Sunday, September 18, 2011

Weekend Food Tripping at: Tender Bob's

Happy Sunday!
I had a super fruitful Saturday.  Spent wonderful time with my family plus my baby Pomeranian dogs.  They're not babies anymore but in my eyes, they'll always be! *aww*

My sister also visited mom's place so it was "almost" a whole family bonding but of course, I have a brother who's working in Shanghai but in our hearts, he's with us! *double awww* :P

Weekend food tripping time!  Are you hungry?  Yes?  Good!  Read on... *evil laugh* 

Frankly speaking, the first time I've dined at Tender Bob's was its branch at Greenhills, it was newly open then!  We walked out the restaurant feeling full but not as satisfied!  The food are okay but nothing worth remember!  I don't know why but since I started to blog about food, I am giving restaurants a second and third chance and I'm glad the second time is always sweeter!

Nacho Chips
Php220.00 (approx $5.23)
White tortilla chips, topped with ground beef, olives,
cheese, salsa, chives, mushroom and black beans
Not bad, I'm not a bean-eater so I can get away taking out the beans, but the rest of the ingredients are perfect match!

Gambas
Php290.00 (approx $6.90)
Loaded with garlic, served spicy or mild
YUMMY!  My dad enjoyed this too, everyone liked this and I nearly went for second round!


Sizzling Salisbury Steak
Php205.00 (approx $4.88)
1/3 lb. burger drenched with mushroom gravy
and topped with fried egg.
This dish was actually served in a sizzling plate but I requested them to transfer in a "safer" plate for my dad to eat comfortably.  I also suggested to separate the gravy so my dad doesn't have to eat up all the cholesterol and fats! :)  I'm a good nurse aren't I?


US Beef Salpicao
Php360.00 (approx $8.57)
US Flat Iron steak aged in garlic and olive oil
No wonder, this obviously was soaked in a good amount of garlic and olive oil as I can taste the flavorful aroma of the beef with hint of garlic and the meat was very succulent and easy to chew!  Personal favorite! 


  Ultimate US Steak Sandwich
Php315.00 (approx $7.35)
US Flat Iron strips with caramelized onions
and sauteed mushrooms.
You really can't go wrong with a sandwich that includes caramelized onions!  Onions turn into this sweet garnish that won't leave you bad breathe!  The Ultimate US Steak Sandwich is THE ultimate sandwich to try when you visit the place! 


Sea Burger
Php175.00 (approx $4.00)
Their very own fish patty.  Their specialty
My sister is quite conscious with what she eats and she has chosen a Sea Burger (in which I thought is one super healthy burger LOL).  The serving is HUGE and she has to cut it in half and leave the rest for take out.


Grilled Salmon with Tropical Salsa
Php395.00 (approx $9.40)
6oz. Salmon fillet grilled medium with flavorful salsa.
Now you got this right, this is the more healthy alternative when you plan to be health conscious and still dine outside!  My mom ordered this and she told me the Salmon was really fresh to taste.


I usually go for water when I dine out as I'm not a fan of carbonated drinks!  Thanks to the availability of various fruit shakes, I was able to order my favorite Ripe Mango Drink.


The restaurant was packed with customers coming in and out!  I am liking the good service and the wonderful ambiance perfect for hangout!  Parking space is okay as you can just walk from Greenbelt parking area to the restaurant.  My mom checked the washroom on the second floor but nearly got stuck!  I hope they fix the lock ASAP or someone may scream soon!

Tender Bob's Restaurant
Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(632) 501-3717


Have you tried Tender Bob's?
What's your favorite dish?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Saturday, September 17, 2011

AMW Reports: Le Papillon Brand's Formal Launch

Fun fact about AMW --- I dress simply and I like to spice up my wardrobe by the power of GraySkull *lol* I mean...accessories! 


That's why when my high school classmate/friend messaged me to attend the formal launch of their accessories line Le Papillon Brand, I immediately accepted the invite!

The launch was held at Thaipan Restaurant!  The gorgeous room greeted me when I arrived the area "fashionably late" *embarrassed*.  I was in "accessories heaven" for sure!  Anyone can spend their month's worth of salary because the brand has so much to offer.


The owners of Le Papillon Brand Accessories did the opening remarks welcoming their friends to the launch.


After the short welcome remarks, we were advised to go around the room and check out their gorgeous pieces!  Just so you know, when it comes to purchasing accessories, I am very picky!  Here's MY formula to a good accessory brand...

Acceptable price range + Good Quality + Tasteful design = AMW Thumbs Up!

I am into bangles/bracelets and found these gorgeous designs!
Price ranges approximately Php350.00-Php550.00


More colorful and bulky bracelets!


