Photolog 2018: Day 345 of 365

My Love Myself merch from the BigHit Shop arrived today! I decided to get the tumbler, the key chain, and the badge pin set from this collection. For those who don't know, Love Myself is BTS' campaign with UNICEF: "The fund raised through the first official campaign designed and participated in by BTS members will be used to protect and support child and teen victims of domestic and school violence as well as sexual assault around the world. This will also be used to provide an education to local communities for violence prevention." 100% of the profits from the Love Myself merch is donated to UNICEF, so I decided to take part in this second product release. (The first release, featuring peach-coloured merch, was sold out by the time I looked into it, so I made a conscious effort to purchase items from this launch.) Nothing's better than getting cute merch and donating to a good cause at the same time. (It's the same reason why I love MAC's Viva Glam program as well.) If you're interested, you can get yourself some cute merch for the cause, too, or you can donate directly to the campaign here.

Photolog 2018: Day 344 of 365

Macau-style baked Portuguese chicken rice for dinner! SO MUCH YUM.

Makeup and Beauty Blog: Monday Poll, Vol. 554

This week's Monday Poll:

1. Winged liner or glitter shadow? Winged liner. It's my signature. If I'm wearing makeup, I rarely go without it.
   
   
2. Cheese or chocolate? Cheese, a.k.a. my best friend. I'm not a huge chocolate person, though, so this wasn't really fair.
   
   
3. Over-the-knee boots or ankle booties? Ankle boots, always and forever. I look terrible in over-the-knee boots because I have short legs and big calves.
   
   
4. Would you rather 1) run into your ex while buying granny panties at Costco, OR 2) have your mom or dad see you making out with someone on the street? And I’m not talking a cute little church kiss. I’m talking full-on, grabby-hand making out, HA HA HA! Buying granny panties at Costco. Although I'm not sure who, other than actual grannies, even wears granny panties. I assume people refer to "granny panties" as high-waisted, full butt coverage, "unsexy" underwear options to wear for comfort rather than aesthetic purposes, but honestly, there are so many nice, comfortable underwear options these days that I just don't see why you'd have to buy actual granny panties to begin with. Okay, rant over. All my exes know what my style in underwear is, anyway.
   
   
5. Would you rather have your dream job or a your dream house? Dream job, so I can afford that dream house from having a job that doesn't feel like work.

Bangtan Bomb: "IDOL" Intro (3J Focus) + Full Performance at 2018 MMA

The Bangtan Bombs for BTS' "IDOL" performance at the 2018 Melon Music Awards (a.k.a. the most stunning live performance I have ever seen at an awards show, ever) were released this morning! I've said this before, but what I really appreciate about Bangtan Bombs for BTS performances is that the focus is solely on the performance and the group, so there's no extraneous panning to the audience or random (and sometimes chaotic) zoom-ins and zoom-outs of the boys. I understand that award show camera work does this to capture the grandeur of the event but sometimes I want to see more detail and attention on the movements and choreography, and that's where these Bangtan Bombs (a.k.a. BTS vlogs) really come in handy (honestly, the people that film these are totally underappreciated). And because I am still in awe over this incredible stage (and to also prepare myself for BTS' upcoming performances at MAMA this weekend, which are rumoured to be even bigger and more impressive), I'm gonna post these here and which them over and over again.

Sunday Video Love: Starry Night

I know I said I wasn't actually a K-Pop fan and that BTS was the outlier... but fuck, I HAVE BEEN SLEEPING ON MAMAMOO.

Photolog 2018: Day 343 of 365

As I posted yesterday, I actually made it into the BT21 pop-up store yesterday at STC. Granted, there wasn't a big variety of product, but to be honest, I own so much BT21 anyway that I went without any real expectations. I think most of the people that went were looking for the cushions, but I already own all the cushions (in two different sizes because I am extra AF) so I really was just looking for any of the Toronto exclusive hoodies or shirts. A lot of sizes were already sold out, but I did manage to get the black Toronto hoodie in my size, plus a couple of key rings (they only had RJ and Shooky left). The rest of the stuff was headbands and hair ties and other little accessories that I don't have any interest in, so I literally only spent five minutes in there. But I do really hope they consider opening a permanent store here in Toronto if only because they can now say with certainty that there's a demand for it.

