The $26 Hydrating Face Cream that Works Better than $400+ Products

You guys know that I'm all about splurging when necessary, but why spend extra moolah when you don't have to. I've featured this cream on SS before because it works wonders, and Good Housekeeping Institute can now vouch for me. They recently performed an independent test on Olay's Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream and found that it outperformed 10 top prestige creams including one with a $440 price tag.

Solid hydration means everything to me so I love that this product's fast-acting and long-lasting.  At the 3-hour mark, GHI found that Olay moisturized 400% better than a cream nearly 18 times its price. They also discovered that it increased moisture by 50% on average over a 24-hour period and improved skin's texture by 10% in only four weeks thanks to powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

I like to use it on cleansed skin at night post-shower, but if I feel dry in the morn, I layer it on top of my sunscreen.  A little goes a long way so don't go too crazy - I recommend using a dime sized amount and patting it onto your skin in an upwards motion from your jawline.  Rubbing your face with a towel or your hands is a big no-no because it'll create fine lines.  

IMO, this is the perfect everyday cream for woman of all ages.  It's rich yet absorbs quickly so there's no greasiness whatsoever.  I can pretty much guarantee that you'll wake up glowing.  I personally saw a big difference in my skin after just a couple of days - it left it even, silky smooth and seriously hydrated.  

You don't need to spend an arm and a leg to look good, and this cream proves it!  My blog's all about living large on a budget, and this product truly allows you to do so.  You CAN pamper yourself like a celeb without spending an obscene amount of money and get a similar effect (if not better to be honest) in the comfort of your home.  Trust me, I've tried a lot of different creams in my lifetime - because I'm kind of crazy when it comes to skincare - but nothing beats the price + quality of Olay Regenerist.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine. #ad #ageless

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Lace Makes Everything Better

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Marled by Reunited Clothing so I'm extra stoked to tell you guys about my latest OOTD.  I've featured yet another one of their fabulous tops, and this one may just be my fave - available at Bloomingdale's.  I love all things girly so the lace detailing kills me in the best way possible.  Plus, you all know that statement sleeves are my achilles' heel.

I paired the top with a mesh skirt (an oldie but a goodie, featured here several years ago) and tied it to emphasize the small of my waist - one of the many tricks I employ to look leaner with fashion!  If you want to read more on how to hide muffin top like a boss, click here.  If you'd like to browse other how-to articles, check out my gallery!

Other adorable designs from their line:

Shoes:  OASAP (similar) || Skirt:  Rebecca Minkoff (similar) || Top:  Marled by Reunited ($78) || Bag:  Chloe

Photos shot by the amazing Sung Shin.

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How I Do Casual

I pretty much live in girly dresses and skirts, but on off days, I love wearing jeans.  There's nothing sexier than a plain white shirt + denim, but I wanted to jazz up the combo for you guys today on SS for funsies.  Instead of going with a simple tee, I threw on a fabulous ruffled number from Almost Famous Clothing.  It's a total must-have if you love cold shoulder cutouts as much as I do!  

I also wanted to incorporate more color into today's OOTD so I carried my new crossbody bag from Sugar + Style.  I feel like it adds SO much personality, and I seriously can't get over the bamf guitar straps.  FYI, it's detachable AND reversible so you can wear it with other bags in your collection or swap it for something a bit more "tame."  It all depends on your mood, but isn't it nice to know that you have options? Haha.  Use code KIM20 to get an extra 20% off your purchase.

Other cute tops feat. shoulder cutouts (under $50):

To finish things off, I wore perforated slip-ons from Greats.  At $179, these shoes don't come cheap, but they're worth every penny IMHO because they ooze quality.  Made of Italian leather, these kicks are available in 4 other colors: perforated blush, perforated white, white, and black.  If you're interested in purchasing a pair for yourself, remember to sign up for their newsletter to get 10% off your purchase!

Shoes:  Greats || Jeans:  Stitchfix || Top:  Almost Famous || Bag: Sugar + Style || Sunnies:  Covry

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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Food Coma'd Out at Fogo De Chao

Oh man, Fogo de Chao is seriously everything and more.  I wanted to spoil my cousin so I took her here for a nomtastic dinner last week and we totally pigged out.  I go to the one in Baltimore pretty frequently but hadn't been to the DC location yet so I was excited.

