Monday, March 29, 2010

Noodle Soup with Kim-chi (kim-chi kal guk-su)

Please don't forget to enter the Hana Elite 1" Flat Iron giveaway (click here to enter). It ends 4/4/10 at 11:59 PST.


I haven't posted a recipe in awhile.  I have some laying around but decided to post something I made for the first time couple of weeks ago... hehe~

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

Ingredients:
dried anchovies
dried seaweed/kelp
dried shiitake mushroom
clams
chopped garlic
kim-chi into small pieces
kim-chi juice
1 spoonful of red pepper paste
onion
squash
noodle
black pepper
garlic powder
salt
chopped green onion

Step 1:
The first thing you want to do is make broth.  In a pot, I add dried anchovies (I put it in the metal container), dried seaweed, and dried shiitake mushroom (not in the picture).  I boil, cool towards the end, for about 15 minutes.  By the way, this isn't the pot I used for cooking this.  It's an old picture that I'll keep using to show how to make broth... hehe~
Towards the end of making the broth, I added the clams.  Usually you will need a lot but my dad isn't too keen on clams... hehe~  The clams add a flavor to the soup.  I take out the dried anchovies, mushrooms, and dried seaweed.  You can get rid of the dried anchovies and/or dried seaweed.  I usually cut the dried seaweed and put it back into the soup.  It is up to you. :)

Step 2:
Turn the soup back up and add chopped garlic and cut up kim-chi.  Use old kim-chi rather than the new ones.  They taste better in soup than the fresh ones... hehe~ You also add couple of spoonful of the kim-chi juice.  Then add one spoonful of red pepper paste.
Then I added chopped onion, and would have added squash but I didn't have any at home at the time... hehe~ :X  I didn't take a picture of the noodle but any thin noodle will be fine.  After 5 minutes, I added the noodle.  The noodle shouldn't take that long to cook.  It takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the noodle.
Towards the end of cooking, add black pepper, garlic powder, and salt if it needs any. If the taste is good, then you can add the chopped green onions and the dried seaweed you used to make the broth.
Now you can eat... wheee~ :)


I know it's kind of late, but I always say it's better now than never... hehe~  I'm going to talk about this eyeshadow palette I bought from Target end of last year. Unfortunately, they don't sell this anymore and for that reason there isn't a point of doing a review... hehe~ :X
I bought the Pixi Softly Smoky Eyes palette for $9.99.  I thought it was a good deal with 12 small eyeshadows... hehe~ :)  In the back it says,
"This is all you need!  An eye palette designed to give you all the definition of a classic smoky eye but with a softer more subtle result.  A deep rich smoky eye will never go out of style but there are times when you want that look with less intensity - this is the kit for you!"
Here's how the colors look from the palette.  When you take it out of the package, you need to put something heavy on top to be able to close the palette *ahem someone I know didn't do this until I mentioned it*... hehe~ :D
Here are the swatches of the colors on my arm from left to right.

Now I'm going to end this post with three looks I came up with from this palette... hehe~  There are many you can come up but that will be an endless post... eek~

Look #1:
I only used colors from the palette.  I realized it's very shiny! :X  I believe I only used two colors, but I could be wrong... hehe~

Look #2:
The second look is a re-post.  I posted this on my Sephora haul (click here to see the post).  I learned my lesson from the first look to mix colors with other eyeshadows or else it'll look very shiny... hehe~  I used the same lid color from look #1 and mixed it with other eyeshadows brands.

Look #3:
I used two colors from the palette and mixed it with another eyeshadow brand.  It's suppose to be more orange-like then look #1 and #2, but in this picture it doesn't show... oi vey~ :/

If you guys want to know what exact colors I used or a tutorial, feel free to ask. Otherwise, I won't say anything... hehe~

Disclaimer:  The products mentioned in this post are bought with my own money.  I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products.  This post is written with my honest opinion.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Lancome Primordiale Cell Defense Perfecting Serum

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post is bought with my money. I am not affiliated with the company nor getting paid to advertise the product. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Please don't forget to enter the Hana Elite 1" Flat Iron giveaway (click here to enter). It ends 4/4/10 at 11:59 PST.




When I went to the outlet in September 2009, I bought two sample size of Lancome Primordiale Cell Defense Perfecting Serum.  I'm on my second at the moment and I think it's about time I review it.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Misikko Hana Elite 1" Flat Iron and Giveaway, and Hana Shine Shield

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are given to me. I am not affiliated with the companies nor getting paid to advertise the products and giveaway. This post is written with my honest opinion.

I am fortunate to work Misikko. Misikko who carries Professional Flat Irons sent me Hana Elite 1" Flat Iron, best flat iron, to review. They carry the best Chi Flat Irons and Chi Hair Straightener that has been featured in magazines like Marie Clair (my favorite beauty magazine).

