Love, Mom and Dad

Sweet Sagewort leaves

Sis and I got a care package from home. 

A stern nod to all those who have snarky Korean parents.

Hwang Jin Yi

Hwang Jin Yi (2007)

This movie was popping up on my Netflix suggestion list for a while so I decided to give it a try. I honestly wasn't expecting much since I was used to Song Hyae-Kyo and her okay acting skills in cutesy Korean dramas. Her demure and poised, yet headstrong character of Lady Jin-Yi reminded me of Chia Chi (played by Tang Wei) in Lust, Caution (2007). Both characters use their bodily and feminine charm to lure men and advance personal and political agendas. I don't think Song Hyae-Kyo captured her character's emotional depth as well as Tang wei did in Lust, Caution especially during the bedding scenes. This is maybe, in part, due to the fact that the love scenes in Lust, Caution were far more explicit and Tang Wei simply had more screen time to express Chia Chi's twisted love and emotional turmoil. In fact, Hwang Jin Yi wasn't as explicit or racy as other Korean romantic historical films like Untold Scandal (2003) A Frozen Flower (2008), and The Servant (2010). For once, the film didn't exploit a famous Korean actress and her 'peep show', so to speak.

The love story actually weighs down the film. The plot is most interesting when Nom-yi, Jin-yi's lover, actually leaves and Lady Jin-yi successfully starts a new life as Myung-wol, a commoner. She is a true heroine who uses her looks, wits, and charm to establish her place in a merciless society. Then, Nom-yi comes back and his attempt to become a Robin Hood-esque hero only leads to a tragedy. In the end, Jin-yi is a fallen heroine, simply a romantic who spiritually reunites with her lover. 

Despite the frustrating love plot and cheesy lines regarding 'rebirth' that makes one cringe, the movie overall was beautifully done. I especially recommend it to those who wish to understand the dynamics of the Confucian class system in the Joseon dynasty. 

Bethesda Brunch

After Sunday service, sis and I grabbed a quick bite at Le Pain Quotidien. 

Bethesda Lane

We browsed through the boutiques in the area to digest before dessert.

Yogiberry 

 I'm terrible at decorating frozen yogurt. 

We found a thrift store called Mustard Seed near Bethesda station.

I gave in and bought these earrings. 

The stones remind me of gel nails. I love the glossy finish.

I'm trying to figure out the name of this type of stone.

Any ideas?

Sunday outfit of the day ♥

Adams Morgan

My sister took me to Adams Morgan the other day so I can finally come across some fellow hipsters in the DC area. 

I haven't seen a single one around here yet. 

Everyone seems very preppy and tailored. 

Should have went easy on the ethnic bling and garb. 

Kale and Chai.

Healthy smoothies that nourish and cool off the heat!

I found this gorgeous peacock maxi skirt at an Indian clothing store. 

25 dollars. Not a bad price.

I'm thinking of ways to style it without looking like a gypsy psychic.

I'll probably wear it with a simple black tank top and accessorize with bangles and earrings.

Perfect for a breezy summer night ★

Flourless Cupcakes

I live two minutes away from Whole Foods now and passing through their sliding doors has become the highlight of my day.
I went three times today to browse and shop. 

They have all the ingredients I need for my flourless baking experiments. 

I couldn't find any of these ingredients near my college town before.

The cupcakes in this book are moist and have just the right amount of sweetness.

The chocolate batch makes nine cupcakes and prevents overindulging.

(Most batches yield 12+ cupcakes.)

I'm following the book for now but soon I'll be making my own variations.

Saying goodbye to sugary coffee shop pastries.

Can't wait to bake more ♥