Nail Art Tutorial: "Flower Pod" Nails

How's weekend treating everyone?  I rewarded myself with sleep!  To most local readers, it's still vacation mode to most of you but to the rest of the world?  Monday may be giving you the blues so I'm sending all positivity from my way with a simple nail art tutorial for the flower power lovers out there!

Step 1:
Apply your preferred base coat to protect your nails prior to polish application.  Thanks to Toma as I got hold of ELF's newest shades Mod Mauve.  Applied 2 coats and let dry.

Step 2:
Using Prettynails' 2 way nail art pen in white, apply dots (as seen on photo below).  Try to create smaller dots as we're creating more flowers.

Step 3:

Using a thin brush.  In my case, I am using L.A. Colors Art Deco in black, connect the flowers like "branches".  Doesn't have to be perfect in thickness like real branches.

Step 4:
To complete the tiny flowers, use Prettynails' 2 way nail art pen in yellow (or any shades you want) and dot the middle portion as "flower bud"

Step 5: (optional)
To create "glitter" effect, apply a gold polish on top of your nail art.

Step 6:
Protect your nail art design with your favorite top coat.  I am using The Face Shop's Top Coat.

Hope this gives you a bit of sunshine!  Lemme see that huge smile please? :D

I also would like to give a special shout out to Toma for being naughty, for sending me another new shades from ELF!  She knew how much I love ELF polishes!  Good quality at an affordable price!  Thank you for the wonderful surprise!  If only you could see the huge smile on my face!  Will do more nail art tutorials with these gorgeous shades soon!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Pink Pepper

Weekend food tripping is fun if you dine with the people you love!  I had a nice dinner with my husband's family and we love food sharing!  The first time I've dined at Pink Pepper restaurant was at Robinson's Ermita mall and I believe the restaurant was closed down?  So when we were at SM Mall of Asia, we have to revisit! 

Caesar Salad

Traditional classic salad!  Fresh lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber served with Caesar sauce or Viniagrette!  You can actually choose to have 2!

Spicy Ribs

Marinated spare ribs in spicy sauce served with sliced potatoes and vegetables.  I love how the meat melts inside my mouth!

Whole Fried Chicken

There's nothing spectacular about this but what I love about this is the way it's fried crisp to perfection!  This comes with gravy!  You can always request for more!

Garlic Rice

Nothing beats garlic rice! 2 types of rice I eat.  Bibimbap (Korean Rice) and Garlic Rice! 

Mango Iced Tea

I love mango juice and I love iced tea.  But when these 2 are mixed together, it felt weird at first but I would say it's an "acquired taste".  I got used to it after 3 sips!

The price range of this restaurant is not too cheap nor expensive.  Just ambiance is great for gathering with friends or family members!  The total bill costs approximately Php1,500 (approx $33.00).  Not bad considering we walked out of the restaurant full!

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payment.  10% service charge is added in the total bill!  The restaurant has friendly and helpful staffs and service is good!

Pink Pepper

SM Mall of Asia

Entertainment Mall, bay City

Pasay City

(632) 556-0397

Your turn to make your tummy happy this weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Mid-Year's Finished Products

Happy weekend everyone!  If you're living in the Philippines, you're probably in bliss right now because of the long weekend.  Happy Independence Day to my dear Country! 

Time flies really fast and we're already in the middle of the year!  I've written down the 2009 finished products !  This year, I wanted to split it in two!  Mid-year and Year-end !  I love seeing my money going to right places! 

This list is written in no particular order (You can click on product name to read my past reviews)

1. MAC Mineralized Skinfinish

I purchased this in a whim, not expecting to actually like this, I ended up using this daily for touch-ups and I  can't deny the fact that this lasts quite a long time!  I purchased this March of 2009 and I finished this around May 2009!  More than a year of "almost daily" usage!  Worth every single penny.  

Will I repurchase?  Yes!

2. Clinique Purifying Toner 2

I haven't reviewed this as I've always included this as part of my Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System.  I should have purchased the mild/non-alcohol version of this but I actually like this!  I've finished the 2nd bottle!

Will I repurchase? Yes!

3. Skin79 VIP Gold Collection BB Cream

I am quite lucky I did not go through gazillions of BB Cream before I found "The One"!  It was an easy choice for me when I've seen my "before and after" shot after using this BB Cream!  I, surprisingly, finished this up in no time!  The packaging is very sophisticated but I am not impressed that I finished this up without "knowing" I'm almost done with this!  

Will I repurchase?  Definitely!

4. Cellnique's Seaweed Cleansing Gel and Intensive Hydrating Complex

When I review a skincare line, even after reviews, if I find the product to be positive, I continue to use them until I finish them up.  This is the case for both the cleansing gel and hydrating complex from Cellnique!  I actually like them as much as I love Clinique.  Too bad shipping is an issue as the brand is not available locally!

Will I repurchase? Only if I visit  Malaysia or Singapore

5. Jessie's Girl Tatoo Pen in Black
I only use this for "winged" eye look or those rare instance that I need to draw the "band" of the falsies.

