Does anyone listen to music while they work? Maybe while you drive or go for a walk with your dog? I almost said run but we all know I don't run! I do not enjoy listening to audio books but, since around mid-September, I started getting into a few podcasts. These podcasts are geared towards dating but also self-improvement, self-evaluation and even women's careers. I should mention that, even though all of these are created by women and target women, they are provide great insight and guidance for anyone. 

So the big question is...what the heck podcasts have I been listening to, right?! Well, fear not, I've listed them below with my thoughts and their overviews! Personally, I listen to these on Spotify so that's where the links will take you but you can find these on any platform that you listen to podcasts on! 

Kinda Dating 

    

Overview - Hosted by Natasha Chandel, a wickedly talented and successful woman in the entertainment industry, this podcast discusses dating topics with experts and takes a deep dive into the human psyche and modern dating.

Thoughts - This podcast kind of "showed up" on Spotify and I was like "why the fuck not?" I selected an episode with a topic I felt was most relevant to me at the time which happened to be "What's Your Attachment Style." Ever since that episode, I became a fan. Natasha is witty, thoughtful and open. It feels like you're having a conversation with a friend rather than just listening to a podcast. At least, that's how I feel because she sounds just like I do when I talk - blunt, snarky and in love with the work fuck. If you're going through a breakup, finding dating to be a hot mess (you're not alone, I promise) or are even in a relationship but want to maybe learn a bit more about yourself and improve...this is the show to listen to. If you don't love Natasha, it's definitely you, not her. 

Dateable 

    

Overview - Dateable is hosted by two women, Yue Xu and Julie Krafchick. They are both on the older side of the spectrum when it comes to the Millennial generation and offer dating coaching along with bringing experts onto the show and collaborating with others in the space, Natasha Chandel from "Kinda Dating" has worked with them. This podcast is raved by the Huffington Post as one of the top ten podcasts about love and sex. 

Thoughts - Once I added "Kinda Dating" to my list on Spotify, this show popped up. As a curious little thing that I am, I look through the episodes and overview. The one that caught my attention was the episode titled "Addicted to Love." I found the episode insightful, thoughtful and intriguing. It was easy to listen t both Yue and Julie speak on this topic and just the flow of the episode was impressive. Clearly, I'm a fan. I've been plowing through episodes while I'm driving and even when I'm at work handling administrative tasks. I highly recommend picking an episode that has a topic relevant to you to start because you'll gain valuable insight and also become hooked. 

Women's Dating and Confidence Podcast 

    

Overview - This is hosted and created by Amber Grubenmann, an experienced dating coach. This podcast focuses on improving confidence, social skills and dating overall. While the title suggests its only about women, anyone can find value in listening to this podcast.

    

Thoughts - I stumbled upon this and really found it helpful. The episodes are usually shorter than most podcasts, usually under 20 minutes. I appreciate that it's concise and focused on a singular topic. I learned some good stuff about myself and how I handle things, how to improve and what to just accept. This isn't only about dating but also about exploring things about you from triggers to habits. Highly recommend giving a list.  

I have taken a long time to blog and it pains me. I think, honestly, COVID and all the things going on in my life and the world really impacted me in my creative core. I've been doing a lot of photography but just didn't want to write. Something that's always a constant in my life is music so I thought to share what I've been listening to most. Hope I bring some new music into your life! 

1. Underwater - Meghan Trainor ft. Dillon Francis 
2. All That - SoMo
3. Good Thing - Zedd ft. Kehlani
4. Breaking Me - Topic, A7S
5. I Don't Know if We can be Friends - Hollyn
6. Someday or One day - Shi Shi
7. Shouldn't Couldn't Wouldn't - 88rising, NIKI, Rich Brian
8. Bullet to the Heart - Jackson Wang
9. Oxygen - Jackson Wang
10. 100 Ways - Jackson Wang 
11. That's Why I Like You - Eric Chou
12. Senseless - Phe Reds, pH-1
13. Your Hands - Phe Reds, Jay Park 
14. Wonder - Eric Nam
15.  Still - Niall Horan
16. Maldad - Steve Aoki, Maluma
17. Ice Cream - Blackpink ft. Selena Gomez 
18. Lie for You - Snakehips ft. Jess Glynne
19. Head & Heart - Joel Corry ft. MNEK
20. Pretty Please - Jackson Wang 

Pets, like friends, are usually the family members we get to select for ourselves. This is how I view pets, at least. There is a large difference from owning your own pet from having a family pet. I think that many of us who grow up with family pets don't realize all the realities of having that life depend on us. I would definitely include myself in this category which is how this post gained the concept for writing. 

