Travel Diary: Korea Winter Wonderland (Part 1)

2016 was amazing! (See other reasons why 2016 are amazing, here) I went to Korea twice and the second trip I did was on winter season. I went there with my friend, which it is our first duo trip ever. We used to be in a same room whenever we went for school trips, but never go for a trip together. We randomly planned for this trip earlier in 2016. It was supposed to be a 3 girls trip, but one of my friend couldn’t join us because she already got a job and she couldn’t take a leave. 

Well since we went by ourselves, without our parents, this trip was kinda spendthrift. Sometimes we bought some useless stuff and procrastinate where our money gone and some other girl problem that only girls know. Nevertheless, it was a very exciting and fun trip. Since, I spend 11 days for this trip, I’ll divided the blog post into 5 parts, each part consist of 2 days. This is the same with the travel diary video. You can watch the video here. And you can read my previous story when I went to Korea last April with my mom, here. 

Day 1

Usually I took Garuda Indonesia flight whenever I go to Korea. But this time, I took Singapore Airlines (SQ) because I got a cheaper price. The departure date I chose was extremely expensive with Garuda Indonesia. So, this time I chose another airline. It is my first time using SQ and experiencing transit. It was okay since we stopped at Changi Airport, one of the world’s best airport. We have 3 hours before we took off to Korea. We got some shopping vouchers, SGD 20, for each of us for free from SQ. So, if anyone of you used SQ and have a stopover in Changi, don’t forget to claim a voucher from them. 

Well, on the first day of our trip was mostly spent on airport and aircraft. Eating, watching, and talking are most of our activities. I think we ate like 4 times a day, until we don’t want to eat anymore. By the way, SQ’s in-flight meals are quite nice. I liked all of the meals they gave. The downside is they don’t serve hot bread. Indeed, that is why SQ recognized as one of the best airline.
My uncle picked me up this time, because we arrived quite late and the airport bus has stopped running. From the airport, we went straight to my aunt’s apartment around Dongdaemun area. I really liked living there, even though I’ve never tried living around Gangnam area or other tourist area. 

Flying with SQ!

Pikachu Christmas Tree @ Changi Airport

Day 2

On our first day, we started our day with a nice and sweet Korean strawberry and some our Burger King take-away leftovers. Yeah, our breakfast was kinda lame, but that’s okay because we can have more space to fill-in our tummy. Actually, we want to go to Gwangjang Market to have our brunch there. But, since I never went there and my cousin doesn’t explain it clearly how to go there, I use the direction from the internet. But then, I was lost. By the way, Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea, you should download Korean maps, such as Naver Maps. Then we just went for Cold Noodles or Naengmyeon, because it is what we saw and I’ve ate there before. It is the same cold noodles I ate last April. 

At Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Exit 13

Then, we off to Gangnam area, specifically, Cheongdam-dong a.k.a Korean Beverly Hills Rodeo. It was my first time to that area by subway and walk through the road by foot. The reason we went to the most luxurious area in Korea is we want to have our hair cut. We are going to have a K-makeover at Jenny House Salon. It is a salon of several Korean celebrity such as, Park Shinye, Song Jihyo, etc. But, unfortunately we didn’t saw any celebrity at the time we visited. It was extremely cold and we lost our way again because of Google Maps again. Actually it doesn’t very hard to find the salon, but the intersections were little bit confusing. We were afraid to enter the salon actually. We are a little bit shy and have a bit of burden, because the salon is quite famous and it charge quite high. In the end, we entered. We were assisted by a nice lady, who can speak English and she used to lived in Indonesia! So, she can speak a little Indonesian. At first we ask about the price, the lowest one is 66,000 KRW. But, we paid 77,000 KRW because the hairstylist handled us were charged at that price. Actually, I’m okay with the price, but I’m kinda disappointed that I didn’t feel really changed my hairstyle. I feel like just cutting my hair, not doing a makeover. Next time, I’ll just go to the salon around Ehwa or Hongdae area. I think they have a better price for a standard cutting.

