Rory and Sloan Croft 2.0 in Goji

 

I have always been a fan of bags that are compact yet spacious! 

How in the world can I find such?

The search is OVER!  The Rory and Sloan Croft 2.0 (Php2,990.00) is the answer!

If you are a reader of AskMeWhats for quite sometime, you have probably seen me post about my Vaccination OOTD and the pop of purple/lilac probably caught your attention!  So today, I am highlighting the bag!

Aside from the space because of the rectagular shape, I like the extra pocket at the back of the bag and a flap space in front for essentials like alcohol and face masks!  

Inside, I can fit my mobile phone, my long wallet, my wipes, my makeup kit and a whole lot of keys and a huge Barangay CARD!  

Though the color seem to be difficult to match, it actually work with any color of outfit, you just have to tote it with confidence my friends!

The adjustable thick strap is also a winner in my dictionary, I can hold on it like a hand bag  or use it as a sling bag!  I can event adjust to strap to the size of my waist for a cute waist bag!

The styles are endless!  And this is definitely my IT bag as of the moment!

For more information visit https://roryandsloan.com/

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

 

DIY haircut for Boys

 

HI AMW Friends!

How’s everyone ever since COVID19 happened?

Me, I have been busy for almost 2 years!  Busy with house work (no househelp by the way), busy with cooking, tutoring and work!  I thank God I still have work to do at the comfort of my home.

Since we are very particular with safety, we are staying home since March 2020 and I only get to go out when I visit my parents!  That said, haircut for both my boys are done at our home — all thanks to my TALENT *laughs*  

I did studied hairstyling years ago but to be honest, I’ve got no practice, I only got the basics discussed to me but I didn’t get the chance to practice on real people because…. How many people are willing to be a guinea pig #realtalk ?  

Because of the lockdown, I started to cut my dad’s hair, bringing my expensive clipper to my parents’ home and left it there.  I was left without a clipper at my own home and was cutting my Husband’s and son’s hair using only scissors!  

GOODNESS, if you think that was easy, it is VERY VERY HARD!

I finally went online an purchased a new clipper set but it was the more inexpensive kind so I wasn’t that impressed!  Thankfully, HAIRMNL offers high quality clippers good for professional use!  I am in no way professional so I can say, this new found device can be used by regular Janes and Joes with practice! 

Before and After

I am honestly not confident still after a year plus but I like it that I have improved a lot!

For reference, this was the exact brand and model I used in the video below!  Click link HERE.

JRL FreshFade1040 Professional Clipper available at HairMNL.com

I hope you learned something from me!  My sister actually called me to tell me she learned so much from this short tutorial and actually did a better cut to my pamangkin!  YAY!  I hope you learn something from this as well!

Do you cut your son and husband’s hair? 

How do you feel about using a clipper?

For legit and genuine hair products, visit hairmnl.com

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Maki Mi Recipe

 

Hi AMW Friends!

There are so many dishes I missed ever since the lockdown but thankfully, my quest for those dishes made me expand my cooking skills!  

These are just some of the dishes I never tried cooking in the past but all thanks to my neighbor for sending me some and told me it isn’t hard to make Maki Mi on your own! 

So here’s my 2nd try!  The first time, it was a success but I wanted to make sure it is restaurant-like quality and it passed my family’s taste!  My husband even exclaimed this taste exactly the same as the famous Maki Restaurant in the Metro.

Ingredients:

• Pork Kasim (diced and pounded)
• Cassava Starch (I Specifically used AA Powder for this)
• Soy Sauce
• Dark Soy
• Minced Garlic
• Pork Cube (Ex. Knorr)
• Sesame Oil
• Cooking Wine
• 1 egg
• White pepper
• Spring Onions
• Egg Noodles 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Comfy OOTD for Weekends

 

My style went from on trend to major comfort ever since the pandemic.  Whenever I visit my parents, I always dress as comfortably so I can move around freely considering it is uncomfortable enough to wear mask and face shield - yes I do so even at my parents’ place.

