Product Review - Tony Moly Hug Me Hair Removal Cream

Equivalent to the American Nair product that is difficult to find in Korea, either that or it is extremely overpriced, like many other American products, the Tony Moly Hug Me Hair Removal Cream is one product that works as a hair removal cream. Used the same way the Nair product is used by washing the area with hair to be removed and pat dried, glide on the cream and leave on for 5-10 minutes and wash off. Scent just like the Nair product, but the only bonus is the blue scraper that helps to scrape off the remaining product and remove hair. Although this product is originally priced for $7, Tony Moly occasionally has sales where you can pick up this product for half the price. No better way to safe on money than picking up a product on sale!

Bottoms Up - Hello Kitty Cafe

The name says it all, Hello Kitty Cafe, a cafe that is based around the popular Hello Kitty cat that many women and girls are familiar with since their childhood. With a few Hello Kitty Cafes in Korea, this pink-decked out cafe centers around the the theme of Hello Kitty. With Hello Kitty cups, Hello Kitty shaped waffles and many other Hello Kitty decorations, it is a paradise for many girls. A bit overpriced, but it is worth it to experience the girly Hello Kitty theme at least once in your life!

With Hello Kitty shaped waffles, cheesecakes topped with fondant Hello Kitty faces, Hello Kitty drinks, Hello Kitty souvenirs, and Hello Kitty everything inside the cafe, it definitely proves a bubbly feeling to any guest. This popular Hello Kitty theme is the center of attraction for the cafe, but the drinks and baked goodies are measurable to the name.

This generation to generation popular kitty stirs up cute everything and is a great place to lounge out with a fellow female. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions for photos. It is a great experience to share with others.

Restaurant Review - Brick Oven Pizza

One of the most popular spots for all foreigners in Gangnam is Brick Oven Pizza which is located out of exit 11, a right from the CGV movie theaters. The concept is taken straight from Brooklyn, baking up fresh pizza when ordered with the right ingredients and everything that you can find from a Brooklyn pizzeria. Yes, this includes pepper flakes, tobasco, garlic, parmesan cheese, garlic knots, and a handful of other Italian delicatessens.

Because some goodies are more popular than others, they can be sold out from time to time. This includes the garlic knots so it can be a bit sad, but there are a variety of other things on the menu that will leave your stomach satisfied. Pizzas average at a price of $25 which can be shared between two or more. 

Baked fresh, it is one of the foreigner's favorite pizza spots. Unlike many other locations in Korea that incorporates their own flavors and cultural flavors, Brick Oven Pizza is authentic from New York. The best part about the restaurant is being able to speak English and being served by those who are native to your language. It definitely takes you away from Korea and provides a "homey" feeling. When you're craving that pie of pizza, be sure to check out Brick Oven and bond with the staff who is extra friendly!

Korean Traditional Eat - Galbi Jjim 갈비찜

This delicious beef stew consists of extremely soft and delicate beef short ribs that glides off of the bones. It is one of my favorite traditional Korean eats for its extremely soft texture and perfect mix of meat and vegetables, a great home cooked meal. Boiled up with clear noodles and a handful of vegetables, this stew can be made in a variety levels of spice which includes none to very spicy. It is a perfect dinner to have when the weather is chilly which is currently starting to take a turn.

My ultimate favorite galbi jjim restaurant is Masizzim (마시찜) in Gangnam, the center of Seoul. This restaurant has the cutest interior design, but I am a big fan of the more modern take of Korean food. They allow for you to "make" your own rice balls which is a literal translation of fist balls. It is a way to have some fun with your food and make it just the way you like!

My Current Obsession - Face Shop Deep Care Gel

This gentle deep care gel is able to penetrate into the skin overnight, fighting acne and leaving you with clearer in the morning. I am happy that it only takes one night to see the difference on my face. More importantly, it is compatible with extremely sensitive skins. This clear gel can be used on dry patches such as eczema and psoriasis, helping to reduce the visible marks, providing a duo for the skin. It is less harsh than topical creams and is great for all skin types, even soft enough for babies. I am a big fan of this product and suggest it to all!

