It's been years since I've been to a zoo. I think the last time I went to one was either in elementary school for a class trip or when my brother was very little. Either or...it was close to ten years ago! We finally had the opportunity to go this past Memorial Day (a very hot day at that). My brother was given free tickets from his teacher to visit a museum/zoo/aquarium and those sorts. So why miss the opportunity? Rather than going to the aquarium which is quite close to where we live or deal with the horrendous Manhattan traffic and parking, we took a trip up to the Bronx to the zoo.
A zoo seems like a childish choice to spend a family outing at but I thought it was quite fun. Although most of the animals weren't doing anything particularly exciting that day, it was nice to see them in real life rather than just through photos and videos. I must say, it was a little sad to see them laze around and not doing much in their enclosed fields. Yet I was also a little...ahem...very...excited to see them. Am I contradicting or what?
Since I've bought my DSLR, I haven't really gotten a good chance to take it out and photograph much with school and all. This trip to the Bronx Zoo gave me the perfect chance. Although...I admit I'm still not used to all the functions available but I tried to use the manual options available as much as I could. I should have done my camera homework beforehand! Maybe for the next opportunity. I think I'm going to make a summer goal to learn my own camera!
Here are some of the shots that I got that I thought was worth sharing. They have been cropped and edited a little...hope no one minds! These photos are also ordered in the way that I visited the zoo. Enjoy :D
After the short walk outside, we headed into a building to view their birds. It's surprising how some of the birds weren't even closed off by a window. Won't these birdies fly out toward the visitors?
This animal was just by itself near the fence. Wonder what was wrong (if there was anything wrong with him/her)...
One of the other visitors said these two were young deers (I think they are deers...correct me if I'm wrong!) were just playing. The two were at this head butting, antler clashing game for quite a few minutes!
This was how the vulture was positioned when we got to this part of the zoo. We all thought it wasn't real because of how still the bird was. But of course I don't think the zoo would let a dead animal stay there for visitors to see, or that this was a fake, or would a dead bird stay upright like that. Its wing span is amazing! Probably even longer than my height...
Once it vulture closed it's wings, it looked so much smaller. Shows how intimidating they can get!
The bird of the US...the bald eagle. These guys sure are sensitive. They just sat still whenever people passed by. Once we all turned around they started to tear apart their food! I have photos of it but I do not want to see it again...My brother, on the other hand, loved watching them eat and was so into it I think he watched them finish their whole meal. I couldn't even stand a second of it...
I spotted this peacock on the grass just sitting around. The odd part was there were no enclosures around where this peacock could have came from. This was a sitting area/pathway to enclosures. The peacock was just roaming freely. I guess it is normal?
Sadly, this birdie didn't open up it's tail. It would have looked beautiful...!
My brother and I were excited to spot the giraffes. Mostly because we watch Running Man and one of the members of the Running Man team is often called 기린 (kirin) or giraffe in Korean due to his height compared to everyone else's.
The gorillas were one of the more interest animals at the zoo that day. Before they walked away from the visitors, they were all playing around right by the window. Some would even stay very close then suddenly gave a quick bang on the window! I'm not sure if it was a few of the gorillas that did it or just one playful one but it was very exciting! Or...maybe it was their way of telling us to go away?
Another peacock came by when we reached the camel riding area. This one also didn't open up it's tail...But the colors of its tail was breathtaking! Ah what a shame. If only we were lucky and there was a peahen nearby. Then I would have been able to witness it in such close proximity!
After what felt like a long walk to another area of the zoo we finally spotted a peacock with its tail open! This is actually the cropped version. So what we saw with our eyes was much smaller. I wish I brought my longer lens so I could have captured it better...
Even when it put it's tail down the skirt effect it makes looks so pretty!
Don't you agree that the polar bear was cute? It was much skinnier than I imagined but I guess that's how they are when they're kept on zoo diets? This polar bear was very playful...all by itself. Gah, more contradicting feelings from me heh. There was this one point where the polar bear stepped out of the water onto the concrete area and jumped back in. Unfortunately I couldn't capture that because JUST when that happened...I ran out of memory space!
One of the zoo workers opened up those doors and the whole bunch of little guys knew right away to run back inside!
