My Summer Essentials...because these are HOT!

Can you feel the heat?
I sure can!  As much as I want to turn on our air conditioner in FULL BLAST 24/7, I know I can't handle the electricity bill.  So instead of moping around pitying myself for being a work-from-home mom.  The positive side of me is urging myself to just enjoy the heat!  

And it doesn't hurt that we have summer-related products that I get excited about!  

At a glance.....how do you feel about these?

Etude House Berry Delicious Launch

How adorable are Etude House Products?
VERY!  They've always had me at gorgeous packaging the moment I laid my eyes on their store at Myeongdong 6 years ago!  

Fast forward to today, the brand never fail to make my heart skip!  And the new Etude House Berry Delicious Collection is NO exception!

This is (unfortunately) a LIMITED edition collection inspired by sweet strawberries fit for every princess! 

 Young or old, no one can resist anything inspired by strawberries!  So the cute strawberry designed packaging won my heart big time!

Feel free to scroll further down to know more about each product as part of the collection!

Poise Makeup Professional Look

One great thing about being a Beauty Blogger is that, I get first dibs on products coming in our shores!  And recently, I got the chance to meet with people who brought in Poise Makeup Professional.

Now, who are they and why are they here?

Poise Makeup Professional just started over a decade ago and their cosmetic line caters to all skin tones and textures.  Now here's the best part, this brand is not only for regular makeup enthusiasts, these products are capable of meeting the needs of professional makeup artists too!

So I was able to play around with some of the Poise Makeup products and came up with this professional look!

Get to know the products I used and you'll get the understand what Poise Makeup Professional is all about!

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm Review

So a regular lip balm sometimes won't make the cut!  My lips are extremely dry I'm almost at the stage of giving up (drama)!  As much as I love my Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, I have to admit, the scent isn't meant for the lips!  So there are days I'll find myself giving an excuse not to apply lip balm and go straight to bed!  And obviously, wake up with drier lips than the night before. 

Then came Nuxe  Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm!  I haven't heard or read much reviews about it so I told myself I had to do it!  Once I twist open the cap and tested the consistency, I knew this is one promising lip balm and I had to share my review ASAP.

 

Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm Says ---

This best-selling lip balm with Honey and precious oils is highly concentrated in ingredients that help to nourish, repair, soothe and protect even the driest and damaged lips.

Thanks to its unique texture and subtle taste of refreshing grapefruit, it really is a beauty must have.
At least 79,5% of the lip balm ingredients are natural, Paraben free formula to pamper your lips with high quality care.
Rêve de Miel® lip balm Star ingredients : Honey, Vitamin E.

Soufeel Online Shopping Review

If you spend most of your time on Facebook, you've probably seen countless ads for Soufeel!  I've seen them so many times and have wondered how online shopping would go!  As you all know, I'm an "online shopper" and I'm allergic to picking products at the postal office.

THANKFULLY, my Soufeel order arrived in a week at the comfort of my home!  That's a HUGE plus points for me so I'm definitely shopping again!



Read further to know the other "plus points" from shopping at Soufeel.

L.A. Colors Chunky Lip Pencil Review

The first time I saw these L.A. Colors Chunky Lip Pencils, I told myself: "They look like Kyle's jumbo crayons!"  On top of my head, I have this impression that the color will come out chunky, dry and fake-looking.

But looks can really be deceiving!   Well, the look almost fooled me!

Shades: Baby Pink and Deep Red

This is a jumbo pencil that need no sharpening!  It is retractable so it is easy to tote along and use until the end!  The shade Baby Pink look almost too "Teenager" for me and Deep Red seems not deep enough!

Corn and Chicken Recipe (Main Dish)

You know how we always associate "corn" as a side dish!  Would you believe I grew up with "corn" as part of our main dish?  And I was seriously excited for it? 

This is inspired by my mom's recipe!  I lack carrots but nevertheless, it tastes just as amazing...tastes just like my mom's "straight-to-the-tummy-and-heart" meals!

