Sunday, November 29, 2009

Kotatsu time!

Arctic weather is expected to blow into Minnesota this week. The *&%^$#* freezing temps have me longing for warm Korean ondol. There's no feeling like sitting on a toasty floor eating jjigae while snow flies outside. Practically as wonderful as ondol, but less likely to melt your CDs and whatever else is on your floor, is a Japanese kotatsu.

Kotatsu is a special table with an electric heater mounted underneath. A heavy duvet is placed between the table frame and the tabletop. Kotatsu are so commonly used to get the Japanese (who don't have central heat) through winters that Rement released a kotatsu toy.

The warmth and coziness of kotatsu are awesome. Leaving a kotatsu behind, however, can feel like torture. Marukai markets sell square kotatsu for $228.

Kermit's family enjoy their kotatsu together.

Non-reality TV

Despite what the writers of Knocked Up, King of Queens, and now the Fox comedy The League would like to think, super gorgeous women do not marry average Joe, potbellied men. It's like having show after show about women with size 14 butts and Crocs married to male models.

Nadine Velazquez (My Name is Earl) and Leslie Bibb (Taladega Nights) are married to the guys in The League. Yeah, right.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Hair today, gone tomorrow



Daniel Henney got snubbed!

People Magazine should call their "Sexiest Man Alive" issue the "We Only Acknowledge the Same Five Actors Over & Over" issue. While actor John Cho is a hot piece who has starred in several blockbusters and may be recognized by soccer moms, do women scream his name on multiple continents? Does his face appear on Taster's Choice?
Speaking of packages, Ajumma did get a few chuckles out of the issue's multi-page spread of Jerry O'Connell going out his day in a red speedo. It made my trip through the line at the grocery store more enjoyable.

L.A. Premiere of Ninja Assassin



Yea, Sung Kang!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday, November 13, 2009

Rain & his 40-pack are ready to kick arse

Ninja Assassin, starring Korean actor Rain, barrels its way into theaters on Thanksgiving. Rain will make an appearance at Giant Robot in L.A. today at 8:30 PM.


Megan Fox was in Seoul, last summer, promoting Transformers 2. While there she learned that she is Rain's ideal type of woman. How did the sexpot actress respond? "So where is he? Tell him to find me!" Meanwhile, Shia received a birthday cake and was forced to say who he thought was hotter; Megan Fox or his Korean interviewer.

Super wild: Coco Cake Cupcakes

If you haven't yet checked in to the Coco Cake Cupcakes blog, prepare to have your mind blown! There are amazingly wonderful (and delicious) things coming out of Vancouver, folks.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

"Love your planet"

I am a big fan of canvas bags. I picked this one up at Digs in Northfield, yesterday. Bags by The Outfit are made of 100% organic canvas and lead-free inks. I like mine because of the colors and simple graphic.

Adam Beach in a bad wig

Smoke Signals is an amazing movie. What's less than amazing is the wig Adam Beach wears in the film's climax. Here's a look at Adam (who turns 37, today) and the wig that haunts my dreams.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Map it!

Seoul subway map by design firm, Zero Per Zero. Compare the subway lines in Korea's capital city to ones in Japan. Tokyo looks like Seoul on steroids!

Friday, November 6, 2009

When Cheerios just don't cut it

Throw in a little kimchi and this is a perfect Friday breakfast.

Sweet ride: Cupcake Car

This is how we should all travel to work from now on. Hopefully they come with 4-wheel drive because roads get pretty nasty in the winter. Neiman Marcus sells these cupcake cars, which top out at 7 mph, for $25,000. Beep, beep!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Clones Vol. 16: Sven Sundgaard & David Bromstad

Sven Sundgaard is a Minnesota weather man who is tan, cute and speaks Norwegian.  I was living in California when he hit the airwaves in 2006, but from what I can gather he caused a major stir among usually mild-mannered Minnesota women.  When I first saw Sven's photo all I could think of was how he looked part Asian.

David Bromstad destroyed competitors on HGTV's original season of Design Star, and went on to star in his own home design series, Color Splash.  (I accidentally called it Colon Splash once in an email to a friend, and that's how it will forever be known.)  David is a hot piece of you-know-what who wields brushes and fabric samples like blazing weapons.  His designs are surprising, fresh and classy, kind of like his on screen personality.  Someone please tell me he's half Asian.


Sven at work.  He's probably talking about cumulus clouds.


David at work, laying color on the walls.  The man can redo my house anytime.  Not only do these two fellows look alike, they're both native Minnesotans.

Wheels X waves= posh rooms

Gaze upon the 10 surf and skate-inspired suites at La Casa del Camino in Laguna Beach.  The Orange County hotel has teamed with 10 companies who commissioned designers to create rooms that embody the energy and style of surfing and skateboarding lifestyles.  Most designers nailed it, though somehow the Quiksilver logo on the headboard slipped through. L.A. Times at Home reports the Casa Surf Project suites will be available to the public beginning November 5 and will cost $269 to $369. 

I especially like the bold Roxy room with Nelson bubble lamps.


Don't tell him to chill


If you have a Vietnamese brother, or know someone else's Vietnamese brother, then you know why this is funny.

Caution: Bubble tea crossing

Oakland artist Liusan says, "We are currently lobbying to have these important signs placed around every Chinatown to ensure the safety of every boba tea drinker.  In the meantime, please wear this shirt and do your part to protect yourself and others."  

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Is Daniel becoming Ji-Sub?

I predict since Daniel Henney is now starring in an American television show, he will finally make People's most beautiful issue in the upcoming year. But is it me or is Daniel looking less like himself and more reminiscent of Korean actor Seo Ji-Sub these days?

Daniel (above)

Ji-Sub

Daniel's bedroom eyes

Ji-Sub's bedroom hair

Duke, man of the sea

Surfing Cowboys store in Venice, CA is selling this framed print of surfer Duke Kahanamoku for $650.00. I like it, but my husband would freak if I put two strangers up on our wall.

For sale: Cinderella's house in San Diego

I love this home, but feel the princessey interior of this two bedroom, one bath Pacific Beach hacienda may limit potential buyers from plunking down $799,000 for the property. Here is how I'd stage the place:

The white, flowy drapes should be replaced with bolder, more substantial ones. Large rugs and green plants would warm the space and give it life. Curses to whoever painted the fireplace white, because it now loses its place as the focal point of the room.

The living room walls are screaming for art. Some handmade Mexican art would be nice. If there's room, I'd pull the sofa away from the wall and replace the pillows with ones with colorful prints. What is with all the dressers and cabinets in the living room? That implies there is no storage elsewhere in the house, which might actually be the case.

Add door fronts to the kitchen cabinets. Paint one wall a cheery color. Place a bowl of fruit and fresh flowers on the counter. If fabric must hang below the sink, I recommend a vintage one.

A color on the bedroom walls would accentuate the curved windows.
Home Depo must have had a sale on chandeliers because they're everywhere in this house. While they're cute, they don't fit the Spanish bones of this home.

In the rear yard, I'd plant brilliant bougainvilla. Rather than all those wicker chairs, an outdoor sofa would look attractive. Dot the space with potted plants and you'll have an ideal spot for a siesta.