Monday, November 30, 2009

Nail Art Tutorial: Christmas-y Nails for Beginners

Happy Monday friends! :)  Positivity is always the right attitude to start a Manic Monday like this!  A dear friend Anastacia requested for a very simple nail art that doesn't use any stickers, it has been a long time request so dear, I hope you like this! :)




Step 1:
Apply base coat prior to polish application.  Using ELF Polish in Gum pink, apply 2 coats and let dry.  You can use any matte polish as a base for this tutorial.


Step 2:
Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in White, quickly create several lines like the previous one I've done for my Fimo Nails.  


Step 3:
Using Prettynails' baby pink glitter 2 way nail art pen, create lines on top of the white lines to create an illussion of a "snow capped" pink mountain! hahaha



Step 4:
Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in Sparkly Red, do the same strokes as Steps2-3 and do not cover all the "white" portion.




Step 5:
Apply rhinestones as needed.  I want it simpler so I used one on each fingers and more on thumbnails.




Step 6:
Top your art with your favorite top coat.




Enjoy your simple nail art
It looks festive and you're ready for Christmas season!

P.S. do not forget to join "For the Win: Karmin G3 Pro in White", last day today!!! Readers worldwide are encouraged to join!  Goodluck!



Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Sunday, November 29, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: H&E Restaurant

Heaven & Eggs has always been a favorite restaurant of ours, family gatherings, friends meet up, it's a perfect place to go.  It has always been known for it's "sky painted" walls, swing chairs, I love that place!

When we were strolling around Glorietta Makati, a new "vamped up" Heaven & Eggs was seen.  It's darker, edgier, and just plain opposite from the original! 




The moment you go in, it's a totally different ambiance and there's a song from the Beatles playing.  Yes, they are into "Rocker" theme.  The chairs are simple and not as cute as the previous one.  When menus are served, I've found a couple of familiar dishes but my favorite dishes are gone!  I missed the Oriental Salad with Hoisin Sauce..bring it back people!

 

Rock  You Like A Hurricane
Php349.00 (approx $7.60)

Grilled beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon
with strings of crunchy potatoes with quail eggs

 

Korean Beef Stew
Php245.00 (approx $5.33)

Seriously, why in the world would I order a Korean dish in a non Korean restaurant?
It's tempting!  And I'm glad I did, it tastes wonderful!  
The beef is soft to taste and the sauce blends in perfectly with the rice!  
It's served with shredded eggs, green bell pepper and crunchy carrots!

 

Rockstar Iced Tea
Php95.00 (approx 2.00)

Nothing spectacular, tastes like regular iced tea 
and I can find cheaper bottomless ones
(you know I can lol)

 

The food tastes great still, I don't know why they changed the look of their restaurant, whatever their reasons are, at least the food wasn't disappointing, we went out with happy stomach!

Oh yeah, prepare for an additional 10% service charge and they accept both cash and credit :)

Have a great day!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!


Saturday, November 28, 2009

AMW Reviews: ELF Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths


I seldom use cleansing cloths to wipe my face!  I'd rather go straight to the faucet and wash my face with a facial cleanser and remove the rest of the makeup with a makeup remover as needed!

When my dear friend Toma sent me these to try!  I knew this is going to be a good one because I have faith in her and she knew my taste! lol  Thanks, I love experiencing wonderful stuffs that doesn't burn a whole in my pocket!!



ELF Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths says ----

Gently and easily cleans skin to remove all traces of makeup and dirt, even waterproof mascara. Great for on-the-go travel. Gentle cloths are soft and soothing for even the most sensitive skin. Infused with Aloe Vera Extract for deep hydration and moisture. 20 Pre-moistened cloths included.

Dimensions
Package: 6.5"L x 4.5"W x 1"H
Cloth: 7.25"L x 6.75"W

Ingredients



AMW says ---

Pros
  • company gives to charity, used recyclable material and no to animal testing!!!

  • the cloth doesn't easily tear

  • great packaging, has 2 protection, sticker seal and the plastic cover
  • doesn't have strong irritating smell
  • removes makeup easily, no tugging needed
  • removes 80% of waterproof eyeliners or mascara
  • leaves no weird oily residue
  • no allergies or skin irritations
  • multi purpose - can also be used to clean brushes
  • does not dry out my skin
Cons
  • one pack is not enough to last you a month if you wear makeup everyday! 
  • you have super heavy duty makeup on?  You need more than 1 wipes and you'll probably finish the whole pack in one time, you might as well wash your face :)
Overall

I am never a fan of cleansing wipes, I've always purchased cleansing wipes for my brushes!  When I got these, I wanted to give this a try and wiped it gently all over my face and eyes and I was shocked!  The wipes does remove makeup!  I like using the wipes now prior to washing my face just to make sure everything is well cleansed before I go to sleep!

