I Wonder: "Do You Use a Daily Planner?"

Happy Friday gorgeous people!  I dedicate this "I wonder" to something close to my heart.  Something that completes my day and makes me as organized as I am.  This keeps my life sane from all the hustle and bustle of parties, events, meetings, gigs, etc...

I can also include this in the "Unsung Hero" list ... 

I've been using an organizer for as long as I remember! I am super forgetful and having daily planner saves the hell out of my crazy, busy schedule!  I've tried using electronic organizer but nothing beats scribbling,, writing, highlighting and doodling!

This refillable planner accompanied me for more than 5 years and I guess its time to retire, why?  I have a new daily planner....and it's in HOT PINK! :P

My 2010 Just A Moment Daily Planner

Just A Moment Daily planner measures 103 x 150 mm, approximately 4 x 6 inches. I love it that its available in 6 colors: Hot Pink, Caramel, Powder Green, Baby Pink, Tiffany Blue and Chocolate.

**2 photos above copyright from Jam Studio

I bought this over ebay straight from a Korean seller!  It was shipped pretty fast and I received it a bit late which isn't the fault of the seller but the slow postal service due to holidays.  I remembered early December last year, I was on ebay looking for a refillable organizer/planner and I found a lot, but nothing caught my attention, I was looking for one that screams "NIKKI!"  Just when I was about to give up, I found this...

There's always going to be a comparison especially how attached I am with my boring navy blue planner.

The size of my original organizer is perfect!  I'd appreciate it if "Just A Moment" planner comes in a bit bigger size.  My old organizer is refillable which saves me bucks yearly, I can easily purchase refills in local bookstores.  My new one isn't refillable and it would break my heart at the end of the year.

I also like it when I can just insert business cards, photos, random papers on the side pocket, which I can't do that with the present one.

 

Before I start to question myself why I bought the new planner, let me talk about the good side of my new planner before I start to cry!  hahaha

Just A Moment Planner, aside from being an "eye candy", come in various colors and  you can choose your favorite color rather than being stuck with a boring shade.  The texture of the cover is really nice and obviously made with quality.  A small factor that added it's functionality is the pen holder that I've been wanting to have on ALL planners! 

Another selling factor that sold me big time?  I  can fold this and malhandle this and it'll still be ok! The pages won't fall off! I like the rubber band that ties everything so nothing would fall off !

 

 

You want to know how much this cost?  This cute li'l baby costs  $17.99 + $4.99 = $23.00 (approx Php1,057) .  Don't raise your eyebrows on me baby!  *hahaha*  Blame it on my husband when he said, "You're worth it, you are one person I know who uses organizer like it's a matter of life and death!"  Plus the fact that this cutey can put a huge smile on my face each and everyday! :)

Now, I Wonder:
"Do You Use a Daily Planner/Organizer?"

"Would you even pay this much for one?"

Philippine readers:  If you don't want to spend the money for an organizer, there's a way to have one without spending a single cent!  Click HERE for "It's Time!  Sun Financial Kulay Pinoy Daily Organizer"!  Hurry!  5 winners will be announced tomorrow!  Goodluck!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Contest Alert: Kotex Luxe No Compromise! (Contest Closed!)

Dear Philippine Readers:

The new Kotex Luxe is the first ultrathin pad that gives you breakthrough Fusion Technology, a revolutionary combination of dry-net and cotton-like covers to help you get the dryness of net and the softness of cotton with just one pad!  No more compromises!

No Compromise!

When faced with life's choices, you stick to your guns.  Nobody tells you what you can't do, or what you can't have.  You're in the driver's seat and you're not going to apologize for your choices.

You may go this way or that.  Or have it both ways, just because you're you.  It's not fence-sitting if you get exactly what you want.  One thing is for sure, you will settle for no less than perfect!

You are a Kotex Luxe woman, and you never compromise.

 

Thanks to the people of Kotex for giving away 15 sample packs (2pcs per pack) of Kotex Luxe for AMW Readers!  How to win?

• Comment in this post and tell us your "No Compromise" moment
  
• Do not forget to type in your name and email address
• 15 winners will be picked via random.org and will be announced January 24, 2010!  
• No duplicate comments please
• Sorry this is for local readers only!
• to sign up for a free sample, head on to THIS site. 

Before I end this post, let me share my experience.

I've compromised many times on things that I really wanted to do because I've always put others first in all my decisions.  But the moment I've decided to be a professional make-up artist, going to school right after a full day work, lugging all the heavy stuffs, going home late, lacking sleep...all those did not bother me!  It's a NO COMPROMISE experience because this is what I want and I know I've been wanting this all my life!  And it's the greatest decision I've made!

Now I'll excited to read yours! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Goodluck!

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert Smooth Ultime Moist & Control Milk

I have received numerous email from readers about fighting frizzes or how to tame thick and rebellious hair!  I have always advised them to go weekly home treatments!  Choosing the right  shampoo and conditioner and of course, protect the hair if you are using heating  tools!

There are so many products out there, could get really confusing most of the time,  but all it takes for us is the pinpoint what we're looking for...then we'll get there!

There's one product out there for frizzy, thick and rebellious hair, I don't have thick rebellious hair but I like to tame my hair once in awhile.

L'oreal Professional Texture Expert came out with a Smooth Ultime Moist and Control Milk, Milk itself sounds really good!  Read on to see what my thoughts are...

