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$.