Check this out!
I totally "awww-ed" on this!
Brassiere, undies, dress and engagement ring charms!  I bought a similar one by the way!  This gorgeous peice totally freaked me out as I've been imagining this design for so long!


Simple stud earrings to dangling earrings are also available!
Price ranges: Php80.00-Php200.00

 Connector Rings!
They are super comfortable to wear by the way
(in case you're wondering)


 Various necklaces
From punk to girly to classy designs.
 
 Last but not the least, a launch is not complete without the presence of yummy food!  It was a first for me to dine in Thaipan Restaurant and I'm impressed!  Lovely ambiance, wonderful food!

Congratulations to our dear friend Sheryl and her friends for the successful launch!

Feel free to check out their gorgeous pieces on THIS SITE.
I like the fact that their prices are clearly written on the site so you can easily shop base on your budget!
If you want to check out these pieces in person,

Le Papillon Accessories will be at the SuperSale bazaar
World Trade Center
Gil Puyat Ave. Extension cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.
Pasay City, Philippines
From November 4-6, 2011


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 
(Note: Author is not affiliated with the brand.)

Friday, September 16, 2011

AMW Reviews: San San Gel Eyeliner with Vitamin E

Eyeliners are probably invented for people like me who were born with small-looking eyes.  After years of usage, I've probably mastered the different strokes of eye lining to change the shape of my eyes from time to time.  No wonder gel liners are close to my heart because they can withstand hot and humid weather like the Philippines.  

Let's not forget....I'm a crybaby!  So the battle of gel liners (or other forms of eyeliners) will always be ON!

Recently, I am trying out the most inexpensive gel liner that I own, local reader would know the brand for sure, it's from HBC under San San Cosmetics line.

San San Gel Eyeliner with Vitamin E
The shade I got is Brown
The pot is smaller than regular gel liners.
Net weight is 0.07 oz/2 grams

If you wonder why would a gel liner be packaged in such long handle?
Pull out for a surprise!


Tada!  
The San San Gel Eyeliner includes a free brush!

Attach to the cap for easy handling!
Cool huh?
Now you've seen the "specs" of the exterior of the gel liner, let's move on to the real deal! 

San San Gel Eyeliner with Vitamin E says ---
Nothing much written on box.
Ingredients



AMW says ---
Pros
  • Super cute and innovative packaging!
  • Well sealed upon purchase so you get them fresh from the manufacturer.
  • I appreciate the tinier gel liner packaging as I could never finish up a gel liner without them drying up on me first.
  • The free brush is actually good!
  • The shade is true brown, not reddish brown, but just plain, matte brown.
  • Since the shade is not as dark and "obvious" as regular gel liners, best used by newbies or first-time gel liner users.  
  • Non-smudging nor smearing. (though it tends to disappear rather than smudge, which I prefer).
  • No weird scent.
  • Can be used to apply both thin or thick line, can also double up as an eyeshadow base for smokey-eyes.
  • Great to use on the lower lash line, shows up like a pencil liner. Very natural-looking.
  • Can be easily removed by using regular eye make-up remover.
  • Very affordable. 
Cons
  •  Not as dark and pigmented as other gel liners.
  •  If you rub your eyes a lot, this gel liner tends to disappear in the middle of the day.
  • Not as waxy or applies as smoothly as compared to other gel liners.
  • I have to go through the area a couple of times to get the desired and consistent shade I want.
Overall
The San San Gel Eyeliner's texture is that of a soft crayon.  I find it very easy to apply on lids and it stays on the eyes longer than eyeliner pencils.  

Tips
  • Always store in cool, dry place.
  • Try to store it upside down so the oil underneath will transfer on the top portion to prevent it from further drying.
  • If you're not comfortable with the free brush, feel free to use your preferred gel liner brush.
  • Wash the free brush before use.
  • Wipe the brush every usage with a wet tissue or spritz it with make-up cleaner.
  • Practice applying on both upper and lower lash line.  One small stroke at a time.
  • For super oily lids, use an oil-control primer prior to gel liner usage.
  • For makeup artists out there: This is actually the best liner to use for mature clients, I find the regular gel liner to look too strong on mature makeup.  Pencil liners are a bit too harsh on their lids, so this is perfect!
Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
First time gel liner users or anyone who likes the natural look of an eyeliner pencil.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local HBC stores for Php115.00 (approx $2.78).  Told you, its the most inexpensive gel liner I own! (to date)
Swatch on Hand without base
First 2 lines were applied approximately with 2-3 strokes
Last 2 lines who that the gel liner is not waxy enough for it to glide from end to end.


