Category Archives: Asian

June 20, 2012 · 15:30

Green Tea, Seaweed, and Wasabi, Oh My!

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Summer is officially here (yay!). So what good way to start off the day with some easy at-home and not to mention delicious face masks? During this hot and humid weather we want to wear less makeup and let our natural beauty shine through instead. And since we are going to be wearing less on our face, we need to make sure our skin is well taken care of. Here I have three Asian inspired types of masks using green tea, seaweed, and yes, wasabi! Lady or gent, you need to try these out.

Hydrating Green Tea + Yogurt Mask

We already know green tea has many health benefits so it’s no surprise to hear what it can do for our skin as well. Green tea has a high concentration of antioxidants, benefits those with rosacea, and even helps to slow down signs of aging. Also when applied to your skin it offers sun damage protection by scavenging free radicals, which is great news for us in the summer. Yogurt is packed with enzymes, protein, and zinc which helps clean pores and leaves your skin super soft. Yogurt also includes antioxidant properties, and helps lighten dark spots and blemishes. It also helps to restore balance to your skin’s natural pH level.

You are going to need packaged green tea leafs (or powder) and just some plain ‘ol yogurt.

You want to mix 1 teaspoon and a half of green tea, and 2 teaspoons of yogurt. Mix well, then apply to your entire face.

Leave mask on for 10 minutes, rinse off, and then finish off with your daily skin routine. You will notice how hydrated your skin is afterwards.

Exfoliating Seaweed Mask

For some, seaweed might be an acquired taste, but we can’t fight the fact how great it is for our skin. Seaweed is high in potassium, calcium, amino acids, and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. Vitamin B’s have anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful for those with rosacea. Minerals are also in seaweed to repair damaged skin cells. Another great benefit from seaweed is that it opens and clears your pores which make it an excellent detoxifying mask.

All you need are some seaweed sheets.

Let the seaweed soak in warm water for a minute or two until it softens up.

This is optional but you can use otsuka nori for extra exfoliant.

Massage the mix into your skin and let it dry for 10 minutes (you will feel your skin tightening from the seaweed), rinse off, and then follow off with your daily face routine. You will be left with a smooth complexion and a refreshing cooling sensation.

Detoxifying Wasabi + Olive Oil Mask

It’s hard to believe that this spicy fellow is very beneficial to your skin. But since it is filled with calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and phytochemicals, wasabi strengthens the antioxidants in your body which helps your skin fight free radicals. Wasabi also helps to prevent acne from breaking out.  I know it seems a bit scary to apply to your skin but wasabi is a great way to detoxify your skin. Not to mention, when applied to your lips it is an amazing lip plumper!

All you need is extra virgin olive oil, and of course, wasabi.

Mix in 3-5 teaspoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of wasabi. Massage the wasabi and olive oil mix into your face (this great for your hands too) for 10 minutes, and then rinse off using your daily cleanser. You will be left with cleaner, smoother and brighter looking skin.

*Since we’re working with wasabi, please be careful when applying this mask around your eyes. Never apply wasabi on its own onto your skin because I kid you not, it will burn!

Time to eat.

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June 6, 2012 · 16:47

Body Image: Learning To Love You

Posted by: Stacey Maka

As human beings it’s only normally to have our own insecurities – since being exposed everyday to images of perfectly air-brushed models and celebrities can be discouraging. I want to put out my own thoughts and experiences out there for I have always been called “chubby” or “fat” growing up. I always got my cheeks pinched til they turned red (which still brings back bad memories if anyone attempts to do that now) and teased for being a bit heavier than most kids. It always confused me because my mom always cooked for me. I ate the same way my family did, and I did almost the same activities as them, yet they were all so much more slimmer than I was.

It wasn’t until high school when I started to lose some weight. I joined the cheerleading team, but I honestly slacked off when it came to our workout routines at practice. In my late freshman year to my sophomore year, I was a size 6 which is the smallest I’ve ever been. But it wasn’t just joining a sports team that made me lose weight. As a teenager, I usually skipped breakfast because eating in the morning made me feel sick for some reason. And at lunch time, sometimes I didn’t even eat lunch and just waited until I got home from school to eat. I really didn’t do it on purpose though. I spent most of my lunch breaks circling around the entire school with my friends, chatting, and sipping on only a juice box. I was getting exercise without realizing it, but at the same time I wasn’t healthy since I wasn’t eating.