Home to Luxurious Brand, Cheongdam-dong

Infinite Gangnamdol

Getting ready for the makeover

K-makeover on the process

TADA!

excuse our mirror selfie, becos the toilet was awesome

Taking photo infront of Bvlgari Christmas Tree

Pretty Street Lights

Oh! Happy Winter!

On the bright side, we’ve got to try how luxurious Korean Salon is! They gave us robe and they kept our coats and bags in a room. But the downside is they don’t give us free drink. Even in the cheapest salon in Indonesia, give their customer a glass of water. Well, at least I’ve experience it and I will remember how fun it is to have a lot of money, especially in Cheongdam-dong. 

After that makeover, we went for dinner at Sindang Ddeokbokki Town, to eat the ddeokbokki eaten by YongSeo couple. When they shoot WGM, they have visited one ddeokbokki restaurant (watch it here), and that makes my friend wants to try it. She is a fan of Yonghwa, so she wants to eat what Yonghwa have eat with Seohyun on that program. But, after I rechecked, the restaurant we ate was different. I was mistaken by the similar name. The restaurant name I've visited is Maboknim Grandma and the one YongSeo Couple went is Maboknim Grandma Last's Son. But, basically the menu and the food was pretty much the same. The portion was huge! We ordered the 2 pax portion actually, but it came out that big. We barely finished it, but since both of us haven’t ate anything since the brunch time, we finished it all. The food was okay, not really wow like how it looks like maybe, because we didn’t really know how to cook or mix it properly. The server didn’t explained it to us also, so we’re both just mixing it up and then eat it. 

Believe me it's a 2 person portion

Because we thought that it is too early to go back home, we stopped by at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). We went inside and spotted the design art market shop. Then, we stroll around it, spotted a lot of cute stuff that I wanted to buy. After that, we went back home and we were asked to have chi-maek, or chicken and beer, at home. I said okay, and we both eat again after that spoonful of dinner. HAHA. 

Design Art Market @ DDP

We ate, talk, and watch The Legend of the Blue Sea together (oh yes Lee Minho is such an eye candy!), then we went back to our room. Watching some vlogs in Korea, then we slept. We have a long day ahead tomorrow, since the next day is the coldest day ever.

Thank you for reading it all till this point. Do wait for the next part! See you soon.

Details:

Jenny House

28, Apgujeong-ro 75-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 강남구 압구정로75길 28 (청담동)

How to: Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Seoul Subway Bundang Line), Exit 2. Go straight for 200m and turn left at Louis Quatorze. Continue for 100m. Jenny House Primo will be on the right.

Ojangdong Hamheung Naengmyun

108, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 마른내로 108 (오장동)  

Telp: +82-2-2267-9500

Maboknim Grandma Ddeokbokki

5, Dasan-ro 35-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 다산로35길 5 (신당동)

Telp: +82-2-2232-8930

How to: Sindang Station, exit #8. Then just go straight until you see a gate, Sindang Ddeokbokki Town, and the restaurant will be on your left.

 

LIFE: What I’ve Learned and Thankful for in 2016

I believe all of you agree with the fact that time flies so fast. 2016 is coming to end and I thought it is proper to share you what I’ve learned and thankful for this year. I hope things I’ve learned can help each one of you to be a better person. People said that you didn’t have to experience it to learn it. But sometimes, learning by experiencing is much more striking us, I guess. Since not all experience is a good one, so it is better to learn horrible experience without experiencing it, right? 

1. TIME MANAGEMENT

The first thing and most important thing I’ve learned this year is time management. I was terribly disappointed with my self because of my bad time management. I used to do well on my assignment, but this year I felt that I didn’t do a great job because I didn’t do it properly due to bad time management. I also missed lots of things because of it. I just hate my self for managing time badly this year. Guys, don’t waste your time just because you mismanaged it. Learn to be discipline and have the mindset that time is an important asset in your life and once you lost it, you can’t find it back. 

