Seoul Searching | Exploring Insadong.

Dubbed as 'the heart and soul of Seoul', Insadong is one of the most note-worthy neighborhoods in the city and a must-go destination for anyone visiting South Korea. I regret not visiting this place earlier, considering that we have been to Korea twice in the past. Better late than never, as they say, and we finally had the chance to explore this quaint and charming neighborhood during our month-long stay in Korea last winter - our third visit to the country that I call my second home.

I heart Insadong, and you will easily fall in love with it, too!

Conveniently located between the Five Grand Palaces of Korea, Insadong Street stretches over 700 meters between the Anguk-dong Rotary and Jongno 2-ga. The latter is located near the Jongno 3-ga Station, so we chose to go to Insadong via this subway station (Line 5). Another option is via the Anguk Station, but I chose to stay away from this line (Line 3) after my horrendous experience with the transfer on our way home from Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggyung Palace last spring.

Tapgol Park.

As we made our way to Insadong from the Jongno 3-ga Station, we passed by Tapgol Park, the first modern park established in Seoul. Also known as 'Pagoda Park', this tourist attraction is home to an abundance of national treasures, including the Palgakjeong, an octagonal pavilion built in 1902.

The Palgakjeong.

More of Tapgol Park and Insadong after the jump!

Fashion Pulse | Vintage Watches.

In this age of digital media and all the advancements in technology, it is surprising that vintage timepieces have made their way back into mainstream fashion magazines. Even with the new smart watches making headlines, there are troves of avid vintage timepiece and pocket watch collectors always looking for quality heirloom or inspired pieces with a history and a distinct classic design.

While some collectors prefer the authenticity and nostalgia of a genuine vintage wind-up watch from the 1920s or a classic 1950s pocket watch with a chain, many modern watch collectors seek the look of an antique timepiece with modern quartz or Japanese movement. Authentic vintage watches are becoming incredibly difficult to track down. Auction houses, estate sales and pawn shops are some of the best places to find authentic turn-of-the-century timepieces, but their price tag often reflects the rarity of the pieces.

Photo credit: Leather Soul.

Many top watch manufacturers of today are able to replicate the look and feel of these vintage timepieces at a fraction of the price. While the watches may have that distinct vintage look and design, they are often hand-crafted with modern materials and workmanship. Collectors purchasing modern replica watches can look forward to owning a timeless piece built with both longevity and simplicity in mind.

Most watch collectors prefer to shop online for replica timepieces. The vast majority of brick-and-mortar jewelry stores offer a limited availability and selection of inspired watches. Circa Watch Company is just one example of a professional business offering luxury vintage-inspired timepieces. Offering a wide range of formal, casual and unisex designs, you can choose the perfect timepiece from your favorite design era: an art deco-inspired piece from the 1920s, a round chronograph-style watch from the 1950s, or a rectangular timepiece that was popular during the 1940s. A manufacturer like Circa Watch Company understands that collectors want affordable timepieces offering durability, uniqueness and an authentic era-influenced design.

For the Love of Vintage.

For serious collectors and antique enthusiasts, the Victorian Casino Auction is an event they surely wouldn't miss. Since the 1970s, Victorian Casino Antiques has become the standard in antique auction - not just in Las Vegas, but in the whole United States of America as well.

Being the benchmark in the industry, Victorian Casino Antiques makes sure that their auctioned antiques are of top quality. They have even earned the bragging right as 'the auctioneer that has sold the most coin-operated devices across America'.

Their upcoming 4-day auction, for instance, will feature an impressive array of collectibles. Slot machines, coin-operated machines, arcades, jukeboxes, figural cookie jars, to a private collection of over a thousand toys - there's sure to be something for every collector.

I personally am drawn to the Bubble Blowing Popeye (made in the 1930s!) and the Vintage Peanuts Gang Figural Bobble Heads (handmade in Korea, circa 1950's!) found in their auction catalog. If given the opportunity, I will hop on a plane to Vegas and attend the auction myself!

Lucy, Snoopy, Charlie Brown (1950).

Bubble Blowing Popeye (1930).

Although auctions are held just twice or thrice a year, the Victorian Casino Antiques Gallery welcomes visitors and collectors who would like to take a peek at the consignments. The VCA Gallery, located at 4520 Arville St. #1, Las Vegas, Nevada, is open from Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, by appointment.

Hair Story | Behind the Scenes of my Pixie.

When I had my hair done a few weeks back, I actually took a lot of pictures while I was at the salon. I intentionally did not post them together with this entry because the photos deserve an entry of their own. And I was saving them for InstaFriday.

This is how the facade of Creative Moda de Primera looks like.

Homey feel, even from the outside.

And it's not just a salon. It's also a fashion house owned by one of the top couturiers here in my area. So it's only natural that you find things like these inside.

This gown walked down the catwalk of the last Coco Festival Grand Fashion Show.

Old sewing machines remind me of my great grandmother, who loved to sew.

Jenny (the owner) has a penchant for antiques, which can be found all over the place.

Wooden totem poles and woven baskets.

Fine china.

I'm enamored by pendulum clocks. We used to have one in our old home. They always remind me of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Pit and the Pendulum'.

Shadow shot FTW!

Now here are some quirky stuff also displayed in the waiting area.

Use your imagination, lol.

Reminds me of The Little Prince's rose.

And here's Lani doing my hair, plus Yue tinkering with his toy. I always bring one wherever we go, just to keep him preoccupied.

Lani is a pro at doing pixie cuts.

Are you done, Mom?

Haircut success!

Handsome baby, handsome Mommy. Lol!

After getting a pixie, I don't want to grow my hair long ever again. :)

Also shared on 366 Photo Challenge and Mom & Me Monday.