Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Grains Cookies

Grains is a healthy option for those foodies who are looking to splurge a little on their diet. Made with healthier grains and flours, these hard cookies are extremely cheap and freshly baked. For just three dollars, cookies are weighed on a scale and roughly eight to ten pieces for the price of one bag. You are able to select and mix up your batch of goodies and the best part is, samples are offered before you purchase! The luxury of shopping in Korea always blows my mind. 

Served and packaged in a resealable bag, these cookies are made to last for a period of time, but I can never last more than a day without consuming all of them. Definitely an addiction that I have to sweets, but I am normally not a fan of hard cookies. Grains changed my mind with just one sample and dunking it in a cup of milk or coffee takes the taste to a whole new level. Be sure to check out the food court of the many department stores in Korea where you can find a Grains stand. This was picked up at the local Lotte Department Store in Kongdae.

Fresh on the Market - Espoir Bare Skin Complexion Cream

For everyone who is familiar with me, my skin is always dark. I mean, always. I am constantly tanning and bathing at the beach for the sake of my psoriasis so my skin is extremely dark. Since I've moved to Korea, my skin has gradually gotten paler and paler. The problem is, it is still too dark for BB cream. A handful of my friends have been telling me that they wear BB cream everyday, it is the Asian thing to do because BB cream helps to lighten the skin and clear dark marks over time. It's kind of like a bleaching mechanism that is not damaging to the skin. The only negative of BB cream is that with flash photography, you are able to see a big difference in the tone of your neck and your face. People will know that you have BB cream on (guys included). There are so many Korean guys here that use BB cream, it's pretty obvious and they have no shame!

Nonetheless, it is an extremely good product for those with acne marks and any dark spots on the face. These spots will diminish over time with the use of BB cream. I've been looking for quite a while for the darkest shade possible and it has been impossible to find. Problem is, no matter where I shop (America and Korea) there is the problem of lightness in my skin with the application of BB cream which I absolutely hate.

With no make up!

I have finally found my solution to this problem and found a product that I am absolutely in love with! A product that's fresh on the market, Espoir's Bare Skin Complexion Cream is a two in one. With a BB cream base and SPF 30 protection, it is the perfect everyday "BB lotion." I normally do not wear makeup everyday, so I am excited about this product because I am able to pat and blend the Complexion Cream into my face and it will absorb without even realizing I have makeup on! The cream is an amazing fix. It is white in color so a pump is enough unless you are looking for more coverage. Simply pump, blend onto the skin and watch the white color disappear.

How do you know its blending with your skin? For the simple fact that you can wipe off the Complexion Cream and you can see color on a white tissue. It's a pretty amazing thing to see and I am definitely looking forward to achieving a clear face of acne scars. This is one product that I recommend for anyone struggling to find a shade of BB cream that matches their skin. This one of the very few blending products that I have seen to actually work as if there is no makeup on the skin. In love and obsessed!

Update 10/04: With six months of use, everyone does say that there is a difference between my face and the rest of my body. Not necessarily a good thing, but at least it means the product actually works! Yes, my skin is actually whiter than my hands and I do notice the difference because I do not have to wear makeup anymore. I actually use pat on some CC cream and am on my way out the door. It saves on so much time in the morning, absolutely love and will invest in it again!

Korean Traditional Eat - Raw Fish Bibimbap 회덥밥

With all these different takes on the traditional Korean eat of bibimbap, which includes vegetable, beef, squid, and even raw beef, there is one for raw fish as well. This raw fish bibimbap (회덥밥) is another take on this traditional dish by infusing sashimi fish with rice and a blend of vegetables. Raw fish is definitely on the top of the list for Korean food choices of huey so having a raw fish bibimbap is expected. 

This dish is extremely delicious, pricing and vegetables that are mixed in varies from restaurant to restaurant. There are some places the allows for you to mix in your own choice of vegetables by serving it on a platter whereas other restaurants have this dish served ready to eat. The concept is still the same where you served a bibimbap (rice with a mix of vegetables), red pepper sauce (고추장 gochujang), and fresh sashimi. Simply mix and enjoy!

One restaurant chain across Korea where you can find this traditional eat is Misoya. For those looking more of an authentic meal, be sure to go to a restaurant that specializes in fresh fish sashimi. 