2. BE A SMART SOCIAL MEDIA USER

Social media is important these days, but sometimes I feel that it is the one who took a lot of my time. HAHA. I should reduce my time in scrolling down those timeline on social media. Also, it distracted me a lot. It affected my relationship with real people and created envy toward others. I’ve learned to use social media platform as a bridge to connect with people I rarely met, develop creative content, give impact and share love, and support my friends. So, as a social media user, be a smart one, use the positive side of social media, and have a positive thinking while using it. 

3. DISAPPOINTMENT IS PART OF LIFE

Other things I’ve learned is it is okay to be disappointed, even with other people or yourself. Life is not always perfect, there are some bumpy side. But after all, you’ve got to face it and move forward. The thing is, you should not let the disappointment overcome you. You’ve got to stand up as soon as possible, let your disappointment become your source of energy to do better. 

4. PRAY AND TRUST GOD IN EVERY CONDITION

It is hard actually to overcome disappointment by yourself. But for me, I find God is the only one who can untangle your disappointment and create it as a good one. Pray is the only answer for your disappointment. I am the type of person who is not really like to share my problem to others, even to the closest ones. So, the only one who knows my problem without asking me is God. That’s the reason I rely God whenever I’m happy or sad. 

Oh!I found this thing on Facebook recently, click here. Maybe it help you to grow to be a better person. 

For the things I’m thankful for this year are the opportunity to travel, my friends achievements on finishing their education and got their first job, able to help in developing my juniors’ skill in guiding, and my family keep on being together. 

Hello there N Seoul Tower!

Trying to look cool along the mural in Ihwa Mural Village, Korea

Me with the flowers inside the Gardens Bay, Singapore

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Water Castle, Yogyakarta

With the beautiful girls of mine and amazing scenery in Yogyakarta

Ubud, Bali

The "hits" Nalu Bowls. Bali

Winter Wonderland in Korea

Taking photo in -8 degree on the Rooftop of Style Nanda Myungdong, Korea

This year probably is the most frequent I went for traveling. On April I went to Korea (read my story here) , on June I went to Singapore, on August I went to Yogyakarta, on October I went to Bali, and on December I went to Korea again. I really had the opportunity this year to traveling. I can’t wait to have another adventure next year. 

I was supposed to be finished my university life this year, but due to my double degree program, I couldn’t finish it this year. So, some of my friends finished it first. I was happy for them to finally finishing off their school days. They didn’t have the burden to have exam every 3 months and pay the tuition. Most of them who have been in the job world, they want to go back to university. I know how it feels, but the only thing that I don’t like about going to school is the exam. I like taking classes, but hate to do the exam. I think most of us feel the same, right? Anyway, Congratulations my friends! May you have an enjoyable job and great future ahead! 

Not really the guiding part, but it is one part of my Bali adventure with those kiddos

This year I got another opportunity to help my lecture to teach my junior how to be a tour guide and planning a tour. I went to Bali not only for refreshing, but also to be an examiner. Like what I did 2 years ago in Bali, we had to do our guiding for around 20-30 minutes about a particular topic. I help my lecture to do the scoring and train them how to delivering it. It was one of the best achievements I’ve done this year. Travel diary will be uploaded soon! 

Not the best quality of photo, but at least we are together. They are my cousin from my mom's side and my grandpa

My Korean Family

Lastly, I’m thankful for my family. My mom’s side family is still complete. Well, from my dad’s side, we just lost our grandma last August. But on the bright side, my long-lost cousin is back with us again. He cut-off contact with us. But, since my grandma passed away, he came back and connected with us again. After all, people will go and come, but the most important thing is to stick together with your family no matter what. 

I hope all of you have great days in 2016. If there is something you wanted to share with me, you can always comment it down below! I wish you have a great year ahead and live the life you wanted in 2017. God bless you all! Love ya! 

