wordless wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

 

Hello my lovely friends!

I know, it’s been forever since I posted, and I haven’t been very active on this account. I’ve been moving in to my new college and have had zero time to read or post. So, I’M SORRY ABOUT MY INACTIVITY! I love you all, I just have not been able to sit down for a solid chunk of time. I promise to get back in the swing of things, and stay connected with all you lovely people.

The next order of business: Remember, anyone can participate, and the main focus is to share aspects of our lives that may not be completely related to books. Each week, I will post a topic for a Wordless Wednesday that you may answer in whatever fashion you may like. All you need to do is link back to kimmiegg in your post so that I can also read your content! (Feel free to use the banner as well.)

Welcome to week three of my Wordless Wednesday meme! This week’s topic is: Art – What are some of your favorite pieces and genres? Which artist do you adore?

To view a list of topics for the rest of the month, click here

One of my favorite past times have been heading down to this a street filled with art galleries and exploring each art piece. Although I don’t have extensive knowledge on art, or artists, it’s always exciting to create discoveries and connect with pieces you didn’t know you could!

For my post this week, I’ll be taking a slightly different approach and listing genres and artists I’ve recently discovered, and in no particular order, will be introducing them to all of you. Let’s get started 🙂


Sand Art

Recently, I’ve been obsessed by watching artists create their sand art. I feel oddly soothed and relaxed, and it has actually become a source of therapy for myself! It’s amazing how versatile sand is, and just watching new things form helps the art itself tell a story.

Personally, my favorite artist is Fatmir Mura. Below are a couple of stills from his masterpieces. Watching him work is very eye opening, and instills a sense of awe as he creates beautiful stills of beautiful topics.


David Choe

David Choe is a muralist, graffiti artist, and graphic novelist. His has created covers for Jay-Z’s and Linkedin’s platinum album, and can be found on the sets of Juno and The Glass Castle.

“His figure paintings, which explore themes of desire, degradation, and exaltation, are characterized by a raw, frenetic tone that he has termed “dirty style.”

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Half of the art is the back story. That’s why books on art and biographies about artists always have that wow factor in that you’re able to better appreciate the art and the reason it was created. David Choe has a background that could almost live up to others. His parents immigrated from Korea and settled in Los Angeles. After having his own bike stolen, Choe began the habit of stealing other bikes, and eventually this led to him dropping out of high school. Shoe also participated in the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, which resulted in his family store being burned down. Afterwards, Choe began hitchhiking across the country, and other countries, while stealing to make ends meet.

After enrolling in the only art college that would accept him, Choe later dropped out. I find his story to be the perfect example of why experience is much more important thank textbook knowledge. From what Choe saw and experienced, he was able to create art without learning the techniques from a standard school setting.

I love the bright colors, and the aesthetic quality Choe is able to produce by mixing very raw intense emotions together.


Vincent Van Gogh

This is an artist we’ve all heard about, and one that I debated putting in this post. I wanted to focus mainly on modern artists, but decided to slip Van Gogh in because he is my all time favorite painter. My personal favorite from Van Gogh is his Over the Rhone. All the Starry Night has been quite popular for some time, and you can find it printed on almost anything, I love this piece, and can relate so much to the feelings that it contains.

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Although Van Gogh never ate yellow paint to feel happiness, he did suffer from depression and would often try to eat paints and toxic material in hopes of ending his life. I believe that he had some sort of a bipolar mood disorder that caused him to have periods of mania in which he created phenomenal art, and times of serious lows.


Yoskay Yamamoto

From Japan, I love the serenity all his pieces bring. Yamamoto also incorporates Japanese culture and history into his painting and sculptures while adding a modern twist that makes it very engaging and interesting for the eyes.

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Yamamoto also works to combine Western elements to Asian ones, which I also appreciate. His works have a modern, clean feel. Each painting/sculpture forces me to stop and stare for some time as they all have an aura of calm that you don’t find in many paintings today.

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Cecily Brown

As most of you could probably tell, I love watercolor. Especially in pastel colors, watercolor seems so feminine and lovely. It was Brown that revealed to me how versatile watercolor (and any other art medium) is.

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I love the variety of strokes she utilizes. And before, I would never have realized the different things she was telling through her paintings. (We’ve all had the “I could do that easily) But after further research and studying on my part, I’m beginning to learn how to appreciate this art.


