Sunday, September 13, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: New President's Restaurant



The President's Restaurant has been around the China Town area for as long as I remember. A lot of gatherings, birthday parties, graduation parties, organization get together were held there at least once! So when the news of the President's Restaurant closing down, a lot of panic came from the Filipino Chinese Community as it is a place we've grown with.

So when the news came that the restaurant has FINALLY opened after a year or more, we have to dine in there! I love it that I can still see familiar faces from Ying Ying Restaurant (same owners) and I am even happier to see the nice ambiance! And of course...clean washrooms!

Take a look at the photo above taken on a Tuesday night! Yes, on a weeknight and almost all tables have been filled!
Yang Chow Fried Rice
Php
200.00 (approx $4.00)
for small order


I know, in every Chinese restaurant I go to, there's always Yang Chow Fried Rice, why? Well it's a measurement for me to know if a Chinese restaurant is good or not, by tasting their Fried Rice! I swear, if they can cook the fried rice perfectly, expect a wonderful meal!



Minched Spinach Seafood Soup
Php
350.00 (approx $7.15)
for small order

If you want to be as strong as Popeye but do not want the taste of "leaves", go for Spinach Soups! I love it that it's so tasty you wouldn't even know it's vegetables! I love the mix of spinach, eggs and shrimps!



Sauteed Australian Scallops
with Seasonal Vegetables

Php
920 (approx $19.00)
for small order


I am a fan of Broccoli but I could never be satisfied with broccolis served on restaurants, why? Because I want my broccoli to be clean, I tend to see a lot of "dirt" in between the stems and the flower..so I'll go for the scallops! Fresh scallops served on wonderful sauce.



Beef with Crispy Noodles
Php
250.00 (approx $5.10)
for small order


Beef tenderloin that melts into my tongue and crispy noodles that's crunchy and soft at the same time. The combination is perfect!



I am glad the President's is back! Expect me to go there more often as I'm impressed with the interior, the food, the service and the smiles!

By the way, Philippine readers? Do you want to win Php5,000 worth of makeup from Dollface Cosmetics? Click the banner below to join! Good luck!



Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Saturday, September 12, 2009

I Wonder: "What's the best Lipstick Shade for Special Events?"

Happy weekend gorgeousness!!! I will be off for a super early gig this morning so I won't look gorgeous at all! lol Since I will be on a gig for a special "Prenup" photo shoot, it is given that the "bride-to-be" should look gorgeous on photos on ALL angles. What's the best eye makeup? What's the best blush on?? And I've realized that I haven't tackled much about the "best lipstick" for very special moments.

When I was browsing through my lipstick collection, I've always wanted something "perfect" for events like Weddings, Engagements, my dear friend Beatrilicious, told me about the "This Is It" lipstick for all occasions! I researched...and she's right. Everyone's raving about MAC's Satin Lipstick in Twig! Twig doesn't sound right on special occasions BUT, it does look right!




**photo taken from Hooked on Beauty





MAC's Twig is known for it's soft muted brownish-pink color, which has a Satin Finish that is color-rich, soft satin, semi-matte finish and conditions while adding intense color. No wonder it's said to be a must have for any make-up artist. Check out the swatch on my lips!



Now, I wonder:

"What's the Best Lipstick Shade for special occasion?"

I am excited to know!!!
Gosh, I have a feeling there will be so many brands and shades that would pop up!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Helping is Beautiful!



Mio, is a 5-year old boy, who is fighting Leukemia.
I don't know the mom or Mio personally but all I know, is I want to help even the smallest effort I have by spreading the words.
If you want to know what the family is going through, you can click the photo to go to the site.

Thank you for reading this and I do pray for Mio's full recovery!


Askmewhats Reviews: Maybelline Eye Studio Eyeshadow Quad

Gorgeous Friday everyone! I will be reviewing another inexpensive eyeshadow palette for my wonderful readers who wants to purchase eyeshadow palettes that are affordable, easy to purchase and of course, good quality! Are there a lot of those out there? You know I'm always up and running to find them and report them! I'm not good at keeping secrets 'ya know! *winks*

Introducing, Maybelline's Eyestudio Eyeshadow Quad

These palettes are created mainly to create our complicated life simple. That's why Maybelline quotes: "Artistry with Ease". Is it worth it? Is it really Maybelline? Or maybe she's just born with it?




