AMW Bulletin: Clinique Party for AMW Readers!

(Note from AMW: 10 first commenters have been contacted and emailed, to the rest, thanks for joining!)

  **photo taken from Clinique

Dear Philippine Readers:
I got an invite from Clinique to treat AMW readers some bonding time!  That is too hard to resist!  I know how difficult it is to check out counters alone!  This time, we'll do it all together shall we?

Details:
Clinique Party for AskMeWhats' Readers

When: May 21, 2011 (Saturday)

Time: 2:00 - 5:00pm

Venue: Clinique Rustan's Makati 
Slots: Limited to 10 only

In this mini gathering:

• You'll get FREE skin Consultation from our friends from Clinique.
• Check out skincare and cosmetics available at Clinique counters!  Yes, we can do our  make-up together but there will be makeup coaching from Clinique experts!  Let's all learn together!
• Each one of you will receive product samples from Clinique base on your skin consultation.
• We'll have mini snacks! 
• And of course, we'll have fun chit-chatting!

Are you game?  Here's what you can do to join:

• Comment "I Want Clinique-Bonding with You!" together with your name and email address.
• Please make sure to comment ONLY if you are sure to join!  Let's be considerate and not grab a slot and waste it at the end of the day! 
• I will email the first 10 people who comment on this post and I'll ask for your credit card details ---  Just joking!  This event is FREE!

To give you an idea how skin consultation goes, smile and click HERE to read my past experience.  Gosh!  It has been 2 years and I looked so young then!  *laughs*

I hope to meet some of you soon!
Thanks Clinique Philippines for hosting this event for AMW readers!

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Smurfs!

Hi Nail Art lovers!  I was a bit lazy with my nail art tutorial this week because I only changed the nail art design on my hands and left the same design as last week on my toes!  

I tried to steer away from cartoon nails but the request for Smurfs-inspired nails is too much I have to get this over!  *lol*  I was trying to turn a blind eye on this because it is a bit too challenging for me to draw faces!  The M&M nails I did last time gave me a backache and I told myself no more faces!  Obviously, I did not listen to myself!

Because I love you, here's my version of the Smurfs (pirated edition) *laughs*

Apply your preferred base coat to protect your nails.  In this tutorial, I've used ZOYA Anchor Basecoat.  Apply 2 coats of matte white polish.  

Baby Smurf

Once the bast coat is complete dry, apply your closest "Smurf Blue" polish only on areas on photo below.  To make sure you don't go beyond the line,  you can use a thin brush and draw an outline.  L.A. Colors Color Craze Nail Colors in Static Electricity.

Using a dotting tool, create 2 dots for the eyes

With Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in black, draw the outline of the eyes, the hat and the mouth!

With Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in Red, create a dot in the middle for the tongue.

Smurfette

The only lady Smurf that I've known!  With Caronia Frosted Polish in Sweet Surprise, I drew the bangs and the hair of Smurfette.

For the face, I've used the same "Smurf Blue" color from L.A. Colors.

Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in Black, or any thin art brush, draw the outline of the hair and more details.

With Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in black, draw the rest of her face, lashes included!

I actually forgot to ask Mr. AMW to take a shot but I actually filled her eyes with white polish for the eyes.  I also filled the mouth with red polish for a more distinct mouth!

Vanity Smurf

The cutest Smurf of all!  Narcissist, always have mirror in his hand and a flower on his hat!  

I did the same method as those above.  To guide you, its a trick to draw an outline just as seen on photo below.

With a dotting tool, create 5 dots to create flower petals and use a yellow polish to create flower bud!  I find this the easiest step of all!  :P

Using Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in black, continue drawing his face (a trick is to print out the photo of the real Smurf character).  

 

Here's to show you how I fill in the eyes.  With Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in white, gently fill in the space for the eyes.

Black for eyeballs and of course, this gives the character!

Nerd Smurf

Same step to create the base of the face.  It's very important to wait for the polish to dry up on each step so the nail polish shades won't mix!

    

The additional step and the most distinct detail of Nerd Smurf is the extra sunglasses!

Continue with the nose and mouth

 

Papa Smurf

Different color combination for Papa Smurf.  Papa Smurf's hat is red so I used Revlon All Fired Up polish or any bright matte red polish on the lower thirds of your thumbnail.

Apply the Smurf Blue polish on the rest of the nails.  The reason why I used white as base for all nails because the white acts as a base to make the polish shade appears more vibrant! 

Slowly draw the eyes

Making sure the blue portion of the polish is completely dry, top it with another coat of white polish for Papa Smurf's beard.

Continue drawing with 2 way nail art pens or any thin art brushes

Dot Smurf blue polish to create ears and outline again with black art pen.