1. Pets tend to be expensive - This might sound odd, funny or obvious but it's true. Between grooming, vet bills, toys and food, pets cost a mini fortune when you start to add all the money spent together. Obviously, certain pets are much more economical than others, think fish versus a cat. 

2. Pets can be high maintenance - Once again, think cat or dog versus fish. Fish, outside of cleaning the tank, are relatively low maintenance. Dogs are on the high maintenance spectrum with exercise, attention, affection, training and grooming (dependent upon breed). Having a Pomeranian, for instance, kills my wallet in the grooming department. 

3. Traveling can become hard with pets - Pets have to be factored in when traveling, even if it is a short trip. Will you have someone come over to check on the pet or will you board the pet? How much do you want to pay or can pay for either of these? Do you have family or friends that wouldn't charge or would be more reasonably priced? Another thing to consider is if you want to bring the pet with you. Boarding fees, shot requirements and more then need to be factored and considered when planning a trip. It just got a whole lot more complicated, right?

4. Pets become part of your family - Pets become our confidants, our shadow and take a special place in our hearts and lives. This is a very positive thing and sometimes they can really be great support systems, especially those suffering from anxiety, depression or other mental/cognitive illnesses. Caring for a pet also acts as a really good grooming tool for those considering children because, like children, they rely solely on your to survive. 

5. Just because you want it, doesn't mean it works for you - This is a hard lesson, but it's one that needs to be faced. Many people want the cute puppy or kitten until they have one. They realize their work and personal life schedules don't line up well with properly caring for the pet. Others learn they have allergies or can't properly bond to the pet. All of these are scenarios in which it is better to give the pet a proper home than to keep it with you and make it and yourself miserable. 

The much talked about concept of "The Bucket List." I created one a few years ago and finally feel confident in sharing it. The idea of having this list is to have something to reference as you go through life and say "I did things and experienced things I really wanted to." Do you have a bucket list? If not, are you thinking of creating one? 

The List

1. Live Abroad
2. Go to Asia
3. Go to My Ethnic Backgrounds as an Adult
4. Work for a Global Company
5. Get Married to a Life Partner
6. Buy a House
7. Live in LA, Seattle, Boston or back in NYC
8. Cut My Hair into a Long Bob
9. Dye My Entire Head Pink
10. Live Alone
11. Get a Dog or a Cat
12. Go on an African Safari
13. See the Pyramids in Egypt
14. Become an Instructor (Cycle, Yoga, Mat Pilates or something similar)
15. Buy a Luxury Car
16. Travel Solo

What I've Accomplished 


1. Travel Solo - I accomplished this earlier this year in February when I went to Taiwan. I'm glad I did it because the experience was fantastic and I saw I enjoyed traveling alone.

2. Go to Asia - Once again, Taiwan checked this off but Thailand will also check this off when I go next year.

3. Go to My Ethnic Backgrounds as an Adult - Within the last two years I've been to Puerto Rico, Spain, Italy and Portugal. This summer ensured I checked this off.

4. Buy a Luxury Car - In June I began financing an Acura so that has been checked off. 

5. Live Alone - Last July I moved into my first apartment alone. This has been checked off for over a year. 

6. Get a Dog or a Cat - Earlier this year I put a deposit down for my Wei, a Pomeranian, and picked him up in March. This was going to wait another few years but after the death of my beloved Rusty I didn't do so well and ended up getting a puppy.

