SPRINGWEAR

Clothes. I've been telling myself to be wiser with my spending habits (quality items over a quantity of low tariff buys) but — yes, but — how do I withhold dispensing my wallet at Forever 21? I have yet to find the solution. As far as my pocket is concerned, I don't see how occasional pick-ups will do me any harm, although I certainly do think it is treading on dangerous territory. I mean, with all the spring florals ornamenting the shelves, the restrain was not easy. I also apparently have a crop top obsession, so turning a blind eye really wasn't an option. You can call it risqué, but I've made up my mind —you will see me rolling through the Seoul streets with my new tummy top and high-rise elastic bottoms. And with that, let me just say that I'm excited for spring.

CASA MINGO

I really can't say you'll ever get a good fill of western style brunch here in Korea (or at least I haven't found one that I really like that isn't obnoxiously priced), but there are little pockets of hope. Casa Mingo, located in the alleyways of Hongdae/Sangsu area is a cafe + brunch spot with a variety of panini's, salads, pastas and drinks (around 8,000 won per dish).  Kindly priced, indeed. Without going into details, I'll say you certainly get what you pay for. Filling, but my eyes were far more satisfied than my stomach, as the place is an embellished work of art. For someone who gawks at alluring interiors, I'd say my saturday afternoon was not spent in vain.

DESTRUCTIVE STEPS

The world of bboying fascinates me. I crossed over to another genre of dance as a mere spectator —which, I personally think is very necessary for every dancer on occasion — and it was my kind of weekend refreshment. If I could take even a stab at trying to describe what I experienced, I'd say, bboys definitely take "grind" beyond the spectrum. Only true, hardy zeal can make onlookers feel the tensions being exchanged in a room. It's that lustful craving to win, that dangerous drive in battle that make these dancers move in such a way I couldn't properly describe. 

With the best of the best conglomerated in the city of Seoul, I always try to keep a fresh perspective by taking the seat of a novel observer. I don't ever want to get immune to the charms that this street scene has to offer. Ever. With that, if you'd ever like to join me on one of my dance watching escapades, please feel free, because I always prefer to share these highly gratifying patches of inspiration with a friend.

SOFT TREE & SOCKS

With spring sunshine comes other little life's pleasures, such as, ice cream. Last saturday, I explored the foolproof streets of Hangangjin with a Sel de Guerande cone (pictured above) in my right hand, basking in the 70 degree sunlight. Uncharacteristic for Seoul, March's weather has been quietly impressive. Better yet, the visual excitement from 'A Land' topped it all off because they had these cute pairs of spring socks on display, and I was pretty happy grazing the streets. 

Now about Soft Tree, the buzz on this fairly new establishment had caught my attention last year, but the hurdles of people lined up outside convinced me to believe that the hype was merely an illusion of some special choice, overpriced, desert that was not worth the calories. Seoul is all about chasing fades after all. Yet after every savory meal, the tug for sweets always, always, triumphs, and I found myself standing in line amongst the sea of fad-testers to realize that I had just discovered a new personal indulgence of the season. Blush. That first taste has now led to many to follow—five or six to say the least (all in the past month too), and unashamed I will say, I am hooked. The oddly salty sweet combination drizzled with chocolate, or adorned with crushed spicy coconut, or cotton candy? A delight for spring.