The tension drips bitter, onyx black like the coffee you gaze into whilst you stir it with loneliness, regret. You tread the beaten path in open air as a passer-by leaves a lingering scent of the rose water which would douse my neck. You reminisce, clouded by the aroma only to find your palms unclasped….
What is Natto? π₯’
Natto (η΄θ±) is a Japanese fermented soybean dish typically eaten for breakfast. Thesedays Natto is considered as a “superfood” – foods which provide multiple vitamins, healthy bacteria cultures which aid digestion, foods containing anti-inflammatory properties and/or overall have a positive impact on our bodies’ condition, functionality and energy levels. Other superfoods which you might be…
Diary #7 – Kimbab, new home & too many lattes.
This week commenced with packing the mountain of clothing which I somehow have accumulated, yet still rotate between the same four or five outfits. I’ve become fairly good at packing thanking to my liking for organisation and moving between France, the UK and Korea over the last couple of years. Then again, I should probably…
Diary #6 – Strawberries & Uplifting Giggles ππ»
This week has been relatively hectic in comparison to the week before. One thing I’m glad about is waking up at a sensible, decent time each morning, and actually having the best week of sleep I’ve had in months. Next week I have no choice but to move apartments; the new owner of my current…
Diary #5 – Early Spring is here πβ
Thursday 7th March The realisation finally hit me, that we’re already one week into the third month of this year. I’m going to be 24 years old in a little under 2 months! I’m a tad reluctant to be happy about my birthday, especially as I’m overally aware that I’m only 5 years away from…
[Recipe]: Bacon & Mushroom Curried Rice π₯π
Yesterday, I more or less had nothing in particular to do. I stayed at home all day, sipping on far too many homemade coffee ice cube lattes, and did my best to keep the cats amused. With this spare time I attempted to conjure-up a new dish with whatever I had at hand. From the…
Ambitions.
Today I decided I needed a change of scenery; by that I mean blogging from outside the comfort of my apartment and away from my two feline friends. Well, I say ‘change of scenery’ but coming to cafΓ©s is something I literally do almost very day for English tutoring. Today however I have come to…
Shattered.
Winter’s snow chilled her hands until rosy pink. She walked the streets alone, gazing at the ashy grey beaten ground beneath her charcoal saude boots; while simultaneously trying to refrain from the negative thoughts which were accumulating in her mind. A tailored khaki coat paired with a monochrome checkered scarf provided a false sense of…
[Review]: the SAEM – Eco Soul Sparkling Eye β¨
Another week is nearing an end. I’m feeling reflective about my life; in particular I’ve been contemplating all concerning my blog and how far it has come since I started posting on a fairly regular basis. I may not have thousands of readers who regularly return to my blog each week, nor have I been…
What is Bento? π±
Bento (εΌε½) comes in endless varieties: some more traditional than some, whereas others take on a fusion theme combining dishes from multiple regions, countries or continents. Within the last decade or so, Bento may have been introduced outside of Japan via popular restaurant chains including ‘Wasabi’ & ‘itsu’. Undeniably, Anime and Japanese Dramas have additionally…
Saudade.
Daydreaming, in nostalgia of those moments we shared. Drifting, as my thoughts wander; retracing the motion of your fingers gliding the waves of my hair. Inherently, in night’s twilight I turn to find your embrace, only to be evoked of your absence. Reminiscent, of the journeys we took arms entwined, steps in sync a gentle…
Diary #4 – Soosa Sushi & Grill π£
Saturday 23rd February Saturday started early, well… prematurely to me at least. I woke up around 8:30am, not only because I had set my alarm for this time; but also due to my cats using me as their wrestle mat. Despite not having the most pleasant of awakenings, I briskly rolled out of bed (yes,…
[Review]: NEW Innisfree Real Fit Matte Lipstick + Dr. Troub Sheetmask π
Yesterday, on the 20th February, Innisfree released their new ‘Real Fit Matte Lipstick’ line; offering both matte and regular formulations. The matte shades focus on variations of red; whereas the standard, somewhat satin finish type are ‘MLBB’ shades. There are 10 colours for each texture. The advertisements for the range seemingly push the matte type…
GRWM πΈ
Indubitably, I am the sort of person who religiously follows the same cosmetics routine despite being nosey for other’s morning routines: you’d think with all the hauls I read about, I’d be persuaded to venture off in search of new products; yet this hasn’t been the case for several months. So, what products have I…
“What’s my opinion on ______β” – #1.
