Apartamento

     After the art inspirations of last week, I wandered over to 가루서길 (Garusogil) to meet with some buddies for a few drinks and conversations. I've been tromping this street for a while now, and each time I fall a little bit more in love with it. I never thought it would happen, but this lady here is starting to like fashion! (Whaaa!!!) I've gone from skinny jean-cons-band tees to dresses and dare I say, heals.
     Garusogil is a strip lined with trees and loads of vintage, craft, and fashion-themed shops. But besides that, there are lots of cute restaurants, bars, and cafes. I've played in a bunch of the cafes but this time around I got introduced to Apartamento. (CNNGO review) This cafe/bar is truly lovely, it is located on the second floor and a lot of the tables lie next to wide windows overlooking the street. Apartamento is better known for their pizzas and rustic Italian cuisine, but I have to say I can only speak for their wine and mimosas for now...and for that, go!

mimosa ^^* (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The drinks aren't on the cheap side (10,000W for wine-14,000W for other cocktails) but with the ambiance and general pleasure of the place, I think it's worth it. My mimosa was bubbly and tangy, and truly delicious. Last time I had a mimosa was when I was in the states, Christmas time 2010. It's been a hella while. My nana and I knocked back a bunch of these giggling like children while everyone drank alcohol-free cider and hot drinks. Ahh, nana, how we rage!
     One of the great added touches of Apartamento is the way they serve their water. It's in recycled tall glass bottles, very much like balsamic vinegar jars, or home winery bottles. They also give garlic bread twists (not vegan) but it was cute.

water and stix! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I don't have any pictures of the wine, but for 10,000W a glass, it wasn't bad at all. The red house wine was dry and full bodied...I've been falling in love with wine again~ missing VT.
Anyways...Apartamento is worth checking out...I'll be back for sure!

Twitter: @apartamento_bar
Directions: Sinsa station exit 8 (신사역 8번) walk straight and take the left onto Garusogil street. When you are next to the Tom'n'Toms, look across the street and diagonal from there in the 2nd floor you'll see Apartamento!

Drinks at The Concorde

     As the weather starts to chill and birthdays arise and pass~ all whilst being celebrated...the level of drinks consumed seems to increase. The vegan eats have been lacking in terms of anything worth sharing (salad can get a little boring for others....) but the delicious drinks and nightlife in Seoul has been pumping.
     I've been enjoying lots of liquid formed treats lately, a lot of it being wine, but at the Concorde in Noksapyeong I had some of their new off-the-menu drink creations!!
     The first drink I had was the coffee-infused coffee cocktail...delicious and hella strong.

coffee and liquor~^^* (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Kia had a passion fruit mojito and this was DELICIOUS! Punch, mint, sweetness, and mixed to perfection! It was Kia's birthday so this was a special drink~ go and ask for it...this NEEDS to be on the menu!

passionfruit mojito~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

    The Concorde is a GREAT little bar that's got a very hip and comfy vibe to it. The staff is more than kind and personable, the community there is interesting to say the least, and you can get plenty of people watching in while you sip on great cocktails, strong liquors, and IPA's~good beers!!

Directions:
Noksapyeong station (line 6), go out exit 2 walk straight and cross the under-road tunnel. Get out towards the left side, when you walk up the stairs, walk straight until you see Noxa...take the right up that street and The Concorde is RIGHT THERE!!

Celebrate, Appreciate, Honor life....

     I'll miss you Rich~

Art shows in Insadong~

     Saturday began a bit rough (what did I do Friday) but I was ready to wander all over Seoul. I woke up around 9, did some yoga, went for a walk, got dressed and kicked it over to 인사동 for some art shows, meetings, and discoveries. 인사동 is such a special place for me, although rather busy, there is so much hidden beauty and silence found there. My family grew up in that area so whenever I find myself there, I feel closer to my mom!
     I usually go there just to have some peace of mind, but this time I was there to see some art and get a little inspired. I can't believe I didn't know that there were so many art places! I must create more~

many boobs (photo taken by VeganBeats)

unicorn (photo taken by VeganBeats)

one loooong finger (photo taken by VeganBeats)

ouch (photo taken by VeganBeats)

carousel concentration (photo taken by VeganBeats)

cute dragon (photo taken by VeganBeats)

what do you think this means? (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I went to so many galleries and my day JUST began....

where've I been?!~

     So I kind of failed in regards to October Mofo month but...this lady has been a tad busy. Not a worthy excuse but~ hey take it.

love (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I've been through moments of bliss and positive thoughts lately and...I'm really genuinely glad that I'm in this spot. Sure, I still get a bit neurotic and atrociously self-conscious but I've learned how to breathe, channel my mind and (attempt) to be patient.

     Getting back into art (those old passions) are so necessary, I feel like finally, finally I'm getting in touch with who I am, what I care about, and what gives me fuel to survive. I've done those things on my list (some of them) that I've always wanted to do...those life long goal lists right! I'm in Korea, I'm learning this language, I'm creating something everyday, there's so much more....but this lady feels like she can see the ground~

yeah cuddle buddy!~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

sketch~~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Amy's Wedding!

     One of the greatest woman I know got married recently...she is the first person I worked with when I landed in Seoul and she is very close to my heart. She's a friend, a sister, and a beautiful Seoul!! These are not the greatest pictures from her wedding but~ here's some jams!

newlyweds! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

the fam! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The vegan noms were a bit lacking but I had some fruit and 도토리묵 (my FAVorite)~ The meal was more buffet style and super quaint!!

nom spread (photo taken by VeganBeats)

BEAUTIFUL!~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Congrats Amy!~ I'm so excited for you and can't wait to have you in Seoul!!~

What a Week(s) of Brilliance^^*!~

     For a while now, things have just been sprinting upwards~
I've spent great times with beautiful friends, have gone to spectacular places, and have met some awesome people! I've been in such a positive and good place and I'm not allowing negativity to have any say in my existence~

I had the pleasure of going to the Tod's brand Opening party last Tuesday and it was too fun! Fashion everywhere, unlimited glasses of wine and mix drinks, entertainment people just kicking it...

photo taken by VeganBeats

      le sigh~ some celebrities attended the event but I was with one myself (Jaxs^^*!~)

model (photo taken by VeganBeats)

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

     On top of a ridiculous posh and FABulous party event, I've been getting back into art and sketching, have been keeping up with my place, been exercising loads...maybe it's endorphins, maybe it's creativity, maybe it's new friends...

I'm "milking" this for all it's got.