to the Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask to open your pores and maximize the benefit of the mask.

Regardless of whether the product is being used with the Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask or not, it is a great way to open up the pores of your skin. Like the steam machine that helps to open up your pores, this steam towel has the same effect, but not as strong because of the heat that you are receiving on the face. I recommend using this face towel before removing black heads, threading, waxing, and even plucking on the face. It helps to ease the pain in addition to opening up the pores for deep cleansing.

This reusable steam towel is soft to the skin and extremely easy to use. Simply thoroughly wet the steam towel and place it on a plate. Microwave for 20 seconds and test on the back of your hand prior to placing on your face. Once the temperature is right, place on the face for 5 minutes. Be sure to stay relaxed to maximize the results. This is the perfect time to ease your mind and enjoy 5 minutes to yourself, especially when there is just not enough time in the world.

Bottoms Up - Caffe Mins

A weekend getaway from Seoul to Gangneung for the beach lead me to the discovery of this cozy, yet spacious cafe away from the city. With an amazing outdoor setting of swinging chairs and wooden benches for the sunny weather, it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy coffee. The interior is also an atmosphere of its own with open windows that allows you to enjoy the view outside (look at the amazing night view from the outside in)!

Although this cafe whips up the typical drinks that can be found at any other cafe which include coffee, smoothie, teas and lattes, the barista, Min, actually puts in heart and dedication to his drinks.  He personally makes all drinks, adding his personal touch of love with latte art. This is the first cafe that I have been to where a regular cup of green tea latte was topped with a bear and hearts. In addition to the phenomenal design, the taste is just as enjoyable. Touched with the right amount of green tea taste, it is definitely a perfect when paired with a freshly baked cookie.

Service and customer care is above and beyond. They pay particular attention to guests, it may be because it is a small town which is different from the big city. Regardless, this makes Caffe Min's by far, my favorite coffee shop in the whole world. What you can't beat for the amazing view, great taste, unique design, and attentive customer service is the price. Drinks range in starting at only $4 which is cheaper than many other cafes, except you are getting a handful of additional bonuses with your drink.

With a passion for coffee, Min pays particular attention to every drink that he stirs up. Coffee is his best thing, I confirm that statement and he has quite an artistic hand for latte art, constantly practicing and whipping up all different designs. Personally, I believe and support in all individuals who work hard and it is obvious the time and dedication that Min puts into each drink he makes. It's hard to find people that have that striking passion for their job and actually love what they do, but it definitely reflects in their work.

I can easily spend a whole day at Caffe Min's enjoying the outdoor weather and moving my way inside after the sun has set. It is a definite recommendation on my list to visit when you are in town, you will not regret it. Please remember it is a small town so knowing the basics of Korean is a bit of a necessity when it comes to ordering. Store hours are from 10-12pm, a perfect way to start and end your day.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Patbingsu 팥빙수

Bingsu 빙수 an Asian dessert dish that is perfect for the hot weather is the ultimate sweet tooth satisfaction and summer remedy. The Korean take on the Bingsu called patbingsoo 팥빙수 consists of the basic sweet red bean, fruits, sweet condensed milk, freshly shaved ice and topped with icecream. This dish ranges from location to location, but it is definitely worth the cool down and snack to share with someone on a humid day. The price and size of this dessert range from $4-10 depending on location, but it can be found at almost every cafe in Korea. The only difference between Bingsu in Korea and back at home is the selection of ingredients in your dessert.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Spero Spera

A small crepe cafe located in the back alley of Hongdae is Spero Spera. Specializing in all sorts of crepes which includes both hot and cold, is a place to go for a hot crepe sandwich lunch and the sweet and refreshing dessert. With a variety of combinations to choose from, their wall of crepes will have your mouth drooling. The dessert combos range from fruits and icecream to icecream and cake, with everything in between. The good thing about the dessert crepes at Spero Spera is the balance of sweetness. The dessert cakes are not as sweet as the icecream which helps to balance out the kick for most people. Those looking for a sweeter combination should definitely go for the icecream and fresh fruit combination.

Made fresh on the premises, there is an organized system of ordering multiple crepes that helps to keep the line moving and less chaotic. This grab and go system makes it quick to get in and get out if you know what you want l. Prices for crepes range from $3-6, a perfect to go snack and or dessert that is wrapped in a handy and easy to tear cone as you consume, definitely love Korea for making all these convenient and more sanitary products for people on the go!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Laderach

Located by the man made river, close to the city hall of Seoul, Laderach is a Switzerland based chocolatier in Korea that will have your every chocolate desires fulfilled. With chocolate truffles to chocolate bars, desserts and chocolate drinks, Laderach has some kind of chocolate goodie for all taste buds. 

 

I am absolutely in love with their dark forest chocolate pie an the chocolate pecan pie that is topped with an unbelievable amount of chocolate. The dark forest pie may be a little too much to handle for one person, myself included, and that almost never happens! For those looking for a less chocolatey dessert, I suggest the coconut opera cake or going for a drink which includes the raspberry dark chocolate. Surprisingly iced is just as good as hot, infused with the right amount of raspberry and topped with dried raspberries that melt in your mouth.

