I realised when I feel lost or have a lot on my mind,
I will have an urge to talk to my mum (or dad)...
It is not because they give me great advice but I guess there must be some magic in our parents' voices.
Just talking about the most mundane things in the world brings me unspeakable peace and comfort.
5.30.2011
5.23.2011
I so need to practise driving
It has been 2 months since I got my license and I haven't been behind the wheels since then!
I so need to practise if I am going to bring my parents around Hokkaido in July!
The trip is confirmed though with all the flight tickets and hotels booked. Now I just to get going somewhere! 
Solo trip Observations~
For the first two times I went to Seoul, I didn't really got to try their traditional breakfast because 1. The hotel provided breakfast. 2. My companions just weren't morning people. Finally on my semi-solo trip on the third time, I got to try out their breakfast (I should think this is just one choice) which is Congee. They have very interesting combinations like mushroom with beef, ginseng chicken with prawn and Abalone being the most mainstream one.
Also, on the last 2 trips, since it was always with 2-3 people, Taxis were our main mode of transport. Taxis are really cheap in Seoul, really a fraction of that of Singapore and especially so when you share out among 3-4 people. And on top of that being in a foreign place where we couldn't and actually didn't want to be bothered with reading maps or figuring out the subway lines, I almost never had a chance to step into the subways.
So on the third trip I decided to take as much subway as I could (have to use the subway card I topped up but never ever got to use). And I did! In fact I walked so much (since I got lost as much too) that my calves were wobbling in pain when I got back to the hotel at the end of the day.
But I really totally enjoyed myself because the weather was great (ard 20-23 deg) with no strong sun and light breeze. I really love to take the subway too because that’s where I can do people observation and also move around slowly at my own pace. My only “regret” or disappointment is the realization that the tall and good-looking guys you see in Korean dramas do not actually exist on the roads. They are found and probably confine to the boundaries of the television.
So I still think Tokyo is a better place to spot good-looking guys~ (seconded by 2 other friends)
So let me share some things I took along the way…
The congee place I went on the first morning. It is abalone and the broth is made from cow's bones apparently. And usually they come with some side dishes like kimchi and spicy octopus which I absolutely love!! Actually I like the spicy Ikan bilis best~ Yumz~~
Also, on the last 2 trips, since it was always with 2-3 people, Taxis were our main mode of transport. Taxis are really cheap in Seoul, really a fraction of that of Singapore and especially so when you share out among 3-4 people. And on top of that being in a foreign place where we couldn't and actually didn't want to be bothered with reading maps or figuring out the subway lines, I almost never had a chance to step into the subways.
So on the third trip I decided to take as much subway as I could (have to use the subway card I topped up but never ever got to use). And I did! In fact I walked so much (since I got lost as much too) that my calves were wobbling in pain when I got back to the hotel at the end of the day.
But I really totally enjoyed myself because the weather was great (ard 20-23 deg) with no strong sun and light breeze. I really love to take the subway too because that’s where I can do people observation and also move around slowly at my own pace. My only “regret” or disappointment is the realization that the tall and good-looking guys you see in Korean dramas do not actually exist on the roads. They are found and probably confine to the boundaries of the television.
So I still think Tokyo is a better place to spot good-looking guys~ (seconded by 2 other friends)
So let me share some things I took along the way…
The congee place I went on the first morning. It is abalone and the broth is made from cow's bones apparently. And usually they come with some side dishes like kimchi and spicy octopus which I absolutely love!! Actually I like the spicy Ikan bilis best~ Yumz~~
And Singapore-founded stores seems to do pretty well too! Besides Kaya toast, saw a long queue outside Mei Zhen Xiang and Charles and Keith too.
We have the quirky English.... And even the Japanese is weird grammatical too. But well the Japanese part makes a little more sense though.
And finally a break at O'sulloc, my favourite green-tea based-cafe. Their green-tea leaves are freshly picked from Jeju and they make all kinds of tea related desserts like the green-tea float below, earl-grey moouse cakes etc.. This is a top recommendation! Their cakes are really light and fluffy!
Anyway, thank God I had my cousin for company for 1.5 days! We had a great time at a public bath, eating BBQ meat and just fellowship~ also planning for our trip there again (hopefully this year!)
5.16.2011
Shopping Part 2: Accessories Story
Basically, I think I am pretty predictable (or you can I am boring or consistent!) in the things I like. I often receive comments from people saying “I can so imagine you wearing this”, “This is so you…” or “I think you will definitely like this.”
I have never really saw myself as someone who is very lady-like or even remotely close but I think I can at least say I am still pretty “clean” in my speech because of the strict up-bringing of my mum. My parents (especially dad) are very relaxed in other aspects when we were growing up but if there is ONE thing that they are extremely concerned about, it will be the things that come out of our ( me n bro) mouths. Of course, we are probably more tainted by the colors of the world than they will like us to be but I am still thankful it is not a habit to spew vulgarities.
