Monday, March 7, 2011

Nail Art Tutorial: "Angry Birds" Nails

*Angry Birds song playing*

I can literally hum the Angry Birds tune anytime of the day!  I actually finished the game that's why I knew the faces of the characters by heart!  After a bit of push from Mr. AMW (who loves Angry Birds too), I finally gave in to try out my own version of Angry Birds on Nails!  I hope I gave justice to the characters!

To those who are not familiar with Angry Birds, here's their family photo!


Here are the main characters --- 
Yes, they are friends in this photo, wait till you see the bottom part of this post!

Step 1:
This looks crazy but you'll get why I strategically arrange the colors to be this way.  Applied 2 coats of each shade with a nice base coat to protect my nails.


 These are the polishes I've used

Step 2: "Pigs"
The pigs are the easiest to draw.  I used the brush from the nail polish in creating dots for the eyes and nose.

Making sure the dots are completely dry, dot on black polish with 2 Way Nail Art Pen or toothpick to create eyes and nose.


You can skip this step, but I chose to outline the eyes and nose area.


Step 3: "Red Bird"
Apply 2 coats of Matte White Polish (mine from Nature Republic), let dry.  Once the base is completely dry, draw an outline with a thin brush with curve then fill it up with your choice of red polish.  I am using Revlon's All Fired Up.



Use the same step as the pigs in creating eyes, use a thin brush in drawing the brows and apply orange polish for the beak.  Finish up by outlining the eyes and beak just like the way I did for pigs.


Step 3: "Yellow Bird"
The yellow bird in the game is triangular in shape, I cannot do anything with the shape so I'll just draw the face of the bird on my regular shaped nails!  Same with the Red Bird.  Apply 2 coats of Matte White Polish and let dry.  Use a matte yellow polish to create the yellow part of the yellow bird.


Eyes and eyebrows drawn similarly as that of the pigs.  Since the beak of the yellow bird is tinier and has more shape, I opted to use a tiny brush.


Do not forget to outline the beak and eyes for a more distinct appearance.


Step 4: "Blue Bird"
There was nothing spectacular with the way the blue bird was drawn, its the same as the rest of the birds drawn.


Step 5: "White Bird"
This bird is supposed to be white but I chose to use a grayish polish instead for the eyes to show up.


Same step on creating eyes.  You can choose to give them more expression by putting the dots in different direction.  I made this bird looking at the pig on its left side.

Draw the brows with black 2 Way Nail Art Pen

Step 6: "Black Bird"
This is actually my favorite character as this bird blows up!  Applied the black similarly as the red and yellow bird.  If you find it difficult to curve your nail polish brush, it is advisable to do an outline first so you won't make mistakes.


Instead of black eyebrows, I used orange for the brows instead as it is what the character has in the game. 

Drop an orange polish in between the left and right eye for the beak.
Finish up by outlining the beak with black 2 Way Nail Art Pen.
Step 7:
It is vital to make sure the nail art ARE COMPLETELY DRY!  It helps to blowdry your nails!  Apply 2 coats of your favorite top coat to protect the nail art design you've done.
 

Time spent: 1 Hour, it's all worth it!
I finally have my favorite Angry Birds characters on my nails!


I did say they were friends at the start for "pictorial purposes", now let the game begin!



I hope you like my childish nail art design!
Do you play Angry Birds?

NOTE: Click HERE for part 2 version of Angry Birds Nail art.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Sunday, March 6, 2011

Weekend Food Tripping at: Bok Lene

**Note from Author: Unfortunately, the restaurant closed down :(

Weekend Food Tripping!  I love it when I'm off to a restaurant that can serve me food that warms not only the tummy but the heart!  Seems like I'm talking about home-cooked meals.  

Bok Lene (pronounced as Bok Len), is actually a small restaurant you won't probably  know exist!  Once you get inside, the ambiance is welcoming and relaxing and the owner will greet you right away.  It was the second time for us to dine in this restaurant as we were craving for good, healthy, Chinese dish to prepare us for a busy week soon!

**Note: All orders have sizes available, you can choose between Small (good for 2-3), Medium (good for 4-6) or Large (8 and above).

Chicken Corn Soup (Medium)
Php280.00 (approx $6.50)
I love corn soup!  I like having a cup of my warm corn soup together with my rice! 
 

