My Current Obsession - Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence

Anyone who knows me knows that I still have very long, virgin hair. The reason for that is because I am looking to donate my hair, but I am so obsessed with taking care of my hair that I did a mini blog on Hair 101 and how to prevent split ends when I first started the blog. For the most part, I really care for my hair and have minimal heat damage as well as minimal combing. 

I recently found a product that I have been obsessed with because it promotes healthy hair. The Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one of the best sellers in Korea for hair care. It is enriched with camellia oil from Jeju island. It's for all hair types and promotes a healthy shine which can be used daily. Simple run the product through your hair (I suggest running it through your ends only if you are on a budget). After doing so, you can simply pair with your regular products. Because I do not use any, I just use this as a nutrient to keep my hair healthy.

Like many other products that claim to help keep the hair healthy, the Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one product that actually works. It keeps my hair healthy and reduces the number of split ends. Although it claims to provide the hair with some kind of shine, there isn't great shine behind the product, but it works in maintaining. For those who do not have the time to care for your hair by conditioning and using olive oil to soak the hair, this would be a great product thats quick and easy to use. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Molly's Pops

Molly's Pops (몰리스팝스) is one of the most famous places for foreigners, locals, adults, and children of all ages. For what reason? For their ice pops. Molly's pops is the one place in Seoul that offers fun and amazing flavor to all guests for their refreshing ice pops. For just $3 a pop, that pretty much beats the price of any convenient store ice cream, as well as my ultimate favorite Baskin Robbins. Molly's Pops take ice pops to another level by incorporating all kinds of flavors.

The best sellers are of course the ones made with booze for a different kind of kick as well as the signature Wasabi. Yes, a wasabi ice pop. As peculiar as it may sound, this bizarre food is actually not so bad when incorporated in a popsicle stick. Refreshing and cold, there is definitely enough of a taste of wasabi at the end that surprises you. 

Although they are labeled as an ice pop, the texture of the popsicles are extremely milky to the point where they melt in your mouth. It is a smooth blend of amazing flavor, incorporating all things good from sweet to tart and tangy. It is all things good on a stick you can't go wrong with that or any choice of ice pops at Molly's pops. 

This small shop is located from exit 8 of the Hongdae station on line 2. Take a right into the first block when you walk out of the station and follow the block straight down after you pass the curved road on your left (technically walk on it). Go to the very end until you hit a dead end and make a left. Molly's Pops will be on your right within a two blocks walk.

Address: 330-20 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-Gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 서교동 330-20

Hidden Treasures - Deli HeinzBurg

Deli HeinzBurg is one place to rave about for their amazing brunch, cold cuts, burgers, lunch, dinner, and everything included menu options. Deli HeinzBurg takes a traditional menu and cooks up everything that is anything but traditional. The way they are able to incorporate fresh ingredients of holidays and cultural foods is amazing. 

They break from the cliche sandwiches and burgers, even the drink menu is something amazing. The one thing that Deli HeinzBurg is a true staple for is their dishes that are over the top, literally. They are stacked in a way that makes it impossible to consume with one bite. Eating a sandwich or burger from Deli HeinzBurg involves you to get down and dirty. Break from the fork and knife that they offer you, you need to take a big bite in to get a full blast of flavor that they cook up. This is no place for you to be cute and eat girly.

The most recognizable sandwich from Deli HeinzBurg is the turkey cranberry and cheese sandwich that is piled on top of an amazing bread and bed of salad. You just might have to pull out a knife and fork and consume this as if it was a salad. Nonetheless, it is absolutely amazing in taste, the perfect blend of all things good. In addition to their Thanksgiving holiday sandwich that you can get on any day, their Dracula burger is also to die for. This burger is it's own take on the traditional bacon burger with melted cheese. An addition of onions, lettuce, and a spicy sauce that takes it over the top makes you crave for its juicy goodness. With so much more on the menu, ordering everything from their soups to salads is a recommendation to make. There is just a wide menu that makes you want to go back.

In addition to the amazing food, the drinks are over the top. Served in a mason glass, they offer a selection of ades that are meant to be shared between two. It is the cutest way to promote a date setting and an excuse to get close to your significant other. Although the atmosphere does not call for a date, it is one place that you should take a date. The food is amazing and there is almost always a wait. Locals and foreigners jump on the opportunity to get in line for a seat at Deli HeinzBurg to sample their goodies which range from $10-20. 

Address: 534-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul

Phone: 02-541-8780

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the

Garosu-gil shopping street until you see the Fossil store and take a left into the small block. Deli HeinzBurg will be at the next block on your left, right on the corner with indoor and semi-outdoor seating.

Traditional Korean Eat - Cold Noodles 육쌈냉면

Nangmyeon is a popular traditional Korean eat, especially in the summer time because it is served in a bowl of ice. Although it sounds to be peculiar, it is probably the most refreshing meal that you can have. The best part about nangmyeon is many restaurants serve it in addition to their signature dishes. 

육쌈냉면 is one Korean chain restaurants that is favored among locals for this traditional Korean eat. Because the store focuses on the traditional eat of cold noodles, there is a very basic menu to order from. Most order either the regular or spicy nangmyeon. Each order is served with a marinated BBQ pork without the need to order (unless of course you want a bigger portion). This extremely cheap eat will only set you back $5. SAY WHAAAAT? Five bucks for noodles with BBQ meat? Yes. Because it such a cheap eat, there is almost always a line. Service is usually rather quick since there is a basic menu and customers expect a certain quality of food. 

