Weekend Food Tripping at: FlapJacks + Php1,000 GC for 1 AMW Reader! --- Closed!

When I was invited to dine at FlapJacks because of the FlapJacks' Back...Better...Best! menu, I immediately said "yes"!  What's not to like?  I looked back on my first FlapJacks experience which was 3 years ago!  Imagine, 3 long years!  Thanks to my "Food and Drinks" tag I was able to look back on the restaurants I've tried. 

By smiling and clicking HERE, you'll see that I had a grand time at the FlapJacks Restaurant several years ago with my family.  If you wonder why I haven't been back to this restaurant even when I sing nothing but praises for them?  I try to dine as much restaurants I can because I want to try new dishes!  

And the new menu of FlapJacks definitely makes it worth re-visiting!

  

Clam Chowder

Php145.00 (approx $3.40)

Creamy clam and vegetable soup

It is very difficult to appreciate creamy based soup as it usually tastes overwhelming when you're not even halfway there!  With the FlapJacks' version of clam chowder, I had to say, this is the BEST Clam Chowder soup I've tried.  They obviously used fresh clams that are chopped in medium size, not too big and not too small!  The texture is just right mixed with various vegetables.  I consider this a very healthy meal!

Awesome Trio

Php395.00 (approx $9.20)

A platter of traditional Buffalo Wings, Fried Calamari and Zesty Nachos

The Buffalo Wings are spicy and I can taste Tabasco sauce? (not sure if I'm right).  I think my tongue is used to the taste of Chicken Charlie, Bon Chon etc... that's why I don't crave for this as much.  

The calamari is perfectly cooked! Crunchy on the outside and it was soft and chewy inside.  

The nachos?  The name says zesty but the chips itself is light to taste, best partnered with sour cream and salsa!

 

 Lemon Pepper Pan Seared White Fish

Php295.00 (approx $6.85)

Mildly seasoned white fish with fresh squeezed lemon and pepper, 

pan fried in olive oil. Served with herb rice and chef's veggies.

I feel the dish is good but it lacks something, probably sauce?  I'm a sauce eater!  *lol* Fret no more, remember the Clam Chowder that I ordered?  It actually works pairing it with this fish!!!! It actually tastes perfect!

Mexi-Burrito Wrap

Php265.00 (approx $6.16)

Grilled chicken strips, vegetables and 

Mexican rice in soft tortilla wrap

I'm not a fan of anything with beans except, maybe..pork n' beans in can?  *laughs* Good thing I raised my concern to the order taker and I was told I can request to remove the beans, which they did and I LOVE this Mexi-Burrita Wrap sans beans!  The tortilla wrap is soft and easy to chew at the same time, the chicken strips are flavorful.

Closer look on the flavorful rice, chicken strips and vegetables

The Original Hashbrown Burger

Php350.00 (approx $8.30)

Mouthwatering pan seared all beef patty with fresh tomatoes and lettuce.

Topped with golden fried hashbrown & American cheese

Hashbrown, oh how I love thee!  It actually tastes good to have a piece of hashbrown in between the melted cheese and beef pattie.  I was told by the server that this was requested by a lot of customers when they took this out on the menu.  So now, they put it back due to customers demand!

For the drinks, I've decided to be adventurous and tried the unthinkable (in my dictionary).  I'm a fan of vegetables but there are certain vegetables I just can't put near my mouth!  Celery!  I hope you guys are proud of me!  I mustered the courage to try....

Jack and the Beanstalk

Php125.00 (approx $3.00)

Combination of celery, apple and pineapple

Surpisingly, the tiny hint of taste of the celery complemented the taste of apples and pineapples!  I even challenged the server that I'll give this back if I don't like it!  Of course, they won!!!  This drink is surprisingly good!  With everything that I tasted above?  Adding a bit of celery will burn "a tiny bit" of calories!  (wishful thinking) :P

Of course, Mr. AMW had his favorite Coca cola!

I am very happy that after years, the restaurant still has one of the best service I've tried!  Smiling servers, a manager that goes up to you and ask how you liked your meal (they did that even years ago).  The restaurant was packed and ambiance was definitely a great place to hang out not only with friends, but with the family!

