To My Superior Vietnamese Boyfriend

Today, Corey and I are halfway to our third year together.

I could not imagine a more supportive and loving partner who knows when to push me and when to comfort me. It's a blessing to have him in my life. We're about to go through our last year at our respective schools, and I am excited to see where the next step takes us.

I was trying to put together a longer write-up of what he means to me, but I believe Emeli Sande sings it better:

Aspiring Kitchen Goddess: Kale and Strawberry Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

I've had this nagging thought lately that's telling me that maybe I should make a conscious choice to eat healthier. I'm not unhealthy, but I'm not in the best health of my life, either. I feel like I should be. I don't eat nearly as much fruits and vegetables as I should. I blame it on my busy schedule which doesn't leave me much time for cooking or shopping for good food. When I get hungry, I go to the nearest vending machine or school cafeteria and buy whatever's cheap.

So because I knew I would have a sliver of time this week for shopping, I followed that nagging thought all the way to Trader Joe's. I bought a bunch food including kale, strawberries, pasta, feta cheese, turkey bacon, extra virgin olive oil, raspberry vinaigrette, and cocoa almond spread for sandwiches. I'm going to make two dishes with them, and I'm sharing the first one here.

Kale and Strawberry Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

This was extremely easy and quick to make. I took as much kale as I wanted from the bag, sliced the strawberries, and drizzled the vinaigrette on top. The result is a fresh and bright salad that's perfect for a quick lunch. I wanted to add some slivered almonds, but that shit's expensive.

I didn't realize this, but kale is really bitter! It tastes like I would imagine a tree would taste. Any tree. Fortunately, I had enough strawberries and vinaigrette to cover up the bitterness. I'm definitely going to cook and flavor my kale in the future.

Stay tuned for my next dish!

Spring Break Shopping Damage

I had the afternoon all to myself today, and I decided to do some shopping. The jury's still out on whether or not that was a good idea, but these are today's finds:

Necklace: Target (similar here and here)

Top: Express via TJ Maxx

Crazy Awesome Deal: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush for 75% Off!

I was browsing my neighborhood Albertson's during a study break when I came across an insane deal on Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush. They were on clearance for $2.12 each, down from the original price of $8.49. Seeing as how they were insanely cheap, I knew I couldn't just walk away empty-handed!

So I spent 15 minutes squatting at the makeup aisle trying to pick the three best shades. Time well spent, because I ended up saving $19.11.

Clockwise from top: Rose Petal, Peach Satin, Hot Tamale

I can't wait to test them out! I'm not sure if all Albertson's stores are having this clearance, but maybe you should swing by the makeup aisle if you happen to visit one today. 

How My Hair Got Its Groove Back: Garnier Fructis Product Reviews

Remember when I bought the Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Conditioner and the Moroccan Oil?

Well, I wanted to wait several weeks before writing a review because I needed to give the products time to really affect my hair in some noticeable way. Now I can finally tell you guys how my hair has changed for the better thanks to these two products!

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Dryness Reversal Treament

This product name is a mouthful, but it's quite the miracle worker. For about two weeks leading up to its purchase, my hair inexplicably became really dry and coarse. I thought it was because I had been using the flatiron too much, but I still can't pinpoint the real reason.

Anyway, it only took me a week of using the conditioner every day to notice the results. I could feel my hair become smoother, and I could actually see the shine return to my hair. The funny thing is, it restored the shine that had been long gone from my hair before it even dried out. So I really fell deep in love with this product, and I can't find any reasons to complain.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment

Seriously, what's up with the super long product names, Garnier?

Initially, I was really hesitant to try this product because of my naturally oily hair. I tend to get really greasy at the top of my head, and intentionally adding oil to it didn't seem like the smartest idea. To my surprise, though, the treatment has never made my hair look extra oily or greasy at all. The trick is knowing the right amount and the right areas to apply the oil. I have thick, chest-length hair, and a nickel-sized amount of oil is enough when it's applied on the shaft and the tips of my hair.

The oil is great for when you want to use heat to style your hair; it prevents the hair from looking dull and drying out. Plus, it makes your hair smell like you've been to the salon!

Overall, I'm really really happy with both products. They brought my hair back to health!

For Walking the Concrete Jungle: Christian Siriano for Payless Leopard Pumps

I'm back! I definitely made it a goal to blog more this past winter break, but my January turned out to be much busier than I expected. I started a new job and ended up driving back and forth to L.A. almost every night for summer recruiting. My poor car racked up so many miles this month.

Anyway! I had some extra cash a few weeks ago, and I decided to buy the Christian Siriano for Payless La Femme pumps in leopard. I tried on the black patent leather version at the store but was really conflicted. On the one hand, it was my exact size and could work for professional events. On the other hand, the 4-inch heels are actually a little too high for work.

I settled on leopard because I wanted something that stands out from my shoe collection. Plus, it's also a good "neutral" color :P

Black, Beige, and Red All Over

What a difference a day makes. I was enjoying a nice day in Burbank in Ikea and Porto's with my friend before we came back to the freeezing park to take pictures (funny story later). It was windy, cold, and miserable at the park, but I really wanted to showcase the beautiful top. Anything for fashion, am I right?

By the time I got home, I felt so ill and feverish. My doctor prescribed azithormycin this morning, which I only have to take once a day for five days. It's like he knew I'm a busy girl. 감사합니다, Dr. Yoo! The next time I'm outside when it's cold and windy, I'm keeping my jacket on. :x

I also lost my glasses at the park, and we spent probably twenty minutes just tracing our steps using only our cell phones for light. As a last resort, I asked some kids who were playing basketball nearby to help me, and, within seconds, one of them found them at the bench which I had examined three times. I knew I just needed a fresh pair of eyes to help me look. Alfonso, if you're reading this, THANK YOU!