Sunday, January 24, 2010

Weekend Food Tripping at: Cajun Red Rock


When I visited Cajun Red Rock for a food trip, I wasn't that hungry so it's not going to be filled with food photos!  All you hungry readers out there, you can breathe a sigh of relief *tee hee*

Cajun Red Rock has been around for quite some time but I don't know why we didn't give it the time of our day!  Just when I wasn't hungry, we've decided to try this restaurant!  Boy!  When I saw their menu, I am floored!  Great food choices at affordable prices!  I was hoping I'd turn into a cute PIG right there and then!



Bottomless Iced Tea 
Php75.00 (less than $2.00)

You can choose between Strawberry or Green Tea flavored iced tea
I go for the latter, though I love strawberries as a fruit, 
I'm not a fan of strawberry drinks!



Cajun Chopped Chicken Salad

Php220.00 (approx $4.78)

Colored nachos mashed on a salad is my ultimate favorite.
I remember Baron Taco which was closed down a couple of years ago 
and I missed salad with the added crunchiness, 
I'm glad I found a restaurant that serves the salad I want!

 

Farmer's Macaroni Soup
Php110.00 (approx $2.40)

I am in love with soup recently, weather is nice
a bowl of soup warms the tummy and heart

 

Cajun Red Rock
108 NS Amoranto St. (Retiro St.)
Quezon City

Tel no: 632-415-2605

The restaurant accepts credit card and no service charge!
Remember to leave a tip as their service is great and I love the warm and simple ambience!
Oh, by the way...I will be announcing the Kotex 15 winners soon!
I hope you'll have a great weekend food tripping!
Today is my mom and dad's 45th wedding anniversary! Another food tripping for sure!
Happy Anniversary mom and dad!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







Saturday, January 23, 2010

AMW Reviews: Stila Convertible Color in Petunia


I am seriously a cream blush lover and I find it works like crazy! My blush stays longer and retouching isn't as needed anymore. Do not be surprised if I have a couple of cream blushes review, because I do use them and love them like a bestfriend!




Stila Convertible Color in Petunia says ---

Stila's ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves to be irresistible. As seen in In Style's Best Beauty Buys 2008! This versatile favorite brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color. Tap onto cheeks and press onto lips. The sheer tint adds an inherent glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color. Our two-in-one compact holds the key to easy, monochromatic makeup. A must-have in every stila girl's kit.

Ingredients
ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, lanolin oil, beeswax\cera alba\cire d’abeille, microcrystalline wax\cera microcristallina\cire microcristalline, octyldodecanol, phenyl trimethicone, ozokerite, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, ethylhexyl palmitate, isononyl isononanoate, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, tocopheryl acetate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, bht, [+/- mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), blue 1 lake (ci 42090), carmine (ci 75470), manganese violet (ci 77742), red 7 lake (ci 15850), red 22 lake (ci 45380), red 28 lake (ci 45410), red 30 lake (ci 73360), red 33 lake (ci 17200), red 34 lake (ci 15880), ultramarines (ci 77007), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140), yellow 6 lake (ci 15985)]

AMW says ---

Pros
  • shade looks very pretty and girly
  • does not oil up my cheeks
  • no allergic reaction
  • easy to spread
  • lasts a long time
  • can be used for cheeks and lips
  • available locally, no need to order online and wait for..FOREVER!
  • super cute packaging with mirror
Cons
  • not everyone are accustomed to using cream blushes, could end up with a clown look
  • if your lips are super dry like mine, using this on lips will further dry it
  • the shade is bright on pan, so applying too much is a huge no-no
  • if you have acne scars or zits on your cheeks, it may enhance the redness
Overall
Stila Convertible Color in Petunia is a peachy pink toned blush.  I can easily top this with a peach or pink colored powder brush and both works wonderful and I always ended up with a different look with the versatility of this blush.  This is my second Stila Convertible Color, and both did not fail me.  I'll definitely purchase more shades to include in my train case.