And hey why am I off the topic? I just wanted to purely blog on my trophies from the trip
Ok here goes….I am a sucker for things pearly with ribbons and lace!
I have never really saw myself as someone who is very lady-like or even remotely close but I think I can at least say I am still pretty “clean” in my speech because of the strict up-bringing of my mum. My parents (especially dad) are very relaxed in other aspects when we were growing up but if there is ONE thing that they are extremely concerned about, it will be the things that come out of our ( me n bro) mouths. Of course, we are probably more tainted by the colors of the world than they will like us to be but I am still thankful it is not a habit to spew vulgarities.
And hey why am I off the topic? I just wanted to purely blog on my trophies from the trip
Ok here goes….I am a sucker for things pearly with ribbons and lace!
5.11.2011
2 Months Past 3/11
Exactly 2 months has passed but it seemed like it only happened yesterday...
with 300,000 people still living in shelters,
Tokyo still in the midst of trying to save electricity, doesn't seems at all to me 2 months went past...
time flies even when you are in fear.
with 300,000 people still living in shelters,
Tokyo still in the midst of trying to save electricity, doesn't seems at all to me 2 months went past...
time flies even when you are in fear.
Shopping Part 1: Skin care
I became a die-hard fan of this line of cosmetics call Innisfree after I encountered its moisturiser ( or what you might like to equate it to tonner)
"Innisfree cosmetics is the first natural cosmetics brand in South Korea and has now over 200 retail outlets all over the country selling the skin care products. Featuring a wide range of natural skin care products from facial masks to lotions and creams, the price is very affordable too.
Innisfree cosmetics in particular, is a brand that really emphasize in enhancing beauty through natural form. As the ingredient formulations are totally derived from pure extraction of botanical greatness, its products are therefore suitable for all skin types. Through specially selected botanical extractions, Innisfree cosmetics products are not only great for your skin, they are also gentle to the environment."
Cut and paste from their website.
Innisfree has several lines under them, eg the olive line, green tea etc...
They emphasis on using natural botanical extractions and therefore their product is using very gentle to the skin.
In order of application after Make-up remover and cleansing.
1. Green tea Serum ( still in the midst of trying)
This is surprising the best seller in Innisfree. Also highly recommended by the Magazine I bought in Japan on skin care. I was taught to apply this right after cleansing. It is supposed to help the skin to absorb the products after even better.
I don't really know it's effects yet...but well would see the other things are absorbing well so far. But since it being green-tea is definitely gentle to the skin and leaves on a nice fragrance.
2. The Olive real skin
recommendation level: ★★★★★
I have recommended to about a dozen of people and have 4 who are currently using it now. My friends all have various skin types and even one who has sensitive skin but they are all loving it. Olives (on google) are apparently very good and moisturing to the skin. This product is really very moisturing without any tinge of oilness, keeps my skin supple and bouncy and the most amazing thing about it, gives a very relaxed and light fragrance. I have used it for at least 3 seasons now and it doesn't give me any problems.
Best thing about it is, it is really affordable! 180ML at about $14USD. (There are coupons for 10% discounts and VAT refund for tourists, making it even cheaper!) The liquid is pretty thick so you can use it for 2-2.5 months at least. I use it even for my masks at times so I am really a quick user.
3. I use 2 different products for the cream.
In the day because I apply make-up as well, I tend to choose something lighter.
So for the day, I am currently using Laneige's Waterbank essence. Heard really spilt reviews about it. Comments were pretty much the same for negative ones, that is it cause breakout. Positive ones praised it for being moiturising and easily absorbed.
I can't comment on it yet though I must say my face defintely feels moistured and non-oily.
At night I use Innisfree's olive real cream. so far so good... no major problems.
5. Other than that I am using Laneige's makeup primer ( makeup base) and Kose's sunblock.
"Innisfree cosmetics is the first natural cosmetics brand in South Korea and has now over 200 retail outlets all over the country selling the skin care products. Featuring a wide range of natural skin care products from facial masks to lotions and creams, the price is very affordable too.
Innisfree cosmetics in particular, is a brand that really emphasize in enhancing beauty through natural form. As the ingredient formulations are totally derived from pure extraction of botanical greatness, its products are therefore suitable for all skin types. Through specially selected botanical extractions, Innisfree cosmetics products are not only great for your skin, they are also gentle to the environment."
Cut and paste from their website.
Innisfree has several lines under them, eg the olive line, green tea etc...
They emphasis on using natural botanical extractions and therefore their product is using very gentle to the skin.
In order of application after Make-up remover and cleansing.
1. Green tea Serum ( still in the midst of trying)
This is surprising the best seller in Innisfree. Also highly recommended by the Magazine I bought in Japan on skin care. I was taught to apply this right after cleansing. It is supposed to help the skin to absorb the products after even better.
I don't really know it's effects yet...but well would see the other things are absorbing well so far. But since it being green-tea is definitely gentle to the skin and leaves on a nice fragrance.
