cleaning out my closet

maybe i've caught up with the minimalist trend or finally grew up to realize what is more productive but there's been a stark change in my personality. i just want what works well with me and am willing to let go of the rest. with the change comes an effort to make something out of it. so i have been cleaning out my closet and selling what may be more useful to others.

here are a few of my favorite sites...

amazon.com
half.com/ ebay.com (the classifieds of ebay did not have any effect on progress)
craigslist.com (the best especially for large furniture)
community.livejournal.com/_for_sale
forsale.oodle.com
playitagainsports.com

for whatever doesn't work out you can also donate/recycle
-shoes: nike stores
-make up: origins stores
-electronics: try calling local repair shops
-craigslist
-salvation army

BoA's natural make up

As late as it is, I am gradually getting interested in make up. Natural make up seems to be less cumbersome first step - especially if done BoA's way in this picture.

(image: sportkorea)

eric ripert's get toasted

renting an old apartment with a disfunctional oven hindered most interests in grilling, baking, or toasting. however the discovery of eric ripert's guide to make simple yet succulent pieces just using your toaster oven and often in less than 30 minutes has opened doors in my kitchen.

allow yourself 5 minutes to get inspired in making appetizers to dessert by the 4 star chef.

craving...

tagging...intheolsenscloset.blogspot.com
daddydaddypony.blogspot.com

Bien Hoa Pho

After my third try of pho, I've been a fan of it. It's been one of those meals that I don't get sick of even if I have it every week. It seems like there is nothing better to have on cold, windy winter days like recently.
Pho is also one of those foods that tastes quite different depending on where you go. I always go to Bien Hoa for a trustworthy bowl.
My ranking of a few places around where I live would be:
1. Bien Hoa (Edison,NJ): yummy broth, cilantro is not overpowering, lovely price!
2. Pho 32 (Palisades Park, NJ): korean version of pho - bien hoa without cilantro; broth is not greasy like many places
3. Pho Ahn Dao (Edison, NJ): not bad but the soup is a bit too sweet
4. Houng Que (North Brunswick, NJ): overpriced compared to amount; broth has a bit of a stinky beef smell
5. Pho Hana (Palisades Park, NJ): broth has a clean taste but is not strong enough
6. Pho Viet Ahn (Edison, NJ): their pho has a fishy stench and is overpriced - not recommended at all

today's obsession: brother han

First heard this guy sing on my way to the campus center. Perfect weather, a Friday after classes in the beginning of the semester, and a husky deep voice singing along with an acoustic guitar. I remember staying until he was done with his street performance, along with a crowd. I've been listening to his songs on youtube and cd for the last 4 months and still am not sick of it.(Pretty long compared to my typical obsessions) He's not so well known yet and goes around LA, NYC, and NJ playing his folk rock songs with acoustic guitar on the streets and certain showrooms. Although the cd is great, it does not do justice to what he sounds like live.
Hopefully he has more live performances around NYC by January.

today's obsession: l'occitane almond apple cleansing oil

My skin has been breaking out after 3 days of make up. It's been pretty rough with the dry weather as well.
While using this, I feel my skin getting cleansed without hurting the sensitive skin.
I can feel some oil has remained after cleansing but my face feels moisturized rather than suffocating such as you would after applying mineral oil.
Sweet apple scent as well.
I initially purchased a sample of this as a sample sale because was curious but unsure how my adult acne would react to an oil cleanser. If the effects keep on, this potential 'keeper' shall be bought in a larger size.

-recommend for sensitive, combination skin