This is my favorite top from Uniqlo because I like to protect my arms as much as possible whenever I am out.  And my shorts which is garterized - a recent purchase via Shopee! (Link HERE if you want to shop for the same shorts and they have more colors pa!)

And I love KF94 masks, I do double masking just to be sure with a medical mask underneath but I find it super comfortable to talk and chat with my parents!

Make Up For Ever Brow Filler and Brow Definer review

 

A week ago, I attended a virtual launch of Make Up For Ever PH’s Aqua Resist brow products!  3 new brow products under this line and I am featuring the 2 pencils because I have been using and testing these ever since I got them.

Make Up For Ever’s Brow Filler and Brow Definer

Price: Php1,400 each

Available online at Lazada

I got both shades in 30 Soft Brown

Top: Brow Filler

Bottom: Brow Definer

Aqua Resist Brow Filler 

Multi-use slanted tip brow pencil with a built-in spoolie that delivers 24HR waterproof, smudge-proof wear. Ideal for patchy or sparse brows.

The pencil is thicker so it is easier to fill larger areas as compared to the Brow Definer.  This is a retractable pencil and you get pigmented brow pencil with a nice touch of wax - yes, I can feel the wax as my stubborn brow hairs are pushed in place (even upwards without issue) upon using the product.  I also like how it can “tint” my brow hairs naturally.  Check out my before and after photo below.

Watsons shoppers pick their best beauty products

 

Before I started to Blog, I remembered searching online for TOP Favorites from E-commerce sites and read reviews from various Bloggers!  That helped me so much in purchasing products that work.

A mask-proof lipstick, a tried-and-tested beauty soap and a body lotion with vitamins are some of the beauty products chosen by Watsons shoppers as their Most Loved for 2021.  

Do you know what they are?  Feel free to add these items to your cart, perfect for your self-care routine especially since we are always locked inside our homes!

 

Best Shampoo: Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Anti Dandruff Shampoo

What's not to like about this shampoo? It cleans hair gently with a menthol fresh feeling and leaves it moisturized.  This is my husband’s ultimate favorite and I have been purchasing and repurchasing this for years!  As of the moment, I have back up bottles of around 10!

Hairstyle Tutorial: Formal Bun style

 

Happy Monday AMW Friends!

How have you been?  Did you have a restful weekend?

Since the start of pandemic + Kyle’s online classes, I don’t even know what the term restful meant (lol).  My life is scheduled every single minute, with tasks needed to be checked as the clock ticks!  Not complaining though, keeping myself busy steers my mind away from COVID-19 Paranoia.

Today, I will be sharing another new hairstyle technique that can be done by yourself and nice enough to be called a special events hairstyle with the right hair accessories!  

Looks complicated right?  Trust me, this is so easy to do!  I created a short-cut, Hairstyle 101 for dummies version!  Not really dummies, but I call myself a DUMMY in terms of hairstyling since I base everything from practice and experience.

Watch this quick video and let me know if you would try this on yourself!  Tag me on socials @askmewhats

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A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Hope you like this! Happy Monday!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Aunty Carol’s Kitchen Review

 

When friends share to me good restaurant finds because they knew I need a break from cookingg daily, I felt loved!  

I cook every single day (sometimes twice a day) because I take care not only the food for our household but also our neighbor! (My parents-in-law!)  That said, it gets draining to think about the menu on a daily basis but I thank God on breaks like Sundays so I can easily order out and get inspired by the dishes I eat.

I recently tried Carol’s Chicken and Lechon Belly and it was a lovely surprise to find a gem at Masangkay!  The place where I usually order our weekend dishes.

Paella 

Bilao: Php750.00

Tray: Php1,350.00

This seafood mix Paella isn’t the version of those you eat at Spanish restaurants as this has a twist that goes well with the palate of Filipino Chinese!  On first bite, I had a bit of a “Kiampong” feel with the texture of rice and the right stickiness!  What made me enjoy this so much is how I can east this alone without the need for “ulam”.  You get a good serving of shrimps, clams, squid, fish, eggs, etc…!  