Will I repurchase?  No

6. The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil

The most repurchased product in AMW's Life!  I think I've finished up 2 bottles then the hubby finished up another 2 and that's a total of 4!  And I am talking about "spot treatment" only!  I don't drink this or apply this on my entire face!  That just shows how much this product works on me and to prove to you girls that I do have occasional breakouts!

Will I repurchase?  Yes!  I just did!

7. Amu'in Hand Lotion

I love the travel kit from Amu'in and one of my favorite is the Hand lotion.  I take this mini bottle along with me and it fits inside my pouch!  I love using this as it's non-greasy, non-oily and smells wonderful!

Will I repurchase?  Yes

8. Liposan/Nivea Lip balm in Cherry
Thanks to Diamond Enigma for the "swap" and I got to meet Liposan Strawberry and Cherry.  She sent me 2 flavors and I am loving both! This is definitely a "staple" to make my lips "sane" for the whole day!  I love the wonderful tint it gives on my lips!  So natural looking.  My roadtripper friends Ada and Hannah loves this too!

Will I repurchase?  Yes, but locally this is known as Nivea.

9. Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O 

My secret to makeup cleansing?  This one!  I have finished 2 bottles of Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil in A/O and I'm on my 3rd (expensive eh?).  I don't use heavy makeup but I am very "OC" in makeup removal so aside from using a makeup remover, I love using Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil as I feel it cleanses more!  It's just me.  It's really pricey but it's worth it!

I haven't formally reviewed this but I've reviewed Shu Uemura's High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil (Yellow) and I think it's almost the same.

Will I repurchase?  Yes!

10. Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Foaming Cleansing Water

I am actually surprised that I am liking this!  When I first used this, I felt that it doesn't clean my face at all as it's super light on skin.  What I love about this is the "energizing" effect it gives every morning!  It leaves my skin clean (not squeaky dry kind of feel) and I can literally feel my skin brightening up!

Will I repurchase?  I did!  I haven't start using my 2nd bottle yet but it's on back up.

11. Tsubaki Treatment with Tsubaki Oil

My dearest brother bought this for me together with the shampoo and conditioner line.  I like using Tsubaki but not regularly as it gives me the "flakes".  The Tsubaki Treatment smells wonderful and works okay!  I apply a good amount of this only on the tips of my hair to lessen hair breakage and dryness.  A good product but doesn't leave an imprint in my "to buy again list"

Will I repurchase?  No, so many local hair treatments that work just as well and cheaper.

12. Kerastase Noctgenist Serum Nuit

Finally finished this! I use this 3x a week.  Sometimes, I tend to forget that's why it took so long for me to finish this up!  But this product lives to what it claims.  I definitely woke up with softer and more manageable hair!

Will I repurchase?  I tried other Kerastase ngiht treatment.  Smile and click here to know what I'm talking about!

6 months...12 products! NOT BAD at all!  This post made me feel good!  I guess it's time you check out your own stash and see which product's almost on the "Finished Products" List!  It'll make you feel good I promise you!  Money well spent!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "Are You Still Into Mineral Cosmetics?"

I have to admit, I was once a mineral sample makeup hoarder! I get into different mineral makeup sites and I love adding those sample baggies to cart as they are quite affordable and easy to ship due to its size! After a year, I've lost my interest on Mineral makeups overall!

Recently, Sophie from Beauty & Minerals, sent me samples of B&M Mineral Makeup. The cute packaging and sticker made my heart flutter. I think I got my mineral mojo back!

A closer look on the foundation and eyeshadow samples

I Wonder:
"Have you lost your mineral makeup mojo?"

Smile and click comment! I'd love to hear from you!
If you are still on the mineral makeup love, tell me your current favorite brand!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: For the Hairstylists and Makeup Artists

At times, I need to do both hair and makeup, and juggling between  hair brushes, clips and makeup brushes is the hardest thing to do and not to forget, holding hot iron on my other hand is quite dangerous!  Fainting is NEVER an option so I need to organize myself before I burn my own hand or my client's head!

Thanks to Daiso and Japan Home Center, I find so many "Eureka Moments" inside the store.  2 years ago, I purchased a tool bag in a whim not knowing what to do with it.  As I had my wedding  gig and I needed to be there near the Bride for retouch, carrying the whole train case is not convenient and carrying a mini pouch or bag is a hassle as I needed both of my hands free!  I'm glad I got creative and remembered the tool bag I bought and slipped it into a belt and VOILA!  Instant belt organizer! 

How this looks without plastic

As I went through one gig to another, I found that one tool bag is not enough,...

so I repurchased !  Check out my current "retouch pouch"

I actually own 3 too bags now!  All you need is a nice durable belt to hold these tool bags!  And you're ready to go!  Glad my belt color and design matches the tool bag!  It's fate!

Eureka moment for finding these priced only for Php88.00 (approx $2.00) per piece!  Quality is great, very durable and my partner hairstylist sometimes put his hot curling iron inside and so far he wasn't hurt and the tool bag is still in good condition!  (It is advisable not to do this  for safety's sake).

Do you agree that I put this on Eureka moment for our hairstylist and makeup artist friends out there?  I think it deserves this spot!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!