Product Review - Missha Tornado Ampule Mask (Stem Water)

The Missha Tornado Ampule Mask which is a sleeping pack has three products that is recommended based on your skin type. The Stem Water product has the benefit of being extremely hydrating which is great for those with dry skin or even during the colder seasons where heat tends to make the skin dry. Using birch sap, bamboo sap, white cedar sap and hyaluronic acid it helps to promote a more moisturized skin base within a short amount of time.

After your nightly skin care regimen, simply pack on the swirly goodness of the Tornado Ampule Mask and sleep the night away. It will help to promote clear skin, removing dead sin cells from the pores. Because it is made with natural pure water (with the concept of their aqua line) it is made with 7 kinds of natural water which relieves irritation. It is one product that is recommended for anyone with dry and sensitive skin because it does work. The amazing swirl of white and green lotion makes it that much more amazing as well!

Hidden Treasures - Crow's Nest

Crow's Nest of Itaewon is the one pizza place that is a must visit for anyone in Korea. Note to anyone going to Crow's Nest, go as a group. Why? Because the must order at Crow's Nest is the 28 inch pizza, the biggest offered. A group is definitely needed to finish this huge pizza in size. There are three toppings that can be ordered with the special 28 inch pizza, but the other smaller options of a 20 and 16 inch is considered still too big for a small group as well. 

The hype behind Crow's Nest is definitely for the size of their pizzas. Although it is popular among many, the pizzas are actually just regular in taste. They average in price of $16 to $30, with the exception of the 28 inch which costs about $60. In addition to the pizzas that they offer, you can simply add your own toppings for an additional $3 per topping. With a handful of other delicious foods that include pastas, seafood, salads, and more, there is a lot to choose from in the menu that range from $10 to $20. One thing that is recommended from the appetizers section is their calamari. They do it up just like back at home with legs and rings battered and deep fried, served with a marina sauce that is thick to taste. Crow's Nest also offers a lunch special and takeout discounts for anyone who is looking for smaller portions and other goodies to enjoy. 

Photos really do no justice for how big the pizza is and it is definitely a surprise to the staff when guests order a 28 inch. Even with a group of five starving girls, we had to call for backup. This meant two extra guys to come and help! 

Pizzas and foods are cooked up rather quickly, unless it is a packed house of course. It is recommended to go to enjoy with a group of friends or if you are looking to satisfy a quick pizza craving. This is not a date setting because of the cuisine and atmosphere at Crow's Pizza. Nonetheless, there is a nice outdoor patio area for guests to utilize as well. 

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, 112-2

서울 용산구 이태원동 112-2
Phone: 02-749-7888
Directions: Take exit two of the Itaewon Station Exit and take the first left at the street. Make a right on the next street and Crow's Nest will be on your left on the second floor within 30 meters. 

Bottoms Up - Thanks Nature Cafe

With all the different animal cafes in Korea which are, but not limited to the dog, cat, and fish, there is the new staple of sheep. Yes, a sheep cafe. A little different from the other cafes where animals are not running around, but the sheep is caged. The concept of seating at Thanks Nature Cafe is definitely different to other cafes. Thanks Nature Cafe offers two types of seating which includes in door with air conditioner or outdoor with the natural breeze, right next to the two sheep. Although the smell may not be amazing, a lot of people like to sit outside with the sheep for another source of entertainment.

Many foreigners love to visit Thanks Nature Cafe for the concept of having a sheep in a cafe. Where in the world would you find a sheep in a cafe? It is definitely different which attracts all tourists and locals as well. Popularity of the cafe is within the younger crowd and couples, but it is definitely worth it to make a pit stop to see something that belongs in a farm, but is not. 

Although the drinks are not amazing, they are pretty popular with the waffles. Guests comes with a minimum of two, sharing a huge plate of waffle, cream, and fruits that looks amazing and a little over the top.

Another thing to keep in mind is that service can be a little slow, but that's because it's a popular place to visit for the two cute sheep that are in a pen outside. From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Before reaching the end where the third light is, Thanks Nature Cafe will be on your left downstairs right after the eye glasses store.