Being that the product is "good for babies" it is actually soft enough to put on the skin. Be sure to use it at night away from the sun because it can leave the skin red when under the sun. It is a product that I will buy again, especially for over the counter product that you do not need a prescription for. It works especially well with my sensitive skin and psoriasis which is a big surprise because it helps to reduce the marks on my face.

Street Food Yum - Banh Mi Bros

One of the only Vietnamese Banh Mi (bread) places that I have seen in Korea is this Banh Mi Bros food truck in Itaewon. Heck, it is even one of the only food trucks that I have seen in Korea. It was an automatic given to grab a sandwich when I laid eyes on the enormous "Banh Mi" sign. 

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese bread served with vegetables, meat, and a Vietnamese paste. Every restaurant's bread varies with the types of ingredients used and one of the best breads is that in Chinatown, New York under the Brooklyn Bridge. Nonetheless, Banh Mi Bros was able to satisfy my temporary craving in Korea for the Vietnamese bread.

The bread is still warm when served, with sweet and sour vegetables as well as fresh vegetables. The meat is cooked fresh in the truck so you know you are getting the real deal. The best part about this sandwich is it being available at a late hour, perfect for those who are looking for a midnight snack, especially after a night of partying in Itaewon. 

Because ingredients are a bit difficult to get in Korea, there were some alterations made to the traditional bread. For just $5, it is an extremely cheap eat that can fill you up and "bring you back home" for a moment of comfort food. Be sure to look out for one of the only food trucks in Korea and grab a sample of the Vietnamese traditional eat!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Palette Macaron

An open cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, is the perfect go to place on a Fall afternoon to enjoy the lovely amazing weather and a warm drink. The one thing that caught my attention about this cafe is their unique macarons on display. Although there is not a large selection of macarons, the incorporation of flavors Palette Macaron combines sure makes the cafe stand out on it's own. It definitely caught my eyes as I passed by after visiting the traditional Korean houses which is nearby. Being that it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Korea, it is a must visit and definitely a good place to take a break until exploring the rest of popular tourist areas in the area which include the Gyeongbokgung palace!

One of the suggested is the Grapefruit Wasabi. Although it sounds to be the most disgusting thing ever, it is actually tasty. A grapefruit flavored macaron is incorporated with a touch of wasabi jam. This peculiar blend is actually complimenting at one point. It is definitely nice to break from the traditional macaron flavors and try something bold. In addition to the selection of macarons, there are a handful of drinks that the cafe stirs up, something that caters to the taste of all guests. 

Pamper Me Pretty - 나무그늘 Dr Fish

Dr. Fish is a different kind of cafe in Gangnam, Seoul. It is by far my favorite place to have a cup of coffee and a quick Pamper Me Pretty session. Although the prices are a little higher than other cafes in town, it is the best place for a bunch of girls to bond and share thoughts over. I suggest going to visit with a  group of girls and sharing the experience of this unique cafe. To make up for the prices of drinks, they offer a free self service of bread and jams that you can heat up. 

They are known for their fish pool where you dunk your feet in and the fish will eat the dead skin. For just an extra two dollars with the purchase of a drink, you can have a semi-pedicure without having to visit a nail salon. The best part about this cafe is that there is no wait to dunk your feet in the pool of fish. Simply finish your drinks and let a staff know that you are ready for your 15 minutes of dead-skin-vanish!

The experience is definitely one that stands on its own. For starters, it is extremely ticklish for those who have sensitive feet or a small amount of dead skin. It is recommended to start out at the baby pool and make your way over to the bigger fish. The size of the fish is beyond ten times the size of the smaller fish so the amount of skin they eat is a lot more. It is almost a frightening experience to dunk your feet in the pool. I know for sure my girls and I were not able to do so immediately, we had to gradually stick our feet into the pool of fish. 

In regards to the menu, all drinks are worth trying. The priority of the cafe caters to their beverages and other snack dishes. With freshly baked waffles, gelatos, bingsu, and other baked goodies, a great amount of time can be spent here. They even have a book room that is strictly for studying, a quiet room that many people can concentrate in. In addition to magazines that can be found at any other cafes, Dr Fish also has a wide selection of books in their book room. It is a great variety to have something else to look forward to other than typical magazines. The spacious cafe is the perfect place to lounge out with cushioned couches and tables everywhere. 

