Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - O'Sulloc

O'Sulloc is a store that centers around Jeju island's amazing tea leaves. They bring out the best in fresh green tea and incorporate it in a wide range of goodies that are not just limited to tea. Everything for the house that is for general well being is infused into O'Sulloc's merchandise. This includes the best sellers in the Innisfree stores and a handful of other baked goodies that are sold all around Seoul.

In addition to the amazing products that O'Sulloc carries, they also have an amazing cafe that bakes up the most amazing sweets. Incorporating green tea and fresh ingredients in their goods, the best sellers are green tea. With the green tea being the best seller, the must haves are the Green Tea Tiramisu and the Green Tea  Frap that is topped with their best selling Green Tea ice cream. With so many locations around, be sure to visit the website for a list of shops to get your taste of Jeju Island. 

The one recommended location is in Insadong where they offer three floors to the shop. The first floor consists of the shopping goods and a visible roasting pot of fresh green tea leaves, providing samples of the tea to guests. The second floor is their more modern touch of a cafe, catering to locals and tourists. The third floor is a more fancy and high class seating for a quieter environment to enjoy their goodies with a higher price as well. The third floor is definitely recommended if you are looking for a quieter place as well as a place for business purposes. The extra touch does go a long way.

Address: 170 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Phone: 02-732-6427

Hidden Treasures - Salt and Butter

Coming from New York and experiencing amazing burgers like Shake Shack, finding a good burger in Korea is extremely difficult. Of course, there's always that one spot that all the foreigners know about, the real deal where you can get a real burger. Salt and Butter, one of the top casual American restaurants on the list, except this has a special terrace that overlooks Apgujeong rodeo, perfect for the warm season to enjoy outdoor food without pollution passing you buy and hitting your food. 

With so many options on the menu, there are a handful of suggested ones which include their legendary Dallas Burger, Salmon Burger, Sliders, Fried Chicken Thigh Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, pretty much everything on the menu. Many rave about the burgers and travel distances for it.

With a focus on hand crafted homemade burgers, Salt and Butter also offers pastas, steaks, and salads which takes this all American restaurant over the top. Although the burgers are to die for, their seafood pasta if extremely light in taste and uses big chunks of shrimp. What does that mean? The full on taste of actual seafood in your meal and not the small coin size ones which enhances their seafood pasta that much more.

The ingredients from Salt and Butter are extremely fresh and unique to taste. The reason for that is that they have their own smokehouse for the restaurant, whipping up their own batch of bacon every two weeks using Korean pork which is more expensive than the imported meats. With so much tender, love, and care that comes with their bacon, the rest of their ingredients are not ignored. Salt and Butter actually has a farm where they grow a lot of the herbs they use for their menu, which includes parsley, basil, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and even sweet potatoes for their fries!

Another special touch the restaurant offers is their homemade aioli sauce which is a lemon garlic mayonnaise mix that they serve with their burgers and fries instead of ketchup. The reason for that is the amazing combination and flavor that it gives to the fries, making it that much better. Speaking of fries, they also offer truffle oils that it used after salting their freshly batch of fries. Salt and Butter goes for ingredients to be the core of their menu, but not too much of a flashy pile high burger, accentuating the taste to the max.

Pair your meal with their variety of drinks which include the milkshakes, the Rogue draft beer which is extremely popular in Itaewon and even a freshly squeezed Strawberry Basil Lemonade that is over the top and true to taste. They don't use Sprite like many other restaurants in Korea which helps to give you that refreshing kick needed. 

The one thing that I am absolutely in love with, other than the food of course, is the environment. A chill place for you to enjoy a meal  not only over a terrace, but with open windows for you to overlook the busy street and the many people that passes by. In addition to this, the restaurant is one of the very limited with an open kitchen in the heart of the restaurant, centered where customers can see their food being cooked up. Their industrial interior with dimmed lighting matches the more urban and modern touch which makes it the perfect setting for any lunch or dinner. 

Hours of operation currently fall under Monday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and reopening at 5:30PM. Friday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 11 PM with a change in schedule to open until midnight within the next month or two. 

Directions to the restaurant: Taking Apgujeong Station exit 2, it is roughly an 8 minute walk to the Galleria Department Store. Take a right at the Paris Croissant into Rodeo STreet and the restaurant will be on your left above the NBA store. There are also many buses that go to the Galleria Department Store Station that leaves you right in front of the Paris Croissant. 

Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 663 (right above the NBA store building)
서울 강남구 신사동 663
Phone: 02-512-2667

Bottoms Up - HOW 何友 Tea House

HOW 何友 Tea House is a location that is recognized for their architectural concept. With two floors of seating and a mini garden along with an outdoor patio, it is one of the most recognized locations internationally amongst architects. The concept of the tea house is built around traditional Korean tea with an urban twist. The owner reconstructed a two floor building to create a first floor of traditional Korean sit down tea areas that are separated into rooms for privacy and a second floor of old English inspired seatings with vintage collections of decoration and furniture. The second floor consists of open spacious tables and seatings for guests to enjoy, even a large private room in the back for those who are looking for a private setting. 

