AskMeMom: Travel with a Baby

Hi AMW Friends!
How are you today? I have a couple of mommy readers who emailed me and asked me how it was to travel with Baby AMW during my most recent US Trip!  I won't lie....it is extremely CHALLENGING but definitely a challenge worth accepting as exploring a new country with the people you love is PRICELESS!

Tip #1 RESEARCH
Prior to visiting San Francisco and Los Angeles, I made research on how the weather was by asking friends and relatives who live there!  I knew San Francisco will be windy and cold so I brought extra jacket and pants for layering! 

This layering may look funny but it helped keep Baby AMW warm!

Weekend Food Trip at: Pho, San Francisco

Hi AMW friends!
I'm sorry if my food photos are still on a US mode, well, since I'm back, I haven't really been going out to eat as I'm not feeling 100% well!  As much as I'd love eat, my nose is stuffy and my throat is painful!  So yes, homecooked meals is still what I'm looking for!

BUT, looking back to my US trip photos, I can't help but reminisce on the wonderful food I've tried, thanks to my friends and relatives for taking me to the best places to dine during my short trip in San Francisco and Los Angeles!

Today, let's jump back to San Francisco!  I'm not a fan of Vietnamese dish, when my friend's husband suggested Vietnamese food, I immediately said yes because I'm quite open with trying out various dishes but never thought this restaurant will change my view on Vietnamese food forever!

AMW and Baby AMW at Pho

Weekend Food Trip at: Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich, LA

Hi AMW Friends!
Happy Sunday!  I spent my weekend staying at home as I have cough, sore throat and a bit of fever!  Since I'm stuck at home, I might as well share my lovely food experiences in the US!  I can't believe it has been a week that I'm back!  I really missed my friends and family in the US!

Today, I will be sharing my favorite food chain in the US for now!  I haven't tried a lot but Arby's definitely went up to my top favorite restaurant chain!  When we drove by Arby's and I saw a huge "Roast Beef Sandwich" sign, in my head, I was thinking: "Not again!"  Don't get me wrong, I'm not being ungrateful but I'm really just too tired to eat and all I need is a good night sleep!

As soon as we got in the restaurant, I can't believe a burger chain could have THIS MUCH food selection!

AMW Reports: #Benetease in San Francisco

Hi everyone!
I am sharing a piece of what happened on why I was invited to be at San Francisco 2 weeks ago!  

Press people and makeup artists from around 40 countries were invited to take part of Benefit's biggest and grandest launch to date!  I have to apologize as early as now as you won't see in this blog post what the grand launch is about as it is TOP secret until May 1st!  But I can't hide my excitement with the newest product coming out in the market and I can't thank God enough on how perfect the product is for ME and for my clients!  

Okay, I have to stop myself as I may spill the beans!

The event was held at the posh Bentley San Francisco Showroom and I'll tell you more about what happened as you read on...

The scene reminds me of Matrix the movie

Weekend Food Trip at: Mel's Diner and Denny's

Hi AMW friends!
Finally, food post for our US trip!  In San Francisco, we were so tired and probably jet-lagged especially on our first 3 days so the Food Coma I was expecting didn't happen as we literally have a messed up schedule on eating and sleeping!

As tired and sleepy as we are, we need to eat and we did managed to get into 2 diners that is quite famous in the city!  Mel's Diner and Denny's!  Both diners' closing time is late!  Perfect for very late night customers like the AMW family!

Mel's Diner

Once you get in Mel's diner, you definitely get the "diner" feel you see in most American Movies.  In my mind, I thought of milk shakes, fries and a whole-lotta dancing!

SanFo Travel Report: Alcatraz Island Tour for Criminally Sexy Party with Benefit

I'm checking out St. Regis Hotel today, I will definitely miss this hotel, the great service, the friendly staffs and the perfect location to walk around day and night!  I am not saying goodbye to San Francisco though as my friend is picking us up and we're heading to San Bruno and we will stay with them for a couple of days!  I haven't really done any Tourist-y stuff with Mr. AMW and Baby AMW so I'm definitely NOT saying goodbye to San Francisco!  With the help of my friend, we managed to book a day tour via groupon site!  Will share more about our tour after Friday!

Today, I am sharing what happened to our Criminally Sexy party!  If you think flying Press People and Makeup artists from around 40 countries is cool, wait 'til you hear where they are taking us for a party! 

