Curiously Carmen - Page 106 of 106 -

Confessions from a Disneyland skeptic

February 1, 2014 2 Comments

-Before you judge me, read the whole article and find out the reasons behind my Disneyland skepticism, and what I realized during my trip.-

When we think of Disneyland, sunny skies, warm weather, and most of all, HAPPINESS, comes to mind. Contrary to popular belief, there was a period in my time where my feelings towards the Happiest Place on Earth were not good thoughts. I know what you’re probably thinking- This girl is crazy and stupid. She’s just bitter because she’s never been to Disneyland and she’s jealous and doesn’t know what she’s missing out on. She probably had a messed up childhood and never watched any Disney movies growing up so she feels resentment towards the Happiest Place on Earth. She’s no fun at all and she’s stuck up and I hope she gets nightmares of Mickey Mouse haunting her in her sleep. I’m going to stop listening to her because her opinions are irrelevant and she’s going to ruin Disneyland for me. Something along those lines right? I have found some articles on why some people agree with me:
Why Disneyland is not the happiest place on Earth / Multiple Yahoo answer forums on why Disneyland sucks /A mother’s take on why she hates Disneyland /
Anyways, you get the point. I thought Disneyland was overpriced, wait times were too long, it was too crowded, and everything inside the theme park was a scheme to take your money. Plus, all throughout my university career, we are essentially brainwashed into hating everything about giant corporations (including Disneyland) which is probably why I started to dislike Disneyland in the first place, when I went as a child I loved it. Watch the documentary named “The Corporation” by Naomi Klein, it will give you a fair representation of what I am taught at school. Or read about political economy and Marxism. If hate on corporations is all you ever learn about, you’ll hate it too. I’m sure all my fellow Communication classmates can agree with me on that? All these factors played a role in my avoidance in going to Disneyland, much to the disbelief of my friends (Hi Brandon & Eileen! Love you guys!), but keep reading to find out what changed my mind.

Honestly, when I finally arrived at Disneyland I was really excited, but guilty that I felt excited. I was with some of the people I love and care most about, including my two silly little cousins dressed in sparkly pink princess dresses. The realization sunk in that while Disneyland is overpriced, overcrowded, (and that the company will do anything to squeeze out the remaining dollar bills you have inside the $60 Minnie mouse hoodie you bought that was too tight, but you bought it anyways because it was cute), Disneyland really IS an amazing and happy world. I think part of the reason why Disneyland is so magical and awesome is because all the visitors are there for a common goal. People visit Disneyland as an escape from reality. When we all come together and witness Disneyland in all its overpriced glory and beauty, it is wonderful and worth the price you pay. Everyone there (mostly) is in a good mood, which allows for happy memories. The time I spent in Disneyland was probably one of the best times I’ve had. It was nice to be able to taste Summer in January, wear tanks and shorts while eating ice cream, having the sun shine down on you while you dry off from the Grizzly Bear Run ride (yet the fake snow after the fireworks makes it feel like you’re in a warm Winter wonderland). Disneyland operates in a way that satisfies it’s visitors by allowing an escape from reality and creating happiness (via extravagant water and light shows, fireworks, rides, parades, and allowing you to meet your favourite childhood characters). It’s been almost a month since I went and I still go through my Disneyland pictures daily. I still miss it there and would go back in a heartbeat (If I could afford another plane ticket and spending money). Disneyland, I’m coming back for you.

-Disneyland skeptic turned lover

Urban Decay – “Naked Skin” Liquid Foundation Review

February 1, 2014 1 Comment

Hi everyone!

I’ve always been a fan of Urban Decay products. My first memory of UD was one of their dark purple eyeshadow pots, which I remember from my childhood. My mom has always been into makeup which is probably how I have taken on the hobby as well.

From then, it slowly progressed to discovering the UD Primer potion (My HOLY GRAIL of all eyeshadow primers, a later post will be dedicated to this amazing product), then to various liquid eyeliners, and finally, their Naked Skin foundation.

I first tried the foundation through Sephora + Pantone ‘s colour IQ and got a sample of it. Usually, when I am investing in a relatively expensive foundation, I ask for a sample first to make sure I really like it before actually spending money. I loved this one so much, I’m pretty sure I went to Sephora the next day and bought it. It’s been a few months with this foundation and it’s safe to say, I love it as much as when I first bought it. Here’s why:

Coverage: When I buy foundation, I aim for at least medium coverage. I have combination skin, redness in a few areas (esp around my nose, eyebrows), and a few scars which is why low coverage does nothing for me. Anyways, the coverage is great. A little goes a long way, I usually use one pump, dab it in my problem zones and use my foundation brush to blend it out. Especially with a foundation that costs $50, it’s satisfying to know that a little goes a long way.

