Korea Report: Myeongdong

(Note from Author: I will update this post by posting a clear photo of the Myeongdong Map I got from the hotel when I have the time, kindly wait)

There's so many reasons why I learn to say "Myeongdong" first before "Hello" in Korean!  Wherever you may be in Seoul, Myengdong would definitely come up on top of your head or your travel mate's head!  It's the best place to shop especially if you're ...

1. A girl

2. A girl who loves makeup

3. A girl who loves to eat

4. A boy who loves to eat

5. A boy who has a girl who is nos. 1, 2 and 3!

**Photo is Lotte Young Mall right across Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong

I did not plan to purchase much Korean cosmetics because I'm not the type who hoard and not being able to  use it!  Most of my cosmetics go straight to my train case so I am very picky when it comes to buying one!  That, enough said  does not mean I won't be buying anything at all!  When  you walk along the streets of Myeongdong, here are several Korean cosmetic brands you may or may be not familiar with!  Whatever the case, you will be enticed to check them out because of the gorgeous displays and ladies trying to give you something just to "window shop"!  

Let's start with brand that are huge back home...

The Face Shop

Korea Report: Dongdaemun Market

Dongdaemun Market or DDM is a large commercial district located at Jongno-gu, Seoul.  I've written it as a must visit place because our arrival to Seoul will be around 10:00pm and I am sure our butt are quite tired from sitting inside the plane!  I'm sure there's a lot of leg energy!  The hubby is game with my evil plan!  As soon as we checked in at the Hotel Ibis Ambassador, we asked directions from the receptionist and went for our first Subway ride!  

It was around 11:30pm when we walked to the nearest subway station from the hotel which is the Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station.   On our way down, the subway station is a bit deserted because operation closes at 12:00am!  Since I'm pressed for time, I asked a lovely man who works there how to get to Nomdaemun Market! He has minimal English but he's very very helpful!  He helped us purchase our Subway ticket and told us to run!  It was the last train I guess! 

This is how deserted the subway station is at 11:50pm (Seoul Time) which is 10:50pm (Manila Time).

You can't go hungry with subways in Korea, they have a lot of vending machines!  24 hours, all you can play! *LOL*

Tip on how to go to Dongdaemun Market from Hotel Ibis Ambassador, Myeongdong :

• As soon as you walk out of the hotel entrance, turn right and walk approximately 5 minutes to the nearest Subway station which is the Eulhiro 1(il)-ga Station.
• As soon as you walk down, there's a lot of machines to purchase your subway ticket, you can ask for help and just tell them your location, if you're adventurous,  look for a ticket booth and purchase a ticket going to Dongdaemun Staadium, same line as the Station where the hotel is which is Line 4 (blue line)

Korea Report: Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong

Live reporting from Seoul Korea!!!  I've finally arrived!  You know what's so funny?  Inside the plane, I met 2 of my highschool friends and it was like instant reunion!  We  split up after immigration check and I love Incheon Airport by the way!  

Anyways, long story after we got our bags, we stayed at the airport trying to figure out how to call internationally because our mobile phones does not have automatic roaming! :(  Before I go on all our mini adventures...time check 2:54am Manila Time and it's 3:54am Korean Time and I'm wide awake!  

I'll share to you how I love the hotel I booked and I'll go to my zzz's after! 

Research after research, I've finally chose Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong, reasons:

• location: Myeong Dong is known to be the center for shopping!  Whatever you need, you can find it down here.
• airport bus stops right in front of the hotel!  This is super important because I hate lugging heavy luggages from subway station to another!
• near tourist spots: N Tower, Deoksugong Palace (both can be visited by foot)

Here's the entrance of Hotel Ibis Ambassador MyeongDong at around 11:30pm (Korea Time)

Weird thing is, the reception area is located at the 19th floor!  So better head up to the elevator and press 19 (which is the topmost floor of the hotel).

Rates posted can give anyone who's not used to seeing rates going from hundreds of thousands!  I booked my hotel online via Agoda.  My rate goes approximately $114.00/night.  On off peak season, the rate would be less than $100.00/night!  Sad to say, I've waited for our Korean Visa to be approved and the prices shoot up!  No breakfast included by the way as it's a special internet rate.

