Tuesday, July 26, 2011

AMW Bulletin: Tech Lovers Watch Out for This!


Dear Philippine Readers:
Because Digital Walker wants to say "Thank You" to the customers, they are having a sale up to 90% off at Pod's Trinoma beginning July 27th through July 30th!  

The brands to watch out for!  Apple, Crumpler, Speck, Canon, Nikon, Belkin, Capdase, Griffin, Case Logic and Sumdex will be included!

Eeeeekkk!!! Gotta tel Mr. AMW!

The new Digital Walker store is located at Space 2077 - Level M2 Trinoma Mall (near Gadgets Plus).

Check out their Facebook page for future announcements!
Smile and click HERE.

This report is brought to you by -----
(bwahahahah)
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner Wipe

I used to dislike the existence of Brush Cleaner Wipes!  Why?  Well, I just think having a brush cleaner spray is always better in terms of earth saving and brush cleansing!  

I got 2 foil sachets of  Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Wipes together with my Parian Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner as a sample.  I've used up a 60ml and 475ml bottles and I was left with these 2 wipes!  I thought I'm never going to use this!

"Do not judge the cleaner wipes by its foil sachet!"


Eureka Moment!
The tiny 2.7 grams of  Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Wipe works wonder on things we do not notice! 


As a make-up artist, I created my own brush/tool belt (as seen in this post).  I have always tried to clean this with alcohol and it never gets the "clean" that I would like it to be!  Well, it was a "lighting of the bulb" moment when I realized that the dirt comes from make-up build-up (duh, earth to Nikki!). What's the best way to remove make-up?  Make-up removers?  Nah...may be too oily!  Brush cleaner of course!

Spritzing your brush belt or any other tools can get expensive!  So I'm glad to discover this one tiny packet of cleaner wipe can clean these....

The dirt that cannot be removed by alcohol
 

Voila!  Looks as good as new!

There's my Charm PRO
If you're wondering where the rest of the brushes are, they just took a bath :P
All Clear!

Because I still want to save the environment, I can spritz a tiny bit of brush cleaner and continue with the "joy of wiping" :P  The cloth does not tear so you can use this again and again until the whole sheet is covered with makeup dirt!

Saves the environment --- CHECK!
Clean make-up tools --- CHECK!

Happy Nikki --- CHECK!

For reference, the Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner Wipe costs Php40.00(approx $0.90)/foil sachet.  You can purchase them at Suesh.  Pricey but with the multiple use, I used it to its final breathe! *laughs* 
But feel free to use other brush cleaner wipes! :)

Do you clean the "house" of your tools?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Monday, July 25, 2011

AMW Reviews: Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Oil

The first haircare oil I own was from St. Ives and I was only 15-years old then! It costs around Php375.00 (approx $8.70) and it was a huge amount of cash to shell out during that time.  I actually saved up the money (from the red envelopes) given to me by my relatives during birthdays or new years.  

When I finally purchased my "expensive" hair care oil, I used it approximately 3-5 times and never finish it up and actually ended up throwing it away.  :(  Typical sad story that I would like to share to you.  Moral lesson?  Purchase products ONLY if you know how to use them and if you really need them!

Because of that experience, I did not give oil-based haircare products the second look until I started blogging.  Blogging changed me!  I turned into a more adventurous consumer and I wouldn't mind testing on different products because I know I can relay my experiences to YOU! :)

I've tried Tsubaki, Kerastase, The Face Shop, etc.. oil-based hair care products gained positive reviews from yours truly.  But not everyone can shell out that much amount for a hair care product so today, I am happy to share a review on Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Oil....promise, it's inexpensive!


