Tag Archives: South Korea

Cruiser

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I Forgot how much I enjoyed riding my beach cruiser, or the bike formerly known as Velma. Tonight I rode around most of my evening after work. I had such a cheesy grin on my face too. So happy! It was market day, the temperature has been nice and cool with Fall settling in, plus I needed more fruits for my juicer, what? Okay..I told you I’m a tad bit obsessed! After stuffing my mini backpack full until the zipper was ready to burst, I have decided instead of trying to defy gravity with my bags handing from each handlebar, perhaps I need a basket to accessorize good ol’ Velma?

I was trying to think if there was anything that could possibly make my evening any better.

Having Mr. B along on the ride, oh and a tall glass of sweet white wine!

How are ya digging the truck selling huge king crabs at the market?

 

Juice

Recently We took the plunge and purchased a juicer.

Let me rephrase, I got an extra early Christmas gift from Santa.

Yes, the Hurom Slow Juicer to be exact. The company is from here in South Korea.

I’ve got to let you in on this little gem, I am OBSESSED!

Obsession, pure obsession!

I already look forward to strolling around the local farmers market here in Dongducheon, this just takes that excitement to another level. This week we picked up cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, apples, plums, nectarines, and bananas. YUM! We’ve been juicing every other day since the juicer made its permanent home on our counter.

I used to think yadda, yadda, freshly squeezed juice. REALLY, there is such a difference. The taste is out of this world, not to mention how fresh and nutritious it is. Plus, there is no need to worry about all the sugars and additives that hideout in store bought juices. I’m sold!

Mr. B chuckled and said, “Uh-oh! Look out, juice snob in the making”.

What are your thoughts? Do you have a juicer? Any good recipes to share?

Labor Day Weekend

We survived the typhoon. I apologize for not updating and posting that in a more timely manner. Most of the storm took it’s toll on the southern portion of the peninsula. Thankfully it wasn’t nearly as bad as they had predicted it to be. Unfortunately there were some casualties, our hearts and prayers go out to their families.

I can’t believe I’m saying this already, Friday was the “unofficial” last day of the summer. Labor Day marks we Americans last chance to extend everything we love about the summer months, i.e. wearing white pants, throwing Backyard BBQ’s, doing yard work, watching fireworks, getting in the last beach trips of the season, and the best for last, just our patriotic excuse to get together with family and friends.

Labor Day is quite different in Korea… For starters it’s a US holiday and is not recognized in the Korean culture. The typical patriotic feel from past years being at home isn’t quite there as well.

That’s okay! We took full advantage of the downtime and extended weekend. We quickly realized that it’s you who creates the mood and feel for each holiday or celebration. Near, far, wherever you are. Hope you were able to make the most of it too!

We drove to the East Coast. It seriously looked like Seattle, don’t you agree?

Mr.B enjoyed multiple days of scuba diving.

I tagged along too, read the entire book my best friend sent me in my birthday package. (Thanks again B)

Dug my toes into the sand.

Played with this cute little guy on the beach, well..until it bit me…Eek!

Watched the surfers in the waves, secretly wanting to join…maybe ill work the nerve up sometime in my life.

Ahhh… there is just something so relaxing about the beach!

Speaking of summer lasts… I enjoyed what I believe may be my last potbingsu…

on the beach…

in white short…

Just kidding, I had jean shorts on. Talk about almost enjoying the apoditimy of summer in one sitting. All that was missing was the hum of lawn mowers, the smells of freshly cut grass and burgers on the grill lofting in the air, and fireworks lighting up the sky. For the moment I was reminded of home.

We did grill out the first night at the beach. Our friend Alan is a master grill sergeant! He used a rustic Korean grill..I should have snapped pictures to share with you. When I say rustic I’m talking really, really, rustic. No complaints here, he grilled up really tasty chicken kabobs and we are still alive to tell the tale, HA-HA! I think you would have enjoyed it too, perhaps next time you can join us?

The second night we “grilled” I use the word in quotes because techincally  yes we did grill, however we did it at a Korean BBQ restaurant. Hey! It counts, right? We had a blast story telling and enjoying good food with our friends.

The weather was much cooler these past few days. There is a real sense of Fall in the air. The humidity is slowly moving out of the weather forecast too. You think the weather stopped these diehard divers? Nope. wet suits and smiles is all I witnessed getting on and off the dive boats each day.

Happy Labor Day!

Grab the map coordinates here .

Typhoon Bolaven

We, along with the rest of Korea, have been sitting ducks the past few hours.. helpless, not truly sure what to expect, as we wait for the wrath of Bolaven to hit the peninsula.

The clouds are so dark and moving rather quickly, and the wind continues to pick up by the hour.

Don’t worry too much… we’ve got outstanding company and typhoon reinforcements!

Yes, i’ll admit it… it was us you most likely hear rocking out on rock band.

All jokes aside, there is some serious consideration about  going pro, especially with Mr. J’s vocals on the mic! (Wink, Wink)

Brunch & Bolaven

What’s going on in your part of the world?