I love the safety feature of the hotel.  Only those who have room keys can go to the specific floor number by swiping the "ving" card.  One swipe then press 14, which is our current floor!

Most Tripadvisor or Agoda reviewers gave positive reviews on the said hotel.  Most complain about the size of the room (especially the bath area) and some also complain that the room temperature is too warm!  I'll confirm if their complaints are true!

Standard Double Room

Bed is the right size and seriously soft!  Love how soft the pillow are!  I have nothing against the cleanliness of this room!  Lighting is just right!  Not too dark nor too bright!

The room has the basic amenities!  Flat screen Television, a minibar, water heater, 2 mugs and tea!  Sad to say, no coffee sachets included! 

Free slippers for use!  Love that it's not the usual paper slippers most hotels give!  This is way more comfortable!  Dresser includes hangers and VAULT! :)

The best part?  Free LAN internet each room!  It's not WIFI as compared to some other hotels but it's okay! I brought my laptop along with me and you can feel free to borrow their adaptor! 

Some of the reviewers complain that they don't have enough space to put on their luggage!  Thank goodness, our room does have a bench,  not sure if its meant for sitting but I have a feeling it meant for putting on our luggage so we don't need to stoop down to get our stuff!  The cushioned bench can fit 1 huge luggage and 2 bags!

The bathroom looks really modern and clean!  Amenities include towels, 1 tiny bar of soap, a universal shampoo, conditioner and body wash!  No toothbrush nor toothpaste included as you can purchase them at a vending machine available per floor!

Hi-tech toilet!  Has bidet and the seat can be warmed!  Guess the hotel is equipped for the super cold winter season!

The bathroom also includes a hair dryer!  Thank goodness for it as I need to blowdry my shoes after gotten wet from all the walking!  It's raining by the way!  Such a warm welcome eh?

AMW Flying to Seoul, Korea!

(Note: All photos taken from Google Images, these are not my own, thanks to the owner of these photos for such wonderful shots)

Good Saturday!!!  Sense any happiness in me?  To my dear Twitter friends, you all know why I'm super excited, I've been waiting for this day!  My much awaited vacation to one of my "wish to visit country someday"!  

SEOUL, KOREA!!!

I've always been dreaming of visiting this country because of the countless Korean series I've watched!  I have to admit, it was the FOOD that caught my attention, when they cooked their home made  instant noodles and slurp their way like it was gourmet meal!  Oh, I won't forget those scenes when they're heartbroken and decided to have a drink in one of those public "tents" while keeping themselves warm while the restaurant owner would serve them (what seems like) unlimited Bulgogi!  Yes, I am salivating, I am a PIG and I am proud of it!

I've tried street food in Taiwan and Thailand and I will definitely not give this a miss!  I have a feeling I can skip full course meal jumping from one street food stall to another!  Eeeekkk so excited!  *tummy growls*

The tourist-ry side in me will definitely check out some of the well-known sites!  Most of them I've seen on Korean drama series and photos!  I don't have the luxury of time to visit a lot of sites but I'll definitely would not miss the famous N Tower!  I am excited to leave our "lock" on N Tower's Locks of Love! 

I am embarrassed to admit, but I wasn't able to watch the famous Korean Drama "Winter Sonata" which made this island famous!  Nami Island!  I will actually visit this place not because I will be reminiscing the scenes of the series but the picturesque trees I've seen on photos are breathtaking and I want to see them in real life!  I believe Autumn is the best time to visit as the trees are quite colorful!  *eeeekkk*  Sensing another excitement from my side right?

Korea is also famous for their palaces!  They have several palaces worth visiting and I don't think I'll be able to visit ALL of them!  But I won't come back home without visiting at least one!  I am very much intrigued with any country's rich history!  I'll try to look into some English tours, or what a heck?  I can just read about the palace online and go there and venture the palace ourselves!  That'll be COOL!

Shame on me if I will give Korean Cosmetics a miss!  Why will I be called a Beauty Blogger if I don't give these cute stores a visit?  Thanks to Xin of Prettybeautiful for all the tips on almost everything!!!  She told me I can check out Etude House, Skin Food almost after every 50meters!  Eeeeekkk!!!! Now that's the 3rd eek for this day! 

