30 Years of MMCA

To celebrate the 30th 'birthday' of the MMCA (Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art), the museum decided to hold a special exhibition called As the Moon Waxes and Wanes. The exhibition displays not only its 30 years old history but also commemorates the works of various featured artists. Just like in the way the moon waxes and wanes, the artworks portray the change in society in relation to our culture through time.

Since the relocation of the museum from Seoul to Gwacheon, you have to get off the Seoul Grand Park station then take the shuttle bus to the museum. The MMCA is located on a hill, sporting a magnificent view over mountains, a lake and the nearby animal park as well as Seoul Land (an amusement park).

I didn't incorporate any 'detailed' artworks since it would somehow feel unfair to upload them here. Honestly, I must admit that I couldn't understand most of the artworks, some gave out a weird vibe, but the trip was still worth it - you can always see and learn something new and unexpected. The exhibit is open till the 12th of February, so if you happen to be near, go pay a visit - there are many things to see and do in the area not only the museum (admission was free by the way!).

4N5D at the Countryside in Korea

This whole weekend was packed full of happenings and events.

On Thursday, my mom and I took the bus to the countryside to visit my paternal grandmother. It's custom to pay a visit to your paternal grandparents for Lunar New Year's Day here in Korea. After driving for around 4 hours (with a 15 minute break in between when you can go to the toilet or buy something to eat at the rest stop) we've finally arrived in Damyang (that's the city's name). Part of my relatives had already arrived, so we greeted each other heartily first since it's been a while we've seen one another. For the rest of the day, we've stayed mostly at home, reposing and taking a nap.

The following day, it began to get busy. We've had to prepare for New Year's Day which would be on Saturday, so there was a lot to do before that. Let me explain: In Korea, New Year's Day isn't celebrated the way it is in the Western world. No, wait, let me correct it. Of course there are fireworks and such, but that's only the case for New Year's Eve which is - like you all know- on January 1st. However, according to the moon calendar (yielding a more significant role in some parts of the Eastern world), New Year's Day is also considered a day to honor your ancestors. Hence, the family has to set up a table full of offerings. Don't worry, it's not like we slaughter animals for this. The offerings consist mostly of fruits, rice (cakes), side dishes, hot pancakes made of vegetables or meat and soju (an alcoholic beverage). It differs from household to household what and how you put it on your table. Either way, we were busy to prepare the food for almost the whole day. Usually it's the women's job to make it, but that's fine by me because my younger cousin and I got to 'test-taste'. Almost forgot to mention it but the second part of my relatives arrived that day, wherefore the house felt really crowded.

At last, the first day of the new year started. We all woke up pretty early and before we began to eat breakfast, my family took turns to honor our ancestors. Normally we go in the hierarchic order. That's to say that my father and my brother would have been the first ones (because my father is the first son and my brother the first son of the first son) but since they weren't there, my uncles were the first ones to bow down in front of the table with the offerings. Another thing I've neglected to say was that we've prepared 13 bowls of rice cake soup. Why? Well, to honor the 13 generations before us - truly awesome right? Eventually it was my turn to bow down 2 1/2 times (don't ask why it has to be 2 1/2 times, I don't know either). Afterwards, we began to eat 'breakfast' which can be translated to 'We ate the offerings'. I'm not the type to eat much - not to mention rice - in the morning (cereals and bread for the go!) but due to the fact that the consumption of the offerings are a part of the ritual, I had no choice but to eat some (it was tasty though). My cousins and I also received good-luck-money. In the afternoon, we drove to the gravesite of my ancestors and my grandpa and did the same ritual.

Sunday was spent mostly individually. Some of my relatives visited their other relatives who live in the same city, some relaxed and I explored the environment. For example, I went inside the bamboo forest which is famous for being the background for some movies, walked alongside the river and paid a visit to 'Petite Provence' (it's like the French version of Chinatown). All in all, it was a fun day and we all went to dinner together.

The last day was spent bundling up our stuff and then it was time to say goodbye. This time, I wasn't as sad as the previous times because we would see each other again in March to celebrate the 80th birthday of my grandma.

A Package Arrival from the Far Far West

Guess what I found in our post office box the other day! A package from my lovely friend in Germany..! She's the only one out of my friends with whom I exchange letters or packages with - good old ancient times style (okay that's a bit outré). In december last year (still can't believe I have to say last year for 2016), I've already sent her a package with some Korean snacks and other hodgepodge since it was her birthday and christmas and all those festive days coming. Given that I can't wait any longer, let's open the package together!

 

Sorry guys but I just cannot promulgate my address yet - haha..

Heart beating really fast at this moment...drum roll please..

