Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Hi from Macau!


By the time you're reading this, it's my last day in Macau.  I booked a 4 days 3 nights trip with mom, brother and hubby.  I've been to Macau more than 5 years ago but things have changed!  The Macau today is definitely more exciting as ever!

Here's a recap on what I did for the past 2 days!

We arrived Macau past 10:00pm so the hungry stomach wanted something too eat! Thanks to dear brother  (who traveled from Shanghai to Macau to surprise mom) for  taking out McDonald's Grilled Chicken Burger. 


A couple of weeks ago, I booked our hotel room online.  May 1-3 is a holiday down here so  most hotels are fully booked.  It was tedious to book a room on hotels within the city proper.  After constant searching, I finally booked at Hotel Royal, which, I think is on top of the mountain or hill, near the Guia Lighthouse Tower.  Its not the best location but it's a nice change outside the hustle and bustle!


Upon arrival, its quite late and we've got nowhere else to go but have a quick stroll nearby the hotel.  Right in front is a nice playground, which of course, yours truly have to go back to childhood and played like a kid as we caught up on each others' lives before we call it the day!


When we woke up the next day, we took a stroll down the city proper and I reunited with my favorite "pink" building near Hotel Lisboa.  I remembered taking a shot down here on January 1, 2004.  The building remain pink as ever!  Wondered if they repainted the building.  Casino Lisboa changed so much too and a new building Grand Lisboa, together with MGM and Wynns was suddenly visible!


Played a bit of crazy game!  Of course I got nothing!  So cute!


On our way to Ruins of St. Paul's Church, we passed by the famous Egg Tart, you can see the long line!!! The shop prides their stall as the Korean series "Boys Over Flowers" had one of their "Macau" scene shot here, when the female lead "Jan Di" bought a box of egg tart and realized her wallet got stolen.


Very sunny day and check out the people who were also there to go up to the remains of St. Paul's Church.  This is definitely a photographers' dream!


You have to pass by beef and pork jerky sellers!  And I swear, you have to pass by hungry!  They give good servings of free samples!  I had unlimited samples of beef and pork jerky at different stalls!  You can also rest and have a drink as some shops have water dispenser.


Never miss Venetian Hotel when you visit Macau.  It's definitely worth the time.  Most hotels offer free shuttle service to Venetian hotel.  It's near the airport which is located on the other side of the island.  Approximately 30 minutes ride without traffic!  Did I gamble here?  Nope! 


Right in front of Venetian Hotel is a new Hotel and Casino called City of Dreams.  We visited this hotel just for the huge LCD monitor with mermaids swimming.  Took a bit of time to get a good shot!  She's computer generated by the way. 


Macau tower shouldn't be missed either.  The first time I visited Macau, I just walked pass this place because it was just an overnight trip.  Now that we're staying longer, we bought tickets and decided to take an elevator ride UP there!  First top is located at the 58th floor as you can have a quick check if you have fear of heights.  In that viewing area, there are 2 locations with glass flooring,  you can step on top of the glass floor and look straight down for a huge adrenaline rush!  A guard went up to me asking me if I'm a "tough" girl, took a shot of me laying down on top of the glass flooring!  That's even crazier! *laughs*

We watched the sunset as people bungy jump!  I chickened out, but who knows?  I may do this.....I definitely included this on my "bucket list"


*sigh* It's really an enjoyable trip and its ending soon.  I'll definitely miss this place!  It's not as accessible as Hong Kong and there's not a lot of restaurants compared to the Philippines.  It's still a great cultural experience.  Seeing Macau the 2nd time around is as exciting as the first!


I'll be going back to Manila soon!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Thanks for reading!



Sunday, May 2, 2010

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Male Scent at the Moment?"

(Note from Author: This is a scheduled post)

I am proud of my nose's capability to smell the good and the bad! I call myself a "sniffer" *hahaha*.   I can easily associate a scent with certain events, a person, a particular circumstances, etc...

Being a so-called sniffer, I am very particular with scents and  I pray I smell "the good" at all times!  Scents can contribute to my emotions. Scents I like make me feel happy, perky and giddy.  Scents I don't like make me feel nauseous thus irritated!  You can totally see that by the way I review  my products.

Recently, I have a favorite scent my man wears!  I can't shut my mouth! I have to spill the beans!

