Weekend Food Tripping at: Pasto, Brother's Burger + Random Update

My weekend starts today!  It was really a busy week but this girl ain't complaining!  Being busy means getting things done and I like the feel of it!  Though I've always been "work then straight to mom's place" kind of girl, I do schedule to meet up with friends or attend events to keep my brain out of the "worrying stage".  This week is definitely not an exception!  I got to have a bonding time with an ex-colleague as her birthday's coming up!  Advance Happy Birthday Ghetto B!

Thanks to Bea for the dinner and the wonderful stories at Pasto!

Pesto

Php225.00 (approx $5.35)

Capellini with basil pesto sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts

If you are not into heavy tasting pesto, this is not the dish for you.  I like pesto so this one is a winner in my dictionary!

Salsiccia e Funghi

Php215.00 (approx $5.11)

Rigatoni with sweet and spicy Italian Sausage, mushroom, onions and bell peppers.

Rigatoni, I believe are the "tube type" pasta, they probably ran out of it, that explains the spiral pasta!  I don't mind though, this dish is my absolute favorite for the night!

Formaggi Pizza

Php255.00 (approx $6.00)

Four cheese pizza, consists of Feta, Ricotta, Mozzarella and Parmesan

Not for the "cheese-phobic".  Four types of cheese on top of a crunch crust keeps my tummy happy and smiling!  That includes my fats too!  *laughs*

PASTO

El Pueblo, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

Tel. no: (632) 634-0157

Good service, great ambiance, accepts both cash and credit card!

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I also did a trial makeup for a client yesterday, I did both hair and makeup (will post photo next time).  We were done after lunch hour so me and the hubby rushed to nearby fast food joint, Brother's Burger for a quick chow!  I am glad when I saw a poster of rice topping as I'm not craving for hamburgers at that moment!

Left: Brother's Burger Bowl

Right: Beef Salpicao Bowl

Each meal costs Php150.00 

Includes: Ice tea or Lemonade, small brownie

I separated ordered Onion Rings and Fries 

Php65.00 (approx $1.50) each

We went to the mall after gazillion years to have my haircut!  The hubby was lemming for a bottle of Coke so we went to Watson's!  As he was lining up, I quickly scanned through the beauty store and I seriously asked myself the last time I set food inside the mall!  I've been hiding inside a rock for sure!  So many makeup brands popping up!  I've seen them around but I haven't seen them for quite some time!!!

(Note from Author: Sorry for the blurry shots as these are all ninja shots!) 

Shawill Make-Up 

I actually got to know this brand 2 years ago at Crossings mall.  I actually bought the Shawill Lip Gloss and haven't seen much of the brand ever since.  Glad to see this brand has grown and they're offering wider range of products!

Beauty Treats

Call me a Flinstone but I haven't heard about this brand til this photo!  The prices are quite competitive, I got intrigued with a huge set of lipgloss for only 160 peso something each!  (approx $3.80)  I haven't gotten the chance to check out the rest because....

My eyes got diverted to this....

Dream Girl

I can imagine myself looking around this area if I'm a teenager who's into make-up!  The booth is quite inviting for "Pink and Black" combination lovers like myself!  I find the products available are quite "teeny-boppy" but it obviously works because I've seen a lot of young girls roving around the area.

James Cooper

A famous makeup artist Fanny Serrano made his own makeup brand.  So why can't James Cooper?  Same generation professional make-up artists who made its name for ears!  His products are more on the professionally looking side, I think the powder foundations and lipsticks look promising!  It does remind me of the Fanny Serrano Cosmetics though!  Sorry James!

There are still a lot more brands which I've seen in the past so I did not bother to take shots of them!  I haven't really looked into the products because I am in a hurry to have my hair done and rest!  It was a long day!

I finally set foot at Tony and Jackey Salon.  I used to go to Mr. Tony from Tony and Jackey Makati Branch, after he left for Shanghai, I went to other stylists and fortunately, I always get good results!  I am quite ecstatic to learn that the salon opens it doors at the SM mall near me!  It's going to be my 2nd time to have my hair cut in this branch!  The guy who did my cut is on leave so it was a girl who did my cut and seriously!  Watching her cut my hair is "performance at its best!"  

If I may say, her scissors are so sharp that my brains will seriously ooze out if she accidentally pokes it on my scalp!  Am I being gross?  YES!  Because I'm paranoid that way!  *hahaha*

Here's me with "the length I want to maintain" plus "the lightweight layers" I've always wanted!

I love the cut she did and my good friend Tara loved her Tony and Jackey experience too!  My cut costs Php500.00 (approx $11.90).  Oh so worth it because my last haircut was 6 months ago!  I've always love their "cutting style" because it gets better as my hair grew longer!

Have a great weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Falsies?"

I've always complain about my puny lashes!  But the complainer is not vain enough to make an effort to apply mascara daily or even falsies on special occasions!  I just leave it as it is because I accepted the fact that it will be that way until I grow old!  