 Fried Dragon Balls
Php80.00 (approx $2.00) for 3 pcs.
 A must appetizer when you dine in this restaurant.  The sauce that comes with this is so unique you can't help but ask for more!

 Cha Misua (Medium)
Php220.00 (approx $5.10) for small size
Cha Misua is a favorite noodle dish for people who are celebrating their birthdays.  It may not be my birthday anymore but it feels like birthday to eat noodles that has good servings of eggs, peanuts, mushrooms, pork, various seafood etc...

 Yang Chow Fried Rice (Large)
Php180.00 (approx $4.18) for small size
 I like how it has a nice scent of Fried Rice cooked from an authentic Chinese restaurant.  I don't eat a lot of those often but this tiny restaurant can offer the Yang Chow Fried Rice I crave for.

Fried Spare Ribs Salt and Pepper (Medium)
Php250.00 (approx $5.80) for small size

Easy to chew, does not have a lot of bones nor fat.  I like it that its called Spare Ribs but I can eat a lot of the meat! :) 

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (Medium)
Php220.00 ($5.10) for smalls size
Fresh fish with the right sweetness and sourness!


Beef with Mushroom Sauce (medium)
Php250.00 (approx $5.80) for small size
Thinly sliced beef with loads of sliced button mushrooms and a lot of sauce! Perfect to be poured all over rice for that tasty feast.

Bok Lene
519 N.S. Amoranto Corner Pao Street 
Quezon City
Tel. No: (632) 413-8807

Cash payment only, no service charge.  You can even request Chinese dishes not included in the menu.  I will definitely visit this restaurant again!  It's perfect to drag along the family as it feels really good to eat with a lot of people especially when you're surrounded with people you love.

What's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Saturday, March 5, 2011

Avon Gives: Simply Because --- 5 Winners Announced!

Thanks to everyone who joined my Avon Gives: Simply Because contest for that very own set of For Him and For Her Simply Because scents. 

I want to thank Ogilvy Philippines for helping me choose 5 winners.  All the stories shared are worth reading!  After long decision making, 5 winners were finally chosen!
Congratulations to ---
  1. Agnes De La Cruz
  2. Melody Kay
  3. Helen Blas
  4. Agnes Peran
  5. Vanessa Barrameda
Kindly send me an email with your complete name, mobile number and mailing address.

To the rest, do not worry, I'll come up with more contests soon!
Thank you Ogilvy and Avon Philippines!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


AMW Reviews: Dove Go Fresh Energizing Beauty Body Wash

I've used a number of body washes in the past and I'm not very particular on which one's my favorite, I can't seem to find one as they all feel the same!  Well, scents can differ from brand to brand but the effect it gives me are mostly the same.  

Not until I got myself a bottle of Dove Beauty Body Wash Go Fresh!

 

Dove Beauty Body Wash Go Fresh in Energizing proudly says ---
An energizing formula that gently awakens and hydrates your skin, with sparkling scent of Grapefruit and Lemongrass.  Feel Fresh.  Go Fresh.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Packaging is simple yet refreshing to look at.
  • Includes manufactured date which makes it easy for you to know how long the product has been with you or if it expires already.
  • The cap isn't difficult to open.
  • The scent is wonderful!  Really recharging!
  • Suds up easily.
  • A little goes a super long way!
  • Moisturizes.
  • Very gentle on skin.
Cons
  • Soap lovers wouldn't be comfortable using this.
  • The scent won't stay long!
Overall
This is my favorite body wash to date!  Highly recommended by yours truly!  This is definitely a refreshing way to wake me up minus Caffeine! :P

Tips
  • Apply a tiny amount of body wash only a wet pouf or wash cloth, work into rich, creamy lather.
  • You can always follow up with body oil or body lotion as drier skin individual like myself needed MORE!
Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to wake up and take a shower with a lovely smell of grapefruit and lemon grass, I may not be able to distinguish each from the other but the combination works SUPER well!

Where to purchase and how much?
At beauty stores, groceries for less than Php100.00 (approx less than $2.30)

I'll leave you with a cute tiny bubble 
for a BUBBLY weekend!


What's your favorite Body Wash?  Whisper it to me and I may give it a try next.
Oh...do you sing in the shower?  I seriously Can't!!!!  I'll probably end up drinking shampoo + water + conditioner + lizard!  *laughs*  (The lizard is just a joke, I am in no way harming any animal in this post!)

