End of May 2013...time goes so fast!

While some people desire to live in a bustling city (perhaps like Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, NYC, or DC..) - I day dream of our future farm house with goats and chickens while over looking a garden of my own.   For now, I am still stuck in the middle of Seoul. 

I guess the grass looks greener on the other side.

Seoul city hall library display this Month

 ~*



I told you about the "cloth toilet wipes" I use for my #1s (as a woman, we use so much!).

 

Here they are.  I cut up an old bed sheet that was too small.

I cut up the edges like so - no need for stitching. You can invest in a good pair of pinking sheers, it's worth it.

I like them.  They are very comfortable on my delicate skin.  And I no longer have to stress about hunting for the next sale on TP. 

I just throw them in anytime I have my next load of laundry.  No stress. 

No, they don't stink up the bathroom, You can put a small hamper for the wipes after using them.
I don't have the courage to use them for #2s, but some do. I will leave that up to you!

If you have some old good quality sheets - these are so easy to make and use.  You can either cut them up like so, or stitch them however you want.  

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I splurged on some "health food" this month.  I got this honey on sale for around 25,000won (retail price is around 40,000won).  And the price at home(USA) is about $20.  

I feed a spoonful for each of us every day.  We indulge on it like its a special treat.

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I'm eliminating a lot of my "grain" intake lately.  I try to limit myself to only half a rice bowl a day.   Lots of animal fat, meat, veggies and fruit. 

dinner - pork & veggie saute with "dwenjang sauce"

It's getting easier.  The first week was hard. 

I got back on this semi "Paleo diet" because one day, I found myself so bloated after switching to brown rice and not watching what I was eating (having jajangmyun and eating late nights..).  My body reacts to all of that. 

And after learning more about how "grains are anti nutrients" - I'm making some changes in our diet.

I'm also getting rid of all the "veg oil"(cooking oil) - too processed and "bad fat" for our body.  Yes, I like experimenting. 

2 weeks in so far - so far so good. I feel healthier and getting more comfortable being "hungry" and not being as cranky when I don't eat every hour :)



For now,
that is all~*

Still here

Seoul is a lot warmer right now.

My plants are enjoying the stronger rays of sun.. And I am too :)

I have a few new things going on - let's just name a few,

-switched to "cloth toilet wipes" (for pee only!)
-threw out all of my sunscreen products (harmful chemicals)
-therefore, stopped wearing sunscreen
-wash my hair with baking soda and vinegar rinse
-eliminated chemical cleaning supplies - I have baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide now
-much much fewer sugar cravings and intakes

Those are what's been going on for the past month or so. Some of it sounds silly and crazy(?), like cloth wipes, but I'll save that one for another post.

I love learning new things and experimenting!

Easy seaweed soup without meat

Seaweed soup - "miyok gook" is a simple recipe that I try to prepare once a week for its health benefits.

Dried seaweed, onions and soy sauce is all you need!

our staple soup - miyok gook

Preparation:  Soak 1/2 cup of dried seaweed in water (20 minutes~ or until bloated).
Serves 2 bowls or more.

1. Saute 1/2 of an onion(diced) until clear (use good quality oil - grape/olive/sesame oil).
2. Add soaked dried seaweed, saute with the onions for a minute over medium heat.
3. Add 1 TB (tablespoon) of soy sauce and let simmer (low heat) and cover for 3 minutes.
4. Add enough water until consistency of soup desired : I usually add enough water for seaweed to level with water - it's your preference.
5. Cover and boil for 7 minutes - taste & season with 1 tsp of soy sauce or pinch of salt if desired. 

*Adjustsaltiness with salt - too much soy sauce will make it taste "soy saucy."



That is it!  Very easy.  

Using good quality seaweed and ingredients (oil, soy sauce) makes a huge difference.  


I prefer a very chunky hearty seaweed soup with just enough water and less salt.

Food is medicine!

bye bye cherry blossoms

(photo break) cherry blossoms in our apt complex

pretty colors and greens :)

Do not feel safe at night? Tips & Get a Police Escort at night to take you home

Only applicable to Won-Hyo-dong (Yonsan-area) right now, but will be implemented throughout Seoul starting in May.

tv caption : call the number for more info

You can dial the number and a policeman will pick you up, drop you off, and even walk you to your door.

I think the time is after 10pm - please call for more details to be sure.

This police escort will be implemented throughout Seoul starting in May 2013.



*There have been increasing cases of street crimes against women at night.   To combat this growing problem - Seoul is implementing this service - and it's just one of them.

Tips for night safety:

• Do not wear earphones while walking at night.
• Be alert of your surroundings.
• Look back once in a while to see if anyone is following you.
• Avoid getting "too drunk not to be able to walk" - crimes against drunk women alone or in groups are targeted.

I hate to acknowledge that Seoul (Korea) is not what it used to be...  You can no longer trust your cellphone(or bags) to be left alone in public places any longer.

I used to feel safe walking at night 6 years ago - I can't say the same now.

I miss the good old days when there was trust.

One clear case is the problem with Korean rental system, "jeonse"(rental money).  You put a hefty down payment(upto 60% of the value of the property) down for 2 years that will be given back when contract ends.  This is one of the major ways people rent and still do now, but this rental system is being questioned and cautioned such as having the first lien and checking for owners debt..etc.  This new attitude towards renting is being taken after increasing cases of owners running away with this money and not giving it back - I'm talking about a huge sum of money averaging $100,000(more or less) and  just simply disappearing out of sight leaving the tenants broke and sometimes homeless. The real estate crisis in korea is just unraveling and we're bound to see what kind of mess it brings.


Korea is changing fast.






photo credit: tuis via photopin cc
photo credit: Kim Hanwool via photopin cc