Netflix has been stepping up to the plate and has added loads of Korean and Chinese Dramas to the fold, some are also Taiwanese, Japanese and Thai. Coupled with that, in order to jump on the wave, Netflix has produced its own Korean and Chinese Dramas, I believe there is a Thai remake of a Korean Drama, too. This makes me a happy camper since DramaFever was cut only a few months ago leaving me with Viki, which I love, but sometimes it doesn't hold everything I want to see. So if you love Asian Dramas or never watched one, this list is for everyone! 

1. Ashes of Love (Chinese) - This Drama is a 2018 Chinese Fantasy and Romance show. I watched it as it was on air in China through Viki and fell in love. It's so detailed and beautiful from the story to the costumes and settings, you'll be captivated. I cried a bit, not even going to lie. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Hidden away by her mother, the Floral Goddess, the naïve Jinmi is drawn to Xufeng, the Heavenly Emperor's son, yet forces conspire against them."

2. Lion Pride (Taiwanese) - This is a 2018 Taiwanese show set in modern day Taipei. It was interesting, clever and wasn't all about romance so if you're not a big romance person, you might still want to watch this one. I enjoyed it and it only further pushed me to want to go to Taipei.

The short synopsis reads as such:"Two teachers, with opposite viewpoints, must work together to solve a crime."

3. Something in the Rain (Korean) - This is a modern-day Korean Drama focusing on the struggles of dating a younger guy, family expectations and career aspirations. I really enjoyed this one because it was very raw and real feeling. It wasn't overly happy to where you realize it's fake and that made me connect with it. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "When a single career woman reunites with her best friend's younger brother after he returns from three years of working abroad, their efforts to reconnect grow into romance."

4. Meteor Garden (Chinese) - This is a modern day Chinese remake of Boys Over Flowers and I have to admit I preferred this. It's super romantic but messed up and will really grate on your nerves but also pull at your heart strings. I loved this one and think it's something any romance lover should see.

The short synopsis reads as such:"Dong Shancai is determined to excel at her dream university, where she encounters an elite clique of dashing, popular high-achievers--and finds love."

5. Here to Heart (Chinese) - This is a modern-day Chinese Drama with a lot of twists and stress. I really enjoyed it and have to admit that I was even shocked at the level of devotion between the two, it's a second chance romance. 

The short synopsis reads as such:"After 10 years of separation, a man and a woman struggle to rebuild their relationship." 

6. Accidentally in Love (Chinese) - This is a young adult type modern-day drama. It's funny, a bit ridiculous and totally within the style of the Drama world. Personally, I didn't enjoy it but I forced myself to watch the show to the end. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Chen Qing Qing is the daughter of a rich household desperately wanting to avoid an arranged marriage and find love on her own terms." 

7. Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (Chinese) - This is a fantasy Drama with a love of moving parts. The story line focuses on two Gods and their evolution as well as the evolution of their relationship. It's extremely fascinating and the costumes are beautiful. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "The love between Deities Bai Qian and Ye Hua stands the test of three lifetimes." 

8. The Rise of Phoenixes (Chinese) - This is a very complicated and sometimes inconsistent Historical Chinese Drama. The costumes and acting were incredible but, at many times, the plot line left for something to be desired. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Feng Zhi Wei is the unfavored illegitimate daughter of the Qiu family, who is banished from the clan after falsely accused of a crime. Zhi Wei cross-dresses as a man to attend the prestigious Qingming Academy and stuns the world with her talent and knowledge." 

9. Love 020 (Chinese ) -  A modern-day University Drama that incorporates gamers, love and college days. It's sweet, fun and pretty much a feel good show. It introduced me to Yang Yang (actor who portrays the make lead)  and I'm in love. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Xiao Nai is a gaming expert who, courtesy of his basketball skills, academic excellence, swimming talent and game company presidency, also happens to be the most popular student on campus. When he first comes across the gorgeous computer science major Bei Wei Wei, the infinitely talented wunderkind immediately falls in love." 

10. Pretty Man (Chinese) - This modern-day Chinese Drama is all about misunderstandings, love, responsibility and happiness. The three main characters have a triangle of complication, if you will, along with the pushing of misunderstandings due to lack of communication and parental expectations. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "What could possibly go wrong with a fake relationship? Qiao An Hao and Lu Jin Nian have a history together. They were very much in love in high school  but misunderstandings kept the two apart. More than a decade later, Jin Nia has become a successful CEO of an entertainment company and An Hao is trying to make it into the business as an actress." 