Once I graduated and entered college I started to gain some weight again. I got teased here and there so I tried out many attempts to lose it. I went on all the diets you can think of which didn’t last more than 3 weeks. I also went on a paid diet plan program, and even became a vegetarian for 2 years to lose weight (but I gave in to a hamburger that tempted me one day). My college years were probably the hardest I’ve been on my body image though. I was constantly being reminded that my body wasn’t up to par with the other girls. Also the fact that I’m Asian put pressure on me since Asians are “suppose to be” super thin and slender.  I’ve been told in the past that if I just lost 10 pounds or so I would be more “dateable”. Listen, if this ever happens to you, don’t even bother with what this person has to say. Just block it out entirely. People with comments like that aren’t even worth your time.

I can honestly say I didn’t think my weight was that big of an issue. But when the people around me pointed it out, I started to see it as an issue. I probably wouldn’t have went on crazy diets if people didn’t grab my belly fat or if the people around me didn’t think they themselves needed to lose weight either. When your friends think there is something wrong with the way they look (but they look perfectly fine!), you start to wonder if there’s something wrong with you too. But you need to figure out what is right for you based on how you feel about yourself, not what your friend thinks of themselves. I try my best to put those comments behind me and just continue on being my happy and confident self no matter what I hear. I’m telling you now: being slimmer is not the answer to getting you more men/women flocking your way.  It is your confidence and the way you carry yourself that attracts them. And if that’s your only main reason to losing weight, you need to revaluate. Sure, being slimmer can score you more attention, but who really wants to be with someone who only likes them based on their appearance? At my heaviest weight (150lbs at 5’3), I still went out, had fun, flirted, and even got a boyfriend. I wasn’t totally pleased with that weight, but I didn’t let it stop me from living my life the way I wanted to live it. My weight had nothing to do with it and I didn’t make it a big deal either. If you don’t love yourself first, how will others love you back? And most of the time what you think are imperfections are what others think are interesting or sexy about you.

There is nothing wrong with self-improvements when you aren’t happy with something, I’m totally for it. But I believe we forget to love ourselves first before anything. Sure, we can get as sexy fit as we want to, but it only masks our inner issues that we have with ourselves. I believe it should start with us. Don’t let the things you don’t like about yourself rule your life. They aren’t flaws – but are what give you character and make you stand out from others. Taking those negatives and changing them into positives will give you a whole new perspective. If others see how much pride you take in who you are, they will notice how wonderful you are too. If we are happier, have a positive attitude, learn to appreciate what we have over what we don’t, and just be one with ourselves, we will naturally exude beauty, confidence, and health.

As I’m getting older, I decided I want to become healthier for my own future benefits. Only 2 weeks ago I started to exercise and really watch my diet. I not only want to look good on the outside but I want to feel amazing on the inside. I already notice improvements in my thinking and my stamina. I feel less sluggish, depressed, and I’m just feeling more positive about everything, even though I’m going through difficult life changes. I cannot let what others think corrupt how I feel about myself, nor should you. What matters most is what you think about yourself. I love myself, but sometimes I forget what I truly need for my own happiness. We hate to admit it but others or even our loved ones influence our thoughts, and if they have doubts we have them too. If it’s something that is really affecting your thinking or life, it is something you should address to their attention. They could be saying it without knowing how it hurts you. But overall, when it comes down to it – if you want to change something, do it for yourself, not because someone told you that you should. If it makes YOU happy, that’s what counts. And most importantly, just love every inch of you while you’re at it.

Mirror image via fat2fitradio.com, tummy heart image via healing.about.com, self hug image via epicself.com.

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May 16, 2012 · 12:00

An App For Every APPorunity

Posted by: Stacey Maka

That title is courtesy of my cheesy brilliant sister. I recently entered the world of Android, and like with any new phone relationship, we have been attached to the hip since day one. Being that I was a Blackberry user for the last 3 years, I never had a wide range of fun apps and games. My Samsung Galaxy S II is keeping my fingers and eyes occupied in search for the next great app. It’s hilarious what you can find when you type in any random word, and trust me I would certainly know from this experience. From the enjoyable to the just plain weird, here are my findings while exploring the Google Play Store.