Eyestudio Eyeshadow Quad says ---

Intimidated by complicated eye shadows? Maybelline EyeStudio Shadows are stunning made simple! These ready-to-wear palettes put the power of make-up artistry in your hands like never before.

It's not hard to be your own makeup artist with our easy to follow application tips and our super soft precision applicators for perfect lid, liner, crease, and highlight application.

Our 1,2,3,4 instructions make it simpler than ever to get the perfect eye look!

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • quite pigmented as compared to other Maybelline eyeshadows created in the past
  • packaging is very pretty, sleek and chick!
  • inexpensive
  • the applicator that comes along with the quad is made of good quality
  • the colors that comes with it are all coordinated, so no makeup boo-boos
  • comes with instructions for first time users (photo below)
  • has manufacturing date printed so you know how old the product is (photo below)
  • the pans of the eye shadows are perfect size, not too huge or too small!


Cons
  • if you are into variety, you can't choose what's on the quad, it's all color coordinated
  • some of the shadows are quite powdery
  • for Made in China haters? This is made in China! (this does not bother me though as long as it is made with quality and I'm sure there's quality control)
Overall

I can't tell about the other available quads from Maybelline but I would say, this is the best eyeshadow quality Maybelline came up with. I have used their old eyeshadow mini palettes and I'm not impressed with the quality and pigmentation. I am glad Maybelline is now playing the game and are coming up with great collections, great quality at an affordable price! Isn't that what we all want?

I cannot help but stress again that the palette has been packaged so tastefully that it looks great in my makeup train case! I've even got a client pointed this palette (out of all the mess) and asked me the brand! Eye-catching alright! Another plus point!

If you're starting up on eyeshadow application and don't need all the shades available in the world, this is a nice palette to start and you can bring it anywhere!

This product deserves a huge smile from me! :"D


Tips
  • use a sponge applicator in application, as this tends to fly all over when you use an eye brush
  • like any other eyeshadow, use an eye primer or eyeshadow base to make the eyeshadow last longer and looks more vibrant
  • be creative, mix and match, you don't need to follow their instructions at the back
  • new to makeup? Follow instructions printed at the back of the palette
  • you prefer to use a brush? Spritz your brush with water to dampen it and apply your eyeshadow wet to make the colors stand out and last longer.
  • if you apply your eye shadows wet, do that to one area of the eyeshadow, DO NOT wet the whole eyeshadow pan.
  • use the lightest shade to highlight your brow bone, the inner corner of the eyes, the tip of the nose or use a bigger brush to highlight your cheeks! Multi-tasking! I love!
Will I purchase?

Yes! I want all the palettes!

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at Maybelline counters for Php449.00 (approx $9.00)

Here are the product swatches
applied dry no base
Gold Nuggets Palette

No Flash



With Flash



They are available in 11 color-coordinated palettes but I believe we don't have all 11 palettes available locally! But isn't it great to own all of them??? So pretty *sigh*



I will do a look using this quad in the future! Watch out for it! I am still experimenting other ways to use this!
Do you own this quad?
Like it? Hate it? Do you follow their instructions?
Let me know!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: La Mer "The Essentials"


At long last, I've finished writing my La Mer experience post! This is one of those more difficult reviews to do as a human being, you can't help but think that expensive products will definitely work! So after putting that thought aside (which isn't easy) I'm finally ready to give my ultimate review!

I have to say though that this review is based on my experience, what you read is what you get :) I have to stress again that my skin is sensitive, dry, mostly exposed in an airconditoned environment. And I am a crazy individual who makes strange, crazy faces daily! Plus I am under stress recently...so my skin is taking a lot of stress! lol

I have used La Mer "The Essentials" sample for more than 2 weeks. Thanks to the La Mer's Marketing Manager, Ms. Sandra Lacson, for giving me the chance to test on these wonderful products and thanks to my dear friend Ms. Gracie for giving me additional samples so I can test it longer!

If you want to see product information, do smile and click HERE.


