STANDARD SATURDAY

So generally, my saturdays are pretty routine. I'll wake up, grab a coffee, and head straight to the Itaewon sanctuary for practice. Somewhere in the day, I'll have an event — a birthday party perhaps, and in this case, my "goodbye-Itaewon-lunch" at Brick Oven Pizza in Gangnam (a must go for all American pizza lovers, link provided). And then of course, if my friends and I are coincidentally color coordinated, a photograph (!) ... is an absolute must. Sorry but not sorry to the poor guy pictured on the left. He must very well know by now that as a matter of friendship, photos — even the cheesy matchy-matchy ones — are a saturday code of conduct. For all of its embarrassing consequences, I am forever grateful to have friends who stand by me, or are at least understanding that I will not have it any other way. That's love right there. One more day, and then another saturday reelin in for another good vibe weekend.

CHUSEOK II

That one glorious day last week during the Chuseok holidays. Spicy octopus on a grill (쭈꾸미) and then a rooftop bbq with beautiful company immediately thereafter. (And by immediately, I mean, literally from one food extravaganza straight to the next). Aside from the food, I recognize the blessing of my rooftop. It's not an every day occurrence for a Seoul citizen to have access to this much sky —Thankful indeed!

THE ART OF HAIR

Today — we talk hair. 

I'm of the firm belief that hair styling is a form of art, and that the driving force behind styling or restyling is 1) a sensible stylist and 2) quality products. The diverse slew of hair salons in Seoul will give you a wide range of options. (Most will come with a cup of coffee and if you're lucky, a head message). Yet, the time-honored principle holds true — you reap what you sow. And so from an experienced hair-cut-perm-dye-treatment-constant-change addict, I say, it's worth it, pay the costs for quality. It'll do you good.

Anyways, the point of this post, besides sharing my new do, is to brag about my newly discovered hair stylist! If you know me, I am, keen on excellence, big on details, and more often than not... hard to please. What I like about this hair dresser is that she cuts out everything a consumer would see as "standardized business" and focuses on what's important — customer satisfaction. And so, if you're looking for a lady who means no other business than your own, I highly recommend her! She is excellent in what she does. She will politely share her opinions so that you are aware of the details and know what is plausible. Plus, she will not ask you a million shallow questions. (As a matter of personal policy, I like to get into my coffee + magazine without small talk annoyance. So important.) And, a perk: If you say that you found her through her personal blog, she will give you 20% off. Now with all this said, watch me as I painfully grow out my hair post 5 years of failure (or try to, at least). All of a sudden, a surge of confidence. *Lee Chul Hair Ker Ker Myungdong branch 2, Stylist: Eun.

Check out her blog here    /     Salon directions here     /     Map here     /    

LETTERING + DRIED FLOWERS

#inspiremethursdays

CHUSEOK

It's slightly bizarre how quiet it is in the streets of Seoul today. 

While most Korean natives are reveling in the 5 day weekend with family and, most likely an exquisite blowout feast, many foreigners are probably hanging loose by other means. I was most delighted with the option of sleeping in this morning, and woke up in a glorious daze to realize that I would be work free for the next few days. Praise! 4 out of 5 public establishments are closed today, but when friends are available, it's not too hard to find something to do. We found ourselves a cozy neighborhood locale (the beautifully interiorized Rylynn, which serves coffee, brunch + wine) and de-stressed. Or, at least I did. 

Indeed, the ideation and execution of blogging all excites me so much so that I'll spend my day off working on it. And, since this is a Seoul Delight post, let me just say this: Seoul, we go through ups and downs (and I'll admit, more often than not I make a big fuss about being here). But, today I take delight in your holiday-buzz aroma. I delight in the fog-less air and the silence carried through your still and barren streets. You are quite oddly beautiful today. Tomorrow will be a packed day — enlighten me.

#seouldelight 

UNBROKEN

With Laura Hillenbrand, you lose hours of sleep. 'A world war II story of survival, resilience, and redemption' (soon to be a major motion picture!) It is inspiring to the bone. A carrier of triumph and hope — perfect for the time of year when the September wind blows in chilling despair. I was graciously gifted this nonfiction by my brothuh (not real brother, but bro-"thuh") Joel, and have not been able to put the book down since. Thank you for keeping me company. Expecting greater inspiration through this read. #inspiremethursdays 

I AM A BURGER

They say third time's the charm, and truly, truly, it was when I finally got to try "I Am a Burger" last friday. (Closed on Mondays and every day from 3-4pm). The expertise in foreign foods is slowly making an establishment here in Seoul, but as far as the citizens of the US of A are aware, finding a good burger joint in this city is no small feat. It is, to my disappointment, always good but pricey for the absurdly stingy portions, just not good enough, or, excuse my lingo...FRIGGIN BAD. Brooklyn, Left Coast, Smokey's you are all charming, but my tastebuds — and my wallet — tell me that "I Am a Burger" serves the best burgers in Seoul. (Please do note: with a 4-5 table seating capacity, lines do build + choice bun options do run out!) Try it and let me know. #seouldelight