Today's Lunch - Korean McDonalds

I decided to fulfill a craving for McDonalds today and skipped out on the Bulgolgi burger after trying it at Burger King and just got the Big Mac meal. I love Korea for how pretty and perfect everything is. The Big Mac is perfectly put together, unlike those back at home that is just slapped together. Best part is, it definitely tasted like the meal back home so it helps to satisfy those cravings that you have! Built to satisfy :]

A few pointers for those who are eating at fast food chains in Korea: separate your garbage. When finished with your meal, there is a slot for ice and leftover liquid from your drinks you did not finish. There is also a place to stack your cups, and a separate garbage for lids and straws. Some places also have a separate disposal for the paper that comes with your tray and finally your garbage. I was definitely confused the first time I was in Burger King, but I'm pro now!

Beauty Gadgets - Slim Face Massage Roller

A little weird, but yes, a slim face massage roller. You simply roll along your face and it will help to slim down your face. The way it works is it helps to remove the water tension in your face, thus making your face slimmer. You simply roll your retention from your face to other parts of your body. It also feels a bit sore after rolling along your face, equivalent to a workout for the face. You will feel a bit of soreness and pain in your skin, but it is all worth it. By working out the muscles on your face, you are tightening the skin and slimming down the fat. Another great invention!

Todays Lunch - Vecchia & Nuovo

A two floor classy and elegant brunch place in Gangnam, central Seoul, that brings me back home for a moment. Vecchia & Nuovo is an upscale and pricey place for a brunch, but the food and drinks are amazing! For those who are willing to pay $11 for a drink, and $22 for a kid sized meal that brings you back home, this is the place to go. Although the prices may be way too expensive, the quality of the food makes up for the prices. These dishes can be paired with those dishes in American restaurants for the good quality food. Also remember, there is no need for tips in Korea, another plus to eat out!

I apologize on skipping out on the photos for lunch, it was too much of a high class place that I did not want to seem like a tourist. For my lunch, I ordered the Earl Grey Tea Boba (everyone knows that I left America crying about not being able to have bubble tea again). I am grateful there was bubble tea here, even though it wasn't as great, it definitely hit the spot for me. 

As for my main course, I ordered the chicken penne pasta with parmesan cheese, definitely bought me back home for a second. Keep in mind these dishes are expensive because pasta is expensive in Korea as well! For those who are craving sandwiches, they bake their bread on the premises which ensures good quality. I took a bite of the curry chicken sandwich, and it was delicious! There is also the hot chocolate that is rich in flavor and topped with a heart shape steam milk creation, like those in cappuccinos. 

Lastly, a must have was the cheesecake. Who am I to not go for dessert! Most cheesecakes in Korea are not like those back home, made of pounds and pounds of cream cheese. In fact, cheesecake in Korea contains a bit of cakey texture, which takes out the wow factor. Because I ordered the regular cheesecake topped with a berry sauce, I was amazed at the quality of the cheesecake. It is measurable to those back at home that I pay a lot for. Therefore, the must have from Vecchia & Nuovo is the Oreo cheesecake, which I had to get one to go. Hopefully this $15 cheesecake that is the size of my hand will keep me content until my next discovery of American comfort foods!

Street Food Yum - Dong Dae Mun

There is always great food in shopping areas. One of the more special treats that I found was the french fries stuffed with a hotdog on a stick. I am not big on hot dogs, so I didn't try it, but it looked delicious, considering everyone was practically munching on it. Another note about Korean hot dogs: they're not the same like they are back in the states. Just a FYI for those who are craving for a NY street hotdog. 

 Aside from street carts, there are those street food vendors that have seating under a plastic tent. Today's street food yum is just that. Be aware that when you order these portions, they are meant to be shared with others. If you are visiting Dong Dae Mun and happen to stop by one of these spots, you will see that they have kimchi pancake, fried fish paste, and other goodies already cooked. You will be shouted at and hollered to come over, but they're extra friendly people trying to get customers. 

