Monday, April 30, 2012

AMW Bulletin: Forever 21 SM Megamall 3-day Sale (May4-6)

Dear Philippine Readers:
Were you there at The Block (SM City North EDSA) opening of Forever 21?  The brand is growing and nothing can stop them!  SM Megamall branch has something wonderful coming up!  The much awaited 3-Day Sale!

On May 4 10:00am to 12:00nn ---
  • Present your F21 Mastercard and SMAC/BDO Rewards to get 20% off regular items with a minimum purchase of Php5,000.
  • Present your SMAC/BDO Rewards, get 10% off on regular items.

On May 4 12:00nn onwards until May 6
  • F21 Mastercard holders can get 10% off on regular items with a minimum purchase of Php5,000.

*BDO Cardholders can avail of 5% rebate with a minimum purchase of Php5,000 for all 3 days!

Happy F21 Shopping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



 

Something New: Sanuk's Yoga Mat

My first ever Sanuk sandals was purchased year 2008! (As seen on my post HERE) Today, both black and brown are still doing okay (a bit too old looking though!  *laughs*).  I trekked near and far with both sandals!  I can't even start telling you how far we walked when we traveled around Hong Kong and China bringing both pairs with me!  

So when I got an inbox notice on what's new with Sanuk, I can't help but share this to my readers who prefer simplicity, back-to-basic type of sandals without the frills!

Introducing ---
Sanuk's Bestselling Range:  The Yoga Mat Sandals


Yoga Wedge
Php1,990.00 (approx $46.00)

Yoga Paradise
Php1,290.00 (approx $30.00)



Yoga Twist
Php1,290.00 (approx $30.00)

Yoga XYZ
Php1,990.00 (approx $46.00)


 "Boasting of a functional yoga mat foot bed, Sanuk's yoga mat sandals are truly a joy to wear no matter where you're headed especially this summer season.  Take it to the mall, the beach, even for a quick coffee run, Sanuk's Yoga Mat sandals seamlessly combine comfort with its "season-less" style.  Complemented by classic styles and colors, these yoga mat sandals can outlast fleeting fashion trends and make for a practical choice for no-nonsense individuals who want more bang for their buck."
So imagine how well they go with (Photos taken from Polyvore website)---

Dresses


Shorts

 Pants

 

 Rompers
 


and a whole lot more! :) Very versatile for sure!
Sanuk is exclusively distributed by the Primer Group of Companies. Get the latest on Sanuk Philippines by “liking” their Facebook fan page at: Sanuk Philippines or visit www.sanuk.ph

Which among the 4 caught your attention?
I think Yoga XYZ is cute!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




AMW Reviews: Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup




The first ever airbrush (in a can) product that I came across with is called the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Spray.  I even wished they came up with something for the face!   

And Sally Hansen did, unfortunately, it was never available in the local market.

Finally, a drugstore brand Revlon came up with one and it's readily available locally! 

After weeks and weeks of usage, I'm ready to share my thoughts on this!


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Weekend Food Tripping at: Bento & Snack

Once we craved for something, we really go all the way just to get it!  Obviously, I'm talking about food!  It's funny how I always end up craving for Korean Dish after a makeup gig!  It was still early and most Korean restaurants around Macapagal Avenue and Ermita are closed during those times!  We drove around Ermita to search for any Korean Restaurants we may find that are open at weird hours after lunch!  There we found a small restaurant called Bento & Snack!

Pwede na! This looks like the small Korean restaurants we see when we walk around Seoul.  But once you go inside and check out the menu, they actually offer both Korean and Japanese dishes.

Once the waiter gave us the menu, we "kinda" scratched our heads as we can't seem to find the "usual" suspects! 


After a couple of minutes, we finally made our decision and an appetizer was served!  I am actually a fan of the tofu skin strips (left side) and the Kimchi (right side).  I'm okay with eggplant but I'm not sure why it doesn't feel like what I was aiming for when I gave it a try!  So yup, that was my least favorite out of the 3!


Ramen
Php150.00 (approx $3.50)
I originally asked for jjampong  as I like having a bit of seafood on my noodle soup, unfortunately, they do not have it!  So we opted for regular ramen.  The soup base is spicy (you can request for the level of spiciness) and flavorful.


The texture of the noodles is not soggy, the firmness is just right!