Where do I begin? Should I make it clear that I’m well aware no one asked for my opinion, or should I justify my reasoning as to why I want to start this series? To be straight forward I don’t think my options are more valid than anyone else’s. I’m most certainly, and objectively, not…
[Review]: e.l.f Cosmetics Rose Gold Look Set (π±vegan).
e.l.f Cosmetics is nothing new to the majority of cosmetic enthusiasts who aim to discover decent quality makeup, which is also cruelty-free and Vegan. I’m not entirely sure when e.l.f products were officially released in the UK; I somehow missed that memo after waiting a year plus for their arrival. Shame. When looking at the…
‘Treat yo self.’
Retail therapy: is it a bad habit to divert yourself from, or simply a chance to give yourself some gifts? I think as long as shopping for the non-necessities doesn’t become a frequent obsession, going on a little shopping spree once in a while is not unhealthy. It’s a mood lifter during patches of recurring…
What I eat in a day (UK vs Korea) π₯π₯ππΆοΈ
A few days ago I was scrolling through the list of uploads on my blog, the most dominate aspect that has been playing on my mind is how little I published any form of writing last year; aside from this I came to realise that I failed to share any food diary themed posts past…
Misty.
If my thoughts were objects they’d be contorted, morphed into an altered form; alike a cloud or mist that hovers… solely isolated. If my tears could be collated they’d form a stream of regret, a river of all I wish could be realiterated. If my feelings were on a canvas they’d be the merge of…
[Recipe]: Vienna Sausage Spaghetti ππ΄
As of late I’ve been reaching for warming, comfort dishes this Winter: pasta based meals in particular. What’s benefical about this simple recipe I’m about to share, is that it any variety of tomato pasta sauces can be used and still compliment the flavours provided by the vienna sausages and garlic ham. I have made…
2018 through photos ππ
Throughout the penultimate days leading up to today: New year’s eve, I debated whether or not to bother to write a final blog post in homage of this year’s events. For me this year hasn’t been the best nor has it been the worst to date; however I haven’t felt compelled to set myself any…
[Recipe]: Spam & Potato, Egg Fried Rice π³
Until a few years ago I was dubious about whether or not to try spam: it’s far from exotic, just nothing seemed appealing about processed meat in a block shaped can. Stereotypically, and idiotically I assumed it would taste similarly to corned beef – a past time food which I wish could disappear along with…
Autumn Favourites – 2018 πππ
Autumn: potentially the most admired season thanking to it’s aesthetically pleasing shades of Amber, Burgundy and earthy tones in addition to the revived comfort of hot chocolate drinks, tasseled scarfs and genuinely Pumpkin Spiced everything (- I’m more partial to a Maple Latte or Caramel Macchiato, if I dare say it). This season may have…
Anna Holtz Sheet Mask Review
I’ve never been one to spend a substantial amount of money when it comes to skincare. Argueably, luxury skincare brands aren’t on a whole one hundred percent ‘the best of the best; yet I’m not claiming that all high-end brands lack the ability to better the condition of people’s skin: it depends on a brand…
Think before you speak.