2. The Olive real skin
recommendation level: ★★★★★
I have recommended to about a dozen of people and have 4 who are currently using it now. My friends all have various skin types and even one who has sensitive skin but they are all loving it. Olives (on google) are apparently very good and moisturing to the skin. This product is really very moisturing without any tinge of oilness, keeps my skin supple and bouncy and the most amazing thing about it, gives a very relaxed and light fragrance. I have used it for at least 3 seasons now and it doesn't give me any problems.
Best thing about it is, it is really affordable! 180ML at about $14USD. (There are coupons for 10% discounts and VAT refund for tourists, making it even cheaper!) The liquid is pretty thick so you can use it for 2-2.5 months at least. I use it even for my masks at times so I am really a quick user.
3. I use 2 different products for the cream.
In the day because I apply make-up as well, I tend to choose something lighter.
So for the day, I am currently using Laneige's Waterbank essence. Heard really spilt reviews about it. Comments were pretty much the same for negative ones, that is it cause breakout. Positive ones praised it for being moiturising and easily absorbed.
I can't comment on it yet though I must say my face defintely feels moistured and non-oily.
At night I use Innisfree's olive real cream. so far so good... no major problems.
5. Other than that I am using Laneige's makeup primer ( makeup base) and Kose's sunblock.
Will review them after I have used then for a few months months more!
5.10.2011
My new ( killer) hobby
I developed a rather “bad” and expensive hobby recently…
I actually travelled to Seoul twice in a short span of 2 weeks.
Actually, I wouldn’t say it was a recent thing. I have always loved Korea (read FOOD) since I came to Japan. (Rather strange to start liking Korea in Japan) But I attribute that to the huge numbers of Korean restaurants and cuisines which is so readily available. Especially in the area I stay in, it is mah jiam a small Korean town and I could so easily have Korean food whenever I feel like it.
Carol could attest to how much I love Korean food when she was staying with me for the 1.5 years. I think out of 10 times I suggested going out for food, 7 was Korean, 1 was onyasai and 2 others.
So anyway, visiting Seoul last year opened my eyes to the great shopping too! I heard from somewhere that Koreans direct their energy into basic skin while the Japanese direct theirs into the cosmetics. I couldn’t agree more. Korea is just flooded with skin care shops with all sorts of things you can imagine applying onto your face. I am definitely in their camp. I love basic skincare and is probably the most disciplined (among the other aspects in my life) when it comes to skincare. In fact my motto is to have such a good regime and healthy skin that I can lay off cosmetics. (Ironically, it becomes increasingly difficult when you age)
Then there is also the cheap shopping which is similar to pasar malam but only in a more organized and enjoyable environment (read indoors with adequate air-conditioning). I have admit they can be aggressive and scary at times but nothing too offensive like some other places I have been to as well.
Ok.. the next thing I have to do is to introduce my buys.. next post!
I actually travelled to Seoul twice in a short span of 2 weeks.
Actually, I wouldn’t say it was a recent thing. I have always loved Korea (read FOOD) since I came to Japan. (Rather strange to start liking Korea in Japan) But I attribute that to the huge numbers of Korean restaurants and cuisines which is so readily available. Especially in the area I stay in, it is mah jiam a small Korean town and I could so easily have Korean food whenever I feel like it.
Carol could attest to how much I love Korean food when she was staying with me for the 1.5 years. I think out of 10 times I suggested going out for food, 7 was Korean, 1 was onyasai and 2 others.
So anyway, visiting Seoul last year opened my eyes to the great shopping too! I heard from somewhere that Koreans direct their energy into basic skin while the Japanese direct theirs into the cosmetics. I couldn’t agree more. Korea is just flooded with skin care shops with all sorts of things you can imagine applying onto your face. I am definitely in their camp. I love basic skincare and is probably the most disciplined (among the other aspects in my life) when it comes to skincare. In fact my motto is to have such a good regime and healthy skin that I can lay off cosmetics. (Ironically, it becomes increasingly difficult when you age)
Then there is also the cheap shopping which is similar to pasar malam but only in a more organized and enjoyable environment (read indoors with adequate air-conditioning). I have admit they can be aggressive and scary at times but nothing too offensive like some other places I have been to as well.
Ok.. the next thing I have to do is to introduce my buys.. next post!
5.02.2011
Bin Laden's dead..
And apparently the headlines says. " People who lost loved ones during 9/11 are rejoicing over his death".
Was he an immortal who is not supposed to die?
Does it bring back any of those who perished in 9/11?
Is terrorism going to stop from now?
I do sympathise with the bereaved, but c'mon... what is the meaning of such a headline.
Was he an immortal who is not supposed to die?
Does it bring back any of those who perished in 9/11?
Is terrorism going to stop from now?
I do sympathise with the bereaved, but c'mon... what is the meaning of such a headline.
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