Bibimbap
Php250.00 (approx $5.80)
The Bibimbap meal served at Bento & Snack is more targeted on vegetable lovers!  I can see more vegetables here than other restaurants!  You can expect huge beansprouts, eggplant, sliced carrots, cucumbers, and a bitter tasting vegetable (stem-like light green vegetable shown on lower right side of the photo).  The whole dish was okay but I'm not a fan of the bitter tasting vegetable so I had to remove it and add more red paste to enjoy it fully!

Of course, the added egg on top is a must!


Since the weather was hot and humid, we've decided to walk to nearby Korean Grocery Store and bought this drumstick!  Please, if you see this, you have to buy this!  It is super good!


I also went up to the Korean Lady holding different cans and bottles of coffee asking her which one has the "Thumbs up" mark approval from her, she picked BaBa Coffee and I trusted her!  It was in Cafe Mocha Classic flavor and it was really good!


Overall, Bento & Snack is a comfortable, tiny, yet clean restaurant that serves good Japanese and Korean Dishes.  The prices are almost the same as big Korean restaurants (considering the size of their restaurant) but I can tell the quality of ingredients used are good!  I have tried better Korean restaurants but this is a place to go just in case, like me, when you are craving for one and the rest of the Korean restaurants nearby were on their afternoon break!

Bento & Snack 
Adriatico Malate

In Front of Star Bucks

Tel Nos: (632) 567-5819/ (632)474-1856

What's your weekend food cravings?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Friday, April 27, 2012

Perfection by Cream Silk Full-Bodied Straight Detangling Spray Review



Happy Friday everyone!  How's the "super hot" and "humid" week treating you?  I hope you hydrate yourself by drinking loads of water and eat fruits! :) 

My hair has been going crazy for the past months and I'm actually thinking of doing another Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment which I've done almost 2 years ago and I loved the effect!  I planned to do it after my Tokyo trip but I got busy --- busy getting sick, busy getting sad that my dearest dog passed away, busy gaining back my strength so going for a Keratin Treatment had to wait!

Then I got an invite to try out Perfection by Cream Silk at The Spa!  I dragged myself to the event because I needed the pampering session so much!  

As shared on my report (read article HERE),  the Cream Silk team takes pride in sharing the new, premium line that has the added KERATIN and this superior technology can get absorbed into our hair better than regular conditioning treatment!

I have to admit, I did the "OWSSS????" (Not believing).  It was embarrassing but I can't help myself !  *laughs*  Sarah Lim of Cream Silk laughed and told me to try it instead.  She was that confident! :)

Since I am currently still finishing up my daily conditioner and hair treatment, I started with the Detangling Spray and after just a few usage, I'm biting my tongue!  You'll know why after reading my review.


Cream Silk says ---
The first ever premium specialist range from Cream Silk specially designed for straightened hair.  With Cream Silk's breakthrough Pro Technology Advanced formulation with pico-nutrients and keratin penetrates deeply into the hair cortex.

Detangling Spray is an Advanced formula with UV filter, it helps detangle hair to make it well-aligned and enhanced hair's shine.

Ingredients: Water, Alcohol, 1-Butyl Alcohol, Perfume, Dimethicone, Laureth-23, Di-C12-15, Pareth-4, Phosphate, Triethanolamine, Methyl-paraben, Propyl Paraben, Starch, Hydroxypropylthimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Chloride, Urea, Startrimonum Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Diglycerin, Citric Acid, Ethylexyl, etc..



Thursday, April 26, 2012

AMW Wears: Club & Spade

I am into accessories for as long as I can remember!  I used to borrow my sister's accessories as she's the older one and she gets to her own money 5 years earlier than me! hehehe Accessories (and nail art) for me are added "boosts" to an outfit!  I call them my "energy boosters" like that of a computer game!  *hahaha*

Club & Spade, a fresh new brand of accessories came up with  lovely accessories that gave me the ability to stand out in a crowd!  (Okay, not really, but in my world, I did stand out, even..ahm..a bit! :P)

Check out the gorgeous Coin bangle (Php380.00 approx $8.80)!  I shrieked as ---
  1. Orange is what I was looking for!  I was disappointed the gorgeous orange top in G.U. Tokyo doesn't have my size so at least, I have a gorgeous orange shade in an accessory!
  2. I love bangles!  I love layering my bracelets even when I was younger as I like the sound of it! :P
  3. Since I am into multi-functional products (yes, even accessories), I like the fact that I can use just a couple of pieces or use them altogether!


It even matches my Summery Nail Art for the week! (Super sorry as I do not have a tutorial on this!) 