Ingredients:

• Corn in can (Jolly)
• Chicken breasts cut in cubes
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Salt and Pepper
• Cornstarch slurry or a tablespoon of butter
• Sugar or Teriyaki Sauce
• Garlic and onion

Super simple to do, you can cook this in less than 5 minutes if all the ingredients are prepared!

• Sauteed garlic and onions.
• Brown the chicken cubes.
• Once chicken cubes are brown and cooked, pour in canned corn.  
• Stir for a minute or 2 and add water.
• Add in soy sauce, oyster sauce and teriyaki sauce (or sugar) mixture. 
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Once you are happy with the taste, pour in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.  In my case, I prefer to add a tablespoon of butter to "thicken" the sauce.  Tastes even better!

So far, Mr. AMW enjoyed the dish and asked for more!

Have you tried including corn as part of your main dish?
What other "corn" recipes have you tried?

I highly recommend to add shrimps for this dish for more flavor but I'm allergic to shrimps so I settle for chicken.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW on SM Beauty Ball

So I seldom go out and attend events during dinner time, if you follow me on Snapchat, you'll know I'd rather stay home and whip out my home-cooked meals for the family and spend quality time with the little one.

But there's a reason why this particular night...I'm out!

Because it is the night for Makeup Artists like you and me!



The first ever SM Beauty Ball was held at Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-la Hotel last April 5th.  It is the night were recognition were given to the "Pioneers of Beauty" like James Cooper, Jesi Mendez and Fanny Serrano.

Eureka Moment: My Pocket Doctor

I'm not sure about you but I don't have a family doctor that I can say: "I'm comfortable to give him/her a call or text anytime of the day!"  Even with Kyle's Pedia, I feel uncomfortable texting or calling them wee hours of the night (unless emergency situations).  

But you know how at times you wished you have your own "Doctor on call" without any judgement?  

Eureka Moment!

The doctor is always IN with MediCard's My Pocket Doctor and I'm so happy this service is finally available!  

MediCard, our leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider, gives another option for us who needs time-saving and convenient options to get medical consultations anytime and anywhere!  Perfect for the millenials too! :D 

My Pocket Doctor is a game changer because with the advantage of modern technology, we can make medical consultations (for minor issues) without braving traffic and waiting in line!  (Goodness, I despise waiting in long lines!)

Once A Month, I Have A Secret!

And no, it's not about my period!  *laughs*  Well, closed enough though!  I break out once a month and my skin goes bonkers!  Funny how I never get that when I was younger, but now that I'm older, my hormones are like from that of a teenager!

You probably think I don't break out, you're wrong!  I'm just good at hiding them and most of the time, I'm working from home so I don't show to the world the bad skin stage!  One of my ultimate secret that I've shared in this blog so many times is the use of The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil to spot heal!  But, there will always be days you just can't understand your skin anymore!

That's when I whip out my Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask!

Photo taken by : Tony Moly

Coming from someone who swore not to use treatment mask, coming from someone who will NEVER use a mask for oily skin --- look at me now! I've finished 3 cycles of AC-Dressing (meaning, 3 masks in 3 months!) 

Now what does an AC-Dressing mask do?

Kate Tokyo Mineral Mask BB Cream Review

Typing about the Kate Toky Mineral Mask BB Cream reminds me so much on how I started Beauty Blogging!  From Ebay shopping for Korean and Japanese BB Creams and testing them out one by one, going bonkers over new BB cream brands over the other...yes, I'm made for the BB Cream age!  Thank you to whoever invented BB creams because they are indeed the "star" in my makeup arsenal!

Kate Mineral Mask BB Cream is known to cover dry skin and skin problems like a mask to give a porcelain finish.  I got a bit scared with the term "Like a Mask" so it took me a while to really wear this outside! 

The shade I got for review is OC-C which is an exact match for my skin tone.