The concept of the tea house is based around organic foods and a healthy life style. Although this is not a popular place for lunch, it is a perfect place for brunch, tea time, and even wine enjoyment. The owner customizes a small menu of all organic food, with very simple ingredients to promote healthy eating. This includes both wester (sandwich sets, salads, and cheese platters) and traditional Korean eats like the glutinous rice 찹쌀. It is the perfect place for a relaxing talk with friends, even a date setting.

Removing your shoes upon entrance is a must to keep the facility clean and it is a way to maintain traditional Korean concept of no shoes in the house. They provide guests with slippers for the outdoor patio if needed to be used. This outdoor patio is constructed as a place to enjoy the view of plants and flowers, with window panes that shines light into the second floor during the day. There is also an outdoor location for those guests who are looking to enjoy a smoke. 

Although this is a hidden location, it is extremely popular among local businessmen and women and those who are looking for more a traditional way to enjoy their time. How Tea promotes a relaxing and healthy diet for all guests, serving radish tea that helps to cleanse the system. They are not only recognized for their architectural efforts, but also the efforts to maintaining good health and service. Staff is extremely friendly and warm in providing their best efforts, making the time at How Tea that much more enjoyable.

My Current Obsession - Nature Republic's Aloe Vera

Nature Republic is the leading Aloe Vera Soothing Gel distributor in Korea. I am obsessed with the 92% aloe vera plant in this gel for such a low price! A 300 ml ounce bottle that can be used for both men and women on any part of the body as a soother and moisturizer. I definitely suggest it for those with sensitive skin and psoriasis being that it is hydrating. I actually prefer using aloe vera, the natural plant that helps all kinds of skin types rather than using chemically developed lotions.

Compared to the other aloe products that are on the market, this is the closest to all natural that you can find. It feels as if you are gliding a gel version of the aloe vera plant on your skin which is pretty amazing. The best part is the low price for the big quantity that you are receiving. The only con would probably be the fact that it is a product you have to scoop from meaning you'll have to use something else to scoop the aloe out and wash. It would be a lot better if it was from a squeeze tube, but it is a product that I would buy and have bought for family back at home. 

Beauty Review - Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Primer

Made of a natural minerals and mint from Jeju, this primer is extremely smooth and it glides on with no problems. Most primers that I have used are really creamy or feels to be of some gel texture. This no-sebum mineral primer is something that falls right in between. Although it is made of mint, there is no tingly burning feeling on my psoriasis cuts. It glides on perfectly and helps to even out the bumps sometimes to promote a smooth skin look. 

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Eco Lasting Eyeliner

I am in love with the Innisfree brand in Korea because its an all natural brand in Korea that is adaptable to my sensitive skin. My beauty pickups that I have recently blogged about include the Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, Jeju Volcanic Steam Towel, Nail Pen Moisturizer, Capsule Recipe Pack, and the Almond Sugar Scrub.

I recently discovered the Eco Lasting Liquid eyeliner that is extremely easy to use because the brush is thin. The liquid color is the exact dark enough for me that is compatible to my previous obsession, the L'Oreal Paris Lineur Intense Brush Tip, but it brushes on so much easier. The best part is that each brush is the exact same brush, thin and easy to draw with. 

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Nail Pen Moisturizer

This extremely easy to use moisturizing pen has an angled tip that allows you to glide nutrients of natural lavender and sunflower seed oil to your nails. It includes a refill tip that you can replace when needed. 

Because I constantly have some kind of color on my nails all year around, this product helps to revive my nails and lessen the yellow color. This cheap beauty pick up is something that I recommend to use when taking off your nail polish for a day or two to help treat your nails.

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Almond Sugar Scrub

I am absolutely in love with this all natural sugar scrub from Innisfree. Innisfree is one of my favorite beauty stores in Korea for their all natural products that is great for the skin. The Almond Sugar Scrub is perfect for those with sensitive skin like me. It is one of the most gentlest scrubs that I have used thus far. Made with sugar and almond, this almond paste scrub has bits of almonds that helps to rub off dead skin cells in the most gentle way possible. It is extremely soft to the skin, but the only bad thing is the not so appealing smell of the scrub. Aside from that, it is a definitely recommendation on my hands that is great for those with psoriasis and other skin conditions as well. 

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. 

Beauty Pick Up - Happy Bath

It sure is difficult to find American products here in Korea, especially those for a low price. Because I had trouble finding my Aveeno body wash, I settled for the Happy Bath all natural real mild wash that I found at half price for $4. Like the price of Aveeno at regular price back in the states, this is the Korean take on Aveeno. This wash is all mild, perfect for those with sensitive skin, one product I sure recommend to use in place of the American drugstore brand. 

Makeup Review - Lush Colour Supplement

I didn't expect to pick up my next favorite foundation at Lush, but I sure did prior to my trip to Korea. I was looking for a new foundation for the trip and I found the Lush Colour Supplement. Something that is a little peculiar, but special in its own way. The Lush Colour Supplement allows for you to mix with your daily lotion to create a more even spread. The best thing about the product is it only costs $16 and it lasts a whole year, especially for those who are mixing it with their daily moisturizers. All you need is a dime size (if even) for the whole face and mix with your regular amount of moisturizer. 

