Thursday, July 31, 2014

A Week in Food

I Love Food.

I mean who doesn't right? 
I cook every single day and I was originally going to share with you all a very easy garlic bread recipe that I tried out last week, but I realized that I made a lot of good food in general in the past week, so I thought that I would share it all. 

Lunch is where I can be creative because I usually am the chef in charge (and by that I mean I get to do whatever I want with whatever we have in the kitchen, and my mom usually have to deal with it and eat my food). When I was on Youtube the other day, I came across a load of Asian food DIY videos and became really, really intrigued. This dish especially caught my attention because it was easy to make and it had everything that I liked in it: Chicken, Eggs, and Rice; so I decided to make Omurice, with my own twist of course. 


I made this version of Omurice by doing everything you would with regular fried rice, but instead of rice, I substituted it in with quinoa, which is a much healthier and IMO just as delicious alternative. I also added some Korean hot pepper paste for some extra sweetness and kick. It was delicious! You can find a good and easy Omurice recipe here.

Next on the list of delicious foods are these divine and EXTRA simple garlic bread rolls. These were the easiest yet the most delicious bread that I have ever made, and they were from scratch! If you are like me and often have trouble with rising the dough, this recipe is almost fool proof. I found it on Pinterest and I didn't really tweak the recipe at all. 

Recipe from The Recipe Critic 

Look at these delicious babies. They were truly to die for. So soft yet chewy on the inside. I have no words, you have to try it for yourself!


 After I tied the dough into double knots because I cut my dough too long, I let them proof a bit just before they go into the oven. 

And here they are out of the oven, drenched in garlic, butter, and olive oil. Delicious. 


Sometimes I binge watch episodes of Diners Drive ins and Dive and crave cheesy and heavy comfort food, but other times, I crave tradition, so on the past Friday, my Mom and I decided to make some Chinese style homemade dumplings. Everything was made from scratch. I was in charge with the wrapper while she prepared the napa cabbage and pork filling. 


Here you can see my Mom just killin' it. These were so delicious. And the best part is the extras could be frozen and cooked at any time later! 


Hope this was interesting for you to encounter! Let me know what your food cravings are and what you like to eat on the daily!

Happy Thursday!

Grace

Monday, July 28, 2014

Look of the Day: Take a Breath

Check Me Out On Lookbook

Surprise surprise... here I am with another all black outfit! 

I went to the farmer's market in this outfit and I must say, I miss the feeling of wearing flowy dresses! I would say that overall, I'm not the biggest dress person. Unlike what some people might say: a dress is a lazy outfit that looks great, in my opinion, it gives me less room to play up my look. However, you can never go wrong with a little black dress. The one I am wearing is from H&M and I bought it a couple of years ago for $10!! In the summer time, wearing it on its own, with some wedges and a little black hat makes me feel as if I'm ready to go on a relaxing summer vacation. 

Dress: H&M (2-3 seasons ago)
Hat: Forever 21 (Also in my All Black All Day Post)
Bag: Target (Very old)
Shoes: Elle (4-5 seasons ago)
Necklace: Korea


In the winter time, this dress will go great with an over-sized cardigan and some booties. Because it's black it is very versatile in the ways that you could dress it up or down.


Have a Nice Monday!


PS. My Blog is one month old today! Thank you for all of you who have checked my blog out for any reason. Please feel free to leave comments and follow me! I will definitely return the favor!
Thank You!


Grace


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Product Empties! (Products I Have Used Up)


I love the feeling of finishing a beauty product. It is the true feeling of using up my money's worth of "stuff" that actually benefited me and helped me in someway. Product empties are a pretty popular concept on Youtube, and I have recently gathered a few product myself over the past couple of months, I thought that I would share what products I used up and my thoughts on them. This is going to be a similar type of review that I did in my June Favorites posts, and I hope that this could be at least a bit helpful in your decisions in trying out these products! Let's start!