As we exit adolescence some may feel empowered to improve one’s attitude towards life and in general alter the way we behave in order to be the portrayed as a classy, sophisticated individual: this is deemed to be of up most importance, a requirement some may state. During early adulthood, what a large quantity of…
My Trip to Fukuoka, Japan – Day 3 (final day) π―π΅
Our final self-appointed mission was to find an inexpensive dessert cafe. With our return flight back to Korea not being until 8pm, we gladly were able to stroll around Fukuoka at our own steady pace. Preferably we wanted to feast upon Japanese ‘cloud pancakes’ – thick, fluffy pancakes that don’t take on an entirely solid…
MOTD – 28/5/18 πΈ
As of late I have been enticed by ‘Make-up of the day’ (MOTD) style blog posts despite being a wearer of minimal makeup: it just goes to show that there is some joy in seeking out the details of a random individual’s lifestyle and habits. If makeup is to be taken seriously and therefore premeditated…
Diary #3 – Sweet treatsππβ
18th-20th May Weekends: for a large portion of us are days of indulgence. For some it’s a day to cast away healthy eating habits and put a temporary halt on calorie counting. Saturday nights are reserved for cracking open a bottle of Vino and maybe two helpings of mushroom chow mein alongside kung po chicken…
Mental Health Awareness Week 2018.
Today, Wednesday the 16th of May, marks the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 (14th-20th May). Truth be told I didn’t notice that this important week had already begun, nor did I have it catalogued in my brain during the lead-up to this informative week: I don’t feel guilty about my ignorance to this….
My Trip to Fukuoka, Japan – Part 2 π―π΅
Unsurprisingly our first, and only full day in Fukuoka, began with a little pick me up: coffee. Coffee, or as I like to call it ‘water for insomniacs’, comes in plenty of varieties throughout the various convenience stores in Japan. Although the actual coffee choices were pretty much alike those sold anywhere else in economically…
My trip to Fukuoka, Japan – Day 1 π―π΅
With any holiday whether the duration be a month or a few days, the aim is to spend time wisely and incorporate as many experiences into your schedule as possible: my brief two day trip to Fukuoka, Japan was no exception to this. Alike most Japanese cities Fukuoka is centred around numerous shrines, parks and…
What’s in my travel pouch? – Fukuoka Edition π«
Next week I’m taking a brief trip to Fukuoka, Japan. Unlike back in December of last year when I visited Osaka, I intend to take less of my belongs with me; mainly due to the fact that I’m restricted to using a holdall or small suitcase which complies with in-flight/carry-on luggage rules. Travelling in Spring…
Where to eat in South Korea #2- A Foodie Recommends π°π·π₯’
I’m well aware that travelling to South Korea isn’t on everyone’s Bucket lists nor is it considered a country to be incurious of. When we (Europeans and Westerners in general) think of venturing to land of oriental descent, China and Japan often spring to mind. If my Seoul Food (- did you see what I…
Mini Kbeauty Haul/Review π€
Upon noticing that my relatively small makeup collection lacked pastel or Springtime appropriate shades – mainly due to the mass hoard of burgundy and brick rose coloured lip products – I decided to treat myself to some affordable basic cosmetics which would offer a subtle, more suitable look for the current season. I’m Meme/μμλ―Έλ―Έ ”I’m…
Life Update. Again?
I highly doubt that any of my regular readers noticed my absence for simplyemsblog; with this in mind a so called “life update” post isn’t essential but I shall proceed regardless. So… where have I been? Well thankfully this time round I haven’t spiraled into a seemingly never ceasing faze of depression or come to…
CafΓ©s.
For the longest time I refrained from entering a coffee shop: I had this prejudgement that cafΓ©s were only for stylist, classy individuals who were perhaps wealthy due to having some form of a link with business – even to this day some cafΓ©s project this vibe. With such expectations is mind I believed I…
Daiso Mini Haul.
Daiso is a Japanese budget store providing basic homeware items including kitchen utensils, storage methods and cutlery as well as beauty and skincare items plus everyday essentials. It’s most comparable to pound shops in the UK and dollar stores in the US; only exception being that items generally range from 1,000β©-8,000β© (0.65p-Β£5.25/$0.92-$7.40). In 9/10 cases…
Diary #2 – Dumplings & Dining in Seoul π₯
Thursday 23rd March After managing to begin to give English tutoring sessions to Koreans a few hours per week, I thought I deserved to treat myself by indulging a little as the weekend approached. Simply to state caution was certainly thrown to the wind: barely a vegetable in sight! As much as I would like…
Is this ‘real’ news?
