Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fitness & Health: Dole-Morning Banana Diet

I've got this article from a lovely friend Charisse! Thanks Char for sharing this to me and my readers. When I was growing up, my mom forces me to eat banana (take note: FORCES) but she made sure I take it right after lunch or dinner, never breakfast. Why? Because she told me "banana" would ruin my stomach and I could have ulcer...yeah ... my mom is a Doctor.. Doctor Quack (Love you still mum)

As I grew older, I've never incorporated banana as part of my morning fuel! Not until I recently read a couple of articles regarding Morning Banana Habit! :)

Smile and read on....





Want to stay slim? Go bananas!


In this age of fitness and form, developing effective methods to stay fit and healthy has taken on a life of its own. And with today’s abundance of slimming techniques that range from body cleansing programs to fat-eliminating food supplements, finding the perfect diet regimen that works for you isn’t always an easy task. Worry not because there’s a brand new way to start shedding unwanted pounds, and it has come all the way from Japan. The answer – bananas!

The Morning Banana Diet, as it is called in Japan, is the latest health trend to reach unprecedented heights among the Japanese. Spurred on by positive feedback from dieters and affirmative testimonials from celebrities, the Morning Banana Diet has indeed sparked a massive wave of interest among health-conscious individuals who are looking for a way to stay in tip-top shape without having to dig deep into their pockets. Today, its popularity has reached other countries like the US, and now the Philippines.

The Slimming Secrets of Bananas

Filipinos can also join the bandwagon and stay in shape with premium bananas from DOLE, the leading purveyor of fresh fruits and vegetables worldwide. Packed with important nutrients, DOLE Bananas aid weight loss in many ways.

To boot, bananas contain resistant starch that is responsible in enhancing fat burning by up to 30%. More filling than most fruits, bananas can easily satisfy hunger and let you feel full longer while providing the daily nutrients your body need. And since you won’t feel constantly hungry, bananas help to curb your appetite and reduce overall calorie intake in a day. What’s more, DOLE Bananas are high in fiber that helps carry away some fat as it travels through the digestive system.

DOLE Bananas can also boost metabolism as it lets you burn an extra 200 to 300 calories a day, especially when taken for breakfast. Likewise, the potassium from DOLE Bananas helps preserve muscle mass as you lose weight so you remain lean and strong. For more information surf on to www.dolebananadiet.com.ph


Easy, Affordable, and Convenient

Staying fit while keeping up with a fast-paced lifestyle is easier than one might think. For instance, by simply picking out fresh fruits and vegetables from the shelves instead of junk food from your nearby convenience store, you have already taken a big step towards losing pounds the healthy way. But keeping fit does not mean you should go hungry! Snack on freshly- cut fruits, pre-packed and pre-washed salads, or simply grab a banana! After all, healthy food like DOLE Bananas can be a good source of other nutrients that include vitamin C, vitamin B6, and protein, not to mention its various weight loss benefits.

What’s more, DOLE Bananas are very affordable, so health-conscious individuals won’t have to spend much to weigh less. They’re also convenient and ready to eat, making them the ideal partner for on-the-go and upwardly mobile individuals. Make DOLE Bananas a part of your daily diet.

DOLE Bananas are readily available in 7-Eleven, Mini Stop, and supermarkets nationwide.




Have a DOLE Banana before your workout or exercise and get that boost of energy





Another way to incorporate health in your life: Be active and exercise!


Can YOU incorporate banana in your morning routine?
I'll try on this!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay healthy and banana lovin'!