11. A Love so Beautiful (Chinese) - This is a modern-day Drama that will really make you want to believe in love again and cheer on the female lead. You might tear up or straight up cry at points because the acting and feelings are that powerful but it's sweet and has a solid ending. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "The ups and downs of school, family and growing up test the affection between a budding artist and her handsome but indifferent classmate and neighbor." 

12. My Only Love Song (Korean) - This is a time travel Drama. The female lead gets sent back in time. She doesn't get sent back alone and, due to her personality, it's a very comical show. The episodes are rather quick but I think it's a fun watch.

The short synopsis reads as such: "When things don't go her way during the shooting of her new show, a top actress runs away in an old van that guides her on a time-traveling journey." 

13. Ice Fantasy (Chinese) - This Chinese Drama is a mix of fantasy and historical. There are multiple realms, including the human one. The show focuses on the Ice tribe's heir and his younger brother that he always favored. It has romantic elements but has a lot of action, fantastical elements and great acting.

The short synopsis reads as such: "Ka Suo, the Ice Tribe prince, makes the journey to the magical holy shrine with his entourage in order to vanquish evil, but ends up in a war with the Fire Tribe and his long-lost brother." 

14. Diamond Lover (Chinese) - This Drama only has the condensed version of the show which can lead to some confusion when watching it. Overall, I think it was meant to be cute but I found it annoying and kind of pitiful. There was a major undertone of fat-shaming going on so that will really bother some. It's meant to be like a second chance at life and a chance at love Drama but it fell flat for me. I only really watched it for the stars in it. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "After an accident leads to a great loss of weight, Mi Duo starts a new life working for her secret crush, Xiao Liang, CEO of a diamond company."

15. Fall in Love with Me (Taiwanese) - This is another Drama where Aaron Yan is the male lead. He seems to have a thing for creative agencies and roles. This is a modern-day Drama where Yan portrays an Advertising genius who is burned out and decides to take time off. This show is very unrealistic at certain points and realistic at others. It's a feel good Drama that is on the romantic comedy spectrum. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Le Si battles to protect her brother's agency but instead falls in love with Tian Xings disguise, Xiao Lu."

16. Just You (Taiwanese ) - This is a funny and sweet modern-day Taiwanese Drama set in Taipei. This is the Drama that introduced me to Aaron Yan, a famous Taiwanese Actor who was part of boy group Fahrenheit. The plot is easy to follow but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Liang-liang is on a mission to get her new, strict boss and landlord to mellow out, after the imposition of a strict policy forbidding office romance." 

17. Boys Over Flowers (Korean) - This is a remake of the Taiwanese and Japanese shows and where Meteor Garden got its concept from. It's an extremely popular Korean Drama, pretty much considered a staple Drama to watch. It's about school time love, the life of wealthy elites and the clashing of love when two people from different backgrounds come together. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "The story of Geum Jan-di, a normal girl who finds herself attending a prestigious private school after saving a student's life."

18. Hymn of Death (Korean) - Hymn of Death is a Historical Korean Drama that is very, very deep. If you don't like sad endings, this is definitely one to skip. The weight of this show is very heavy as it touches upon the strains of life with regards to personal relationships, society and family. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "During the Japanese colonial period, married playwright Kim U-jin falls in love with soprano Yun Sim-deok, one of Korea's notable New Women."

19. Mr. Sunshine (Korean) - This is another Historical Drama which has the male lead as a Korean American, living in American from a young child as he fled from Korea. The female lead is a privileged Korean young woman who wants to make a difference in her nation. This is set during the Japanese occupation of Korea. It's really heavy with cute and funny moments sprinkled out. It shows a lot of blemishes of the Korean society structure, too. I found it to be one of the most interesting things I've ever watched. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "A Korean boy from a poor family who ends up in the United States after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to his homeland during a historical turning point. Now an office with the American military, Eugene falls in love with Ae-sin, an aristocrat's daughter, and discovers a dark scheme to colonize the country from which he once fled. Ae-sin tries to figure out if Eugene is a friend as they wonder what the English word 'love' means." 