Feeling Young at Heart at Zippy Kidstore

I got an invite to visit the Zippy Glorietta 3 store.  As much as I want to tag #KyleNash with me, I had a meeting before and after the Zippy event!  Even without Kyle, it doesn't mean I won't be able to enjoy the store visit because just by looking at the visual merchandise, I knew this will be the store I'll go back to - again and again.

Zippy Kidstore is a children's apparel brand for Portugal and they caters to children from 0-14 years old.  

The intimate gathering at the flagship store was fun not only for kids but kids-at-heart!  There are loads of sweets that filled the buffet table, activities and a lot more!

So much laughter and balloons in just one afternoon!

How to Contour Using Missha Soft Blending Stick Blusher (Mud Brown)

If you are a makeup lover, you probably mastered the art of contouring!  But, do you know that you can also contour using a stick blusher?  YES!  I've found a nice alternative when I was shopping at Althea website and found a Missha Soft Blending Stick Blusher!  I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a "blusher" but I find the shade 05 Mud Brown to be a perfect contour stick for me!

Tadah!  Indeed, very natural-looking and can be applied on a daily basis!

Missha Soft Blending Stick Blusher

Mud Brown

Php520.00

Tony Moly Bam Bam Tint Delight Review and How To Use

Lipstick Monday!  I stay true to what I do and it seems like I'm really gearing towards lip products on a Monday!  Today, I am sharing (yet another) powder lipstick product!  This time, from the country where gradient lip trend is most popular --- Korea!  The brand?  Tony Moly!

The product is called Tony Moly Bam Bam Tint Delight!

Checking out online, there are a total of 5 shades and I picked the darkest among the five which is shade 05 or Rosy Red.

Weekend Food Trip at: King Chef LCM

I "blogged" about the Grand Launch of King Chef Fine Dining 5 years ago.  From then on, I can't count the times we returned the restaurant!  And since we're always "weekly" at LCM (Lucky Chinatown), I find myself bringing the whole family there!  Not only do they serve good food, the ambience is perfect for a family with toddler!  (Kyle can shout on top of his lungs and no one would mind!) :P

And because I've dined in this restaurant so many times (My parents' anniversary dinner was also held here), I've decided to create a post for First-Time King Chef customers on what to order on your first visit!  

Keep in mind that this is based on my personal opinion!  King Chef serves variety of dishes and these 4 are on my top list!

Seafood with Spinach Soup

Small Php280.00

Why spinach?  Well, I've tried a lot of spinach soup from various restaurants and this has got to be the best I've tried so far!  Even our Househelp who dislikes the color and dislikes Spinach went for second serving!  A good amount of chopped shrimps and spinach bits that doesn't have the "leafy" taste, this deserve 2 thumbs up!

Barbecued Asado

Approx Php200.00

Barbecued Asado are available in ALL Chinese restaurants.  One of the best I've tried is from TOHO (Ongpin) but this definitely deserves an "order" from you!  The pork isn't dry, though you don't see a lot of sauce there, each bite is very tender and juicy!  And let's not go into the taste, it definitely has this smoked barbecue taste!

AskMeMom: Little Archers PlayCare Review

So we are now on the stage of choosing the best Learning Center for my son.  It's summer, so it's perfect timing to try out some summer classes before the actual class by the start of schoolyear.  Truth be told, as much as possible, I try not to put pressure on Kyle too much, he's always been a learner, always ready to study with mommy and always excited to read books with me!  So when it comes to choosing his "preschool" I am opting for a class that combines learning and fun!

Thanks to Marv De Leon of Freelance Blend for introducing me to Little Archers Learning Center (LALC).  With his suggestion, I went ahead and took Kyle for a trial class!  I actually went for PlayCare and photos below were from our 2nd class.

Little Archers Branch: SM MOA

LALC incorporate multimedia and multi-sensory experiences in the learning process, involving their students with countless activities to be themselves.  They offer different In-House programs to suit the needs of your infants, toddlers and kids!   