We started our evening off with drinks before hitting up the seasonal market table.  I ordered a Strawberry Hibiscus Caipirinha and Kristy got a Mango Ginger Martini.  Both cocktails were delish but hella strong - they definitely don't mess around here, ha.  As usual, the salad bar was impressive.  Their selections included seasonal specialties (ex. lentil quinoa and blackberry & arugula salad), smoked salmon, imported cured meats + aged cheeses, and antipasti.  My faves were def. the roasted beets, marinated hearts of palm & artichokes, peppadew peppers, baby quail eggs, and imported prosciutto.

Then, the real fun began.  We flipped our coasters - they're not really coasters, but I call them that anyway - over to green for meat service.  There were 10 meats available (lamb, pork loin, pork sausage, pork ribs, chicken, prime part of the top sirloin, beef tenderloin, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, rib eye, and beef ribs) and waiters brought them over to us on giant skewers - def. hold out for the filet and lamb!  FYI, if you don't see your protein of choice, ask someone to bring you a specific cut.  

We also got 3 side dishes (garlic mashed taters, caramel bananas, and polenta at no additional cost) with our meal + the most incredible bread ever.  Pao de Queijo is a carblover's dream, like I seriously had six of these before I even touched anything.  No joke!  They're warm cheesy bread rolls that are made with sweet and sour yuca flour and parmesan cheese (!!!!!)

Conclusion:  haul @$$ to Fogo to get your nom on.  The grub doesn't come cheap but you gotta put it all into perspective.  It's all you can eat meat, sides, and salad bar for $56 at dinner and $36 at lunch soooo not too shabby if you think about it.  Prices are slightly different for the weekend so keep that in mind.  Also, if you have vegetarians in the fam, no worries - they offer market table only entrees at lunch for $15 and dinner for $29. Happy eating, frands!

A huge thanks to Fogo for having us!

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Summer Loving

Ready for all sorts of summer fun in my new sundress.  Made of lightweight cotton, this flirty mini is perfect for the pool or beach!  It has a plunging neckline with an open back, and it fits true to size.  I'm wearing a US 4, and it fits me beautifully.  It's a halter so the top's adjustable - it should fit regardless of how big or small your bust is. Available online at ASOS for $38 here!

Other adorable styles (all under $50):

Featuring yet another fabulous sunhat from Dynamic Asia - if you missed my first feature on them, clicky here. Always remember to practice safe sun, guys.  You should wear sunscreen on the daily, but if you're planning to chill outside for an extended period of time, use one with a higher SPF and reapply at least every 2 hours.  Also, wear sunnies to protect your eyes!

A closer look at my Mermazing tote!  I got this bag from Beach'd months ago and still love it to pieces.  When I took it to the Caribbean, I pretty much carried it everywhere because it was heatproof (and cute, obviously).  They use globally sourced natural materials and work closely with women-owned factories to create ethically produced designs with unique weatherproofing details.  They offer beach bags, keychains, cosmetic cases, and wallets so make sure you head on over and take a look.  Sign up for their newsletter to get an extra 20% off + free shipping over $50+.

Dress:  ASOS ($38) || Shoes:  Amiclubwear || Hat:  Dynamic Asia ($8.50) || Tote:  Beach'd

Shot by the incredible Eva Liz.

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June Workout Playlist

Alright guys, I've been flaky AF with my workout updates because I've been really bad these last few weeks, not even going to try and lie, ha.  Things were really crazy - which is no excuse but still - but I'm back on the exercise train now so I'll be much more consistent with my fitness blasts.  Anywho, I'm at Disneyworld for the day (if you want, you can follow along on IG stories) so I'm going to keep things short!  Here are my current fave songs to sweat to - featuring a ton of bomb remixes + upbeat electric songs on this month's playlist.  Enjoy!

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Remix: The Metallic Mini

Alright guys, if today's dress looks familiar, it's because I featured it HERE a few months ago!  Back then, I styled it with a turtleneck and wedges because it was still pretty chilly out, but now that it's hotter than Dante's inferno, I can wear it all by its lonesome.  

