{TV Talk} You From Another Star (별에서 온 그대)

Here's the quick synopsis. Don't laugh, it works a lot better than you'd think. Kim Soo Hyun is Do Min Joon, an alien who came to earth 400 years ago during the Joseon dynasty. He ages differently than humans do, so he still looks like a K-pop star gone global at the Grammy's young in the present. Because he gets sick mixing with human saliva (like sharing food or lips), and because it's obviously hard to be lifelong friends with people who age while you don't, Min Joon is a loner. A loner who's 400 years rich and teaches some confusing college class as a brilliant, Harvard-educated professor. He's every bit the 400 year old grumpy pants old man too, which is totally comedic. Anyhow, on the female side of this love story is Jun Ji Hyun as the biggest Hallyu star ever, Chun Song Mi. She's so big her face is on this super expensive billboard that she can see from her apartment window. She gets away with being a diva because she's the big star. Netizens love her as much as they mock her. Her ego is so big, it is both her downfall and the perfect coupling with Min Joon's crankiness. This story mixes the alien plot, a murder plot, and the highs and lows of celebrity life all wrapped up into this epic love story between an alien who's ready to go home and a Hallyu star who hasn't felt home since childhood. 

Before I finally watched this show, I heard so much about it! I mean, it made a little appearance on Wendy Lookbook's Favorites videos. I don't even know the last time my K-drama world and fashion blog world crossed over! I had heard about the Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun's chemistry on The Thieves, and, of course, I know Ji Hyun from My Sassy Girl (which I actually only just watched in May!). I also knew, though, that this was an SBS drama, 1-1 1/2 hours long, and 20ish episodes. Considering I was just coming off the "I Need Romance" franchise from tvN, I was still in the midst of enjoying a raunchier, quicker side to Korean dramas. However, I tend to trust dramabean's reviews, so I dove into this drama with skeptical but high hopes...

...And I got exactly what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, this drama is absolutely fantastic. It's really me, I promise. I've grown more skeptical of love stories over the years. Sixteen-year-old me would have reacted to this show quite differently than twenty-two-year-old me. The drama was absolutely hilarious, and I really felt every time Ji Hyun or Soo Hyun cried. However, drama, I've got some serious questions! I can't buy into the epic love and the ending without knowing the answers:

• What are we gonna do when Ji Hyun ages and Soo Hyun stays the same alien forever?
• They talk about babies, but, excuse me, dude can't even kiss without getting deathly ill! How are they going to make babies?!
• I'm so confused over his return/not return/worm hole portion. I just don't get it. Like, at all. Some explanation would be nice, especially because you had more than enough time! 
• Seriously, the sex part? How are you going to explain that?
• And Park Hae Jin's character. Seriously? I would have preferred him being with Yoo In Na over still being Ji Hyun's right hand man. I mean, she's obviously never going to separate from Ji Hyun.
• So this wormhole thing. Is he ever going to not go to it? What happens exactly when he's there? Why did he never return to his star/planet?
• Explain these babies that they may or may not have! 

Over all, though, it's a beautiful drama. I don't know that I fell as hard for it as others, but I definitely enjoyed it.I think I'm too jaded (or I skipped ahead and watched to make sure they got together at the end -cough-) because I found the crying to be a bit much by the end even if it did pull at my dead heart strings. I loved all the characters, even the crazy murderer in Shin Sung Rok. Speaking of which, I'm slowly making my way through "Trot Lovers" and "Fated to Love You," both of which are making my life. This is the first time I'm watching shows as they air on television and not binge watching, and I kind of hate it even if it keeps me from staying up until 4 a.m....

xoxo,

Samantha Elisabeth

[Style Files] In My Bag

My bag is actually quite messy right now, so I thought I'd do more of a cleaned up version of what's inside of it! Yes, if you remember, I fell in love with the MK Selma this time last year, and I got her as my big Christmas present. She was pretty unused during the spring semester as I needed more totes than purses at school, but now that I'm becoming an adult, I use her just about every day. She's perfect in case you were wondering, and I absolutely love how well saffiano leather holds its shape. I also am not a big brand person, so I like that the Michael Kors is written discretely across the top. Anyhow, here's what's inside.