On days that I think I have enough print, I'd go for toned down accessories like this!

Black Heart Bracelet Php280.00 Approx $6.50



I used to own a similar one but I lost it somewhere during my travel! I wore this on a recent event I attended :)  Will talk about the event soon! :)



Then, on to the classier side!  (As if I get classy at all!  *laughs*), a nice studded leaf in gold...



I wore this at a kiddie party at EDSA Shangri-la, yes Jheng, you're right, I'm taking a photo for blog when you saw me!  *laughs*


Since it was a kiddie party, I do not want to look too "made-up" at the same time, I do not want to look too casual!  So this necklace is perfect for "in between" moments. 

P.S. My black and white bracelet is from H&M Tokyo!  I love it so much! :)


Club & Spade has more accessories that got me wanting for more!

Filigree Bib Necklace 
Php580.00 (approx $13.50)


Logo Necklace
 (White and Gold logo with Brown Necklace)
(Php380.00 approx $8.80)


Check them out on Facebook
Which Club & Spade accessory caught your interest?
How would you wear them?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


 

AMW Bulletin: Win A Sizzling Hot Summer Date with Finesse

I got this on my mail box a couple of days ago and I think some of you who currently own these products....




Maybe interested to know about the promotion going on! 

You can either win ---
A Romantic Yacht Dinner with Andrew Wolf 
PLUS
One GC of an overnight stay at the A. Venue Suites for 2 and Finesse Gift Pack

 


Or you also get the chance to win their consolation prizes ---
2 Winners of GCs of an overnight stay at A. Venue Suites for 2 and Finesse Gift Pack


One winner of iPod Nano multi-touch 8GB and Finesse gift pack

Feel free to click poster below for complete mechanics or start by Liking Finesse Hair Care on Facebook for more information!


Goodluck!
Are you joining?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Author is not affiliated with the company.  This post serves as information purpose only.)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

AMW Reviews: Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Shy Honey

Lipstick, Lipgloss --- all beauty enthusiasts know the difference.
But what is an "Almost Lipstick"?  

Ah ha!  That got your attention! :)  Before I blab on this new product that I recently stumbled upon, GOOD MORNING!!!!  *insert huge, crazy-looking smile here*

I have recently read a wonderful review from My Women Stuff regarding this lip product from Clinique, you can check out her wonderful review HERE.  Her review made me open mind right away to test it out!  Here's my "awesome" thoughts on the said product. (Yes, I had to include the "awesome" word  just to make me feel good today! hehehe)

Come on, dreaming is Free! :D

Clinique Almost Lipstick says ---
  • A glossy, ultra-light lipstick.
  • Not quite a gloss, and not quite a lipstick, this transparent formula merges with the unique, natural tone of your lips to create a look that's all your own.  Its sheer, emollient-rich formula glides on for easy layering.
Size: 0.07 oz




AMW says ---
Pros
  • Simple, silver colored tube that screams Clinique!
  • Applies smoothly on lips.
  • Looks very natural.
  • Has a nice hint of shine.
  • Gives a nice, even, healthy tone to your lips.
  • Non-sticky.
  • NO PARABENS!
Cons
  • Moisture is not enough for EXTREMELY dry lips like yours truly.
  • Price.
Overall
Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Shy Honey is a very sheer lip color that has a tiny hint of baby pink to it. 

Tips
  • Pigmented lips may go for different shades available!  
  • To create a more natural color, you can apply your choice of lip liner all over lips then top with Clinique's Almost Lipstick. (My favorite is the Clinique's Chubby Stick underneath to lessen lines around my lips.  It's a dream combination in my dictionary!)
  • Always store in cool, dry place.
  • Wipe the tip of the lipstick once in a while.

Will I repurchase?
Yes, but other shades.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Shy Honey is for young girls who may want to start on lipstick (not tinted lip balms) yet, wants to maintain the natural-looking color.  This is also for adults who likes the natural pigmentation of their lips but just wants to enhance it with a nice glow and moisture.  I call this lipstick "Your lips but even better".  :)

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Clinique counters for Php1,100.00 (approx $25.50).

Swatch and Product Shots

Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Shy Honey on Tube
Looks like cotton candy pink!  So girly and young-looking!


Swatch on Hand
A very soft, sheer wash with hint of shine


Applied on my super dry lips!
It almost came out nothing but as seen on the after photo (below) it gives a nice shine and did add up a bit of moisture.

