Thursday, May 31, 2012

AMW Wears: Ferretti Donna Bone Colored Pumps

Shoes, shoes, shoes... I can't get enough of them!  Who feels the same way? *raises hand*

As picky as I am, it took me a while to purchase "another" nude pumps!  I bought a super comfortable one a year ago but I told myself a girl can have more than a pair of nude colored pumps!  

I followed my own advise!


When I visited the new concept store of Ferretti at Glorietta 1&2 (read report HERE), I laid my eyes on this and I can't leave the store without purchasing this pair!  Oh, I strongly suggest you visit the store as I thought I was a size 7 but ended up with a size 6 for this particular design!  It doesn't hurt to check out their other collections and don't forget their bags and accessories!!!


It wasn't bad at all as the front part was elevated so it doesn't hurt my feet!  I wore it during the Philippine Fashion Week: SM Ladies' Fashion.  I paired it with a colorful dress that I got from H&M! 


Name: Donna
Color: Bone
Price: Php1,499.00 (approx $35.00)
Available at: Ferretti Store, Glorietta 1&2 or ONLINE

Have you found "THE NUDE PUMPS" for you?
From where did you purchase and how much?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Nail Art Tutorial: The Avengers Nails




Good morning universe!  I am telling the world that today will be a good one!  :)  I hope the world agrees! :P

Over dinner with friends, one of my college friend was requesting for The Avengers nail art.  Both Keith and I have thought about doing this nail art after watching the movie but I was so lazy for the last few months!  We've seen The Avengers posters and I know how they look like either on Mighty Mugg or Hasbrow so I have a couple in mind!  Too many things in mind I can't decide what to do!  So thanks to Rina for the request as I was pushed to finally create one!

Here you go, my version of The Avengers Nails

a photo of Avengers Nail Art Tutorial
Black Widow
Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) doesn't have a particular face or mask that would make people recognize her easily so I've decided to draw her Character Icon instead.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

AMW Reviews: D'Haus House of Aroma Moroccan Argan Oil + Giveaway --- CLOSED!!!

(Note from Author: 2 winners have been picked via Fruit Machine!  Kindly check your email and respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked, thank you!)
Congratulations to ----

 and

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Today, I will be reviewing a very natural product that I've seen people raving about!  Moroccan Argan Oil!  This one is from D'Haus and don't forget to read until the bottom part as D'Haus is giving away 2 x 20ml bottles to lucky AMW Readers!!! :)

D'Haus House of Aroma says ---
Argan Oil is an all-natural, 100% organic, chemical-free beauty marvel that really works.  Produced from the Argan tree in semi-deserts of Morocco, it is extracted from the kernels of its fruit.  Argan oil comes loaded with essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, a precursor for Vitamin E.  This makes it well-known for its anti-aging, moisturizing and antioxidant properties.  It is found to contain 700mg per kilogram of tocopherois that is twice the amount found in olive oil.


Ingredients:


Size: 0.67 fl. oz/20 ml


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Easy to use pump glass bottle.
  • As seen on ingredients list, consists of ALL NATURAL Argan Oil, nothing else!  
  • Very moisturizing.
  • Gets absorbed into the skin pretty well.
  • Multi-functional: Can be used on hair, face and body.
  • A little amount goes a long way! 
  • Skin feels soft and lesser lines can be seen.
  • If used on hair, the ends of the hair doesn't feel as dry!
  • Moisturizes also the skin around my nails!
  • No skin irritations nor allergic reactions.
Cons
  • The scent!  Don't discriminate the brand as I talked to friends who are Moroccan Argan Oil users and I was told pure Argan Oil doesn't smell the greatest!
  • If you put this on your hair, it doesn't feel as greasy as oil but does have a tiny bit of grease-like feel which may irk other people.  (kindly read tips below on how to deal with this.)
  • Not widely available.  For now, they are available in their Ortigas store.
Overall
Everything about D'Haus House of Aroma Moroccan Oil is what I need to help soothe my very dry, parched skin and hair!  Again, the only concern on my part is the scent (as I have a nose of a dog!  *laughs*)  But the scent goes away after a couple of minutes!