Address: 마포구 서교동 486 서교푸르지오산가 B121
Phone: 02-335-7470

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bloom and Goute 블룸 앤 구떼

The concept of Bloom and Goute is a café centered around flowers. It is one of the most famous cafes in Sinsa for a luxurious meal, drinks, and a selection of desserts to enjoy. Bloom and Goute is the one cafe that serves baked goodies, coffee and many other drinks with the amazing aroma of fresh flowers. Bloom and Goute breaks from the traditional coffee shops that center around coffee as a theme. They offer fresh flowers as a view and use them as a center piece for each table. The theme is centered around a garden layout with wired metal bench seating and open windows to enjoy the outside view. 

It is also a place to enjoy food with a simple brunch menu that brings in guests of all kinds. The most common of course, is their drinks and dessert options. Drinks and desserts at Bloom and Goute are a bit pricier than other locations, with an average of $8 a drink, desserts at $6 and special desserts costing over $10 a plate. The café also serves foods for brunch and snacks that can be ordered, but most guests attend for the enjoyment of fully bloomed flowers and their drink selection. 

Because the café is small in location, seating is for an average of two or three guests which usually revolves around couples or a girl’s brunch, tea time. Bloom and Goute may be hard to find since it off of the main street of Garosugil, but it is worth visiting for their outdoor concept indoors. They are recognized for their strawberry cheesecake, but it is nothing like what we are used to in New York. The strawberry cheesecake is made with berries inside the cheesecake which is different, but still good.

The cakes and pastries take a different take on the more traditional tastes by incorporating a variety of flavors as well as infusions. Although it is not the perfect blend of taste and combinations, their drinks are on point. Bloom and Goute serves a strong full-on flavor of teas and coffees that are over the top and worth the splurge. 

Located between the Apgujeong and Sinsa station on the orange line 3, Bloom and Goute is in the hidden back street of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street. It is extremely easy to miss the store because it is deep inside a back street that is hidden by many other stores. The easiest way to get here will be from the Apgujeon station exit 5, straight four blocks and take a left into the back street. After three intersections, Bloom and Goute will be in the middle of the following block on the right.

Address: 545-24 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul
서울 신사동 강남구 545-24 
Phone: 02-545-6659

Hidden Treasures - Pierrot Strike 삐에로스트라이크

Pierrot Strike is one of the most recognized bowling alleys in Seoul. With all kinds of entertainment with a focus of bowling as their central means of entertainment, it is one of the must visit locations in Apgujeong with a group of friends or even on a date to show off your bowling skills—or not. Pierrot is practically the fanciest bowling alley in Seoul because of their black light bowling. With house balls that glow as you roll them down the lane, it makes for fun and games with a group of friends.

Pierrot focuses on fun and games for the grownups, with the option of booze of course. You can order a bottle between your friends with the service of one jug of juice at no cost or even sip on a few cocktails. They also have the option of non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water to cater to guests who do not drink. The best part of drinking is the food (anju) of course. You can pair your drinks with a small side of chips or even go large for some finger foods.

With so many tables both indoor and outdoor (in a patio-like area) available, it is the perfect place to longue around and enjoy a drink. If you are waiting for a lane, you can enjoy their other services available and they will alert you when your lane is ready. You can simply slide over to the bowling section and they will bring you your drinks and foods. If talking with a friend is not enough to kill time, for more entertainment purposes, there are a few pool tables and dart boards around. Guests can simply visit Pierrot to enjoy a drink, shoot a game of pool and even play some darts on a random day or night.

Bowling games are priced at $5 and $1 bowling shoes. Although the wait can be a big long because there are only about twenty lanes, it is still worth the wait for a friendly competition with your friends. Unlike bowling in the States, they are limited in lanes which means that your party of 6 will be stuck on one lane so for anyone looking for practice time and professional bowling, this is not the place to be.

On another note, there is no option of creating your own name or keeping track of scores, unless you are doing it on your own because guests are rushed off the lanes once games are finished because of popularity and the number of people waiting. Guests usually play a game or two, depending on the group. Common courtesy of lanes after you are finished bowling is to bring your ball back to the many different shelves to reduce the number of balls on lanes and availability of balls for bowlers.

It is definitely recommended to go during the later hours since it is opened until early in the morning, catering to the late party crowd. The pub is opened from 6PM to 3AM.

Simply take the train to Apgujeong Rodeo station (on the yellow line), exit 5 for the rodeo street. Walk straight for about two blocks until you see Pierrot across the street on your left. The building is made of a wooden exterior, not difficult to spot from the many buildings around.