 

Here's a quick overview of the programs available at LALC ---

 

Kojie San Lightening Range

I've always shy away from whitening products, I mean, you would probably agree with me at this very moment.  But, after 3 years of being a mom spending more than half of those 3 years staying on the floor down on my hands and knees, I'm starting to realize 2 things ---

1. I'm a great toddler play partner and...
2. Staying down on the floor can darken my elbows and knees!

So as much as I don't want to admit it, I'm starting to see dark spots on parts of my body and knew I had to do something before it's too late!   

Thankfully, as a Beauty Blogger, I get exposed to different brands of skincare products.  One lightening range that I recently get to know of is a brand called Kojie San.  Kojie San is known for their Kojic Acid Soap, I have tried the soap in the past and remembered being surprised on how it effectively lighten my skin.

Fast forward to today, the brand (that was born 2007) has expanded their Lightening Range.

Gold for the Face? Royal Gold 24K Foundation Review!

So when I first browsed Althea website for my online shopping needs, the first product that caught my attention is the Royal Gold Radiant Foundation!  It's not because for the fact that this product is meant to create radiant-looking skin, but for the fact that the product literally has a thin gold sheet on top of the cushion!

Too bad mine came with a missed gold spot!  I don't mind at all though because I just want to dig into this product and see how a cushion with an added sheet of gold can help create radiant-looking skin!  Will it be natural or fake-looking?

Measurable Difference Lash Amplifying Mascara & Primer Review

So I personally have given up on long, luscious lashes!  I always depend on falsies whenever I have important events and even stopped using mascara on daily basis because I just felt that they do something --- but not enough!

When Measurable Difference landed on my desk one fine day, I gave this product an immediate test! 

 Just like those drugstore mascaras that came up with a Lash Primer + Mascara in one, the Measurable Difference one is no exception!  It comes with one side the Primer (with clear mascara wand) and the other side the Mascara itself (black shade) 

It is very easy to pinpoint which is which without twisting the mascara open because it is numbered 1 and 2.

Eureka Moment: Best Nail Polish Remover to date!

And I can do that by literally wiggling my fingers!  FUN!
I love nail polish application, out of 10 years that I've been polishing my nails with various shades, one thing I dislike the most is nail polish removal!  As embarrassing as it sound, I am too lazy to do so I even seek the help of Mr. AMW just because I dislike the step! 

So when Mythe Nail Polish Remover was introduced to me by my friend Sydney of Nippon Esthetics, I gave it a try immediately and check out the result!

That in just 3 seconds of wiggling!

(Note: the color on the sides of the finger around the skin can be further removed by 2nd and 3rd wiggling!)

This product is made in Thailand!  I haven't seen such thing that's why this deserve a spot on my blog under EUREKA MOMENT!  This is indeed an innovation we can't miss!

SILKYGIRL Go Matte LipColor

So I realized I have been talking about lipsticks and sharing swatches of different lipstick colors almost EVERY Monday!  Please don't judge me, you can't blame me when I say: "Wearing lipstick is one of the easiest way to change your look!" 

AGREE?

I know how "Hohum" you feel on Mondays, I feel the same!  Well, I used to feel the same until I get to the point of not having weekend rest so everyday felt like Monday!  *hahaha*  Not complaining here, but definitely speaking about reality when you're a mom!  

So to counter that everyday-Monday-Feel, I jumpstart my day with a good lipcolor to lift my spirits!

All 5 shades featured are from my newest lipcolor from a brand called SILKYGIRL!

Clockwise starting from top left: Siren Red, Mystic Rose, Exotic Wine,
Nearly Nude and Wild Pink

I love combining lipstick photos like this because I can immediately spot the shade that works for me!  I have my own bet, what's yours?

Because I'm a Beauty Blogger who does in-depth research on various skincare and makeup products, it is obvious that I came across the brand SILKYGIRL in the past.  SILKYGIRL includes cosmetics, fragrances and hair color products.  SILKYGIRL is marketed at over 5,000 cosmetics counters in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Jakarta.  