Have a gorgeous Saturday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Friday, March 4, 2011

AMW Reviews: Artistry Liquid Foundation SPF20 PA+++

Artistry --- when I think about the brand, I think about the wide skin care range they offer!  Boy have I missed a lot!  Artistry is also known for their cosmetics line.

I was invited by Dr. Michael John Hilario to have my Personal Artistry Experience.  I told myself its the best time for me to familiarize myself with the brand and products and report them all to you!  I am very grateful that "Meeko" (nickname) was very accommodating and patient!  He actually invited me last year and I only got the chance to visit the Center this year!

Like a kid on a candy store, I've checked out almost ALL the Artistry products!  I will insert them here once in awhile for AMW readers to know more about the products the brand offer!  A lot of them worthwhile!

I want to have a jump start with the Artistry Liquid Foundation with SPF20 PA+++



Liquid Foundation SPF 20 PA+++ says ---
Artistry foundations fit your skin perfectly.

They have 2 types of formulation ---
  1. Artistry Balancing Foundation, with balancing matrix, equalizes combination-to-oily skin.
  2. EFA-rich Artistry Hydrating Foundation nurtures normal-to-dry skin. 
Both share: Desert Hydration Complex for optimum hydration, Aura of Protection for free radical defense and SPF20 PA+++ for protection.  Also, Ideal Shade Technology intuitively adjusts to match your skin tone so you can find your way to flawless.

AMW says --- (On Hydrating Foundation)
Pros
  • Very light on skin.
  • No weird smell.
  • Does not feel heavy at all!  Actually feels like airbrushed foundation!
  • Gives a nice light to medium coverage.
  • Can double up as concealer if you apply more on areas that needed coverage.
  • Does not dry up my skin.
  • No signs of irritations nor allergic reactions.
  • A little goes a long way!  I used only a drop for the whole face, I just covered my under eye circles and the center of my face.
  • Has SPF20 PA+++!
Cons
  • Glass bottle is gorgeous but no pump!
  • Difficult to purchase, cannot be found easily inside a mall!
  • Shade is not enough! 
Overall
I can easily compare the feel of this foundation with an expensive foundation.  I wore this makeup for the whole day doing errands, and even took a nap and woke up with foundation looking intact!  I wouldn't mind using this for myself but I wouldn't carry this around for clients as the bottles are quite heavy and the shade choices are limited.

Tips
  • Try to check the testers by visiting the Artistry Center or contacting the rep from Artistry to swatch on the shades.
  • Choose the right shade for your skin by applying foundation directly on your jawline and examine under natural daylight.
  • You can use clean fingers, sponge or foundation brush for application.
  • You can choose to apply thinly on areas that do not need much coverage and apply  more to act as "concealer" for problem areas like under eye circles or marks.
Will I purchase?
I wouldn't mind purchasing this for myself but I have loads to finish up at present.

To whom do I recommend this to?


The hydrating foundation (that I've used) are great for normal and dry skin.  The foundation gives a nice clean finish minus the dryness.  If you have oily skin, you can choose the Balancing Foundation which was made for oilier friends out there.  The downside is, there are only 2 shades available for the Artistry Balancing Foundation.



Where to purchase and how much?
You check out the locally available product lines by visiting www.amway2u.com or www.amway.com.ph. 
You can email Michael John Hilario (Meeko) for your Artistry Products query (mjthilariomd@gmail.com)
Check out Artistry on Facebook (search "Artistry Skin Care and Cosmetics") http://www.facebook.com/artistry.
Hydrating Foundation and Balancing Foundation costs Php1,470.00 (approx $34.00) for 30ml.

I gave one pump on each shade on my hand

  1.  Vanilla
  2. Soleil
  3. Golden
  4. Brulee


A mix of Soleil and a tiny bit of Vanilla! 
Sorry, lighting was a bit bad when this photo was taken

Have you tried any Artistry Products?
I've once tried the Artistry Waterproof Mascara 200 and I wasn't that impressed, I'm glad I will be giving this brand another try and Meeko actually told me their mascara is of better formulation!  Again, I can't really tell as I've only tried MOST of the Artistry products once!  But hey, I still have a lot of things to say you know! *winks*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!