Nonetheless, these dead-skin-eating-fish is a popular treatment in Asian countries and it is definitely  worth trying out. You can't go wrong spending another two dollars on an immediate dead skin treatment. Depending on how thick your callus is, you can see an immediate smooth texture, but of course results vary from person to person. Straight from exit 10 of the Gangnam station on line two, the Dr. Fish cafe is located upstairs across the street from the CGV movie theatre. Although it is a bit hard to find, it is definitely work the travel for.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Jubilu Chocolatier

With a few locations in Seoul, Jubilu Chocolatier is a great spot to go to satisfy any chocolate cravings, including other dessert goodies. With a wide selection of chocolates, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and drinks, it is the perfect place to relax and cheat on a diet. The suggestion is to sit around and consume the goodies in the cafe because of presentation and warm goodness. 

The fondant cupcakes (cupcakes with jam or melted syrup in the middle) are warmed up before served to maximize the fondant touch. The fondant cupcakes are a must have for just $2.70 each, but a total of four for $10. Dark chocolate, blueberry, and coffee is the recommended. The cheese fondant cupcake is a bit different to the foreigner's tastes, but it is definitely a popular one amongst the locals. 

  

The other must tries are the cake pops which has very little cake, the real cheese cheesecake, and of course the chocolates. With so much to choose from and only $2 a piece, a handful of pieces should have your stomach satisfied for a while. Check out the locations in Itaewon and Myeondong, it's definitely a great place to lounge out.

Beauty Review – First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

This is probably the one product from First Aid Beauty (from what I’ve used so far), that I am not a fan of. This face cleanser is a whipped texture that becomes creamy with water, or so they say. I gave this product a try because it claims to calm redness and is PH-balanced, so it will help to maintain a natural acidity of the skin which reduces flare ups and reactivity.

I did not use the product enough to see that, but I did use the product a few times with my Clarisonic Plus. It might be that it did not blend well with my Clarisonic Plus, but I was turned off by the smell of the wash. I am a bit picky when it comes to my face wash. I believe that if I’m using a bad smelling product on my face, others will be able to smell it, not an attractive factor. Therefore, I try to eliminate that factor and this product got the boot. 

I admit that it was soft on my skin and I did not break out to it, but it did leave my face a little drier than usual. I don’t recall feeling an immediate change in my skin after using this product, but it may be different for you. If you aren't looking for a product that works well with your problematic skin of psoriasis, eczema, and such, I suggest skipping this product and move on to the next one. That is, unless you like the smell of this face wash. 

Restaurant Review - Troika

Hidden in an alley of Itaewon, a Russian restaurant by the name if Troika, serves up some of the more traditional dishes for an extremely low price. Located on the second floor, this small, cozy restaurant may look to be a little sketchy, but it is a must visit for anyone who is looking to have some Russian goods which includes a lot of meat and breads. 

The sampled Russian dishes included, but not limited to: Mazurka beef salad, Kartofels gribami mushroom, Koleta pozharskaya, as well as Russian beer. The twist to the Russian Bajithka beer is the level of the alcohol goes by number. The most popular is number 7 which is definitely recommended, but the 9 is a great darker touch as well. 

Infused with its each flavors, every dish was a perfect blend of taste. The one must try is the chicken and beef entree which incorporates both meats in a meatloaf-like plate. If you're not sure what to order, definitely go with the most popular and recommended because it is extremely delicious. The best part about all of the dishes is the presentation. It definitely makes dining and plating look more appealing which provides an extra bonus in addition to good taste. 

All dishes are made extremely fresh when ordered. You can even see the chef leave the kitchen to grab his fresh ingredients which is located outside of the restaurant. That is definitely a plus in my book! Service is exceptional as well with English, Korean, and of course Russian services. 

Although the most Russians in Korea is not located in Itaewon, it is still one of the most popular places to go to for a sample of the world. Being in Itaewon takes you "out of Korea" with so much English around, you feel as if you are in a different country. It is definitely a good feeling to take a step back from all the Korean going around and interact in an atmosphere and with a language where you are most comfortable. 

It is definitely worth it to sample Troika's Russian goodies while bumping to Russian music. You may even recognize a few of the songs from the hit movie 007!