At Alcatraz Island!  Yes, ALCATRAZ!  Same as you, I had goosebumps all over when it was mentioned that the "night" party will be happening there!  Seriously, how could a depressing place like Alcatraz be an "It place" for party?  Well, Benefit Cosmetics USA team made it happen!

After a 15 minute boat ride, we finally arrived the island with Maggie and Annie welcoming us!  The island definitely doesn't look depressing at all with huge pink Benefit Cosmetics backdrop and friendly smiles from all the staffs!

The sign you see upon entering the island.

SanFo Travel Report: A Visit at Benefit's Beauty Central

Hi everyone!  I hope you like my SanFo Travel report and I will be sharing more for the next few days!  Tuesday marks Official Benefit Day!  We have an itinerary printed out but I can't help but feel excited as we really do not know what's going to happen in each destination that we are into.

We waited at the hotel lobby and it was a lovely surprise to see a Cable Car waiting for us!  Yes, just for the guests for Benefit's Global Event!  I didn't have the chance to take a photo of the cable car as we hopped in right away to head on to the Benefit Center!  On our way, I see lovely sites and I appreciate the nice architecture of old and new! 

Fairmont Hotel

Random building which I took a photo of as I love the red bricks!

SanFo Travel Report: Free Day at Frisco!

Before I arrive San Francisco, I knew this trip will be a whole lot of different as compared to the previous trips we had!  I didn't have an itinerary and all I know is that our time depends on our little Boss :)  True enough, our little boss' sleeping/eating schedule is crazy!  But thanks to his "very kind" genes, he's still a good sport trying to stay awake at times we're on streets!

We were wide awake at 4:00am San Francisco Time and just stayed inside the hotel room, seriously, where can we go at this time of the night except bars? :P  At around 2:00pm, our little boss finally decided he's ready to go out so off we went for a leisurely walk around the hotel!  The leisurely walk we had in mind turned out to be a bit of a walk-a-thon!  Seriously, walking seems like a chore when you have a little one with you! And to some who wonder, we just brought along our baby carrier and left our stroller behind!  We are staying at my friend's place after the Benefit event and she will lend us her daughter's stroller so we've decided it's the best way to travel light since we're heading to LA as well!

Back to my story!  Tsk, darn can my mind wander off!  We've decided just to walk street after streets and enjoy the weather!  Keep in mind that the weather is cool with a bit of wind, let's say around 11 deg celsius daytime but please don't mind Mr. AMW, this guy is a perspiration machine!  He sweats even during winter!  *laughs*  I still love him anyways, please tell him that :P

SanFo Travel Report: At St. Regis Hotel

Hi everyone!  I'm here in San Francisco safe and sound!  Guess what?  I survived long haul flight with first-time traveler Baby AMW!  Let me tell you, it's one of the most challenging situation we put ourselves into and I'll share a separate post about my experience on traveling with a baby!  I'm sure some of you are experts but I'll definitely share some of my thoughts and tips on how I survived ours! 

At 9:30pm Manila Time, 6:30am San Francisco time, I'm wide awake (not of choice) as Baby AMW's body clock is still from back home so he's wide awake leaving us parents no choice but to forget about jetlag! :)

Now let's talk about St. Regis Hotel were Benefit Cosmetics booked us in!  Before coming to the hotel, I roughly had an idea on how the hotel looks like (keep in mind I"m a researcher! :P) 

Got a welcome bear and teething ring from the nice and pretty girl from the Reception.  Kyle was shy..yet very happy!

What we immediately see upon entering the room.  Very modern interiors.

Uh-Oh! I have a Subpoena!

Nothing serious, you may calm down!
Today, after an early makeup gig, I'm off to San Francisco USA tonight!  Thanks to Benefit Cosmetics Philippines for sending me the Subpoena under the Penalty of Beauty Law!  

I will visit the Benefit Headquarter and meet other beauties worldwide!  Aside from that, they are launching something exciting for the brand!  I can't wait to share to you what the brand has in store for us Filipinos!

Of course, I cannot leave with Mr. AMW and Baby AMW, yes guys, I'm taking them with me so I pray Baby Kyle will be at his best behavior!  I'm confident he will have the time of his life though I can't promise if he'll remember everything!  *laughs*  No matter how busy I am, I made sure to research on some of the "must-see" spots in San Francisco...