THE DOUGHNUT VAULT

It's fairly clear by now that I'm a little obsessed with the donut craze here in Chicago. A few days ago I made my way (in the horrible, freezing cold) to the Doughnut Vault right across the street from Merchandise Mart to partake in my annual indulgence. I can't quite articulate how amazing the vanilla glazed donuts are. But I publicly swear to you that Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme will never take another dollar from my pocket, ever again. If you're in the city, may I kindly suggest that you get in the morning lines ASAP? I promise, it'll do you good (just make sure you get there before they sell out...and as far as I'm aware, they sell out in the am!)

November Fourth

I couldn't have begun my 26th year with a more inspirational afternoon in Samchungdong (삼청동) on a casual adventure alongside heartwarming company. It was almost as if the sky above us was was painted gold with the illumination of the fall foliage, and not a single cloud in the sky interfered with nature's appeal. 

I'd say the main heartthrob of Samchungdong is the coexistence of the old and the new — the traditional and the modern — presented in various facets such as food, architecture, and, for lack of better word, VIBES. I'm not one to be overly fascinated by nature as I am to be undone by beautifully constructed interior, but Samchungdong has both, and I hope my besotted gush over the area sparks a curiosity to see it for yourselves. For every artistic soul in desperate need for fresh inspiration, I encourage you to go check it out. It's the daily mundane in many parts of Seoul that I find most captivating and ought not be overlooked. Seoul citizens, take full advantage of the remaining fall season...I say this because it is atrociously cold in Chicago. Cheers to beautiful leaves and clear skies. 

BEAN SALAD RECIPE

With my trip to the states steadily drawing near, I find myself making an extra effort to buckle down on eating healthy. Why, you ask? Because subconsciously I tell myself, "I need to lose 5 pounds so that I can gain 10 pounds in Chicago + NYC." True story.

With that, I have reached out to some friends for some simple and healthy recipes. I certainly am not equipped — as some of my friends are —with the discipline to eat brown rice + chicken breast for all the days of my life. And so the option of variation definitely lit up some fresh hope and excitement. Here's the quick and easy "bean salad" recipe.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• 1 Can of Black Beans (any kind of canned bean will suffice)
• 1/2 Red Onion + minced garlic
• 1 Red Tomato 
• 1 Cucumber
• Canned or Frozen Corn
• Olive Oil 
• Lemon/Lime Juice 
• Seasoning for taste (salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, coriander, etc)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.    Rinse beans in a strainer and place in a bowl

2.    Dice onions, cucumber and tomato (I'd be careful about the amount of onions you put in! Red      

       onions are strong! Too much will result in the breath of death.)

3.    Mix in the vegetables with the beans and add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon/lime juice +       

       seasoning! 

*You can alter the amounts based on your taste preference. I really liked the pop of spiciness that the cayenne and paprika gave to the dish. And again, don't be so generous with the onions. I warned you, twice. Shout out to my dearest, Clara Yoon for the recipe. Enjoy! 

INSTALIFE

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER .

1 ll Beans Brothers Coffee       2 ll Sean Norton 

3 ll Joanne Chun       4 ll Uncle Sam's

5 ll Fall Reflection       6 ll Coffee + Forrest

7 ll New Hair       8 ll Ootd

9 ll 1969       10 ll Hangul Day 

11 ll Favorite Cafe       12 ll Moleskin Journal + Cafe Latte

13 ll Warehouse Interiors       14 ll Chuseok Breakfast + Jolie

15 ll Calligraphy       16 ll Pretty Mirror