VISIT INDONESIA: One Day Trip to Ocean Dream Samudra

Hello all! I’m sorry for MIA for a quite sometime, but I’ve been so busy with school lately. But now, my 3-weeks holiday have just started. So, I’ll be posting some post that I’ve postponed (somehow its rhyming, lol).

So, last May (yes it’s been a longggg time) I went to Ocean Dream Samudra in Ancol. Actually, this place was called Gelanggang Samudra, but they changed their name since…. I don’t know. This place is meant for animal shows. There are Dolphins, Honey Bear, Beaver, Birds, Monkeys, etc. Well, for some of you who never been to Jakarta before, Ancol is a recreation place in Jakarta. It has the same concept with Sentosa Island, Singapore; Genting, Malaysia, etc. In this area, there are few attractions you can visit such as, Dufan, it is a theme park in Jakarta; Sea World, a big aquarium; Atlantis, waterpark; Sea, beach clubs; and lastly Ocean Dream Samudra.

Inside, you can watch several animal performances, few rides, mini garden, 4D theater and action performances. But, the main highlight is the animal performances. They have schedule for each shows, shown below. If you want to go here, better check their schedule so you can watch every performances. The tickets to enter here is 95,000 rupiah on weekdays and 160,000 rupiah on weekends. More ticket prices info you can find it here. Well, for what kind of performances they shown can be seen on my travel diary video on YouTube, which you can find it here.

Despite the “cleverness” of each animal that entertained us, it has some negative sides. The reason I create this post and video is to create awareness. Actually, I’m not an animal lover. I’m not fond with animals, even the one categorized as pets. But, I care about this earth, and animals are one component in the ecosystem we lived inside. These types of performance have several dilemmas. First, the animals didn’t live in their real environment. Places like this, create an environment similar with their environment using some man-made components. Their meals are also given, so they couldn’t find their own food. It will affect their food-hunting and survivor skills, also their diets. I’m also not fully assured that they are taken care properly or not.

But on the other side, children these days can get away from electronic devices and connect with the animals they saw from books or videos in real life. Not only for entertaining, but it create education in a fun ways.

Well, I’m still not sure which side should I take, but lets not making it worse. Hopefully, the companies who have the same business as Ocean Dream Samudra, have a good consideration on managing it. Not thinking for the profit, but also the animals. We, as the viewer also need to be considerate. Don’t litter the place; don’t give any foods to the animals without permission or giving strange food. Just enjoy the show. If you are capable, you can travel to their real habitat and interact with them directly.

Thank you so much for reading this blog post. Hopefully, you are aware and care about the animals wherever you live. Have a nice day!

BEAUTY: Half Year 2016 (June) Empties

Hi All! I’ve posted my second Empties video on my YouTube few days ago. June has passed away like 2 months ago… but, I still post it anyway. I’ve shoot the video on June, but just got time to edit and post it this month because I was still busy with school on July. I hope you understand my circumstance. 

BODY 

Alyssa Ashley White Musk Body Lotion 

Maybe you hardly ever heard this brand called Alyssa Ashley. But, I’ve known it since I was a kid. My aunts used this body lotion for a long time and eventually I was introduced to the brand. I pretty loving this body lotion because it was not greasy and dry pretty quick. The scent was also nice, because they use synthetic musk’s scent. Musk are pretty known for their scent. It contained a lot of product in one bottle. It took me several years to finish it off and the scent was still there. If anyone of you is searching for a regular yet moisturizing body lotion you should have your hands on Alyssa Ashley White Musk Body Lotion. Buy it here.

