Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Travel Report: Arrival!

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)
I'm safe and sound, currently in my  hotel room and will be off to the office soon!  The weather here is quite humid (so goodluck underarms! LOL).

Internet connection in my hotel room is bad and I can't even read some sites!  No to Twitter and no to FB by the way! :) I'm sure a lot of you already knew that I'm not aware of the outside world! :)

The flight went well, I flew via Philippine Airlines and the flight went on smoothly!  What I love about PAL is their food!  I was given a choice between chicken or pork, I opted for the latter and guess what dessert was?  Chocolate Ice Cream!  I gave it a skip and asked for my trustee coffee as I watched THOR inside the plane!  Thank goodness I finally watched it!

Thanks to my dear brother who is so sweet to call in a private cab, to make sure I'm safe!  Sweet guy helped me with my luggage and all I did was relax for an hour drive from Pudong Airport to my Hotel.


Ahhh, Hotel, I am staying at Shanghai Haigang Hotel, that's another story worth posting!  Will tell you more about it soon!  Hope things are doing well for you guys!  I hope my pictures show up as it's not showing up here! LOL


Keep smilin' 
Stay happy!



Nail Art Tutorial: "I'm In China, I See Pandas!"

Happy Nail Art Tutorial Day!  I actually did this nail art last week before I left for Shanghai.  As I always get inspired with the things I see or do, I've decided to create a nail art that has something to do with China!  

RED!  Is definitely on my mind as red is known to be a lucky color.  Then, I had a flashback on my Chinese history, though Dragon has always been a National Emblem, Panda is recently used to serve as an emblem to represent the modern times.  A lot of panda stuff toys, images and mascots are seen when you visit the country!

Red and Panda it is!  Here's my nail art tutorial created specially for my Shanghai Trip! 

Step 1:
Do not forget to apply a base coat to protect your nails from further yellowing.  I used a coat of ZOYA Basecoat.  Once dry, apply 2 coats of the brightest red polish I own at present.  That's Paul & Joe Nail Lacquer in 012.

This nail art tutorial is really easy, I promise you!  You only need dotting tools or random pens or any items that has a circle end.  For the polish, you only need 2 shades to create a Panda.  Black and White.  Both polish I used are from The Face Shop.  The one on the right is their new polish bottle.

Step 2:
It is VERY important that the base polish is COMPLETELY dry before you proceed with this step.  If you did not wait long enough, everything will be ruined.  
Again, once the red base is completely dry, create a half circle on nail with the nail polish brush.  No need for any special tool.  At this stage, do not worry on creating perfect half circles, keep in mind that pandas are furry by nature so it's ok if they're not perfectly drawn.

Step 3:
As the half white circle is completely dry, use a medium sized dotting tool or use a medium ballpoint pen to apply dots.  With The Face Shop's Black Polish on paper, gently dot to create ears and eyes.

Step 4:
For the nose, I used a smaller dotting tool or if you don't have one, I suggest you can use toothpick and dot multiple times until you create a dot big enough but not bigger than the ears and eyes.


Step 5:
By the time you went through all your fingers for the black dots, it's time to move on to create the eyes.  With the same white polish used for the head, apply a dot smaller than the black eyes as shown on photo below.


Step 6:
For the eye balls, I don't have a super small dotting tool so I'm using a mechanical pencil OR you can use a needle at this point.


Optional:
I like random arts so I've created male and female Pandas.  Yay for equality!  *laughs*  With a dotting tool, or if you're comfortable, use an art brush.  I used Orly's Cotton Candy Polish Shade.

Another Optional Step:
Poor Pandas if their bodies are not shown!  Since my thumb nails have bigger space, I've decided to draw the full bodies of the panda.  Create 2 huge circles.  Bottom circle bigger than the one above.

Create the face the same way as above, add the hands and feet.

I wanted them to have their favorite snack!  Bamboo!  I opted for green colored bamboos as the regular flesh tone will be washed out in this nail art design.

Step 7:
Making sure the Pandas are COMPLETELY dry, protect them with your choice of top coat.  I used OPI's Start to Finish.