Street Food Yum - Red Bean Bun 진빵

Red bean buns (진빵) are a popular eat in the Asian culture, mostly in the Chinese culture, but this popular eat has adapted to other cultures which includes the Korean culture. A red bean paste is stuffed inside a flour bun that is steamed to perfection. The main difference between the Chinese and Korean red bean bun is that the Chinese one is a lot sweeter. The red bean is turned into a paste whereas Korea's buns are filled with whole or chopped up red beans. Nonetheless, this is an extremely cheap street food yum, two buns for a dollar is the cheapest I have seen it!

Beauty Review - Clio Waterproof Pen Liner

I have previously reviewed the Clio Kill Slim Eye Liner which is absolutely amazing for drawing thin lines on the lower and upper lash line. Because lines are extremely thin, it is only recommended for use on the lower lash line. For the upper lash line, I recommend pairing the Clio Waterproof Pen Liner. This product is absolutely amazing with a thicker felt brush that allows for a sharp wing. 

This waterproof liner lasts all day, but it will smudge with water. You can take off most of it with warm water which is not something that I am happy about. Color is supposed to stay on for a night of partying which is the concept of the brand. It is a perfect pair for anyone who is looking for a killer black liner that is dark in color. Day time use is perfect for this.

Restaurant Review - Irish Potato

If you are looking for the ultimate adult's finger food of little kid's favorites, Irish Potato is the place to go! Irish Potato is a popular Korean food chain known for their freshly fried french fries that is topped with a handful of different toppings is one popular eat in Korea. Guests of all ages are welcomed to enjoy this fried yumminess that is probably not that great for your health. Hey, it's okay to treat yourself a little every now and then. At the very least, it is healthier than indulging yourself in a pack of McDonald's fries only because of the oil that is used. Don't plan on having a full meal at Irish Potato unless you are dining with their healthier options though!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Fell + Cole

Fell + Cole originated in San Francisco, but you can find this Gastronomic Ice Cream shop in a small cozy story hidden in one of the Hongdae alleys in Seoul. Just opened in July, the shop offers a handful of vegan, alcoholic and many other delicious flavored ice creams, sorbets, and sherbets. You can find many differently paired flavors that you cannot find elsewhere. That, and there are alcoholic goodies which are the favorites of many. There are of course, the classic wine and even the more traditional flavors like Makgeolli. For just $5 a scoop, it is a must visit on any hot day, but of course I am not one to hold back from eating ice cream in the cold winter days!

Address: 408-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 
Phone: 070 4411 1434
For the easiest way to Fell + Cole in Hongdae, take the Sangsu station on line 6. Take exit 1 from the station and turn back to the main intersection. Make a left when you reach the light without crossing and go straight until you reach the seven eleven on the corner. Take a left at that very street and go straight for three blocks. Fell + Cole will be on your left.

Product Review - CNP Laboratory Anti-Blemish Spot Pads

This tear dropped anti-blemish spot pads is a pad with injected medication used to treat troubled skin. For those with acne and pimples in the bigger cheek area, it is suggested to be placed on clean skin for 5-10 minutes. The medication will soak into the skin and work its magic to reduce the number of pimples and the visibility of actual pimples on the face. After 5-10 minutes, the soaked pads can be used to swipe across the face to prevent and minimize breakouts all over the face. It worked extremely well overnight and reduced the pimples on my face, but I don't suggest using it for more than 5 minutes if you have sensitive skin like myself. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Cacao Boom

Cacao Boom is the one recommendation to make for anyone who is looking to enjoy a fresh cup of hot chocolate. Yes, a fresh cup of hot chocolate in Hongdae and Samcheongdong which is right by Insadong and the famous palace. Cacao Boom is a chocolatier that is known for their hot chocolates. With different kinds of hot chocolates, mild, dark, orange, mint, it is the one place to go to to enjoy real authentic chocolate drinks. Freshly brewed, just the way coffee is brewed, Cacao Boom puts consideration into how much and what kind of chocolate that is used. 