Photolog 2018: Day 342 of 365

So, the BT21 pop-up store re-opened today at Scarborough Town Centre. I originally wasn't planning on going again because of the insane line-ups last weekend (it even made this article for "The 10 Worst Lineups You'll Face in Toronto This Holiday Season"), but the friend that I made there last Friday (we both went after work and couldn't get in line, so we commiserated and starting chatting) DM'ed me on Twitter around noon telling me that her friend just went and said there was a short line-up but it was moving fast, so if I wanted to check it out, I should try today. I debated going all day because I had work and wouldn't be able to make it there until after 7:00 PM, but then thought I'd regret it if I didn't try. So I drove over there after work, took a deep breath, and walked straight to the pop-up store. I mentally prepared myself to line-up with hundreds of people... only to be met with about 20 or so people in line. I was shocked because it's also Saturday, arguably the busiest day at any mall. But I got into the pop-up within 10 minutes. Anyway, I did manage to get a few things, which I will post about tomorrow, but when I left the pop-up around 7:50 PM, there was no line-up at all. So if y'all wanted to check out the BT21 pop-up (tomorrow's the last day!), I would go in the evening.

Saturday Nine: I'm Gonna Put Some Glue 'Round the Christmas Tree (So Santa Will Stick Around All Year) (1954)

This week's Saturday Nine:

You can hear this week's song here.

1. This week's featured songstress, Peggy King, sings that she'd like to extend the Christmas season all year. How about you? Do you wish the season was longer? Shorter? Or do you think things are fine as they are? Shorter. I don't particularly find the joy of this time of year, but that could also be because I don't celebrate Christmas. People get more frantic and impatient and rude in general, and there's more pressure to buy things and get things done before the year ends, etc. The only thing I don't mind this time of year is the sales. As long as I can everything online so I don't have to deal with those aforementioned people.
   
   
2. She specifically mentions toys. Have you purchased/will you purchase any toys as holiday gifts this year? I may have just ordered all eight of the BT21 standing winter dolls. And all seven of the BT21 x Royche "monitor figures" (a.k.a. toys), so... yes, to myself.
   
   
3. Search for "glue" on The Home Depot's website and you'll get more than 3,000 results. There's heavy-duty adhesives, all-purpose glue, clear epoxy, wood glue, and more. Do you currently have glue in your home? If yes, how many kinds? Three: Krazy Glue, Shoe Goo, and spirit gum.
   
   
4. What's the last thing you used glue for? I used Shoe Goo on my old ankle boots to re-attach the front part of the sole.
   
   
5. This week's featured artist, Peggy King, was a TV staple in the 1950s. With her perpetually upbeat persona, she was known as "Pretty, Perky Peggy King." Do you consider yourself upbeat, aka "perky?" Definitely not. And neither would anyone else.
   
   
6. Ms. King got her start singing radio jingles for Hunt's tomato sauce. Prepared tomato sauce, properly stored, can safely be kept in the refrigerator for days. Do you have any leftovers in your refrigerator right now? Surprisingly, no. I ate it all.
   
   
7. Her biggest movie role was in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). Do you watch scary movies and shows all year around? Only at Halloween? Or not at all? Not at all.
   
   
8. In 1954, the year this record was released, President Eisenhower dedicated the Marine Corps. Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside of Washington, D.C. If you were to play tourist in our nation's capital, what site would you be certain to visit? Probably the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. But I've actually been to Washington, D.C. We went to see Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. To be honest, I have no real interest in going back, especially with the current U.S. president in office.
   
   
9. Random question: Which of these common household items would you miss most if it suddenly went on the fritz — your bedside lamp or your hair dryer? My hair dryer. It is a necessity in my life because I wash my hair every night and I cannot sleep with wet hair. Like, it would be way more of an inconvenience to me if my hair dryer broke versus my bedside lamp.

Friday Five: This Spud's for You

This week's Friday Five:

1. What's your favourite dish in which potatoes are a supporting ingredient (and not the star)? Shepherd's pie.
   
   
2. What is your favourite type of french fry? Oh, man, this is hard. Probably waffle fries. I also like a good curly fry.
   
   
3. How did you last use a potato in your cooking? Err... Never. I just like to eat, not cook.
   
   
4. What's your favourite potato chip? Miss Vickie's Sweet Chili & Sour Cream Kettle Cooked Potato Chips. Though I'll really eat any of the flavours.
   
   
5. What's a word you pronounce differently from the way most people around you pronounce it? "Tousled." I pronounce it "too-sulled."
   