After going through most of the zoo I was a little disappointed at how little I actually saw. I was expecting a few more animals but maybe I just missed that path. Their signs were just a little confusing...I think to see everything and walk the entire zoo you'd need at least the whole day (keep in mind they close pretty early @5pm). Also, there were a few enclosed parts of the zoo where visitors have to purchase separate tickets in order to see. That's like paying to go to an amusement park and having to pay to go on each ride! I'm not sure what was in those areas but if I did pay to go into them it must be something really special...! However, overall, I still felt it was a great day spent animal watching with my family.
Origins GinZing Eye Cream
I got this product last year with a coupon that I received from Origins for my birthday. (It is a little strange/creepy how it works but after registering into their system at a standalone store, they just mail you the coupon around your birthday.) At the time I was really looking forward to trying it because of it's brightening/depuffing claims. After using it for more than a year, sadly I haven't really noticed any amazing results of any sort to make me want to repurchase the product.
Product Description/Directions:
What I did: Use my ring finger to get a little of the product from the jar. Lightly rub my two ring fingers together to spread the product. Gently tab both fingers under my eye area until the product is evenly distributed. I only use this product in the morning because I do not need the brightening effect on my under eye area when I go to sleep.
Ingredients:
I noticed that there is titanium dioxide on the list of ingredients. But it is the 2nd to last ingredient listed. This probably isn't a good source of sunscreen. It isn't too much of a negative, but in case someone else notices it and thinks it could be a sunscreen for your under eyes...don't think that way! Origins don't claim it to be a sun protector nor do I think it the titanium dioxide is an active ingredient/active enough to protect your eyes.
I must say I love that Origins doesn't have parabens and all the supposedly bad ingredients that we should be worried about. I'm not a huge prick about using only products without bad ingredients, but I'm trying to steer myself into that direction.
There is 15ml of product and according to the origins website it costs $29.50.
Places to Purchase:
Origins standalone stores
Department stores that have origins (I only know that Macy's but there could be more)
Origins.com
Packaging:
Comes in a plastic jar with a stopper (is that what the white plastic is called?) I'm not too picky about using products in jars just because of sanitary reasons. But it is annoying when the product gets stuck under my nails. To avoid this I picked up the product with the back of my fingers rather than the front. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a spatula so you're stuck with using your finger (unless you have a spatula from other products that you could use for this of course).
This eye cream is thick in texture and has a sticky/tacky feeling. Especially right after applying it to my under eyes. I cannot apply it to my whole eye area or else it would be difficult to open/blink my eyes. However, the tackiness does fade away after a little while.
Although it has mica in it to give a physical brightening effect, it didn't seem to do much for my very dark circles. Also, it doesn't appear much after I apply concealer under my eyes. Unless you are someone who only wears a light layer of powder or only applies skincare...you probably wouldn't benefit from the (what I think is) minimal brightening power this eye cream gives.
The one thing I'm not too sure about is its depuffing abilities. If I remember correctly, the SA said the caffeine would help with depuffing of the under eyes in the morning. I haven't really experienced puffy eyes so I can't vouch for this claimed product property.
One thing to note, this isn't a very moisturizing eye cream. But in Origins defense, this was never really stated by them. I noticed when I apply under eye concealer that my eyes are kind of dry so I will probably buy a more hydrating eye cream after I finish using this one.
Positives:
✻ Doesn't have parabens, mineral oil, etc.
✻ Has titanium dioxide in it but it is listed close to the end
✻ Little bit lasts a loonngg time
✻ Didn't give me any milia around the eye area
Negatives:
✻ Didn't do much to brighten up my under eye area
✻ Gives a sticky/tacky feeling right after applying
✻ Not hydrating
✻ Is on the pricey side
Repurchase?
No. Overall, I think this was just a so-so product...for me at least. It wasn't any spectacular. Nor do I think it did what I wanted/was expecting it to do. At least from using this product, I know what I need now from an eye cream.
Recommend?
Not really. From my experiences with it and with the price tag, I wouldn't recommend. However, there are some raving reviews for it so maybe if you feel your needs are similar to their's you could ask Origins for a sample to try! I'm not sure about Origins in department stores, but if you can go to their standalone store, they are very nice about giving samples.