Pure Beauty Treatment Hair Care Oil says ---

All products from the Haircare Treatment range are enriched with an advance formula that targts dry and damaged hair.  Using high quality Japanese Camellia Seed Oil, a well-known natural source of powerful anti-oxidants and rich in Vitamin E, the formula is nourishing and intensely moisturizing.  The oil effectively penetrates each strang of hair resulting in stronger and sleeker hair.  The formula is also blended with luscious hair conditioners such as Panthenol (Vitamin B) that helps smoothen and soften hair.  Not only nourishing and moisturizing, the range helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair with an improved elasticity that makes hair manageable everyday and on the go.

Restores moisture and sheen, leaving hair ultra smooth and shiny.
Size: 60ml

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Simple packaging that's easy to use and easy to take along due to its size.
  • You can see how much product is left.
  • Very inexpensive for a hair care product that can last a long time!
  • A little goes a long way.  Pea size amount for medium-length hair like yours truly.  
  • Smells really good! 
  • Once applied correctly, the product does not weigh down my hair and does not feel oily!
  • The product gets absorbed into the hair strands as quickly as 5 minutes!
  • Reduce frizzy hair!
  • Hair looks healthy and shine level did increase a bit (but not too obvious).
  • Extra pro: My hands felt softer and more conditioned.  I don't mind leaving the product on my hand and wash 10-15 minutes after.
Cons
  • Not everyone feels comfortable to put "oil" on a hot and humid country like ours.  
  • May weigh down hair IF you put on the root area or if you put too much! (Time to practice on how much your hair needs).
Overall
Inexpensive yet good product!  I like how my hair feels soft, light, easy to comb/brush and frizziness does decrease around 5-10%.

Tips
  • I personally like applying this on dry hair after blow dry or air-dry.
  • Start by using a tiny amount and add more if needed.
  • Apply starting from the mid-section of your hair going down to the ends.
  • Feel free to blow dry or air-dry your hair after.
  • Spread the product between the palms of your hands to "warm up" the product plus spread it evenly so you don't apply a "blob" of product on one section of your hair. (Major No-No)
  • Use this as often as you can to see if the treatment does improve your hair's texture and condition.
  • If you have fine, limp hair, go for the Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Water instead.  The extra oil (no matter how light) can still weigh down your hair.
  • I did say NOT to apply at the root area BUT, after you applied the product all over the hair, even if you think there's not much product left on your hands, you can still press your hand at the top portion of your head just to tame down those tiny hairs. (This really works!)

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

If you have frizzy-hair.  People who also likes the extra smooth texture and moisture of the hair even after conditioning.

Where to purchase and how much?
Exclusively available in all Watsons Your Personal Care Stores and SM Department (Beauty Section) nationwide for Php229.00 (approx $5.30).
 
Application techniques:
Feel free to massage your hair with Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Oil
Keep in mind to start from the mid-section of your hair going down.
After application, you can gently press the top portion of your head with the remaining product
to tame down tiny hairs!


Are you comfortable using Oil-based hair treatment?
What brand are you using and how much?


Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

AMW Bulletin: Make-up Talk at Studio SnR

The place Studio SnR is no stranger to me, I once had a make-up seminar held here via Dollface Cosmetics.  The place, is comfortable not only because of its huge space!  It's wonderful because of the ample lighting, the make-up chairs, the mirrors and the right tools to create the right make-up are easy to reach!

It was no surprise when I received an email regarding The Beauty High Tea Series for this coming August and to start its kick-off, Studio SnR x Shu Uemura!


Date:August 3, 2011 (Wednesday)
Time: 1:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Studio SnR Unit 301 Millenium Place, 17 Meralco Avenue Ortigas Center Pasig
Details: A 4-hour paint and play workshop with Manila's Top Makeup Artists.  Coffee, Tea and treats will be served.
More exciting details: Take home a Shu Uemura set of Skincare, Makeup, Hygiene Tools and GC's (Redeemable at the boutique).
Fee: Php3,900/person limited to 20 participants ONLY!


Book NOW until July 31, 2011 to get 10% discount per person. 
Group of 3 and more can avail 10% discount.