The only problem with such stands is the sanitation level. It is not as high as you expect because you are sitting on plastic stools, eating off of folding tables out in the street. You will probably be squished because of limited space and may have to give up the extra table that you have for three. There's not such thing as napkins in such areas, they have a roll of toilet paper hanging around for you to grab and use so bring your own if you're big on germs! Keep in mind that most street vendors server their dishes on a plate that is wrapped with a plastic bag. It saves on the dish washing and usually, they just wipe the plates clean.

Aside from the bad, the one good thing is that these vendors have their menu not only in Korean, but Chinese and Japanese as well. There isn't any English, but it was great progress being able to read Chinese and ordering the exact food that I want! The dishes include a stir fried noodle which has pork and vegetables mixed in, as well as a spicy pork dish. Absolutely delicious, a little pricey for two plates of food that cost $24, but it was good!

Shopping Splurge - Dong Dae Mun Cheap Pick Ups

The first official shopping splurge in Korea and it only set me back a total of $100. I know back in New York, this $100 will probably be for one item. This week's shopping spree is all from Dong Dae Mun, by the History and Cultural Park in Seoul, Korea. There are just so much stores and outside shops that you can probably get lost, but the best thing is being able to bargain and getting a good steal. For some items, you can skip the bargaining (like my $8 beige parka jacket). 

The only problem with Korea is that there is usually one size fits all. This does not work out to those who are not the typical Korean small. Keep in mind that the size system in Korea is different from that in America, usually a lot smaller. 

For my first steal in Korea, I picked up an eight dollar parka jacket, ten dollar extremely warm and thick hoodie, $5 for two pairs of leggings, $3 zebra tights, ten dollar checkered sweater (doesn't look as good as it does on full bodies like me than it does on skinny Korean girls), $15 furry leather gloves and a $7 wrap scarf that is just oh so comfortable. 

It is definitely a place for college students looking for a good deal. For girls who love to shop and can bargain. There is a regular mall in the area for those who look for luxury Korean brands and items. Unfortunately for me, we just didn't have enough time to explore. I expect prices to be just like designer brands, which equals to a lot of damage!

My Current Obsession - Naked Palette 2

Many of you, like myself, have been awaiting for the Urban Decay Naked Palette 2. A new palette on the original take that allows you to fulfill all your make up needs for any occasion. 

I am excited for this new palette and cannot wait to get it! It is now available at Urban Decay for $50, will reach Sephora, Ulta, beauty.com, and Macy's stores by mid to late January. For those who are like me, internationally located, we will have to wait until February. That is unless you are going to have a friend ship the item over to you, like I will! Yes, it is that much of an obsession to have.

This new palette of colors contain the:

• Blackout - Blackest black with a matte finish that is repromoted (color is not available individually)
• Booty Call - Shimmery cork that is new
• Busted - Deep brown with a shimmery finish that is also new
• Chopper - A copper shimmer with silver micro glitter (permanent)
• Foxy - Cream bisque with a matte finish that is repormoted (color not available individually)
• Half Baked - A golden bronze with shimmery finish (permanent)
• Pistol - Light grayish brown with a shimmer finish that is newly introduced
• Snake Bite - A dark bronze shimmer with a metallic base that is new
• Suspect - Pale golden beige with shimmery finish that is repromoted (color not sold alone)
• Tease - A creamy pale brown with a matte finish newly introduced 
• Verve - Oyster witha  shimmery finish that is repromoted as well (color not sold alone)
• YDK - A cool bronze shimmer with metallic base (permanent)

There is also the extra bonus of Naked - A sheer shimmery pinky neutral lip color that practically goes with every look (permanent) and the Good Karma Shadow/Crease Brush - A dual ended brush that helps you create all the looks needed.

It definitely comes in the perfect month, December, a month for Christmas gifts and birthday gifts, or both! Like mine :D

Today's Lunch - Kimbap

One of the most popular eats in Korea is Kimbap, it is practically the most cheapest eats here as well. Today's lunch is the Kimbap that only cost me $3. Absolutely delicious, cheap and filling. This Korean Traditional eat is filled with a sour radish, egg, crab meat, carrot, fishcake, a special topping, and other things depending on the store. This is something that is great for all teachers who are pressed for time, I am always big on small foods that are filling and of course, no one can beat the price! The cheapest I have seen a roll of Kimbap go for is actually $2.