   

Japan Crate: November 2018

My November Premium Japan Crate finally arrived today. (Due to the Canada Post Union Workers strikes in October and November, Japan Crate sent an email stating that it could take up to 10 weeks for November's crate to arrive, hence I am just getting this now. In December.) This month's theme is PAC-MAN and includes the following:

• Kabaya Ju-C Irodori Ramune Candy — "We've included this bag of card candies for you to enjoy! These PAC-DOT shaped candies come in ramune, orange soda, and grape soda flavours! You'll have enough of these guys to fill a whole maze!"
• Kabaya Pure & Natural Grape Gummies — "These high-end gummies are popular among our subscribers and they're back! This time, in grape flavour. These gummies combine two different textures in one bite with real fruit flavours!"
• Yaokin Kudamono Yasan Fruit Gummies — "With all the gummy fruits in this basket, PAC-MAN's sure to get at least 5000 points in one go!"
• Coris Kajiri Cho Grape Soda Chewing Candy — "This tubular chewy candy comes in two flavours, grape on the outer layer than ramune on the inside to give you that grape soda flavour in one bite!"
• Yaokin Mr. Taro Onion Snacks — "This one's a staff favourite. Take one bite and you'll understand why! Its strong onion flavour will keep you craving for more! We have a strong feeling those Power Pellets are made of these guys!"
• Hoshaku Parade Tea Latte Milkshake — "Milkshake in a can! Japan has had these drinks around since the '50s! They've been so popular across generations that they still keep the classic design on both the cans and the bottles! Kinda like our favourite video game character!"

• Tohato Ninja Snack Fuwamaru Soy Sauce Flavour — "These snacks are said to be so light on your tongue that they're comparable to ninja's footsteps over tatami mats — quiet and stealthy! Kinda like ghosts! They're barely there but you'll definitely feel their presence when they strike you with intense soy sauce flavour!"
• Yaokin Peach Gummies — "Did you know that the orange ghost in PAC-MAN is named Clyde? These little peachy gumdrops remind us of him! They say he's the ghost that just likes to roam around the map."
• Yaokin Melon Pandaro Cookie — "This classic panda-shaped melon biscuit is back! Especially for PAC-MAN! We all know how much he loves his fruits, 'cause that's how he gets those bonus points. Melon gives the most points —1,000 to be exact!"
• Jilin Confectionery Key Milk Chocolate Candies — "You just got a key in your Japan Crate! This gets you a whopping 5,000 points in PAC-MAN, and for that, you get some chocolate pellets!"
• Kyoshin Cherry Mochi Candies — "Get those cherries before they disappear! We're adding in these cherry-flavoured pellets that satisfy every Power Pellet craving."

• Nericho Cider Soft Ice — "This silly little DIY kit reminds us of Inky the blue ghost! Just mix a tablespoon of water with the powder, stir until it foams, and scoop some of that blue stuff to top the little wafer cones that come in the pack to make mini Inky ice cream cones!"
• Yaokin Saucy Senbei Rice Crackers — "Senbei are often enjoyed at Japanese festivals grilled with nori or lathered in sauces. We wanted to bring you the same experience with this little senbei packet!"
• Frito Lay Japan Dragon Potato Butter Soy Sauce Flavour — "Frito Lay is also in Japan and they have their own variety of chips they produce locally. Dragon Potato is a uniquely shaped chip that is reminiscent of a twirling dragon! They're really light and crisp, coated in our favourite butter-soy sauce flavour."
• Lotte Toppo Dark Chocolate Pretzel Sticks — "Chocolate sticks are a popular snack in Japan. Unlike most that are dipped on the outside, Toppo are tubular pretzel sticks filled with chocolate! These are filled with dark chocolate as a special edition."
• Marukawa Orange Fusen Gum — "These dagashii gum balls have been around for decades! They look like orange-flavoured Power Pellets that you can carry around and munch on while on the go."
• Morinaga Ramune Fizzy Candy — "Gobble up as many PAC-DOTS as you can with these little ramune-flavoured candies!"

Unanimous favourites from last month's box were the UHA Burnt Caramel Osatsudoki Potato Chips, Lion Halloween Kyachan Colour-Changing Hard Candy, and the Pepsi Halloween J-Cola Midnight (I really wish we had this over here; it's a blackcurrant-flavoured cola). The worst snacks were Peko Peko Halloween Konpeito (which tasted like rotten sugar pellets; I ate one and threw away the rest), Top Seika Scary Story Gum (which included a "scary story" card and a piece of tasteless gum), and the Orion Star Horror Mask and Candy (which included a "horror mask" and some generic hard candy). As usual, I will spend the next couple weeks making my way through everything here and see what the winners will be for November. I actually just got a notification for my December Japan Crate already, so I'm just going to be eating a lot of candy this month. 

Photolog 2018: Day 341 of 365

Went back to Hot Topic to see if they had any new BT21 merch, and snagged two more shirts that they had just unloaded this morning. (No, I did not need them and I may not even wear them in public. They're just cute and I'm collecting them.) Good thing I went on Tuesday to get the hoodie and the other white shirt, 'cause they were both sold out in all sizes when I went back today.