Did you enjoy this weeks theme? Do you think you’ll take part next week? Who’s your favorite artist/art piece? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

wordless wednesday: wanderlust

Bucket List, Lifestyle, Travel, Wordless Wednesday

Hello my lovely friends!

It’s week two of Wordless Wednesday, and this week, we’re looking at places we want to go/places we’ve been to. Anyone can participate, and the main focus is to share aspects of our lives that may not be completely related to books. Each week, I will post a topic for a Wordless Wednesday that you may answer in whatever fashion you may like. All you need to do is link back to kimmiegg in your post so that I can also read your content! (Feel free to use the banner as well.)


The topic for this week is: Wanderlust – Whats on your travel bucket lists? Or tell of your last travel adventure.

To view a list of topics for the rest of the month, click here

Traveling has always been something I’ve always wanted to do more of. I greatly dislike the huge tours people go on, in which they visit many places in a short period of time. Instead, I enjoy staying in one place and being totally immersed in a new culture so that I can really learn as much as possible about a certain place and get a feel for the atmosphere for wherever I’m staying.

Feel free to go anywhere you’d like with this prompt, and I can’t wait to visit your blogs and see what creative things you come up with 🙂


Greece
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Romantic Sunset in Santorini

I know I should be more specific, but I honestly just want to explore this whole country. We all know of Greece due to their economic crises, but I’ve been in love with this country due to their history, geography and LOOK AT HOW BEAUTIFUL THIS IS! From the architecture to all the various islands, I’d be fine with spending the rest of my life exploring this country. I’d love to study the language if I ever get the chance to have an extended stay in this amazing country. Also, I loveeee Greek food. We have a small restaurant in the town I live in, but I can imagine that it doesn’t do justice to the authentic thing.


Cancun
Cancun Strand Luftbild

Luftbildaufnahmen von Cancun.

For some of you, this picture may be jarring with the juxtaposition of natural beauty and the modernity of humans. Although I’d much rather stay in a more humble abode that isn’t dominated by ulterior motives, I thought this picture was sure thought worthy. My dad has been to many business trips in this area, and my friends have often visited. They always come back with great stories! I love beaches, and I’ve heard that as soon as you go in, you pay a flat fee and then are able to eat whatever you’d like. Thus, the food quality is always great. The only downside, is that locals are unable to share this goodness..


Sydney, Australia
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Sydney, Australia

I know many of the book bloggers that I have met are from Australia, and thus I began some research about the area. I love it. This city is surrounded by the world’s largest natural harbor and I want to go to both the opera and the bridge there. The architecture is just stunning, and if this picture is not screaming at you to come visit, I don’t know what will ever convince you to travel.


Puerto Rico
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El Yunque National Forest

Lastly, a place to appreciate mother nature and the beauty of natural, untouched land, I present to you El Yunque National Forest. I love national parks, and love visiting, but each time I leave, I feel as if I was unable to fully grasp and appreciate the beauty of it all. Exploring and adventuring is always fun, but I believe more time needs to be spent discovering all the amazing secrets to that place.


Did you enjoy this post? Please consider taking part next week, as I’d love to learn about your art interests. Feel free to use the topics in any way/order you’d like, and I can’t wait to learn more about your non-bookish sides:)

Wordless Wednesday: Songs of your life

Lifestyle, Meme, Wordless Wednesday

wordless wednesdsay

Hello my lovely friends!

Today is the first week of my Wordless Wednesday meme, and I’m so excited to share this post with you! As you all know, this meme launched last week, after considerable thought and encouragement from others.

Anyone can take part, and the main focus is to share aspects of our lives that may not be completely related to books. Each week, I will post a topic for a Wordless Wednesday that you may answer in whatever fashion you may like. All you need to do is link back to kimmiegg in your post so that I can also read your content! (Feel free to use the banner as well.)


The topic for this week is: Songs of Your Life – What are a couple of songs that relate to turning points in your life, and why?

To view a list of topics for the rest of the month, click here

I feel as if music (and books) are what have helped me through the many turning points and hardships in my life. Here are a couple of songs that are linked to those times.


This Too Shall Pass // Sinclair

There are times where things don’t go as planned, and no matter how hard you try at something, it doesn’t work out. Last year, I thought I put all my effort into prepping for a series of tests, and I didn’t do as well as I’d expected. That paired with intense stress from other life problems made that time in my life unbearable. This song was a reminder (and still is) that life happens and moves on. The chill vibe always calms me down, and some days, I’ll just play this on repeat.