Rest for a bit, you can blowdry your nails with medium heat for it to dry up quickly.  Top the nail art with ZOYA Armor Topcoat and UV Block.

Voila! Playful nails to celebrate the upcoming

Smurf the Movie :)

It was challenging to do the different expressions of Smurfs but thank God I did it! :)
Enjoy your Tuesday!

Want to see more Nail Art Tutorials done in the past? 
Smile and click THIS LINK.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Celeteque Advanced

"Know the latest breakthrough in age-defying skin care for the Filipina."

That tag line was written on the Bloggers' Invite I got from the wonderful people of UNILAB.  It was a tag line I can't resist!  Hey, I'm in my thirties!  Age-Defying whatever is interesting for me! 

The event started with wonderful snacks at the Linden Suites.  Welcoming remarks and an ice-breaker was done by Celeteque Brand Manager Ms. Kathryn Joy Perez.

After sharing a couple of laughs!  We were then introduced to a dermatologist to give us a talk about skin.  Dr. Nenita Alberto.

What's the point of learning and not sharing right?  Here are some of the important information I've noted down to share to everyone!

• The difference of young and old skin --- Collagen plays a very important role!  Collagen is known to be the "glue" that holds the body together.  Imagine, tighter looking skin!  
• The reason why aging skin is also known as "sagging skin" is because the skin decreases its elasticity as we age. 

How to prevent aging of skin?

• As much as possible, avoid the sun from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
• Use sunscreen daily.  At least SPF20 and above.  
• If you are staying inside an air-conditioned room for the whole day and there is no sweating, you can skip re-application of sunscreen.
• Sunscreen is best applied 30 minutes before you step out of the sun.

What is the right amount of sunscreen needed for each body part?

• Face - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (5ml)
• Arm (1) - 1 teaspoon
• Leg (1) - 1 teaspoon
• Upper Body - 2 teaspoons (10ml)
• Whole Body - at least 40 grams

A LOT right?  I actually follow that when I'm out for a swim or if I know I'll be exposed under the sun for the entire day!  

Natural Factors that Prevent Skin Dryness

Here are some of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) you can take into consideration when reading labels.  These are helpful to maintain moisture on your skin.

• Urea
• Lactic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Phospholipids
• Malic Acid
• Pyruvic Acid

There are 2 Types of Moisturizers

• One that produces oily layer on the skin surface to prevent moisture from evaporation (ex. Lanolin, petroleum jelly, vegetable oils)
• One that absorbs water (ex. Glycerine, sorbitol, PPG)

And to those who are still confused with their skin types, I've taken shots for you to know which skin type you belong to!

  

After the interesting talk from Dr. Nenita Alberto.  We were then introduced to the new Fine line and Wrinkle Eraser as introduced by the Product Associate of Celeteque Ms. Ailee Canlas

3 Star Products

Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Trio

1. Anti-Wrinkle Facial  Moisturizer 45ml - Php620.00 (approx $14.76)
   
2. Anti-Wrinkle Ultra-Hydrating Cleanser Light Cleansing Oil  - Php199.00 (approx $4.75) for 50ml Php369.00 (approx $8.80) for 100ml
   
3. Anti-Aging Power Serum Concentrated Break off Capsules - Php699.00 (approx $16.64)

The Anti-Wrinkle Facial Moisturizer isn't new to me as my Aunt and cousin swore by it!  They even gifted me one last Christmas (indirectly telling me I'm looking old? Just joking! hahaha).

The Cleansing Oil made me so excited as I'm a cleansing oil drinker user!  I've finished up a couple of cleansing oils from different brands and it'll be great to find one that works which is locally made (go Pinoy!) and affordable!

The Break off Capsules reminded me of the Elizabeth Arden capsules my mom-in-law loves to purchase at the Duty Free Shops.  I can't wait to share this to her and see how she finds it!

It was a fun event and I learned so much!  Here's a class picture of all the bloggers who attended!  I felt bad I wasn't able to really talk to all of them as I arrived, ...ahm...just when the program was going to start!  *embarrassed*

Thanks UNILAB PH for the invite.  Thanks Rochelle for being my text mate!
Thanks to all the wonderful bloggers whom I shared laughs with!

Have a gorgeous day!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from author: Photos without watermark are taken by the photographer from the event)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Little Asia

Hi Sunday!  Did you have a great Saturday?  I did!  I actually went out for a field trip at Yakult Philippines Plant and I'll be sharing my wonderful experiences soon!  

I also met a blog reader Honey at Starbucks 6750 branch, *waves hi to her and all her gorgeous friends*!

