Eat | Zion.T

Comes & Goes | Hyukoh

VA is for Lovers

NYC Trip (7/18-19)

I don't know what it's about NYC but, in the midst of the sewage smell and crowds of people, it's so magical. Maybe it's the flashing lights or endless hustle. Every nook and cranny of the city seem to scream out that it's filled with life. 

Every time I stop by NYC, I have one purpose - to each as much good food as possible. I loved trying new things and places that people recommend. Here are some of the pictures that I was able to take of the food before I devoured them. Enjoy!

Oh my. Don't even get my started with the meat at this place (Kang Hodong Baek-Jeong). It's da-bomb-diggity (dot) com. We got the large beef combo for about $99, which feeds four people. I know it sounds like a lot but just try it. Trust me. You won't regret it. The prime boneless short rib is so tender that it melts in your mouth.

I heard this place (Dominique Ansel Bakery) was really good when it came to their wonderful array of desserts. Although I didn't get the chance to try out their famous cronuts, all of their desserts were so good. Well-worth the trip!

It was so hot in SOHO so my cousins and I stumbled upon a juice bar called Juice Generation. I got the Kale Kolada, which has the option to be served in an actual coconut. So, how could I resist? I got a cool picture but it tasted way too healthy for me. I think many health nuts would really enjoy this drink. It's filled with kale, spinach, coconut juice, coconut oil, and bananas.

This famous corn from Cafe Habana tasted good but I don't know if it lived up to its hype. But maybe it's my fault for having high expectations for a corn... I mean how good can corn be? If you're around the neighborhood, try it out. It's pretty cheap so it may be worth the trip. The grilled corn is basically covered in mayo, cojito cheese, and pepper.

Until next time, NYC. I'll be back for more. Better believe it.

Love, Alice

The Beach | National Building Museum in DC

a germ-free ball pit for adults? yes, please!

Since I'm only five feet tall, I was literally pulled into the deep ends of the ball pit. My boyfriend had to fish me out of there. If you're a "germaphobe," have no fear! The balls are manufactured specifically to kill 99.9% of the germs that touch them. The admission is a bit pricey but if you're a student, be sure to bring your ID to get a discount! Have fun.

Location: National Building Museum in DC

Freebies | Desktop Images

In my spare time I like to click around pinterest and mess around with font combinations. I was inspired to make these desktop backgrounds after an encouraging talk sesh with one of my best friends. I hope these can serve as a constant reminder and encouragement as you go about your day.

The photoshop brushes are from a blog called angie makes! Click there if you want to look at some of her awesome stuff! These brushes were free so I just downloaded and installed them onto photoshop.

These are designed for 1440x900 screens. If you want a different size, comment or email me. Thanks!

In order to download, follow these instructions:

• Click on the image to enlarge
• Right-click the enlarged image
• Select "Save Image As"

I hope you like them!

REVIEW: Clinique Moisture Surge Intense

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $52

Size: 2.5 oz (100 ml)

Why did I pick this product?
No matter how much lotion I put on my face, it has been so dry. My skin felt rough and flaky because the cold, harsh winds have been attacking my face. I didn't have a moisturizer in my skincare routine so I decided to try one out. I heard so many good things about this moisturizer. Also it doesn't hurt that the packaging is very cute.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Clinque claims: Rich, oil-free cream-gel plumps skin with 24-hour hydration. Instantly rehydrates. Helps repair skin's moisture barrier over time. Works for extra dry to dry skin.

Pros:
- Gel-like texture
- Really moisturizing
- Leaves a dewy complexion 
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized for hours

Cons:
- Could be a little sticky feeling in the beginning
- Smells a little "chemically"

Bottomline: Although it has a few cons, I still gave it five stars because it does what it's supposed. It keeps my skin feeling moisturized and makes my heart look so healthy and dewy. However, I have to warn you that this is formulated for really dry skin. So if you have oily skin, I don't recommend using this. Try the regular Clinique Moisture Surge. Also the bigger size is currently limited edition and it's already sold out on the Sephora website. Obviously other people think it's really good too!

REVIEW: Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream (Rinse-off Formula)

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $20

Size: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)

Why did I pick this product?
After snowboarding, my cheeks got so chafed due to the cold winds. Also, because of the harsh winter cold, my face started to get flakey. My mom and the lady at Sephora suggested getting a scrub because it'll help exfoliate and get rid of the dried skin flakes. I picked this because it was the most affordable and reasonable for its size. Also, I currently use a lot of Clinique products for my skin so I thought it would be more compatible.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Clinque claims: Dermatologist-developed exfoliating cream deflakes, refines. Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. Clears the way for moisture. Works for all skin types.

Pros:
- Creamy texture
- Doesn't dry out skin
- Refines skin

Cons:
- None

Bottomline: I absolutely love this scrub! I've used it for about a week and it has made my skin tremendously soft and even. It got rid of all my dried skin flakes without being too harsh on the rest of my skin. I haven't broken out and my skin isn't irritated by it. If anything, I feel like it helps me avoid pimples and blemishes. Also, it has a lot of product and the price isn't that bad. If you're looking for a scrub, I'd say go for this one!

REVIEW: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black

★★ out of 5

Price: $20

Color: Jet Black

Size: 0.016 fl. oz.

Why did I pick this product?
My friend and a lady at Sephora recommended this liner when I said I was looking for a precise, waterproof liquid eyeliner. I was debating between this one and Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner.  I was hesitating from buying this liner because it was a bit pricy. However, I made the purchase because my Lancome's gel liner made me look like a panda by the end of the day. Also, I was looking for a liner with a sharp felt tip. 

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Pros:
- Lightweight
- Dries very quickly
- Doesn't smudge
- Precise application
- Felt tip
- Waterproof
- Easy application

Cons:
- Price
- Doesn't "stay all day"

Fresh Application:

After only 4 hours:

Bottomline: Although I really wanted to love this liner and make it a staple in my makeup bag, I think I'll have to find another liner. The name is "stay all day liner" but... it definitely doesn't stay all day. I have to reapply every 3-4 hours, which is very annoying - especially if you spent $20. I'll keep on using it until it runs out but I don't think I will be repurchasing this product in the future.

Frosty Box from Influenster

These complimentary items were sent by Influenster for testing purposes.

In the Frosty VoxBox, I received:

• No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum
• NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Sugar Plum ($1.99)
• Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Decaf Green Tea 
• EcoTools Hair Brush ($10.99)
• Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (7.49)
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner ($4.49)
• McCormick Gourmet Thyme ($4.79)
• Fruit Vines Bites ($1.79)

I needed a brush so this is perfect! Can't wait to try these out!