Nail Art Tutorial: "Sesame Street" Nails

When I was in elementary, here's my daily schedule...

1. Wakes up at 6:00am
2. Goes to school after breakfast
3. Goes home from school
4. Dinner time
5. Study for quizzes and finishes the homework
6. Sleep time

That's my cycle for more than a decade and that leaves no space for TV!  When everyone's been singing "Sunny Day...Sweepin' the clouds away..." I was probably burying my head on books!  *laughs*  Do not get me wrong though, it was a personal choice to be a nerd! 

When I worked as a teacher to some kids during the summer, that's when I really watched Sesame Street together with the kids!  When a friend of mine Shane *waves hello* requested for a Sesame Street Character Nails (actually, it was Cookie Monster), I've decided to create something more and thought about my ultimate favorite Sesame Street character.  Everyone's been going crazy over how cute Elmo is or how greedy the cute Cookie Monster is...you know who's my favorite? 

GROVER!!!

Grover is furry, lovable, hyper monster in which I associate myself to him!  I'm not saying I am lovable and definitely NOT furry but I'm obviously a hyper monster!  That's why I put my dear Grover on my thumbnails! 

Don't worry, I'm not biased, I was able to incorporate the rest of the Sesame Street characters, not all of course but those that are quite distinct and easy to recognize!  Ready to see how I've done this? 

Step 1:

Think of which Sesame Street characters you would want to put on  your nails.  You have to keep in mine the nail polish shades available!  If you don't have a lot, you can choose to make one character for all 10 fingernails!

Just by looking at the shades, you'll probably know which one is for which!

Since these colors are quite vibrant, do not forget to use base coat prior to polish application.

Tip from AMW:

Do not be scared to mix the shades, since I don't have a Grover shade, I've used a dark blue shade from The Face Shop and top it with Caronia Frosted Polish in Bliss for 2nd coat as seen on photo below.

Step 2:  Create Character Nails

Elmo Nail

I forgot to take a shot of the pinky nail which is Ernie.  I've used The Face Shop Nail Color in RD301.  Using 2 Way Nail Art Pens in White and Black for eyes and mouth.

Cookie Monster Nail

2 coats of  L.A. Colors Nail Polish in Static Electricity.  Using 2 Way Nail Art Pens in White and Black for eyes and mouth.

Bert Nail

Using 2 coats of Elianto Yellow as base.  Using 2 Way Nail Art Pens in Black and White for eyes and mouth.  Caress Regular Nail Polish in Neon Orange for nose.

Grover Thumbnail

Using first coat from The Face Shop Nail Polish in BL604, after first coat is dry, applied Caronia Polish in Bliss on top of the first base to create a different shade close to Grover's color.  

Used 2 Way Nail Art Pens in White and Black for eyes and mouth.  Caress Nail Polish in Neon Pink for the nose.

Step 3:
Making the nail art is COMPLETELY dry, apply your favorite top coat to protect the designs.

If you have more time, you can choose to re-arrange the characters and do the same steps on your toenails!  Now, I can literally sing "Sunny day..sweepin' the clouds away" as I strut my childish butt to work!  *lol*

Hope you enjoy my Sesame Street Nails!
You can always choose to do your own favorite Sesame Street characters let me know as I would love to see it!

What's your favorite Sesame Street Character?

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: GEO Angel Brown Lens

Prior to contact lens usage, I've done a lot of research and I've also talked to a lot of contact wearer friends on tips on how to survive the "scare" of poking my eyes! I've got several queries regarding contact lens when I posted my "I Wonder: Conquering Your Beauty Related Fear" post.  To be honest, I am not an expert with this, I've tried wearing them for more than 5 times now but each time leads to the feeling of "first time", it's just too tedious and takes such a long time to put it on!  I was just complaining to my friend that wearing contact lenses should be the same as learning to ride the bike!  But sad to say, it isn't!  

My first ever contact lens brand GEO Magic Color Lens, how's the performance of this Korean made lens for first time wearers like myself? 

GEO Lens says ---

Soft Contact Lenses for daily wear to correct visual acuity in aphakic and not aphakic persons with non-diseased eyes with myopia or hyperopia.  

The lens may be worn by persons who exhibit retractive astigmatism of 0.50 diopters or less where the astimagtism does not interfere with visual acuity.  The lens is available clear or tinted and may e used to enhance or alter the apparent color of the eye.

