Korea Report: Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong

Live reporting from Seoul Korea!!!  I've finally arrived!  You know what's so funny?  Inside the plane, I met 2 of my highschool friends and it was like instant reunion!  We  split up after immigration check and I love Incheon Airport by the way!  

Anyways, long story after we got our bags, we stayed at the airport trying to figure out how to call internationally because our mobile phones does not have automatic roaming! :(  Before I go on all our mini adventures...time check 2:54am Manila Time and it's 3:54am Korean Time and I'm wide awake!  

I'll share to you how I love the hotel I booked and I'll go to my zzz's after! 

Research after research, I've finally chose Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong, reasons:

• location: Myeong Dong is known to be the center for shopping!  Whatever you need, you can find it down here.
• airport bus stops right in front of the hotel!  This is super important because I hate lugging heavy luggages from subway station to another!
• near tourist spots: N Tower, Deoksugong Palace (both can be visited by foot)

Here's the entrance of Hotel Ibis Ambassador MyeongDong at around 11:30pm (Korea Time)

Weird thing is, the reception area is located at the 19th floor!  So better head up to the elevator and press 19 (which is the topmost floor of the hotel).

Rates posted can give anyone who's not used to seeing rates going from hundreds of thousands!  I booked my hotel online via Agoda.  My rate goes approximately $114.00/night.  On off peak season, the rate would be less than $100.00/night!  Sad to say, I've waited for our Korean Visa to be approved and the prices shoot up!  No breakfast included by the way as it's a special internet rate.

I love the safety feature of the hotel.  Only those who have room keys can go to the specific floor number by swiping the "ving" card.  One swipe then press 14, which is our current floor!

Most Tripadvisor or Agoda reviewers gave positive reviews on the said hotel.  Most complain about the size of the room (especially the bath area) and some also complain that the room temperature is too warm!  I'll confirm if their complaints are true!

Standard Double Room

Bed is the right size and seriously soft!  Love how soft the pillow are!  I have nothing against the cleanliness of this room!  Lighting is just right!  Not too dark nor too bright!

The room has the basic amenities!  Flat screen Television, a minibar, water heater, 2 mugs and tea!  Sad to say, no coffee sachets included! 

Free slippers for use!  Love that it's not the usual paper slippers most hotels give!  This is way more comfortable!  Dresser includes hangers and VAULT! :)

The best part?  Free LAN internet each room!  It's not WIFI as compared to some other hotels but it's okay! I brought my laptop along with me and you can feel free to borrow their adaptor! 

Some of the reviewers complain that they don't have enough space to put on their luggage!  Thank goodness, our room does have a bench,  not sure if its meant for sitting but I have a feeling it meant for putting on our luggage so we don't need to stoop down to get our stuff!  The cushioned bench can fit 1 huge luggage and 2 bags!

The bathroom looks really modern and clean!  Amenities include towels, 1 tiny bar of soap, a universal shampoo, conditioner and body wash!  No toothbrush nor toothpaste included as you can purchase them at a vending machine available per floor!

Hi-tech toilet!  Has bidet and the seat can be warmed!  Guess the hotel is equipped for the super cold winter season!

The bathroom also includes a hair dryer!  Thank goodness for it as I need to blowdry my shoes after gotten wet from all the walking!  It's raining by the way!  Such a warm welcome eh?

AMW Flying to Seoul, Korea!

(Note: All photos taken from Google Images, these are not my own, thanks to the owner of these photos for such wonderful shots)

Good Saturday!!!  Sense any happiness in me?  To my dear Twitter friends, you all know why I'm super excited, I've been waiting for this day!  My much awaited vacation to one of my "wish to visit country someday"!  

SEOUL, KOREA!!!

I've always been dreaming of visiting this country because of the countless Korean series I've watched!  I have to admit, it was the FOOD that caught my attention, when they cooked their home made  instant noodles and slurp their way like it was gourmet meal!  Oh, I won't forget those scenes when they're heartbroken and decided to have a drink in one of those public "tents" while keeping themselves warm while the restaurant owner would serve them (what seems like) unlimited Bulgogi!  Yes, I am salivating, I am a PIG and I am proud of it!