Tips
  • If you plan to apply this on your hair, concentrate only on the drier ends and use around a pump or 2.
  • Leave the Argan Oil on your hair the night before you go to bed, so you can wake up with moisturized hair in the morning before you take a shower.
  • 1 pump is enough for the face and neck.  2 pumps are enough for both arms and another 2-3 pumps for the legs!  
  • With the remaining Argan Oil on your hands, massage your fingertips.
  • Best to apply the Moroccan Argan Oil on your body after shower.
  • Since packaging looks really nice, this is best to give this as gift to friends and loved ones!
  • Store in cool, dry place.
  • If you have dry areas or allergy spots (like I do), massage with a tiny amount of D'Haus Moroccan Argan Oil as it helps soothe itchiness at the same time, speeds up healing.
Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who have dry, sensitive skin that needed moisture that locks for a couple of hours to a day!  Best for dry, frizzy, unruly hair!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at D'Haus Home & Decor International
Unit 118 G/F Grand Emerald Tower, 
corner Ruby & Garnet Road, Ortigas Center,Pasig 
20ml costs Php750.00 (approx $17.50).


Product photos

One drop shows a
light yellow tint

Texture is watery
Like that of a light baby oil

Rubbed the Moroccan Argan Oil on my hand
 showing a nice shine within a couple of seconds

In less than a minute, the oil was absorbed right into my skin
leaving a grease-less feel!
You can immediately see the blurring effect of my lines.


GIVEAWAY ALERT!
As stated, 2 AMW readers may get the chance to win their own D'Haus House of Aroma Morrocan Argan Oil!  PLEASE read mechanics carefully on how to join!

  • Comment in this post together with your name and email address.
  • Tell me: "Aside from the Moroccan Argan Oil, which D'Haus product would you want to try?"  (Feel free to check their website to know the other products they offer.)
  • Like D'Haus House of Aroma on Facebook.
  • Contest starts today ends June 10, 2012 11:59pm.
  • 2 winners will be picked via Fruit Machine.  Names of the 2 winners will be posted in this post and will be emailed for notification.  
  • A reply will be needed within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.
  •  No duplicate comments please!
  • Open to Philippine Residents.  Prize will be shipped by D'Haus.
Goodluck!
Thanks to CJ of D'Haus Home & Decor International!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







(Product sent for review. Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

AMW Wears: Katie Gold Collar Necklace

Happy Tuesday AMW friends!  How did you surpassed Monday?  My Mondays are unusually good so I don't have the Monday Blues no more!  *yay* 

Here's a tiny secret I'd like to share to fellow Monday dislikers out there!  Think of anything exciting to do in the middle of the week, like a haircut appointment or manicure/pedicure treatment on a Tuesday.  A dinner date with your girl friends or colleagues on a Wednesday or a movie-night with your special someone on a Thursday or, check out your dental plans by Friday *laughs*  I'm just joking.  But seriously, doing something exciting in the middle of the week is a great way to beat the weekday blues!  

Give it a try!  It took me 2 1/2 decades to finally understand!  *laughs*

Yesterday, I posted about the Benetton Hot&Cold new fragrance launch and I won a special Hot Gold Fragrance because I arrived in the best themed outfit!  *laughs*  Sorry, I can't help but laugh as I look like Mc Donald's Hamburglar!


Oh, I made a mistake, a female Hamburglar! *laughs*

Hamburglar AMW


We were asked to wear black and white and a gold or silver bling.  It was perfect timing for me to wear my new Katie Gold Collar Necklace which I got from Glam Fashion Clothing.


I browsed on their album and I got attracted to the gorgeous gold "criss-cross" pattern encrusted with crystals on the sides.  It's a beautiful way to accent any simple clothing making it look striking!



It is very easy to wear and remove the necklace with it's strong magnet!

Priced at Php650.00 (approx $15.10) available at Glam Fashion Clothing site.  It's worth the investment!  Just keep in mind to store this in it's own casing to protect the crystals from falling off!  I use those cute tea boxes I got from China to store this!


Thanks Cesil of Glam Fashion for the quick delivery and the gorgeous piece that came all the way from Iloilo!  By the way, I was told that Glam Fashion is currently having a Gold Necklace give away!

How to join?  Kindly click photo below and read the mechanics!