• A pink Kate Spade wallet- Mine is a little different as it's from the Kate Spade Outlet. I'm not into being matchy-matchy with my purse and the inside accessories, and I prefer to complement it actually. Since my bag is such a neutral color, I opted for a fun color in my wallet (after all I'm the only one to see it!) instead of something boring. I also really like the organization of my wallet on the inside.
• A Lilly Pulitzer agenda- Just got it! After my old one ended last December, I got a big one from Target for the year, but I found that it was too big for everyday life (especially post-grad). I wanted to get the Trippin and Sippin print, but since my local store didn't have, I got the Lilly Lovers one in Large. Any other size is either too big or too small, so I find this one's perfect for me! Plus I love the attention the designers put into the agendas from the sticker 
• Eat, Pray, Love- I'm a really slow reader... Loving the book so far! 
• Gum- Always. I'm such a gum addict sometimes. 
• Water- I feel like I'm always thirsty, even when I'm fully hydrated. I always have water on hand somehow or another, and I feel like I'm dying when I forget it.
• Pens- I always have a pack of pens or at least one floating around my purse. I keep them in this little case usually so they don't stain in the inside of the bag.
• Michael Kors Sicily aviators- I have them in gold, and they're only aviators I've found that fit my face well enough! You can see me wearing them on my About page. I keep them in a hard case, FYI. 
• iPhone 4S- Since I lost my phone last fall, my replacement came in the form of an iPhone 4S. It will actually be a lot easier to transfer my phone to a Korean SIM card this way. When I was in the J.Crew Factory Outlet earlier this summer, I picked up a cute little phone case for like 4 bucks, but I can't find a picture of it online. 
• EOS lip balm- How cute are these things? 

That's it! What do you keep in your purse?

Healthy Cookies

Today was one of my days off, and I found this little recipe on Pinterest. It was weird because the recipe was the description for the pin, but the link was to a different recipe entirely (one that was more involved). Being the lazy baker that I am, I opted for the easiest directions and went from there.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup of quick oats
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (I used a little less because I ran out!)
• 1 spoonful of peanut butter,

Directions:

1. Mash everything together in the bowl.
2. Spoon onto a baking sheet.
3. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Easy, right? They're super tasty. I may or may not have eaten all of mine over the course of the day!

By the way, I finally ran 2 miles straight at about 10:00 a mile! For someone who simply is the worse at running endurance or speed (seriously, put me on an elliptical or an incline power walk, and I can go for days! But running...Nope!), this is a huge feat! I didn't even need to watch a TV show while doing it.

[The Boss Life] Angie & Helene

I'm so excited to introduce the very first interview of this series! Angie and I worked together when I was still going to school down in Maryland, and (of course) we followed each other on Instagram around when I left. I knew Angie had a photography business in Annapolis (a very successful one at that), so I was intrigued when she started posting about a new Instagram, @helene_usa (now @shophelene). This was back in April, and there was no store link just yet, so I followed the Instagram, waiting to see if the store would appear. I'm a total sucker for stacked bracelets and the whole #armcandy phenomenon, so I jumped for joy as soon as I saw the post about the Etsy store opening up. I contacted Angie and asked her if she knew who the owner of Helene was, and if she/he would be willing to do an interview for this blog. She then revealed that Helene was actually her! She was kind enough to give me all the introductory details about this new jewelry business and what makes Helene stand out from the rest.

"I grew up in Palm Beach, Florida," she begins as she describes her background leading up to jewelry design. "The atmosphere there is so relaxed and luxe. It's contagious. I have always loved fashion, accessories, movies, and media-- anything that would allow me to have a creative outlet. I attended Full Sail University with a major in film as well as received my MBA. Soon after I moved to the Washington, DC metropolitan area to become a freelance fashion photographer shooting for a numerous designers, magazines, and dignitaries." Her photography business covers all that is chic in the DC Metro area--weddings, events, restaurants, fashion and lifestyle magazines, and much more. 