Birth control is such an interesting thing because more than half of the population that can use it doesn't really understand it. This comes from several dozen reasons including religious beliefs, family structure, societal pressures and misinformation all over the internet. I figured it was time I put my two cents into this topic to hopefully give some thoughtful insight, especially for those who are considering the usage of it. 

Types 

1. Pill - Everyone has heard of the pill form of birth control. It's probably the picture that pops into most people's head once they hear the word birth control. There are loads of brands and types of birth control pills. The standard structure is to regulate the menstrual cycle which helps with avoiding the issues of pregnancy. There are pills that have low dosage hormones, high dosage, mixed hormones and just pure "female" hormones as well as pills that offer only four times a year menstruating.  

1. Ring - The ring is a low dosage form of birth control that is inserted by the user, similar to using a tampon. The ring is low dosage and requires it to be refrigerated until use. Note that is can "come out" during intercourse but, if you place in far enough inside, you shouldn't have any issues. If you're used to using tampons, you won't even notice while you have it in and it doesn't impact you doing intercourse but minimally, if at all. 

1. Shot - For a three month effective usage, there is the birth control shot. It works much like the ring and pills but requires a doctor's appointment and one shot lasts three months. 

1. Implant - The first implant option gets implanted into your arm by a doctor. This, like an IUD, is a longer term solution as it can be effective for up to five years. 

1. IUD - The final birth control option is the IUD. This has two options, a hormone option and one without hormones (copper). Both options require a doctor's visit as the doctor is the one who needs to insert it. On average, the hormonal option last three to six years and the copper option last five to ten. 

Uses

1. Stabilize Hormones - Since almost all birth control options have hormones, it makes sense that adjusting and stabilizing hormones would be a use for it. People who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome use birth control for this purpose, myself included.

1. Prevent Pregnancy - The main reason everyone thinks over 50% of women are on birth control, to avoid unwanted or unexpected pregnancies. It is an awesome perk because, let's be real, why can't women enjoy sex, too?

1. Lighten Periods - Many people experience shorter and light flow periods when starting birth control, any kind. I am a living example of this as my period would normally last six to seven days and the first five days I would bleed like someone slit an artery. Now, after using birth control, my period lasts between three and five days and only day one is heavy. 

1. Ease Menstrual Pain - It would be logical to think if the flow of the period is lighter the pain is less, yeah? Birth control is known, but it's not a guarantee, to ease cramping pain. Personally, it's made mine bearable so I don't need strong prescription drugs anymore to tolerate it. 

1. Combat Acne - Acne tends to be a direct result of hormones rather than having a dirty face and/or body (yes, body acne impacts people, too). A few of my friends would get cystic back acne and once they started birth control, that went away. 

1. Regulate Menstruation - Some females suffer from "sporadic" or not consistent periods from timing to length. Birth control restructures that and gives you one every month, unless you take the four times a year kind, and makes it a consistent length. It's nice for the people who were never regular.

Side Effects 

• Weight Gain/Loss 
• Acne 
• Smell Sensitivity 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Headaches 
• Vaginal Discharge 
• Very Serious Issues (Blood Clots, Stroke, Heart Attack)

Misconceptions

• Pregnancy cannot happen while taking or on birth control.
• Birth control is only for avoiding pregnancy. 
• Women who are on birth control are sluts/whores who just want to sleep with a lot of guys without having babies. 
• Birth control is not essential to leading a healthy life. 

Spending two weeks in Italy was intense but I'm glad I was able to go. Not everyone has the luxury to travel for such an extensive length of time, especially to European countries when coming from the States. I thought it would be cool to share my views on what I liked seeing and eating. 

Florence 
Favorite Sites - Piazzale Michelangelo and Pitti Palace 

Favorite Dish - I had the best pesto pasta I have ever eaten in my life while in Florence. I was so excited and pretty much inhaled all the pasta. 

Venice 
Favorite Sites - St. Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge 

Favorite Dish - Honestly, I'm going to sound like an alcoholic but the Hugo Spritz was the best thing ever, I even learned to make it once I landed in the States. This drink and the Spritz originated in Venice.