Don't get me wrong, I know the effect of good lashes, and if I plan to wear false lashes, I wear 'em good!  The Glambox Mink Lashes looks really nice but I want to save them on special occasions.  But there's one cheaper alternative that I love using because it gives a nice "I know you have falsies on, Oh wait, you don't have falsies on" look! 

(Thanks go S for taking this shot while I was doing someone's makeup)

What's my "to go to" lashes?  It's the Korean Lashes I bought from Bonjour Store during my Hong Kong last year!  Don't worry, we have these look-a-likes available at The Face Shop called XLH lashes for about Php100.00 (approx $2.50)!  And another secret why I love using these?  They are way easier to apply because the lash band is shorter as compared to full lashes!

I Wonder:
"What's Your Favorite Falsies?"

Any brand you'd like to share?  

Click comment and it'll be great to know your weapon!
Have a gorgeous Saturday!  I'll be off doing a wedding trial makeup!
Nothing beats the high of prettifying someone over the weekend!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: The Body Shop Autumn Leaves Compact

Whenever I opt for a very natural almost "no makeup" look, I'll reach out for my favorite Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals Beach Tan Bronzer as my blush!  I love using it and my only complaint is that I can't carry it around because I don't want it to mess up inside my bag!

I was hoping for a pressed version of something as pretty and as natural and my wish came through after a year when The Body Shop launched its Autumn Collection 2010!

I wanted to blog about this as early as I can as I believe this is super limited edition!  I hope that they still sell these at this very moment!  If not....can I just say.. "Sorry?" *bats puny eyelashes*

TBS Autumn Leaves Compact says ---

Light up with a choice of two pressed powder compacts, each with a mix of four pearly shades pressed together in a beautiful autumn leaf design.  Choose the compact to suit your skint one, give your cheeks and decolletage a gorgeous glow with two new natural-looking palettes in soft dusky pink shades and warm russet tones.

Available in Shades: 01 Chestnut Apples and 02 Berry

Wt: 9grams (0.3 oz)

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging: Nice clear case wherein you can see the lovely autumn leaves emboss at once!
• Very pretty to look at!  Very unique.
• Does not crack easily as compare to other baked blushes (I actually dropped mine and thank goodness it did not crack!!!!) 
• Gives a very subtle shimmer which adds up to a nice glow on your face.
• Gives a super natural flush on the cheeks.
• Will never create the "clown" look we're scared off.
• Looks really nice on photos, does not look glittery or oily at all.
• Multi-functional, can be applied on face and other parts of the body like arms and decolletage.

Cons

• Very tiny Oc-ness detail of mine, I'd love it if they have a bigger sticker at the back as I don't have super sonic eyes to see the details at once :)

• No mirror
• Limited edition! 

Overall

I reach out for this daily as I can't go wrong using this!  I could never go overboard with this and it gives me a nice "awake" look eventhough I only have less than 4 hours of sleep!

Tips

• Use any blush you're comfortable with, test with a big powder brush, fan brush or blush brush!
• Apply on the apples of your cheeks going outwards to create that naturally "flushed" look.
• Apply sparingly and add up as you go on.  
• Step back and look at your reflection with ample lighting in front of the mirror to check if both cheeks matched or if colors are blended.
• If you want more color on your cheeks, you can use a separate blush color and apply this on top for that nice "inner glow"
• If applied too much, brush on your favorite matte powder foundation on top of this to lessen the "glowy" look.

Will I repurchase?
No, this one will last me for quite some time.  And this is limited edition anyways.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the super natural flush!  Not for you if you are looking for matte blush or something more obvious!

Where to purchase and how much?
At The Body Shop stores for Php1,395.00 (approx $31.00)

Shade: 02 Berry

Soft Pinkish Shimmer Shade 

Texture felt like MAC's Mineralized Skin Finishes

Gently applied Berry using 

Thevi Blush Brush with upward strokes

*laughs* Sorry for the shocked look!  Here's a photo to prove that using this compact gives a natural flush that's not too obvious that I have blush on!  

Face: Neutrogena Fine Fairness Compact in Natural Beige
Eyebrows: Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 04
Blush: The Body Shop's Autumn Leaves Compact in 02 Berry

What's your super-duper natural blush at the moment?

Happy Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Purederm 3-in-1 Beauty Magic BB Cream

I've purchased gazillion of Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream (Exaggeration of course), because it works for me!  But I've received so many queries regarding BB creams for so long and I've always replied to them that I don't try other BB creams much because I've found "The One".  But BB Creams seem to be finding its way straight to my arms or shall I say...Face!