Taking this along is great too for any "boo boos" I may encounter as it's oil free and doesn't ruin the rest of the makeup!

Tips

from ELF
Gently wipe face with the cloth to remove dirt and makeup. Rinse off with warm water and towel dry. Dispose of the cloth in trash receptacle (do not flush). After removing cloth, reseal and close lid.

from AMW
  • always wash your face right after using this cleansing wipes
  • one pack is never enough, if you have the chance, purchase more and stock up!
  • stop using ASAP if irritations occur

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At E.L.F. website for $3.50 (approx Php160.00) 20 cloths.
Thanks Toma for sending me this to try! :)

A Closer look to the plastic flip


 

Additional sticker to prevent the cloth from drying up

 

The cloth up close

 

I've had quite a simple makeup on right after work, 
and so far, it did remove the dirt as labeled!

 

Always remove your makeup well before you go to sleep!
That's one huge beauty secret a girl should know!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Friday, November 27, 2009

Readers' Corner: Fimo Polymer Clay


Happy Friday people!  Such a lovely day and perfect time for me to thank all my lovely friends for commenting on my first Fimo Nail Art ever!  I got overwhelming questions regarding the Fimo Polymer Clay.  What are they?  Are they stickers?  Where to purchase?  Well, I hope this post will answer all your questions regarding this! :)  (Again, I want to thank my dear friend ebeautyblog for introducing these cuties to me!)

First things first, what's Fimo?  
(according to ehow)

Fimo is one of the most popular brands of polymer clay and is used in multiple arts and crafts venues. Artisans form Fimo clay into beads, pendants, buttons and trinkets and then cure the clay by baking it in an oven. Some artists extend the purposes even further by mixing it with glazes, paint and adhesives.

I ordered 50pcs Fimo Rod Sticks and they look like this....

 

I bought the Fimo Polymer Clay sticks because they are cheaper and I love DIY projects!  I can cut these sticks into tiny slices and people can use them for scrapbooking or other decorations but I bought these intended to put them on my nails!  They are made of polymer clay and stick size is approximately 5-6mm thick x 50mm long.  You still can't imagine their size?  Here's an easier sample :)


 

Yes, they are indeed tiny, but if you slice them thinly, you can achieve approximately 50-100 slices!

Different sellers on ebay have different strategies in selling these.  They could be sold by theme - fruits, florals, etc.. while other sell them mixed by 10s, 20s, 50s, 60s or even more!  They are just too colorful and cute that I can't take my eyes off them!

 

How to cut these?
Are you ready to see my amateurish version? *smiles*  

Things needed:
  • cutting board/slicing board
  • sharp razor blade approx. 4 inch 

Steps:

Make sure to have a slicing board or cutting board underneath.  Use a sharp razor blade to cut.  Grasp your cane right on the cane area adding stability to the cane. Lay the middle part of the blade just right on top of the cane.

 

With the right pressure, slightly draw the blade back and forth slicking downwards.

 

Success!

 

I keep them in my blank wheel!  See how pretty they are?


Oh right!  Before you ooh and ahh over my photo, I am not perfect!  I do make mistakes and this isn't an exception!  First few tries is quite difficult but you'll get the hang of it! 

Oh well, these are not wasted!  I use these badly cut ones to stick it on my tiny fingernails!  Nothing wasted!

Where to purchase these?

You can check out Ebay .  They sell it in 25 sticks, 50 sticks or even those pre-cut versions if you're very lazy but it's pricier!

Now you're ready to prettify your nails!  You can use a nail glue to stick these or just use a regular clear polish and always remember to top it right after with a clear top coat to prevent the Fimo Polymer Clay from folding up!  


Enjoy a different version of nail art! :)
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay fruity!

Oh yeah, Happy Thanksgiving day to our dear friends 
who celebrate this wonderful holiday!




Thursday, November 26, 2009

Eureka Moment: UBL Craft Case



Good morning everyone!  Eureka Moment for me when I found this craft case at the local Japan Home Center for only Php88.00! (approx $2.00)!  I bought this not knowing what to do, I don't plan to use this for my mineral makeup as the twist cap isn't that secure.  So this was left alone for awhile..until one day...

 

Why haven't I thought of this earlier?  I own a lot of rhinestones for my nail art designs, I find it's easier to grab the rhinestones with a case like this!  I like it that it's easy to tote around too!

I'll definitely purchase more!
 

Do you have a stackable case?
What do you use it for?


Keep smilin'

Stay happy!