Would you wear Katie Gold Collar Necklace?
How would you wear it?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(Product received as gift.  Author is not affiliated with the company.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Monday, May 28, 2012

The Googly Gooeys x AMW

I met Ponggo ang Tipsy during the Nuffnang Blog Awards held in Malaysia last year!  First impression?  They're a cute couple who's even cuter when I met their counterparts! :)

Since it was a huge group, it was difficult to really mingle and get to know everyone!  Funny how we got to catch up once we got back in Manila!  Tipsy and I ended up sending Twitter messages to each other and we followed each other via Instagram!  

Tipsy recently commented on how clueless she is on makeup (which I think is okay as she looks naturally beautiful!) and asked me to share 5 tips for the readers!  It was a quick, simple 5 tips that I shared to her and look what they've done!!! 

I'll print this and hang this in my room!  Oh, if you don't mine Tipsy and Ponggo, this is my current iPad wallpaper! :)



**photo from Googly Gooeys

Head on to their site and read about our collaboration by smiling and clicking HERE.
Thank you Googly Gooeys for acting the part so well! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


AMW Reports: New Hot & Cold Fragrances by United Colors of Benetton

Happy Monday!!!
When you say Benetton Fragrance, this is what comes into my mind....

The Original Hot + Cold Fragrance
by United Colors of Benetton

Since me and my sister were like fraternal twins back when I was still a "Miss", we used to purchase fragrances together and as the younger one, I look up to her and would go for whatever she went for!  She purchased her first HOT Fragrance so I ended up with the COLD.  It was a graduation for both of us, from baby cologne to Eau de Toilette.

As I grow older and starts to collect fragrances, the brand was put on the side as the brand has been quiet for quite some time.  Imagine the giddy feeling I had when I got an invite from my dear friend Emily for the new Hot & Cold fragrance?

"Finally!", I told myself, as I blocked the date as I'm quite excited to see what the brand has to offer!

The event was held at Johnny Rockets, Tomas Morato and we were asked to come in our casual black and white ensemble and add some of our favorite gold and/or silver bling!


Sunday, May 27, 2012

Weekend Food Tripping at: Thaipan

It was my best friend's birthday last May 24th, I haven't seen her for months so I was quite excited when I received a call from her husband asking if we could come for a small surprise gathering on the day of her birthday!  

I said "yes" right away!  We thought of a nice, quiet restaurant were they can offer good food (good enough for a pregnant woman's taste buds!  My best friend is pregnant by the way.) so I went in and ask my equally food-lover friend Sophie for suggestions and after the deliberation with the husband of my best friend,  we ended up with Thaipan. :)

I've tried Thaipan once during a launch for an accessory line called Le Papillon last year.  (Read post HERE).  I am impressed with the "homey" feel of the restaurant and the good service of the waiters.


Khong Waang Thai
Php340.00 (approx $7.90)
A platter of Thaipan's bestselling chicken satay, crispy chrimp pastry, 
fried spring rolls and grilled pork.  
This appetizer came in with 3 different sauces and we all voted for the vinegar with peanut and chili!  We loved this appetizer so much we ordered for second round.


Tung Tong
Php240.00 (approx $5.60)
Crispy shrimp pastry with plums sauce
A winner!  I've tried this during the launch and can't forget about this so I'm glad this was served on our table!  I think I had two?  I can't even remember!  All I know was that I was nodding with glee! *laughs*


 Khao Khluk Kapi
Php310.00 (approx $7.20)
Fried rice with shrimp paste (bagoong) 
served with sweet pork and green mango julienne
 There were 2 types of rice ordered (another one is the Khao Pad Kai/Moo - a Thai style fried rice with chicken or pork, served with egg.) But check out the favoritism!  *laughs*  Sorry, I love their Bagoong rice so much I forgot to take a photo of the other rice!  Very flavorful and the different ingredients blended well without the overpowering shrimp paste taste!  A must try if you're a fan of bagoong!


Yam Plaa Dook Foo
Php290.00 (approx $6.75)
Crispy catfish with mango julienne salad  
 As recommended by OCMOMManila via Twitter, I picked this one and liked it!  I love mangoes and I love the crunchy catfish!  