Poop Diary

The name is pretty much self-explanatory. You record when you went to the toilet, your turd’s colour, shape, and consistency (did you throw up a bit in your mouth yet?). When an app like this pops up you know Asians were behind this crazy operation. I can’t really pin point the obsession and fascination Asians have with poo, but all I know it is glorified as something healthy and oddly cute. If you go to any Asian store you will find “poo” in various forms such as hanging off keychain charms, hand knit plush dolls, and you can even find them shaped into pillows with a face happily smiling back at you. But we’re not here to judge about this one. Maybe people just like having this record in case they need a reminder.

Nose Dose

This is the most messed up app I have found so far. I don’t really see the entertainment in an app like this. For obvious reasons, I did not purchase nor would I ever purchase such an app that promotes drugs as a fun game to share with friends. And what type of moron actually buys the Nose Dose app for $1.95 (yea it is a lot cheaper than the real thing but that’s not the point!!). Things like this that sends out bad messages…super thumbs down.

DECOPIC

This brought back memories of my trip to Tokyo so I was very happy to discover this app. In Japan, purikura (the short form of Purinto Kurabu or in English, Print Club) is very popular among young people. In these photo booth machines you are given the choice of adding fun and girly filters, stamps, super cute (or as they say in Japanese, cho kawaii!) characters, as well, you have the choice of adding in your own text or handwriting with tons of vibrant colours to choose from. You basically have full control of how your image will turn out. You end up with multiple photo stickers for friends to share and stick into notebooks, cellphones (keitai), etc.  If you can’t go to Japan, bring Japan to you!

HauntedFace

I have seen the ZombieBooth many times but never have I seen HauntedFace before. I know, I’m definitely behind on this one but it’s still sinking in for me. I’m terrified of ghosts but this one sets my fears aside a bit since I can take a picture of anyone I know, see their haunted alter-ego and having a good laugh at what is generated. I’m relieved to say I’m not a scary-looking ghost at all!

 Animating Touch

If you have time to kill this app sure frees you of any boredom. Let your creative side run wild and have fun animating little mannequin and stick figure characters into any motion you want. With the paid options there are a lot more to choose from such as creating your own characters or adding more items into your scene, but using the app free is still pretty entertaining even with the limitations.

Sumooru Kyara Kame

Is your flask looking a bit dull? Why not make it interesting by adding some eyes to it! Yes this is another wacky yet extremely amusing Japanese app. You think it’s a little silly at first but then you find yourself constantly trying to look for objects around you to add some funny cartoon eyes onto. There is quite the range of eyes to choose from – flirty, batting eyelashes to ecstatic happy eyes. I also like that you are able to show off your images on facebook or twitter. There is no English option for this app but I’m sure if you play around with it you can figure it out on your own.

Psychological Test

Yet another app to cure your boredom on the bus and train ride home, waiting in the dentist office, or just those plain lazy laundry days. There’s always something very enjoyable about psychological tests because they do make you think twice about your decisions and the paths you take. In this app, there are multiple tests to choose from, such as discovering your personality traits based on your favourite animal. The one I like the most is, “A walk in the woods”, which gives you certain situations and with your chosen actions describes the inner meaning. This app is in Korean but there is the option of changing the language into English.

I love discovering new apps so if you have any to share please feel free to leave a comment. Happy APPing!

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April 30, 2012 · 19:29

Films That Didn’t Need a Remake

Posted by: Stacey Maka

Why can’t Hollywood just leave perfectly good movies in their original state? Not only do they butcher already wonderful films but scar what love we had for the originals. The way I see it, there are the two types of remakes. 1: The directors attempt to improve the film. Though the success rates aren’t high, there are the rare ones that are even better such as Let Me In (originally from Sweden: Låt den rätte komma). And 2: The typical Americanized version. This can mean anywhere from being more provocative, unnecessary extended scenes, to dreadful acting (or simply just don’t live up to the original cast).

These are 5 films that shouldn’t have touched the goods:

The Experiment (Das Experiment)

I admit, I watched the remake for about 30 minutes before I started to skim through it. It’s just another American remake trying to make an impact by exaggerating the story and characters when it was perfectly fine to begin with. Why do these people forget a little goes along way? In my opinion the original was a lot more raw in action and emotion than the remake. It was almost too polished that it lost its authenticity. I do give a thumbs up to Adrian Brody’s outstanding performance though. I will probably get hate for this but I did like his performance better than the original actor (Moritz Bleibtreu). Either way the German Das Experiment is still a lot better and worth the watch.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)

The time when I first heard Tim Burton was doing a remake on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory I thought the movie was going to turn out amazing. But once the movie posters for the film were released I was kind of disappointed, mostly the way the oompa loompas looked.  Something looked a little too familiar…

Though the visuals were amazing it still didn’t live up to the original. It was probably not even Burton’s intentions to do so, but just to play around with a classic and bring some joy to a new generation. It wasn’t completely horrible but I wasn’t too fond of this version and especially the ending (I’ll leave it at that in case you still haven’t even seen it). I don’t think it’s a bad idea to watch both but like they say do watch the original first before the remake.