Naples
Favorite Sites - I saw so much that it was hard to narrow down but I found seeing the volcano that would ruin thousands of lives from the coast of Naples was probably the coolest thing ever.

Favorite Dish - The spaghetti bolognese was amazing. Naples has the richest and most potent red pasta sauce, in this case gravy. This is what I'm used to eating and I was in heaven. Get red pasta sauce or gravy while in Naples, it's to die for. 

Rome
Favorite Sites - Rome is literally like walking through history which is probably the coolest part about the city. It has old and new mixed together so seamlessly it's insane. My favorite sites include the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Fountain on Piazza di Spagna. The Arch of Costantine and St. Peter's Basilica were right up at the top, as well. 

Favorite Dish - I spent the most time in Rome so I had plenty to choose from but the best dish I had while in Rome was the meat ravioli. I don't care for ravioli normally but this place made really good meat ravioli so it takes the cake for best dish I ate while in Rome.

Herculaneum 
Favorite Sites - Herculaneum is the smaller of the cities that was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius. Pompeii has songs and movies written about it but poor Herculaneum gets ignored. The cool part is how small the city is, you can walk it all in a day, and how well preserved it is. I can say I've been inside of ruins of a city that is almost two thousand years old. It's crazy to put that into perspective and I highly recommend seeing Herculaneum instead of Pompeii. 

(On my Instagram)

Does anyone remember being 12,13 or 14 and thinking how great being an adult is? The idea of being an adult was something amazing and incredible but, as an adult, I've seen a different reality at times. I've come up with a short list of all the realities of being an adult that really can make it suck. 

1. Bills - Do you know what's fun about bills? They come every month. They don't stop, unless it's like a credit card which stops when you pay off the balance. Most bills like rent and car insurance don't ever stop so that sucks. It literally feels like you just paid that bill when it's time to, yet again, pay it next month. It's a vicious cycle really. You make money but you watch it go towards bills. 

2. Responsibilities - This ties to bills but as an adult you're responsible for everything that involves you. You have to make all your doctor appointments, pay for your health insurance, handle leftover balances for what your insurance doesn't cover, budget appropriately to go out/on vacation/shopping and remembering to pay all your bills on time. Responsibilities grow as you are in a relationship (whether that means living together and/or marriage), have children and/or have animals. These pile up and sometimes they really do suck.

3. Making Friends - Do you remember your schools days? It was relatively simple to make friends. As an adult it's almost like meeting a unicorn. The place you spend the most time is work but making work friends is hard because so many people are not genuine and will use anything they can to get ahead. I think making friends is probably one of the hardest and most irritating things about being an adult.
 
4. Working - The one thing I miss about being in college is the breaks! Summer and Winter break don't exist unless you're a teacher or work in some type of education institution. That makes up less than 45% of the workforce, in case you were wondering.   

5. Dating - As an adult dating can really suck because you spend so much of your time working which means meeting people you don't work with is hard. You can turn to online dating but many of us have seen and heard the horror stories of Bumble, Tinder and even Match. High school and college were the best times to date and find a good partner because you're constantly socializing and meeting people. As an adult you have to try and "schedule" time which results usually in nights in or meeting partners more interested in one-night stands that actual dates and conversation. 

It's no secret that I have a sweet tooth so I figured, while I'm out and about in Houston, I would keep tabs on spots to share! I think I'll start a series of food posts about Houston with regards to other dessert places, bars and restaurants. I love food and sharing good food is always a plus in my book. 

(On my Instagram)

1. Stacked Ice Cream - There are two locations, Katy and Sugar Land. I went to the one in Sugar Land. The Sugar Land location is near the University of Houston's Sugar Land location.

The loves: awesome flavor options, great creative and traditional options and reasonable price.

The dislikes: NONE!

What I had: One scoop of birthday cake remix and one scoop of jasmine milk tea on a waffle cone with rainbow sprinkles.