I've been given another chance to try on another variant of Purederm BB cream after THIS review.  I want to thank the company for entrusting my opinion about their products!  I know I shouldn't even be trying this product as I have a feeling this BB cream is meant for the oilier lovelies!  But hey, there are some products I am willing to try just to be able to prove a point!  And there are times..well..most of the time, I am right!  (Just using a bit of my bragging rights) *laughs*  oh oh!  *evil laughs* Bwahahaha

Purederm 3-in-1 Beauty Magic BB Creams says ---

SPF30 PA++, Wrinkle, Skin Conditioning

Moisturizes and protects your stressed skin.  With SPF30 PA++, it blocks out UV A and B rays from the sun.  It's waterproof feature makes sure that the 3-in-1 attributes remain against water and sweat.  Enriched with natural and herbal tea extracts increases skin elasticity and improves skin conditioning.

Use this for: Uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles, dry skin

Content: 50ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging looks so cute with it's Pink tube and twisty silver cap!
• Sealed when new

• A tiny amount goes a long way
• Gives a matte effect that most of us love!
• Has UVA and UVB protection, works as good as a regular sunscreen (SPF30)
• Has additional anti-aging properties
• Evens out uneven parts of the skin.
• Blurs out tiny lines or wrinkles!

• Inexpensive!
• No weird scent
• No white cast on photos and no weird patches once applied correctly.
• Yellow undertone which matches most Asian skin.

Cons

• Can be a bit too drying on dry skin!
• A bit tricky to apply, have to blend really well
• Shade could be a bit too light for darker skin toned individuals
• Creates "white cast" if not applied correctly, if other areas are applied thicker than the other!  Trick is to blend blend blend really well!
• Just like most BB Creams: Not everyone can use this, some ingredients may cause irritations or allergies. 
• Only 1 shade available

Overall

A great mattifier and makeup base!  I haven't tested the "overall effect" of this BB cream as prolong usage is needed, but for a span of almost a month, I find that this works best for oily or combination skin.  Dry skin individuals like myself needs EXTRA moisturizer prior to the usage of this BB cream.

Tips
from Purederm

• Evenly apply the right quantity to your face. 
• It can also be used as a makeup base.

from AMW

• For normal skin: after skincare regimen, apply liberally with clean hands.
• For oily skin: after skincare regimen, apply this liberally with clean hands then use another makeup primer on areas that oils up easily. (sides of the nose, cheeks and forehead)
• For dry skin: after skincare regimen, do not forget to double moisturize areas that tends to dry up easily.  (sides of the nose, lower cheeks, etc...)
• For sensitive skin: test the product on your wrist area or apply product on small part of the skin like lower part of the ear or back of the ear for the whole day to see if allergies or skin irritations occur.  
• For combination skin: you can choose to apply lightly on areas that do not need much coverage or "primer" while apply a bit more on areas that needed coverage or oils up more! 
• Always apply with clean hands.
• I prefer to warm the product at the back of my hand then apply thinly onto my face starting at the middle portion of the face.
• After BB Cream application, if coverage is enough, gently dust on face powder or setting powder to "set" the BB cream and you're ready to go
• If this color is too light or dark on you, you can always adjust with the foundation  (liquid/powder) you use.
• Always wash your face with a cleanser that has makeup removing properties before going to bed.
• Do not forget to apply on the neck area as well!

Will I repurchase?
No.  Purederm's Pearl BB Cream works better on me.

To whom do I recommend this to?

If you have oily skin, this is a better BB cream for you.  If you have dry skin like myself, I prefer to use the Pearl BB Cream variant from Purederm.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watson's stores for Php659.00 (approx $15.30)

Purederm 3-in-1 Beauty Magic BB Cream 

Texture and Shade

Applied lightly on my bare face

For reference: I am MAC NC20/25 shade

Paul & Joe Dual Powder Foundation number 20/02

Are BB creams part of your morning regimen? 
Do you think it does wonders to the skin?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Note from author: Product was sent for review purposes. Author will not accept payments for POSITIVE reviews. All reviews are based on personal experiences, please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Bulletin: Beauty & Minerals Turns 4 Anniversary Sale

Dear Philippine Readers:

I've heard about Beauty & Minerals when I first learned about Mineral Makeups 4 years ago.  I fondly remember browsing through the multiply site checking out photos of Ms. B&M meeting up clients at coffee shops to teach them how to use mineral makeups!  I was intrigued!  But I wasn't into mineral makeups those times and I don't think I would like to spend money on them as I was saving up on something I can't even remember!  (seriously, old age is getting to me!) *laughs*

Now, Beauty & Minerals have grown, and what's even better?  I personally got to be friends with the Ms. B&M Sophie and I am so proud of her!  It's such a small world that we studied the same elementary/highschool and she's way younger than I am and look how she managed her small business!  This girl's got the energy, the creativity, the hard work and the brains!  Oh, can I add something unrelated?  She's got the beauty too! 

**photo grabbed from B&M

Enough about the Beautynomist, I don't need anything from her so those are good words meant from the bottom of my big big heart!  For her 4th year anniversary celebration, she is celebrating it with her B&M friends by giving them huge sales!

Head on to Beauty & Minerals site for more information!

Enjoy shopping B&M friends!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

P.S. I am not paid to do this post, I am doing this because I love sharing "Money Saving" information to my readers!