Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Nail Art Tutorial: "Plants vs. Zombies" Nails

Happy Tuesday girls and boys!  Nail art tutorial time!  I missed last week's nail art tutorial but to the rest who have seen me in person knew I didn't slack off!  I was able to do a romantic colorful butterfly nails because I wanted something a bit formal as I was attending parties here and there!  I do apologize I don't have any tutorial on that as I did my nails when the hubby wasn't around so no photos! :(  I'll probably redo it next time!

Since this week will be a bit slower, I've decided to finally do the "request of Mr. AMW" and from the rest of the gamers out there!  After my "Angry Birds" Nails, I've several "game related" requests and there's one that I can't seem to snob....it's my favorite game anyways and I finished this game so fast not because I'm good, but because I've got tips from Mr. AMW!

I was a bit lazy looking at the characters of PVZ game!  Looking at the colors needed, I was a bit sulky but because I have to do my end of the deal, the pouty lips and the complaints were all gone when I started to draw, I am actually having so much fun seeing my favorite PVZ characters come to life!
My Plants vs. Zombies Nails!
This will be a bit of hassle for nail art beginners because a lot of colors are needed!  You can start by doing just ONE character for all 10 nails!  On my part, I've decided to do 10 different characters because I have the colors and I love these characters!  These are the "most used" PVZ characters of AMW!  Are you ready?  Please be advised that this post is loaded with photos! :)


Character #1 "Cherry Bomb"


1st photo: Cherry isn't actually that much difficult as my first nail art ever was a cherry!  Instead of creating a perfect circle cherries, I didn't use any dotting tool, I just create a cherry directly using the polish brush.
2nd photo: Using Black 2 Way Nail Art Pen or a thin brush, draw the stems
3rd photo: Use a Green 2 Way Nail Art Pen to create leaves. 


Character #2 "Pea Shooter"
Pea shooter is quite difficult to do at first glance but the basic rule is to control the pressure of your hands to create "big dots" and "smaller dots".

1st photo: Using any light green polish, I create 2 dots close to each other.  One is bigger than the other as shown on photo.
2nd photo: Make sure the green polish are completely dry, use Black 2 Way Nail Art Pen or Dotting tool or any tool that has circle tip to create the eyes and mouth.  It is your choice to outline the "pea" or not.  I did!



3rd photo: Draw the stem with Green 2 Way Nail Art Pen or, again, a thin brush.
4th photo: You can leave the green that way, in my case, my green color is a bit opaque so I added "black" to create shadows.



Character #3 "Tall-Nut"

The "tall nut" is one of my favorite and I make sure to strategically place them right in front so it'll take time for the Zombies to destroy this while my dependable Pea shooters and Snow Peas do my favorite "spit"! :P  The thing is, no matter how much I love the tall nut, one mistake in drawing will make it look like "poop on a nail"  *laughs*  So I really took time in doing this and it surprised me that this came out to be a favorite of mine!

1st photo: Using a nail polish brush, gently dot polish little b little, do not worry about rough edges as it's supposed to be that way!  Nuts are meant to be imperfect!
2nd photo: Use a Black 2 Way Nail Art Pen to draw its outline.


3rd photo: I used a nail art dotting tool and create eyes with 2 white dots.
4th photo: Continue creating the "texture of the nut" by drawing tiny lines on the bottom part.
5th photo: When the white dots are completely dry, dot on a tiny black dot on top of it for eyes.


Character #4 "Fume Shroom"
There are a lot of "shrooms" in this game, I chose the fattest one so it's "cuter" and easier to draw!

1st photo: For the Fume Shroom's head, I dot an imperfect shape gently/
2nd photo: Do the same for the body of the Fume Shroom.



3rd photo: Outlining is very important as it gives the "real shape" of the character.  I used a Black 2 Way nail art pen and also form the "mouth" of the Fume Shroom.  Do not forget to draw the eyes and mouth.
4th photo: With darker purple polish, create dots for the Fume Shroom's spots :)



Character #5 "Jalapeno Chili"

The Jalapeno Chili is quite easy to draw if you have a Nail Art Pen.  If not, then it will take a bit of effort to maneuver the brush!

