Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Nail Art Tutorial: "Valentine- Ready" nails

Good morning!!!  Nail art tutorial for the week is inspired by Valentines.  I know it's a month away til the day of hearts but who cares?  Love is love... I've created a very simple, non floral nail art :)  Inspired by 2 color combination I love, reds and pinks!




 
Step 1:
As usual, apply your favorite base coat and two coats of OPI Nail Polish in Suzi & the Lifeguard.  (see? I am mature enough to use this cutey)




Step 2:
Apply The Face Shop Red polish diagonally.

 

Step 3:
Using LA Colors Art Deco in black, create lines.



 

Step 4:
Using LA Colors Art Deco in white, create a line between the 2 black lines I've created.

 

Step 5:
Using Prettynails' Art Pen in black to create  dots.


 

Step 6:
Create white dots using white nail art pen.

 

Step 7:
To create a nice glitter, apply 1 coat of glitter polish from Elianto.

 

Step 8:
Top with OPI RaPi Dry Top Coat to protect the nail art.


 

Here's my final nails ready for the Heart's Day :)


I hope my simple nail art would make people who are in love with life to go on and enjoy it!  Life is really difficult and there's a lot of trying times, but there's always simple things in life that makes us happy :)  Seize it!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Monday, January 18, 2010

AMW Reviews: Benefit Lyin' Eyes

A shoutout to my sis Gracie for sending this to me last year for my birthday.  I've been using this several times and it's time for me to give my proper review based on my experience with this.

Benefit Lyin' Eyes is such an attractive product with the right packaging the screams "Buy Me!"

 

Benefit Lyin' Eyes says ---

With just a click of this concealing pen, you've got a lightly tinted under-eye color corrector that's swift, fast, and oh-so-sly!  Apply anytime, under or over makeup.

This concealer is suitable for most skin tones.

Size: 1ml
Net wt: 0.03 US fl. oz.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • easy application
  • easy to take along for touch ups
  • easy to blend
  • dries pretty quickly
  • does not sit in fine lines or wrinkles
  • does not cake
  • brightens up the under-eye area
  • the brush is soft and doesn't scratch
Cons
  • if you want more coverage, this is a bit on the light coverage side
  • since it has a bit of "shine" that gives out an awake look, be careful in using this as this could enhance the look of your undereye circles
  • you have to twist a couple of times for the product to come out, too much product may come out which leads to product wastage
  • you wouldn't know how much product are left

  • not available locally
Overall

If you are looking  for "easy" under-eye concealer applicator or touchup, this is a very convenient product to tote along.  You can also leave it as it is as it isn't too creamy and it finishes off in powder form.

Tips
  • since this can "highlight" or make you look like you have 8 hours of sleep, this works well to highlight your nosebridge area too and the corners of the mouth
  • I prefer applying this after foundation application
  • apply the brush pen directly on areas you would want then blend in with your fingers or brush
  • on application, do not forget to apply the inner corner of the eyes too
  • set with a translucent powder
Will I repurchase?

If its on sale and available locally, yes.  If I have to pay for hefty shipping?  No, there are a lot more concealers out there.

Where to purchase and how much?
Not available locally, can be purchased on ebay or multiply sites.


For your reference, this costs $13.50 (approx Php621.00) on sale from original price of $18.00 (approx Php828.00) at Benefit website

Benefit's Lyin' Eyes no. 2

  

 A couple of clicks, the product comes out in between

 

Shade 2 is considered medium
I think this goes much better for skin with pink undertone

 

it blends easily and disappears

 

Here's a before and after photo of me using the Lyin' Eyes
no setting powder used




Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you find this review helpful especially if you plan to purchase this :)

Keep smilin
Stay Happy!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Weekend Food Tripping at: Cyma, A revisit

I've dined at CYMA Greek Restaurant multiple times because I just love their food and service!  I've been busy the start of the new year that's why an invite from friends for get together to unwind will always be agreed upon!  Though I've dined at Cyma multiple times, this is the first time for me to dine in this branch at Greenbelt 2, Makati.

Here's what we had, please note that I dined with friends... I am not a pig, well..a piggy..hahaha! :)

 Roka Salata
Fresh arugula, chopped Romaine lettuce, sun dried tomatoes, candied walnuts, 
served with shaved Parmesan in traditional Greek vinaigrette
Solo: Php330.00 (approx $7.17)
To Share: Php460.00 (approx  $10.00)
Family: Php660.00 (approx $14.35)

 

Tonnos Salata
Seared Ahi tuna with mixed greens, feta cheese, baked onions
Gavros, roasted bell peppers, black olives,
marinated potatoes, green beans and boiled eggs. 
Served with Cyma's Summer Herb Vinaigrette
Solo: Php330.00 (approx $7.17)
To Share: Php460.00 (approx  $10.00)
Family: Php660.00 (approx $14.35)

 

Spinach and Artichoke Fondue
With the blend of melting cheese, sliced sun-dried tomatoes and Feta
Served with warm pita triangles and grilled garlic bread
Php350.00 (approx $7.60)



Short Ribs Stifado - Greek Beef Stew
Braise beef, short ribs with sweet whole shallots
Served with Greek Roasted potatoes
Php420.00 (approx $9.13)

 

Souvlakia Souvlaki (Greek Shish Kabobs)
Pork Tenderloin
Skewered with Fresh Vegetables
My ultimate favorite! 
Php330.00 (approx $7.17)

 

Cyma Lambo Chops - Shoulder Loin Chop
Charboiled served with your choice of rice stuffed pepper
or Greek Roasted Postations
Php420.00 (approx $9.13)

 

Cyma Restaurant
G/F Greenbelt 2 Ayala Malls,
Makati City
Tel: 632-729-4837


Don't even think about blaming me if you get hungry! I can't blame you! I am hungry myself while typing this post! *hahaha* The restaurant has great service for sure and they accept all major credit cards!  Expect a service charge, but worth it!

I'll give a lovely shoutout to my friend's brother who's making desserts!  I was able to try it and it tastes wonderful!  I personally love Blueberry Cheesecake and Carrot cake!  Click here to check it out :)

 


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay full!



Saturday, January 16, 2010

It's Time! Sun Life Financial Kulay Pinoy Daily Oranizer --- WINNERS!



Happy Weekend everyone! 

Thank you for joining the It's Time contest as sponsored by our dear friends from Sun Life!  Everyone knows how much I love to use organizers and it'll be great to see someone organized without spending much for a cute planner!


Now...

To announce the 5 winners!  5 winners were chosen via Random.org

Congratulations to:
1. Amanda
2. Mariel
3. Mina
4. Joanna V.
5. Yani

I will be sending you an email for your mailing info!
Thanks everyone for joining!  You all know there will be more contests coming soon!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay Positive!



Friday, January 15, 2010

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!