I am so excited for the participants! I"m sure it's going to be an afternoon of fun and learning!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







(The author is not affiliated with the company or brand.  This post is for information purposes only.)

Weekend Food Tripping at: BBQ Chicken

Good morning Sunday!  How's everyone?  Did you sleep well?

Me, I am probably sleeping like a log  as (of all days) I've decided to brisk walk for 30 minutes and ran for 30 minutes and my whole body is aching!  

You are probably wondering why I'm working out again?  Well, you guessed it right, I've been eating so  much as seen on my weekend food tripping posts and I don't want to end up looking like a candidate of "The Biggest Loser", so yup!  I'm trying to do damage control as early as today!  YES I CAN!!!

Since I've done a couple of crunches too....can we get back and talk about food?

My friend Pam introduced me to BBQ Chicken years ago!  She shared a piece to me during lunchtime and I just can't get this chicken out of my mind!  I've been wanting to visit the restaurant but can't seem to find the right time to do so!  One day, as I was at EDSA Shangri-La for a bridal makeup, I've decided to go to Pearl Drive to visit BBQ Chicken!  

BBQ Chicken does not stand for "Barbeque Chicken".  BBQ Chicken means "Best of the  Best Quality" Chicken, and I agree!

It was quiet because the restaurant is located in a business district and I visited this place on a Saturday!  They even turned the air conditioner on when we got inside (which I appreciate by the way).


Spicy Dduk-Bokki
Php195.00 (approx $4.53)
Pan-broiled rice cakes with delicious chewy 
sweet & spicy taste loved by all generations

The moment I saw this on the page of the menu, I ordered this right away as I've been dreaming to eat this again for the past 8 months!  I tried this first in Seoul, Korea and this one is closed to what I had in Korea!  Super spicy, very chewy and ample amount of sauce!  I love it!!!  (Milk please!  My tongue is burning...in a good way!) 

 Original Chicken 
4pcs for Php290.00 (approx $6.60)
Marinated through the fresh chicken meat with unique recipe 
and secret formula of 30 natural seasonings. 
This authentic fried chicken has an excellent, 
crispy, tender and savory taste, cooked to golden shape.
I nearly flinched when I saw "30 Natural Seasonings" as their secret formula.  I was expecting --- Yummy now, Throat Pain later!  I was wrong, the chicken tastes as natural as any fried chicken should be! I can't describe the crunchiness and the unique-ness of this chicken!  It's not too salty, not too spicy and not bland at all!  In short, this tastes great even without dipping the chicken in the gravy served.


Teri-Q Wings
8pcs for Php300.00 (approx$6.80)
Well prepared with our special soybean sauce
and garlic flavoring inside fresh chicken wings, 
lightly put glutinous rice powder on the surface.
I am in love!  They have a spicy version of this but I'm glad I gave the non-spicy version a go as I was able to taste the wonderful soybean sauce + garlic flavoring!  I enjoyed the crunchiness of the skin minus the yucky oily taste!  I love breast part so I hope they do this on mini breast part!
Oh, I love this so much I actually ordered another one for take out!


And of course, I was on a date with Mr. AMW that's why we won't miss a can of Coca-Cola and 4 Seasons for myself!  Ahhhhhh, refreshing!


For small pieces of chicken, I would say this is more expensive than the regular KFC or Jollibee Chicken!  I'm not complaining though, the price you pay is worth it as I have such gastronomic experience I wouldn't mind coming back!  
Service is good!  Waitress is very attentive to our needs but I can't tell if it's still the same if the place is packed!  The restaurant has FREE WIFI and accepts cash and credit card payments without service fee! 

BBQ Chicken, Pearl Drive
2nd Floor 8101 Pearl Plaza, 
Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center Pasig City
(632) 477-5487

Personally, I choose this over Chicken Charlie, between this and BonChon?  I have to try BonChon again as I wasn't able to eat much to really choose!  I'll report back if I visited BonChon again! :)

What's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!