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Kate Mascara Finish in BK-1

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my money except for Lancome and Too Faced. I am not affiliated with the companies nor getting paid to advertise the products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

I bought this mascara long time ago, last year sometime. I finally got to use it, as well as, it's going into the trash (I used it for 3 months). I think it's a good time to review this product. My thing is I don't know if this even exist anymore.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my money. I am not affiliated with the companies nor getting paid to advertise the products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile! I was pretty busy last week, as well as, having blogger issues. I'm still having blogger issues. I'm wondering if any readers out there can help me out... hehe~ I have two issues.

1. The first issue is when I follow someone, there isn't any profile picture which I have on the top left corner. It was there before but not anymore *sigh*. My profile name should also be Ahleessa but it disappeared and now it's aly4realz *sigh*. Can anyone tell me how to fix this?... hehe~
2. It is comment-wise. Whenever I go to my dashboard, it tells me I have certain amount of comments. When I click on it, I have way more. Anyone out there can help me PLEASE? :D Sometimes it tells me I have none when I do have comments. :/


Anyways, I'm going to review the Maybelline EyeStudio Gel Eyeliner. I bought this when I bought one of the EyeStudio palettes (click here to see the post)... hehe~ I think it's time to review this product. ;)

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Maybelline Stylish Smokes in Charcoal Smokes Tutorial

By the time this is posted, I'll be at the vet. Please pray for Tobey that he will be okay!!! I've been worried the last couple of days *sigh*.


Anyways when I posted my look from the Maybelline Stylish Smokes in Charcoal Smokes (click here for the post), I didn't expect people would like it... hehe~ I'm actually really flattered that I was requested for a tutorial! :) Here goes my tutorial and I hope you guys like it... hehe!

What I used:
* UDPP
* MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
* Maybelline EyeStudio Gel Liner in Blackest Black
* Maybelline eyeshadow palette in Charcoal Smokes
* Cover Girl eyeshadow palette (I can't find the name of the palette)
* some Asian cream eyeliner
* Kate Mascara Finish in BK-1
* L'oreal Volume Shocking Mascara in Blackest Black

Tutorial:
With one of the finished looks, I drew colorful circles to make things easier or at least I hope it will be easier this way!... hehe~ :X
(clockwise from top left: lid, crease, outer corner, and brow bone)

* Cream circle from the instruction: used lid color from the palette
* Blue circle from the instruction: used crease color from the palette
* Pink circle from the instruction: used the brow bone color from the palette
* Orange circle from the instruction: used crease color from the palette
* Green circle from the instruction: used the Asian cream eyeliner

* Cream circle from the instruction: used lid color from the palette

Start out with UDPP which helps my lid from creasing. Then I add a cream base on top, I did with MAC Paint Pot in Painterly, because it is hard to blend with UDPP and it's also a sticky base for the eyeshadow to stick on. With an eyeshadow brush, I pat the lid color on my lids.
* Blue circle from the instruction: used crease color from the palette

With a crease brush, tap the tip into the crease color. Then start from the outer V and bring it 2/3 into the crease. Tap some more into the crease color and color 1/3 outer lid.
* Pink circle from the instruction: used the brow bone color from the palette

With the other side of the eyeshadow brush, I tap it into the brow bone color. I tap the color onto the middle of the lid. I like the added shine on the lid compared to the dark colors everywhere else.
* Orange circle from the instruction: used crease color from the palette
* Green circle from the instruction: used the Asian cream eyeliner

When I applied my UDPP on my lid, I put some on the bottom as well. With an eyeliner brush, I tap it into the crease color. I draw a line 2/3 in from the outer. I use another eyeliner brush and tap it into the Asian cream eyeliner and apply it into the inner corner and bottom, 1/3 from the inner.
Line your top and bottom. I used the Maybelline EyeStudio Gel Liner in Blackest Black. I still need to play around with this liner before I do a review.
Curl your eyelashes and put on mascara.

I hope this tutorial was helpful, and you guys liked it!!! :)

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my own money. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Perricone MD Giveaway Winner

Thank you Perricone MD for sponsoring this giveaway! I think it went well... hehe~ :) I am very blessed to give this chance to one of my readers.

Thank you again Perricone MD!!! :)

Now for what you have been waiting for *drum rolls*... hehe~ The winner of the Perricone MD Concentrated Restorative Treatment is....

rasilla

Congrats rasilla and you have 48 hours to contact me with your e-mail address and home address. E-mail me at aly_4realz (at) hotmail (dot) com. If you don't contact me within 48 hours, I will draw a new winner.