You can also use the supplement alone to conceal dark areas and such prior to coverage for the face. I am not that big of a fan of using it as a concealer because it just feels too think in one area. Another thing that doesn't really help me is the amount of time I can save when doing my makeup. The one good thing is that I am now living in Korea so I do not have to keep up with the fast pace life of New York. Next time you're in the area, give it a try and pick up a sample. I love Lush for its natural products and great uses!

My Current Obsession - TRESemme Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner

We all know how damaging the sun and salt water is for our hair, yet we still dunk our heads in the water and soak up the sun. I'm not going to lie, I do not have a hat or a scarf protecting my hair when I leave the house on a sunny day. My head is way too big for hats so I look like a clown. Although I face severe sun damage, I found a great solution!

I was at the beach with my girls and I tried really hard to keep my hair out of the salt water. That is until I got smacked with a wave. Then I figured that I shouldn't let my hair get in the way of me having a good time. So I basically dunked my head in, not caring about a thing-until I got back. I did not have shampoo or conditioner with me to wash off the damaging salt water. It lingered in my hair for quite a while, long enough to see the damage. 

Being that I decided to stay over my cousins, I did not have any of my products with me (which is a good thing here). I saw her bottles of TRESemme shampoo and conditioner, but I was reluctant to use it since it had avocado in it and I'm allergic to avocado. I used her organic shampoo that she had laying around and couldn't find a complimenting conditioner so I used the TRESemme. THANK GOD I did not have an allergic reaction! Best part is it worked miracles. I did not pay attention to how smooth my hair was until it was dried. I could not stop touching it. I It was so soft and the best thing about it is it lasted me at least three days before another wash. 

Okay, it sounds a little nasty that I didnt wash my hair for three days, but I learned my lesson about washing my hair everyday-no good. It is so damaging to your hair so the best is to wash it every day. I don't know why I waited until the third day to wash my hair, probably because I was stuck in the house doing nothing that I didn't even notice my hair bother me. Usually I feel the oil start to build up, but I did not feel anything. I still had silky soft hair as if I just washed it! 

I did a little research after using this product and it is a cheap, organic line. Shampoo and conditioner contains aloe and avocado. There is also an orange line, but I have yet to try that, I was just too obsessed with this one. The TRESemme website says it makes your hair ten times stronger after one use, I don't know about that part, but I do feel a healthier head after one use. Moral of the story: you know I'm on my way to the drugstore to pick up a set, and the best part about it is Rite Aid is having a sale on them, just $3.50 each! It doesnt show up online, but go to your nearest Rite Aid!

DIY - Bug Bite Medication

I’m always getting bit up in the summer. For some odd reason, this summer was not only mosquito bites, but bug bites as well. To distinguish between the two, mosquito bites are generally itchy as soon as you are bit whereas bug bites are painful. Bug bites are usually swollen and hard as a rock with or without the scratching. Mosquito bites are the same feeling only when you have been scratching for way too long or it’s in the last stage of its healing process. Regardless of it being a mosquito or bug bite, understand the problem and find a solution.

There are a few tricks when dealing with bug bites and mosquito bites. 

• Number one rule is do not touch. Although you may not be scratching your bites, it is still a bad idea to run your hands through or around the bites. Your hands are full of germs and I don’t know about you, but when my hands touch the bites, I have this urge to scratch right away. That and I become much itchier because I am aware of my bite. Sometimes it’s a mental thing; when you don’t think about the bite, it doesn’t bother you, but when you are attentive to it, it becomes the most annoying thing ever!
• Whenever you get a mosquito bite, my aunt’s suggestion: use saliva. You have no idea how many times I have used saliva on my mosquito bite and it has went away. Maybe it’s a mental thing because I don’t know how well saliva works, but it just does!
• If you’re feeling very itchy and you can’t help but to touch, grab an ice and rub it all over the bite for temporary relief.
• A safe and chemical free (or as natural as can be) solution to itching is to wash your bite out with soap and rinse with water. The soap can help clean off germs that surround your bite. Rinse with cool water to decrease the itching and soothe the bite. You can wash your bite as much as you want since it is just like washing your hands.
• A home remedy for mosquito bites is using lime juice. Separate the pulp from the juice with a strainer. Add water and apply with a cotton ball. Store it in the fridge as a method to cool down your itching. If you’re feeling lazy, just slice a lime and apply. You can even use lemon juice or just apply a slice of lemon directly on the bite.
• For bug bites, mix water with cornstarch until it has become a thick paste. Simply apply to the bug bite to remove poison of the insect bite. This is also great for diaper rashes. You can even use baking soda if there’s not cornstarch lying around.
• A few other home goods that you can rub directly on your bite are deodorant, bleach, aloe, toothpaste, and apple cider.

Hopefully this will help you through this summer. Don’t hide from the bugs, enjoy the summer because it will end soon!