The dress is fairly loud due to the color and style so I skipped accessories altogether.  I did, however, wear statement heels to add a bit of edge.  I'm not especially graceful in heels so ankle-strap sandals are a godsend.  I bought these a long time ago so they're no longer available online, but I'll make sure to link other cute options below.

Fabulous statement heels under $100:

To finish off my OOTD, I carried a mini crossbody from & Other Stories to match.  They opened a store in Georgetown not too long ago, but I haven't had a chance to go yet.  I'll definitely have to hit them up next month when I'm back in town!  If you're interested in the bag I'm sporting, it's available online here.  

Other stylish metallic minis:

Shot by the amazing Rey Marques.

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4 (Free) Games You Need on Your Phone STAT

I've always loved playing video games.  In fact, I've been obsessed pretty much all my life...like it was actually kind of a problem, ha.  When I was younger, I was hooked on Warcraft and seriously couldn't stop playing, which pissed my mom off to no end.  She was a tiger parent so she was extra strict when it came to school and piano.  So, I made a deal with her.  I'd get to play an hour IF I had finished ALL of my homework and practiced x amount of hours.  

It all would've worked out if I had honored our agreement, but I just couldn't stay away from my precious orc army.  I ended up running back and forth between my piano and PC - I'd hit a note on the keyboard from time to time so it sounded like I was working, but she saw right through my BS.  She stormed down and went straight to my computer.  I thought, "worst case scenario, she'll turn my PC off and I'll have to re-do levels."  Well, she ejected my game and straight up broke it in half.  

...saddest day of my life, ha! I may be exaggerating a slight bit, but suffice it to say, I was still pretty upset.  Fast forward 15 years, and I'm still hooked.  I've wanted to get a Playstation for years now, but I know I'll get absolutely nothing done if I do so I'm being good.  However, I reward myself with i-phone game breaks as a consolation, and it's also actually one of the ways me and my bf stay connected in our LD relationship.  Here are 4 of my current favorites:

1.  Fun Run 2:  The funnest run I've ever done, HA.  Oh my god, I can't even handle how nerdy I am!  I've been obsessed with this game for YEARS now - don't judge me - and I have no doubt you guys will love it, too.  It's like Mario Kart meets Happy Tree Friends.  You can challenge your buddies or get randomly matched online.  There are a handful of courses and you race peeps while attacking them with weapons you collect along the way.  You're rewarded with $$$ when you win games or hit goals that are listed in your daily challenges, and you can use that moolah to buy fun accessories for the character of your choice.  I have a penguin with a fancy hat, bahaha!

2.  Very Dice:  I'm not sure if you guys are familiar with this game, but think of it as a virtual Dave & Buster's with wayyyy more prizes (featuring items you actually want, ha).  The game itself isn't super complex - you're just rolling dice - but you can win ACTUAL prizes which is cool AF.  They give you 50 rolls to start, and then you earn or buy more.  I recommend participating in surveys or completing offers because they get you the most rolls.  TIP: check back every 24 hours to get your free spin for extra rolls on the house.  If you want to give the app a shot (and trust me, you definitely do), please use my friend code so I can earn bonus rolls, ha:  196313.  

3.  Plants vs. Zombies 2:  This game is soooo much fun!  You time-travel to different worlds and fight zombies with your ferocious yet adorable plant army.  Levels can get surprisingly hard, but I've never spent a dime on this app - if you want, you can purchase power-ups + new plants to defeat your enemies.  

4.  Tiny Wings:  My bf introduced me to this game when I visited him in SF.  I wasn't crazy about it at first, but my competitive spirit kicked in pretty quickly because I was determined to beat his high score (which I did BTW)!  Basically, you have a little birdie and you have to try and fly her as smoothly as possible.  There are hills throughout so  you have to land her at just the right angle to gain max momentum, which in turn increases your score.  It's all about timing so you just gotta lock that down!  Make you complete as many missions as possible to get a higher score multiplier. 

Andddd that's it for today, everyone.  Do you guys play any games on your phone? If yes, which ones? 

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My Obsession with Alexis Continues

I was and continue to be head over heels obsessed with all things Alexis.  I purchased this top a long while back but haven't featured it on SS so I thought no better time than the present.  This fabulous blouse was on sale at Saks so I scooped it up along with THIS dress during after-Christmas sales. The top's voluminous with billowy sleeves so I paired it with a bandage skirt for balance.  To finish things off, I carried my Gucci crossbody to match and threw on statement heels to elevate my ensemble.