SKINCARE

It’s Skin 2PM Sunblock

This one is probably the first sunscreen slash sun-block that I’ve purchased. Not because I know that this product is good, but because it is 2PM’s sun-block! Oh yeah, I’m a avid Hottest (2PM fan-base name) and I must have their sun-block and collect their souvenirs from It’s Skin that have 2PM picture on it. HAHA. As I got older, I realized that I must use sunscreen to prevent dark spots showing up on my face. I used this quite often since then. Actually, this sunscreen was finished like years ago, but I just got to get it into my empties video this time. I’ve never want to throw it away, so I will always have it and will put it on my empties video sometime, I thought. Plus, I shoot my first empties when I was in Lombok, so I don’t have this sunscreen with me. 

Well, done with the crap, I really love this sunscreen despite it was 2PM’s sunscreen. It is not greasy and really proven that this formula is effective in preventing sunburn as well as dark spots. It is only SPF 50+ PA+++, but it protect against UVA and UVB. Plus anti-wrinkle and have a whitening effect without leaving white streaks. I’ll definitely back to this sunscreen when I went back to Korea and hopefully they still have the same formula. Buy it here.

Banila Co Hello Sunny Sun Moisturizer

I’ve been mentioned this product several times. So, for more detailed reason why I really liked this product, you can read it here. Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued. TT_TT But, I think if you want the similar product from Banila Co, you may try their Prime Primer Sun. I just know it from the video of Meejmuse. As I scroll down the information on their website, this product is quite similar with the sun moisturizer. 

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Facial Freshener and Cream 

Freshener is the first step of skincare after cleansing. It has the same function of toner. That’s why I often alternate freshener with toner. Both the products from this line are quite good on me. It is moisturizing and gave a Korean glow. The scent was pretty good too. Even though it is moisturizing, it doesn’t feel thick. I think it is quite good for teens whose are going to take care of their skin. It is also quite affordable. Etude House launches another range of products that resemble with this line. They are called Moistfull Collagen Water Jelly. It has “Finding Dory” themed packaging. It is so cute and may be an option for you who are searching for more soothing skincare. Buy it Freshener here, Cream here.

L'Occitane Essence Sublime 

I have a mixed opinion about this product. At first I liked the matte effect of this essence and the scent of it. But then, I realized that this essence is not what I was looking for. I was looking for purifying (get rid of redness) essence like my Lancome. I’ve done some researched about L’occitane best essence, but eventually the one that is the best was not available anymore in Indonesia. So, I bought this product. It was not really a bad product, but it doesn’t match with what my skin needs. I prefer my Lancome Hydrazen Neocalm Gel Essence, which explained next. 

Lancome Hydrazen Neocalm Gel Essence 

My first essence is from Lancome. And I’ve been loving it since then. I love almost everything about it except the price. It does really calming my skin and it can act as a spot treatment also. I’ll definitely going to buy it after I’ve finished my Innisfree one. More review on it, read here.

MAKEUP

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover 

Clinique have several type of makeup remover from this line, such as eye and lip remover, cleansing balm, towelettes, cleansing oil, and cleansing milk. I needed an eye and lip remover at that time, so I purchased this product. At first, I didn’t like it because it quite stings and too much oil. Also, the bottle is such a bothersome. But after few times, I’m getting used to it. This remover helps removed my hardly-removed eyeliner. Since, I wear contact lens whenever I go outside and wear eyeliner on my waterline, the oily feeling from the remover leaves an uncomfortable sight. But even though it perform quite well, but I prefer my Lancome eye remover nowadays (review on my Lancome products will be posted soon!). Buy it here.

Dr. Jart Ctrl-A Spot Cover 

This is also another product that has a bothersome packaging. Even though I really liked the products in this line, but this particular product was disappointing. This product is actually acted like as a concealer. The liquid will come out after we turn the spinner. But after 2 or 3 times uses, it got broken. So, I didn’t know if it is empty and what so good about it. I just want to throw it away. I don't really recommend it, but if you want you can buy it here.

Jill Stuart Makeup Base

I got this product from a set of Jill Stuart makeup few years ago. My mom bought it from Hong Kong. I bet that she bought it just because of the cute packaging. I didn’t really remember the result from using it. The makeup base has a pinkish formula. The product is not empty yet, but I guess it has gone expired. So, it is the time to throw it away.