1st photo: Draw an outline of the shape of the chili before you start filling in the color as shown on photo.
2nd photo:Using green 2 Way Nail Art Pen, create the stem.

 
3rd photo: Use White 2 Way Nail Art Pen to create eyes and mouth.
4th photo: Use Black 2 Way Nail Art Pen for eyeballs and tongue.

 

Character #6 "Squash"

Another "oddly" shaped character.  This looks a bit challenging for me because it has lines in between plus the grumpy look which is a bit easy for me to do in on nail art and also in person! :P

1st photo: Same technique as the Tall Nut, use the closest color you can choose and gently dot the color forming a shape of a "snowman".
2nd photo: No matter how imperfect the shape done on 1st photo, everything will look much better with an outline.

3rd photo: Draw a sad/grumpy face.  Also draw a thinner lines to the tummy area.
4th photo: Apply white polish on top of the black.

5th photo: Draw the stem using green 2 Way Nail Art Pen.
6th photo: Draw eyebrows for a more detailed "grumpy look"


Character #7 "Snow Pea"
When I've done my "Pea Shooter", I knew I won't be having problems with the "Snow Pea" as they both look the same just different color!


1st photo: Draw big and small dots beside each other.
2nd photo: Draw a black outline.  Same technique in drawing stems and leaves.



3rd photo: Draw eyes and mouth.
4th photo: With a Nail Art Dotting tool, I dotted 3 dots for the "hair" and outlined the shape with black Nail Art Dotting Pen.


 
Character #8 "Potato Mine"

The potato mine is also an easy character to do without the need of any special nail art tools.


1st photo: Draw the "red" dot first so it will be a guide for you on where to put the potato.
2nd photo: Draw a half moon shape as shown on photo.  Again, no need to make the shape perfect.
3rd photo: Using a dark brown polish, gently dot the lower part as "soil".  Create eyes with 2 black dots.




Character#9 "The Zombie"


The "Zombie" is the most dreaded design that's why I put it last.  I actually decided to place the Zombie character on my left thumb as the space is bigger plus it's easier to draw with right hand.


1st photo: Draw the shape of the Zombie's Face.  The top part is bigger than the lower part as shown on photo.
2nd photo: Draw a black outline using the same black 2 Way Nail Art Pen.  Isn't it obvious Black Nail Art Pen is a great investment?




3rd photo: I used the nail polish brush to create eyes as the eyes of the zombies are bigger. 
4th photo:Draw wrinkles and outline the eyes creating a thicker outline for the "dark" look.




5th photo: Continue by drawing the nose and mouth.
6th photo:Making sure the polish are completely dry in EACH step, draw the teeth.



Character #10 "Sunflower"
I was a bit hesitant on drawing the Sunflower but what's Plants vs. Zombies without the cute sunflower character?  It didn't take me much time to finally decide what tool to use to create the petals of the gorgeous flower.

1st photo: Draw the face of the sunflower first.
2nd photo: I've decided to use a nail art dotting tool and dot with yellow polish all over to create petals!  It's the easiest way.

3rd photo: Create a 3 dimentional eyes and mouth with white nail art dotting pen.
4th photo: Draw the stems and leaves, same technique as the Pea Shooter and Snow Peas.  It's not shown on photo but I draw an outline on the yellow dots!


Optional:
I applied gold glitters on the "white blank area" so the base won't look too bare! 

Important Tip:
Making sure the nail art designs are COMPLETELY DRY, apply your favorite top coat to protect the nail art you worked hard for!


Here's my colorful/childish/I-don't-care-but-I am-very-happy Nails! :)


Here's something for you when you finish the game! 
Hum along with me please? :D


*whew*  Seriously, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm not going back to 2nd childhood?:P
 Hope you like this and hope this nail art brightened up your day even for a couple of minutes!