My Sassy Girl (Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo)

Americans are well-known for butchering a lot of Asian horror films and romantic comedies are no exception. I was surprised how much or if not all of the exact same script was used for the American version. Asian humour is a lot different than American humour so certain jokes that are translated into English just don’t make sense or have the same effect than in its original language. Watching My Sassy Girl in English is super awkward. So awkward that to Americans this movie can appear extremely cheesy but to Asians this is a typical romantic comedy. It is also difficult being convinced by new actors that they can emulate the original characters (this being said from a girl who has watched the Korean version over 5 times). Don’t even watch this remake. Deal with the subtitles (reading is good for you anyways) and watch only the Korean version.

Psycho

First off, who dares touch an Alfred Hitchcock film? I do love his films even though I wasn’t even around at the time when they first came out. I actually watched the remake first with my parents in theatres and didn’t really have an opinion of the film. My dad argued the original still being much better so I decided to watch it and couldn’t agree more.  The original was just so beautifully done (yes, a beautiful horror film!) and all the scenes were set in such an astonishing and imaginative way, while the remake was just plain vulgar. After seeing both makes, the original Psycho has absolutely no competition. This remake just proves that you should never mess with a classic ever.

Death at a Funeral

It was basically the same movie but with an obnoxious cast. I personally don’t think this remake was THAT bad but was very unnecessary. The UK original was released in 2007 while the American version was released in 2010 so I can’t understand why a remake was needed that soon for a film that wasn’t even close to being outdated. I can see how American youth would enjoy this film for it has your typical black comedy and a hot naked James Marsden (it’s a known fact young people like things dirtier), but for the more mature crowd or the ones who already love the original this version will not do. The original just had the right amount of wittiness while the remake tried too hard to overtake the British one without succeeding.

 

The Experiment/Das Experiment images via listal.com & subtitledonline.com, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory images via lonelyreviewer.com & collider.com, oompa loompas/Britney Spears images via mediocremama.com, My Sassy Girl images via listal.com & wolvesinwinter.wordpress.com, Psycho images via vvaughn.com , hitchcock.tv, Death at a Funeral images via jaredmobarak.com.

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April 18, 2012 · 12:04

Bring Some Seoul To Your Face

Posted by: Stacey Maka

I found this small Korean shop near my work and I’m so happy I discovered this place since I usually have to order Korean products off ebay and we all know that sometimes having to wait for your shipment to come can be quite painful. It seemed the prices were just the same or actually even less than what you would find online.

This is Etude House Bee Happy! Lip balm in the ladybug tin which smells of peach without the taste. I’ve tried this out for a few weeks now and it works extremely well.

Next is the Etude House Sweet Eye Cupcake in #1 Banana & Chocolate. A lot of Etude House’s packaging is kiddy which they are known for but don’t be fooled for the quality is very much there. That’s what I love about products from Asia; you can buy great quality for an inexpensive price.

These are the swatches:

The only product that isn’t from Etude House is the Innisfree Eco Safety No Sebum Sunblock SPF 35 PA+++. Since the sun is out again I thought I would grab some sun protection that won’t make my already oily skin even oilier than it is. I’ve never heard of this brand ever but once I got home and researched a bit it had good reviews so I can’t wait to try this product out. I also snatched some Etude House Oil Control Paper blotting sheets. I usually like to use the toilet seat paper covers you find in the public washrooms. It sounds weird but really it is a good trick to get excess shine off your face!

If you really can’t find any of these or just Asian beauty products in general locally (I’m sure you can though, just check out any Asian store/supermarket) there are many sites out there that sell tons, one being one of my favourite sellers on ebay (rubyruby). She is especially well known for her wide range in BB creams which we all noticed have really boomed in North America this year.  So if you are curious to try something new defiantly explore Korean cosmetics.