**photo from L'Oreal

L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert Smooth Ultime says ---

• Taming cream for thick, rebellious hair
• Result: Instant volume reduction.  Frizz control and long-lasting humidity protection for smooth, soft hair styles.  Nutrition and softness.
• Product category: Blow-in treatment for thick hair.
• Main benefit: smooth, blow-dry stylling
• Technology: Incell and pearl proteins repair and reinforce sensitized hair fibers.  UV filter and vitamin E acetate protect the hair.
• size: 150ml
  

AMW says ---

Pros

• hair feels smooth to touch after application
• no tangles
• doesn't feel heavy or greasy the whole day
• smells wonderful!  I love the scent of L'Oreal haircare products!
• hair is easy to comb or brush the whole day
• my hair doesn't puff up the whole day (FYI: my hair does on bad hair days )
  
• has extra treatment and protection as compared to other styling products
  

Cons

• pricey for a 150ml hair product
• not available anywhere, have to go to leading salons
• packaging: I prefer flip top cap as compared to this twisty-type
• the tube is a bit hard to squeeze
  
• I like cream products that has a mouth, I dislike wiping the top portion after every use

Overall

If you have frizzy and unruly hair, this works to tame it down, I've seen it work for other people!  But of course, I'll always pull you back to reality, this doesn't work overnight or in an instant, this works temporarily and you may see good results with prolong usage! 

Tips

from L'Oreal

• work a dab of the product into the palms and apply to washed and towel-dried hair.  Proceed with blow-drying.  Dry with diffuser to define curls.  If needed, repeat application on dry hair throughout the day for added control.
• a small amount of the product is enough
• ideal for women with very thick hair who want some control

from AMW

• I store it upside down so the product flows easily and no more squeezing :)
• Hazelnut size is meant to be perfect amount, but do experiement with different amount of product you use as different hair length have different  requirements
• apply this on damp hair or dry hair, both are ok
  

Will I repurchase?

I have to finish up ALL my hair products first! hahaha I am seriously in need of help!  I am addicted to hair products!

Where to purchase and how much?

At local salons for Php995.00 (approx $21.60).  If this product is not available in your country, I believe Strawberrynet carries this for $26.00 (approx Php1,196) FREE SHIPPING worldwide!

 I always apply on the lower portion first 

then with the remaining product on my hand, 

I gently massage it on the root area

 

I then would comb my hair to spread the product evenly

 

It feels light and non-greasy at all!
And yeah, you can say:
"gee, your hair smells terrific!" :P

 

I hope my review will help those who were asking me about hair products for certain hair types!
I will try to give a review on other hair products that works for other hair textures :)
Enjoy your day!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Dainty Taro" Nails

Good morning everyone!  Missed my nails?  hahaha  I haven't been posting nail art tutorials as I've been busy the couple of weeks!  Now, let's bring back my 10 fingernails!  They are all excited to see you!  My first nail art tutorial for the year 2010 leans on to something dainty as always, and of course, as promised, I've used my mini OPI Polish that I have been keeping for quite some time.  I'm glad I used it, the color is amazing!  Reminded me of "Taro Ice Cream"

Step 1:

Apply a base coat prior to nail polish application.  Apply 2 coats of OPI polish in Done Out in Deco.

Step 2:

Making sure the 2 coats are dry, use a gold glitter polish to apply the tip of the nails with feather-like motion.  I am using Bourjois mini polish.  I am in the mood to use mini polishes! *hahaha*

 

Step 3:

Just like regular flower nail art, drop 5 drops of white polish

 

Use the needle and feather the dots inward just like on photo below

 

Step 4:

Now this is the "new" part, aside from feathering out the inner dot, feather out the outer dot as well to create a different "feel" of flower

 

Step 5:

This is optional, but to fill in the other space, create smaller dots below the flower.

 

Alternate white dots and pink dots

Do the same on other nails, I alternate the flower color

Using White and Pink Prettynails' Art pen

 

 

Step 6:

I used Swarovski flat bed clear stones to create the flower bud, press with a toothpick to make sure it stays.

 

Step 7:

Do not forget to apply top coat to protect your nail art.  Make sure to apply the top coat when the nail art is dry.

 

Here's my very dainty nails to start the year right!

 

I hope you learn something different to create flowers :)

And I do hope you wont' get scared to try nail art!

Practice makes you happy...

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Beauty Blender

The first time I saw the Beauty Blender on various websites, I had my mouth in big "O" and it got me thinking.."What the heck???? That price for a single small sponge?"  When I went back to my makeup school to do a photoshoot (Thanks Jeave and Stef), I borrowed Stef's Beauty Blender which is a good and bad idea.  Great idea because I find it very easy to apply foundation and it looks too cute on my hand!   Bad idea - for my wallet!  I got home thinking about it!  (imagine Beauty Blender with eyes and mouth calling for me!  Sorry my brain could be a bit cartoonish at times hahaha)

Yes people, I can be weak too!  I gave in and bought my very own cute Beauty Blender!  My excuse?  It's available locally!  I don't need to wait for months or pay a lot for shipping!  :P

Beauty Blender says ---

The ultimate make up sponge applicator invented by top Hollywood make up artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz, Beautyblender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Silva and Lorenz know that the key to a perfect face is simple: a perfect blend. So forget your fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, these application methods waste make up and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free.