Feel: Usually, medium-high coverage foundations feel heavier which makes sense. However, as their website says and I agree with, this foundation feels really light and non-existent which is perfect! My face also does not feel oiler than it normally is after using.

Length: Foundations that say they last 12-24+ hours plus are lying. Why would you need a foundation that lasts 24 hours?! Like do you not need to sleep or something? Go sleep! Are you too lazy to wash your makeup off at night/put on your makeup at night? Well, stop because you’re damaging your skin! Haha 🙂

Anyways, this foundation lasts pretty long for my skin, at least 8 hours before I notice it starting to wear off. I normally reapply it after 6 hours, if I happen to have it with me, just because it does seem to lose its radiance a bit. I’ve had foundations that have lasted only 3 hours MAXIMUM before it goes away.

Cons: While writing this post, I kept trying to think of things I did not like about it. But honestly, I can’t think of anything… Except maybe the price? It retails for $45 Canadian not including tax. It is pretty expensive in my opinion, but for what you get out of it, it’s worth it. Which is why I usually save this foundation for special events or long days where I know I won’t get a chance to reapply my makeup!

Face: Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

Thank you for reading !
-Carmen

Hapa Izakaya (Kitsilano) Review

January 30, 2014 1 Comment

EDIT: This was my first post on this Hapa location, but it has since gone downhill. You can compare this post with my second visit here.

———-

Hi everyone!

I have seen many posts on social media during the last couple of weeks on Dine Out Vancouver (#DOVF). However, for whatever reason, I was not that excited to check it out this year, probably because I had a lot on my plate already (pun intended). Anyways, I was bored one day and decided to browse through the restaurants. I ended up making a reservation for 2 at Hapa Izakaya for Friday, Jan 24th.

There were a few other Hapa Izakayas in Vancouver, but my boyfriend wanted to go to this one because parking in downtown can be stressful and expensive. We arrived, and overheard some customers asking for the approximate wait time without reservation, which was roughly one hour. We told the server my name but she said we didn’t have a reservation. Turns out we failed and accidentally made a reservation for the wrong night!

After hearing that, we were both pretty bummed out as we did not want to wait a hour like the customer before us that asked her. However, much to our surprise, she was really accommodating and asked us if we wanted to walk about the neighbourhood for a bit, and that she’ll give us a call when the next table is ready.

I guess since we actually made a reservation (just on the wrong day), she was willing to help us out which I really appreciate! We waited roughly around 15 minutes. The waitresses themselves were really friendly and answered questions that we had. Our food was delicious, I have no complaints about it and neither does my boyfriend. Here is the dine out menu for Hapa Izakaya Kitsilano: (Bolded are the ones we chose)

First Course 最初のコース (Choice of one)
Sesame cucumbers
Gomaae
Edamame
Kimchi

Second Course 第2クール (Choice of one)
Karaage
Ebi Mayo
Corn Croquette Corn
Popcorn Pork Panko

Third Course 第三のコース (Choice of one)
Spicy Tuna Roll
Dynamite Roll
Fish n’ Chips Roll
Veggie Roll Daily

Fourth Course 第四のコース (Choice of one)
Spicy Pork Ishiyaki Rice
Kinoko Ishiyaki Rice
Chipotle Beef Curry Ishiyaki Rice
Teriyaki Ishiyaki Rice

I would highly recommend trying Hapa Izakaya during Dine Out festival. I honestly have no complaints for this restaurant For what you are served, it is truly a great value as we would probably have spent $20-$30 MORE if we ordered each item during regular season.

Despite this being a generic menu, in the sense that the kitchen probably prepares all the Dine Out dishes ahead of time, they all the dishes tasted really fresh and delicious. The ishiyaki rice is essentially “cooked” in front of you, individually by your server- the rice, meat, veggies, and raw egg are put in a hot stone bowl, but the server is the one who mixes it in front of you and tells you to wait few minutes so that your rice is crispy and egg is thoroughly cooked. Effort is put into each dish and it really shows.

Thank you for reading!

-Carmen