DIY - Hairspray

I am big on DIY items, especially those that are less damaging for the body. Hairspray is full of chemicals and such, therefore I finally decided to blog about the DIY hairspray. Simply use a misting spray bottle that you have sitting around. Boil 1/2 cup of water and when bubbly, add a minimum of 2 teaspoons of sugar. For those who wish to have a stronger hold, go for a tablespoon of sugar. This hairspray will last for a week. If you wish to double the shelf life, you can add a bit of alcohol and it will last for two weeks. 

After the sugar has fully dissolved, pour into the spray bottle and store it into the fridge for 20 minutes or so. When spraying, be sure to spray in thin layers because it is not your typical hairspray. You can maximize the hold by spraying more layers after waiting for the previous to dry. 

Restaurant Review - Hotsun

One of the popular chicken and beer chains in Korea is Hotsun. On average, a chicken dish is the price of $17, which can be split between two. Although the chicken is filling, the only carbs in Hotsun is their porridge and bologna pasta. Be ready to fill off of chicken because there is no rice, this is a place strictly for drinking and chicken. 

It is best to go with a gang of friends to Hotsun and enjoy chicken and beer over chatting. Go for the double layer pitcher of beer, just $13 for a 3000 cc of draft. In addition to chicken and beer, Hotsun serves the sides of pickles, sour radish, and finger chips. It is extremely popular in Korea to have chips when drinking beer, but the pickles and sour radish compliment the chicken. Eating sour things before your meal makes it more appetizing and delicious, not that it isn't already.

Fried boneless chicken drowned in a sweet and sour sauce is a must when it comes to Korean fried chicken. Hotsun has one of the best boneless chicken that I had since I've been to Korea. Be sure to stop by and try out this dish along with some beer, it is a spot for conversation and friend bonding so do not expect a fancy place to have dinner. 

Bottoms Up - Bubble Pong

Located by the Ewha women's university, the area is known for their cheap shopping goods. Semi hidden in a small street by the train station from exit 6, Bubble Pong is a small bubble tea spot that is whipping up all kinds of flavors in addition to the classic milk tea and taro.

With mostly smoothie drinks that are on the recommended list, there are two sizes for the drinks that start at roughly $4.50. The recommended ones are the mint chocolate and white chocolate bubble tea. They specialize and advertise their chocolate drinks, being that it is their best seller, you definitely can't go wrong with a cup. A sweet blend of chocolate with bubbles that will help you stay cool and refreshed on any hot summer day.

My Current NOT Obsession - Clarisonic PLUS

There have been quite a number of ads and commercials for the Clarisonic face and body cleaning system. When I first received it as a gift, I was a bit reluctant to use it because of the price. This baby costs $225 plus tax and shipping (I believe). I read a bunch of good reviews on it, but still, my initial choice was to return it and use that money towards more makeup and beauty goods until I was bribed by my significant other to purchase more beauty goods for me if I would open the box (no joke—but I didn’t abuse it). No exaggeration here whatsoever, you can feel a cleaner face after one use. I did not believe, but we all know I have psoriasis so I feel the extra layer of skin and this baby took it all off! In addition to that, all makeup was removed with one shot. I really couldn’t believe it. It felt great after one use, I felt my face wash actually sink into my skin—a hundred times better than my Korean face sponge and I never thought that was possible!

I cannot emphasize how well this machine works, you can read all the statistics here, but from personal use, I can tell you that it is worth the $225 plus tax and shipping and whatever. There’s a current promo going on when purchasing the machine, they will throw in a few face cleansers and body wash. I got a set myself but I have yet to try it because I wanted to finish up my all natural Ole Henriksen on the Go wash which is perfect for sensitive skin. I’ll definitely update again once I try the Clarisonic washes.

Aside from the Clarisonic PLUS system that I have, there is the Classic at the price of $195 and the Mia that is a smaller size for $149. When you purchase two, you can save a bit more. I know the price will probably scare you away, but for a makeup lover, this is definitely worth the investment. You want to prevent all the makeup from eating into your skin which will only make your skin worse as you age. For women like me who have sensitive skin and psoriasis, this is definitely worth the investment. I don’t know how many different cleaning systems and face washes I have tried, this system works with practically any face wash. It definitely helps my medication and lotions sink into my skin better and there’s even a 30 day return if you don’t like it!





5.7.2014 UPDATE OF HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. THREE MONTHS AND NO CALL BACKS FROM SOMEONE TO REPLACE MY MACHINE, THIS IS THE WORST THING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED.

When I use the Clarisonic machine, it no longer cleans the way it is supposed to. The brush head does not turn effectively to get a good clean and there are 2 red lights blinking on the machine. Customer service says I am entitled to a replacement, but because of the "time problem" described below, I was not able to get it. I have been experiencing this problem for months now and not able to use the machine as I was traveling from country to country without access to calling the company to file a complaint. If needed, I have documentation of being out of the country for the past year. There were never any problems with charging because I have a converter or make sure that all outlets are 110-240 Volts. It was working for part of my travels and not the other.