Do you play Plants vs. Zombies?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Monday, March 21, 2011

AMW Reviews: Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliner

The eyeliner review continues!  The start of 2011, I have given my gel liners a rest and been using pencil liners on a daily basis!  Must be because most eyeliners nowadays are packaged better?  I love retractable packaging because I am too lazy to worry about sharpening them in the morning especially on a rush! 

Avon came up with Glimmersticks Eyeliner which I believe has been around for quite some time!  What bothers me about this liner is the fact that it's non-waterproof!  Waterproof is one quality of an eyeliner that I require due to our weather and it gets humid most of the time!  

Armed with makeup remover and cotton buds, I road-tested this product and here's what I have to say....


Avon Glimmersticks Eye Liner says ---
Defines eyes with perfect precision.  Smooth, glide-on color.  Long wear (Wears up to 12 hours!).  Retractable, self-sharpening.

Size: .01oz net wt.
Shades available: Blackest Black and Cosmic Brown

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Nice, retractable packaging.
  • Creamy and easy to apply without tugging the lids.
  • Very pigmented.
  • Inexpensive
  • Removes quite easily as compared to other eyeliner pencils.
  • When applied on the upper lash line, lasts the whole day without smudging.
  • The onlyl non-waterproof eyeliner that does not give me the super sleep-deprived Panda Look.
  • Once freshly applied, you can smudge this right away with a smudger pencil to create a simple smokey eye makeup!
Cons
  • Since the liner is softer compared to other pencil liners, this can easily break.  It actually broke on me!
  • No built-in sharpener, though this was said to "self sharpen" , there are times I wanted the pointed tip to control the "thickness" of my liner especially on the upper lashline.
  • Irritated my eye when I tried tight-lining (personal experience).
  • Only 2 shades available locally. (Blackest Black and Cosmic Brown).
  • When applied on waterline, it smudges a tiny bit transferring to the lower lash line.
Overall
Though the name states Glimmersticks, the Blackest Black came out super matte black!  If you're trying to create really dramatic eyes and wanted the gel liner/liquid liner effect in pencil form, this is the one you're looking for!  

In other countries, the Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliner comes in 2 variants, one is waterproof and the other one is non-waterproof version.  I think the one I reviewed is the non-waterproof version which I think is good enough!  I have never tried any non-waterproof eyeliner to survive the day with very minimal smudging!  The great part about this?  Easy to remove with regular makeup cleanser.

Tips
  • To prevent eyeliner from further smudging, "set" the pencil liner with a similar shade of powder eyeshadow.
  • Do not tug your lids when you apply eyeliner.  
  • Remove all traces of eyeliner with a good makeup remover before you go to bed.
  • Once irritations or itchiness occur, stop using the product!
  • If you are using a non-water proof eyeliner, carry along cotton buds in your pouch to easily remove smudges during the day!
  • Apply a thick line on your upper lash line, use a smudge brush and smudge gently with a wiper motion to create a very simple and easy-to-do smokey eyes.
Will I repurchase?
No, I personally like the waterproof version when it comes to eyeliners.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who prefers non waterproof eyeliner that can be removed easily at the end of the day.

Where to purchase and how much?
Call your Avon ladies for Php250.00 (approx $5.95).


Left: Bare eyes
Right: Applied Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliner in Blackest Black


Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliner in Blackest Black lives up to its name!  It is very pigmented and definitely the blackest of all black eyeliner I own!  I will definitely use this liner if I'm working on a subtle smokey eye makeup!  I love how easy it is to smudge the eyeliner and give it a couple of minutes?  It stays!  The best part?  You don't have to hurt your eyes trying to remove this liner at the end of the day!

There are some rare cases of irritations which I have when I tight line, its not that major but I prefer skipping out this step and use other eyeliner pencils to tight line and I'm ready to go! :)

What's your blackest black eyeliner to date?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Have a gorgeous week ahead!