Shooting Star // Owl City

Jumping back in time to the good old freshman days (I say this with immense sarcasm), when I felt as if school was pointless, I wasn’t good enough, and living in my parent’s basement was a good career for me. I heard this over the radio on my bus back home, right when I really needed it. Not only did it give me the boost of motivation I needed, but after spending hours finding this song, I now listen to it whenever I need to remember to achieve.


Thinking About You // Andrew Allen

First off, I just love this song because of how it reminds me of summer and the lyrics are so uplifting and sweet. I don’t think Andrew Allen receives as much credit as he should. I listened to this song non-stop during a very difficult time, and it never failed to get me smiling. Thinking About You, was my comfort song during a time I had to reminded that if there’s someone you love, no matter the circumstances, that won’t change.

New York or London, no matter where I’ve been

there’s one thing that gets me through

is thinking about you~~


Then There’s You // Charlie Puth

A slightly more well known song, by a very popular singer, this song is just one I adore. In my life this is the song that reminds me to always wait for the best. Far more touching than One Call Away, this is a song I want sung to me someday. So although this is not something that relates to a turning point in my life, does planning to have this at my wedding count? (I say this is a 17 year old girl who has absolutely no plans to marry atm…)


Kiss the Rain // Yiruma

Lastly, just a simple piano piece that I love listening to while reading, on dreary days, and whenever I’m feeling bleh. The clear simple tune never fails to relax me, and on some bad days, I will play this on the piano. Can I say, nothing beats playing this with the door wide open while its raining?


Did you enjoy this post? Please consider taking part next week, as I’d love to see what places are on your bucket list. Feel free to use the topics in any way/order you’d like, and I can’t wait to learn more about your non-bookish sides 🙂

Meme Launch!

Know Korea, Meme, Tag, Wordless Wednesday

wordless wednesdsay

Hello my lovely friends!

I’m super excited to share this post with you, mainly because I have decided to take this weekly series a step further in hopes to encourage you all to take part! As you know, Wordless Wednesday is a series in which I post anything unrelated to books that could provide you with insight about who I am, what I enjoy and other miscellaneous ideas I have.

I would like to present to you, the new meme: Wordless Wednesday

Because of how much I have enjoyed these posts, I have decided to begin a weekly meme (as of August 2016), to share aspects of our lives that may not be completely related to books! Each week, I will post a topic for a Wordless Wednesday that you may answer in whatever fashion you may like. All you need to do is link back to kimmiegg in your post so that I can also read your content! (Feel free to use the banner as well.)

Thank you to all who will support me in this endeavor, and I can’t wait to see everything you come up with! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments so I can clarify and improve 🙂

Oh, and please enjoy, I believe this is a great way to get to know fellow bloggers, and to interact more.

Here is a link to a the official page: Wordless Wednesday


Here are the topics for the following month (feel free to choose your own topic as well! These are just ideas you can use):

August 10: Songs of Your Life – What are a couple of songs that relate to turning points in your life, and why?

August 17: Wanderlust – Whats on your travel bucket lists? Or tell of your last travel adventure.

August 24:  Art – What are some of your favorite pieces and genres? Which artist do you adore?

August 31: Best Friends for Life – Do you own pets? If you could, which animal would you adopt?

September 7: Poetry and Pose – Who are some of your favorite artists? Which poems are your favorite?

September 14: Home Sweet Home – What are some of the attractions where you live?

September 21: Hobbies – Share some of the things you do in your free time, how do you spend your days when you’re not reading?

September 28: Pet Peeves – What are some things you absolutely cannot stand? Loud chewing? Dog ears on books?

October 5: Survivor – If you were stranded on an island, what are 9 things you’d take, and why?


This meme is not binding, so feel free to participate whenever you’d like! I can’t wait to read all your posts! 🙂

And thank you Beth @ Reading Every Night for encouraging this, as it really prompted me to begin. Please be supportive as I take new steps with my blog!

Wordless Wednesday (Know Korea): 7.13.16 Webtoons

Know Korea, Webtoon, Wordless Wednesday

know korea

Hello my lovely friends! First off I’d like to mention that I am in Korea right now (this is a scheduled post) and I will not be able to reply to your comments as frequently as I’d like. I’ll still be checking up on my blog often, so don’t forget to say hello!