Rating on a scale of 1-5: 5

Pricing: Average (It won't break the bank)

(On my Instagram)

2. Honey Art Cafe - There is only one at the moment and it's located on Shepherd Drive. 

The loves: The ambiance, the decor, the taste of my purchase. 

The dislikes: Somewhat limited menu.

What I had: Egg waffle with vanilla ice cream, chocolate pocky sticks, bananas and a macaroon (honestly, I don't remember the flavor but it tasted good).  

Rating 1-5: 4

Pricing: Average (It won't break the bank)

3. Mango Hut - This only has one location and it's off of Highway 6 in Houston, near Sugar Land. 

The loves: The taste, the options and location. 

The dislikes: NONE!

What I had: I had an original egg waffle (you can pick from original, green tea and chocolate) with green tea ice cream, strawberry pocky sticks and sprinkles. 

Rating 1-5: 5

Pricing: Average (It won't break the bank)

(On her Instagram)

4. The Ice Barn -This only has one location and it's in Old Sugar Land off of Alternate 90.

The loves: The almost insane amount of flavor options, the price and the taste.

The dislikes: The closing time. This is only open until 8 p.m.! 

What I had: Passion fruit ice.

Rating 1-5: 4

Pricing: Cheap (Think like 90s prices for things, amazing!)

(On my Instagram)

5. River Oaks Donuts - There is only one location and it's on Westheimer in the Galleria area. 
The loves: The assortment of donuts, the taste of the donuts and that everything is made in the shop. 
The dislikes: The closing time, it is only open 6 am - 2 pm. I crave donuts at like 3 pm and end up signing. 
What I had: White frosted donut with fruity pebbles 
Rating: 4
Pricing: Average 

It's no secret that I enjoy reading, but I also enjoying watching interesting television shows. Lately, I've been pulled towards Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean Dramas. This is a list of what I've thoroughly enjoyed watching.

1. Scarlet Heart Ryeo (Korean) - This show walked me into Period Dramas and made sure I fell in love with them. The actors all did well in portraying their characters which is a major plus because some of the villains were so easy to absolutely hate thanks to the great acting. The lead male and female couple has incredible chemistry and I ended up liking the male lead actor so much I watched several shows just because he acts in them. The drama is a roller coaster of emotions which attests to the acting and script.

2. General and I (Chinese)- This is a Chinese Period Drama which is based on a novel. The female lead is a brilliant military tactician who ends up falling in love with the "enemy." The story has some of the best lead characters I've ever watched. Both are extremely intelligent, crafty and loyal. The show spans over 45 episodes so there is a lot of movement, action and some serious angst.

3. The King's Woman (Chinese) - This is yet another Chinese Period Drama but it's based around a Chinese emperor who sought to unite the kingdoms in China and was known for being a coldblooded killer. The show gives this emperor a multi-dimensial platform to where it is clear he is ruthless and cunning but also capable of genuine feelings, as well. The female lead is, as I've noticed I'm drawn to, emotionally and physically strong and capable. This isn't a fluffy tale but I promise it's extremely interesting.

4. The Bride of the Water God (Korean) - I saw many reviews on this show which were not so good but I'm glad I ignored them and watched the show. The male lead, the Water God, is from Scarlet Heart Ryeo. This is originally why I even considered watching the show because I liked the male lead's acting ability. This storyline centers on the Water God who is arrogant and believes humans to be less than him and a human who is from a long line of servants of the Gods. The show is comical because of all the mishaps, misunderstandings and clashing of personalities. There is depth given to the show so it isn't what I would call a light-hearted romantic comedy but the angst level isn't a 10/10, either.

5. Ice Fantasy (Chinese) - This is a Fantasy drama which is based off of a book. All of the actors are fantastic, the one male lead is the same lead from Prince of Lan Ling. This show has action, drama, magic and romance. The major plot line runs along the Fire Tribe's hatred of the Ice Tribe and all the Ice Tribe's princes must do to ensure peace among the realms and stop the Fire Tribe. Each character has a strong presence and depth which makes the show even more interesting to see.