In addition to flavorful hot chocolate, there are many choices of chocolates that are available as well. For those who are looking for a certain percentage of chocolate, there is a refrigerator with a range of percentage which allows you to select the one of your choice. In addition to chocolates of all different percentage, they make fresh chocolates and truffles everyday so the chocolate menu is constantly changing. 

This chocolatier is extremely popular with locals who love to indulge in chocolate and is looking for a place to hang out. In the Hongdae location, like many other cafes, Cacao Boom has wifi available and two seating areas, an indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is centralized around a picnic area with bench seating and the indoor seating is like a regular coffee shop. For colder winter days, there are blankets available for guests to use. 

Be sure to stop by the chocolatier after a day of shopping in Hongdae. This small cozy chocolatier is the place to go for all guests. Chocolate drinks average $6 a cup with chocolate pieces at $2. The chocolatier is one of the very few that offer a "service" which is free chocolate with the purchase of a chocolate beverage.

Address: Mapo-gu, Seokyodong 337-16
Phone: 02-3141-4663
Directions: Take Hongdae station on line 2, exit 9 and make a left and another left. When you reach Buy the way, take a right and walk towards the end, the shop will be on your left. 

Fresh on the Market - Innisfree Home Spa Strawberry Yogurt Pack

The Innisfree Home Spa Strawberry Yogurt Pack is exactly like the way it sounds, just like strawberry yogurt. The smell, the texture, even the look of the pack resembles strawberry yogurt. There are even pieces of strawberry inside, just not as big as you would expect. Korea is known for their different packs, wash off packs and sleeping packs. This strawberry yogurt pack is equivalent to wash off pack. 

It is suggested to keep on this pack for 15-20 minutes, but within 5 minutes of use, there was a tingling feeling. Although I am a fan of the smell and texture of the pack, especially after washing off, I do not suggest it for those with sensitive skin. For those who can endure this product, you'll be happy with the result of smooth skin. 

Restaurant Review - Mad For Garlic

Mad for Garlic, a restaurant chain in Korea that is known for their Americanized dishes which includes pasta, seafood, and steaks. It is definitely my one favorite Korean chain restaurant for Italian and steak. The decor is like those back in America, a great meal that brings me back home. The food is delicious, but it is one of the pricer chain restaurants in Korea.

One of my ultimate favorite appetizers is garlic bread. The garlic tower, which is a half loaf of freshly baked bread topped with garlic and cheese, is brought to the table standing and served by a waiter. The tower of garlic and cheese goodness on top is stuffed into the loaf of bread. It is then ready to be cut up and enjoyed. 

Their entrees are also extremely tasty. With dishes that average at $20, it is definitely worth every penny. The Mushroom Risotto is one of my ultimate favorite dishes. Topped with a freshly baked chicken, it all blends and compliments each other. For those who are looking for a pasta dish, their Alfredo sauced pastas are comfort food as well. There are a handful of choices, but none with tomato sauce. A recommendation is the seafood pasta or shrimp and lobster that is served with linguine pasta.

For those who are dining in, it is suggested to order a bottle of wine rather than going for a cup of soda at $8 a cup. If you are on a budget, you can definitely share sodas with your significant other. It is common among locals so they know to provide you with two straws.

Overall, the experience was great, they even have an English menu for those who cannot read Korean. It definitely helps to make a pit stop for Korean foods every now and then, especially for those who are living in Korea for quite a while. Mad for Garlic is a restaurant that is highly popular with locals as well!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Teariffic

Tearrific

51 Mott Street

New York, NY 10013

(212)393-9009

Teariffic, an all time favorite for bubble tea and snacks on Mott street of Chinatown is the place to go since I was a teenager. It is definitely a place to hang out with friends to enjoy a drink and snacks if you have the stomach to hold it. They serve all kinds of snacks which include fried goodies, sweet goods, and even a few quick meals. This includes ramen and rice; my ultimate favorite, and most expensive on the menu is the eel rice just for the price of $9. 

Teariffic is the perfect place for big kids to enjoy meal for the stomach of little kids. The number one recommendation is the toast with condensed milk (pair it with peanut butter for a melted combination of deliciousness). Lastly, you cannot go to Tearrific without ordering their specialty drink.

With so much to choose from on the menu, the most popular is those paired with bubbles, but their speciality drinks made of combination fruit jam is just as good. Romeo and Juliet is perfect for those with a sweet tooth, but the traditional milk tea is amazing as well. 