I admit I’m partial to a bit of celebrity gossip, but try to refrain from it unless I have absolutely nothing better to do with my time. Since growing up to realise that a huge percentage of showbiz news isn’t legitimate, I have noticed that with the heightened use of social media it’s becoming ever…
What To Take On A Picnic.
Before this weekend my online friend and I was discussing the pleasant change in season – the arrival of Spring. In South Korea Springtime seemingly has sprung into force rather rapidly considering it was only a few weeks ago that we were battling the icy wind and temperatures revolving around minus degrees. As soon as…
Diary #1 – The First Day of Spring πΈπ±π»
Friday 16th March – 2pm Come what may, I will always admire the blissful bitter breezy later seasons of a year with its crinkled fallen auburn leaves and frosty windowpanes. I will miss wearing clothing made of fluffy layed fabrics combined with an aubergine checkered tassel scarf and a khaki knee length tailored coat. In…
All that is wrong with KhloΓ© Kardashian’s latest campaign.
Upon keeping informed of news topics via the BBC news app, KhloΓ© Kardashian’s campaign regarding her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) appeared to be a topic of concern among the ‘top stories’ section of the news application. First of all it has frustrated me that a matter like this has made so much of an impact…
Body Image – from the perspective of someone living in the East.
Without me stating it, it’s evident that each country from either side of the world has expectations of what they would consider as the ideal body image for men and women; these being upheld within societies. The reason why I’m writing this post is due to the fact that I have become more self-conscious of…
[Food Review]: Shake Shack.
Today I thought I would finally bring you a fairly overdue food/restaurant review of my beloved Shake Shack. Better late than never, right? The initial hype of Shake Shack may have faded, but evidently the popularity still remains with it’s frequent long lines of drooling customers no matter of the location. I have dined at…
TMI Tag.
The TMI Tag is all fun and games until you have read numerous answers to the same typical questions usually centred around relationships and recounts of getting into mischief with friends particularly during your school days. To avoid overly repeating myself or the common perspectives I have gathered a random allsortment of questions sourced from…
[Review]: the SAEM Eco Soul – Essence Cushion All Cover.
Since the end of last year, around the time of festivities, the Korean brand ‘the SAEM’ has had recurring price discounts of up to 50% across all of their products. I had never used any of their skincare of makeup products before so gathering an option of their cosmetics during their sale period seemed fitting….
Read with Coffee: Random chit-chat #2
Sunday has come around again causing my mind to reflect on this fading week. My quality of sleep has declined further with a new frustrating pattern of repeatedly not being able to fall asleep until 3 or 4am almost on consecutive nights. I know why, I currently have a lot of personal worries right now…
The British Tag.
It has come to my attention that ‘The British Tag’ question and answer style blog post has come into light again, around four years after the initial hype. As this tag makes an easy light hearted read I thought I’d jump on the same bandwagon by participating; I’m not entirely sure whether I have to…
10 Little Things That Can Brighten My Day (#3).
‘HICHEW’ ice-cream | If you are familiar with Japanese sweets Hichew chewy sweets/taffy were quite possibly the first Japanese sugary treats you came across. Luckily in Korea, a selected convenience store franchise sell grape flavoured Hichew ice-creams or ice-bars as the name implies. The outside layer of the ice-cream is a vibrant purple grape ice…
‘Inspirational’ Words on Social Media.
For as long as I can remember people have been sharing heartfelt quotes and motivating messages on social media. Most of these words take on a note formation: upholding a promoting positivity to anyone who maybe feeling a sense of depletion and negativity in general. The majority of these messages revolve around the themes of…