Skin Food Fresh Apple Mild Pore Peeling Gel

Skin Food's Fresh Apple Mild Pore Peeling Gel is one product that many locals pick up because it helps to gently remove dead skin from the surface. This gel is simply to be rubbed on in circular motion and all of the dead skin will gradually become visible. It is not something that makes you proud to show others, but is a product that works to help remove any skin build up. Over time, this can help reduce the darkness of scars because because you are gently removing the outer layer of your skin. Because it is a gel, it is gentle and not causing a rough scratch to the skin like many scrubs that are used to remove dead skin. It is definitely recommended for anyone with sensitive skin!

Restaurant Review - Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos is one of the most recognized restaurants in Seoul, not only for its amazing take on Mexican tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but the whole menu. Vatos puts a twist on the traditional Mexican foods but taking it up a notch with newly incorporated flavors which includes the most basic thing on the menu which explains why they had to move from their original location with a three hour wait to a bigger space that has a two hour wait. 

For starters, the Kimchi Carnitas Fries is Vatos Urban Tacos' signature take on the traditional fries by incorporating bulgolgi meat, kimchi and a mix of salsa and sour cream over a bed of fries. The best part is the fresh ingredients and amazing flavor when combined. This is definitely a must order between friends or even for yourself because it's just that amazing. 

One recommendation for the entree that must be made is the chicken quesadilla. Vatos Urban Tacos is the only place that actually has a layer of cheese to top their already amazing quesadilla. Filled with chunks of chicken meat and cheese, the extra crispy and extra layer of cheese makes this quesadilla that much more amazing. Of course, a ton of fresh ingredients thrown on top takes it to the next level. 

In addition to amazing quesadillas, playing favorites is definitely not my kind of thing. The burritos at Vatos Urban Tacos is stuffed with meat, veggies and rice that you would never expect to have a full blast of flavor. Because there is so much variety in their burritos, the owners incorporate a different taste to the traditional burritos which includes a kick of cinnamon. Beans are infused with a hint of cinnamon which brings a taste that traditional burritos lack. With so many options on the menu, it can be difficult to choose the best.

The last of the traditional Mexican foods include tacos, soft and crispy shells. In regards to their tacos, many do not believe it is worth the splurge because Vatos Urban Tacos actually uses a different kind of taco shell. They deep fry their tortillas daily and use a plain flat tortilla, no option of a crispy shell. Nonetheless, although it breaks from the traditional norm, the shrimp taco is actually amazing. Battered, deep fried shrimp is topped with lime juice and a variety of salads and then of course the signature fresh salsa and sour cream. From a personal opinion, the Chili Lime Shrimp is a definite recommendation and for just $7 for two pieces and $10 for three, it is worth a try.

Lastly, it isn't Mexican without any booze. Vatos Urban Tacos offer the traditional beverages of frozen margaritas, and bull dogs but they also offer a twist on the traditional drinks. By incorporating a Korean twist of the Makgeolita, the best of both worlds: Korea and Mexico is bought together. The most popular among the foreigners just may be their iced tea in a mason jar which is nothing closed to an iced tea. Infused with a ton of alcohol, this drink can definitely get a night started. Although it is on the pricier end for about $15 a glass, it is quite the matchmaker with any grub at Vatos Urban Tacos. 

Quite frankly, is it worth it? Yes. You can get lucky on some days and even make reservations a day or two prior to enjoy the amazing food. With superb service and extremely friendly staff on board, it is definitely the go to place for amazing food and drinks in general. Although pricing is a little higher than what most would pay for a taco, it is worth the splurge at least once in your life. 

The Itaewon location's address is: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon Dong 181-8 Phone 02-797-8226 Take the Itaewon train station exit 1 straight and Vatos Urban Tacos will be approximately four blocks down when you reach the light before the McDonald's on your left. Vatos Urban Tacos is on your right along the hill that goes up.

With a second location opening in the famous shopping street of Garosu-gil today, Tuesday June 18th, the address is: Gangnam-gu, Sinsa dong, 532-11 on the Third floor of the Giordano building. Phone 02-548-8226.

Story of My Life - UMF Korea 2013

One of the biggest events around the world is Ultra Music Festival (UMF). It is so big that it is an event that pretty much everyone travels around the world just to see. Held in Jamsil stadium this year, there have been many who traveled to Korea from other countries just to experience and see the sets of world famous DJs which include, but are not limited to: AVICII, Kaskade, Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand, Cazzette, Boy George, Shut Da Mouth, and Carl Cox.

It is a two day party of chaos and fun with three stages, over sixty acts from mid afternoon until night time with after party of course! UMF is such a big event that there are people who are willing to pay $150 for tickets the day of events. Yes, just that big. There is not only a VIP section, but a VVIP section. The amount of fun and chaos that goes on is just beyond explainable. The best part is being able to share it with those who are not at the event, but able to listen in online.

Lucky for me, I got the pleasure of being backstage of Shut Da Mouth’s set along with the emcee Pinnacle TheHustler. It was definitely an experience to be behind the scene, meeting a ton of awesome people which includes the unforgettable DJ Agent Smith (because of his awesome fro) and at the end of the day, enjoying the main acts through the night. Of course, this comes with a price of lots of energy drinks as well as pain with the crowd jumping up and down and squeezing to the front of the acts. Being able to immerse myself to the music and enjoy every moment of it was something that made the not so great experience, pretty awesome, after all. Nonetheless, it was something to experience and always a great memory.

This definitely makes it another great experience and explains how awesome it is to live in Korea. The number of people you meet, the connections you make, it just makes you remember and feel grateful for every experience. Not everyone is as snobby and as stuck up as you think they could be after "making it." That is probably the best part about going out to gigs like this.

It tops my experience last year with World DJ Fest by meeting a ton of awesome DJs and people in general. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for me! Photos definitely do no justice for the day/night that I had.