Story of My Life - Spoiled By Korea

What better way to update you and compare the life of Korea to that back in New York than a post on how I am spoiled by Korea. Trust me, reading this just may give you the urge to travel the sea!

1. Food. Number one on my list is always food. So what makes Korea's food so special? There's always a side dish that is FREE. Banchan 반찬 is a side dish paired with your meal, Anju 안주 is that paired when drinking. This includes the famous kimchi which is the number one banchan, but you can't drink without some awesome anju that practically keeps coming. This brings me to number two:
2. Service. The exactly translation of the word service is customer service. Koreans take customer service to a whole new level. What does this mean? Free food with your order, free ice cream at karaoke, extra time at karaoke, free drinks at the bar or with your meal, free products which includes masks and random gadgets, free anything they can give you. How does service work? Simply dine in, drink, and shop at their store. They will throw everything they can at you for free and you'll know this when they say "service." 
3. Service by clicking a button. Having trouble getting the attention of your waiter? Looking like a fool waving down your waiter? No problem in Korea. Simply click a button that rings a bell (sounds like a door bell most of the time) with flashing light on a screen by the cashier that brings to the attention of ANY and every waiter who will attend to you within seconds. 
4. More service. Clicking buttons to get other's attention. How about sitting around and waiting your turn instead of standing in line? When going to a bank, cell phone store, post office, and anywhere that requires a long wait has never been so relaxing than in Korea. Upon entrance, there is someone with a banner across their chest asking you what service you need. He or she then clicks a button and you will receive a paper with a number. Sit around, watch some television, enjoy a cup of coffee and wait until your number is called. Talk about "service" on drinks and not losing your place in line if you have to go bathroom.
5. Customer service. Customer service in Korea is amazing. They're always willing to help you find a size, give you their opinion, and best of all, there's no judgement. Since I have been in Korea, I have only met one sales representative with an attitude. Back in the states, we meet cranky people all day, but not here in Korea. They are always willing to help to the best of their abilities, with a smile and feel horrible when they cannot help.
6. Free Wifi. NY and most of the world definitely needs to catch up with this. Wifi is almost everywhere, not just in big department stores. This includes train stations, coffee shops (free or with a purchase) and even in the streets! Can't beat getting lost or running out of data and needing to connect to wifi in a foreign country for free.
7. Computers in the streets. Say what? Yes. There are computers in the streets of Gangnam; these computers are also in the train stations for you to find your way through the city. They also allow for you to search for POI close by, and even browse the internet as you wait for a friend. Better yet, they have a webcam so you can take a photo, design it, and send it to yourself. Some of these computers are even equipped with chargers so you can charge your phone and other electronics. 
8. Upgraded train stations. The technology in Korea is amazing which makes taking the subway easy. Train stations have computers that tell you how far your train is based on how many stop away it is (up to about 3), when is the following train is coming, and a melody that alerts you that your train is arriving. More updated trains have a light that signal the direction, alert you of the current stop, next stop, and following stops the train will make. The pronunciation of stops in different languages, and the most basic of what cart and door you are in front of to make meeting a friend on the train easy (the number on the floor and on the outside of the train doors).
9. Never miss a bus. Just like the trains when you know when the next bus is coming, there is a screen that tells you how far away your bus is. It also shows what bus is coming and the best part is you never have to miss a bus. Why? Because technology allows for you to listen to the number of the approaching bus so you don't have to squint your eyes to search for your bus. This definitely comes handy in the middle of the night. 
10. Bathrooms are everywhere. There are bathrooms in all buildings and most importantly, in the train station. These bathrooms are constantly cleaned, fully stocked, and open to everyone for use. This beats the dirty MTA bathrooms if that is even an option. 
11. Lockers. I think everyone underestimates the value of lockers being everywhere until you travel or shop a lot. Train stations and department stores have lockers for the simple fact that people do not have to carry their things with them everywhere they go. It can be a fuss to carry things that you need at night with you during a day of shopping so the convenient of a locker does help to eliminate the trouble. One time use, NY should definitely consider making some space for this.
12. Automatic doors. The best part about going into a restaurant and any store in general is the automatic doors. They're practically everywhere in Korea and if they're not automatic, all you have to do is press a button and slip right in. Amazing for those who are extremely lazy and have no idea which way to push a door.
13. More gadgets. Electronic vibration alerts are used in the states only when you wait an hour plus for a seat at your local Applebees or other chain restaurants. In Korea, these electronic alerts are used in coffee shops. The disgrace of American technology is the fact that some of these gadgets even have  a television built in. Nothing like watching some TV while you wait for your coffee to be brewed at Dunkin' Donuts. This definitely beats being crowded around the bar area as you wait for the barista at Starbucks to scream out your name or fight over a drink with someone who has the same order as you. 
14. Rainy days. Ever have to deal with wet floors or having to throw your umbrella in a bucket by the door, knowing there may be a chance that someone will take it? Almost every store (shopping places, restaurants, coffee shops) will have a funny looking stand with plastic bags upon entrance when it rains. What is this for? For you to put your wet umbrella in, preventing wet floors, promoting safety, and allows you to carry your umbrella where ever you go. On the way out, simply remove and throw your plastic bag in their garbage bin next to the exit. 
15. 24 hour BANGS. No, not a bang, a 방 which a room for a variety of things to do, at any hour of the day. Study rooms. Okay so this may not be the best place on your mind, but it beats a 24 hour Starbucks with people talking when you want peace and quiet to study. 24 hour fun of eating, drinking may be your style. Noraebang (kareoke), PC bang (computer games), DVD bang (movies), Multi bang (for electronics and game systems) and even a Jjimjilbang (shower rooms which also provides you with the option of sleeping overnight for an extremely low price-totally beats sleeping at a hotel when you're on a budget or can't find a place to stay before the trains start to run). 
16. Lastly, amazingly nice people. Coming from NY, having your guard up always is the number one thing. Korea is full of friendly people so letting my guard down is acceptable. Why? Because only in Korea (with an exception of some) will you find people who will return your wallet and cell phone to you without any missing items. Only in Korea would you be able to trust the directions and even get into a stranger's car (I did a few times). Be wise about it, but the moral of the story is that it is okay to open up to others.