Phat Phrik King Moo
Php275.00 (approx $6.40)
Spicy stir fried pork and yard long beans
 The twisted beans look unique and I love the right amount of spicy taste of the pork!  Tender pork tastes so good on every bite!  Perfect with your choice of rice!

 

 Pla Lad Prik Sam Ros 
Php310.00 (approx $7.20) 
 Fillet of fish deep fried with tamarind chili sauce
 Reminded me so much of the Sweet and Sour fish fillet from Chinese restaurants!  The Chili sauce made a huge difference on making it tastes like real Thai Food!  Dory fish strips fried to perfection!  

  
Gai Hor Bai Toey 
Php340.00 (approx $7.90) 
5 pcs., chicken in pandan leaves
 I've tried a lot of Chicken in Pandan leaves that leaves the chicken meat dry and hard to swallow!  This version from Thaipan is different, the chicken has a lot of meat yet it's soft and juicy on the inside!


Banana Fritters in Caramel Sauce
Php190.00 (approx $4.40)
Served with coconut ice cream 
 I'm not a fan of anything with coconut so I gave the ice cream a skip and tasted on the banana fritters!  I'm in banana heaven!  With a tiny amount of caramel sauce mixed with the sweet tasting banana fritters blends into the mouth like fireworks!


Overall, I had a wonderful experience in this restaurant.  Thaipan accepts reservations.  Payment can be made in cash or credit card.  10% service charge will be included in the bill.  The restaurant is clean, quiet and very comfortable to relax with friends, family and your loved ones!  

Thaipan
120 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St.
Tomas Morato, QC, Manila
(next to Bagoong Club)
tel no: (632) 352-4926

If you're living in the Philippines, have you tried Thaipan?
What's your favorite Thai restaurant to date?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Saturday, May 26, 2012

Fashion Report: PFW SM Ladies' Fashion

It's Fashion Week and I was invited to the SM Ladies' Fashion Show last May 23rd at the SMX.  I can't decline an SM Ladies' Fashion show as I've always been a fan of their clothes!  I love how I can find different pieces for different occasions and they're always within the budget!

I was expecting for a fashion show that would showcase "runway" worthy pieces but imagine the surprise when I ended up "mentally shopping" all the gorgeous pieces I've seen!  I nudged Mr. AMW so many times and whispered: "That's a Nikki outfit!"  *laughs*

Let me show you some of the pieces that I would wear!  (Note: Photo heavy post)

The event started with models strutting various Parisian shoes  


Something New: Caronia Tropical Doll Collection

Happy Saturday friends!  Are you excited for the weekend?  What will you be doing?
Me, I'm off for a busy weekend (again) after a much deserved weekend-rests for the month of May!  June is the month for Wedding so I will be a bit busy over bridal clients!  I'm not complaining though!  I'm quite pleased with the trust clients have in me!  

Let's talk about local nail polish brand!  I've been a Caronia user for as long as I remember, I used to complain how "glossy" their finishes are and how less pigmented most of them are.  Fast forward to a decade later, I'm glad the company is coming up with matte polishes, better pigmentation and unique colors that (personally speaking), quite comparable with international brands!

A couple of weeks ago, I was sent a cute box including 3 newest shades called Tropical Doll Collection.  I believe this collection is inspired by summer --- beach, tropical fruits and drinks, the works!

L-R Kiwi (lime green)
Blueberry (true blue)
Tangerine (red orange)


Because I can't remove my nail art to swatch, and I can't pull out Mr. AMW's cute fingers and apply polish on him *laughs*, thank goodness for fake nails that I bought from Daiso!  I can show you how lovely the colors are!

Top: 1 coat
Bottom: 2 coats
These are applied without base and top coat

One Coat
As seen on swatch below, the polish isn't streaky and pigmentation is very good! 
One coat is best done for people who aren't comfortable wearing bright polish shades but wants to start somewhere!  Don't forget to finish with your choice of top coat for a nice shine and protection!

Two Coats
For that ultimate tropical experience!

Tangerine is a perfect reddish orange shade, most of the girls are scared to use red polishes as it may make them look mature or vamp-y.  Using a reddish orange polish shade shows a fun, sexy and YOUNG attitude!

Blueberry shade screams summer!  I can't say it reminded me of a blueberry (the fruit) but this calls for "young vibe"!  If you find this shade too much for you, apply this shade on your toes!