Tony Moly Expert Triple BB Cream 

I got their trial package and I sometimes liked it. It has a great coverage, but sometimes I feel itchy. It also feels thick and greasy sometime. But it contain SPF 35 or 45 (I don’t really remember it), which maybe the reason why it is a little bit greasy.(the picture above is the new packaging) Buy the full product here.

Thank you readers for reading through my Empties blog post and watching the video too! Don't forget to subscribe and gave a thumbs up on my YouTube channel. Every single thumbs and comment are very appreciated! Love you all. Have a nice day!

P.S: School are starting soon, so I don't think I'll post a lot of blog post and video. But, I'll make better contents every time. Thank you for the support! and for everyone who are going back to school too, Good Luck and have fun!

DIY: Gift-Wrapping + Gifts Ideas!

It’s been a long time since I posted a DIY post on this blog. Lately, I was kinda into DIY gift-wrapping and make my own greeting cards for my friends. I got the ideas much likely from Pinterest. So, here are two gift-wrapping ideas and gift ideas.

Take-out Paper Bag Inspired Gift Wrap

There are two versions to create this wrapping. First, you can buy the regular paper bag (the brown paper bag) or you can make it by yourself using a wrapping paper. 

I created this one with the regular brown paper bag. I got it from Daiso Singapore (a 2 dollar store). Then, I just cut out some alphabets using my Sizzix Big Shot (a cut out tools) and Sizzix Letter Cut Out. Then I paste it to the paper bag to decorate it. It was pretty easy right? 

The other one, I create it using a wrapping paper. I got the tutorial from Pinterest. You can follow it here. The tutorial use a handle for the paper bag, but I don’t have time to bought it or make it. So, I roll the rest of the paper to create that kind of take-out paper bag model. I didn’t put much decoration, because I use a patterned paper. But to make it more personalized; I put a flower shape (using a punch) and Sizzix letter cut out and Big Shot. Then I pasted it accordingly to make it simple yet pretty. 

Sizzix Big Shot

If anyone of you hasn’t heard about Sizzix Big Shot, I’m going to do a review on it. So, if you are interested you can keep an eye on my blog. Well for short info, Sizzix Big Shot is a tool for cut out shapes or letters with a pre made die cuts. It was easy and hassle-free. 

Gift Ideas

It’s kinda hard for finding a decent and beautiful present for my girl friends. I have to search it online. The reasons are many of my friends didn’t like to put on their make-up on, they lived abroad so the things I’m going to give might be on sale over there, the quality of the product might disappointing, and much more. So, here it is few things you can give for your friends without getting broke or embarrassing. 

Relaxing Pillow Mist 

I bought it from L’occitane. This help to have a good quality sleep because it contained an aromatherapy. Whether it’s a female or male can have a better sleep using this relaxing pillow mist. 

Hand Cream and Lip Balm

Hand cream is a universal and staple item that every women need. It allowed women to have nice smell and soft hands. It also gave their hands a little reward. I bought it from L’occitane in rose scent. You should match the scent with the one who’ll receive the gift. 

Like hand cream, lip balm also a universal and staple item. Lips tend to get dry till it chipped, so giving a lip balm is a good choice. I bought it from L’occitane (again). I heard that their lip balm and hand cream are good. The packaging is also good. 

Books 

Unless your friend didn’t like reading book, you couldn’t give them a novel or similar. But, you could still give them a book which, self-improvement books or book of quotes. 

To be more personal and showing sincere, I usually add few memos or words using stickers or post-it. Usually I wrote what is the meaning of each present and what I hope they can get using the present. I used the sticker that I bought from a bookstore in Korea. But you can find it easily in any bookstores.

Well, that’s all for my simple gift ideas and gift-wrapping ideas. I hope you liked my creations and got some inspiration from it. And I hope you can create and give your friends a pretty yet sincere presents! Thanks for reading!