Why I drool over Alexis:

A closer look at my bag! I know I featured it here recently, but I couldn't resist showcasing it again.  If you have a bag fetish like me, you'll definitely want to check out my entire designer collection here.  Also, I added a few pieces to my wardrobe since then so I'll be publishing part 2 later this summer - definitely make sure to keep an eye out!

Me being...as asian as possible, ha.

Top:  Alexis || Skirt:  BCBG || Shoes:  Last Call || Bag:  Gucci via TJ Maxx

Shot by the wonderful Rey Marques.

4

Fine Dining at Citron

As you all know, I'm an avid foodie who loves to try different restaurants in the DMV area, and I'm always on the lookout for gems whether they be fine dining establishments or hole-in-the-wall joints. I don't discriminate - good food is good food, but Citron just so happens to fall in the former.  Their restaurant, located on Quarry Lake at Greenspring in Baltimore County, offers elegant dining in addition to a comfortable bar and lounge. On top of that, there's outdoor seating with a beautiful lakeside view exclusive to guests.  Their menu, crafted by Charles Levine and his talented culinary team, features contemporary American cuisine with a French twist, which changes seasonally to offer the freshest ingredients possible to patrons.

Dinner started off with an array of cocktails and starters.  The impeccably-trained waitstaff brought tuna tartare ($17), black skillet roasted mussels ($16), citron's seasonal salad ($12) and artisan cheeses & charcuterie ($25) for the table.  The cocktails we got were as follows (from left to right): a Sazerac, a Cucumber Lemonade, a Water Lily, and a Booloo.  They were all tasty, but my favorite of the bunch was the Cucumber Lemonade - definitely make sure to order one if you come here because it's one of their unique handcrafted cocktails.  It was super refreshing and complemented the apps beautifully! 

A close-up shot of their charcuterie - it came with a variety of fresh & dried fruits, nuts, olives, breads, and honeycomb.

The seasonal salad was an absolute treat!  Who knew salad could be tasty?  Ha.  It had baby arugula, orange bits, onions, spicy walnuts, biscotti croutons (yasssss), and raspberry vinaigrette.  

If you love mussels, this app is an absolute must-try!  It comes out piping hot, and the presentation's even more impressive in person.

Andddd the tuna tartare.  It comes with spicy tograrashi chips, but I removed them for photos!  Featuring sushi grade tuna, cucumber, radish, haricots verts, avocado tzatziki, and makrut lime vinaigrette, this dish tastes as good as it looks...according to my bf, ha.  I don't eat fish so I didn't get to try this dish, but he downed it within minutes soooo yep!

Moving onto entrees!  Like our apps, we ordered a bunch of dishes for the table and shared it all:  citrus glazed atlantic swordfish ($39), pan seared pacific halibut ($43), 16 ounce marcho farms bone in veal chop ($54), and baby lamp chops ($43).

The veal came with pickled blackberries, baby arugula, charred tomato, wild mushrooms, crumbled humboldt fog, and white balsamic vinaigrette.  

Topped with black currant demi-glace, the lamb chops came with chevre stuffed peppadew and meyer lemon-mint gremolata.

For all you fish lovers out there, here's the swordwish! Glazed with citrus magic, it comes with a summer veggie salad and white quinoa.

And last but not least, the halibut accompanied with a delish chorizo corn cake, fava bean okinawa yams, grape tomatoes, and blood orange salsa.

And finally, my fave part of the meal:  dessert.  I was totally blown away by their key lime & tangerine marshmallow tart.  Filled with layers of key lime + tangerine curd, roasted house-made marshmallow, and rhubarb molasses in a shortbread crust, it was easily one of the best desserts I've ever had.  The spring sampler was also amazing!  For those of you wondering, it came with a mini-coconut custard brulee, a garnet dark chocolate torte, a mint julip petit four, and a jasmine blueberry ice cream cone.  I'd seriously go back for the sweets alone, like I'm drooling just thinking about it.

Anywho, that's a wrap for today! A huge thanks to Citron for being such wonderful hosts.  Definitely let me know if you guys decide to eat here - I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Sending lots and lots of love from Maryland.

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