"Olive you"

Several weeks ago, Y and I had a lovely day exploring Seoul. We went out to Myeongdong and popped in and out of a few stores and vendors here and there. I discovered this olive shearling and was over the moon when the sales assistant told me it was 50% off! The coat is slightly out of my typical style but I had been seeing various pins on Pinterest that had inspired me. And maybe it's the fact that I'm in a new country and a new city but I felt adventurous and decided to venture out into "unchartered" fashion waters, so to speak. 

Cardigan: Brandy Melville, Tee: Brandy Melville, Pants: H&M, Shoes: Dolce Vita, Bag: Zara 

I love the details of the coat - the buckles and zippers; they add just a bit of "edge". I love that you can dress it down with a pair of ripped jeans or dress it up with a pair of heels. And I especially love putting it on because it's thick and warm, reminiscent of throwing on a big plush blanket. I was feeling the olive tones and paired it with a pair of olive green jeggings, threw on a few rings and necklaces. 

Rings: SHH Jewelry, Urban Outfitters, various vendors; Necklaces: Celestine Jewelry, Forever21

Makeup Monday

Before I left the States, I had a dinner and a "one last hurrah" GNO (girls' night out) with two of my girlfriends. It sure made us realize we're "older" now but it was a good time, nonetheless. My girlfriends know me so well and spoiled me with these gifts! I had stashed them away for the big move and have only recently pulled them out to use them. 

NARS The Happening Palette; Cle de Peau Clarifying Serum; Cle de Peau Gentle Cleansing Foam

I had never tried anything from Cle de Peau and was thrilled to receive products from the line. Cle de Peau is an ultra-luxurious and extremely pricey skincare and makeup brand. I have not tried the serum yet but the gentle cleansing foam has been amazing. It leaves your skin feeling very clean without feeling tight. I have incorporated it into my daily skincare routine and it is perfect to use with my Clarisonic. It foams up very well and I can get away with using the tiniest amount; with such a hefty $63 price tag, it helps that you don't go through the product quickly. 

I have always loved NARS. The first ever eyeshadow duo I purchased was one from NARS and the first ever blush I purchased was NARS Deep Throat (which is still one of my favorites). When I opened The Happening Palette, I was excited that I would be able to try NARS Orgasm and NARS Laguna (two cult favorites). This palette has a blush, a bronzer, and 4 eyeshadows, making it a perfect one to travel with. 

Thank you J & S! 

A day at the museum

Shortly after arriving in Korea, Y and I headed to the National Museum of Korea. We have both taken it upon ourselves to learn more about our roots here in Korea and to study the history of this country. (It's one of my resolutions!) 

Starting with the Paleolithic Age to the Neolithic and the various dynasties, we slowly strolled along the museum and immersed ourselves in the galleries. 

(Several weeks later, I took my parents there and I continued on, learning about the Chosun Dynasty. My parents loved the museum as well and I hope to continue going back.) 

Calligraphy inspiration. 

HBD, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday. Though I won't be able to spend time with him today, it's an altogether new experience being in the same country (yet alone time zone!) with him on his birthday. I look forward to seeing him this weekend and spending the whole week with my parents, the husband and relatives. 

Wishing you a year full of blessings and joy, with lots of tennis and golf, travel to beautiful places, and books that will enrich your soul. Cheers to you, dad! 

Beauty On Board

I have been on quite a number of long-haul flights in my life. And despite my occasional motion sickness, I have learned a few tricks and tips to make my air-time a bit more enjoyable. One of these ways is to have an in-flight regime. 

I know... It sounds a bit excessive. But hear me out. 

The idea of sitting in a cramped space for an extended period of time isn't what I necessarily think of as being a "good time". Add the dry, recycled air that wreaks havoc on my skin and sitting on my tush for hours on end becomes a bit too much at times. Creating a mini spa-experience makes the whole flight much better. The best part? It only takes a few key components. 

1. Hydration 

This not only includes some of the products I apply but also with drinking water. I still have to make quite an effort to drink water on flights. I usually gravitate towards a ginger ale to combat the motion sickness/indigestion but I have forced myself to always ask for water alongside any other beverage I request. 

2. Moisturization

During my recent trip to Cambodia, I snapped a photo of the products I used as part of this "in-flight beauty regime". 

-If I am wearing makeup on the plane, the first step is to remove the makeup. I usually use a makeup wipe on flights for the convenience. 

-Then I use a toner/mist. My current choice: Avene Eau Thermale, a gentle, soothing thermal water spray. 

-Next, eye cream. I love this travel-size one, Origins GinZing. 

-Then, I apply a mask. This may sound ridiculous to some but luckily, this specific one, once applied, looks like a regular moisturizer. I love the Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask. I put a layer all over my face and it somehow magically seals in moisture. 

-Lastly, I apply a moisturizing lip balm, currently, Smith's Rosebud Salve. This particular balm can be used as a cuticle cream and I even put it on the back of my hands as a moisturizer. 

3. Entertainment 

I have learned that having something to occupy you during a flight makes the time go by faster. I usually download a good book onto my Kindle prior to the flight. And I obviously browse through the movies/shows available on the plane. 

4. Snacks 

Hunger + motion sickness = AWFUL. Trust me, I know from experience. So I try to bring with me a few snacks, candy, gum. (Mints or gum helps with motion sickness.) 

Hope these tips help! Happy flying!