It's an adventure I've always been dreaming to do and thanks to Mr. AMW for being as excited as I am!  The weather is just perfect by the way!  Mr. AMW is one "walking perspiration" so the cool temperature ranging from 10 degrees celcius to 23 degrees celcius is another PLUS!

And before I end this post, we will be traveling on an adventure, no tour packages or tour guides!  (Maybe, we can book one day tour if we wanted to maximize our time), but hey!  I am getting excited because of the adventure we will be taking!  Just look at the Seoul Metro Map!  I love it!  I am getting confused NOW! hahaha

I will be staying at the "shopping center" of the city, Myeong Dong and the hotel has free internet access, if I get the chance, I'll be updating you guys on my adventure!  I know somewhere down the road, someone's going for a visit and it'll be helpful to see some tips just like what I did reading other people's Seoul Travel Blogs!

I can't help but wonder, will I find guys wearing eyeliner on the streets of Seoul????

I'll report back on all tiny details for sure!
Now...let me say my final "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!"
I hope you guys will find my Seoul Travel Experience as exciting as how I am feeling right now!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash

There's something about October that I love, probably the long China Holiday we follow at work, my wedding anniversary (3rd year this year!) and the weather is just starting to be nice! (minus the El Nino phenomenon)  Anyone share the same sentiments as myself for the month of October?  

*group hugs*

Now let me start by saying, finally!  I got another mascara review!  Been too lazy in reviewing mascara, I know a lot of girls out there can't go home without it...I , definitely can survive without this!  I am just too lazy to remove them at the end of the day!  <--- that's just me! :)

Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash says ---

The first Revlon mascara that helps lashes grow stronger while visibly adding length and volume 

• Lash enhancing formula complements the natural growth cycle of your lashes, improving their overall appearance and conditioning with each use  
• Get lashes that look instantly longer and lusher and will also grow stronger day after day
• Oversized lash-extending brush 
• Ophthalmologist tested

Available in 4 shades: Blackest Black, Black, Blackened Brown and Black Shimmer

AMW says ---
Pros

• mascara wand is not too runny, which makes it easier to apply minus the mess
• does lengthen lashes and makes it look thicker
• does not make my lashes crunchy even after the whole day
• easy to remove with a good eye makeup remover
• has added benefit of making the lash stronger per use (as advertised), not all mascaras have added benefits of lash protection
• no allergies or burning sensation experienced after using this product
• does not flake on me for the whole day
• lashes came out natural looking, you can barely tell I had mascara on
• packaged quite nicely once purchased!

Cons

• brush wand is quite big for small eyes like myself (a photo below compares the mascara wand size I am comfortable with, top one is Revlon's, bottom is a mascara from L'Oreal)

• mascara texture is a bit too dry for a newly opened product.

• curl is gone after mascara application, have to re-curl lashes

Overall

Not a bad mascara but not the best for me!  It's so-so and I think people with longer lashes and larger eyes will enjoy this more!  I prefer using this on clients especially after falsh lashes application as the huge wand works really well with falsies!

Tips
from Revlon

• Apply the mascara to upper lashes first. 
• Take the brush and hold it underneath the top lashes close to the roots and sweep brush upwards from the roots to tips. 
• Apply a few coats to build your lashes ro desired volume. 
• For bottom lashes, use the tip of the brush to apply a thin coat of mascara in delicate strokes.

from AMW

• quickly apply 2-3 coats on each eye for that quick length and volume
• after application, brush lashes with a spoolie to prevent clumps
• use the business card method to protect your lids during application
• for personal use, mascara life can be prolonged to 6 months
• to extend the life of the mascara, dip the mascara on a glass of hot water
• mark the date of your mascara once open so you can keep track on its expiration date!

Will I repurchase?
Not for now.

To whom do I recommend this product to?
 Anyone who loves non-watery mascara texture.  For girls who already have long lashes but wants to volume and extra "fullness" effect it gives minus the "fake lash" effect.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon counters for Php625.00 (approx $14.20)

Front view:

L- Curled lashes, no mascara

R- Curled lashes with 2 coats of Revlon Grow Luscious 

in Blackened Brown

Side View

L- Curled lashes, no mascara

R- Curled lashes with 2 coats of Revlon Grow Luscious 

in Blackened Brown

If there's any changes with the "Black" version, I will report back! 
Have you tried this new mascara?  I've been seeing ads of this around!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!