Nail Art Tutorial: "Stripey" Nails

Hey sweet readers!  I am still on my Korean Trip hangover stage and I still have a lot of stories to share!  As promised, I will try to squeeze in something aside from the Korea Trip so you won't feel like this is a Korean Travel Blog!  *hahaha*  Before I went on my trip, I only have a couple of minutes to do my nail art!  I wanted something really quick and easy and I think this is one easy nail art anyone can try!  

Oh, before I start the tutorial, I had my nails done in a salon as I don't want to take too much time doing my own manicure and pedicure, I've had it cleaned and applied with 2 coats of polish!  I can't seem to remember the shade!  Sorry!

Step 1:
Apply a base coat prior to polish application.  Apply 2 coats of your preferred base color.

Step 2:

Using L.A. Art Deco in white or any white polish using a thin brush from bookstore, create a horizontal line anywhere you like!  The lines do not have to be perfect and don't worry about lines drawn on finger.  You can clean them up later on.



Step 3:

Next, I pull out the rest of the L.A. Art Deco colors I have and use the red color to apply random lines. 



Glittery Silver

Sky Blue



Black

Step 4:

While waiting for the lines to dry up, wet your q-tip with a nail polish remover and remove excess polish on the sides of your nails.

Step 5:

Making sure the lines are completely dry, apply your preferred top coat to protect your nails.  I used Elianto Top Coat.

Quick and easy nail art of the week minus too much complications!  Anyone can do it and again, lines do not have to be perfect!

I had this nail art on while I was traveling in Korea and its funny how 2 sellers like it and gave me discounts on my purchase! :)  Aren't they sweet?

Have a great weekend everyone!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Korea Report: Deoksugung Palace

I originally planned to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace which is the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty.  Good thing I researched online and learned the palace was close on a Tuesday so I chose to go to the 2nd choice palace instead --- Deoksugung or Deoksu Palace which means the “Palace of Virtue and Longevity”

Deoksugung is a walled compound of palaces in Seoul and housed various Korean Royalties way back until the Japanese came at the turn of 20th century.  Base on research, this is a palace built with Western Style.  Due to the destruction, it was sad to learn that only one third of the structures that were standing before the Japanese  Occupation remains.

The main entrance of Deoksugung Palace called Daehanmun Gate

Adult ticket costs 1,000 Won (approx Php40.00/less than $1.00)
Children (7 to 18 years old) 500 Won (approx Php20.00/less than $.50)

Korea Report: "Winter Sonata" Land (Nami Island)

Nami Island or Namiseom's name was originated from General Nami, he died at the age of 28 after being falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo, the seventh king of tthe Joseon Dynasty of Korea.  Sounds a bit like the times of China Dynasties!  I've studied Chinese History and after my tour in Korea, I am really interested to learn more about the Korean history as well!

To get to the island, we have to go to the Ferry Wharf and buy tickets there!  We pass by Naminara Republic and that's where we line up for our ferry ride.  Ferry ride takes approximately 5-8 minutes and it's the best time to take a breather and enjoy the view of water and mountains!

Once we reached Nami Island, you can see the tomb and tombstone of General Nami.  Although his grave wasn't discovered, you can still see a tiny "hill" built where his body was supposed to be buried.  It started out as a pile of stones then a tour company arranged the grave with soil and developed Namiseom into an amusement park!

We did not walk by the grave, I don't want to step into something else you know! *shudders* hahaha

Korea Report: Adventure On the Way to Nami Island

Good morning everyone!  I'm back home, but as promised, my Korea Report will continue to share my wonderful journey!  I've got loads of requests to write more as it looks like a lot of you are traveling to Korea soon!!!

If you plan to travel Korea, Nami Island is probably one spot you'd like to include in your itinerary.  You're probably a fan of the hit Korean Series "Winter Sonata".  In my case, it's not because of Winter Sonata that I would like to visit this place (it's actually a cherry on top of the whole ice cream).  In my case, I've seen gazillions of photos online and Nami Island consistently looks gorgeous on all 4 seasons!  I'm sure it's definitely a photographer's dream to take shots in this lovely place!

Nami Island or Namiseom is actually a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon.  It's actually a couple of hours away from Seoul!  I'll talk more about Nami Island when we get there, I've created this special post to write about our adventure going to Nami Island!  Boy was I glad I'm prepared with directions before we headed to the said island!  It's one travel experience my calves and legs won't forget! :)

Wherever you are staying, try to get online and click on their interactive Seoul  Subway Map on how to get to Cheongnangyi Station on Line 1.  When you get to the Cheongnangyi Station,  exit  4 and follow signs to Cheongnangyi Train Station which is located outside the subway station!  It's actually next to the Lotte Shopping Center.

When you get in the station, purchase a ticket to Gapyeong Train Station for 3,800 Won (approx Php152.00) good for one way.  If you don't know where to purchase the tickets, you can always ask the helpful information!

Korea Report: N Tower

"N Tower", previously known as Namsan Tower or Seoul Tower, it is visible almost everywhere you go when you walk around Seoul.  N Tower is located on top of Mt. Namsan and it offers great panoramic view of the whole city!  I don't have fear of heights so I love seeing bird's eye view of a city that I'm in!  I remember back then when I visited Zhuhai City which is a couple of hours away from Guangzhou and I chose to stay at the tallest Hotel in that location just to checkout the view!  Remember how I enjoyed Macau Tower?  

I promised myself that I'll visit N Tower when I get the chance to visit Korea, and dreams do come true!  I chose Myeongdong because it's near N Tower and traveling by taxi won't be that expensive!  Others may like hiking their way up to N Tower but I've decided to save my energy as I've got a couple of plans ahead!  From Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong, we hailed a cab for the rate was approximately 3,800 Won (Php152.00/$3.80).  

I think there are free shuttle buses from hotel or public buses that can take you to the cable car entrance!  You can click HERE to check out more information on how to get there.

When you get to the N Tower Entrance, do not expect to see this right away....

Because, you are just about to go up to the cable car ticketing office to purchase your cable car ticket or, if you are one hiker!  You can hike your way UP to the N Tower.  Of course, I love my legs so much I've decided to give it a break from all the walking!  We purchased tickets instead!

Adult rate with Round trip Cable Car ride: 7,000 Won (approx. Php280.00/$6.37)

Long line on the way up to the cable car station!  Weather's quite nice so it's ok.  Though lines are crazy long, the waiting isn't that long and I found myself enjoying the view of couples' PDA (Public Display of Affection) *laughs*