(Note from Author: Product was sent as gift.  The review has been done base on personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Weekend Food Tripping at: Papa John's Pizza

A birthday Pizza Party to attend on a Friday night, I was quite excited because it means having fun conversations and loads of laughter with my high school friends + their little ones!  Two of my high school friends celebrated their super belated birthday at Papa John's!  It was my idea to go for pizza and I am glad they chose a pizza place all of us haven't tried!  

Papa John's Pizzeria, "Better ingredients, better Pizza..."  that's their tag line and it's for me to find out if they live up to it!

I've checked their online menu and found their food to be priced like regular pizzerias! I did research for the prices of each dish for your reference!

Caesar Salad
Php79.00 (approx $1.80)
Fresh Romaine lettuce tossed in Classic Caesar Dressing.  Nothing spectacular!


Cream of Mushroom Soup
Php49.00 (approx $1.00)

Served with chunks of thinly sliced mushrooms with croutons. 


Sampler
 Potato wedges, chicken legs and chicken strips served with their respective sauces.  I love the Chicken Strips! 

 Mushroom and Chicken Rice
Php160.00 (approx $3.70)
New to my taste buds, this isn't a favorite of mine


 Baked Italian Meat Balls

Php140.00 (approx $3.30)
 Tiny meatballs served with cheese and tomato sauce, imagine meatballs without the pizza


 Pasta Bolognaise with Meat Balls
Php195.00 (approx $4.60)


Diablo Burst
Php180.00 (approx $4.20)
Your choice of Penne or spaghetti pasta served with Italian Sausage, mushrooms, onions, garlic and crushed red pepper.  This is my favorite amongst their pasta dishes.  Spicy!


Marinara
Php190.00 (approx $4.50)
Served with shrimps, calamari and garlic served with special Marinara sauce.
I find this dish to be really tasty, not a lot of seafood in it.


Carbonara
Php180.00 (approx $4.20)
Grilled chicken with carbonara sauce, tastes just like regular Carbonara pasta in most restaurants.


Cheese Sticks
Php90.00 (approx $2.00)
Don't ask me why it's called cheese sticks, I call these cheese pizza!  I find the freshly made dough tastes really good with real mozzarella cheese.  I like this without the cheesy-buttery sauce. 


Fisherman's Catch
Php430.00 (approx $10.00)
12 Medium 
Tasty because of its shrimps, garlic sauce and loads of cheese!


 Super Papa's
Php450.00 (approx $10.50)
12 Medium  
Anything that has SUPER next to its Restaurant name is worth trying!  
It has everything from Italian sausages to pepperoni, ham, olives etc..


Bacon Cheeseburger
Php430.00 (approx $10.00)
12 Medium  
Bacon with ground beef chunks, what's not to love?


Texas Heat
Php430.00 (approx $10.00)
12 Medium  
Spicy Jalapeno peppers were added to add up "heat" to the pizza.  I find the pizza to be light spicy, not sure if I'm so into spicy food that I give this half the chili rating :) 
 

Chicken BBQ
Php430.00 (approx $10.00)
12 Medium  
Very tender chicken strips drizzled with BBQ sauce, I really like how tasty this pizza is!


Disclaimer:  Shared the food about with around 15 people!  :P

Papa John's is actually a wonderful place to hang out with group of friends as they have function rooms wherein you can close the glass door for some privacy!  The pastas are so-so, I would say the strength of the restaurant are their freshly made pizza!  The dough are obviously freshly made!  Let's not forget the added charm to the restaurant are the good staff service!

Papa John's Pizza, Greenhills
#53-B Annapolis Street
Greenhills, San Juan City
Tel. nos: (632) 721-9676 / (632) 722-2612

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card.  No parking space in front of the restaurant, you can either park at the nearby parking slots or at Greenhills Mall.

Thanks to my dear friends for such wonderful pizza time!  
Have you tried Papa John's Pizza?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!