I am extremely upset that there is a 2 year warranty on my Clarisonic but because I was living abroad and did not call a few months ago about the problem I kept experiencing, I am now required to purchase a whole new machine. I feel cheated by a company that I have raved about to my beauty readers and friends both in the States and abroad. I have recommended your machine to a number of people who have actually purchased it and continue to rave about how well the machine works through my beauty blog and of course personal recommendations as gifts and everyday use. Unfortunately because of your 2 year rule, I now have to pay for a whole new machine. It is as if the company knows the machine will break a little after the 2 year mark and leaves it at that. I am not sure how you expect me to call internationally with an 18 hour time difference and you are not open on the weekends. I worked three different jobs abroad and just couldn't find the time to "risk" knowing that you would probably not send me the product internationally. I thought it would be best to address the issue once I return to the States and I am left with poor customer service. I am extremely disappointed in a company that I have constantly praised to others. I feel that with the loyalty program you offer, asking me to pay $125 for a new machine, could easily be redeemed. I have recommended your machine to a handful of people and know at least 10 of my friends who have bought it because of me. In addition to that, by providing me with a new machine that leaves you short $125 of revenue would easily come back to you for the simple fact that I would have to change the brush head every 3 months. Over the course of 2 years, that would cost me at the very minimum $160 for 8 brush heads that is revenue in addition to the shower gels that I would have purchased along with the product. Now because of the disappointment in your services, I am afraid to say that I will not spend $125 under your "loyalty" program that is supposedly going to be cut by February 1. I feel pressured by your manager to make a quick purchase without considering the other factors of my life that I have just moved back to America and need to take into account of the many other things that this $125 can be used to. You have created a great machine, but I am sad to say that I am disappointed in your customer service for the simple fact that even the manager "cannot do anything about it because the machine is no longer under warranty." I am upset that I literally spent a total of 90 minutes on waiting time, talking to different customer service representatives, waiting for your manager to call (not within the time promised) and the problem was addressed within a minute with no effort whatsoever. Thank you for your generous care in your customers who make quite an investment on a cleansing machine. I have never been so disappointed in a well recognized brand before.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Ewha Macarons & Cookies

내마음의  작은선물 is one of the newest macaron and cookie bakeries to open in Korea. It is on the top of my list for its various fresh macarons. The wall of color is just too much to handle sometimes! With macarons starting at $1.50, there are a handful to choose from. The bakery incorporates a variety of flavors that are a must try: rose, green tea, cookies and cracker and the classic of caramel, pistachio and my ultimate favorite: peanut butter. 

Located by the women's university, Ewha station on the green line, it is a must visit for anyone who craves macarons the way I do. Prices for macarons are decent and it is worth every penny for its delicious taste. It does bring me back home for a moment, I am all for 내마음의  작은선물!

Korean Traditional Eat - Chicken Ginseng Soup

Korea is known for their ginseng, having the best in the world. Because there is so much nutritious value in ginseng, the cost of it is rather high. For those looking to get a bit of ginseng in their diet and is not familiar with how to cook it, there is a handful of options in Korea for you.

The most popular and famous tourists attraction by Jong-no called Tosokchon (토속촌) is the one place that is a must visit for their ginseng chicken soup (Samgyetang 삼계탕). A baby chicken stuffed with glutinous rice is boiled in a ginseng broth until soft and infused with ginseng. This healthy eat is a bit expensive, $20-30 a bowl, but extremely worth it. With only four soups to choose from, they are all on the recommendation list.

In addition to the ginseng soup, there are shreds of ginseng that is served to be added to the soup. The restaurant also serves up ginseng tea and a shot of ginseng wine for those who dare to take a drink. Wait at the restaurant can be as long as two hours, depending on the time and the number of tour buses in the area. Nonetheless, it is a must visit for all in Korea!

Directions to Tosokchon (토속촌): Take Gyeonbokgong exit 2 and go straight until the second block. Take a left and you will see the wooden front with chicken roasting and perhaps a line.
Address: 85-1 Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Bottoms Up - Woo Bar

Woo Bar, a high class spot associated with the Walker Hill Casino and Sheraton Hotel, is the location to go to for fancy drinks, good view of the water, superior service, and fun and games with foosball, foot long Jenga blocks and an actual kids size chess set. It is the best location to enjoy a drink with a date after a late night dinner and even just as a hangout.

The decor is beyond amazing with a clean white interior and open space that is leveled off with stairs for private and intimate seating. The best part is the open windows view that allows you to overlook the water and enjoy the sun set.

With a recognized bartender hired specifically to create specialty world class drinks, the cocktails served at Woo Bar are phenomenal. There are a variety of selections that can be made which include test tube shots, world class margaritas, and even drinks paired with scents that enhances your intake of alcohol. Only at Woo Bar would you find a cocktail paired with a smoking glass of relaxing sensations.

Along with the high class cocktails and service comes a higher cost. Look to spend roughly $20-30 for each cocktail, some nonalcoholic drinks included. It is not a recommended place for those who do not drink because Woo Bar is known for their alcoholic beverages. Unless you are willing to pay for the view and enjoying a weekend night with many locals, this bar may not be the best choice. Be sure to dress up because it is a bar on the higher end, especially on a Friday and Saturday night. All other times, casual is accepted. I definitely recommend visiting Woo Bar at least once if you are in town.