Like many of us in the Northeast, Angie found herself with a bit more free time with the Polar Vortex making it too cold do to much of anything else. "...I needed an outlet for my creative energy. I began to envision and create a brand that is all at once casual and chic. Pieces that need no special occasion to be worn; at the beach, by the pool, or an evening out on the town with the girls. The juxtaposition of fine metals with the natural, unadulterated stones make them very unique." Some of my personal favorites are the mixtures of white jade and gold, turquoise and silver, and the blue lapis and gold. She continues, adding that the process, "like any experiment of sorts, has had a lot of trial and error." She cites the "solicitation of opinions from friends and loved ones" in the initial creations and ideas.

On naming this new brand, Angie combined her grandmother's name (Helen) with her own full name (Angeline). "She has always encouraged me to take the road less traveled and to never shy away from a challenge. She told me to accept inspiration-- no matter where it may come from." 

"It has been incredibly fun and rewarding creating a wide variety of pieces that are high quality, statement pieces and have something that fits every personality," she says. On near future plans for Helene, Angie is unsure at the moment. "My mind is always moving, thinking of new designs and materials. However, there are definitely a lot of exciting and beautiful things in store!" She hopes that as the business grows, it becomes a household name, and that she can create a loyal customer base that will find pieces "to make them feel as beautiful as they are." 

Angie has hit the ground running with Helene thus far. After having a model contest, she just shot a gorgeous USA-themed shoot (as you can see in the pictures) to showcase the vibrant colors of her first round of bracelets. In addition to finding a place on Etsy, her pieces can also be found at Way Off the Beaten Path in downtown Annapolis, MD. I personally already have the wrap and 4 gold bar bracelet in tan and gold, and I wear them basically every day. Angie recommends wearing her bracelets stacked, of course! She loves to mix different colors and textures to create a new look and statement for each outfit. 

Check out Angie's personal website HERE.

Helene's Shop HERE.

Helene's Instagram HERE.

Hope you all become as big of fans as I have!

12. Set-up an Ebay store to sell all old clothes (or Etsy).

I finally took all the pictures and uploaded them all to E-bay! If you'd like anything, check 'em out! 

Buy Here

[TV Talk] The Shows I'm Gonna Miss

This post is coming a bit late (considerably after all these shows have been announced as no-gos!), but as a sitcom-lover, I thought I'd share some of the TV shows I'm really gonna miss in the Fall line up next year. I found them to be funny, witty, and over all entertaining (with a character whose style I'd like to emulate...). These are shows that have been cancelled for whatever reason or another.

Friends with Better Lives

Does anyone else feel like this show didn't even get a chance to find its voice before CBS axed it? It was an odd concept, and I know I saw the main complaint as too much emphasis on sex jokes (which, really, stop being so conservative). I love James Van Der Beek (ever since the "Don't Trust" shenanigans), and I'm sad to see another sitcom of his get cancelled so soon. I though the cast had good chemistry, and it really just needed to find its pacing (the "engaged couple" was a little fast for the pilot!) in the comedy. Over all, though, I thought it had hope! CBS, you gave it like four episodes! 

Trophy Wife

At least you got a full season... I absolutely LOVED this show! I thought it was so funny, and I thought the whole cast was strong in their performances, even the goofy kids. How on earth did this not get renewed, ABC? From the summary alone, it seems like a hard sell (i.e. How are we gonna make the dad not look kinda sleezy and the newest wife not a gold digger?), and they pull it off beautifully. I thought Pete and Kate were pretty cute together, and the two ex wives hilarious in their own right.

The Crazy Ones

WHY? WHY? WHY? This was such a funny show! I enjoyed the antics and the over all ridiculous factor. I loved all the characters, all the scenarios, all the Robin Williams... And the bloopers at the end were such a nice touch. I'm going to miss this show so much! It was one of the few shows I had to watch at the proper time every week instead of waiting to watch online later. 

Not Gonna Miss

• Mixology- Cute idea, bad execution, cliched ending. It might have been cuter as a romcom movie, but as a TV show it got boring. People get tired of seeing actors in the same clothes for weeks no matter how much we all wished we could pull off that red dress.
• Super Fun Night- I lasted two episodes with this. It was just weird, and it reeked of sadness underneath the comedy. 
• Bad Teacher- One episode. Oh my gosh, the movie wasn't even that great and that had the charm of Cameron Diaz. What made people think turning it into a TV show was going to be a good idea?
• Enlisted- I wanted to like this show, but I just don't think I ever got into it. All it really had was the cute leading actors and the occasional funny remark. It had promise, but whoever was in charge let it get all over the place. With tighter editing over the script and plot (AND DETAILS), it might have had a better chance.