Tips
  • use either a stippling brush, in my case, I prefer the foundation brush and gently brush through the colors onto the apples of your cheeks
  • if you prefer using your fingers, apply with super light hand
  • always set with a similar blush shade, lighter shade will be better so you won't look like a clown
  • moisturize and prime your lips properly prior to using this on lips
  • if you like the color itself and do not want to add a powder blush, I strongly suggest to still set this with a translucent powder
  • always start light and add up as you go on
  • if you are on a darker skintone: Petunia works great, if you have super light skintone: either apply this sparingly or try purchasing a lighter Convertible color
  • always prime your face well and use a nice makeup base prior to blush application
Will I repurchase?
Yes

Where to purchase and how much?
I learned from Stila Counter that all shades of Stila Convertible color are now available for Php845.00 (approx $18.37)
 

Here's a photo of the cream blush on pot



And here's Petunia swatched no base

 

I got a request on how to apply cream blush and I'll do it as soon as I can :)

keep smilin'
Stay happy!
happy weekend!



Friday, January 22, 2010

AMW Reviews: OPI RapiDry Top Coat

** I used a photo from a site as I own this in mini version

Happy Friday friends! Anyone who reads my blog knew how much I love nail products!  Though I do my nails almost every week, I am not a fan of expensive polishes because I know I can always invest on good top coat to protect my nail polish or nail art.

OPI is a brand that's known for nail addicts out there!  I'm glad I've got the chance to test the mini version of this prior to purchasing a full size.

**photo from company site

OPI RapiDry Top Coat says ---

This quick drying OPI RapiDry Top Coat protects your nails against yellowing, smearing, smudges and streaks.  It gives a perfect finish and ensures that your nail varnish will last.  OPI RapiDry Top Coat has an Extended Wear Technology that helps dry your wet nails quicker for a long lasting, high gloss shine.

Size: 15ml

AMW says ---

Pros
  • gives out a shiny finish
  • dries the polish quickly, really! 
  • my nail polish lasts more than 5 days without chipping
  • nail polish remain shiny and new even after a couple of days as compared to other brands
  • aside from working as a top coat, its also a rapid dry polish which works great! 2-in-1 product!
  • non-oily
  • brush is great 
  • the polish is not too thick or wet, just the right consistency
Cons
  • pricey
  • its not RAPID as what the name implies, you still have to wait a couple of minutes to make sure its dry
Overall
I have been using The Face Shop's Top Coat for the longest time, I am quite loyal with it as I've finish 3 bottles of it.  When I got this mini from a set that I received as a gift from my bestie, I gave it a try right away thinking it's just a Top Coat with an added gimmick of rapid dry factor.  I was quite amazed with how my nail polish dried faster than regular and the added positive factor?  My pinkie nails usually chip on the 4th day due to my crazy typing capability *hahaha* and some parts of my nails do start to fade because I do house chores too!    My nail art and nail polish remain intact and I am starting to like this!!!

If I don't want to pay expensive amount for a top coat and quick dry polish, I can always go back to my first love.

Tips
  • to apply, begin at the center of your nail then fan it out gently.
  • wait for a minute or two after your final coat before applying this top coat.
  • wait for more than 5 minutes before you start moving like your nail polishes are dry.  Though this is quick dry, I strongly suggest to dry your nails with a fan or blow dryer.
  • if you're unsure if this works for you or not, try to purchase a "set" or "mini sizes" to see if you'll like it or not
Will I repurchase?
YES!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Rustan's Essences for Php495.00 (approx $10.76)

I finished this nail art last Saturday over the weekend
On the fifth day, here's how it looks



My pinkie nail
On the 4th or 5th day, the polish usually chips, around half of the nail
take a look, there's just a bit of fading but not much :)

 

Definitely a nice buy if you have the budget.
Have you used this similar Top Coat and Rapid Dry in one?
I'd love to know how you love or hate this.



Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Thursday, January 21, 2010

I Wonder: Oil Blotting Sheets - Vital or a Waste?


You will never see me use an oil blotting sheet on myself.  I have the driest skin and you'd probably see me dab a bit of moisturizer or spritz myself with moisturizing spray instead.  Though there are stuffs I don't use, there are definitely a lot of products out there that can stir my interest and I am sure it will be useful for readers who are on the oilier side.

I have used a couple of oil blotting sheets on clients who have VERY oily skin.  Is it vital for me?  Not for myself but yes, it is vital as a make-up artist!  It helps a lot to have this inside the kit for those makeup and retouch moment, I once had an experience applying light powder on the groom, I spritz water and wiped his face well prior to doing so. I thought I was ready!  But turned out, this guy client have very oily skin so the powder ended up on his face in blotches!  Boy!  Am I glad I was early and I had enough time to ask him to wash his face all over again and thank goodness for oil blotters which are heaven sent on times like these!

