Out & About #346 | Collective May Visuals

​No inveracities are told when I describe this past month as being a cyclonic roar of errand-running, job-hunting, and backlog-clearing, with smidgens of hangout sessions somehow wedged in between. At this point, I can't seem to recall a time when eight hours of sleep were garnered effortlessly, or when returning home after dusk meant watching GOT7 instead of working on my endless batch of images.

It would be an understatement to say that I had overestimated my abilities to properly function after several hours of mental strain. One can only hope that by restraining curiosity, and consequently restricting the number of adventures around the GTA, that personal and social harmony can be attained in the upcoming summer months.

As always, here are my visuals for the past thirty-one days - primarily of food but with the occasional fangirl content.

​1) Laneige - Multiberry Yogurt Repairing Mask
Recently introduced into my skincare routine, this sweet, scented formula is not to be neglected after slathering on deep cleansing and purifying clay masks. The creamy consistency and soothing properties render it suitable for almost all skin types.
I initially obtained a miniature sample of the product via Sephora's point redemption system, but its rapid repairing traits soon convinced me to purchase the full-sized product after two weeks of being without it. The sleek round pot of riches is essentially indispensable now.

​2) COBS Bread
Nothing quite tickles my fancy as a customary croissant of satisfying flakiness with a breviloquent aftertaste of butter. de la terre's warm bakery goods may be my top choice while frequenting the region of Halton, however COBS offers the closest comparison in terms of quality, and at a much closer proximity too. Service has also been superb during most visits.

< Pictured above and below: Chocolate Croissant, Ham & Cheese Croissant, Baguette >

​3) Dropping a visit at New Balance's Upper Oakville location amidst the evening rush
4) Homemade Lattes and Cold Brew served with classic Korean snacks
5) Matters, specifically a Frankenfrap recreation, are taken into one's own hands when cravings make their presence and Frappy Hour hasn't yet commenced

6) Produce 101 Season 2
The currently airing season of the trainee survival show is undeniably a hot topic amongst groups of all ages. It isn't particularly difficult to understand why the audience is primarily comprised of female viewers; the media has enabled these talented boys looking for an outlet to show their skills to gain exposure to both national (Korean) citizens in addition to overseas K-Pop fans. Mnet is far from an unbiased channel, but given that it is one of the largest and most established, little can be done from point of a mere spectator.

​As opposed to drawing light to the rumoured "evil editing", I'd like to introduce my two favourites of the season: Fantagio's Ong Seungwoo and MMO's Kang Daniel.
Incredibly skilled at dance and articulating memorable facial expressions, neither could be more suited to performing on stage.

​I am ineligible to vote as a foreign fan, but nevertheless will continue supporting them on their journey to stardom!

(Side: Totally unimpressed am I that Woo Jinyoung and Park Seungwoo were eliminated in the May 26th airing.)

7) Mid-week Pick-Me-Ups:

• Roasted Milk Tea w/ Grass Jelly and Coconut Jelly + Roasted Tea w/ Coconut Jelly from CoCo
• The renowned Vanilla Cone from good ol' McD's
• Mango sticky rice in coconut milk
• Homemade Matcha Latte
• Homemade Grapefruit hallabong ade
• Cold Brew + Triple-Baked Cheese Tart for breakfast

​8) Hands down, Kate Spade's Surprise Sale was better than any trip to the outlets

9) ASTRO - BABY M/V
My favourite rookies have made a comeback just before the conclusion of May with their 'Dream' series! Dream Part.01 consists of 8 songs and a seriously catchy title song.

Dorkiness has ben maintained across all members, though Moonbin looks especially eye-catching with this comeback. While their choreography and concept have grown sophisticated, cheerful summer vibes and saturated doses of youthfulness fill the music video. Personally, I found it to be a smooth transition from the boy-next-door aura they donned from debut.

​Baby, which Moonbin cleverly coined as "Beautiful Aroha Beautiful You" in their Mnet Present stream, is an upbeat song that displays each member's vast improvements since "Winter Dream". Be sure to show the song some love and give the rest of the EP a listen as well!

10) Reliving my childhood memories with orangey Qoo drinks and their adorable bottle caps

Farewell till June!