Hidden Treasures - Fresh Green

Fresh Green is a small and extremely hidden spot in Itaewon that is serving up fresh Lemonade, Limeade, and Sugar Cane Juice. When I say fresh, I mean fresh. They have the fruit right there in their small outdoor stand. A refreshing lemonade is always the go to, but if you're looking for something sweeter, go for the fresh sugar cane juice. This is not something that is offered everywhere, but naturally sweet and enjoyable for all. Looking for a taste of both? Go for the mix which is a twist to the traditional drinks, yet still awesome!

Fresh Green only has seating for just two so this cute little yellow shack is a stop by for a quick pick up. Drinks start at a measly $3.50 and is the perfect go to for a hot summer day, especially for those who are shopping in Itaewon. Because the drink is made fresh to order, it is recommended for anyone who is looking to satisfy a thirsty stomach. Located right by the famous Tartine bakery, take exit 1 from the Itaewon station and go straight. Take a right up the second alley and you will see this little stand on your left.

Bottoms Up - Standing Coffee

Standing Coffee is a coffee shop where you literally stand in a line in the streets to order your coffee whipped up by a group of handsome barista "Standing guys" dressed in a white dress shirt, black slacks, and topped with a tie. It is the cutest concept with a quick way to brew up your coffee from a small menu. It's said that they only hire "handsome guys" which is definitely an eye candy for all guests, guys included.

Coffee of course, is the number one choice from Standing Coffee, but they are also known for their blue lemonade. Made with fresh lemons and blue caracao, this spiked lemonade is the perfect drink for any hot summer day. Don't worry about getting a "buzz" from the drink because it is extremely sweet in taste and made from a low percentage of alcohol. Drinks are priced at most $5 and they even have shots of alcohol for sale, another plus for many.

The original Standing Coffee is located straight from the Noksapyeong exit number 2 of line 6. It will be across the street from you on the right side so before reaching the light, take the underpass that will facilitate crossing the street. From Standing Coffee Two in the Hongdae area, the easiest way to get there is a straight walk from Sangsu station exit 1. Within a two minute walk, it'll be on your right (a bigger location than the original).

Story of My Life - Master Cleanse (Lemonade Diet)

Since I have been in Korea, my psoriasis got worse. I've made some bad decisions on not caring for my skin and there has been great regret there. After going to Hong Kong and realizing how big of an impact my skin is on my life, I decided to make a change. I needed to care for my skin, from the inside out. Psoriasis is due to a weak liver and therefore I figured detoxing would be my best bet. I would not only clean out my system, but I would be able to hop on a fresh start and be able to start a diet that is good for the skin.

Originally, I read a lot about the Master Cleanse and was hyped about the diet, but also skeptical, and even scared to. Nonetheless, I finally hopped on the diet, thanks to iHerb shipping all of the items to me in Korea within a few days (referral code FEJ438 for discounts). One recommendation for anyone going on the cleanse is to go organic and use the best ingredients possible. Do not skimp out and be stingy on the ingredients because it is not worth using low grade materials for a detox this serious. Consider the fact that you are spending at minimum a week of time on this detox, you want the max benefits so a little extra spending goes a long way. Try to make your lemonade fresh and definitely refer to this website for the best advice and help through the diet. 

My experience. I was warned that the second and third day would be the most difficult of the diet, but it was actually pretty easy for me. I think the hardest day of the diet was day six and eight when I started to really crave for all the random food, even the most tasteless ones like a plain bun. I just craved the texture and my mouth watered as I watched others eat around me. I could literally feel the food in my mouth. It was bad. By the time day ten came, it felt good! 

The negative. The side effects I faced through the first three days of the detox was crazy headaches. I got through it, but it was pretty bad at one point. I also had a few experiences with severe stomach pain. I believe that was due to the cayenne pepper. Although I took the capsule form, I don't think I flushed it down with enough water so I just felt it open through my system. The last and most serious side effect for me was the white tongue. I had this through most of my detox, but it was a great sign that my body was removing all the toxins so I knew it worked.

The positive. The weight is a guarantee. I dropped a good amount of weight, but that wasn't ultimately my goal. I was looking to clean out my system and improve my psoriasis. Luckily, enduring this detox definitely helped my skin. I feel that my skin is a lot healthier and my psoriasis improved a great amount. I stopped using topical ointment because of the side effects, but I see improvement in my skin. I feel less itchy and my skin is less irritated. There are even certain spots that gradually healed up. I am not saying that the detox will make my skin better, but this is a good start. I did notice a better sleeping pattern and actually getting a good night's sleep. I don't wake up in the middle of the night like I used to, so I'm definitely happy about that.

The future. This detox is only a temporary cleanse and I will do it again, but I am grateful for chance to reduce the crazy cravings that I have for junk food and such. I will kickstart a new diet for the sake of my skin to improve which will consist of mainly fruits and vegetables. I know I will gain the weight back, but it is a great start for me to keep the weight off and start healthy, a fresh start!

Today's Lunch - Le Pain Quotidien

Today’s lunch is from a well-known bread chain called Le Pain Quotidien. Known for their freshly baked breads and communal table, my lunch today from Le Pain Quotidien was the Curry Chicken Salad over bread with an organic Mint Lemonade. I was a little hesitant to use flash when eating on the communal table, I just wish the picture looked more appealing. The Curry Chicken Salad was a great finger dish that came with fruits, vegetables, and cranberry sauce that I topped my sandwich with. It was amazing with a light curry taste and sweet cranberry. Prices average $15 per person, but of course there are other signature dishes for a higher price. This is a must visit for their delicious breads!

Today's Lunch - Pret A Manager

I was being very indecisive today after a long search over the internet and being lazy, I decided to just settle for Pret which is right around the corner. I picked up the Egg Salad Sandwich which consists of Egg Salad and Arugula squished between two slices of bread. I absolutely love how all the sandwiches are laid out on the fridge and it is constantly refilled so that you can quickly go in and grab what you want. It is packaged in its little sandwich box which is easy to carry out of the store without a bag (I'm very big on recycling and saving an extra bag, even in the supermarket). There is a sign that has pricing, sandwich ingredients and even calories right under the sandwich so you don't have to question anything. Big plus on time saving! Sandwiches are made fresh daily and never left over night.

I couldn’t help but to pick up the Strawberry Lemonade which has a little bit of pulp that was just calling my name. I love how it reminds me of being a kid with a pull of top. The one thing I dont like about it is the sticky residue that is left on my hand from opening the drink. Today’s lunch cost me almost nine bucks with the price of the lemonade more than half of the sandwich, no big deal.