Applied thinly on upper lash line 

Applied thickly on upper lash line
Unlike other gel liners, this look like an eye shadow
 

Using San San Gel Eyeliner as my eyeshadow base


My L'Oreal Open Eyes Pro in Purple 

shows up more vibrant and pigmented

So far, I'm giving a thumbs up for San San Gel Eyeliner because it may have some cons but the inexpensive price tag makes it a "pro" as this can be easily bought by our hardworking consumers.

Have you tried San San Gel Eyeliner with Vitamin E?
If not, what's your most inexpensive gel liner to date?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Thursday, September 15, 2011

AMW Bulletin: HBC 3-Day Member Sale!

Bonnga!
HBC sells good quality products at an affordable price and yet, they are still giving out up to 30% off on selected items at the 3-Day Members Only Sale --- That's September 16-18,2011!

Lucky to those who have HBC stores nearby their home or office!  Enjoy shopping!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream

Finally, a skin care product review!  You can call me a snail reviewer all you want *giggles* I actually find it cute!  Snail Reviewer! :)

I have the much raved Vitacreme B12 on hand approximately 3 months and I've been using this on and off that's why its taking me T...H...I...S    L....O......N....G... to review the said product!

The SNAIL has finally spoken! :P

Vitacreme B12 says ---

VITACREME B12 is the first cosmetic containing Vitamin B12, an essential component for healthy skin. With deep penetrating capability, VITACREME B12 helps regenerates, nourish and moisturize you skin.

Click HERE to read the benefits of Vitacreme B12 and AMW readers who have tried the product have to say. (scroll down to comment section).

Main Active Ingredient 0.010% Cyanocobalamin = Vitamin B12
Other Ingredients Water (Aqua), Corn (Zea Mays) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyl Dodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Steareth-2, Steareth-20, Fragrance (Parfum), Triethanolamine, Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Carbomer, BHA, Sorbic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Salicylic Acid.
AMW says ---
Pros
  • Simple squeeze-type packaging that makes it easy for me to control the amount of product to dispense.
  • Sealed just like regular medicinal ointment from drugstore.  Assures us that the product is fresh.
  • A little goes a super long way!
  • Moisturizes my skin leaving it hydrated the whole day.
  • No skin irritations nor allergic reactions *knocks on wood*  If skin irritations occur, stop usage immediately!
  • There's no weird, irritating scent.  It smells like a light baby powder.
  • I can feel firmness on my skin and increase in suppleness.
  • Since skin feels and looks tighter, the very small pores on the sides of my nose was reduced! 
  • My skin peeling is GONE and I can actually say, I'm "normal skinned" now?  Even if I forgot to apply moisturizer at night, I don't wake up with flaky skin.
  • Gets absorbed into the skin easily so I can move on with my sunblock and makeup. If you plan to use this during the day.
  • Turned-off with the moisturizing/hydrating property I kept telling you about?  Surprisingly, this gives out a matte finish so this complements with your makeup application by working as a base.
Cons
  • A bit pricey for a 50ml tube but in fairness to this product, this will last you a long long time.
  • Won't work for everyone.  May cause breakouts to people with sensitive skin.
Overall
You may have read various raves about the product, but please do not expect too much at first purchase.  What I appreciate about this product is its simplicity and how it targets straight to skin concerns like peeling, drying and it does leave my skin soft, smooth and firm.

Let's talk about fine lines, I do have distinct lines under the eye area but since this product is a bit too potent for the sensitive skin around the eyes, I gave the under eye application a skip so I can't tell if this product can really reduce the appearance of fine lines.

I've read from other reviews that this also works for acne scars/marks?
Results VARY...keep that in mind please?

Tips
  • If you have sensitive skin,do the product test before applying this on your entire face.
  • If you have oily skin, do use this during the night time.
  • Take time to gently massage the product onto your cleansed skin.
  • Start by applying once daily then proceed to am and pm application if the product works for you.
  • Since this product does not have SPF, you need to apply sunblock separately if you use this in the morning.
Will I repurchase?
Depends, I'll see how long this tube will last me, I hope this won't expire on me.


To whom do I recommend this?
Anyone who would like to invest on skincare and isn't in a hurry to see results.  If moisturizing plus tightening and smoothing of the skin is what you're aiming for, this is a good product to try!

Where to purchase and how much?


Exclusively available in Watsons (SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Cubao, SM Makati and SM Mall of Asia) for Php1,895.00 (approx $44.00) per tube.

 Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream
the "pink" cream
Texture: Just like body butters

As you gently spread the product,
the pink color is still visible

Once blended well, it goes transparent
as it gets absorbed into the skin
Matte Finish

 A before and after shot
The dryness of the before application (left) photo near the nose and mouth has lessened IMMEDIATELY after application.



Have you tried Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream?
How do you find it? Does it work for you?

Please bear in mind that we do not have the same skin condition, so please purchase this  product at your own discretion. 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!