Shiseido Zen for Men


The power of spicy woods layered with exotic fruits and masculine musk for an uncompromised sensuality and modern sophistication.
Shiseido has specially created the Zen fragrance with stress-relieving aromachological ingredients, to liberate modern individuals from their worries and awaken them to the joy of infinite possibility.


The packaging is another thing, I like the silver and light blue color combination.   Base on what I read from Shiseido's website, these are the colors of Life, Energy, Reality and  Imagination.  No wonder they name this ZEN, visually relaxing!


I Wonder:
"What's Your Favorite Male Scent at the Moment?"



Click comment and be proud of your man's scent!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy


Weekend Food Tripping at: Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria

(Note from Author: This is a scheduled post)

Missing me?  I hope so!  But I guess you're not because I am available in the cyberworld!  I'm still having fun on vacation with the people I love, I'll definitely tell you more about it when I get back and of course, more travel posts and an international food posts!

This is not a weekend food tripping, this is actually a mid-week food tripping.  I cannot let the weekend go without making you hungry right?

I was craving for pizza after all the errands I've accomplished and I rewarded myself with the food I was craving for... PIZZA!  I am quite picky when it comes to pizza!  I prefer thin cracker-crust dough, not so oily and VERY crunchy!  I went to Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria the second time around at the Sta. Mesa Branch *waves at Tara* "Can you see me?????" :P

Crema di Asparagi
Php100.00 (approx $2.17)
Creamy asparagus soup with a touch of bacon bits and real asparagus!
I  love this!  Quite filling!


Tutta Carne
Php100.00 (approx $2.17)
Beef toppings, bacon bits, ham and pepperoni


Messicana
8-inch for Php165.00 (approx $3.60)
Beef toppings, bacon, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, 
and Mexican seasoning 


Both Pizzas taste good, I can't tell the difference but me and my tummy (referred to as second person) are very happy and satisfied!!!  A tip from me, if you found your crust not too crunchy, you can request them to re-heat it.  They'll happily do it for you!  Can I add that the staffs are very friendly and helpful?  I can vouch for the branch I've dined in though!  (details of the branch below).

Before I end this yummy post, you know that I love deals right?

 
Good news for Pizza lover who hates to pay more!!!
Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria offers 2 pizzas for the price of ONE!
2 x 8-inch pizzas for only Php199.00 (approx $4.33)
2 x 12-inch pizzas for only Php399.00 (approx $8.70)
Available everyday, all day for dine-in customers only!
Call your friends, split the bill and have fun!!!

Joey Pepperoni Pizzera
Ground floor SM MEZZA Residences Aurora Blvd 
cor Araneta Ave. & Guirayan St.
Brgy. Doña Imelda, Quezon City, Philippines
Tel no: (632) 514-5350


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
*burps*



Saturday, May 1, 2010

AMW Reports: Fab, Fresh & Fun: A Summer Picnic

Do I need a break from Stress?  Of course!  Who doesn't?
And if relaxing means pampering myself with facials, makeovers and hair treatments with Maybelline, Garnier, Matrix  at The Grove by Rockwell, Count me In!


We can start our pampering journey by having a facial done by Garnier.  I gave this a skip because I am so excited for my hair treatment! 


Hair pampering using Matrix products.  I love it when Matrix Intensive Conditioner was massaged gently and left for a couple of minutes.  Washed, blow dried and finished up with a Matrix Serum which left my hair soft and bouncy!


Thanks Shobe for this shot!  If I may add, I am holding a vanilla ice cream by Nestle Heaven.  I had 2 cups of these (shhhh). 


After the blow dry and ice cream, I took off to the Maybelline counter and got my own "lei" and wait for my turn on makeover.



Took a shot of Shen obviously enjoying her makeover and looking fabulous!


And it's my turn to have my makeover. Guess who did my makeup?  Same Maybelline Make-up artist whom I met last year from the same event done by Maybelline, Garnier and Matrix called Mission Accomplished: Be Stunning for a Steal Jim Ryan Ros!  It was great seeing him once again and I am very proud of his success!   He wanted to do a darker look on me but I told him I'm going nowhere right after.  So he opted for a more natural look instead using pink and purple.