One Oil Blotting Sheet I've used is from J&J Clean & Clear, it costs a little bit above Php100 (approx $3.00) for 60 sheets.  I like it that it doesn't tear like other paper blotting sheets.

Now, I Wonder:
"Do You Use Oil Blotting Sheets?  
If Yes, what's your favorite brand?"

Before I end this post, I want to give a shoutout to my wonderful friends for sending me Christmas gifts!  Thank you!  It arrived super late but it gave me a huge smile!  I do have a rough 2009 and 2010 may not be an exception!  But having people who cares from all walks of life can make my life easier! :)

From Plue



From my long time friend Toma

 

And from my angel in Malaysia!



Major hugs for the love! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Wednesday, January 20, 2010

AMW Reviews: BaByliss Mighty Mini 6-inch Straightening Iron



Aside from makeup, I do hair once in awhile and hair tools are very important to me.  That's why I don't mind investing on it as long as my clients get the best!

One item has been in my Watch Item for the longest time! When I finally clicked BUY NOW, I was having mix emotions as I have never purchased any electrical products online!  What if it gets lost?  What if I get charged for taxes?  Worst?  What if I receive a defective item?

Well, all the worries disappeared the moment I had it on the palm of my hand...literally...and it's almost the same size as my tiny hand!! :)

 


BaByliss Pro Mighty Mini says ---

The Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Mighty Mini Flat Iron is the perfect size for your travel needs.
  • high heat levels up to 430 degrees F
  • measures 6" in length
  • Nano Titanium plates conduct heat and maintain stability in ultra high temperatures
  • digital ionic technology emits negative ions
  • slim design
  • ultra light weight
  • easily fits in most purses
  • 1/2" ceramic plates
  • dual voltage, works worldwide!
AMW says ---

Pros
  • tiny enough to easily fix bangs
  • perfect size for short hair
  • dual purpose - can straighten and curl
  • easy to straighten hair close to scalp without burning
  • plate is smooth and doesn't tug hair
  • Nano titanium technology which heats up easily, combined with ceramic plate which protects the hair while heating
  • can easily straighten or volumize roots if needed
  • I can take it along with no problem due to its size
  • nice design, comfortable enough to use, has a comfortable grip so it does not slip
  • the edge is not sharp so I can easily wave the bottom part of my hair with  no "kinks"
  • on/off switch works really good, no accident on shutting it off during usage
  • dual voltage!  I love it that I don't need transformer or adapter
  • I believe this cutey comes in different colors!  I chose white as its the safest color! :)
  • the product has enough safety precautions

    Cons (not much)
    • cord does not swirl
    • a free pouch will be appreciated :)
    • heat settings are not specified as compared to other tools
    Overall

    No regrets in purchasing this even though my hair is long, there are some bad hair days that I need this mini flat iron to flip my hair inwards or outwards depending my mood.  I like how I can easily lift the hair on my root area or fix my bangs!  This is one MIGHTY mini product indeed! 

    Tips
    • do not throw away the "tie" wire to keep the cords organized at all times (you can tell in this photo how tiny the flat iron is, the cord is almost bigger than the flat iron itself)
    • when plates are cool, wipe the plates with a clean damp cloth to prevent product build up
    • for rebonded hair: if you have regrowth, section hair and gently iron the regrowth area
    • if you think the iron gets too hot, you can turn off the switch and continue to use the remaining heat, this helps save electricity and your hair!
    • use heat protecting product on your hair prior to ironing
    • do not press the plates hard, love your hair ok? :)
    • always turn off switch and unplug after EVERY use
    Will I repurchase?

    I certainly hope not!!!

    Where to purchase and how much?
    I purchased mine on Ebay for $22.95 + $9.00 shipping = $31.95 (approx Php1,500).
    If you don't want to order online or wait for shipping, I am starting to see mini flat iron available locally for approximately the same price but not the same brand :)

    If you cannot visualize the size of this iron,
    here's a comparison with my regular flat iron


    I guess everyone has seen enough of this iron!  hahaha You do know when I sing praises for a certain product!  Certified product camwhoring! :)

    Have a wonderful day ahead!
    Keep smilin'
    Stay happy!