 

Bottoms Up - Homestead Coffee

Homestead Coffee is a popular coffee chain in Korea, but what was least expected was the good food in addition to the delicious drinks and sweet goodies. The burger and fries are freshly whipped up and served immediately which feels as if you are dining in a restaurant rather than a cafe. It is difficult to find a good American burger in Korea because the meat they use is different. Most beef in Korea is either Korean or Australian which is a better grade than America's, but the taste is different. 

Homestead offers one of the closest burger meat to America's, with its patties being a level higher than fast food chains. The best part of the meal is probably the fries which is a fresh cut up potato, seasoned and battered. Who would've ever thought a burger would be the number one recommendation in a cafe?

One thing that is not recommended is the chocolate chip cheesecake because it is nothing like cheesecake. Most Korean cheesecakes are infused with cake and a different kind of cheese which means it is not cream cheese and the texture is different. This cake is actually mostly cream and chocolate chips, very little cake texture. So unless you are all for cream, do not get tricked by presentation!

The same also goes for the cookies which is a bit softer than other cookies, but they serve a cereal cookie and chocolate marshmallow cookies, not chocolate chip and double chocolate. It is different from those in America, not as sweet and not as soft, but the cereal cookie is tasty in its own ways! The next time you visit a Homestead coffee shop, be sure to give the burger and cereal cookie a try!

Beauty Review - Vichy Purete Thermale Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

I recently discovered this amazing sensitive skin product line, Vichy. With a recommendation from a friend in the cosmetic industry, this is by far my favorite makeup remover. Made with cornflower water and Vitamin B, this sensitive eye makeup remover has a dual purpose to remove makeup and treat the appearance of fatigue eyes. 

Having a problem with dry eyes and constantly allergic to many products, I am a bit skeptical to try products around the eyes. Happily discovering this product, I will probably never try another eye makeup remover. It even has the same pH as tears which is a greater plus to anyone with dry eyes.

Simply shake up the product to mix the solution and wipe your makeup away. I have had problems with other products where I could not remove my makeup and had to constantly wipe around my eyes. With a cotton pad, makeup is easily removed with no problems whatsoever. I love that I do not have to tug at my eyes and become paranoid about pulling around the eye area.

I definitely recommend this product and the line to anyone with sensitive skin. Created by dermatologists, it is a great line to try out. There are many products that serve a dual even triple purpose which helps to save money on beauty care.

Bottoms Up - Prost

A popular and semi-fancy, yet casual spot in Itaewon with outdoor seating which is perfect for this kind of weather is Prost. The name comes from the German equivalent of "cheers" and the concept is to look someone in the eye and say "prost" when clinking the glasses together. The reciprocated guest should say "prost" or he or she will be deemed bad sex for the rest of their life. An interesting concept that just makes drinking a bit more fun. 

With 14 beers on tap, there is a wide selection of drinks and a great menu of fries, pastas, and steaks. It is a great place to go and hang out for dinner before the restaurant turns into a night club. Aside from the beers, there are a handful of other drinks and shooters that average $9 a glass. The selection of wine is wide, yet it must be purchased as a bottle unless consuming house. 

It is recommend to visit Prost for drinks only because service on food can be a bit slow. Heck, waiting for drinks can even take a great amount of time, but is a great area to lounge out with friends and enjoy an afternoon drink. Just be sure to seat yourself upon arrival and flag down one of the very few waiters that are around. The best option is also to order at the bar and tell them where you're sitting. This pub and grill is located from the Itaewon stop, exit 2, directly behind the Hamilton Hotel.

Korean Traditional Eats - Raw Beef Bibimbap 육회

Koreans are the creators of the bibimbap which is a rice dish topped with meats, vegetables and a spicy sauce mixed to perfection. It can be ordered in a regular bowl or a hot stone which is my ultimate favorite because of the crispy rices. A type of the traditional bibimbap is the raw beef bibimbap 육회 which is the same concept, except the meat is raw. 

The importance of this dish is the meat. It must be marinated a certain way and cut in a certain size and length to be served to perfection. The texture takes some getting used to for someone who has never had raw beef before or likes their steak cooked well. It is suggested for those who are a fan of sashimi, but I have even witnessed individuals who never had raw meat and do not like raw fish to love this dish the first time they have had. Be bold and take that step to try this Korean traditional eat, you will not regret it!