This week, for my Wordless Wednesday – when I post about anything unrelated to books. This is part of my Know Korea series. Today, I wanted to post about my unhealthy obsession with webtoons. Webtoons are South Korean webcomics or manhwa that are published online. (Have you guys noticed how my latest WW posts have all been about Korea? I’ve decided to create a category Know Korea) Anyways, here are a few that I’ve read/have been reading and love. Lately I’ve mainly been trying to read them in Korean to brush up on my skills.

If interested, there are a variety of platforms you can read webtoons at such as

Line

Naver (the Korean version of Line)

Spottoon

Mangafox


Here are a couple I have been reading recently (and that you should check out as well!)

I’ve linked the Korean version of the webtoon with the Korean translation, and the english version of the webtoon under the parenthesis.

윈드브레이커 (Wind Breaker)

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Not your typical squad, the guys in this team are brought together because of hardship. As they prepare to enter a competition, their bromance and skills grow. You will fall in love with each character as their back story and reason for competing becomes known.

Synopsis from line:

Jay is the student president of Sunny high. He is not just a smart student but an extreme biker with high techniques. As you follow his bike, you will meet his friends, love, and adventures.

소녀더와일즈 (Girls of the Wild)

Powerful, fast, witty, these girls are sure to win your hearts as they battle not only with each other, but together, as life throws hardships their way. Trained to be elite and the best, it’s difficult to navigate life the way others do. The friendship each girl creates with each other is sure to touch your heart, and funny bone!

Synopsis from line:

Wild’s High School, an all girls educational institute specializing in MMA, has a very special freshman enrolling this year. Jaegu, who fears women from being abandoned by his mother, is about to find out what girls are really all about in this action-packed school drama.

치즈인더트랩 (Cheese in the Trap)

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Follow the life of an ordinary world who’s life is turned upside down by extraordinary people. Normally unable to express her thoughts and emotions, Seol Hong struggles to maintain relationships and endure through college life.

Synopsis from line:

Seol Hong is a hard-working student, who has returned to college after a long break. Jung Yu is a senior at the college known as Mr. Perfect. Seol feels like her life took a turn for the worse since she got involved with Jung. Is Jung intentionally turning Seol’s life?

닥터 프로스트 (Dr. Frost)

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Love Psychology? Hot men with mysterious personalities? Then this is the webtoon for you. Dr. Frost became a psychologist in hopes of learning about human emotions. This genius, narcissist, egotist, will sure to be on your mind all day.

Synopsis from line:

Frost is a genius psychologist who believes all humans are basically the same. His keen mastery in mind-reading will blow your mind and strike through your heart. This webtoon has recently been turned into a TV series in Korea.

스튜디오 짭쪼롬(Salty Studio)

Follow the cute relationship between an aspiring drawer and already accomplished manhwa drawer. Their love for food is easily relateable, as well as their outlook on life and love.

Synopsis from line:

Togeun used to work for his father’s company without any passion, so he quits his job and moves out from his parents’ house in order to follow his dream in drawing. At the homecoming party (reunion party), Togeun begs Sonagi, a great illustrator, to teach him how to draw.

 

Wordless Wednesday: 7.6.16 Korean Street Food

Bucket List, Food, Travel, Uncategorized, Wordless Wednesday

know korea

Hello my lovely friends! First off I’d like to mention that I am in Korea right now (this is a scheduled post) and I will not be able to reply to your comments as frequently as I’d like. I’ll still be checking up on my blog often, so don’t forget to say hello!

This week, for my Wordless Wednesday – when I post about anything unrelated to books – I’ve decided to show you the wonderful array of street food in Korea. This is part of my “Know Korea” series that I decided to start because of the time I’ll be spending there, and my insatiable need for me to share everything with you guys. Honestly, there’s nothing better than the outdoor markets, and delicious smells wafting from outdoor vendors as you walk down the streets.


떡볶이 (tteokbokki )
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This delicious spicy rice cake is perfect for any season and occasion. A quick eat, or a side dish for an elaborate meal, this dish is sure to fulfill your sweet and spicy cravings. The sauce is actually a combination of gochuchang (Korean chili paste), dried chili power and sugar. There are many variations to this dish, such as adding slices of boiled eggs or ramen. It is not uncommon to see students congregated outside a vendor giggling away.


