Hello, in this quick post I share some of my favorite de-stress YT videos. These videos help my tremendously when I feel anxious or overworked. I always get relaxed and motivated to keep working / studying after listening to binaural beats or ambient music. I recommend listening to one of these videos while drinking some hot tea and taking a few deep breaths. ❤
Anese Body Care
I’ve wanted Anese body care for years, and finally, I got the products. I understand the hoopla now. They do work immediately by drying down any skin irritation. The scrubs also made my skin feel so soft. It has become a special, self-love part of my routine and I do plan to repurchase. Both the chest and bottom scrub work at effectively clearing dead skin and preventing breakouts. Also, both masks feel luxuriating and leave the skin feeling extra supple. I recommend both product sets. ❤
https://anese.co/collections/anese/products/booty-duo
Sokoglam Body Care & Skincare
🍫MANUKA HONEY & CHOCO BODY SOAP – This is a body soap formulated to reduce and clear up body acne. It is made of coco and honey. The smell is not strong or overly sweet. I have not had any new breakouts since I’ve begun using this soap, so far so good. The bar is super small though. $9.27
GREEN PEARLSATION TEA TREE CARE BODYSPRAY – I bought one tea tree body spray and I got the other one free! I’m using this to reduce breakouts on my chest and back. I get breakouts from sweat and tea tree oil can help combat this problem. I’ve noticed less irritation on my upper body since I’ve begun using this. $14.49
DEEP CLEAN PORE GLACIAL CLAY – I needed a clay mask and decided to try this out. It helps minimize pores and treat skin congestion. It’s a solid mask and does the job. I probably won’t repurchase though. I prefer Kiehl’s turmeric and cranberry seed mask. $20
RUB-A-DUB REFINING PEEL GEL – This is a mask you rub into your skin for about one minute to remove dead skin cells. It works because after using it my face products sank into my skin more effectively. $28
TRIPLE C LIGHTNING LIQUID – One of my go-to products to lighten up any pigmentation marks. I’ve already reviewed this before and I always recommend it. $27
TIME STOP COLLAGEN AMPOULE – I use this during the day as a serum under my makeup. I like it so far and I’ve noticed my makeup looks less flaky. I think it helps make your face look dewy and hydrated. $29 ❤
Perfect Locks Hair Extensions
I got Perfect Locks clip-in hair extensions in relaxed hair texture 18 inches, color 1B. The last picture is from the first time I installed the hair when I had trouble blending my hair into the extensions and I did not wear all of the clip-in pieces.
Overall, I’m happy with the quality of the hair and the fact that they offer relaxed hair texture because it more easily blends into my natural hair. However, my head is small in the back and the length of the track is a little too long for me so it creates a bit of budge.
I also fear the amount of shedding that happens every time I comb the clip-in pieces to install. It’s not an overwhelming amount of shedding but still, the cost of the clip-ins are pricey and I want to keep them in good shape for a long enough amount of time. Still, the quality is superb and I recommend trying them out for a new hair look. ❤
hair extensions
Pat McGrath Lip Products
(Reference to the image below – right side pictures are without a filter) I’ve gotten Pat McGrath lip products: LUST: GLOSS × Twilo (Clean Coral Pink, bottom right), LUST GLOSS x Blood 2 -(medium-dark red, top right), and the BlitzTrance Trios in Ravishing Riot. All three lip products nourish my lips and that’s where their quality stands out. The glosses do not get gunky and do not create any kind of residue on my lips. I wear Twilo gloss when I teach lectures and I my lips look the same after an hour of talking. The colors are glossy yet pigmented. I have nothing negative to say, it’s as good as Fenty gloss but even better because of the shade range.
BlitzTrance Trios in Ravishing Riot pictured is the Flesh 3 lipstick from the set. The lipstick is sparkly in a subtle way and mauve colored with a touch of brown and red. The color is almost indescribable. I’ve never owned a lipstick this shade. It can almost look orangey under specific light. It’s similar to her shadows in that way because the lipstick is iridescent and unique. I look forward to trying her foundation soon too. Pat is for sure a living legend. ❤
Reformation Try-on
Reformation is currently having a massive sale, so it’s a great time to look into this sustainably made brand that pays workers fairly. Pictured above is the Lottie Top Black and Cynthia High Relaxed Jean Color: San Lucas. I got the jeans in a size 25 and I think I should have gotten a smaller size because they run a little big. I love that most Reformation pieces are hand-washable, including this top. Also, after hand washing the clothes, they do not look linty or worn.
The Nebraska Dress in the color Ochre — the straps are strong and supportive when tied. The color is beautiful in person, a definite show stopper dress that can last a lifetime.
This is an old picture from last fall — I wore the Proust Top. I love the fabric the shirt is made of because it feels thick. I hand wash it often and it still looks the same as the day I got it.
I have a few more Reformation pieces but have not had the time to wear them and take pictures. I’ve been locked away most of the summer studying haha. Hopefully, I can wear my Reformation dresses during future vacations. ❤
Spring & Summer Outfits Recap 2019
During the transition period from winter to spring I tried to accessorize in a way that fit the approaching season. I wore earrings with flowers and other statement earrings like my white teardrop ones (handmade). During the spring, I wore lavender and other pastel colors. I think baby colors are uniquely spring-like. The lavender top worn in the last few photos is from New York and Company.
I wore heavy blush make-up looks during the spring and heeled booties with dresses throughout the season. The green dress pictured above is from Free People.
In the summer I wore all-white outfits and applied highlighter heavily. The highlight I wore in the picture above is Becca – Rose Gold. I also wore eye makeup looks made up of mainly of one color with only a little of a lighter shade on the brow bone.
