Bio-Oil

When I was in Kenya this summer, my skin was a disaster.
It was so irritated and dry that even wiping my face with a baby wipe was painful.

I didn't bring many products with me, but luckily, I brought my bottle of Bio-Oil.

What's Cookin: The Epicurean Cutting Board

Lately, I've been cooking a lot more.

I usually don't cook too often because I find that it actually costs more and takes more time than it does to just eat out or order in.
( I end up spending sooo much money on groceries that I throw away. It also takes me foreeeeeever to peel garlic~ and I use LOTS of garlic.  Any tips for peeling garlic quickly without leaving my fingers all stinky?)

One product that makes my cooking experiences pleasureable is the Epicurean Cutting Board.
It looks almost like ceramic, but is made from an environment-friendly wood fiber.

In My Makeup Bag

I'm always curious to see what products people use: I love seeing what my friends and makeup mentors use in their makeup bags and kits.
So in case you were interested in seeing what goodies I carry around with me, I am about to unveil my own bag of tricks   ;)

Currently, I'm using a silver Bobbi Brown makeup bag that was a gift with purchase.
I usually use my makeup bags for months- a year until it starts falling apart.
Sometimes I change the products, but I usually carry around these items (or ones that are similar in quality/convenience)

Here are the products that I feel are worthy of carrying around with me wherever I go (at least for now):

Spray Away: My Favorite Face Mists

Summer is hot hot hot.

One item that I always use year round (but is especially good for warm weather) is a face mist.

* Spray before putting on moisture to add a little more hydration
* Mist throughout the day for a quick and refreshing pick-me-up
* Use when you're skin is feeling a little dry and you don't want to put on a moisturizer
* Works on all skin types: Dry for an instant refresher, Oily for moisture without the heaviness of a lotion
* Great for travel~ especially on planes or places where the air is very dry

The Body Shop Friends and Family Event: 20% Off Sale

Friends and Family are pretty great.
So are Friends and Family Sales.

On Thursday 8/26/10 to Sunday 8/29/10, you can save 20% off all Regular and Sale Items from The Body Shop using the online coupon code: FF10
Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more.

I love the Body Butters (Especially Coconut) and their Home Fragrance Oils.
The Body Butter Trio is a great deal. I have the Nutty Summer Smoothers.

Happy Shopping!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

My Life as a 27 Year Old

"Welcome to Old.  Get Comfortable"

-My Older Cousin

"The obstacles you face may be huge but you have what it takes to overcome every last one of them.  Never doubt that you were born to be special. Never doubt that you will succeed. 

 See whatever fate sends your way as a gift to be used"

-Virgo Horoscope

How are the years zooming by soooo quickly?!?

Today I am 28 (and only 2 years away from my scary age).

Birthday's have always been a mixed feeling day for me~ I tend to love them or hate them.

Whatever feeling I'm having (this year is pretty good), it's always a day for me to think back on my life and see where I am now.

Here are some of the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned (hopefully) during my 27th year on earth.

What Your Lipstick Says About You

I love taking "personality tests". 
A fun one is the Lipstick Personality Test.

I don't even really wear lipstick, but I'm a perfectionist and I like keeping my lipstick the way it comes (aka the "Slant").  I don't think that I fit completely into the personality type (especially the abiding by the rules part!), but I guess I can see the other aspects being true...
I think I'm more of a "Sharp-Angled Tip" or "Concave" " girl ... but who knows~
 
Either way, it's a fun little test. Read on to find out what your lipstick can say about you!
 

Beauty and the Beach

"Ah, Summer, What power you have to make us suffer and like it"

-Russel Baker

Summer has flown by and it seems that Fall is right behind.
This summer, I haven't been able to swim or go to the beach.... until now~
I'm at the Hamptons and it is absolutely fabulous.

Have you been to the beach this summer?  If you haven't, I highly suggest you go asap.
The sand between your toes, the sun on your skin, the ocean breeze, the waves... it's oh so wonderful!

Here are my recommendations of things to bring to the beach.

Love the Brush from Brushlove

I was given the opportunity to try out some brushes from Brushlab at http://brushlove.com/

I received a Finishing Brush and Blow Drying Brush.

Pronto Ionic Nylon Bristle Hair Brush 33451  

This is a great brush for everyday.  It detangles, smoothes, and gives a light massage to the scalp.

It's a pretty large brush head, so you can run it through all your hair in a few swipes.

It feels really good and gives a nice little scalp massage (which makes me feel like my hair will grow faster~)

Static resistant hair brush creates negatives ions for smoother, healthier hair.
 Retail Price: $9.98

Tarte Cosmetics Friends and Family 40% Off Sale

Yay!  If you love Tarte as much as I do, or have been meaning to try it out~  Now is the Time to Shop!

You have 1 week from 8/2/10 til 8/9/10.  Use code FFAUG at checkout.

 Happy Shopping!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

When Life Hands You Lemons... Rub It On Your Face~*

So I've been on a "Natural Beauty" kick lately.
I'm trying to steer away from putting weird products/chemicals that I can't even pronounce all over my face and body.
That means I've been experimenting with random things in the kitchen to see what works and what doesn't.

My latest trick that I was testing out at home, but was put to the test in Africa is an easy, cheap, and natural way of getting fabulous skin.

 LEMONS.

Korean Beacon

So I realize I've been pretty bad with updating my blog    =T
Sorry 'bout that....
I am currently in Kenya for 2 weeks, but I promise to try to write more once I get back!

As for now, I'm going to put up some links to my writing I've done for Korean Beacon for those that haven't read it.
Enjoy!

To a Fabulous Father~ Happy Father's Day!

"One father is more than 100 schoolmasters"

-George Herbert

I always say this, but I have the best Dad.
No, Really~ I do.
If you've met Unsik, Charlie, Mr. Kim, Hae Ran Appa (iRene's Dad in Korean), Papa Kim or whatever else you may know him as, you'll agree.
If you know me and all the things I've put my father through over the years, then you'll REALLY agree!

Hangers: Get Your Closet Re-Organized

My friends all know my never-ending quest for a clean room.
Ever since I was a kid, my room could never stay clean for long.
When I was younger... I just didn't care.  Now that I'm older... I desperately desire a room that looks like a West Elm or Restoration Hardware catalog,  but that is something that I can never seem to achieve...

*Sniff Sniff*: Help for Allergies, Colds, and a Stuffy Nose

A few years ago, I remember I heard about a Netti Pot.  Here's a crazy video showing what the Netti Pot looks like.

Now I liked the idea of cleaning my sinuses, but the video was just too weird for me to want to stick a teapot up my nose!

I started using the Nasal Saline Spray because it was easier to use, quick, and really seemed to make a difference in preventing colds.
I also like it because it's a natural way of preventing sickness/allergies ~  (I AM a Modern Hippie)