Fistful of Crumbs: Kim Sunée leaves her mark

A week ago I came across a memoir writing course on Mediabistro.com taught by Kim Sunée. I've always wanted to write a memoir and though I don't quite feel it's the time yet, I already have my central theme in mind. Curious about the course I did a little research on the instructor and came across her first memoir, "Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love and the Search for Home."

The freelance writer and food editor known for her culinary contributions to The New York Times, Elle and Southern Living published "Trail of Crumbs" January 2008. The memoir recounts Sunée's limbo life from the age of three through her mid-twenties. Left by her birth mother in a crowded Korean market with nothing but crumbs in her tiny fist, Sunée was adopted and raised in New Orleans. The book matches mouth-watering recipes from her life to each of the chapters detailing her university years in France and her decade living, working and trying to love in Europe. I recommend the book--though an old read--to anyone with a love for memoirs and food. Readers will find themselves cooking through Sunée's memories, inviting the tasteful dishes as memorable additions to their own lives.

Complimentary Facials at Sephora Thursday

Amorepacific and Sephora are providing mini facials this Thursday at Sephora's Soho location. Facials will be tailored for each visitors' skin type. Skin-care consultations will also be part of the gratis service.

Sephora 555 Broadway, New York, NY, 10012 between Prince and Spring sts (212.625.1309) 1-7pm

A Kiss of Moisture: Nivea Hydrating Lip Care

Growing up just outside of New York City I've always treasured the ability to have what I want at my fingertips. Hard-to-find beauty products, rare clothing stores, some of the best restaurants in the world were all available to me should I want them. If I came across products on my travels I was sure there was a corner of the city selling them if I just looked hard enough. That's why it's so frustrating that no matter how hard I look I can't seem to find Labello Lip Balm. This soft and smooth lip care is a European staple. Cheap and reliable, the brand is plentiful in tastes, tints and color choices--like an American Apparel for your lips. There was a tip not long ago from Nylonmag.com about a Greenwich Village drugstore having a supply, but I turned up empty-handed. Unfortunately the search continues.


Thankfully the German company, Beiersdorf, has been marketing lip balms under Nivea--known to U.S. citizens for their creams and lotions--that match the Labello quality. Their most recent addition is Kiss of Moisture, a hydrating lip care with SPF. The light-weight formula of joboba oil and shea butter is quickly absorbed as it glides on to lips. Definitely a must for any make-out session as it isn't messy and gives lips a suppleness worth coming back for. It's a great addition to your daily lipstick, tint or gloss though it provides just enough shine to wear alone. Just try resisting an addiction.