Stay tuned for a second part of Spoiled by Korea as a tempt to come and visit!

Fresh on the Market - Innisfree Soybean Firming Neck Cream

One of the newest products in Korea to make it on the shelves of Innisfree is Jeju Island's Soybean Firming Neck Cream. What's so special about this product? Specialists say that they are able to determine the age of a woman based on the wrinkles on the neck. Regardless of how clear your face is, how young you look, without caring for the neck area, it is probably useless. The beauty of this product is to reduce and prevent the wrinkles in the neck area. 

Soybean is known to help beauty in a variety of ways, especially in increasing elasticity and thickness of the skin. Therefore, when applied daily, it will help to prevent sagging of the skin and wrinkles will fade within a few months of time. This is no miracle worker, it takes time, but it is suggested for those who are in their 20s to start caring for their skin which is much easier than fixing a problematic look. It is extremely light on the skin which is gentle for those with sensitive skin.

The Innisfree Soybean Firming Neck Cream is extremely light in scent. Apply a small amount of this thick lotion to the neck after showering in an upward direction. Remember, upward helps to reduce the sagging look. Most importantly, do not forget the back of the neck! Since the product just launched this month, it will take a while to see results.

Restaurant Review - Crooked Tree

Crooked Tree is a cozy restaurant that specializes in crepes: salty and sweet. They are able to incorporate crepes to be the perfect meal as well as an order of sweet crepes to finish as your dessert. Anyone looking for an all in one crepe meal should definitely visit Crooked Tree in St Marks. Although this restaurant was meant to cater to the local, it has definitely made its way to the stomach of many others.

With sandwiches and drinks that are recognizable amongst guests, Crooked Tree is the place for all. The owner even allows for you to twist the menu to cater to your own tastes. Meals are paired with a salad for your enjoyment and everything is as fresh as possible. Crooked Tree is definitely a place to visit for a romantic setting of dim lights and great food. 

The best part about the restaurant is the price of goods. Salty savory crepes average at price of $9 and dessert for a measly $5. This is definitely a place to go before a night of drinking in St Marks!