It’s Sunday morning here, a tad bit overcast, but I’ve got high hope for the sun to make an appearance today. Unfortunately, the weather is forecasted to take an ugly turn shortly. Yes, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, we’ve got Typhoon Bolaven moving towards our little Korean peninsula. The typhoon is expected to make landfall on/or around the afternoon of August 27th and will continue to move north bringing heavy rain of 50-100 mm. and strong winds. EEK!

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No worries! We’re prepared to hold down our happy abode with plenty of snacker packers ( he-he! that’s for Cassie & Josh). However we are concerned for our dear friends that have been staying with us. They need to catch a flight early in the week out of Korea to their next destination, London. Please send your prayers and good thoughts with them as they continue on with their journey.

Onto the best part of the blog, brunch!

After service today, I spent some time with a new friend, ate amazing food at Craftworks Taphouse & Bistro, and chatted about everything under the sun, or clouds in this case. It was basically a dream.

I snapped quick pictures with my iPhone of the menu so that I can drag Mr.B back the next time. I really liked the hidden back off the street atmosphere, and of course the food! MMMmm MMMmm MMMm!

Vegetarian eggs benedict.

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Just for you, I have included the delicious menu too!  Drool and enjoy!

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Check out the map coordinates here

Scenes From My Birthday Week

My Birthday week involved:

All sorts of fun surprise gift packages in the mail,

pedicures with a dear friend,

Fab-o korean mushroom stew,

So many birthday message notifications on Facebook,

sushi with my love,

A new charm for my bracelet that I had been swooning after for months, (Thank you Beebs!)

Phone calls from my loved ones,

The infamous Snookie birthday card that talks,

the most fabulous work birthday celebration ever! TWO cakes, so naturally, yeah!

TONS of smiles and good laughs,

It was absolutely simple and perfect!

Thank you all again for all of the love and birthday wishes too.

AH! I am very blessed to have you all in my life.

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Love, one very lucky little lady!

 

Truly Wish the Summer Away

Happy Sunday!

It’s still raining on and off and the humidity is still a bit of a buzz kill,

But that’s not getting in the way of my last bit of summer Sundays.

Half of me is incredibly sad to see Summer go so quickly, but the other half is screaming bring on the Fall Season, NOW!

Ahh…imagine, no humidity, less crazy frizzy hair, cool nights without the fan or AC.

Even as I sit here with the fan pointed at me and my messy hair blowing all over the place, I just cannot bring myself to truly wish the summer away.

Just look at all the lush beautiful shades of green that summer brings to us here in Korea.

Today after church I met up with our good friends for lunch at the Yongsan Station. I had a wonderful time! I loved getting to catch up with them both and hear about their recent tropical diving vacation. They two of them looked so refreshed, calm, and cool. Vacations are such a wonderful treat for the mind, body, and soul. They seriously had the post vacation glow!

Unfortunately, Katya had to get scooting to grab the train to her class, so Luis and I decided on some desert…I’ll give you a hint.. starts with a -P- end’s with O-M-G my summer desert obsession.

POTBINGSU!

Come on folks, is there really any other choice.

Nope.. not to me that is.

 Complements of  Cold Stone Creamery.

This was pre-potbingsu taking flight, right Luis? HA-HA! *Wink,Wink*

Free Pass

There is just something about a rainy day that makes me think God is saying You can relax in sweatpants today….

Like a free pass…

Whatever the case,

I’ll take it!

Saturday was pretty relaxed and low-key for me (Mrs. B).  The rain came and went all day.

Not to draw attention to my alien toes… but, do you like the color of the toenails? I went with my dear friend and had a girls night. I let the young Korean girl who did them pick my color. I think its fun! I will have to blog about that entire experience soon.

I shared the quiet apartment with Miss Bean. Isn’t she just the cutest?

(Enter crazy cat lady section of the blog).

Mr. B went diving on the East Coast. Oh yes!  Like a proud little wife I have to congratulate him on his latest achievement on becoming certified as a Dive Master. You have no idea how hard this man has worked and studied to obtain this! I admire the drive and dedication he has, just one of the many reasons I love him so very much.

Okay, Okay… Enough of my mushy mushy.

I picked up a small gift that I wanted to give our friends tomorrow. I dawdled in the rain a bit to a Korean kitchen supply store near our place. I knew what I wanted in my mind, surprisingly I was able to find something fairly similar.

I got really crafty and used a paper Lotte Mart bag to wrap it up. Hey! reduce, reuse, recycle….oh no..it’s official… I’ve  been in Korea way to long.

How was your Saturday? Do you ever wrap gifts in crazy papers or materials?

Just curious… 

Air Conditioners and Fans

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For the past few weeks, everywhere you go, the air conditioners and fans have been cranked. South Korea, like much of the world, has been battling extreme summer temperatures.

Finally! When least expected…Some relief!

Today after work, we Bees joyful trekked through each room of our house to triumphantly open every window, as if to say, ‘woo-hoo! we’ve made it!” “Take that mother nature.”..well..for now.

How’s the weather where you are? Are you still trying to beat the heat?