And now, the brand is available in the Philippines!  And as always, the best way to get to know a new makeup brand (personally speaking) is to try their lipsticks!

For their lips range, they have different ranges from Moisture Rich Lip Color to Moisture Smooth, Moisture Balm, Moisture Rich, Moisture Boost, Go Matte and Matte Fever.

Weekend Food Trip: BonChon K-Style Chicken

One of my favorite restaurant of-all-time is BONCHON (for the love of Chicken!)!  Unlike other fast food chains that only cater for kids, BonChon is actually perfect for the whole family!  From my parents, to us (husband and wife) down to my toddler Kyle! We definitely have our favorites and you can see it right in this photo!

Apart from our usual orders, I am so happy BonChon came up with even more dishes for more food choices!  Even if we dine in a couple of times a month, we don't seem to get tired from it!

New offerings to try ---

Doing the Things I Love To Do! #ChangingLives

So it's been a while since I posted something personal.  The last one was "How To Deal With Mommy Burnout"

Firstly, THANK YOU for being so nice about my sentiments as a mom!  I know all of us have different ways in dealing with motherhood stress ---  "To each their own!"  as they say.  As for me, I'm so thankful I've found ways to deal with it with flair!  Though I have been spending more than 50% of my time with my son, I make sure to set aside time to do the things that makes me happy! 

My Consultancy Job in an Executive Search Firm.  

Yes, I still have a day job!  Shocking to most of you but yes, I sit at least 4-5 hours in front of the computer everyday the moment my son wakes up!  I do a lot of phone interviews, research and emails!  I've been doing for a decade now and I'm so thankful my boss understood my needs to work from home so here I am!  Still alive and kicking!

AskMeMom: Who's Your Expert Mom?

My "expert mom" will always be my mama! 

I remembered how she was so cool for us to play outside when we were young and she would let us do freely what we (as kids) love to do!  She's always been the supportive "yet strict" mama everyone would love to have!

The Face Shop Dual Veil Concealer Review

So who loves concealers?  I know I do!  That's one of my favorite step in makeup artistry because I get so challenged!  Especially when it comes to clients coming up to me worried about certain skin issues on their most special day!  I'd wish I could whip out my magic wand and say: "Let me do the magic!"  (But they'll probably find me weird and not hire me in the future!  lol)

So everyday, I try to practice, read and research about various concealing techniques!  So when I saw a Dual Concealer from The Face Shop, I make it a point to grab and test this out! 

I picked this particular concealer when I was online shopping at Althea!  Thankfully, I got the perfect shade! 

Visit Laneige Pop-Up Store at SM Mall of Asia

Over the weekend, I get to check out Laneige's newest location at SM Mall Of Asia!  It was strategically located at the center near Forever 21 and I couldn't be happier!

The place was filled with natural sunlight, so a perfect place to try out testers and pick the right shade of foundation, powder, blush or lipstick!

 Laneige, is known for their skincare products!  The first Laneige skincare product I tried is their Water Sleeping Pack EX, I've used this all throughout my pregnancy (with doctor's approval) and even repurchased!  This is definitely an answered prayer for girls who want to hydrate their skin without the heavy and greasy feel.  

Belo Intensive Whitening Tone Correcting BB Cream Review

So year 2016, Belo up'd their game by creating an instant flawless, no-makeup look in a tube called Belo Intensive Whitening BB Cream.  Given the fact that I have used and tested so many BB Creams, I raised my brows on this because I have this inkling feeling that this product will be "heavy" against my skin.  (That was my judgemental side talking :P)

All thanks to my Sample Room family, I get to try this out amidst all the judgements on top of my head!  So after 2 full weeks of use, I'm ready to share my thoughts.

Note from AMW:  I did a patch test prior to applying this all over my face!  Please do the same if you have sensitive skin.