An additional product was used on my face and I'm liking it!  Maybelline's BB Cream applied with Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation in Buff Beige.  I already love the effect it gives.  Clean and natural.


Here's a  shot of me and Jim after my makeover.  Thanks dear!
Great to see you again!


There's also a nail art booth by Nail Spa.  I skipped this step because I've recently done nail art myself  and I worked hard for it.  I can see a  lot of girls and even guys enjoying the nail spa experience!


The event serves good food by The Plaza, which I haven't taken a shot of it because I was busy eating.  Fruit Shakes by Big Chill and Shooters by Swizzle Bar (photo below)


Let me start by saying, I've met wonderful people in this event.

Trisha Chua from Maybelline and I told her I have a crush on her dress!
I also met Michelle Fernandez from Maybelline too, but wasn't able to take a shot!  
She's wearing gorgeous dress too!


Roanne from All The Vanity Blog.  It was great seeing her after, hmm..a year or more?  We had a bit of time to chitchat but she has to leave early, or maybe I came in late? :D


Camille from Your Little Beauty Bag and her husband.  It was great seeing her in person for the first time.




And of course, my partner in crime, Beauty Crime!  Shen!


I left The Grove around evening and  see how gorgeous the event area is!  Can't help but take a shot!


Thanks Maybelline, Garnier and Matrix for this event and for the pampering experience.  I walked out energize and smiling!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy
According to your reporter for the day...


Friday, April 30, 2010

AMW Reviews: The Body Shop High Shine Treatment in Golden Coral

Friday is finally here!  This week has been too long, I guess I am looking forward for the long weekend and an exciting trip!  Before the week ends, I will be talking about another lip product that I've tried because of it's moisturizing property and word "treatment" that comes with its name! 


TBS High Shine Treatment says ---
Hi-Shine Lip Treatment delivers a wash of pretty glossy colour to lips with precision and ease.  The high shine, skin-conditioning formula with Community Trade marula oil leaves lips looking irresistibly luscious.  And the squeezable tube with rounded chiseled applicator means it is quick and simple to apply - perfect for girls in a hurry. 

Pucker up with two delicious, luminous shades:
06 Party Pink
17 Golden Coral (limited edition)

AMW says ---
Pros
  • very moisturizing, even after removing it
  • one tube lasts forever
  • very smooth and easy to apply
  • applicator has smooth surface so easy to apply on lips

  • works really well on top of a lip color
  • company does not test on animals --- YAY!
Cons
  • if you're looking for loud colored lips, this is quite sheer
  • if you're not into sticky gloss, this has a bit of sticky consistency
  • fragrance is too much for me, I'm not a fan of peach scent (personal opinion)
Overall
If you are into lip gloss and don't mind the semi-sticky feel and strong fruity scent?  Go ahead.  This is a cheaper alternative for Lancome Juicy Tubes. 
I really like Golden Coral shade especially if I top it with a boring lip color because it livens the color  and creates a nice 3 dimensional shine and glimmer.

Tips
from makeup artist Chase Aston 
"Two fabulous, super glossy, ultra moisturizing, must-have lip shades for spring.  Fresh and flirty, easy to wear shades that can be worn alone for a sheer hint of tint, layered over Lip & Cheek Stain and Colour glide Lip Colour"

from AMW 
  • for a more precise application, apply using a lip brush
  • if you're applying this straight from the tube applicator to your lips, wipe regularly before closing the cap
  • always remember to twist the cap well, having this messed up inside your bag is a big nuisance
  • top this with your favorite lip color for a more intense color with high shine
  • this gloss is perfect for girls with thin lips, apply this on the center of your lips then gently spread outward directly from tube or lip brush
Will I repurchase?
No, one tube is enough.  And the scent makes me dizzy!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Body Shop for Php595.00 (approx $13.00)

A closer look on the tube applicator



A swatch of Golden Coral


Applied on lips alone without lipstick or balm



Have you tried this lip treatment?  Do you like it?
Before I end this post, I want to congratulate dear blogger friends Shen and Tara for winning the Promod Contest last night!!!  I will report about the event as soon as I can!!! It was such a fun event!  

Have a wonderful weekend!
Your resident AMW is off for a nice relaxation... I HOPE!  :D



Keep smilin'
Stay happy!