I'm ready to strut the streets of China and probably be attacked by a real Panda
*knocks on wood* LOL

Hope you like it and please tell me you'll give it a try?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Monday, August 1, 2011

Shanghai! I'm back!!!


Happy Monday everyone!  By the time you're reading this, I'm probably off to the airport (or probably oversleeping) as I'm off to Shanghai today!  Before you get too excited, it's not all about fun!  I'm off to Shanghai for work...... THEN play! :P 

I will update you as much as I can!  I can't wait to see what Shanghai has to offer after almost 3 years?  The last time I was there was around 2008!  Can't wait to see my brother too!

There's nothing much to shop in Shanghai especially on international brands as I believe they are more expensive there!  It wouldn't hurt to check out Sephora Stores in China though!  I've researched and found a couple of branches --- that, if I don't get lost!

I am not even sure if I'll be doing the usual tourist-y stuff as I've done that before.  My favorite place aside from The Bund and the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower is the YuYuan Garden.  I wouldn't mind going back just to chill!


I will definitely try more food!!!  The area I will be staying is near a road that sells delicious and inexpensive local food!


Stinky Tofu is surprisingly good yet...ahmm..stinky!  Not craving for it but who knows?  Maybe, I can give it another chance!


I don't mind lining up again for....


THIS! :)
I know we have Lord's Stow down here which is as good, but this one has a more "egg taste"


I love curry!  I've eaten at a restaurant chain called CoCo and I was told by my brother that they branched out to malls!  I wish there's a branch near the hotel I will be staying!


Thank goodness the hotel is near a subway station!  
Easy for me to walk around the city on my own!
It's also a pro that I can speak the language, BUT, need to brush up my Mandarin skills!  
Not looking forward to the "blank faces" from locals who goes... : "EH?"
when they don't get what I'm saying! 


Oh, one thing more, the Subway in Shanghai is a bit confusing!  Too many people, most stops are in Chinese, or ALL stops are in Chinese?  ( I can't seem to remember.).


It'll be an adventure I will report once I get the chance!
Pray that I don't get lost ok?  Thank you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy


Sunday, July 31, 2011

Weekend Food Tripping at: Simply Thai

Happy Sunday AMW Readers! :)  Yesterday, I was at the "Lights, Camera, Airbrush Workshop" for GlamBox Cosmetics and had loads of fun sharing my thoughts together with Sophie about airbrush and staying beautiful in general!  I will share more about the event soon!  Thanks to Valerie and Andrea for inviting Sophie and myself as their instructor for such lovely event!


After the event, the girls (Phoebe, Jheng, Shen, Jamie and Sophie) have decided to head on to Greenbelt 5 to have dinner at their most recently raved restaurant --- Simply Thai.

Choo Chee Kung + Roti
Php195.00 (approx $4.40)


Phuket Kung Sarong
Php375.00 (approx $8.70)
Noodles wrapped in a good-sized shrimps! 

Tom Yum Talay
Php160.00 (approx $3.70)
Mildly spicy! Has good amount of seafood.

Nam Prik Catfish
Php320.00 (approx $7.45)
Chopped Catfish mixed with chili, garlic and onions and a whole lot more!
Love the crunchy texture at the same time the flavorful taste of catfish!

Moo Ping
Php240.00 (approx $5.60)
Thai BBQ Pork Loins marinated in simply Thai Special sauce 
served with Thai BBQ sauce.
My favorite!!!

Cha Plu Panang Beef
Php380.00 (approx $8.80)
Thick sauce, mildly spiced and the beef cutlet is easy to chew!

Pork Confit with Chili Caramel
Php310.00 (approx $7.21)
 Tendor pork served sweet and mildly spiced, best eaten with Thai Jasmine Rice!

 
Lamb Shank Musssaman
Php565.00 (approx $13.14)
The texture is flakey, reminded me of the local dish Adobo Flakes.
 

Restaurant is used to be Terrace At  The 5th!  The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments plus 10% service charge.  Servers were very attentive and the restroom, if I may have to add, is clean!

Simply Thai
G/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(632) 729-0860

I'm off for a short trip tomorow :) Hope you enjoy your Sunday and rest well to jumpstart yourself for a fun-filled week!

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!



