Cucumber Kim-chi (oi kim-chi)

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile! I had a hectic 3 weeks both good and bad (family visit, no internet, computer problems, dad having a minor surgery, etc). I want to believe things will look up... wheee~ One of the things I did last week is make oi kim-chi.

If you need some guidance with the ingredients, you can check my Korean Cooking 101. ;)

Ingredients:

cucumbers
sea salt-coarse
water
2-3 bunch of leeks
6 green onions
1/4 bell red pepper
chopped garlic
1/4 onion
1/2 c. red pepper powder
1/4 c. fish sauce
1 tbsp. sugar

Step 1:

Olive and Brown Look Tutorial

Howdy!!! :) All I can say is it feels weird to post after several weeks away from the blogging world... hehe~ :X Anyways, Blair requested a tutorial of a look I showed her. I usually don't post tutorials, because it seems like people are not interested in my eye makeup look *sigh*. I know I'm not a makeup guru, but this is how I do my eye look. I hope you guys like it... wheee~ :)

What I used:
[T-B, L-R: MAC Paint Pot in Moss Scape, MAC in Sumptuous Olive, MAC in Mulch, CG in Sugar Rush (farthest right the cream color), Smashbox in Smashing Beacon (farthest right the white color), UDPP, L'oreal Lash Architect in Black Noir, MF Pensilks in Black Velvet]

What tools I used:
(T-B: CS eyeshadow brush, Laneigh eyeshadow brush, Sonia Kashuk large crease brush, Sonia Kashuk eyeliner brush, Essence of Beauty eyeliner brush)

My look:
I prep my eyes with UDPP or else my makeup with crease. I recommend this if your eyelid is oily. If it's not, I don't think you need to do it. You get a small amount on each eye and blend with your finger. DON'T forget to put some on the bottom of your eyes and the inner corner.
With my finger, I apply MAC Paint Pot in Moss Scape to my lids. I make sure it's the brightest towards the lashes and the lightest on the crease. You don't need to color your crease but I noticed when I apply UDPP, it's harder to blend or maybe it's just my lack of experience... lol~ :P For that reason I have some base on my crease making it easier to blend. :)
Using an eyeshadow brush (I used Laneigh), I pat on MAC eyeshadow in Sumptuous Olive on my lid. You don't have to use a brush you can still use a sponge applicator. Just make sure you pat it instead of brushing it side to side. The reason why you pat the eyeshadow is to make the color bolder.
With your crease brush, dip it into MAC eyeshadow in Mulch.
I always start from the outer corner in. I find the eye socket on my outer "V" area.
It should look like that on the outer corner. ;)
Then I blend from the outer corner to inner crease. I usually stop 2/3rds in. If you need to grab more Mulch and blend more color, feel free to do so. ;)
Then I grab more Mulch and color from the outer corner to 1/3rd in the lid. I like the look of transition from olive color to brown. I'm not too keen about having green lid and brown crease. Coloring the brown over the green gives you a transition color or maybe it's just me... hehe~ ;)
It'll look like this. :)
Then I color my eyebrow which isn't shown and with a thicker eyeshadow brush (Coastal Scents), I highlight using CG Sugar Rush. I make sure it's the brightest right underneat the eyebrows. ;)
With the Max Factor eyeliner pencil, I line the top lid. By the way, I'm not too keen on the Max Factor eyeliner pencil but it got a good rating on Makeup Alley (85%)... lol~ :X I used to use the L'oreal HIP cream eyeliner in Black, but it dried out. It got to the point where weting my brush didn't work anymore *sigh*. I wouldn't buy that again... lol~ :X
Then I line the bottom with MAC eyeshadow in Mulch and Smashbox cream eyeliner in Smashing Beacon (the white side). I also use the Smashbox cream eyeliner in the inner corner of my eyes. I usually don't line my waterline since nothing seems to work on me. :/
Then I curl my eyelashes and put mascara on. Here's my final look *wipe sweat*... wheee~ :)

What do you think?

I'm going to end this post with an apple I made. I made this for a lady I know.
You can get the pattern at Lion Brand Yarn (click here).

