Travel Food Tripping at: Lao Dong Beef Noodles, Aroma Bakery, Coco Milk Tea and

Happy Sunday!!!  Bear with me as I'm still on my travel food tripping! If you're hungry after this post, all I can do is apologize or both you and me can book a flight to Shanghai!  Game? :P

My brother asked me what I wanted to try for dinner during my 4th night in Shanghai, I told him I wanted something inexpensive, local tasting at the same time, super delicious! 

He brought me to the restaurant near his office!  Lao Dong Beef Noodles (老董牛肉面).  To non-Chinese speakers out there, do not worry as the menu of this restaurant has English translations! 

Lao Dong Beef Noodles Shop's origin is from Taiwan.  If you are from the Philippines, you probably heard about the partnership between Lao Dong Noodles and Chowking several years ago!

If you're craving for good, Taiwan hand-pulled noodles, this is the place to be! :)

My brother ordered their house specialty, the Lao Dong Beef Noodles.  He shared to me his order and I nearly kicked myself for not getting the same order as him. Mark my words, this is the BEST Beef Noodle Soup I've tried in my entire life!  Okay, that's an exaggeration, but for now, this is the best in my "taste bud's" dictionary.

Lao Dong Beef Noodles

38.00rmb (approx Php247.00/$5.80)

The noodles are hand-pulled, the beef broth is super tasty --- not too salty nor bland, the taste sits perfectly together with chunks of tender beef!  I will definitely go back for another order if ever I visit Shanghai or Taiwan again!

Since my brother ordered soup-based, and I was craving for a particular noodle dish that I had way back inLin'an Hangzhou, China which was made by the Muslims from the North, I opted for the dried noodles.  Of course, Taiwanese noodles are made differently but I was hoping it will, at least, satisfy my craving! 

Dried Beef Noodles (not the name of my dish as I wasn't able to take note of the name and price of the dish), blame me, I was still in Lao Dong Beef Noodle Soup Heaven!

The dried Beef Noodle version is served with similar noodles as the first order, half boiled egg, slices of cucumber, onion leaves and dried beef.  I particularly requested them NOT to put cilantro on my bowl of noodle dish!  May it be for garnishing, sorry... not a fan, don't judge me! :P

I would still go for the Lao Dong Beef Noodle Soup in a heartbeat, but you can't blame a hungry horse!  I finished the dish without difficulty.  It was a long day! :P

Lao Dong Beef Noodles is located at the Jing'An Temple Station.  You won't miss this station as you will see the well lit Jing'An Temple.

Address:

老董牛肉面
静安区，万航渡路1号（百乐门对面）

My brother also gifted me Peach Tart from Aroma Bakery.  For someone who's not a fan of anything with peaches, I was not tempted devour this at once!  I actually kept this inside the hotel fridge for 2 days!  Just when I'm afraid this will spoil, I took just one bite to taste.....

And my "not-so-into-peaches" moment has vanished!  It was really really really (not exaggerating) good!  The tart, after 2-3 days is still crunchy and the taste of the peach together with the egg tart is just right!  Perfectly blended to complement each other.  I don't know how much this cost but I believe this tiny cutesy does not come cheap!

And since we're talking about the best of the best in terms of my Shanghai food tripping experiences.  I've found the best Milk Tea to date!  I thought Happy Lemon in China is the best tasting milk tea, but after trying another famous local Milk Tea branch called Coco, this definitely goes on top of my list!  

I've seen several branches of Coco Milk Tea around the area and the long queue made me want to try it even more!  After a hot and humid afternoon of walking, I've decided to take a rest in a particular mall!  As soon as I got in the entrance, the huge Coco Milk Tea mascot greeted me!  What pushed me to give this a try is the fact that I don't need to line up (because it was during work hours).

Yes, there are only 3 customers in front of me but check out how crazy their orders are!  Each customer ordered at least 3-4 cups!  This MUST be good!

Coco Pudding Milk Tea

6rmb (approx Php39.00/ less than $1.00)

WINNER!  I was all smile as I took a sip from this huge orange straw!  I can taste the egg pudding on every sip!  To prove how much I love this drink?  I immediately texted my brother (who's busy at work) just to let him know the EUREKA MILK TEA Moment of mine!  And it's inexpensive!