Ingredients:  Click photo to enlarge

AMW says ---

Pros

• Seller DashingBeauty: packed in as simple paper packaging together with instructions and lens case.  Shipment is fast and a breeze.

• Colors available for GEO Magic Color lens are very natural!
• Once inserted onto the eye, feels comfortable 
• The lens doesn't look cheap and does not tear up easily!  I've tested this as I've "tried" inserting the lens for multiple times and lens remain ok
• Can give a different overall look!
• My eyes look a bit larger with these lenses!  
• Inexpensive as these can be used for a year.
• Available in different grades, which means, bad eyesight individual can correct eyesight and prettify at the same time!  Mine came in without grade!

• Original GEO lens comes with a sticker and code in which you can check online for authenticity!

• No eye irritation from wearing this!  You have to bear in mind the type and brand of lens cleanser used!

Cons

• Difficult to insert and remove especially for first timers, even second or third or fourth timers!  *lol*
• Huge hassle as this can dry up some people's eyes and eye drops may be needed which leads to additional expense.
• Have to purchase a separate lens cleaner (again, additional expense)
• May cause eye irritations or worst, damage your eyes, check with professionals if you're unsure.
  

Overall
Thank goodness, for a first time contact lens wearing experience, it was a pleasant one as GEO Magic Color lens are super comfortable!

Tips
How to open the contact lens bottle

How to insert contact lens 

• making sure your hands are clean, check to see if lens are free from dirt before insertion
• check to make sure lens are not turned inside out
• placing lens on the tip of the finger, place the middle finger of the same hand close to your lower lashline and pull down the lower lid gently.
• use the forefinger or middle finger of the other hand to lift the upper lid and place the lens straight to the eye.
• gently release both lids and blink
• try and try as it's not easy the first time
• if eyes get tired from trying, do not be hard on yourself, rest!

How to remove contact lens

• hands should be clean
• never be in a hurry to remove lens as you may damage your eyes
• pinch method can be used
• in my case, I have long fingernails, I remove contact lens with both forefingers in a vertical motion, grab both ends of the contacts and gently pinch out.
• first timers?  Do not be harsh on yourself, it took me 30  minutes on one eye!

Care for Lens

• use a solution gentle enough for your eyes.  If you have eye allergies like myself, check out the ingredients before you use it
• never rinse the lens in tap water, this may cause eye infections or injury
• always put the lens into the correct L/R chamber even if there's no grade
• try not to prolong the usage of contact lens.  Never sleep with contact lens on
• if eye allergies exists, check with an ophthalmologists IMMEDIATELY

Will I repurchase?

I actually do not need a lot of contacts as I'm just happy conquering my fear!  But playing around with scary colors isn't bad at all!  Especially this coming Halloween!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into colored contacts, especially Cosplayers! 

**photo taken from DashingBeauty Shop FB page

Where to purchase and how much?
Online sellers.  I got this from DashingBeauty Shop for review.  Check out her FB and multiply page for PRE-order dates and the price is cheaper than the price I got in Korea!  Php650.00 (approx $15.00) a pair with free lens case.  Additional lens cleaner costs Php90.00 (approx $2.00).  FREE Shipping for Pre-Orders.

GEO Magic Color Lens

in Angel Brown

B.C.: 8.60

DIA: 14.0 

(I reckon this is the best size for first time contact lens wearer)

Angel Brown

Angel Grey

I don't wear these daily and I don't plan to!
It's just a nice beautifying "tool" for special events or occasion!
Which one would you go for?  Angel Brown or Angel Grey? 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from Author: GEO Angel Grey lens purchased on my own and GEO Angel Brown sent by company for review.  All information written are based on the writer's personal experience.  Author did not and will never receive payment for positive reviews.  Please purchase at your own discretion )

Weekend Food Tripping at: Johnny Rockets

When Johnny Rockets opened its first restaurant in the Philippines, the "Back to the Future" style diner has always been on my "must visit" and "must-try-the-hamburger" place!  Seldom do I set food around Eastwood Libis, but once I did, the dance number from the Johnny Rockets lady outside the restaurant with my favorite songs from the past puts us on spot and we have to give this restaurant a try "now or never" style!  We weren't that hungry but what the heck?  It's burger!  It's calories worth to intake!  *hehehe*

I literally walked back time and thought about the times my mom and dad were dating as we wait for our food to be served!  Everyone's on their costumes and the songs played are dance music from the past!  No need to put Php1.00 as the songs were playing nonstop!  It must be a perfect timing for us to visit the place!

Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich with Side Salad

Php405.00 (approx $9.40)

The Original Hamburger with Unlimited American Fries

Php285.00 + Php50 (cheese) = Php335.00 (approx $7.80)

I have to share this very cute sexy Coca Cola glass!  Hubby loves it so much we have to ask the waiter if they sell this!  Unfortunately they won't! :(

Both burgers tastes okay, I would say I can get similar burger experience at other burger joints!  What's impressive and original are the ambiance and the staff service!  I love how groovy they are! Check out the groovy wild hair of the waiter right behind the blue balloon! :)

And you know what adds up the charm?  They serve you fries with a nice "Ketchup-y SMILE"

Johnny Rockets Philippines

Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall Veranda

Libis Quezon City

Tel. Nos: (632) 470-2208/ (632) 470-2117

Have you tried Johnny Rockets burger?
Which is the best tasting burger for you to date?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Happy Weekend Food Tripping!

I Wonder: "Do You Panic?"

When I first received my tube of Lucas' Papaw Ointment from a dear friend last year, I've read raves about this miracle ointment!  I've only used this on my lips like a petroleum jelly and I thought that's all I would use this for!  

Who would have thought I'll be using this again?  When this happens.... (Beware: Gross photo perfect for Halloween)

I may be a dedicated blogger but trust me when I say I did not do this on purpose just for the sake of review!  *laughs*  This happened 3 days ago when I was rushing to curl my hair for a special function to attend!  Lo and behold, the curling iron slipped and fell straight on my leg! (FYI: Curling iron on maximum heat setting)  Imagine those cartoon moments that goes "EOooooOOAAAWWWWWcccCCChhhhHH!!!!???"  Yup!  That's me! 

I quickly scanned around my room in search for a toothpaste!  I saw my Close Up White Now toothpaste but thank goodness my mind was still working as I don't want to put blue stuff onto the burn, I can't seem to find my regular toothpaste!  The burn can actually go up to my "common sense" and put it to HALT!

For a split second, there was a tiny divine intervention, I remembered the Papaw Ointment and even bothered to check the description at the back....

BINGO!!!

A local topical application for boils, burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, gravel rash, splinters, open wounds, insect bites and nappy rash.  The ointment helps to relieve and cleanse.

I applied it directly onto the burn!  You know what?  I do not have a stash of huge band aid or even a gauze bandage!  So I managed to slip into my dress and you know what shocked me?  Even with the clothing rubbing directly against the burn and wound, its not as bothersome as I would've imagined!  

I brought the Lucas Papaw Ointment and reapplied every hour and managed to survive the day like nothing happened!

What about taking a shower?  I can't survive going out without taking a shower so I went to a local drugstore to purchase Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Adhesive Dressing with Pad.  This costs me Php150.00 (approx  $3.50) and it's worth every single penny!

I took a shower and it stayed with me for 2 days!  I can even prolong the usage of this but I am just not comfortable seeing "blood stains" creeping out of the pad!  

So I changed it and tried using a gauze which works well too!  Minus the waterproof function though!

The paste-like texture of Lucas Papaw Ointment works like a charm!  I am now saving this up!  I am definitely not expecting for another burn but this one definitely is a gem in my medical kit!  Sorry lips, there are many lip treatments out there but there's only a few of you that works like a charm with emergencies like this!

I've had bad burns before and 2 weeks isn't enough to heal!  With the magical ointment, my burn may still look bad but I can feel it's healing!  After 4 days of constant application....  (Beware again, still a photo for Halloween)

*sigh* Tips for everyone:

• Have a medical kit within reach inside the house
• Do purchase gauze and big sized adhesive bandages
• Whether you've been handling hot tools or dangerous objects for the longest time, accidents still do happen so always be careful!  (I have to admit that I was daydreaming while rushing at the time this accident happened)

I'm leaving you with an I Wonder thought:
"Do You Panic in Emergencies Like This?"
I'd love to hear some stories from you and how you handle it!

I used to be a "Panicker-Nikkers" but wow!  Times have changed and I've obviously changed!  Since my mom's "bad operation" incident last year, I found myself self-composed at times like these!

Have a safe Halloween!
Happy scaring!  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: GlamBox Mink Lash

If lashes can walk on their own and jump onto my eye, I'll wear them everyday!  I am born with non-existent lashes, as you all know, as I've always been complaining!  Though I'm proud of each and every part of my body that God created, there are some days I wanted my lashes to be "at least a tiny bit " visible especially on photos!  