I got the jeweled and sequined bathing-suit from ASOS because it reminded me of the late singer Selena. The beach pants are from Revolve. They run very long. I was inspired to buy pants like these because I saw members in a k-pop band named CLC wearing similar ones at the beach. I also styled my hair in braided hairstyles at home and used ribbon and glitter string throughout the summer.
Overall, I think I improved my summer fashion choices since last year. Still, I feel I missed the opportunity to wear more hats and bags specific to the season. I look forward to the fall because the cooler temperatures allow for cuter looks. Next summer I hope I can better meet my standards. ❤
Spring & Summer 2019
San Diego Road Trip
Check out my San Diego road trip pictures in this post. The road trip began at 1 am and we arrived from the Bay Area to San Diego at around 10:40 am. We stopped two times during the trip. I recommend starting a California road trip at midnight because there was little traffic for the most part. However, around 8am-9am the drive got a tad congested around Los Angeles. Granted even between 1 am to 4 am there were a fair amount of cars out but the ride was smooth. Once we got to San Diego, we started the day off with much-needed massages and facials.
We visited Tacos El Gordo. There are two restaurants in the area, we went to the most famous one with a larger parking lot. Address: 556 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910. We ordered several tacos and all were delicious. The corn tortillas are made by hand in-house. I’d recommend trying the pastor tacos.
I highly recommend the Marriott hotel we stayed at during our trip. The building is brand new and beautiful. The room was exceptionally clean and nicely decorated. We luckily got a nice corner room with a window outside the front door. Hotel: TownePlace Suites San Diego Central
We went to the Encinitas beach during trip and enjoyed the sunset. See my sunset pictures above.
Check out more beach pictures on my new instagram. ❤
Updated Travel Carry-on
A wheel went missing from the carry-on I got last year. This is my updated long-term travel luggage carry-on.
I purchased a vegan leather travel bag from Sole Society final sale for about $34 bucks. The inside of the bag has three pockets and a stylish black and beige print. The bag has an extended crossbody strap. I love that the vegan leather material is wipeable so I can clean the bag if I have to. https://www.solesociety.com/cassidy.html?color=black-nylon&size=one-size
I’ve been meaning to launch my solo travel series, maybe I can begin it after my work term. I define solo trips as flying to a place by myself. I’m currently planning a winter trip.
I will start up my new Instagram soon. The next blog posts I’ll upload include my Reformation clothing haul, Pat McGrath lip products, clip-in hair extensions review, San Diego road trip, and my spring and summer clothes recap. Next month, I will blog about work clothing/work and study preparation in more detail. ❤
(A few pictures of solo adventures – Copenhagen below wasn’t really solo because two friends decided to join me. ) ❤
Bay Area Eats Series (3 price ranges)
This food series reviews restaurants in the Bay Area at three price ranges: low, medium, and high (or high-ish?). At the end of this series, I hope to compile a list of the best places to eat in the Bay Area.
Lower Price Range:
Pho Huynh Hiep 6
Pho Huynh Hiep 6, located in Walnut Creek, has quick food service and fresh ingredients. I ordered a seafood pho and taro bubble tea. The broth tasted light and simple. I recommend this spot for a light lunch.
Napa Taco Truck – La Condesa
La Condesa taco truck is just spot on. It has perfect prices, great customer service, and fresh ingredients. There are also plenty of spots to park in the Napa neighborhood to eat. I ordered carnita and lengua (tongue) tacos, horchata, and ceviche.
Los Gallos Taqueria
Los Gallos Taqueria, located in Redwood City, has the highest rated food for this post in my opinion. Super fresh seafood on the tostadas, which are loaded with octopus and shrimp, and topped off with avocado. The tacos (intestines) tasted perfectly crispy and extra delicious with extra spicy salsa. I highly recommend this spot and specifically the seafood tostadas.
Medium Price Range:
Korean Souel BBQ
The seafood pancake was flavorful and not as oily or doughy as others at this Oakland based Korean restaurant named Korean Souel BBQ. I enjoyed the taste of ample green onion, squid, and imitation crab meat. The wings tasted were served hot but they were a bit too sweet and lacking in spice. I do recommend visiting this restaurant for the haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), though it is not packed with seafood, there’s enough in the dish to taste filling. For only $18, the seafood pancake is a nice shareable light meal. The owner is super kind and talkative as well.
Miramar Beach Restaurant at Half Moon Beach
I ate a super light salad at the oceanfront restaurant Miramar at Half Moon Beach. I highly recommend this restaurant for the view alone. It’s a very relaxing lunch spot. I also recommend trying the Bomba dessert made with white chocolate and tropical flavored sorbets.
The day we ate there it was super warm but generally, it is recommended to bring a sweater just in case the water makes the area a little chilly. I had a jean jacket with me that I put on before walking near the ocean after lunch. There is free valet parking. I’d recommend getting valet if the restaurant appears full. We tried to park ourselves and ended up having to loop back because there were no spaces.
Slanted Tree
Slated Tree in Fairfield always seems packed. This restaurant has excellent bottomless Mimosas. I recommend this place as a quick brunch spot if you’re in the area. I’ve found it is one of the best places to eat in Fairfield.
Higher Price Range:
Bistro Don Giovanni
I can recommend this restaurant for the surrounding wine vineyards alone. The restaurant’s Napa Valley location is beautiful. Even the parking lot is pretty as you can see from the last picture. The pizza was very balanced in cheese, meat, and vegetables. The best part was the crust. It was harmoniously crispy and chewy. I only wished the menu had more variety and a seafood pizza option. ❤