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20 

I would say that overall, I enjoyed using this product. It has a thin consistency and it blends and absorbs into the skin nicely. I usually apply this as my morning moisturizer and underneath my makeup. It has SPF which is a plus and it is good for people with oily skin. However, I don't think I will be repurchasing this product because of its hefty price tag. I also did not see any noticeable change in my skin hyper-pigmentation and spots wise. It didn't really work well in that aspect for me. 

Pros:
Light Weight
No Fragrance
SPF

Cons:
Expensive
Did not really "correct" my spots


L'Oreal RevitaLIFT Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser 
$6.99 | Drugstore.com

I actually used up two of these in the past couple of months. I initially started using this product because I had ran out of face cleanser and I had to borrow this temporary from my Mom when I was home. I ended up really enjoying it so I ended up purchasing it for myself. It's a pretty good cleanser. Even though I have pretty oily skin, this cream cleanser didn't leave my face oily. I also like the fact that it builds a really nice lather and my face feels nice afterwards. I probably will not repurchase this because I want to try something new, but this is definitely not a bad product by any means. I also enjoyed using this product with my Clarisonic Mia 2. 

Pros:
Affordable 
Good Consistency
Cleans Well

Cons:
Thick Lather (maybe a drawback for some)
Has A Scent (I would say it's not too bad but for people with sensitive skin this may not work)


Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation
My Shade: 4.0
$39 | Sephora 
I mentioned this product in my June Favorites post and I am completely out, and it makes me kind of sad. It's a really nice foundation, very light-weight and natural, but provides good coverage with its rather liquidy consistency. I wish I can repurchase this in the future, but right now, I have several other foundations that I am using and trying out.

Pros:
Light-Weight
Good Coverage
Easy to Blend
Nice Shade Selection

Cons:
Pricey 
Not a full coverage/long lasting (12+Hr) foundation

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealer Stick
My Shade: Daylight 20
$8.99 | Target
I finished this concealer quite a while ago but I do remember liking it. If you have oily skin like me, this is a thick concealer that is good for blemishes and spots. I personally thing it's a bit heavy underneath the eyes. But overall, I would give this product a thumbs up.

Pros:
Affordable
Creamy
Easy to blend
Good Coverage

Cons:
A bit thick in consistency 

Maybelline Falsie's Mascara Waterproof
$7.00 | Drugstore.com

This is my all time favorite mascara. I have pretty straight Asian lashes, and I don't have a lot of it either. This mascara has the whole package: it lengthens, thickens, and holds the curl. I absolute am in love. This is probably my third tube of this. I try other mascaras, but I always come back to this one.

Pros:
Waterproof
Does everything I need a mascara to do
Thick formula (which I like)

Cons:
The formula is a bit wet in the beginning, but gets a lot better over time

Sephora Blush in Rose Petal
$15 | Sephora

As you can see, I can't use this blush all up because it cracked, but I sure used a lot of it. This is a very easy to use blush. It's pigmented, but it's not overly pigmented so it's easy to blend into the skin. I like the color as it gives just a bit of natural flush to the cheeks. Overall I am pretty happy with this blush. For a blush junkie like me (who own way more blushes than I actually need), finishing a blush is a huge accomplishment. 

Pros:
Pigmented
Easy to use
Good color

Cons:
Expensive (Although it's not too bad)


Elf Studio Blush in Candid Coral
$3.00 | E.L.F.

This blush I would say is on the same wavelength as the previous Sephora blush, as it is easy to use and not overly pigmented. I really enjoy this blush, it has slight golden specks and it gives the cheeks the natural summery glow. I would say this shade would work best for light to medium skin tones.

Pros:
Affordable 
Good color
Easy to use

Cons:
A bit on the chalkier side, but it's definitely not a deal breaker for me

Suave Dry Shampoo
$2.89 | Target

This product is probably the best deal out of all the products that I have mentioned. It is under $3.00!! This dry shampoo smells wonderful (although it's quite a heavy scent), and it does a decent job at giving the roots a bit of volume. However, I wouldn't say that it stays that way for the entire day, as eventually my oily hair still breaks down the product and falls flat. I would give this product an average rating, but I would say it's worth a try for the price tag.