Last but not the least, I've found my favorite and tasted the best among the best (for now).  It's time for me to to shift back to "unselfish" mode and bring Mr. AMW the bacon --- the bacon is his favorite Xiao Long Bao from Yang's Fried Dumpling.  Thank you Lord the new location of this restaurant is just a couple of minutes walk from my hotel.  The morning before I checked out the hotel, I bought 4 orders of these yummy steamed pork buns!  Each order consists of 4 huge pieces, 4 orders is equivalent to 16 pieces!  I'm not crazy, I just know how to hoard!

The most difficult part is to transfer them to a plastic container, the mini buns have soup and oil inside so can you imagine how messy it was?  It was worth the effort though as Mr. AMW finally tasted his craving after 3 long years! 

Have a great Sunday Food Tripping!
Which among the many food photos you would want to try?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: House of Obagi Introduces Obagi 360 System

I was one of the few lucky bloggers who got an invite to enjoy dinner with friends from House of Obagi.  We were told that HOO have their latest product bundle offering called the Obagi 360 System.  In this event, several dermatologist will be available to answer our skin related queries!

The event was held at M Cafe, Greenbelt 5 and most of the bloggers knew each other so there's a lot of chit-chatting going on, actually too much chit-chatting! :P

When I arrived I sat next to Rowena and Shen, well I actually sat at the area "who pays the bill" ! *lol* And it was a fun table as we shared the same table with Dr. Allan Pua, who got all red because someone's harassing him!  *laughs* (Girl, you know who you are :P)

Several questions were thrown at him and he happily answered them.  One question I remembered was "Which Obagi treatment would work for Acne Prone Skin?" - Clenziderm was highly recommended but according to Dr. Pua, it pays to visit a dermatologist for them to check out your skin issues and suggest you the right treatment. 

After the meal, Ms. Eileen Marcelo welcomed everyone.  I actually missed the first HOO event so this was a first for me to visit such lovely HOO Family!

Medical Doctor, Dr. Stephen Lacson started the presentation with a talk on the Obagi 360 System.  The system aims to promote overall skin wellness.  The system brings out the best in our skin because it addresses each skin concern on each individual.

Several Before and After photos where shown to people who went through the Obagi treatment.  I am not surprised because I have several beauty blogger friends who swore on Obagi treatments!  Even my mom-in-law uses the Nuderm set and speaks highly of it!

 **photos from HOO

Speaking of Obagi experiences, a couple of the bloggers present were called to stand up and share their experiences on some Obagi Treatments.

Obagi Blue Peel - Sophie of Beautynomics shared her experience HERE, Rowena of Animetrics shared her experience HERE.
Obagi Blue Peel Radiance - Angela of LushAngel shared her experience HERE

I actually stood up to talk about my experience not on the peeling (as I'm scared at those) but to talk about their new product called Elastilash!  I've been a super OC blogger as I had this for MONTHS but you guys would understand how difficult it is to talk/review about a product for lash growth!  So watch out for this as I'll be reviewing this...within the year!  *lol*

We were also introduced with Obagi Sunblock!  A couple of beauty bloggers swore on the Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield in SPF50 as the matte-est of all matte when it comes to sunblock which is highly recommended for oily-skinned!

See how everyone is so engaging?

Then comes the raffle.  Ms. Alexis Santos (in black) from HOO helped in picking 3 super lucky winners for 3 Obagi star products!

Lissa Kahayon won Elastiderm Eye Cream

Phoebe got the Elastilash!

So excited to read her review on this!

Frances won Obagi Pro-C Serum

She even gamely poses with the product, too cute!

I may not need this now but probably will in the future!

**photo from HOO

What not to love?  Group Shot!  Not everyone who attended the event was in this photo because some left already!  The rest are photo addicts! :D

**photo from All The Vanity

Another Group Shot!  

It was also great to meet several bloggers I haven't met in person!  

*waves* Hi Marj! Also hi to Chummy (not on photo)

 **photo from All The Vanity

Thanks Roanne for group photos! 
Ah, such a nice way to de-stress just a couple of days before the week ends!

Any Obagi users or Obagi Treatment addicts out there?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

So, this Is How It Feels Like to be on Radio

When I was asked by Trixie to be on radio together with Nuffnang AU's Lynda and David who came over for a short trip, I said yes right away as I've always wondered how the DJs work on radio or how a radio station looks like (yes, judge me if you want but I'm a radio virgin! :P)

I like listening to The Wake Up Show with Vince and Tracy because of their teamwork!  I like Tracy's laugh while Vince would throw in some smart antics!  It's not called THE Wake Up Show for nothing!