Laderach is definitely one of my favorite chocolatiers in Korea, providing me with all kinds of sweet tooth satisfactions. Prices are decent, average for the fancy plates of dessert and delicatessens that is served. Drinks and dessert dishes range from $4-6 and chocolate pieces can cost a dollar or two a piece, just like those chocolatiers back at home. There are a few locations in Seoul which include the Jongro, Joong and in Gangnam. Be sure to stop by and pick up these sweet goodies!

Cheap Eats - Jesters

Jesters is a well known Australian pot pie eat. A bit special that my first time having this crazy for pie place would be in Korea. For an average of $3-4 a pie, Jesters carries a variety of palm sized pies that are just over the top delicious. A flaky exterior of a yellow pie crust is stuffed with the warmest and tastiest filling which varies from meat to fruits. Depending on your craving for a dessert or mid day snack, Jesters definitely has some pie that will fulfill your taste buds.

Baked fresh daily, I had a hard time fighting my urge to bring home a box full of Jester's pie after having only the minced beef. They really do have one of the freshest and most delicious meat and fruit pies I have ever had and yes you must give it a go! For those of you who are currently living in Korea, there is a small location in Itaewon where the foreigners reside. In addition to Korea and Australia, you can sure find this delicious chain of meat pies around the world, just be sure to check their website for both their sweet and salty pies. 

Pamper Me Pretty - Mootta

Mootta, a fresh and innovative website that brings the world South Korea's trend setting fashion designers, has just launched their website last week. Collections consist of a mix and match between designers to fill your closet with goodies from the head down. 

This easy to work website is in English, providing you with photos for all their looks, a collaboration of all designers to complete your everyday wardrobe. The best part about Mootta is their extremely quick and easy international shipping which reaches the United States within 3 days and the rest of the world up to 7 days. Shopping internationally has never been so easy! Take a peak and pamper yourself pretty. 

Restaurant Review - Thunder Chicken

Thunder Chicken, one of the local spots in Guui Dong has one of the lowest priced chicken that I have had in Korea. The best part about it is the chicken is freshly fried when ordered and dunked in a bucket of sauce. My ultimate favorite that I order almost everywhere is 양념 치킨 (Yang Nyum Chicken). Prices for a plate of chicken average at $9, definitely beats any chain that serves it for $15 a plate. The best part is being able to enjoy it with friends over a 3000 cc pitcher of beer, the Korean way. 

Be sure to stop by the next time you're in town on this street. Straight from exit 2 on Guui Station (line 2). Make a left at the second light which is the first big intersection and go straight for about four blocks. Thunder Chicken will be on your right.

Restaurant Review - Petra

Measurable to my last blog of Saffron Restaurant and its hummus, with two restaurants in town, Petra is definitely stirring up some deliciousness in their pita bread and hummus mix. This cozy Arabic restaurant located in Itaewon can definitely measure up to the food that I have back at home. It does help to satisfy those cravings that I have. 

The must order dishes is their pita bread along with their mixed plate of spreads (to the right). This includes the hummus (chickpea spread), the babganoush (ground eggplant with a mix of spices), and the yogurt sauce which is like a sour cream spread. All topped with olive oil and a garnish, the plate is practically licked clean. 

I also suggest ordering their grilled chicken, strawberry yogurt drink and of course the falafel which the deep fried ball of deliciousness. Top it with their vegetable mix and hot sauce, you're mouth will bounce off of walls. 

The restaurant has phenomenal service with many foreigners and locals who constantly visit for a good meal. The staff is extremely friendly and service is extremely quick. Another additional benefit of the restaurant is that they do not serve alcohol, they allow you to bring your own. It's definitely great for anyone who is looking for a great dinner with cheap drinks. 

Beauty Review - Skin Food Black Sesame Hot Mask

I am in love with Skin Food's all natural products that are great for the face. My recent discovery is the Black Sesame Hot Mask which is more like a rinse off rather than a mask. This hot mask only requires 4-5 minutes a day and the best part is the heating application that penetrates the skin. This is one of the hottest and most efficient hot masks I have used in Korea.

The mask helps to open up the pores with a sesame and sugar mixture which helps to eliminate dead skin by scrubbing. It leaves your skin silky, soft, and smooth which is left behind from the black sesame seeds and gel texture that glides right through. Although the weather is getting warmer, it is still a great use to open up pores before popping a pimple or even doing your eyebrows.

Street Food Yum - Baby Kimbaps

Kimbaps are a Korean traditional eat, but this street food yum has taken the traditional eat and turned it into a twist. With so much to choose from, it is practically impossible to make a choice without sampling each! This stand located in Dong Dae Mun whips up baby kimbaps and sells each roll for just fifty cents.  The variety of kimbaps include spam, tuna, pork, eel, radish, anchovies, sweet potato, and a handful of others that I just can't remember.

For those of you who are looking for a quick, cheap, and cute eat for a night of shopping in Dong Dae Mun, definitely stop by this stand located across the street from the central malls of attractions which includes Doota, Milagro, and the many wholesale locations as well.