Pros:
Affordable 
Smells nice
Gives volume
Easy to use

Cons:
Doesn't last all day
The scent is quite heavy 

Alright! That is all. Hope this was helpful in anyway and thank you for checking out my blog!!
Let me know what products that you would recommend!

Have a Nice Day!! 

Grace

Monday, July 21, 2014

Look of the Day: Fearless is Having Fear but Jumping Anyway

I am probably not the only person in the world who have bought certain clothes but never ending up wearing them. A recent Lookbook forum thread discussing things that people regretted buying prompted me to dive into my closet and search for the things that I have bought but have never worn out in public. About a year ago, I thrifted this layered army green jacket that I thought looked cool and runway like. Annnd a year later, it is just sitting in my closet with the tag still on. Good thing it was only $12, and I have finally found a way to wear it!
Tee: Zara
Jacket: Thrifted
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21

I mainly drew inspiration for this (parents disapproved) outfit from the T-shirt, which is currently my favorite T-shirt. It's a very simple gray with a cool graphic design with a girl wearing a denim jacket and a black beanie, which is something that I would totally wear. This outfit is a bit out of my comfort zone but hey, I sure felt good wearing it nonetheless. 


PS. Please forgive my backyard grill cover in a mound of black in the background~
PPS. Check out this look on my Lookbook

Have a great Monday!

Grace

Friday, July 18, 2014

My Cardio Playlist

Happy Friday! I thought I would do a little something different on this beautiful day! After my run this morning, I realized that I depend a lot on my music for getting through my workouts. I love working out, but I get bored easily while I run and a good playlist helps me keep things a little more exciting. I thought that I would share my summer run playlist that I have been constructing and editing ever since the beginning of summer and hopefully you will find this helpful in motivating you during your workouts!

Spotify Playlist: (All of these songs can be found on Spotify) in no particular order:

All Night Longer - Sammy Adams
Come With Me Now - KONGOS
Bad (ft. Vassy) - David Guetta
Ten Feet Tall - Afrojack
Thank You - MKTO
Wild WIld Love - Pitbull
First Things First - Neon Trees

Really Don't Care - Demi Lovato
Chandelier - Sia

I'm Ready - AJR

A Town Called Paradise - Tiesto

Problem (ft. Iggy Azalea) - Ariana Grande
Feelin' Myself - wil.I.am
Hall of Fame - The Script
Sing - Ed Sheeran
After Hours - AJR

I Italicized and provided youtube links to the tracks that I am ESPECIALLY loving right now. I found that I prefer a song when it has a really consistent and rough bass beat that goes well as my steps as I run. I am really really obsessed with Tiesto's music and A Town Called Paradise is my current favorite right now. I'm Ready by AJR is my current favorite running song because of its beats. I also enjoy listening to songs with interesting lyrics when I run so I would get distracted and get sucked in the world of music. First Things First by Neon Trees is a really nice track with a good story and I always get so passionate about it when I run!

Here is another list that I have created over time. Here are some K-pop tracks that I like to add some variety when I workout:

A - GOT7
Overdose - EXO
Red Light - F(x) *Obsessed* 

Day n' Night - TASTY
200% - AKMU
XOXO - EXO
I Like You - GOT7
1004 - B.A.P

I was thinking about doing a makeup and outfit inspired by F(x)'s new Red Light concept, maybe let me know whether that's something that people are going to be interested in?

Hope this was somewhat interesting to read and digest, let me know what you like to listen to when you run!!

Happy Friday!

Grace

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Look of the Day: Brooklyn 86

As my blog's title might suggest, I'm a huge fan of wearing black, mainly because I don't really like how bright colors or fancy prints look against my skin and my body type. But no one ever said that wearing no color was going to be boring! I like pairing different textures of black, and contrasting it with lighter pieces such as white shoes, and a lighter shaded cover up or jacket. In this look I paired one of my favorite numbered Tees with some destroyed shorts and my favorite pair of white sneakers. 