This blog post is not a  post of me finding lashes that can walk on its own!  Though it'll be wonderful if there's such thing!  Today, I'm blogging about a new lash brand that's so comfortable to use and very natural to look at!  The name itself sounds chic and pricey, but what's the real deal?

GlamBox Mink Lash

GlamBox Mink Lash says ---

Soft, lightweight, velvety, flexible and natural-looking, every GlamBox Mink Lash gives you the look and feel of luscious celebrity lashes that were once exclusive of personalities like Oprah and Madonna.

GlamBox Mink Lashes are made from individually selected mink furs that have been harvested by gently brushing live farm animals.  They are not chemically treated or dyed to ensure the velvet appearance that can only be found in mink fur.  They are sterilized and are hypo-allergenic.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packed in a very professional packaging you can tote along.
• The packaging can be used as "lash storage"
• Comes in with clear instructions printed at the backside of the lashes. (you can click photo to enlarge)

• It's shape and form remains the same even after several usage.
• Seriously lightweight, once applied correctly, I don't have the heavy feel like most falsies would give!
• Looks very natural!  
• Once applied correctly, can brighten up the eyes and eyes look huge!
  
• Can be reused up to 20 times as long as you take good care of it! (worth the investment)
• Made from 100% real mink fur (as stated by the company), that shocked me a bit at first but glad to  know the company does not support animal testing and they are harvested by gently brushing live farm animals!  No animals were harmed making these falsies! 
• Hypo-allergenic, contact lens users can use this without irritating the eyes!

Cons

• The glue that comes along with this has already dried up.  So first time users, I suggest to purchase a lash adhesive separately.

• Pricey at first glance and pricey if you ruined the lashes at first use!  Practice first with inexpensive lashes before you use this!

Overall

If you wear false lashes a lot of times, this is a great investment as it is very natural to look at, does not feel heavy on your eyelids and does not irritate my sensitive eyes!  I love the fact that this is easy to clean and I've reused this for a couple of times and the lashes remain new-looking!

Tips (from GlamBox and AMW)
How to use?

• curl your lashes with an eyelash curler
• cut lashes at the ends to suit your eye lash line size
• gently shape the band of the lashes with your fingers to give it a curve.
• click HERE on how to apply falsies
• as much as possible, no need to apply mascara to prolong the life span of the mink lashes.  You can choose to apply mascara on your real lashes prior to falsies application.
• I suggest to purchase your own glue, a good one would be from Ardell or Andrea instead of the glue that comes with this.

How to remove?

• Apply some eye makeup remover to the eye lash area, wait for a few seconds to allow adhesive to loosen up.
• Start by removing the corner of the lashes from outside, gently pulling it out.  If you find it difficult to pull out, dab on the area again with a makeup remover to loosen glue.
• Use a gentle eye makeup remover that's safe for the eyes.
• Never pull lashes too hard as it may ruin the "shape" of the falsies.

How to store?

• Wash lashes using a gentle makeup remover to take out dirt.
• Soak the lashes in water for about 5 minutes to soften the rest of the adhesives.
• Use a pair to tweezers to remove excess glue if needed.
• Store lashes in the original packaging to retain its shape.
• If I plan to store the lashes for longer period of time, I apply tiny dot of eyelash glue on both ends of the lashes and stick it back to the packaging to maintain its shape!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  For my personal use!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Girls with short and sparse lashes or even girls blessed with good-looking lashes are both welcomed to use this!  It adds up to the charm of your eyes minus the fake lashes look!  I can even suggest this to first-time-false lash users because it does not make you feel sleepy like those heavy lashes I've tried!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Glambox Cosmetics Website for Php1,500 a pair (approx. $35.00)

Photo taken before and after GlamBox Mink Lash, photo may not be taken the exact angle and distance but you can see the difference of eyes with falsies as compared to none!

I am keeping track on the total number of times I will be able to reuse the GlamBox Mink Lash!  If I can wear this for at least 10 times, I consider it a great investment!  Php150.00 (approx $3.49) /usage isn't bad at all!  If I can use it for 20 times Php75.00 (approx $1.75) /usage is even better!

I'll report back!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product was sent for review purposes.  All information written are based on the writer's personal experience.  Author did not and will never receive payment for positive reviews.  Please purchase at your own discretion)