Roasted Chicken

Available in Super Quarter, half or whole

Whole: Php279.00 (Regular) Php289.00 (Spicy)

I am very very picky with Roasted Chicken.  There are so many roasted chicken available out there that promises the good flavor but always fail in texture and juiciness.

Carol’s Chicken passed my standard + MORE!  The sauce they created that comes with the chicken is a winner in my dicitionary!  I love the sauce so much I did not throw the rest away and used it on my other dishes!  Ang sarap!  You have to try to believe!  And thankfully, even with the breast part, the chicken remain juicy and plump!  I love the extra sauce that comes in a packet so you can easily pour it all over before serving on a plate and keep the chicken moist. 

SilkyGirl MLBB LipTints Review

 

Silkygirl, as a drugstore brand, has a lot of makeup products that earns 2 thumbs up from me.  One of my favorite are their Go Matte Lipcolors which I tried and tested 5 years ago (2016).  Why does 2016 seems like such a long time ago????

Ah, back to the topic.  They came up with their new MLBB Lip Tints and these are housed in not only my most favorite packaging in the world (for lip tints) - which is doe foot applicator tube.  Here’s a better news, the size is perfect for lipstick lovers.  Half the size of a regular lip tints or glosses!  

PACKAGING - CHECK! 

MLBB Liptint

This water-based lip tint is enriched with Grape juice extract and Aloe Vera extract to keep your lips smooth and moisturized all day. It also gives your lips a plumped-up effect and more importantly, it feels weightless on your lips. Available in 5 highly pigmented shades that flatter every skin tone and provide all-day staining power.

I don’t have the exact shade names but they are numbered 01, 02, 04 and 05 which I swatched them in that order from top to bottom respectively.

Based from swatches, you can see that the brand stayed true to the “tint” name.  They do appear like most tints we know but a little bit more pigmented.

Is it good?  YES!  Well, let me explain.

AMW wears 01

Rosie.ph Dual Colored Scrunchies are so Cute!

 

I am so proud to be a scrunchies lover for as long as I can remember!  I love to beautify  my hair because I grew up with an older sister who loves to braid my hair while my mom would put aside some of her budget to buy my cute ribbons or hair ties!  

So you can literally see the huge smile on my face holding/wearing all these colorful scrunchies from Rosie.ph.  The owner messaged me and told me these high quality scrunchies are handmade by her grandma!  We all know the pandemic puts a lot of businesses, hobbies, and happiness on HOLD but I am glad to see some are thriving amidst the situation.  That is why I am super sharing this wonderful store to YOU guys especially those who are living in the Philippines because that is the best way for us to survive this pandemic - HELP EACH OTHER.

And to be honest, this isn’t even a difficult task to do because the quality is so good an the color combination are so FINE even my husband complimented each piece!  He actually made a nice observation -did you notice?

That each color reminded  him of Disney Princesses and he was right! I saw Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, etc…!  Do you see other characters in the 2-toned scrunchies like my husband did?

Watch this quick video to see which colors you would like to wear!

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A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Happy Shopping!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

NOVA Wellness Store - Eco-Friendly and Organic

 

Hi AMW Friends.

How are things going for you?  Do I have any readers here who love eco-friendly items?  Do you find it hard to look for a single store/shop who can offer that?  I  know I had to search on different channels - both online and offline for such products.

Thankfully, amidst the situation, there is a glimmer of hope when I see new shops still opening while some are already closing down!  

I was currently introduced to NOVA Wellness Store by a friend and I heard they carry several eco-friendly items from foo alternatives to unique skin care, hair care and oral care products!  You may check out some of their product highlights when you scroll further down.  

Here are just some of the items I got! 