6. The Princess Weiyoung (Chinese) - Without a doubt, this is one of the best shows I've ever watched. This Period Drama made me cry more than I should ever cry over a television show. This is a bittersweet show where there is happiness sprinkled into the mix of angst, tragedy and sadness that makes up The Princess Weiyoung. The lead female actress and male actor are superb. I've seen them in other shows and love almost anything I watch with them because of their acting abilities. The female lead is cunning, loyal, giving and one of my favorite female characters of all time. The story line follows the female lead from her birth to the birth of her own child which spans over 19 years of life. It's a story of survival, revenge and love.

7. Prince of Lan Ling (Chinese) - The story focuses on a prince who is known for his military accomplishments and genuine leadership and a young priestess who learns of his fate as a child and later in life falls in love with him. As with most historical stories, there are elements of fantasy and power struggles. The male lead is one of the most genuinely good and self-sacrificing characters I've ever run across. The chemistry between he and the female lead are realistic and work so well. The female lead is wonderful and her character is strong yet soft which I enjoy. I would say this is definitely worth watching, especially if you find yourself fond of historical stories! 

8. My Secret Romance (Korean) - This is a romantic comedy set in modern day South Korea. It's cute, witty and fun. The male and female leads will make you giggle, sigh and want them to work through it all. As with many Korean Dramas, this is on the short side with how many episodes but it's entertaining and definitely a nice change of pace from a lot of the heavy and emotional Dramas I have on this list. 

9. Lost Love in Times (Chinese) - First and foremost, I have to say I LOVE William Chan. There's just something about him that I love. A lot of people find him to be a weak actor and all of that but I genuinely enjoy watching him on screen-I've seen him in other Dramas. Now that I've said that, we can focus on the historical fantasy that is Lost Love in Times. The beginning few episodes feel rushed because the Drama crams the love affair into them to set up the rest of the show. This show is very emotional, as tends to go most historical stories, and has many moving parts. If you're a sucker for love winning out in the end, this is definitely one to watch.


10. Faith (Korean) - Most of this show takes place during the last years of the Goryeo period in Korean history. A modern-day doctor is taken back to ancient Korea by a warrior in order to save the Queen. While it should be simple, the story quickly gets more and more complicated while love seems to find a way. The ending is sweet, the story moves well and it's definitely something to watch. 

11. Moonlight Drawn by Clouds (Korean) - Yet another historical story because I have a thing for them, okay? This is set during the Joseon period of Korea's history. The prince is playful and known to mess about rather than take anything too serious. He is the male lead who matures and grows throughout the show and it's super easy to adore him. The female lead ends up disguising herself as a male and enters the palace unwillingly with the help of the prince. The characters grow together and thus a love story is born. You'll notice a romantic nut so, yes, all of the stuff I watch has some type of romantic line somewhere! 

12. Attention, Love! (Taiwanese) - This is a modern-day high school Drama set in Taiwan. The story gets emotional at times and has enough quirks to keep it interesting without being boring. There is character growth and development, amusing comments and moments and a happy ending. Overall, I really enjoyed watching this and it kept my attention. 

14. Fall in Love with Me (Taiwanese) - Aaron Yan is the male lead in this show and he's absolutely gorgeous! He's probably my favorite Asian celebrity on this planet. Fall in Love with Me is a modern-day Taiwanese Drama about an advertising guru who needs to find his inspiration and a struggling advertising agency that is owned by the female lead. Through many twists, the leads fall in love but the male lead is living a dual life which starts to catch up with him. This can get really emotional at times but there is definitely a lot of laughter and comedic relief! Honestly, I watched it just for Aaron Yan but ended up really enjoying the show. 

15. Descendants of the Sun (Korean) - I have to start off by saying I saw the male lead in another Korean Drama and just liked him so I looked up other shows he's done and chose this one. I do not regret choosing this Drama because it was, without a doubt, one of my absolutely favorite modern-day K-Dramas I've ever watched to date. It's about an upper level special ops military guy who ends up falling for a doctor and their lives become intertwined even when they don't plan on it. The struggles between the two involve internal factors such as personal views on life and duty and external factors such as the male lead's career forcing him to disappear and become injured. The series is about average length, only 16 episodes, but it will bring a lot of feelings to you and really move you-at least, it totally moved me!