Little Asia, I've heard about the restaurant when I was still a fresh college grad and the then boyfriend and myself decided to give their Greenhills branch a try!  I wasn't blogging then so I wasn't that adventurous when it comes to food choices!  Wow, blogging does help me try out more dishes because I want to share different variations of dishes!  Thanks to you for expanding my waistline!  *hahaha* Just joking!

The first Little Asia experience isn't that outstanding that's why it took me years to finally head back!  It was my brother's request to try something different!  We visited the Tomas Morato branch and here's what we had.  Keep in mind that I'm with the whole family!  :P  *defensive mode*

Crabmeat and Corn Soup

Php135.00 (approx $3.14)

Crabmeat and sweet corn kernels in Seafood broth

One order can serve approximately 3-4 people!  Worth it!  Though I would appreciate more crab meat, can't complain with the price though but the broth is very flavorful!

Japanese Tofu Steak

Php215.00 (approx $5.00)

Pan-fried tofu with shredded chicken, mushroom and kuchay

I give it a point to try Tofu Steak in any restaurants I'm in who serves one!  This passes my "must try tofu steak"  I used to love the one from Teriyaki Boy but I had a bad experience with one branch as everything wasn't what I used to love!  This is my current favorite!

Thai Chicken Pandan

Php235.00 (approx $5.45)

Diced fried chicken wrapped in pandan leaves served with Thai sweet chili sauce

The only fail in the wonderful dishes ordered for the night!  This dish actually came in last and I was expecting crunchy chicken skin with a lot of flavors!  This came out flavorless and I have to eat this with the condiment that comes with this!  The sweet chili sauce!

Gabi Cake

Php215.00 (approx $5.00)

Pan fried taro cake with pork, shrimp, vegetables and peanuts

Ok, sue me but at the pack of my head, I thought it was radish cake (tastes like one anyway)!  I just realized it wasn't when I was looking back at the receipt and it says Gabi Cake!  This won my heart the first few bites but it filled up my stomach right away with the added oily feel!  I suggest this to be shared!  Thumbs up sign for uniqueness!

Emperor's Fried Rice

Php245.00 (approx $5.70)

Chinese Chorizo, diced chicken, shrimps, leeks, lettuce, carrots, green peas and eggs

You can actually eat this on its own and feel contented and full with all the ingredients included.  Very flavorful and definitely a go for people who are into the taste of Chinese Chorizo.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Php245.00 (approx $5.70)

Pork asado, shrimps, leeks, lettuce, carrots, green peas and eggs

Tastes like regular Yang Chow Fried rice served in other restaurants.  Nothing spectacular!

Fish Fillet Wrapped in Bacon

Php315.00 (approx $7.30)

Steamed fish fillets wrapped in bacon coated with Teriyaki glaze

Worth the 20 minutes cooking time that's needed for this dish!  I am not a fan of bacon but the saltiness of the bacon matches perfectly the sweetness of the Teriyaki glaze!  8 pcs in one order!

Beef Broccoli

Php325.00 (approx $7.55)

Sauteed beef tenderloin with broccoli flowers

I used to stay away eating broccoli in restaurants because I've been the "lucky girl" to get the worm in between those broccoli flowers!  Gross right?  Protein baby!  :P This dish was actually chosen by my dear brother so why not?  It was actually a great choice as the sauce that goes with this is just perfect!  Served just like those authentic Chinese restaurants.  Clean broccoli flowers (yes, I checked!)  and very flavorful as well with the right amount of saltiness.

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapples

Php245.00 (approx $5.70)

Sliced pork, pineapples and bell peppers covered with authentic sweet and sour glaze

Another hit!  I would appreciate though if the pork was sliced just a TINY bit bigger!  It was very juicy and easy to chew, does not include fat (sorry to pork fat lovers out there).  I love my meat lean!

Mixed Seafood in Clay Pot

Php295.00 (approx $6.85)

Fish fillet, squid, shrimp, fish balls, tofu and crabsticks 

mixed with vegetables simmered in whole garlic and onion leeks.

This dish was highly recommended by the waiter who served us and it was a great choice to listen to him (I usually don't).  The size of the fish fillet is quite big and I love the mix of everything inside!  Imagine Hot Pot with all the flavors!

*insert 5 pounds heavier Nikki*  hey I didn't eat that much though, I just tried everything and chewed more on my favorites!

Have you tried Little Asia?  What's your favorite dish?  Will definitely go back!  What I love about this restaurant is its huge variation!  Service is good and expect to pay additional for service charge.  Restaurant accepts both cash and credit card payments! 

Little Asia

195-B Tomas Morato

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Tel. no.: (632) 373-0609

Happy weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!