I look pale, but that's my pale face with a layer of Belo BB Cream

What sets the Belo BB Cream apart from the rest of the BB creams, is the "Conceals as it Whitens" promise.  I know most BB creams have whitening properties but seldom do I find that "whitening effect" even after a year of usage!   (Referring to my Skin79 VIP gold BB Cream)

Everyday Eyeshadow Palette from Cover Girl Bold Shadow Quad

Considering I'm a professional make up artist, you would think I have all the expensive shadows in my vanity table to be used daily right? 

WRONG!

All the expensive brands are in my professional KIT and I am quite simple with my daily makeup look!  So I always go for inexpensive (yet effective) drugstore brands!  And I recently found a good one from CoverGirl Full Bloom Collection!

My default daytime look for the past weeks!

All thanks to CoverGirl Go For The Golds, it is easy for me to create that look in no time!  Let's say, 3 minutes max for both eyes without liner and mascara?  Good enough for a busy girl!

L'Oreal Tint Caresse Review

How does it feel like to wear powder lipstick when you have dehydrated lips?  Ask Me!  Please!  I'm the best person to answer!

I got 3 shades of the FIRST Powder Lipstick from L'Oreal Makeup Designer/Paris, I tested them out immediately and here's what I have to say!

Firstly, the packaging is oh-so-chic and amazing!  I can't help but smile whenever I pick these up!  With all the Japanese characters on their "plastic" cover, I knew they are either meant for Japanese market or made in Japan.

Chinese-Style Braised Tofu with Ground Pork Recipe

So who loves Tofu?  ME!

Yes, I didn't wait for your answer because I am really a fan of tofu!  So once I get the chance to grab Firm Tofu from the grocery over the weekend, I knew I had to treat the family with my simple yet yummy Chinese-Style Braised Tofu with Ground Pork dish!

Ingredients:

• Firm Tofu sliced into blocks
• Ground Pork
• Garlic, finely minced
• Fresh Ginger (grated)
• Oyster Sauce
• Soy Sauce
• Hoisin Sauce
• Cornstarch slurry
• Water
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Green bell pepper 
• Optional: Green Onions

Heat off the walk and fry the tofu.  Make sure the tofu does not have excess water, you may either press a paper napkin on each tofu to reduce moisture.  Brown both side and set aside.

Something New: TRESemme Platinum Strength Line

One thing I'm proud of, is my ability to change hairstyles on my own based on my mood!  I own loads of hair tools both for professional and personal use.  Okay, don't tell my husband this --- I always buy hair tools and tell him it's for professional use but in reality, it ended up in my "pesonal hair tools bin" Shhhh....

And I recently had a haircut (you'll know if you follow me on Snapchat @AskMeWhats).  My hairstylist kept on saying I have extremely dry and damaged her!  Thankfully, she has been my stylist for quite some time so I don't take it negatively!  I just told her: "I know!" :P  And I'm actually trying my best to do something about it!  

How? By using hair treatment 3x a week, use heat protectant products whenever I use styling tools!  So I'm always on a lookout for products that helps protect my hair from all those heat-styling tools!

TRESemme came up with a solution called TRESemme Platinum Strength.  This range fortifies and strengthens hair and can repair up to two years of damage caused by everyday hairstyling. 

The range includes --- TRESemme Platinum Strength Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatment Mask and Stay Soft Leave in Treatment.

#StandUpToStylingDamage Muses

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Gloss & Lacquer in Flirtatious Magenta Review

I know, it's Friday!  Time for a date night maybe?  Or a girls night out?  Well, it's high time you whip something out from your beauty kit that gives you an instant "oomph" even when your face says otherwise from the week's worth of hard work and stress!  

My no-brainer answer is my Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Gloss & Lacquer!

Yes, that's a "GLOSS" word out there!  I almost never touch a gloss for quite some time because of the possible sticky feel but the shade Flirtatious Magenta is definitely a perfect night out color I can't resist!  And oh, if I may have to add --- this isn't as sticky as I thought it would be!