Tee: Zara (Last Season)
Shorts: Forever 21 (Can't find the exact ones online but this one is pretty close)
Blue Shirt: H&M (Couple of seasons ago)
Shoes: Lacoste (for Urban Outfitters)





Thanks for checking out my blog today! 
Let me know how you like to wear black!

Grace

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Trend: Plaid Shirts Tied Around the Waist

I've been seeing a lot of this trend lately online; celebrities seem to love this casual look, tying a usually plaid shirt, sometimes chambray, around their waists, pairing it with jeans and a jacket. I have never actually seen anyone wear this look in real life, however, so I decided to try out this look and to my surprise, I actually like the way it looks! It's an unexpected element that makes the otherwise gray and mono-toned outfit more unique. I wore this look out shopping today with some black jeggings and some brown wedges.

T-Shirt: Aerie
Plaid Shirt: Target
Jeggings: Simply Vera 
Brown Wedges: Elle 

I may be late to jump on this band wagon because I have always thought this look to be... impractical? But It looks quite nice when you don't wear it with a jacket. 

Here are some celebrities rocking the what appears to be a "90's Look":

(Photo Credit: StyleBistro)

Even One Direction member Liam Payne rocked this look at the MTV VMAs
One Direction arrive at the 2013 MTV VMAs


What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts below!

-Grace

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Perfect Summer Drugstore Lip Colors

Summer is happening in full force and I thought I would share some of my favorite fun colors to wear on my lips! My collection of lip products is still slowly expanding, this girl loves her lipsticks! Out of all of my lip colors and products, these are the ones I have been reaching the most so far this summer. I have included several kind of shades and finishes, hope it could help you find your perfect summer shade.



Summer Lip Colors

Summer Lip Colors by gracemengdi (Polyvore)
Colors From Top Left: Nyx Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick, Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp, EOS Lipbalm in Mint, Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in Shanghai Sizzle, Revlon Lip Butter in Sorbet, Maybelline Color Whisper in I Crave Coral

Swatches:


Lips Swatches: 

Nyx Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick
(Bright Coral Red) 

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp
(Mid-toned Pink)

Revlon Lip Butter in Sorbet
(Light Fuschia)

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in Shanghai Sizzle
(Bright Warm Red)
Current Favorite!!!

Maybelline Color Whisper in I Crave Coral
(Light Orange-Coral)

What are your favorite Summer lip colors? Please feel free to leave a comment down below! 


Have a nice Tuesday!

-Grace


Monday, July 7, 2014

Look of the Day: All Black All Day

This look was from last weekend when I visited the State Capitol in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This outfit was what inspired the title of my blog, "On Days that End in -y, We Wear Black". This outfit was very affordable and simple, as I paired otherwise "plain" pieces together into one cohesive look.


Top: Forever 21
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Simply Vera (Kohl's)
Bag: Thirfted Coach


Find me on Lookbook!

Have a nice day^^ 

-Grace


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

July 4th Outfits + Outfit Ideas



Independence Day is this Friday and I have been so inspired by the various 4th of July decor I have seen in stores for the past dew days. Today I have decided to put together two outfits inspired by the colors of the Flag of Amerrrca. Normally, 4th of July is not really that big of a holiday in my life, but I thought I would provide some outfit ideas for those of you looking for something that is cute yet shows your 4th of July spirit without going overboard with the American flag. These outfits are perfect for casual events such as a picnic, a concert, or anywhere where there is celebration!

Outfit 1: Red White and Blue

Top: Forever 21
Bottom: Forever 21
Shoes: Topshop 


Outfit #2: All American Denim on Denim

Sunglasses: Aldo
T-shirt: Aerie
Denim Shirt: Forever 21
Shorts: H&M
Shoes: Lacoste 

Looking for something more formal? fun? Unique? I have created several sets that hopefully could inspire you to find your perfect 4th of July outfit! 

Formal & Girly: 





Girly Fourth of July Outfit





Subtle but Cool:


Subtle 4th of July






Playful & Youthful:

playful casual 4th of july





Have a great 4th of July!

-Grace