What are you going to miss come fall?

[Style Files] Statement Necklace Shopping

So, one of the ways I'm preparing for this year in South Korea is going through my clothes to figure out, "What should I bring?" In all honesty, I'm probably not going to make a trip home for the whole year (a plane ticket can be upwards of $2,000 for me!), and shipping to SK is expensive (as discovered by the  $56 charge to ship paperwork weighing all of .3 lb through FedEx...), so I don't want to have to have things shipped to me from the States. Additionally, of course, Koreans are skinny little people, and thus I will be huge, much too big for the sizing there. If I could barely find anything during my summer after freshman year, I'm definitely not gonna find anything now. So, a lot of advanced packing! I'm making a list and working on minimalism in terms of layering potential and wear and tear durability, but over all I know I'm going to want to have some style while I'm there! Cue statement necklaces!

Actually, finding fun jewelry isn't so much of a concern as finding my size, but I'm going to be tight on cash my first month since I'll be living off my savings, so I want to go in with my wardrobe ready to go. I've been eyeing some of these Forever 21 necklaces (all around $10 or less) because they look simple but interesting. Plus, if they break in SK or I lose them, I won't be as upset as if I had shelled out around $50 for them. I just love the idea of pairing them with a simple button down and pencil skirt to spruce the outfit up!

What do you think? I know I'm going to bring quite a bit of fun jewelry with me as that's the easiest way to change up my outfits. I'm getting so excited as the time gets closer!

[In the Mix]: July 2014

I think I'm going to try to do this monthly since I listen to music constantly and am always either finding new songs to listen to or rediscovering old ones! If you can't tell, I'm all over the place with my music tastes. Again, this is another illustration from Inslee! I used this one because it's what I picture myself doing in July--barefoot in a pair of denim cut offs taking in the ocean breeze while my toes sink into the sand. I don't think I'll be making it to the beach this summer, but I can always imagine myself there. 

"Quit Playing"- Ah! I could have honestly filled up this playlist with all their main hit songs since it took me until now to realize how awesome U-Kiss is! This was their most recent song, and I absolutely love it. I wish I had become a fan a little earlier, because you know I would've been up in NYC in the middle of that polar vortex to see them perform (though I wouldn't have waited outside just to give them high-fives...I don't do cold that well). I feel like the dance and the music video were talked about more than the actual song because the video was scandalous (not really!). You can watch it and decide for yourself. It's definitely mature for the K-pop world (then again, a world that made a song like "Hugs" by TVXQ a hit....), and I laughed at a couple of the reaction videos from K-fans. Anyhow, the song is fantastic and easy to listen to!

"Girls Chase Boys"- I just love Ingrid, and I love this song. "The Way I Am" is still on my shuffle playlists. I also kind of love songs that are a little bit sad but with an upbeat tempo... I don't know why.

"Day 1"- BEST SUMMER SONG OF 2014!!! The video makes me all kinds of gooey inside, and I'm excited K.Will finally gets to make a real appearance in his own video! The line that makes me laugh the most is when he sings, "I'm the best looking of all the average men." Ha ha. But seriously, watch the video. I dare you not to wish new romance was like this. His live performances are adorable as well!  

"Live Your Life"- Because, how can you not be happy listening to this song?"Breathe"- I feel like this song gets flack for missA, but it's one of my favorites. They came with this stronger, sexier image with the debut single, "Good Girl, Bad Girl," but this song is just pure fun. And the beat is addictive. 

"Solo Day"- I've loved this group since "Baby, Good Night." This is such a lazy, summery song, and it's fantastic. The video is so absurdly cute too, so watch if it you have a chance. Baro is definitely my favorite, and that was before his stint in "Reply 1994." You just don't expect that rapping voice to come out of his mouth and then BAM! 