AMW Reviews: MAC 217 Blending Brush



**photo from MAC website

I''ve always included MAC 217 as the "must have" MAC brush for blending and for creating smokey eyes. One reader caught my attention by asking my review for this famous blending brush I've been raving about! I didn't put up a review of this brush because I thought it was "given" that this brush is great..that's it! lol I guess I'm wrong! Well, if you're reading this my dear, I hope you like this post and this is for you! :) And I've learned my lesson, I should NEVER assume! :P

MAC 217 says ---

For shading or blending of color or creamy products. This brush has fine, densely packed fibers that are arranged in an oval shape. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules.

length: 17 cm



AMW says ---

Pros
  • can be used for both powder and cream eyeshadow
  • blends all hard edges like a breeze
  • multi-purpose, can be used alone to do a simple smokey eyed look
  • grabs pigments well
  • can be used both wet and dry
  • bristles has a nice firmness but it's not harsh on lids
  • perfect size for small lid spaces
Cons
  • for the OC people out there? White bristles, gets dirty easily
  • the MAC 217 name embossed goes invisible after several washes (i put a clear polish a bit too late)


Overall

If there's only ONE MAC eyeshadow brush that you have to purchase, seriously, in my humble opinion, this is definitely THE ONE! No matter you're a beginner or a pro, this is definitely a must have for blending and it's not called a blending brush for nothing. Seriously, I have never sang praises for a single brush!

I know there's a lot of dupes out there or cheaper alternatives, I myself have used blending brushes from different brands, but the MAC 217 blends like a dream. Everytime I have a gig, I've used this brush for sure! So in the long run, though this brush is quite pricey, its worth the price as I've used it every single time!

MUST HAVE...again..MUST HAVE...oh, did I say ... MUST HAVE?

Tips
  • wash your brushes regularly especially if you love using vibrant eyeshadow colors as it could stain the bristles
  • use a brush guard to protect the bristles right after washing
  • perfect to apply cream eyeshadow or even concealer, it feathers out cream products naturally
Will I repurchase?

I hope not as I plan to take care of this til my hair is the same color as this bristle! lol But if I wouldn't think twice repurchasing this brush if needed.

Where to purchase and how much?

At local MAC Store for Php1,100 (approx $23.40)

A close up on my bristles
after a year of constant use
But take note: I do take care of my brushes
like my bestfriend :D

Do you own a MAC 217?
Do you plan to purchase?
Am I making you want one? Sorry.....
You asked for this review! lol

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Check out other reviews on this brush ---
Shen's Addiction

Monday, October 12, 2009

AMW Reviews: L'oreal Texture Expert Perfect Shimmer

My hair has always been dry and lifeless. Growing up, I've always been envious of my sister's long shiny hair and I told myself I'll do everything to have half of the shine she got :) Yes, I'm not born with it but I got to do something about it right?

When L'oreal Professional came out with a Texture Expert Line that has Perfect Shimmer on it's packaging, I told myself it's a must try for me!

**photo from L'oreal



Perfect Shimmer says ---



AMW says ---

Pros

  • smells WONDERFUL! I swear, I feel like I'm addicted to this smell!
  • packaging is sleek and very pretty
  • gives my hair the subtle shine
  • hair feels light and weightless
  • no greasy feel
  • even on humid weather where I live: doesn't oil up
  • tames flyaways
  • spray type hair product, I love it when I don't have to wash my hands after using a hair product!
  • the product "liven up" the color of my hair, I haven't colored my hair for almost 4 months now!
Cons

  • flammable packaging
  • seriously, 100ml worth of this product is not enough for me! I wish they offer a bigger size for the same price (wishful thinking)
Overall
At first glance, I thought the product didn't do anything for my hair, but after several usage, I finally see a nice shine on my hair especially on photos! I started spraying just a tiny amount as I am scared it'll oil up or grease on me after a whole day, but after some trial and errors, I've finally realized this product is really great to give out a nice hint of shine and it makes my hair feels soft and seriously without the "product buildup" feel.

For people who has frizzy hair, do not expect this to tame down the frizzes as this product doesn't work as an anti-frizz, this product purely gives out the "effect" of healthy hair due to the brilliance and shine.

I think this product is luxurious to have. This is not a necessity for our everyday living but if you have the extra cash, this is a nice product to have. But if you are currently using a product that gives out multiple benefits plus shine, I think that would be enough!