 

It was a crazy morning of all days, traffic chose to visit the areas we passed by!  But thanks to Trixie!  We made it to the show!

Us, getting ready for the interview, I'm actually huffing and puffing deep inside!  :P  Thank goodness I'm actually NOT that nervous as expected!  Probably, I'm still concentrating on catching my breathe rather than worry about what I will say on the microphone!

**photo grabbed from Lynn

David and Lynn were interviewed regarding what Nuffnang is, what they are doing in the Philippines and how much they enjoyed the country.  I, on the other hand, was interviewed about my "endless beauty" *laughs* Fine!  I'm going to tell the truth, I was interviewed for this blog AskMeWhats.com as I am Nuffnang PH's Blogger of the Month for August! (Read article HERE).

Here's the complete cast for the day!

L-R DJ Vince, Me, Trixie, Lynn, David and DJ Tracy

Thanks Trixie for the crazy driving skills or else we won't make it to the show!

Trust me, David and Lynn got a taste of what Philippine Driving should be :P

Now I can say ---

Mellow 94.7
SOUNDS GOOD! :)

Thanks Nuffang PH!
Thanks Mellow 94.7 for guesting me on radio!
This experience will definitely go straight to my "good 'ol memory box"

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Pure Beauty Treatment Essence Water

Happy Friday!  I'm actually singing into the tune of Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" and believe me when I say, I can't even remember what I did last Friday night!  Tsk, shows my true age! :P

As I am typing this email, a lot of things are going through my head!  So much things to be done but I'm glad I still have this giddy feel to write a new post!  I guess it's YOU who gave me the energy to write because I know someone's reading believing in me!  *naks!  EMO mode*

I will be reviewing yet another not so expensive hair care product!  Sigh, so difficult to be a woman!  

After my Pure Beauty Treatment Hair Care Oil review, a couple of AMW readers have commented how much they like the product as well!  To some, who dislikes the feeling of "oil" on hands, here's another answer to your "no oil on  hands" prayer!

The Pure Beauty Treatment Essence Water

Pure Beauty Treatment Essence Water says ---

For taming frizziness and flyaway hair caused by dryness.

Size: 200ml
Ingredients: 

AMW says ---

Pros

• The spritz bottle is easy to use plus it has a "protection" .

 

• Feels very light on hair and it doesn't weight hair down.  
• My hair did not oil up midday.
• Lightly scented.  Not overwhelming.
• Easier to comb my hair after spritzing.
• Does reduce frizziness but not as much as the "oil" version.
• Doesn't cause dandruff or hair itching.
• Inexpensive and this bottle may last you a long time especially if your hair is short.

Cons

• Just a super tiny complaint, the nozzle can't be adjusted so mine doesn't "spritz" well!  It squirts straight line, imagine PEE! LOL!   (Not sure if its only mine)

Overall
Nice to use such product especially if I want parts of my hair to be "less frizzy" especially on the driest part of my hair (ends).

Tips

• If you have dry and frizzy hair, go for the Oil version.
• Try to spritz away from the roots! 
• If the nozzle doesn't work for you and you dislike the "straight line" spray, you can transfer the content to another spritzer bottle.
• Want to take this along during travel? Transfer this to a smaller spritz bottle so you can take this along anywhere you go.
• Spritz more when you know you needed protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
• Want to tame short, baby hairs?  Spritz this product gently on your comb, and spread the product using the comb directly onto the baby hairs.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who has normal, oily or limp hair!  The water version is lighter as compared to the oil version so this one would work on hair that doesn't have much frizziness and dryness issues!

If you tend to do a lot of chemical treatments on your hair, its nice to "quench" the thirst of our hair with this product.

Where to purchase and how much?

At Watsons or Beauty by SM for Php299.00 (approx $6.95).

AMW personally likes to spritz 

the middle portion down to the ends of her hair.

Hold the product approximately 4-6 inches away.

Enjoy spritzing to soft, healthy-looking hair!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Yellow on Red, Red on Yellow

Happy Thursday everyone!  Are you as giddy as I am as the weekend is super reachable?  Today, I am excited to share another simple nail art tutorial that uses only a few shades, this is dedicated for readers who own limited shades of polish and I chose the 2 shades that most of us would have! 

Red and Yellow --- I did not add Green as I don't plan to do a "Stop Light" nail art tutorial! :P

Here's the finish product, the point is to create sharp-edged petals on both sides for that "Christmas-y" feel. To make the design pop, I used only 2 colors against each other thus the name Yellow on Red, Red on Yellow.