Saturday, July 30, 2011

AMW Reviews: TEARS Glam HD Powder Foundation

TEARS, is a cosmetics brand owned by famous Korean actor Kwon Sang Woo.
I have tried their eyebrow pencil and I was impressed with its quality and they are cheaper as compared to other Korean brands like Etude House, SkinFood, The Face Shop, Missha etc...  I believe the store was on store wide sale when I visited the shop thus the inexpensive price range!  

I went back to the store to hoard on the TEARS Line & Mode Autobrow, I took a bit more time to look around and saw a powder foundation called Glam HD!  

I asked the SA to help me apply the darkest shade (yes, darkest!) which was number 23 Natural Beige on half of my face as I walked around and test the foundation.  The weather was cool then so I really can't tell.  Since I'm there and I won't be returning, I bought it right away because it's expensive for a HD (High Definition)! 
Now that I'm back in our dear hot and humid and crazy weathered country, I've tested and used this a couple of times.  I'm ready to reveal my thoughts.....


Tears Glam HD Two-Way Cake says ---
Sorry, can't find their website and the details on box is in Korean.
SPF25 PA++
Available in 3 shades: 13(Light Beige), 21 (Beige), 23 (Natural Beige)

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Very nice "chic" dark blue packaging.  Shape is unique.
  • The "sponge" compartment has holes for the sponge to breathe.
  • Huge mirror!!!  
  • I think they sell refills!  Even if not, the size of the refill is similar to Revue (Japanese Brand).
  • The texture of the powder is smooth and easy to apply on skin.
  • Evens out the skin.
  • Gives light to medium coverage.  
  • Absorbs the oil after application.  Skin looks fresh and matte.
  • After application, settles into the skin and blends in with the skin color.
  • I've used this for photos with direct flash, my face still looks a bit lighter than the neck but not too much as compared to regular powder foundation.  
Cons
  • Packaging could get a bit too bulky if you have small purse.
  • Since the packaging is a bit glossy, I can see fingerprints after every use!  It irks me :(
  • Only 3 shades to choose from.
  • Dry skinned individuals may "flake" a bit especially on the sides of the nose.
  • Not available locally or even in other countries!  Have to purchase this in Korea or through resellers.
Overall
I haven't tried enough High definition (HD) powder foundation so I really can't compare this to other brands!  This isn't a "To die" for product, MAC Studiofix Powder Foundation has better coverage. Keep in mind for the price of Tears Glam HD Powder Foundation, it's 3x cheaper than MAC and the product performs as it should.  It has oil-control function, evens the skin tone and sets the liquid foundation quite well.

Tips
  • If you want a bit more coverage, use a sponge for application.
  • To be used as setting powder, use a big fluffy brush to apply all over face adding more on areas that you know will oil up.
  • Do not drop the compact!  
  • Wash the sponge before use.  Wash the sponge as often as 2-3x per week if you're using this on a daily basis.
  • Dry skinned individuals: Moisturize really well prior to using this foundation.  This product "sucks" oil.
  • Oily skinned individuals: You can still use your favorite oil-control face primer prior to usage.  If you plan to re-apply, blot your face with a tissue paper or oil-blotting paper so the oil from your skin won't transfer to the sponge.  May cause bacteria build-up.
  • If you have friends traveling to Korea, you can ask them to help you purchase, available at MyeongDong area.  They won't miss it as the store is huge!
  • Re-use the packaging by purchasing refills even from different brands as long as the pan size is similar!
Will I repurchase?
For personal use, I won't.
For clients with oily skin, ok as setting powder!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal, Oily-skinned individuals who likes the oil-control plus the smooth and light feel of the powder foundation.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Tears store around 13,250KRW (Php530.00/$12.30).

23 Natural Beige
Freshly applied looks lighter than my skin color 
but it settles after a couple of minutes. 
(I am not acidic)



Applied all over face with sponge, I look fresh! 
If you get the chance to click to photo to enlarge, 
you'll see that the sides of my nose dried up a bit!

Gorgeous case which I wouldn't mind to re-use!
I have a couple of Revue refills that doesn't have a house! :)

Liked any HD Foundation product that's inexpensive?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!