Tips


  • when hair is dry, spray this onto your hair around 10-12inches away
  • count how many times you have to spray to get the "shine" you want
  • shake the product first before using
  • after spray, I prefer to leave the product for a couple of seconds then I use a paddle brush and gently brush my hair
  • as much as possible, try to wash off your hair with clarifying shampoo every now and then to avoid product build up that could weigh your hair down
Will I repurchase?
Yes. Because I've always wanted the shine! But will my hair survive without this? --- Yes

Where to purchase and how much?


At leading local salons for Php395.00 (approx $8.20) for 100ml

Here's a photo of my hair with
L'oreal TEC Perfect Shimmer



Here are photos of models using the same product
Lucky them they have GORGEOUS hair!!!

**photo from L'oreal


Are you born with naturally shiny hair?
If you say YES, I hate you! lol
If you say NO, welcome to the club! :P
It really does take a lot of effort and work to create nice looking hair for some of us (points at myself), but we always have to keep in mind that we have to be smart with our purchases and we don't need to put a lot of hair products on our hair. Simplicity is always the key. Let's all learn to work with the hair we got and not fight with it :D 'Nuff said, the Professor is signing off!.... lol

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy start of the week!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: Emerald Garden

Happy Sunday!!! It's another weekend food tripping, I am glad a lot of you likes my food tripping posts! I can't believe people enjoy salivating on food pictures just like ME and my hubby! :)

Are you ready for Chinese food galore? Well today is the day! If you're hungry, do not blame me if you continue to scroll down! lol

We had a mini reunion because my Uncle will be going back to Canada soon and my brother also will be leaving for Shanghai again! It was my dad's birthday too so it's triple the celebration. Those who read my twitter knows what me and my family has been going through so a mini celebration is great to lighten up the mood! I want to thank those sweet messages too! I appreciate everyone's concern! Love ya all!

We've decided to dine in an authentic Chinese restaurant. Emerald Garden --- I love Emerald Garden that's why I celebrated my engagement party 2 years ago (July 7, 2007) on this exact restaurant! I believe it was the exact function room too! :)

We had a Lauriat Party for 2 tables :)

Hot & Cold Cuts Dish



Birthday Noodles



Corn Soup Crabmeat



Yang Chow Fried Rice (again lol)



Slice Beef with Gourd (Ampalaya)



Fried Shanghai Pork Springroll



Fried Fish Fillet with Separate
Sweet and Sour Sauce




Quick Fried Chicken with Kropeck



Mixed Seafood with Tausi Sauce
(this came in super late and everyone's already full! lol)



Plain Almond Jelly
My favorite!



Table for 12 for all those dishes costs around Php5,500 (approx $115.00) drinks NOT included. Come to think of it, you can feed 12 people and make them happy and full for that amount? Worth it! :)

You want to eat good quality Chinese dish? You can dine in here and order A La Carte! Trust me, its worth it :) Love this restaurant, never fails to satisfy our tummy!

Emerald Garden
1170 Roxas Blvd., Ermita
Manila
tel no: 632-523-8510, 632-523-8515


What's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Neutral Eyeshadow?"

On days I want a simple wash of color, on days I don't feel putting up too much makeup, on days that I have makeup gigs, I make sure to have a "safe", "matte", "brownish" eyeshadow along with me. Aside from giving me an "Au Natural" look, it's safe to use on gigs because it photographs well and it works on anybody of all ages!

I've found myself reaching out for Stila Eyeshadow in Champara several times on different occasions.

Stila Eyeshadow in Champara is a Mineral Matte Eyeshadow that gives out a light brownish wash of color with a very smooth texture. It's made to "deepen" the crease area and the shade is definitely build-able! I love using this for clients who wants the "No Make Up" look and this shade works well for the more mature clients too! This is my favorite for the moment!




Now I Wonder:

"What's Your Favorite Neutral Eyeshadow that you think would work on anybody?"
Spill the beans!
Love to hear from you!


P.S. Thanks to Dollface Cosmetics for featuring me as the
"Featured Make-up Artist"

Smile and click here to read the article!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!