I've tried street food in Taiwan and Thailand and I will definitely not give this a miss!  I have a feeling I can skip full course meal jumping from one street food stall to another!  Eeeekkk so excited!  *tummy growls*

The tourist-ry side in me will definitely check out some of the well-known sites!  Most of them I've seen on Korean drama series and photos!  I don't have the luxury of time to visit a lot of sites but I'll definitely would not miss the famous N Tower!  I am excited to leave our "lock" on N Tower's Locks of Love! 

I am embarrassed to admit, but I wasn't able to watch the famous Korean Drama "Winter Sonata" which made this island famous!  Nami Island!  I will actually visit this place not because I will be reminiscing the scenes of the series but the picturesque trees I've seen on photos are breathtaking and I want to see them in real life!  I believe Autumn is the best time to visit as the trees are quite colorful!  *eeeekkk*  Sensing another excitement from my side right?

Korea is also famous for their palaces!  They have several palaces worth visiting and I don't think I'll be able to visit ALL of them!  But I won't come back home without visiting at least one!  I am very much intrigued with any country's rich history!  I'll try to look into some English tours, or what a heck?  I can just read about the palace online and go there and venture the palace ourselves!  That'll be COOL!

Shame on me if I will give Korean Cosmetics a miss!  Why will I be called a Beauty Blogger if I don't give these cute stores a visit?  Thanks to Xin of Prettybeautiful for all the tips on almost everything!!!  She told me I can check out Etude House, Skin Food almost after every 50meters!  Eeeeekkk!!!! Now that's the 3rd eek for this day! 

It's an adventure I've always been dreaming to do and thanks to Mr. AMW for being as excited as I am!  The weather is just perfect by the way!  Mr. AMW is one "walking perspiration" so the cool temperature ranging from 10 degrees celcius to 23 degrees celcius is another PLUS!

And before I end this post, we will be traveling on an adventure, no tour packages or tour guides!  (Maybe, we can book one day tour if we wanted to maximize our time), but hey!  I am getting excited because of the adventure we will be taking!  Just look at the Seoul Metro Map!  I love it!  I am getting confused NOW! hahaha

I will be staying at the "shopping center" of the city, Myeong Dong and the hotel has free internet access, if I get the chance, I'll be updating you guys on my adventure!  I know somewhere down the road, someone's going for a visit and it'll be helpful to see some tips just like what I did reading other people's Seoul Travel Blogs!

I can't help but wonder, will I find guys wearing eyeliner on the streets of Seoul????

I'll report back on all tiny details for sure!
Now...let me say my final "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!"
I hope you guys will find my Seoul Travel Experience as exciting as how I am feeling right now!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash

There's something about October that I love, probably the long China Holiday we follow at work, my wedding anniversary (3rd year this year!) and the weather is just starting to be nice! (minus the El Nino phenomenon)  Anyone share the same sentiments as myself for the month of October?  

*group hugs*

Now let me start by saying, finally!  I got another mascara review!  Been too lazy in reviewing mascara, I know a lot of girls out there can't go home without it...I , definitely can survive without this!  I am just too lazy to remove them at the end of the day!  <--- that's just me! :)

Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash says ---

The first Revlon mascara that helps lashes grow stronger while visibly adding length and volume 

• Lash enhancing formula complements the natural growth cycle of your lashes, improving their overall appearance and conditioning with each use  
• Get lashes that look instantly longer and lusher and will also grow stronger day after day
• Oversized lash-extending brush 
• Ophthalmologist tested

Available in 4 shades: Blackest Black, Black, Blackened Brown and Black Shimmer

AMW says ---
Pros

• mascara wand is not too runny, which makes it easier to apply minus the mess
• does lengthen lashes and makes it look thicker
• does not make my lashes crunchy even after the whole day
• easy to remove with a good eye makeup remover
• has added benefit of making the lash stronger per use (as advertised), not all mascaras have added benefits of lash protection
• no allergies or burning sensation experienced after using this product
• does not flake on me for the whole day
• lashes came out natural looking, you can barely tell I had mascara on
• packaged quite nicely once purchased!