호떡 (hoddeok)
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This savory Korean sweet pancake can is normally filled with a brown sugar syrup. However, many variations can be found including ones filled with vegetables. This warm snack is sure to keep you grinning as you sight see.


 오뎅  (odeng)
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Odeng is one of the cheapest street foods you’ll find, and are simply fish cakes drowned in a delicious broth. This is a filling snack, and is usually served as a eat first, pay later basis. For those of you who dislike spicy foods, go ahead and check out this snack as it is a variation of tteobokki.


만두 (dumplings)
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There are many variations of this delicious dish, including a deep fried version. This savory snack is classic favorite, and it is common to see many locals munching away on this soft, delicious snack.


계란빵 (gyrenppang)
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The toppings for this protein packed bread are endless! From shrimp, to octopus, ham green onion and various herbs this snack is sure to leave you satisfied, and begging for more.


붕어빵 (Boong Uh Bbang)
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This bread is stuffed with a sweet red bean paste that has recently been on the news for its adaptation into five star restaurants. Not only is the shape cute and fun, but the bread is crunchy and very savory.


I hope you enjoyed exploring various Korean street foods with me today! What are some street foods that are famous in your area? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

Monthly Wrap Up: June 2016

Books, Monthly Wrap Up

month

Hello my lovely book-loving friends!

HOLY COW IT’S ALREADY BEEN A MONTH SINCE I’VE STARTED BLOGGING!

It’s hard to believe that the month of June is finally ending and to realize that I have officially been blogging for one month! Thank you to all those who have provided unending support and love. It’s hard to believe how far this blog has advanced along with how much I’ve learned not only about books, but about blogging.

I’ve made a whole lot more progress on this blog than expected, I’ve gained 30+ wonderful followers along with discovering more blogs that have expanded the world of books for me. I’m so excited to see where this blog will go!


Reviews:

6900

Tuesday’s With Morrie by Mitch Albom

My first review ever, was of Tuesday’s With Morrie. This book was such a blessing to me as it dealt with many philosophical topics that are commonly pondered about in this day and age. If you want to see a couple of things I learned from this book, make sure to check out this review (since I wasn’t really sure what I was doing with my first post, this is mainly more what I garnered from the book.)

10441

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

This book was definitely an interesting read that dealt with a subject of autism, and the stigma attached to it. Although there were many aspects I loved, there were things that I wished this book had. I’m glad I was able to read this book though, as I learned about the intense burden that accompanies secrets.

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The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker

I really enjoyed the juxtaposing of two cultures that Julia experiences. I was pleasantly shocked by the simplicity and peaceful nature of the Burmese culture, and enjoyed following Julia in her journey of learning of her father’s past, while trying to root her identity in the Burmese culture.

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Vicious by V.E Schwab

This book has become a favorite of mine, and I enjoyed reading the entire thing. From start to finish, I was engaged and excited. I was able to stumble upon this book on another book lover blog, and was able to realize how amazing the blogging community really is. I have been able discover amazing books, and new wonderful authors.

Although I only posted four book reviews, I did read three other books. Although this seems like a small number, it’s a big jump from the amount I was reading before school ended. I’m so glad that lately I’ve been making reading a priority, and hopefully the number of reviews also increase!


Wordless Wednesday:

This month, I posted three times for my Wordless Wednesday post in which I write about non-bookish things. These were just fun posts that were meant to provide some insight into what I enjoy!

Movies

Recipes

Travel


Thursday Quotables:

These were some of my favorite posts, when I picked a book and extracted some of my favorite quotes from them, along with adding a fun explanation. Maybe I’ll try making this into a tag one day!

This Side of Paradise

The Kite Runner

The Joy Luck Club

Stargirl


Misc bookish things:

June TBR

#SaveTheClassics

What I’m Reading Right Now

Monday Update

Book Fangirling Blog Award

Bookish Booklover Tag


I’ve also decided to begin accepting books for review! You can see my new review policy here. I’m so thankful to see how far this blog has gone, and can’t wait to see where it goes in the future!

What are some things you accomplished this month? Are you excited for July?

Wordless Wednesday: 6.15.16

Bucket List, Know Korea, Travel, Wordless Wednesday

know korea

Hello my lovelies!

