:(

Okay okay I know that I said that I would update often, but I've been getting owned by school that it's been so hard for me to update, but no worries! The semester is almost over with and from then on it's all about blogging! I have some great stuff to share with you guys and I'm super excited! I'm headed to New York and you know what that means! Shopping!! It's unfortunate that there aren't a variety of stores that I can shop at. There are so many new things that I want to check out! I'm excited! Well, until next time...

For the love of Kiehl's (part 1)

For the longest time, I didn't think much about having a good skin care routine. Sure, I took a shower and then if my face felt dry, I would just slap on some lotion. Over the past couple of years, after learning about makeup and the skin, I decided it was time to stop disregarding my face. (does that make any sense?) I started off small. I tried Aveeno products. It was okay. Then I got the privilege of going to Korea and was introduced to The Face Shop and Missha. I loved their products and it fit well with my skin type-- dry. However, the price that they sell it in the U.S. is about 3x the price in Korea. After searching for a good substitute for these products, I found something better-- Kiehl's.

I've tried almost every product that they carry for the face. Since I tried so many, I'm going to split this post in to two parts. The one thing that I really like is that Kiehl's products are natural and most of them they do not have a scent.

Some of the products I've used

There's a lot more that I've tried than the ones I have in the picture. It's just those are the products that I'm using at the moment.

Cleaner:  
 - Ultra Facial Cleanser: I tried a sample of it and it was okay. I wasn't overly excited about it. Right now, I use Aveeno's foam cleanser and it works wonders. The texture of the Ultra Facial Cleanser was a little thick and it worked well. I have really dry skin and the cleanser didn't dry out my skin which I really liked, but at the same time, I love my Aveeno cleanser plus it's cheaper. :]
- Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub: The local Kiehl's give free facials. I went to get one and that day, the lady used the pineapple papaya facial scrub and I fell in love. It exfoliates your face, but at the same time, it's not that harsh to feel like you took your face off. I use it about 2 times a week usually on Wednesdays and Fridays because Fridays are my face mask days. :] After that facial, I bought this right away. After I use this facial scrub, my face feels so clean and smooth. It also doesn't dry out my face, which is a plus.

Toner:
- Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner: I really like this toner. It has a cool soothing affect after you apply it to your face. The lady recommended me to use it during the winter because it feels so nice, but I like it anytime. :] At first I was a little taken back because when I dabbed some on a cotton ball, it came out green. However, after I applied it to my face, I liked the cool affect it had. It tingles a little bit, but it doesn't hurt. Also, since there is no alcohol, it doesn't dry out of my face. For those of you with really dry skin, I recommend Kiehl's.

- Ultra Facial Toner: This line is specifically for those with really dry skin. This was the first toner that I used from Kiehl's. I fell in love with this toner as well. As for which is better, the cucumber or this one, I would have to choose the cucumber one because I like that tingling feeling and the cool effect, but they both work really well.
- Calendula Herbal- extract Toner: Out of the three toners that I've tried from Kiehl's, this surpasses both of the other two. It actually has flower extract in the toner that you apply to your face. It's pretty neat actually. I like it better than the other two because it really helped my dry skin and also it was really soothing to my skin. However, it's a bit more expensive than the other two, but worth it!

I used it all up!

... To be continued....

North to South

Luckily, I get to travel a bit from time to time whenever I have the free time. This summer (yes, it's almost winter!) I got the privilege to go to New York and Virginia. These are a few of my favorite places to dine and some of my favorite foods that I always eat whenever I go visit!

Donuts Galore!

Country Style Donuts- By far the greatest tasting donuts I have ever tasted in my entire life.

Warm Krispy Kreme Donuts

While in Virginia, I got to visit Washington D.C. Boy, I fell in love with the city. I went to the famous Georgetown Cupcake and got myself a red velvet cupcake. The line was outside of the store, but I didn't wait that long. Taste wise, I like my Muddy's, but it was pretty good! I loved the neighborhood there. It was a bit confusing at first, but it was great. I'd love to go back and visit again and spend more time there... Hmm... cherry blossoms in the spring?? :]

 

 

Red Velvet

Sweet Frog

Another favorite - Frozen yogurt! As you can see by my beastly creation, I love Fruity Pebbles + frozen yogurt.

I love this place. Nothing left to say except it's too bad they don't have one here.

 Sunday Brunch time! It was my first time trying a Bloody Mary. It was pretty good. I love celery and tomato juice, so it was perfect. I forgot the name of the restaurant, but I do remember they had little trivia cards while we waited for our table. It was pretty fun and a cool little place. I would definitely go back.

New York New York!

Fondue with white chocolate and milk chocolate

I didn't get to go to all my favorite places nor did I get to take pictures while in New York this summer. I always tend to forget because I've been there so many times. But this is one of my favorite places to go to-- Max Brenners near Union Square. I love their dessert waffles and fondue!

This banana dessert waffle

Paris Baguette

 The best part of the summer in New York are the Korean bakeries and their seasonal desserts. This is called Patbingsoo and it has shaved ice, mochi, fruits, ice cream, and sweet red bean. Basically, what you do is mix everything together like Bibimbap and eat it. It is the best on a really hot day especially in New York. It's so goooooood! I love it. Too bad they only sell it in the summer. I would totally go get one when I visit this winter.

Paris Baguette

Back Home- in search for the best BBQ.

After visiting these exciting places, I got to thinking, what is particular to this area? The answer to that question is... Barbeque and donuts. It's the south-- what do you expect?! The Bbq here is amazing. I have yet to try every Bbq place, but one of the few that I've tried and that I've loved is this place called Corky's.

Onion Loaf from Corky's

 

Ribs

 

pulled pork with cole slaw and beans

I'm making myself hungry by posting all these pictures. Whenever you get the chance, you guys should check these places out. I love trying new foods and new restaurants! Any suggestions-- please tell me! :] Thanks for reading~