Cons

• brush wand is quite big for small eyes like myself (a photo below compares the mascara wand size I am comfortable with, top one is Revlon's, bottom is a mascara from L'Oreal)

• mascara texture is a bit too dry for a newly opened product.

• curl is gone after mascara application, have to re-curl lashes

Overall

Not a bad mascara but not the best for me!  It's so-so and I think people with longer lashes and larger eyes will enjoy this more!  I prefer using this on clients especially after falsh lashes application as the huge wand works really well with falsies!

Tips
from Revlon

• Apply the mascara to upper lashes first. 
• Take the brush and hold it underneath the top lashes close to the roots and sweep brush upwards from the roots to tips. 
• Apply a few coats to build your lashes ro desired volume. 
• For bottom lashes, use the tip of the brush to apply a thin coat of mascara in delicate strokes.

from AMW

• quickly apply 2-3 coats on each eye for that quick length and volume
• after application, brush lashes with a spoolie to prevent clumps
• use the business card method to protect your lids during application
• for personal use, mascara life can be prolonged to 6 months
• to extend the life of the mascara, dip the mascara on a glass of hot water
• mark the date of your mascara once open so you can keep track on its expiration date!

Will I repurchase?
Not for now.

To whom do I recommend this product to?
 Anyone who loves non-watery mascara texture.  For girls who already have long lashes but wants to volume and extra "fullness" effect it gives minus the "fake lash" effect.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon counters for Php625.00 (approx $14.20)

Front view:

L- Curled lashes, no mascara

R- Curled lashes with 2 coats of Revlon Grow Luscious 

in Blackened Brown

Side View

L- Curled lashes, no mascara

R- Curled lashes with 2 coats of Revlon Grow Luscious 

in Blackened Brown

If there's any changes with the "Black" version, I will report back! 
Have you tried this new mascara?  I've been seeing ads of this around!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki

I've always thought my love for K-brushes have died down!  But one day...when THIS....

 (Note from AMW: This brush can still be revived, 

I just needed to shake my lazy bum and glue this back!)

...happened!  My favorite Ecotools K-brush committed a suicide!  I swear I don't know how it happened!  I am crushed!  I've been using this on days I wanted light to medium coverage and I don't want to purchase another set of Ecotools  Mineral Brush Set just to replace the ruined K-brush, so I looked for an alternative that won't cost me much!  The Beauty Angel up there works in mysterious way, I win some, I lose some... and then I win some again!  The wheel of life!...

Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki says ---

This is the even more travel-friendly and space-saving version of the Charm Luxe Kabuki Brush, which is perfect inside your clutch bag, or any smaller bag! You never have to skip bringing retouch tools, as the Charm Mini Kabuki Brush, is small, but terrible. It might be small, but it is dense enough to pack on foundation, blush, and finishing powder! You never have to struggle for space with this little wonder!

AMW says ---

Pros

• it's tiny and it's pink!  So adorable!

• very soft

 

• no bleeding nor shedding from the time I've used this until this very moment!
• very easy to tote along due to its size
• pouch can house the mini k-brush, and 2 sample jars of mineral makeup

• funny thing, but re-touching will never be obvious due to its cute size, you can literally hide this brush with one hand!
• does pick up foundation pigments without issues
• multi-functional: this brush can also be used as a blush brush
• inexpensive!  I was surprised with the price tag!  You get a free cute pink pouch and this wonderful mini k-brush for only Php300.00 (approx $6.80)!
• dries up easily after wash
• since this is made of synthetic hair, foundation and blush pigments does not "dye" the color of the brush

Cons

• NONE

Overall

I always prefer the larger k-brushes for overall foundation application, but when my Ecotools K-brush gave up on me (though I can easily glue it back if only I'm not too lazy), I found myself using this as the best alternative.  It never sheds and it never have this scratchy feel that most natural hair has!  This brush is made of synthetic hair but its dense enough to have full control during foundation application! This brush gave me the best of both synthetic and natural hair's world!