BTS — Grammy Nomination for Best Recording Package

.@BTS_twt earns 2019 #Grammys nomination: here's why it's important https://t.co/k6RDMcynxl pic.twitter.com/2Us80hhxJH

— billboard (@billboard) December 7, 2018

This is a monumental achievement for BTS, BigHit Entertainment, and HuskyFox — it's a huge nod to the importance of artistic direction and concept in BTS' music and how all these parts are essential to convey their overall message. For the negative ARMYs or general antis who think this nomination is irrelevant because it's for a non-musical category, keep in mind that this was the first Grammy that Frank Sinatra won in 1959, and he went on to win another 12 Grammys (he was nominated for a total of 34). People also forget that all considerations for the Grammys have to be submitted by the music label, which means that BigHit wanted to be considered for this category. Whether or not Love Yourself: Tear wins or not, it is a huge deal for this album to even be nominated for a Grammy, period. (However, having looked at the official nominees in the other categories, I do question some of the Recording Academy's choices, regardless of BTS.)

Photolog 2018: Day 340 of 365

My half of the pizza: hot soppressata and roasted red peppers. 😍🍕😍🍕😍

Bangtan Bomb: "FAKE LOVE" and "IDOL" Special Stages at 2018 AAA

I tried so hard to stay up to watch the Asia Artist Awards through livestream last Saturday, but alas, I made it until 5:00 AM (which is 7:00 PM in Seoul; the 12- to 14-hour time difference makes it really hard to watch any of the Asian award shows live here) before exhaustion took over and I had to go to bed (BTS usually performs near the end of awards shows as they're usually the biggest and most anticipated stage, so I wasn't able to watch it live as that would have required staying up until 7:00 AM and my brain said no). That was a long-winded way of saying that I'm thankful that the Bangtan Bombs of BTS' performances at the AAA were released today so I can watch them through focus cams.

BTS V LIVE [V]: 선물왔습니다~!🐶

OH MY GOD, I WANT ONE. (I'll let you decide who I'm referring to.)

Photolog 2018: Day 339 of 365

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleansing Gel, Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Transformation Gel, Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, and Origins Make a Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment
Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser
I officially broke my makeup ban. I mean, I was slowly breaking my resolve over the last few months, but the ban went out the window entirely for all the fucking Sephora promotions this past month. This is a culmination of the VIB Rouge sale, the Black Friday specials, and the most recent $25 off a $75 purchase promotion. The first several items I don't really count as breaking my ban because they're all skincare: a tube of my usual Philosophy Purity Made Simple Foaming Gel, a bottle of Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Transformation Gel, a tube of Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (which my eczema-prone hands aren't allergic to!), a tube of Origins Make a Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment (which I'm also not allergic to!), and a tube of Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser.

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist and Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray
Violet Voss Matte About You Eyeshadow Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette and Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dream Glow Kit
Sephora started carrying Morphe, so I finally picked up a bottle of their Continuous Setting Spray (I love that it has an aerosol spray because it creates the most even mist as opposed to every other setting spray in the world), as well as the Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray because it was on sale for half-price on Black Friday and it has really good reviews. I re-purchased my ride-or-die Violet Voss Matte About You Palette, which is officially my most-used palette of all time, because I hit pan on six shades already, of which four have almost completely run out (as in, there is only the rim left). I got another tube of my usual Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (I got so many as gifts over the past year that I actually didn't have to buy any until now), and finally broke down and bought the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette. I debated over getting it for nearly half a year and ultimately decided that it would be a staple palette that would end up having a low cost per use, so I finally caved. I also got the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dream Glow Kit because it was on sale for 40% off. (I have no excuses for this one. I'm really into holographic and duochrome shimmers for eyes and cheeks right now, and this one just looked really nice for the finish I wanted. Plus, it was on sale. Whatever.)

Too Faced Sugar Peach Wet and Dry Face & Eye Palette
Too Faced Natural Nudes Lipstick in Birthday Suit and Skinny Dippin'
Finally, I got three items from Too Faced, which hadn't really been intriguing me for the past year, but then suddenly came out with all these gorgeous things. (Maybe it wasn't that sudden, and I've just been really out of the makeup loop this year because I've been on a ban.) As with almost all of the makeup purchases I've made over the past few months, I had to make sure that I'd only get items that I'd use with regularity (for me, that's at least three times a week). No more buying new products, using them once or twice, and then shoving them in a drawer and forgetting about them. So with that in mind, I got the Sugar Peach Wet and Dry Face & Eye Palette and two shades of Natural Nudes Lipstick in Birthday Suit and Skinny Dippin' (they're very similar to MAC's Liptensity Lipsticks, which are my ride-or-dies), all of which are shades that I use nearly everyday.

And that's it, I swear. I haven't bought this much makeup in one go in a long, long time and it actually makes me feel guilty. I never thought I'd ever say that given my previous beauty shopping habits. So much can change in a year, no?