"Favorite Girl"- Such an easy, calm song. And it's pretty cute. I'm so much more receptive to gooey love songs in the summer than any other season of the year.

"Latch"- This is the greatest song everrrrr, and I can't believe it took me so long to get into it. Sam Smith's voice is pure gold, and this is a great going out song. Because, you know, I'm doing so much of that in Pottstown.

"Heartbeats"- Another calmer song. Just a nice listen, particularly closer to night time or when you're falling asleep in the car. 

"Mr. Ambiguous"- Why isn't Mamamoo bigger in Korea? This song is amazing and so is their pre-debut effor with K. Will, "Peppermint Chocolate." It oozes that flirtatiousness and is utterly mature in it sound. There is no room for cutesy, aegyo here.

"Perfect Two"- Again with the cheesy but perfect love songs! This one has lines like "You're the apple to my pie, the straw to my berry." I love her voice--it's kind of lighter if that makes sense. I swear I'm in love or anything either! 

"Deezy Daisy"- I searched for this song after vaguely remembering the chorus, and I finally rediscovered it when I realized Tone It Up was using it in their Bikini Series videos. Such an addictive song, and it practically shouts summer at you. It always makes me want to put a daisy crown on and dance out in some field at sunset or just go to a pool party.

"Falling for You"- I know, you're wondering, "Sam, why don't you put her fabulous new song, 'Try,' on this playlist?" Because I discovered "Try" after I made this! And, I know you're also thinking, "Wow, you weren't kidding about this lovey song crap." Listen, I eat this stuff up in the summer! It's just so cute and the thought keeps my little romantic hope bubble afloat.

"Life is Rosy"- I dare you not to go skipping outside of your house, smiling ear to ear, after listening to this song.

"Be My Escape"- Some oldies on the list! I just got into this song again, and I love how clever the lyrics and rhyme choices are. 

"I Think I'm in Love With You"- I'll be a J.Simpson fan for life. I invested too much time in her back in the J&N days not to have a soft spot for her. Plus her issues with weight (especially compared to her height) are things that hit me too when I was a teenager (and now!). Besides, her shoes are the absolute best.

"Rise Up"- Because this is just the nicest song. And Diane Birch's voice is perfect.

There you have it! What's on your playlist for July?

[The Boss Life] Introduction

Welcome to a new series of Samantha Elisabeth! As I'm growing this blog and trying to tap into different interests, I've been brainstorming and putting together ideas to share more than just my Instagram feed or random thoughts. This is the first official series that I really wanted to get off the ground because as someone in her early twenties, I know what it's like to be a little uncertain about your career. By interviewing these individuals and learning more about their businesses and how they started, I hope to learn and, furthermore, share what I have discovered with all of you. These people can be recent graduates like myself or full fledged business owners. The important factor is that they love what they're doing, and they don't dread going to work each day. 

A note on the video! Did anyone else watch "Ugly Betty" when it was on? I loved that show in all its zaniness, but nothing caught my attention and stuck with me quite like the ending scene when Betty's working in London and, basically, being the amazing person she was growing into the last four seasons. I remember I watched that ending scene, and a part of me knew I wanted a snapshot of my future career life to look something like it. 

Anyhow, the first interviewee will be Angie Myers with her brand new company, Helene USA! Here's a sneak peak:

I began to envision and create a brand that is all at once casual and chic. Pieces that need no special occasion to be worn; at the beach, by the pool or an evening out on the town with the girls.

P.S. Yes, this would be #68 on my 101 in 1,001 days list!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

I will be teaching English in the Jeonbuk province of South Korea starting in September!  I can't wait to learn more about where I'll be living. I've missed SK so, so, so much, and I'm so excited to return. 