I have always wanted to try Almond Milk for my coffee but most of the time they come sweetened and I actually like my coffee without sugar!  So tthank you Nova Wellness for bringing in NATRUE Almond drink (Unsweetened).

I am a coffee drinker and have been trying out various brands and I am excited to try Mount Hagen.  For the rest of the items, do check out my IG Stories once in a while as I always share my thoughts when I try something new!

For hair care, I got Tea Tree Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner (Did you know? Tea Tree Oil helps fight dandruff?).

I also got the Epsom Salt which I read so much positive reviews in terms of relaxation and stress-relieving.  

Vaccination OOTD

 

At this point of writing, I am happy to announce that —- I AM FULLY VACCINATED!

I am so elated to finally get vaccinated!  I was waiting for this moment for too long!

When I posted my happiest moment photo on my Instagram account, I got positive response on my OOTD (Outfit of the day).  Truth be told, I did not really prepare an outfit for vaccination - LOL, I only made sure to wear clothing that will make me feel comfortable at the same time, fuzz-free for injection and safe enough to have myself at least covered.  (That explains the mask and shield even on photos!)

I know, OOTDs should not be a thing when it comes to pandemic but it feels good to at least look good even if you only get to go out once a month or so!  

Firstly, I usually wear sleeveless top for injection but I chose a short-sleeved white tee with sleeves still easy to pull up.  I honestly wanted to wear an extra cover-up but it was too hot that day!  

As for the pants, I opt for a soft, cotton jogger pants!  This is a drawstring-type and easy for me to move around without having to expose any part of my legs!  I mean, call me paranoid but I try not to have any skin to object contactt when I’m outside!  

Midweek Fashion: Rory & Sloan Earrings

I will NEVER wear statement earrings!

But look at me since the lockdown!  I have been purchasing and experimenting on statement pieces and it all started with my Mirth & Yift Kristina Pair and check out how much I graduated!  *laughs*

I recently bought a Rory & Sloan bag and the owners Raiza and Shari were kind enough to send me 2 pairs of their bestselling earrings!

Rory & Sloan Aldrin in Blush

If you don’t call this gorgeous, I don’t know what other adjectives you’ll use!  These are huge (for me) but fits my face making it a statement piece!

This second pair I can’t seem to find the exact name as I know their pieces are limited so feel free to message them and check on their availability!

Ameera Beauty Wing It! Stamp and Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

 

So I recently posted on my Instagram page a quick stamp-type winged liner pen!  

I tested this for a week plus and I am finally ready to share my thoughts on this nifty “gadget”.  Yeah, I call this a gadget as I can’t believe such product was invented when I strongly remember how much difficult it was for me to practice on the wing liner technique a decade ago!

The Ameera Beauty Wing It! Stamp and Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is priced locally at Php495.00 locally distributed at BeautyScoutPH

The pen has 2 sides, the liquid linere felt tip side to draw the liner as usual and a stamp “winged shape” on the other side.

According to Ameera Beauty this product can make eyes look visibly larger, lasts up to 24 hours, waterproof and quick drying and hugs the lashline.

Hairstyle Tutorial: Half Up Ponytail Style

 

Seriously, I am running out of ideas on how to name a certain hairstyle!  I have been doing variations of ponytail style style I can’t even keep track myself!  Feel free to comment below if you have a grand name for this.

As you all know, I used to be a hairstylist but focuses more on makeup artistry!  I do simple hairstyles for clients’ special occasions and I can say, I am confident in that but never on myself!  Since my hair grew to be the longest (Since Birth!). I’ve decided to play around with it and practice styling my own hair as much as possible.  So that when everything is back to normal, I can easily style my own hair and save up!

This is a simple hairstyle I can do when I attend weddings or when I need to go on events!  If you want it more formal-looking.  Curl your hair nicely and add some clips or floral pins!  

Life at Home With My New Ref

(Note: This article I’ve written appeard on Panasonic website.  Resharing here.)