Wordless Wednesday is when I post about anything unrelated to books.  I have recently begun a series called “Know Korea” where I post things related to Korea. Today, I want to share with you five places I want to visit during my stay in Korea this coming month. (Yes, you heard me correctly, I’ll be visiting Korea in the month of July!)

경주 보문정 (Bomun Pavilion, Gyeongju)
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Gyeongju was the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty and is known as “a museum with no walls.” This spot is clearly aesthetic in all seasons with abundant leaves in the summer, a beautiful scarlet and mustard foliage in the fall and the pure gentle snow in the winter.

경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung)
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No trip is complete without a trip down the historical lane. Gyeongbokgung Palace, also known as the Northern Palace, is the most grandest of the five palaces. Although the premises were destroyed by fire during the Japanese occupation, the rooms were restored under the reign of King Gojong. There are around 7,700 rooms.

보성 녹차밭 (Boseong Green Tea Field)
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I love green tea, so the rolling hills of Boseong where 40 percent of Korea’s tea is produced is a must see. Unfortunately, I’d be missing the green tea festival held every May, but the spectacular view that is the backdrop of multiple Korean dramas is sufficient for me.

파주 심학산 꽃밭 (Poppy Garden, Simhak Mountain)
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The poppy garden is a scenic backdrop that is sure to intrigue any aspiring painter or photographer. The local town hosts a Poppy Festival in June.

롯데월드 (Lotte World)
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And because no trip is ever complete without a visit to a theme park, Lotte world is the world’s largest indoor theme park and is open all year long. From amusement rides to shopping malls, luxury hotels, skating rink and a lake, this place is full of amazing fun.

I’m so very excited to be going back to Korea this coming month, and looking through tourist sites and pictures has definitely been causing me even more excitement! I hope you enjoyed the few snapshots I have shown of such a beautiful country.

for more information, visit:

http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/visit/50-beautiful-places-visit-korea-873093/

http://www.tommyooi.com/seoul-attractions/

Wordless Wednesday: 6.8.16

Bucket List, Food, Recipes, Wordless Wednesday

bucketHello my beautiful friends, here are a two recipes that I have tried and loved, along with one that I will be trying in the coming week and uploading a review on. Enjoy!

roasted carrots with parsley and thyme // snack // prep: 10m // cook: 30m // rating: 5/5 //  recipe

For those of you in need of a healthy snack to munch on while reading a book, look no farther. Ditch the potato chips and indulge yourself with a sweet and savory snack that will sate your hungry cravings while giving you a boost of vitamin A. Carotenoids are known to help combat free radicals due to their  strong antioxidant powers.

I have never enjoyed eating carrots, and you will never see me eating them raw. I have found, that roasting the carrots produces a snack that is sweet and delectable. I tend to hold back on the parsley and thyme, and add honey to this recipe to create a more pleasant flavor. For those of you who like a more bittersweet taste, make sure to load up on the parsley and thyme.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds carrots, peeled quartered or cut into sixths lengthwise depending on the size, then into 2-inch lengths
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Oil a sheet pan or a baking dish large enough to fit all of the carrots in a single layer. Place the carrots in a large bowl, and toss with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme and oregano. (My alteration: add some honey for a more sweet flavor)
  2. Spread in an even layer in the prepared pan or baking dish. Cover with foil, and place in the oven for 30 minutes. Uncover, and if the carrots are not yet tender, turn the heat down to 375 degrees and return to the oven for 10 to 15 more minutes until tender. Add the parsley, stir gently, and taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

This delicious snack should be stored in a refrigerator and can be kept for 4 days.

 hoisin pork with rice noodles // meal // prep: 15m // cook: 15m / serving: 4 // rating: _/5 // recipe

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This is a dish I have yet to try, but am dying to taste. The spicy asian pork and noodle combination has me drooling at the pictures, and surprisingly the dish only totals to about 391 calories per meal!

Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3.5 tablespoons sesame oil or canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey + 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 dash fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar + a squeeze of lime if you have it
  • 5 cloves finely minced garlic
  • 1 piece fresh grated ginger (1-2 tablespoons)
  • 1 minced hot pepper (i.e. jalapeno, chili pepper, etc)
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
  • 1½ lbs. pork cut into thin strips (mine was called “pork stroganoff”)
  • 9 oz. rice noodles
  • grated carrots, chopped scallions, chopped peanuts, cilantro

Preparations:

  • Whisk all the sauce ingredients together (soy sauce, water, oil, honey, sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, peppers, hoisin, and peanut butter). You could also puree the sauce in a food processor to get the garlic, peppers, and ginger smooth.
  • Marinate the pork in the sauce overnight or for at least a few hours. I did mine overnight and then some, about 15 hours.
  • Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat and stir-fry the pork until browned on the outside. I found that there wasn’t a whole lot of extra sauce after marinating, but I discarded the little bit that was left.
  • Cook your rice noodles according to package directions. Keep a little bit of liquid with the noodles to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Top with pork, carrots, scallions, peanuts, cilantro, and extra sauce of choice (more hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sweet chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, etc). This is definitely a build-your-own kind of thing – just throw whatever you like in there with the noodles.

chocolate panini // dessert // prep: 10m // serving: 4 // rating: 4/5 // recipe

For a nice, warm, toasty dessert, that is easy and fun to make, try the chocolate panini. The first time I made this was at the home of the family I babysit for. I was unable to find their panini press, and ended up making it at the stove with two pans! (I tell you this to show you that it is indeed possible…)

This delectable flavor will have you craving for more, and is best served with some fruit to offset the overwhelming sweetness. Substitute nutella or any other chocolate to your liking, as I have found that using a chocolate bar also works! Also, feel free to deviate from the recipe and use less butter and chocolate, and even add marshmallows. I found this to be extremely sweet, and although loved by the boys, it is intense

Ingredients:

  • 8 3/4-inch thick slices challah bread or Hawaiian sweet bread (my alteration: I used regular bread of any sort, whole wheat or white, to reduce calories and sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 4 – 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
    (my alteration: I also added marshmallows to add a s’more like quality)
  • Powdered sugar

Preparation

  • Heat a panini press or a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Meanwhile, brush one side of each bread slice with some of the melted butter. Place half of the bread slices on a work surface, buttered side down; sprinkle with chocolate, covering the bread to within 1/4-inch of the crust. Top with remaining slices, buttered sides up. Place sandwiches, 2 at a time, in grill pan; weigh down top of sandwiches with a large heavy skillet.
  • Grill the sandwiches over medium-low heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until the chocolate is melted and bread is golden brown, turning once halfway through grilling time. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. (Or preheat a covered indoor grill. Place sandwiches, two at a time, in preheated grill, cover, and grill 4 minutes or until chocolate melts and bread is golden.)
  • To serve, cut each sandwich into quarters. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.

 

Wordless Wednesday: 6.1.16

Bucket List, Movies, Wordless Wednesday

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Hello my beautiful friends, here are a couple of released movies I am excited for and am planning on watching in the very near future. Personal reviews will be added accordingly under “my thoughts”.

The Jungle Book (2016)

Rated: PG // Rating: 7.9/10 // Time: 106 min // Directed by: Jon Favreau // IMDB

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The Jungle Book was originally a collection of stories by renowned English author, Rudyard Kipling. Originally comprised of fourteen short stories, many have been published as short books and their titles, “Rikki Tikki Tavi” are well known. These stories were meant to teach moral lessons, and were followed by a verse. Original drawings were done by Kipling’s father. There have been numerous adaptions to this childhood classic, the newest one being released April 15, and is still playing in select theaters.

my thoughts:

Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)

Rated: PG // Rating: 6.4/10 // Time: 113 min // Directed by: James Bobin // IMDB

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A sequel to Alice in Wonderland that was released in 2010, this movie is said to take great liberty in the plot and follows Alice as she returns to Underland only to find the Mad Hatter in a terrible state. With stunning visuals, the last movie didn’t follow the plot and was bone dry. This sequel is loosely based on “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carrol, and once again it has been said that the visuals are phenomenal, but the plot dry and characters not developed.

my thoughts:

 The Book Thief (2013)

Rated: PG-13 // Rating: 7.6/10 // Time: 131 min // Directed by: Brian Percival // IMDB

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my thoughts:

My Fair Lady (1964)

Rated: approved // Rating: 7.9/10 // Time: 170 min // Directed by: George Cukor // IMDB

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The archetype for many classics and modern literature, this movie is about a professor attempting to take a young woman and make her presentable. “The Awakening”, a classic by Kate Chopin follows this plot and is the reason this movie piqued my interest. Along with the fact that Audrey Hepburn is starring.

my thoughts: