The 3 non-toxic facial oils you need to know about
I used to dislike face oils. I felt like they were an excess step in my routine and an unnecessary expense. But my viewpoint changed last year when I realized, I've just been using ones that were simply not suitable for my skin.
Read full storyWhat you need to know before using a micro-needle derma roller
For the longest time, the word “needle” in micro-needle stood out to me and was really in the way of me trying the roller out. But I’ve actually heard and read so many great things about it, so I recently finally decided to give it a try as part of my at-home facial. Although my skin isn’t exactly acne-prone, I do have acne scars from the mask acne I got over the summer, and an uneven skin tone.
Read full story6 fun ways to celebrate Galentine's Day indoors
I’ve never been much of a Valentine’s Day person. However, I do like to celebrate Galentine's Day on February 14 with my girlfriends! Not being able to see them as much as I used to have been difficult and I miss everyone way more than usual. However, the distance is never going to stop us from growing our friendships and having fun.
Read full storyA day trip idea from Manhattan for less than $20 per person
Last weekend, my husband and I decided to go "somewhere" near Manhattan with our friends just for a day. We wanted to avoid taking the train and didn't want to spend too much money, so after going through several options, we decided on the most touristy activity anyone can think of in New York: A ferry ride to Liberty Island.
Read full storyWhere to buy Bernie Sanders' trending mittens
Photoshopped into countless memes on social media, the lonesome image of Senator Bernie Sanders has probably popped up in your Instagram feed more than several times by now. I never thought the senator would be a trendsetter but here we are talking about where to get his handmade mittens.
Read full story3 takeaways from Amanda Gorman's inauguration poem “The Hill We Climb”
The day before the inauguration ceremony, I came across an Instagram post about a young poet named Amanda Gorman. I read the article about her and thought: “she sounds cool” and started following her on Instagram. I was looking forward to her poem recitation during the presidential inauguration ceremony but only as much as I was excited about Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez’s performances.
Read full story6 indoor off-screen activities to incorporate into your self-care routine
As much as I like to unplug and stay away from looking at a screen, it is definitely easier said than done. Several times, I’ve found myself feeling “uneasy” about having a digital detox day. I realized when it seems forceful, it just doesn’t stick.
Read full storyThe 5 things I learned from visiting the Morgan Library & Museum
Two weeks ago, my husband and I decided to go for a walk around our neighborhood. We took a slightly different route that day and found ourselves passing by a mansion on the corner of 37th Street and Madison Avenue. And then we soon realized, it's actually the Morgan Library & Museum. So we spontaneously decided to go and check it out.
Read full storyA more eco-friendly beauty routine: 6 simple ways to start
When our planet got a chance to take a break from us in 2020 while people stayed home, I reflected on my efforts in living an eco-conscious lifestyle and immediately recognize that I can do a lot better in all aspects. Our earth’s well-being is important to me, and I want to try my best to be as good to it as it has been to me. And therefore, one of my top new year goals for 2021 is to up my game in leading a “greener” way of life.
Read full storyNew Year's day activity: Write a letter to your future self
Since a few years ago, I started a New Year's day tradition of writing a letter to the "one-year-later" me — my future self. I know a lot of people write down their goals for the new year, but I find it important to also have the opportunity to reflect and witness your own growth and changes, especially after 2020. I'd like to share my experience with you because I've found this activity to be one of the best things you can do for yourself!
Read full storyCozy-chic pajama outfit ideas to ring in 2021 at home
Most of us will certainly be staying indoors this New Year’s Eve and we will most certainly be wearing something comfortable, #AmIRight? But something comfortable doesn’t mean you can’t be looking oh-so-chic and photo-ready as you wave goodbye to the most memorable year of your lives.
Read full storyOh-so-chic table setting ideas on a budget
I'm not a master when it comes to table-setting, but I do enjoy every little opportunity I can get to dress up the table, even if it's just for a Friday dinner for two at home with my husband. When it comes to the holidays, celebrations, or special occasions, however, I make sure I level up my table-setting game — but without breaking the bank, of course!
Read full story10 movies to watch this Christmas weekend
'Tis the season to watch movies — and may I say, especially this year, #AmIRight?. In the past, my husband and I would likely be traveling to California or Taiwan to spend the holiday season with family and friends. And after the many amazing meals we would have with both sides of our families, from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, what we look forward to the most would be enjoying a good movie together.
Read full story9 very last-minute gift ideas
Okay — it’s the week of Christmas and you just realized you still need to get something for that one last person you somehow forgot about when you’re rounding up your list of “people to gift.” With shipping delays happening here and there this year, buying something online may be risky even when you pay for the expensive two-day or “overnight” shipping. So what do you do?
Read full story8 fun ways to celebrate New Year's Eve indoors
It definitely is a bummer that we don’t get to travel or be out celebrating this year. But honestly speaking, even if it wasn’t because of COVID, my husband and I would likely be doing something indoors anyway. Unless we had travel plans, we’d been spending New Year’s Eve at home for the past few years. And there are a few things that I actually look forward to doing on my own before welcoming a new year. This year will be no different.
Read full story5 eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas
I am a fan of gift wrapping — in fact, I find the activity somewhat therapeutic! However, I know using wrapping paper creates unnecessary waste, and one of my goals has been to be more eco-conscious. So I started searching for sustainable alternatives, and in the process, I found a few of my favorites.
Read full storyGift Guide: Under $100 gift ideas for men
Even if it’s just a small present, it's nice to treat the men in our lives something thoughtfully picked out, wouldn't you say?. In the process of searching for nice gifts that are priced within my thanks-to-COVID tight budget, I came across several great, stylish options. So read on to see some of my favorite finds this holiday season!
Read full storyThe 8 best places to embrace holiday vibes in NYC for free
Despite it being a not-so-wonderful year, the most wonderful time of the year is finally here and the city is ready to shine bright like a diamond. Quite a few key destinations are already dressed up beautifully with holiday lights and Christmas decorations. While some may require an entrance fee to see, there are still many locations that allow New Yorkers to embrace the holiday vibes for free. Here are 8 places to check out this season.
Read full storyGift Guide: A candle for every kind of friend
I used to think getting candles as gifts were “boring” (perhaps you, too?). Now, however, I actually look forward to receiving them! I would once in a while treat myself to one, too, but I love discovering different scents and candles through what my friends and family would select for me — it’s like adding new experiences to my wellness routines. Candles may seem like a simple gift, but sometimes the simple act of lighting one is enough to relax me.
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