Pre-motherhood, I was a "dine-out girl", or "food delivery maven".  Today, as a mom of a six-year old adorable boy, I turned into a "Chef" at my own humble home!  

I plan my meals ahead by listing down the dishes for the whole week on Sunday night.  Comes Monday, I buy all the ingredients at the supermarket or "wet" market (wherever the freshest ingredients are located!).

With 7-days' worth of ingredients, I obviously need help storing them!  With my new Panasonic Refrigerator, I can easily prepare and create meals with ingredients that tastes fresh as newly-bought!  Meals served with "alaga", as how my husband and kid would say!

She Bangs!

 

If you follow me on social media recently, you’ll see that this curtain-bangs girl suddenly h as a headful of bangs!  *LOL*

This isn’t new to me and don’t ask me about feeling uneasy!  I have been a long-time full bangs girl so there isn’t any huge change as of the moment!  This is how I look like from Gradeschool to College.  And it’s nice to enjoy full bangs again because of the cooler weather!  I just felt so… young! :)  

(I said “felt” don’t come back to me with a bash ok?) :P

The full bangs look is perfect for those who have high forehead - ahem,  me!

Those who have full cheeks or face - ahem, ahem, ME!

If you don’t want to commit on full bangs, try curtain bangs or wispy bangs!  Or if you want to check if this look works for you, you can always purchase inexpensive clip bangs!  

KVD Beauty XO High Shine Lip Gloss Review

 

Kat Von D, I have heard about this brand for the longest time but I never get to try or test them because of international shipping (I stay away from going to postal offices for pick ups!)  

With Sephora online store and delivery straight-to-the-doorstep, I am so happy I get to try KVD Beauty (yes, new name after being sold!)

According to Sephora:

What it is: An ultra-smooth vegan lip gloss that gives lips the perfect kiss of color. 
Formulation Type: Lip Gloss
Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This ultra-smooth vegan lip gloss has the same creamy, comfortable, cushiony feel and decadent scent everyone obsesses over. The versatile, not-quite-sheer shades were also created to flatter a wide range of skin tones.

AMW says —

I love the packaging of this lip gloss!  It looks very Kat Von D-ish and I love how unique it looks at my dresser table!  I like the clear packaging where I get to know the shade without opening the tube each time.

It comes with a nice applicator making it easy to define and apply on lips without dragging too much!  KVD Beauty XO High Shine Lip Gloss lives up to the name, it is high shine and my lips look healthy and hydrated. Best of all?  Non-sticky formulation and extremely lightweight.

Does it stay long?  No, it transfers on mugs or cups and it transfer on masks too!  It has a heavy scent which I usually dislike but it goes away after 10-15 minutes.  

The positive thing I like about XO High Shine is how it is high shine yet it is pigmented enough to cover my original lip color!  

AMW Wears Lolita Flora

A nice medium brown shade 

AMW Wears Petunia

A light coral shade

AMW Cooks: Calamari

 Hi AMW Friends!

I haven’t been sharing much recipes here on my blog on a Sunday so I am now wide awake, after a good cup of coffee, to share to you a recipe my family loves!  A recipe you order on restaurants that seems to be expensive and you get only a few amount.  Now, let’s go for full-blast plate-ful of Calamari!  (P.S. there are more, I only did a few for plating!)

Before you go saying HOW PERFECT for squid rings are, I purchased the squid rings on supermarket pre-packed and clean!  For a very busy person, I don’t have time to clean up seafood so I’d rather purchase them!  Most of the time, they taste weird or rubbery, thankfully, this one I purchased at Zagana Supermarket (Via Grabmart) earned 2 thumbs up from me.

Ingredients:

• Squid Rings
• to marinate squid: Milk
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• For dipping: mayonnaise, chives, salt, pepper, onion, lemon/lime/calamansi

Feel free to watch my quick video on how I created this simple yet extremely yummy recipe!

Happy Cooking and Happy Sunday!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!