 

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April 3, 2012 · 19:18

The Confused Asian

Posted by: Stacey Maka

There are a bajilion general stereotypes about Asians. We eat a lot of rice, we carry around fake LV bags, we’re very skinny and have straight black hair, math is our strength, we’re cheap, and the list goes on and on. I do emphasize on these being general stereotypes because “Asian” can mean anything from Koreans, Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, Indonesians, Vietnamese, etc. Majority of the stereotypes out there don’t even apply for all Asians. Just like countries in Europe, South America, Africa, and the rest of the world, every country has different cultural traditions. I am from Filipino heritage but was born and raised in Canada. I grew up around other Filipinos and African-Americans but had mostly Chinese and Korean friends. I always saw the differences in our family values and upbringings. From how we academically did in school to what foods we ate, there were noticeable differences that separated us.

Because my parents never pushed their traditions on me, they didn’t even teach me to speak their language; I am not aligned with the Filipino culture. Most Filipino families I know go to church together and have Filipino gatherings at their house, in general just always together having some kind of party where there is a lot of food and socializing. When I was a child and was forced to go to a Filipino party, I always felt like an outcast. I don’t know if it was the out of sync line-dancing, or the awkward greeting everyone as your aunt or uncle and which you don’t even remember half of their names (oops), or how kids around my age all sang karaoke and danced relatively well while exuding this “swagger” about them…so trying to relate to these things was hard.

Even to this day the typical Filipino stereotypes are as follows: likes/plays basketball, listens to R&B/slow jams/hip hop, becomes a nurse, and never on time for anything (very true in most cases). If these general Filipino stereotypes apply more to Filipinos who immigrated then what about the ones who were already born in North America? I don’t follow Manny Pacquiao, I can’t sing or dance well, and I only found out what FV Foods was this January. In no way am I bashing the culture but what about that percent of us who aren’t any of these? It’s awkward enough when someone does discover I’m Filipino and uses these subjects in hopes to strike a conversation or impress me when I know nothing about them. Few would even say I’m in the “white washed Asian” category, but I truly believe this term is often used incorrectly by many people and has a confusing as well as an insulting reputation. Because according to our trusty urbandictionary.com, “whitewashed” is:

The sad thing is you see a lot kids throwing this term around as if it’s the coolest thing ever to be “white washed”. I can understand how it was growing up as an Asian in North America since all over media we are taught that “white” is the more prominent and beautiful of all races. And even in high school, I know I had this problem for sure, I didn’t feel pretty because I didn’t have blue eyes and blonde hair. That feeling probably went on for most of my high school experience but as I got older I started to love and appreciate my facial features, darker hair, and deep brown eyes. I’m in my mid 20s and can still pull off looking like an 18 year old, so I must say being Asian is pretty damn cool (Not so cool when I got carded to see The Hangover Part 2 though).

Maybe the fact that I don’t even look like your typical Filipino to begin with may also play a part in where I am now. I have light skin, my hair is naturally curly and I’m often called mestiza or mistaken for being Korean.  During college I picked up and began learning the Japanese language. I became intrigued by everything and took it to the next step by following the fashion/makeup trends in Japan, meeting friends, working for a Japanese company, and going to Japan for travel. I felt like I belonged and I could relate to the people I’ve met in many ways. I learned a lot about self-discipline, how to be on time or even earlier, how to be fair and keep peace with others, how to drink (!), and that being unique was totally acceptable. Don’t get me wrong though, not saying Filipinos aren’t any of these either. I would say Filipinos are well known for being humble and welcoming actually.

I have been to the Philippines before, and like every other country you aren’t familiar with it can be quite the culture shock. The weirdest things for me personally were when people kept commenting on my “white” skin or that I was “fat”. I had a few cries from that but it was later on explained to me that being called fat wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It was just another way of saying healthy. That for sure would not pass here though (lol) but I did stand out since majority of Filipino youth over there are very slim. I have vivid memories of my grandma stepping on a cockroach the size of my palm, teaching my cousins about eating bananas with peanut butter (which they thought was totally wacky at the time), freshly cut fruits every morning, and the crystal clear blue water on the beaches. Overall just getting to see where my parents came from was amazing and that made me appreciate what I have back home in Canada.

But really no matter where you’re from, if you were born outside of the country your parents were originally from you need to go take a trip and explore your heritage. You’ll not only learn more about your family but yourself, and an entirely amazing culture you never thought could exist. It sorts out some of the mystification to say the least.

 

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