Bottoms Up - Cafe Organic

Cafe Organic, a two floor location in Hongdae is one of the recommended places to go to for all things organic. Being that there are so many coffee shops and different places that offer food and snacks, it's difficult to find those that are green and healthy. Cafe Organic offers something different by having organic coffee beans, teas and fresh juices. 

Being that they are using all things organic, the price of Cafe Organic is not like many other coffee shops that can average at $5 a drink. Cafe Organic averages $7 a drink, but service is extremely efficient. It is a recommended location if you are looking for a relaxing, open area to enjoy the quieter streets of Hongdae and a relaxing seating area. 

Directions: Take exit 8 of Hongik University station on the green line 2. Take a right at the exit, go straight pass the curved road to the back alleys. Take a right at the dead end and a left at the next block. Go straight for two blocks and Cafe Organic will be on the corner on your right. 

Address: 마포구 서교동 339-1
339-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Phone: 02-332-4650

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

My Current Obsession - O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam

From the Jeju tea garden that has been around since 1979, the O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam uses organic green tea leaves in their face wash that is great for anyone with sensitive skin. Drawing and retaining moisture, green tea leaves help to detox the skin and remove any toxin. Thing includes removing make up residue and pollutants to purify the skin while simultaneously retaining moisture. Not only is it made with organic green tea leaves, it captures the sweet fragrance of citrus flowers that helps to refresh the skin and keep it young. Green tea is a great food good that is great for your whole body and being able to utilise that on a face with psoriasis is my big approval.


This O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam feels a little harsher than other products because it is thicker. The cleansing foam isn't like other foams where it's bubbly and made of a water base, but I am in love with the product and absolutely recommend it to anyone with trouble skin. It is definitely a purchase that will be made again because of its cleansing effects.

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.

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!

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. 

Todays Lunch - Pax Wholesome Foods

Today's half sandwich is the Cranberry Turkey sandwich from Pax. I am a big fan of the size which is great for those on a diet, but the price of it doesnt seem to be worth it. I paid a total of $4.30 for this, which is more than the price of half the sandwich, this is New York for you. I do love the fact that it helps me control my diet and gives me a little bit of room for some Organic & Fairly traded milk chocolate that I picked up at Whole Foods. Yum!

This Week's Shopping Splurge

This week’s shopping splurge consisted of Forever 21, Harmon’s Discount, and a variety of drugstores.

I’m extremely excited to share with you my shopping splurge at Forever 21 for the cheap items of clothing and accessories that I picked up. Nothing can beat basic tanks that can be paired with any outfit for less than $3. Another unbelievably cheap pick up is the two skinny belts that cost me $3.50. What I couldn’t believe was the price of other skinny belts for just $1.50!

The only top that I picked up was a leopard print racer back dressy top that is extremely comfortable and sheer. This versatile top can be worn as a casual top as well as an outfit night out. My Forever 21 splurge mostly consisted of trouser-like pants which include the colors of gray, purple, and olive. My ultimate favorite of all bottoms is the olive loose fitted, high-waisted woven pants with front pleats.

Moving on, a must have for every household is the dryer balls. This is my second set of dryer balls because one popped on me, I decided to get a new set and have a backup ball. These dryer balls are used to soften the fabric without the need of fabric softeners and dryer sheets. It does not have a fragrance, but it does reduce the amount of chemical intakes to your clothing which is recommended for those with sensitive skin.

Saving the best for last, my drugstore makeup splurge consists of only mascaras. I couldn’t decide between the bunch, so I decided to just purchase them all! The mascaras that I picked up this week were Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara, Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express Mascara, Maybelline Define a Lash Volume Mascara, and Covergirl Nature Luxe Mousse Mascara that has a sealed cap.

That is all for now, until my next splurge!

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!

Beauty Splurge

It is very like me to go shopping for more beauty products. Stopping by my favorite Korean store, the Face Shop, I picked up quite a bit of products to try out. A BB blending cream because for some odd reason, BB cream only came in one tone, but it’s great to find your perfect match as your skin color changes through the year. I’m super excited about the cheap $2 for 80 cotton pads which has no chemicals. I also picked up a bunch of $1 goodies which includes a charcoal pore strip, blemish patches to clear up pimples overnight and clearing patches to clean up acne scars. My last accessory at the Face Shop is my spatula that is great for homemade facials—a lot cleaner than using your hands to spread on your face.  

Prior to my shopping splurge this weekend, I finally stopped by Whole Foods after a suggestion from my cousin to try out their all natural shampoo. Before even reaching the hair aisle, I made a quick stop at their beauty section where JASÖN’s Pure Natural Anti-Wrinkle Day Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen caught my eye. I couldn’t help but to pick up this product that is all natural and it prevents as well as treats wrinkles!

I guess one thing lead to another when I picked out my shampoo. I went for JASÖN’s Tea Tree Scalp Normalizing Shampoo. I have to admit, the Natural Biotin Shampoo caught my eye as well, but I decided to go all organic until I have tested the product myself. Moving over to check the body wash section, I was definitely attracted to the line of JASÖN. There was so much to choose from I didn’t know what to choose. I finally narrowed it down to the cranberry wash since it was such a strong fruity smell and it would help my stress! I’ll follow up with a review soon!