Have you tried Clinique's Almost Lipstick?
Which shade are you currently using and do you like/dislike it?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(Product sent for PR purpose.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

AMW Bulletin: Caronia's Nail Swirl Madness Promo

Dear Nail Art Enthusiasts! 
Finally!  A local brand who supports our love for nail art!  Remember my first ever water marble nail art design which I've done specifically for India's Leading Spa and Salon Magazine called StyleSpeak

You just do not know how many nail polish I've tried to create this!  Not all polishes are created for water marbling and most of the ones that works are the pricier ones!

Article HERE

So, Caronia Philippines, you've done it again!  Aside from creating gorgeous pigmented nail polish shades, Caronia is also water marbling nail art friendly!!!  Not only that, to celebrate the beauty of Nail Swirl, on online promotion called "Nail Swirl Madness" is happening from March 15 to May 31,2012!

Nail Art Addicts, it's your time to shine!!! :)


If I get the chance, I'll give the Caronia Nail Swirls a try and will report how easy/difficult it will be :) Wish me luck!


For more details on the contest, feel free to LIKE Caronia Philippines on Facebook.
Watch the instructional video at: www.caronia.com.ph/viewingroom

Let me know if you're joining!
Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Benefit's Hello Flawless Custom Powder Cover-Up with SPF15 Review




Funny how a dry-skinned girl like myself would pick "powder foundation" anytime of the day because I'm just too lazy to stare at my face in a mirror and blend cream or liquid foundations!  (I should be embarrassed saying this as I'm a makeup artist! lol)

Okay, to set the record straight, I LOVE doing other people's makeup but I am the laziest of all the lazy bums when it comes to applying makeup on myself! 

That explains my love for powder foundations!  It's easy to apply and I can get ready ready in 5 minutes! hehehe  Come on, I'm a busy woman! *winks*

After I hit the pan with the Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover, it's time for me to move on and test on other products! 

Benefit's Hello Flawless Custom Powder Cover-Up with SPF15 Review
Benefit says ---
This silky powder cover-up glides on naturally sheer and layers beautifully for customized coverage with SPF protection. Complete with brush and sponge and dual application lesson.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Avon Gives: Anti-Aging Miracle! --- CLOSED!!!

Anti-aging products, *sigh* how I love thee!  I used to think anti-aging products are for the "lolas" (Grandmoms) but yeah, call me a grandma as I'm a proud user of anti-aging products!  (If only I can slather them all over the rest of my body? lol)

You guys who read my blog do know I worked in China for a good 3 plus years, and one brand that got the Chinese girls crazy is Avon!  I've visited their stalls and shops in Shenzhen and I saw how women went "ga-ga" over Avon whitening products and of course, anti-aging products! 

It must be really good...


Some of my readers and friends say I look young for my age (why, thank you!) :P  I have to thank my grandparents and parents as they never look their age!  So it must be in the genes right?  What if it's not in your genes?

Well, I'm quite surprised to read the product information on the new Anew Genics --- Avon has discovered a breakthrough skincare technology that taps into the youth gene in every person to instantlyl unveil a younger-looking skin. 

"As the pioneer in transformative, anti-aging breakthroughs since 1992, we are excited to introduce Anew Genics --- another groundbreaking product that women will definitely be excited to try.  Finally, every woman's wish of getting their youthful looks back is no longer an impossibility," shared Xiaochun Luo, Chief Scientific Officer and Group Vice President for Avon's Global Research and Development.  "Out international team of researchers and product developers invested 10years in devloping this product to make younger and reenergized skin accessible to women."

And now, YOU can look 10 years younger yourself PLUS an extra cute gold watch with changeable straps to help you turn back time! :D (Aminin! Ang ganda ng watch no!!!) :P

Mechanics:
  • Comment ONCE on this blog post together with your name and email address.
  • LIKE Avon on Facebook and follow them on Twitter (@AvonPH)
  • Simply tell me your real age and tell me what most people think your age is.  (Example: "I'm 25 years old but most people think I'm on my early 30s!")
  • Contest is open to Philippine Residents. 
  • Contest starts today ends May 12, 2012 (11:59pm)
  • 1 Winner will be picked via random generator and will be emailed for notification.  Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked!
**Anew Genics Treatment Concentrate will be available through Avon representatives nationwide for Php1,799.00 (approx $42.00).   

Thanks Avon Philippines for always supporting AMW!
Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!