Kiwi, my favorite among the bunch, is a unique apple green shade!  I can't wait to use this for my next nail art tutorial! 
Caronia is available in all leading department stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and health & beauty shops nationwide for Php33.25 (approx $0.80)

Please keep in mind that it is best to invest on a good base coat to protect your nails from yellowing!  My favorite is the ZOYA base coat.

What's your favorite shade out of the bunch?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





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

Friday, May 25, 2012

AMW Reviews: Estee Lauder's CyberWhite Brilliant Cells Extra Intensive BB Cream

BB Creams ....
I have been intrigued with this extra step for the longest time!  I can still remember those days I would sneak to Ebay and search for various BB Cream brands and read about it!  (I was that addicted to BB Creams and Korean skin!)

Gone where the days I would tediously search for BB creams locally and even forced myself to purchase a tinted moisturizer thinking it's BB cream-like!

Various of Korean branded BB creams arrived our shores and our friends from the western brands are catching up!  Who would've thought my favorite CyberWhite Brilliant Cells skincare range from Estee Lauder would come up with their own version of a BB Cream?  

(Pause for drama)

*laughs*  Here you go!  I've used this for a good 1 month and here's my honest-to-goodness thoughts.


Estee Lauder says ---
A gentle lightweight brightening BB cream Helps reduce appearance of imperfections & even skin s tone Provides a high level SPF 35 PA+++ protection to resist UV rays Restrains surface oil & shine to maintain a fresh look throughout the day Builds a smooth base for makeup to glide on Creates a perfect natural looking complexion while leaving skin comfortable Dermatologist tested non-acnegenic To use: Apply on cleansed face in the morning. 

Size: 30ml/1oz 

 
AMW says ---
Pros
  • Squeeze-type packaging.
  • Product is well-sealed upon purchase.
  • Very lightweight
  • Hydrating formulation, doesn't dry out my skin even without moisturizer underneath.
  • Doesn't oil-up my skin.
  • Can even out skin tone.
  • Gives a brightening effect without "obvious" shimmer.
  • None of those weird white cast.
  • Has SPF35
Cons
  • Lack of pigmentation as compared to other BB creams.
  • Price
Overall
The BB Cream is quite impressive!  Most of the western BB creams I have tried turn out to be too grayish or too pink for my skin but the Estee Lauder BB Cream proved us how it was really made for the Asian market.  The feel, the effect looks like a tinted moisturizer with additional benefits.

I won't talk about oil-control much as BB Creams aren't there to work as a face primer, if you have very oily skin, I strongly suggest to use oil-free foundation or use an oil-control face primer.

Tips
  • Always start with clean face and fingers!
  • I prefer using my fingers in terms of BB cream application as it blends in the product more and the effect looks more natural.
  • A little goes a long way.
  • If you will be out under the sun for long, apply sunscreen prior to BB cream application.
  • Let the BB cream set for a couple of minutes before proceeding to foundation application.
Will I repurchase?
Not for now, so many BB Creams to try!  Be ready for the next BB Cream review from Palgantong :)

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who likes "tinted" moisturizer feel kind of BB cream, gives out a brightening effect minus the obvious shimmer, minus the white cast.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Estee Lauder counters for Php2,500 (approx $58.00).
I believe international readers may get this at Estee Lauder counters around $60.00.

Product photo and swatch
 
One tiny squeeze shows a pinky beige shade


the pinkish tone is a bit too obvious at first swipe
I got scared that this may look too pink or white on my skin


After further blending, it blends right into my skin color
leaving a nice "glow" (very tiny hint of shimmers)


Left-Bare faced
Right- with Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells BB Cream
The coverage isn't as much but if you look closely, the red spots on my cheek area was covered and my skin looks radiantly fresh without the look of BB cream.  On lazy days, I just spot conceal areas that needed the extra coverage and set with a loose powder!



Have you tried any Western brand BB creams?
Which brand and are you happy with it?

Aside from Estee Lauder, I have tried Clinique's BB Cream, same company under the Estee Lauder group but let me tell you, both BB Creams look and feel differently!  Will blog about it once I'm ready!
READ other BB Cream Reviews HERE.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)