Tips

• wash after purchase with a baby shampoo mixed with moisturizing dish washing liquid
• let it dry on its own laying flat on a towel, never add heat!
• if you have a Brush Guard, use one to prevent future fly-away.
• used as blush brush: gently apply a tiny amount of blush on the apples of your cheeks and buff with circular motion for that nice and natural "flush"
• mix your loose powder foundation with a bit of "highlighting" powder, swipe it together and buff onto your face for that natural glow!
  

Will I repurchase?
I hope I don't need to!  This one looks like its going to last long!

To whom do I recommend this for?

Anyone who's a powder foundation user (pressed or loose).  This brush gives out a nice, natural coverage and additional buffing will yield heavier coverage!  Easy to tote along especially during travel!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Beauty & Minerals website for Php300.00 (approx $6.80), comes with free pink pouch!

A closer look to the Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki Brush

Silver handle with the gorgeous Charm Logo

White and pink bristles make it stand out of the brush crowd!

Side by side size comparison with Charm Luxe Kabuki

(you can click link to read the review on the bigger sized one)

Such a nice photo of "Mom and Daughter" tandem!

The Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki on the palm of my hand! 
Reminder: My fingers are short!  So imagine how cute and tiny this is!
Height: 2 inches including the handle!

Do you own a brush as cute and tiny as this one?
This is by far, one of the tiniest K-brush I own --- to date!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(note from author: product was sent as gift.  All reviews are based on author's experience and did not get paid for positive reviews.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Readers' Corner: "What's My Hair Color?"

After seeing my photos of my sexy back!  *laughs*  Hair, I mean the hair ok?  A lot of my readers have been asking me where I had it done or what shade was it!  

Here's the thing about my hair color!  *rewind sound*

My hair has always been boring!  When you read my previous post on rebonding in China, it was also in China that I had my first hair color!  I guess it has to do with boredom and missing the family and hanging with my hair salon friends too much!  I've said yes to a couple of hair treatments that was offered to me by the hair salon just right next to my apartment!  No wonder they love me dearly and gave me a free membership card!  Damn it woman!  I just can't say "no"!  *laughs*

Anyways, the first hair color that was professionally done to my then "virgin" hair was reddish!  It's not the scary reddish color, it's actually nice because my hair looks dark and black on regular lighting but fire-y red under the sun! When I got back home, I can't keep up with the "reddish" hair so I had to do something about it!  I'm not the type who would go to a salon to spend much for a hair color, so my best and most inexpensive alternative is to purchase my own "at home color care treatment".  My first was from L'Oreal Feria line! The shade?  Has to do with "something BROWN" or "BROWN something" --- Beats me!  I can't remember! hahaha

Since then, I've had occasional salon color treatments but most of the time, it was done at home.  And my most recent hair color was from a different brand which I also love --- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color.  I purchased this because the shades available are mostly natural looking and they have a lot of range of browns!

For those who are intrigued, my recent hair color is from a box.....

Light Golden Brown no. 54

The box includes ---

• application instructions
• plastic gloves
• Ammonia-free colorant
• Cream Color Developer
• Nourishing After Color Conditioner

This costs around Php350++ (approx $8.00) but I purchased mine at The Duty Free Philippines with the Peso Power rate of Php40.00 for $6.50 (Php260.00) so I stocked up!  2 boxes! :) I wanted to purchase more but hey, I've only got one head and one set of hair!  *laughs*  Let's not be greedy! :P  For now, Light Golden Brown is love! :)

Revlon 54 Light Golden Brown

color treatment done around June 2010

So it has been almost 4 months, I guess it's time to re-color!

What's your current hair color?

I may sound like an adventurous one but I've always been on the safe "brown" side!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!