[The Insta Life] Midsummer

Is it just me, or is summer flying by? I went to write the date the other day, and I was surprised at having to write a "7" instead if a "6." Anyhow, my summer has been pretty uninteresting/calm relatively speaking. I have managed to get a little traveling in, albeit mostly by car (which is the worst!). Otherwise, I've been working, trying not to spend, and trying to save for this upcoming fall (more to come soon, hopefully!). Also, I've been trying to get a healthier lifestyle with working out and, over all, eating better. It seems to be working, bit by bit, and I can feel it in my clothes and the different floor exercises I do when I work out. I'll go into that more when I'm nearing the end of my weightloss/get healthier journey! Anyhow:

1. Grilled is so much better. My mom made these a while ago on the grill, and they were so delicious. It was so easy to make with veggies and chicken. I'm so picky about how my chicken is prepared (more often than not, it's too dry for me), but this was perfect.
2. Haute Chocolate... I said over all healthy haha. This white chocolate milkshake was definitely a treat, and it was so good. If you're ever in West Reading, PA, stop by Haute Chocolate and get a shake! So worth it.
3. My poor dog... My mom got my dog this haircut in the beginning of the summer, and it was pretty awful. Like think of that time you got the worst haircut of your life and multiply by 1,000. She's still growing out her fur!
4. Father's Day Breakfast...I'm such a breakfast person! We went to this diner near my house for some Father's Day breakfast before i had to go to work. I'm always the person who looks for that big breakfast deal (2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, 2 pancakes, etc) because I love it so much.
5. Harrisburg! I finally visited Harrisburg, even if it was for like an hour. I had to get some paperwork done up there, and it was faster/easier to just drive than mail it all in. If it hadn't have been raining, I would have tried to stick around, but sadly it was pretty gross out, so I got in and out as quickly as possible! I did snap a picture of the main building, though.
6. Bowling... A weekend or so ago, I went with my siblings to celebrate one of my cousin's birthdays, and we went bowling! Let's just say I was never quite meant for the sport...Also my nails got seriously ruined!
7. Sunset over the Potomac... Just one of the shots I got form the Kennedy Center terrace of the sunset. Did I mention I'm obsessed with sunsets?
8. Bimbimbap... A better look at the food I got with Nikki when I was in DC. Instead of beef, I had spicy pork on mine. 
9. My Helene USA bracelet! More on this too come in the next week or so! I'm obsessed, and you can check her out on etsy! Such cute jewelry, high quality, and everything is Made in the USA.

Summertime Inspiration

Hi all! Currently recovering from July Fourth Weekend. While you all were out with friends and family drinking Natty Boh on the beach while watching fireworks and wearing red, white, and blue in the most creative ways possible, I was working every closing shift at work! Suffice to say, I was exhausted by Sunday night, catatonic all Monday on my day off, and finally getting back into it today. I'm planning some fun posts for the blog coming up, so stay tuned! In the meantime I'm dreaming of vacationing in the some European countryside looking like an Asian Brigitte Bardot. I've been scouring my tumblr to save some pictures for inspiration, and I've collected quite a bit of Bardot in the summer inspiration.

The hair. The gingham. The skirts.... 

[All pictures nabbed from my tumblr!]

Trip to DC (Again!)

This trip was one of those where everything seemed to line-up perfectly! I managed to wrangle in one of my sisters, Aly, and her boyfriend to join me for this concert benefiting InsideNK and featuring the Ahn Trio at the Kennedy Center Sunday night around Thursday night/ Friday morning. Then my long awaited background check came in Saturday, and I happened to have brunch with my 3G who invited me to crash on her couch in DC so I didn't have to drive so much. By the time I was running out of work at 4 on Sunday, I had plans to be in the city (well, in the metro area!) from Sunday evening to Tuesday around lunch. Heavy traffic made the car ride closer to 4 hours on both ends, but it was so worth it! I got to the Kennedy Center with only missing a few of the opening remarks, and since it was held on the terrace level, we got to see the most beautiful view of the Potomac and the city at sunset during the intermission.

I also took advantage of being able to be near Korean food and ate it not once but twice! I met up with another sister, Nikki, and we went to Cafe Kimchi to get some Bimbimbap. Oh, how I've missed you... I also grabbed some Korean Fried Chicken (in soy garlic sauce!) at Banchon with my 3G before I left on Tuesday. It was a blast just hanging out and getting out of Pottstown for a change. I'm definitely a city girl through and through, and I can't wait to be in one!

Definitely recommend both places. My Korean food needs are satisfied for the time being (well, at least not as bad as they have been!). Hope everyone has a fun Fourth Weekend! I'll be working, of course!