No Buy Deal

Sorry I haven't updated in a while! You will see why at the end of this post... hehe~ ;)

Anyways, Blair and I have been in talks for several weeks about being on a No Buy for several months. At first, I thought it was just a fun chat and then as time went on we actually agree to have a No Buy for 2 months. I think it will definitely help me from not buying cosmetics. For someone who isn't a makeup artist, I sure have a lot *sigh*!!!... hehe~ :X It'll also help me money-wise since I'm not a full-time worker. I need all the money saved to pay off other things. :X Here's what is in our deal...

RULES:
1. NO buying any beauty related products (skincare, cosmetics, hair products, and body-related products) from September 1st to November 1st.
2. The only time you can buy beauty related products is when you’re out of the product and don’t have a spare, and to buy for others as a gift.
3. If you fail, you have to use the beauty products you have and do a makeover. You have to make yourself look like a clown, not a pretty one but an embarrassing one, and post a picture of your face on your blog.

EXCEPTIONS:

Ahleessa: One or two time visit at a CCO.
Blair: One time order from Gmarket.

The credit goes to Blair for making the logo, and Ahleessa (I) for typing up the rules. :)

We thought it'll be fun to have a tag-type of deal and hopefully, people who want to join in can. It can be a new trend in the blogging world to save money... hehe~ ;) If anyone wants to join in during these two months, please feel free too. Post the logo and the rules. If you want, you can tell me your one exception and I'll add you onto my list. I will try my best to check up on you in a weekly basis... hehe~ ;)

Another thing I might do that we didn't talk about is write my weekly buys on my blog so I can have an idea how much money I spend in a week. The key word here is I will TRY... lol~ :X It's not a guaranteed!


I actually started my No Buy early... hehe~ I have been pretty good! It has motivated me to find other ways to get cosmetics. One way has been looking for freebies online... hehe~ ;) I will tell you two from Aveda. ;) I give credit to Soompi, as well as, my makeup buddy for these coupons... hehe~
I got a free Hand Relief lotion worth $7.99. Here's the coupon you can print out and take it to the closest Aveda (click here for the coupon). It expires September 30th.
I also got a free Foot Relief lotion worth $7.99. Here's the coupon for this as well (click here for the coupon). ;) I don't know when this expires.

I have several more but you will have to wait to see if I can get them. I don't want to post it without a guaranteed. Stay tune to my blog... lol~ :P


Now going back to the beginning of this post, I have been pretty busy crocheting dolls for my niece's 3rd birthday and my nephew's 100th days party.
I made a Hello Kitty doll and a giraffe.
For my niece, I made her a Hello Kitty doll. Yes, I had another niece who didn't get one yet (last one by the way)... lol~ :X Check out my other Hello Kitty dolls I made for my other three munchkins (click here for the other three).
For my nephew, I made him a giraffe. I found the pattern on Lion Brand Yarn. I think the picture of the amigurumi doll on there looks cuter than the one I made... lol~ :X


For the people who live close to me, I hope you guys are okay with the fire!!! Make sure to stay indoors with the windows close, drink lots of water, and stay away from the outside as much as possible. For the people who don't live close to me, there's a huge fire that has been increasing in daily basis since the fire started Wednesday (I heard it increased twice the size this morning compared to last night *sigh*) last week. It's so bad I smell smoke all the time and wake up with debris on my car!!! :(


PLEASE check out my blog sale (click here for the post)!!! :)

Seaweed Soup (mi-yuk gook)

Thank you everyone who wished me a happy birthday either early or belated!!! It was really sweet... hehe~ :)

Anyways, I made this soup long time ago. I think 2 months ago or so. I'm not too sure... lol~ :X In the Korean culture, you make this soup for health since seaweed is good for you. We eat this soup during birthdays, as well as, for someone who just came out of the hospital either from giving birth or sickness. I need to make this soon for myself. ;)

If you need some guidance with the ingredients, you can check my Korean Cooking 101. ;)

Ingredients:
water
beef
garlic
ginger
dried seaweed
1 spoonful of sesame oil
chopped garlic
salt
black pepper

Step 1:
Grab a pot and add water, beef, garlic, and ginger. Cook the broth until the beef is done. While it's cooking, the fat will float to the top. Take it out with a spoon. I'm sure you don't want to eat the fat... hehe~ ;)
Once the beef is done, let it cool and then cut it into small pieces.