CREME DE LA MER

**photo from La Mer


Askmewhats says ---

Pros

  • very moisturizing minus the heavy feel
  • my skin is moisturized the whole day
  • skin became more supple
  • a little goes a long way
  • I wake up with seriously soft skin
  • the product absorbs to the skin quickly
  • smells wonderful

Cons

  • very pricey
  • ingredients are not disclosed (I do understand due to secrecy) but for someone who's allergic to certain ingredients, you wouldn't know.
  • no SPF
Overall

I said it before and I have to say it again, I have a serious case of flakiness and dryness on my face. The Clinique DDML works but I'm done with it. How does Creme de La Mer compare? Well, the moisture property lasts longer and my skin stays soft and moisturized the WHOLE DAY. If you are someone expecting miracles, then do not purchase this! I have a feeling that effect of this product is long term, so if you don't have the patience to see results, the first result expected is softer and smoother skin.

I feel that using this product feels so luxuriously good and it immediately calms the itchiness and a bit of pain from dryness. Definitely luxury in a tub!

Tips

  • use a spatula to get your desired amount of product
  • always use skincare products with clean hands
  • pat on your face, DO NOT rub
  • warm the product on your fingertips by rubbing them together


Will I repurchase?

I am seriously saving up for this! Out of the 3 I've tried, this one is a re-purchase material!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Rustan's Makati La Mer Counter
1oz/30ml - Php7,400 (approx $154.00)

2oz/60ml - Php13,000 (approx $271.00)

Here's how Creme de La Mer looks like
applied on finger tips

Warm the product on hand
and
the cream goes softer and
more "liquid" in texture


LIFTING FACE SERUM



**photo from La Mer


Askmewhats says ---

Pros

  • aborbs to the skin in NO time
  • very light, no heavy feel
  • smells wonderful
  • brightens the overall look of the skin instantly
  • love the packaging, the dropper is just too cute!

Cons

  • pricey
  • could irritate your skin if you have super oily skin!

Overall

This is another "luxury" for me. I find that using this is just an "extra" since I am not a serum person. The only thing I found from using this product is that it brightened up the whole look of my face even prior to the application of Creme de la mer. I felt it tightened my skin as it gets absorbed quickly.

For dry skin like me, I cannot just use this product without following up with a moisturizer. It tightens my skin so much, probably that's the effect of "lifting" properties.

Tips
  • apply this prior to moisturizers or creams
  • do not forget to include your neck area, massage the serum going upward with light, massaging motion
  • one drop works for the whole face, but work on it fast as it can get absorbed to your hands


Will I repurchase?

If I have a lot of money! lol Since I am not a serum person, I can give it a skip and save up on the Creme de La Mer

Where to purchase and how much?

At Rustan's Makati La Mer Counter for Php 13,500.00 (approx $281.25) 30 ml

One Drop is enough for the whole face

Clear liquid consistency


THE EYE CONCENTRATE

**photo from La Mer


Askmewhats says ---

Pros

  • moisturized my eye area instantly
  • very cute packaging, the full size comes with a metal spoon
  • hydrates my eye area
  • prevents further under eye wrinkles

Cons

  • after 2 weeks of am/pm usage, I don't see any drastic change, maybe the time of usage is not enough
  • pricey
  • does not remove undereye circles, wrinkles remain the same
  • the scent takes some time to get used to
Overall

Out of the 3 products I've tried, I've seen the least result on this product. But please do not take my word for it, it is my fault, for the past weeks that I've been testing this product, I have been in stress and I've been sleeping super late!

I think this eye concentrate is used to PREVENT further wrinkles rather than making them disappear. So far, the number of wrinkles I have did not change. (yes, I counted)

Tips
  • never put too much! Putting too much does not mean that it'll quicken the effect of the product
  • putting too much will make your eyes more puffier, I've done this test many times and I find that the end result of using too much of this eye concentrate is puffiness
  • if you purchase a full size of this product, it comes with a metal spoon which you use to massage the under eye area, do it gently!
Will I repurchase?

Again, if I have the budget, its not bad to purchase this but I can settle for other eye creams for now.

Where to purchase and how much?

At Rustan's Makati La Mer Counter for Php 9,350.00 (approx $195.00)

The amount of Eye Concentrate I use for both eyes



Here's how a bare face would look
after each application

(Now, you know how much I love everyone
for showing my bare face!)




I know, it's expensive! But I do know a lot of friends who swore by this! *sis Gracie hello!*
I seriously believe that if it works for you, purchase it, use it!
If it doesn't, then don't force yourself to use a product just because "everyone else" thinks its the best!
Trust your judgment, nobody knows yourself better than you :)

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!