...and ta-da! Wow, I've actually expected there to be less, so I'm really surprised right now. Let's see - there's a handwritten letter (which I always like the best), a Yankee Candle (they smell so good; and how did she know that I'm into rose fragrances lately), some mask packs (can you see that she attached heart-shaped memos to each gift?), a fruit slice (I'll eat it the next time in art class since my stomach grumbles each time I sit there), a to be nuked mug cake (my grandma doesn't possess a microwave here in Korea though..guess I have to preserve it unitl I'm back) and last but not least some Russian sweets (side info: my friend is originally from Russia).
I haven't told my friend yet that her package has arrived, so I'll have her find out by letting her read this blog post (by the way, she was the one who suggested that I write again). So when you're reading this my dear friend:

Thank you tons and I'm really, sincerely, candidly happy from the bottom of my heart!

So it's been a while...

Hi to all the people out there!

Even while writing these lines, I'm still ruminating about what kind of excuses I should tell to justify my long (way to long) absence. Of course I could say that in the time I was 'offline', I've graduated from high school, changed houses, flew over to Korea, began to take classes in an art academy to fulfill my dream of getting into an art school, also began to take dance lessons thrice a week and nevermind to mention that I'm already 19 now. But in the end, it all results to me neglecting this blog which I cared (and still care) about a lot. At this point I have to apologize to my blog I guess.
Sorry blog.
So why now did I decide to start over again? Well - I did always think about restarting my blog posts, but somehow I ended up not to (I'm sure the majority out there can sympathize with me; maybe except those rare kind of people who have an iron will and are overly ambitious). My friend- who has also started a blog with a bit of my help (if I'm allowed to praise myself a little) told me the other day that I should start posting again. That's it. Simple, right? But sometimes all a person needs to pick oneself up again is just someone who tells you that you're sort of needed.

I'm going to start afresh, probably opening up a new category (in which I write about my recent and honest thoughts like in a diary) and I'll try to come up with diverse content for you. Oh, and not to forget to mention that my writing style has maybe changed a bit.

I'm really happy while writing these words, it makes me feel like I'm back home again - it's a delectable feeling.

Scents made for Spring

Hello!
It has been waaay to long since I've last posted an blogpost! I was so busy with school (final written exams are done - only the oral exams remain, yippieh!), therefore, I want to apologize first of all!

So, now that we've clarified this, I'll begin with the actual topic: It's all about scents (perfumes) just made for spring! You know that everyone crazes about viewing cherry blossoms (Insta!) and wearing skirts again (well, at least in other countries, it's freezing here - brrr). I think that spring carries a special sentiment. You're automatically happier and you want to spend time outside.

Perfumes or scents in general are a good way to emphasize this "springy" feeling and to get into the mood:

The one for in between: DEMETER - CHERRY BLOSSOM (ROLL ON OIL)
This little friend of mine is easy to carry with and convient. There are times when you don't want to spray a full load of perfume around you and annoy everyone else. It just smells (as the name indicates) like cherry blossoms and fits perfectly for spring. Even so, the scent will eventually fly away after a few hours, so be sure to reapply it again if you want to.

The daily one: CLEAN - BLOSSOM
This one is new: They've launched it not too long ago and I have to admit that I was at first a bit allured to buy it (my favorite K-pop group advertises for this company [BTS - 방탄소년당]). Either way, the smell is just a.m.a.z.i.n.g. It's my most favorite scent right now and I think that I'm becoming addicted to it. It smells flowery and fruity at the same time and you're not overwhelmed by it. I reaaally recommend it!

The one in the evening: VALENTINO - VALENTINA
This eau de perfume is heavier than the others. It smells lighter at first, but gets "deeper" as time flies by (don't know if you can understand what I mean), so I think that it's more a scent for the evening. Other than this, it smells flowery, too, with a hint of musk.

To wrap it up, I hope you've liked today's post (after my long absence) and be sure to come take a look again next time! (PS: Next post is going to be a small DIY!)

No-Oven Sponge Cake



Ever since I've shown interest in cooking and baking, I've always admired those who came up with their own ideas and recipes. That's why - right now - I'm super(!!) proud to tell you that I was able to invent a new recipe on how to bake a no-oven sponge cake! I've almost bursted out in tears when I saw that I've succeeded at my first try (maybe that's exaggerated). Anyway, watch the video down below to get to know the recipe! (Also my first YouTube video!)

 



Review: INNISFREE Ampoule Intense Cushion

 

This will be my first review of make-up! Lately, I've been a bit (OK, I admit - A LOT) obsessed with make-up, especially with the ones from Korea (Are they called K-makeup?). Unfortunately, I've discovered this passion of mine last year when I wasn't able to visit my home country. I know that I'm a late bloomer, haha. (Sigh...how I miss that country...) Either way, I couldn't wait/resist, so I've ordered a few items via good old ebay. All the items I've purchased were without shipping fees, but of course they were a bit pricier than in Korea. Today I will show you one of my favorite items:

When you already know Innisfree and their brand mentality of being eco-friendly, then you're probably also aware that their packages and cases are recyclable and printed with soy ink, leading to their typical, clean, white/ivory color. Korean make-up brands, also called road shops, tend to make collaborations throughout the year with other brands or designers. As you can see above, my cushion case is from their S/S 2015 collection, depicting different flowers from Jeju Island, where the base of Innisfree is stationed and where their natural ingredients come from. I looove flower patterns - so pretty, right?

On the underside, it is written that the cushion contains 15g with an SPF of 34. Also, don't be shocked by the red-colored date, it's not the expiration date, but rather the date when it was manufactured.

When you open the case, you can find the magic puff inside and a mirror is attached to the lid.

This is the puff - a very fine sponge to tap your face with.

Under the puff, you can find a lid which helps to avoid spilling and smudging. And after you remove the film...

...you can finally see the cushion filled with CC cream! It promises to moisturize and hydrate your skin while naturally brightening it.

As you can see above, the coverage is really natural, there is no masking-effect at all! It hydrates my skin throughout the day as well, leaving it moisturized and with a little glow that doesn't look greasy. In addition, it lasts quite a long time.

Conclusion: I have combination/dry skin, so it's easy for my skin to show dry patches, especially in the winter season. But this cushion is so hydrating that I don't even have to worry when I forget to apply moisturizer beforehand. I really recommend this cushion for all dry-types and for the fall-winter-spring season (it could get off in summer and look a bit greasy with sebum).
I've got this cushion in shade number 21 natural beige for 18000 Won=18$.

Hair-Myths: The Dos and Don'ts | with Madison Reed

"Split ends can be repaired with conditioner again" or "Don't brush wet hair" or "Stress can lead to loss of hair". These are only a few of many hair myths which we've all heard of before. But how can we know if they're  actually true or false and what are hair Dos and Don'ts?

Madison Reed and I will uncover these myths for you! Also, please check out their fun hair color quiz to get to know which hair dye will suit you the best!


Hair care products can repair split ends.
False. No conditioner or treatment can glue together split ends again. Once a hair is split, it's split forever. To avoid split hair from the beginning, it's important to use hair care products constantly.

Wet hair shouldn't be brushed.
True. Wet hair is weaker and therefore more prone to break or split. It's better to comb your hair gently.

Avoid stress to prevent hair loss.
True. We can lose up to 100 strands of hair a day. Stress can disturb our usual cycle, leading to more frequent hair loss. In the case of heavy and protracted hair loss, you may consider to visit a doctor.

Trim your hair often to let it grow faster.
False. How often you trim your hair won't influence the speed of growth - it will neither grow faster nor slower.

Use silky pillows for beautiful hair.
True. The smooth surface of silk won't roughen your hair as much as ordinary pillows, letting you wake up with beautiful, flowing hair.

Now that the myths are clarified, it's time to know the Dos and Don'ts of hair care. Madison Reed has created a great graphic about it:

Personally, I have to admit that I did rinse my hair with cold water before, but my hair kind of "squealed" afterwards. Good to know that I won't have to go through the pain (the cold!) again.
Besides, my mother would always scold me if I went to bed with wet hair, saying that I would catch a cold easily. Guess I have to show her this graphic!

A big gratitude goes to Madison Reed to have provided the graphic above.

How to make Cream Puffs

Oh cream puffs...you and I share a painful past...(okay, I'll stop being melodramatic). But it's true: When I was younger, I didn't like cream puffs and as soon as I discovered my passion for baking, I failed horribly at my first attempt to bake them (I think that there is even a proof-shot on Insta!). Either way, after several trials, I've finally got the hang of it and I have to say that there is nothing easier to make than cream puffs! Scroll down for the recipe!

Ingredients (for around 20 cream puffs):
250ml water
60g butter
1 pinch of salt
200g flour (soft)
4 eggs
250ml whipping cream
60g sugar
sugar powder

1. Preheat the oven to 230° and sieve the flour.
2. Boil the water, the butter and the salt in a pot.
3. Pour the sieved flour into the pot and stir it until the dough declamps from the bottom.
4. Put the dough into a bowl, let it cool down a bit and stir it together with the eggs.
5. Insert the dough into a piping bag and form little cream puffs (let enough space between them!).
6. Bake them for around 15 to 20 minutes in the bottom half of the oven.
7. Cut them in half while they're still warm.
8. Beat the whipping cream and the sugar until the mass is stiff. Spread it onto the cream puffs.
9. Sift some sugar powder over them and eat!



Enjoy! 

How to fix your broken make-up (with alcohol!)

Hi there!

The other day, I eavesdropped one silent lament from one of my friends: Her make-up broke to bits and she was devastated. Since I wanted to cheer her up, I promised to fix it with a fool-proof method:

You'll only need:

alcohol (any hard liquor will suffice - I used vodka in this case)

a tiny spoon

tissue

1.Mince the broken make-up until there are no big clumps.

2.Pour a few drops of vodka over it.

3.Stir the mass together and smooth out the surface with a spoon.

4.Press a tissue over it until it absorbs all the remaining fluid.

5.Let it either dry in a sunless place or in the fridge for around 24 hours.

6.Now you can use it again and it is as good as before!



Nail Art | A Cozy Christmas

Hi!
I don't know about you, but I (and many other girls would agree with me) love to paint my nails according to seasons or themes. Christmas is right around the corner - the countdown is going on!
To prepare for this feast, I wanted to have elegant but subtle nails and essie's "leading like a lady" (from their 2013 winter collection I think) was just perfect! To add a little more bling to it (even though the nail polish itself is already shimmering), I've put on tiny stickers from essence.

Hope that you will have a wonderful Christmas Day with your families and friends!

Christmas Socks DIY

Hey!
Already looking forward to Christmas? Well, I do. What I like the most about this pre-Christmas period is the anticipation and the tingly vibe in the air. Everybody is busy buying presents and preparing for the feast - it's an active phase!
I still remember that I would always put out my big Christmas sock the night before St Nicholas' Day and hang it over the doorknob. The next morning, it was filled with chocolates, mandarins and nuts. Today's DIY comes a little bit too late for St Nicholas' Day, but you can use this sock for Christmas or as an Advent calendar. Hope you like it and enjoy this month!

First of all, you have to choose your fabric and you need some interfacing, as well as a pair of scissors, needle and thread and your sewing machine.

Cut out two pieces of fabric and interfacing (wanted size of your sock).

Iron the interfacing onto each piece of fabric. Press your iron over the interfacing for around 10 seconds.

Should look like this now:

Take some pins and pin the shape of a sock. Pay attention that the fabric lies in the middle.



Sew along the trace.

Cut off the spare fabric.

 Evert the sock through the hole above and sew on a small strap.

Now it's ready to be used!

(It turned out that I can put in half of my arm, so if I should ever need some spare gloves, I know what I could take...)

Crème brûlée recipe

Creamy, crunchy and simply delicious: one of the best desserts from France - Crème brûlée!
Today, I will show you an easy-to-follow recipe on how to make this pudding!

Ingredients:
Heavy cream 400g
Sugar A 50g
Sugar B 30g
Yolk 4
Vanilla essence or sugar
Water 15g

1. Mix the yolks and half of sugar A together.
2. In another bowl, mix the heavy cream and the other half of sugar A together.
3. Now, pour the ingredients together and stir them until they blend in with each other.
4. Put in a few drops of vanilla essence.
5. Pour the mixture into dishes and bake them in the oven for around 40 minutes by 150°C.
6. Microve the water and sugar B in a heatproof dish for exactly 2 minutes and 10 seconds.
7. Spread the caramel over the pudding.
8. Enjoy your dessert!

I think that this recipe is almost foolproof - just pay attention to the heated caramel and that you have to spread it fast or it will harden. Also, you can vary the amount of sugar, with the amount I've used, it turned out to be pretty sweet, but everyone's preference is different, right?

Hair Accessory: Ribbon Bow Tutorial

Maybe you've noticed it already, but I feel some kind of affection towards bows (okay, I'm fond of a lot of things...). I'm writing this post while drinking a good cup of hot cappucchino, in between my homework, letting my brain pause a little. Taking a break once in a while is good for your body and your soul. Constantly working and thinking won't do you any good. I often find myself a lot more relaxed and focused after a break and afterwards, I can concentrate even better on my work. Sometimes, I relieve my accumulated stress by crafting, drawing or making something creative. You'll see, creativity will boost your brain activity, too! 

Either way, I think I drifted off a bit, so why not try making this hair accessory in a work break? 

First of all, you'll need 3 stripes of ribbon. One with 5cm, one with 11cm and the last one with a length of 17cm (the length can vary of course).

Now, take the longest stripe, find its middle, fold both ends towards it and glue them down.

Do the same with the second longest stripe.

Place the smaller piece over the bigger one (pay attention that you glue them together in the middle!)

Take the smallest section, wrap it around the middle and glue it firmly.

Okay, now you only have to place the piece over a barrette, glue them together, and you're good to go!

And? How was it to take a break from work and let your creativity flow? Can you already feel your brain juices flowing again? Hope you enjoyed it!