Step 2:
Get a bowl and add water to the dried seaweed. Let it soak for 30 minutes maximum. If you soak the dried seaweed for too long, it will be very soft. I usually like it crunchy that's why I only soak it for 30 minutes.
Since I like my seaweed a little bit crunchier, I fry it in a pan. I squeeze out the water with my hand and cut it into smaller pieces. Once the water is squeeze out, I fry it in sesame oil and chopped garlic for about 5 minutes.
I take out the garlic and ginger from the broth. Then I add the fried seaweed and chopped beef. Cook for about 30 minutes and seasoned it to your taste. I usually just added salt and black pepper.
Now you can eat with rice and kim-chi! :)


Yesterday, I checked out this small shop owned by a Korean. I really need help... lol~ :P I bought another headband with a ribbon *sigh*!!! :X
The best part is that it only cost $1.99!!! I got such a good deal or at least I think so... hehe~
Then I checked out Forever 21. I've been wanting to get this hair pin for a month now. They finally carry it... wheee~ It's kind of funny because I wanted the blue one, but I ended up getting the cream one. I thought the cream looked better on my hair than the blue. :)


I'm also going to end this post with the last Hello Kitty doll I made or at least for some time (need to make one more for my niece who's birthday is in September).
Here's a picture of all the Hello Kitty dolls I made for my nieces (click here and here to see the first two).
These dolls are for my oldest brother's children (he has 3 daughters only). They're birthdays are in April, May, and this coming June. The only reason why they haven't received their gifts yet is because I haven't seen them yet. They're coming to visit this coming weekend which I'm excited!!!... wheee~ I hope they like it!!! :/

I tried to make different colored dresses because the dresses has buttons on the back. I thought it'll be fun if they switch the outfits or maybe that's the child in me... lol~ :P The only thing I tried to do is adjust to their favorite color with the ribbon by the ear. The two oldest like blue and the youngest like purple. Excuse me I meant lavendar or that's what she says to me... lol~ They're too cute! :)

Contest #1 Winners and My Urban Decay Haul

Thank you for the people who entered my contest (click here to see the post)! :) I numbered the people who commented in the order as I got them. Now for the winners *drum roll*...

Winner #1:

Kasumi

Winner #2:

ladystarr

Please contact me at aly_4realz at hotmail dot com. You guys have 5 days from today.


I got my Urban Decay haul this week, Monday to be exact, from their Friends & Family Event (30% off). Today, April 17th, is the last day to order during this promotion. If you're going to order something, use the code "FNFS9" to get the discount. ;) Sorry it took so long to post this!!! :X
I ordered Travel Size Set in VIP and Ultraglide Lipgloss in Quiver. If you order $35 or more, they give you a free sample lipstick in Sellout.

I've always debated if I wanted the set or not, and thought this will be the best time to get it... hehe~ I'm very happy and I think the colors are perfect for the spring/summer weather! :)
(L-R: Zero, Lucky, Covet, Electric, and Lust)

I wasn't going to swatch the set since so many bloggers have these, but I thought it might not hurt... hehe~ I hope it helps somebody! :)

When I went to the Sephora makeover event for natural products, the makeup artist applied this lipgloss on me and I fell in love (click here to see the post about Sephora makeover)!!! I was going to buy it that day, but the last one they had in this color leaked all over the plastic. It was extremely sticky! Luckily for me, Urban Decay had this promotion and I got it during this time... wheee~

Since I ordered more than $35 before the discount, they gave me the free sample lipstick in Sellout. Can I just say how cute the packaging is for the lipstick!!! It has these cute design on the tube! :)

(L-R: Lipstick in Sellout and Lipgloss in Quiver)


Here's my nail of the week (NOTW #11) which I'll be changing today or tomorrow... lol~ One of my nail broke and it's bothering me... lol~

What I used:
(T-B, L-R: OPI Base Coat, China Glaze in Watermelon Ring, CoverGirl in Disco Dazzle, Seche Vite Top Coat, and makeup sponge)

* OPI Base Coat
* China Glaze in Watermelon Ring
* CoverGirl in Disco Dazzle
* Seche Vite Top Coat (Thank you makeup buddy!)

If you don't know how to do gradient style nails, you can check my post for NOTW #1 (click here). It's the same concept. ;)


I'm going to end my post with the recent crochet I finished.
Yes, it's another Hello Kitty doll... hehe~ :P This is actually for my oldest niece whose birthday is in May. The other one was for my second niece whose birthdy was in the beginning of April (click here to see the doll). Now I need to make a third Hello Kitty doll for my third niece whose birthday is in June. They're all sisters and I noticed it's the best to give them the same things... lol~

For the people who are wondering, I only do this for a hobby. I like making things and love giving people I care about stuff. I've made scarves, baby blankets, armwarmers, and so on. I hardly keep anything for myself since I think it's more valuable when you receive something made from someone... hehe~ The only thing I really kept for myself was a kleenex box I made. Maybe I'll show it to you guys next time if you guys want to see it... hehe~ ;)

For the people who asked about the Hello Kitty pattern. Unfortunately, I did not get it from online. If you search online, there is quite a lot of Hello Kitty patterns. Just type "Hello Kitty crochet patterns" and you will get a long list of sites. I'm kind of picky what I like, therefore, I tend to modify most of the crochet patterns. I hope this helps for the people who want the pattern since I've been getting this question a lot.

Marley & Me

This isn't the typical post of beauty or Korean cooking, but it's fun to post things out of the blue once in awhile... hehe~ I read this book some time ago, but I wanted to review my thoughts after seeing the movie.
Title: Marley & Me
Author: John Grogan

Price: $7.69 at Costco ($13.95 USA price on the back)

Description on the back: The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life.

My thoughts: I've always been a dog person since I was little. Whenever there was a dog around, my parents knew where I disappeared magically... lol~ I love petting dogs, watching dog movies (Buddies series, Bolt, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, etc), and even reading dog books. When I knew they were making this book into a movie, I had to read it before I watched the movie. The book made me go through a roller coaster of emotion... lol~ It was comedic, sad, and made me think. Maybe I'm biased since I have my own lab, Tobey (click here to see all my post on Tobey) who is half, and their my favorite type of dog but I loved reading the book... hehe~ Whenever I stop reading to think, it was because I would remember Tobey doing the same thing.

Pros:
* Relativeable since I have my own lab.
* Comedic scenes.
* Good for dog lovers.
* Much better than the movie.
* It's the reality of raising and losing a dog.

Cons:
* It's the reality of raising and losing a dog.

Rating: 5/5 Tobey's Paws

My thoughts in relationship to the movie: They changed a lot of things in the movie compared to the book. I wasn't very pleased since the book was good itself. To be honest, I thought the book was more comedic and interesting than the movie. :X The movie wasn't also deep compared to the book. They lost the main point of what the book was about. I'll say read the book and then watch it later... hehe~

Here's the movie trailer:


I will end this review with a quote I found in the book. "Marley had earned his place in our family. Like a quirky but beloved uncle, he was what he was. He would never be Lassie or Benji or Old Yeller; he would never reach Westminster or even the county fair. We knew that now. We accepted him for the dog he was, and loved him all the more for it." The reason why this quote meant something to me is because I hear people, mostly non-pet owners, talk about the cost of raising a pet. Guess what money comes when it comes to raising anything including babies. The joy of raising your own child, as well as, pets is because they become part of your family. You love them for who they are! Tobey has become more than a dog to me. He is family!!! :)


I'm going to end this post with things I've made recently. I've been making Hello Kitty amigurumi dolls for my nieces' birthdays (April, May, and June). I only finished one but I think it came out adorable... hehe~
Now I need to make two more... lol~ I'll definitely post those when I'm done. ;) I also made hair pins for the fun of it... lol~
One of the pink and the light blue is mine. Here's how it looks in my hair... hehe~

Light blue:

Pink:

credit: amazon, youtube, secret2mysuccess