For the people who didn't win, thank you for entering! I will have a giveaway when I reach 250 followers. I wanted to do a giveaway when I reached 200, but I was too lazy to get things for the giveaway... lol~ :X I will do one when I reach 250. It also gives me time to pick things up... hehe~ :D


This past week I picked up some nail polishes. It seems like I'm really into nail polishes, but I wasn't until last year *sigh*... lol~ :X Anyways, now for my haul... hehe~
I had to renew my Sally's Beauty membership last month (click here to read about the membership and the deals at Sally's Beauty). The membership is $5 but you get a $5 coupon for the following month to use on anything at Sally's Beauty. So basically, the membership is free... hehe~

I'm not a big fan of China Glaze nail polishes. I think they don't last long on me, therefore, I haven't really been big into them. Since I had $5 to spend, I decided to get this color from China Glaze. By the way, they have a $1 coupon off any China Glaze nail polishes this month... hehe~ ;) I've been wanting this color for months. It's a very unique color, as well as, my favorite color (I love blue of any colors especially blue-ish purple). I have always loved periwinkle since high school! :X I had to get this. This is #683 Secret Peri-wink-le. The color is love!!! :)

If you want to see the swatches of my collection of China Glazes, click here to see it.

I also visited CVS this past week to pick up some nail polishes from Milani's new line, 3D Holographic.
This one is #511 H-Tech. It's such a gorgeous light green color!
This is #512 Cyberspace. It's a gorgeous light blue! I am very happy with these two colors... wheee~ I can't wait to wear these during the spring/summer weather. I don't think it fits for winter weather... hehe~

Speaking of Milani nail polishes, I picked two out this past year that I never posted about. My bad!!! :X I debated to post these or not since they don't carry these nail polishes anymore. If they do carry them, I haven't seen them... hehe~ :/
This is #132 Fairy Tale. It's a black nail polish with light blue glitters.
It's such a hot color!... wheee~
This one is #133 Whimsical. It's a black nail polish with purple glitters.
These colors are perfect during these winter months... wheee~ :)

I also want to post a picture of the OPI nail polish from their Alice in Wonderland collection in Mad as a Hatter (click here to read my haul and swatch).
It has such beautiful, colorful glitters... wheee~ It looks nice on the nails. You definitely need base and top coat for it not to chip off. ;)


I'm going to end this post which my freebie from Victoria's Secret. If you sign up for Pink Nation (click here for the link), once in awhile they have a print out for you to take and get something for free... wheee~ It's not too late to get this... hehe~ ;)
It's from their new line of fragrance called Life is Pink. It's such a cute packaging. It's a book of fragrance... hehe~
When you open to the first page, you have the blue fragrance "Hope Pink."
The second page is "Wish Pink."
The last page is "Live Pink." It's such a cute book! :)

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my own money. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Maybelline Stylish Smokes in Charcoal Smokes

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my money. I am not affiliated with the companies nor getting paid to advertise the products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Please don't forget to enter the Perricone MD Giveaway. It ends February 20, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time).


Several months ago I did a review on the Maybelline Stylish Smokes in Natural Smokes (click here to see the review and a look I came up with). I liked the palette so much I ended up buying another Stylish Smokes... hehe~ This time I got it in Charcoal Smokes.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Noodles with Kim-chi(Kim-chi guk-su)

Please don't forget to enter the Perricone MD giveaway (click here to enter)! It ends February 20th at 11:59 PST. :)


Happy belated Valentine's Day! I hope you had a great day. Even if you're single, you could have celebrated with love ones... hehe~ ;) Also Happy belated Chinese/Lunar New Year!!! I hope you had rice soup (click here for the recipe). It's a Korean tradition to eat this. :D


Speaking of recipe, this is a long waited post... lol~ I haven't made this in awhile, but it's been in my folder for months. :X I think it's time I post this... hehe~ :D

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

Ingredients:
cabbage
cucumbers
kim-chi
noodle (any type that is white and thin)
red pepper paste
sesame sauce
sesame seed
sugar

Step 1:
In a big bowl, cut some cabbage and cucumbers.
It's best to cut kim-chi that is almost bad. The fresh ones doesn't taste as good... hehe~ Cut kim-chi into small pieces and add the juice that is left over on the cutting board.
Boil the noodles like you do spaghetti. It can be any Asian style noodles like udon, somen, and so on. Then drain the noodles and then add it to the big bowl. Add red pepper paste (start with one spoonful and add more when you need it), sesame sauce, sesame seeds, and sugar. Mix!
I top the dish with thin, strip of cucumbers and an egg. :)


I'm going to end this post with looks from the Maybelline EyeStudio palettes. I bought two recently, I guess not that recent more like couple of weeks ago... hehe~ The first one I bought from Target during their sale.
This is how it looks on the outside. It's also a palette I've been wanting since it first came out end of last year (click here to read my post on these palettes).
This one is called Green with Envy. It runs from light brown/tan-ish color to dark green.
Here is the swatch to the eyeshadow palette.
This is what I came up with.
This is the other palette I bought. I bought this from Rite-Aid during their 40% off deal. This one is called Give Me Gold.
Here is the swatch from left to right.
Here's what I came up with.

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my own money. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.
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