Rating: 3
Disclaimer: These are just the results I had while using the product. Remember, everyone else's skin is different!! What may have worked for me, may not work for you & what may not have worked for me, may work for you. Try the product at your own risk! I bought this product with my own money and am in no way connected to the companies mentioned. This is my honest opinion!
I am finally back from my unannounced hiatus! I was just started getting used to blogging regularly and lost track as finals and end of the semester projects/papers came rolling in. But those are officially done with!
So glad...my head felt like it was going to explode from all the info I had to remember :X Who else feels the same way during their tests? >___< All-nighters definitely do not help with stress. I can't wait to crawl into bed and get a good rest before trying to plan what to do with myself over my first long summer break.
Before I adjust to regular posts again, here are some photos of what happened in between studying and school work the last month or so. If you have Instagram feel free to follow me at lavlilacs. Otherwise, I'll try to share what goes on here for those without smartphones :]
Been making a lot of pasta for lunch on weekends at home. Doesn't taste bad (but then again it is just jar sauce hehe). My biggest cooking accomplishment so far was boiling a very nice egg, which was harder the first time around than I originally anticipated/expected :X
First & Second attempts ever trying to make pancakes.
Very yummy! Both from scratch. I love how I can control the sweetness. I actually used honey and it wasn't overly sweet at all. However, my mom thinks I should just use box-mixes because I cause less of a mess xD
Nothing beats chicken soup and watermelons :D
Went out with the besties a month ago to eat around St.Marks. This particular restaurant was okay. They had an interesting green tea noodle option but did not have available when we went. 2 of 3 at the table ordered the "Spicy Ramen" and I was thinking more Ramen House style. But these tasted/looked and probably was just Shin Ramyun...The Nutella toast, on the other hand, tasted good. Not something I'd get often, but just felt like trying it.
OPI Lucerne-Tainly Look Marvelous & OPI Rumples Wiggin with Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure on ring finger
Outing with mom during Spring Break
Mom, brother, and I decided to go to an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant for lunch. If I had any idea how bad it would turn out...I'd never have suggested it in the first place. I've been to this restaurant a few times before with the besties. Their food service tasted much better than that day I went with the family. But that wasn't the bad part; when someone who is inexperienced suggests the experienced to do something...stand your ground! We ended up choosing way too much for us to handle =.= Pictured was already round 2 or 3 of food...Just thinking about it makes me queazy hah But for the price, I'd still go back (only a handle full of times per year though)...I'll endure the average service.
Sitting in traffic with a full stomach has its pros and cons!
Spent a day with mom at Ikea furniture browsing. That place is huge! Never go without leaving at least an hour or two to walk the entire showroom.
The first outfit I'm sharing with everyone. Probably only one...ever? It's hard to see but I was wearing booties. Boy, do heels hurt! If I'd known we were going to Ikea, I would have worn my chucks.
Right is the lovely view from probably the few/only window in the Ikea showroom. Isn't it pretty? :D
My own purple & white fake flowers arrangement! Pretty and good for allergy sufferers like me xD
Maybe it's because I only wear converses and sometimes flats, but I love to try on shoes! :D Sadly I didn't end up buying either of them but they sure look nice...
Auntie went masks shopping a couple of weeks ago and came back fully stocked for months! I've never used My Scheming Faces Masks before. Although I usually can't tell the different effects the masks have on my face anyway, I still love how relaxing it feels to have one on my face.
More recently
Watched...The Avengers. I'm not into Superheroes. But since the only chance I get to go to the theaters is to accompany my brother, I decided to go. There were many good reviews about it and I found it very enjoyable. I especially loved all the sarcasm! I'm not sure how or if there will be an Avengers 2 but I hope it'll be as good as this one.
Received...My phone case! I ordered this off eBay when I got my phone last month and it arrived last week. Fail postal service much? Nonetheless, I love it! It covers the back and front. Although...I snapped the case on to try it on and cannot figure out how to take it off without potentially breaking off the little extensions/clips that hold the two pieces together...Maybe I'll try again when I've used this case for a longer time. Must see how well the image lasts because I have a hunch it'll wear off after time :|
Don't worry! I will make it my mission this summer to update more often and hopefully some new/interesting things (if it happens in my boring life xD).