Address: Gangnam-gu, Cheongdahm Dong 85-4
서울시 강남구 청담동 85-4번지, 디자이너클럽 
Bowling Phone: 02-6007-8008 Pub Phone: 02-6007-8889

Hidden Treasures - Macaron by Ruben Ian Adriaan

Macaron in Hongdae is definitely on the top of my list of world's best recognized macarons as a dessert. For the simple reason that Ruben Ian Adriaan not only incorporates two flavors into his macarons, but for the simple fact that there is two flavors in the center. Most places only concentrates on one filling of flavor, but Macaron offers something different. 

The blend of two flavors of macaron is incorporated into every bite. The flaky and hard outer shell is combined with a soft bite into the center which provides you with a kick of two fillings depending on the flavor ordered. Macaron is definitely recommended for anyone looking for traditional flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and rose to the more modern take of cheesecake and berry, sakura, yuzu, and my favorite, salted caramel.

Although the macarons are taken up a notch, the prices are not. Macarons are priced at an affordable $1.50 per piece and $5 for a three piece combo. You can also purchase boxes as gifts to go which is definitely recommended because I have yet to have a better tasting macaron.

Address: 343-2 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul

서울시 마포구 서교동 343-2

Phone: 02-3144-0966

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Mouse Rabbit 마우스래빗

Although it is located in Mouse Rabbit (their Korean website) located in Kongdae is a well-known coffee shop amongst Kpop fans because of the famous celebrity that owns the cafe. Yesung 예성, the lead vocalist in Super Junior opened this three floor cafe with his brother that attracts locals and tourists to the area. With an outdoor patio and smoking area on the first floor, open windows for sunshine and a traditional black and white movie playing on the second floor, the cafe takes it to a whole new level offering private rooms where you have to remove your shoes in the basement. 

When visiting the shop, there is a high chance Yesung's mother will be working, but it is more difficult to see the celebrity himself. Although he has been spotted at the coffee shop, it definitely takes quite some chance since he is a celebrity after all. None the less even without the chance of seeing Yesung, it is worth visiting Mouse Rabbit for their cute mugged hot drinks and desserts. 

Their marble cheesecake is on point with the perfect blend of New York styled cheesecake, dark chocolate base and chocolate filled cake. Although they are more recognized for their Oreo cheesecake, it is nothing like an Oreo cheesecake. Anyone looking for a lighter, fluffy textured cream cake should definitely go for the Oreo cheesecake which is cream and fluff on top of a chocolate base cake, topped with an Oreo. 

In addition to the desserts, there are a variety of drinks which includes coffee, teas, and even alcoholic beverages. They are on point just like any other coffee shops. Mouse Rabbit also offers the popular Korean dessert, patbingsoo which is a shaved ice as well as a handful of small eats. 

You would think a place opened by a celebrity would charge an outrageous amount of money for their drinks and goodies, but it is actually measurable to all the average coffee shops in Seoul, even cheaper than a lot of the fancy ones. You can easily find drinks and desserts priced at less than $5 a pop which is truly amazing because you're actually spending more at a Starbucks. 

Opened from 10AM to 12AM daily, it is the perfect place for a chat, bonding, and even just to study. There are many locals that hang around the coffee shop just to enjoy a cup of coffee without it being too chaotic knowing a celebrity owns the place. Service is amazing and the staff is extremely friendly. They always have Mouse Rabbit hand fans ready to give to any fan of Yesung which makes it that much more amazing.

Directions to Mouse Rabbit is fairly easy. Take exit 2 of Konkuk University Station where Line 2 and 7 intersect. When you exit the station, take a left before the light where the Angel-in-us coffee shop is and go straight until you see the Samsung mobile store on a small corner. Take the small street that goes in on your left and Mouse Rabbit will be on your right. 

Address: 서울 광진구 화양동 5-14번지
5-14, Hwayang-dong,. Gwangjin-gu, Seoul


BLOG UPDATE: For those TRUE fans, you will know when you see. I was a little too embarrassed to ask for a photo, plus the 23492374982374 signs that asked politely not to take a photo. At the very minimum Yesung 예성 did take my order and did speak to me in a combination of Korean and English ^.^ totally made my day and made me feel like a little girl at heart. He is actually flawless in person.