Visit Flapjacks restaurants in Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center; Theater Mall, Greenhills; Al Fresco, Midtown; and UP Ayala Technohub. 
Restaurant accepts cash and credit card, service charge will be added to your total bill.

To receive special news and deals from Flapjacks, feel free to sign up at mybistro.com.ph or visit their website

at flapjacks.com.ph.

Here's a great news for dear AMW readers who got hungry after reading THIS post, they are giving away 2 x Php500.00 worth GC which I will be giving away to ONE lucky AMW reader!

Reader must be from Metro Manila to be able to enjoy this deal!

How to join:

• Comment "I'm Joining!" in this blog post together with your name and email address.
• Let me know which among the dishes I tried you think you would want to try yourself and why.
• SMILE because all you need is positivity and luck! :D  A big one ok? 
• Contest starts today until October 8, 2011.  
• One winner will be picked via Fruit Machine.

Thank you for more than 2,000 readers and almost 3million page views.  I will cook up with more contests to show my appreciation to YOU, YOU and YES... YOU!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay "burp"-y

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara

Good morning! By the time you're reading this, I'm off to Tagaytay with girl friends because we want to unwind, binge eat and hike to Taal Volcano naked!  *laughs*

Can you just forget the first paragraph and remember the "Off to Tagaytay" part?  

I'm not leaving you without a review though.  Who says Saturdays are for lazy people?  Not to me...well Sundays are!  *winks*

It is a bit funny how I threw most of my mascaras away by bulk as I tend to open them all at the same time!  Well by 3s to be exact!  After the Revlon CustomEyes Waterproof mascara review, I also reached out to a cute-boxed Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara which I got together with my Mary Kay's Creme Lipstick in Coral Pink which I have inside my bag for months! 

(Note: this one is a sample size)

Mary Kay Lash Love says ---

• Flexible, sculpted brush separates and coats even hard-to-reach
  lashes so volume looks instantly magnified with no clumps in sight.
• Lashes appear fuller, lifted and multiplied, while looking
  naturally flawless, soft and healthy.
• Exclusive Mary Kay Panthenol-Pro Complex™ and Vitamin E help moisturise, strengthen and condition lashes, defending them against breakage and brittleness.
• Developed with strong pigments to provide deep color on lashes.

Because the brush is flexible and sculpted, it

• Reaches even tiny, hard-to-reach lashes.
• Separates lashes.
• Is designed to eliminate clumping for cleaner and more precise application.
• Delivers just the right amount of formula and deposits mascara evenly on lashes.

net wt.: 8g
Ingredients: listed on the box but it was too tiny for me to take a shot of.

AMW says ---
Pros

• I actually like the simple, straightforward packaging, who would want curves around their mascaras packaging?  Imagine UDPP concept, the harder you can reach out for the product or maximize it.
• Rubber brush makes it flexible and it easy to use for my short and sparse lashes.  
• Does not transfer on my under eye area.
• No flaking, no smearing.
• No crunchy lashes.
• Lashes appear very natural yet defined.
• Does not weigh my lashes down.
• Does not create clumps.

Cons

• If you are looking for the SUPER vava-voom lashes, it won't go that direction as it'll always look natural no matter how many times you apply the mascara. 

Overall

Not bad!  I won't say this is a favorite of mine as I personally prefer vava-voom lashes, for someone with already good amount of eyelashes, this will give a super nice, natural volume and length!

Tips

• Never share mascara with another person.
• Do not pump the one in and out but roll the wand instead.  
• Always start from the base of the lashes wiggling it upwards.
• If it starts to clump your lashes, use a lash comb or spoolie in separating the lashes while "wet".
• You can use a mascara protector in application or just the plain business card trick to prevent mascara from getting into the lids or lower lash line.
• No sneezing immediately after application *lol* (I seriously need to add this tip on ALL mascara reviews.).

Will I repurchase?
Yes.  For clients that have short and sparse eyelashes like mine!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who hates the "big-wand" mascara. 

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant by calling them at (632) 859-6211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph if you wish to know more details.  The Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara costs Php725.00 (approx $17.26)for full size 8g.

A closer look on the unique MK Lash Love Mascara Brush

If you've seen the Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, they look quite similar.

The MK one is smaller.

Before and after shot of a super non-existent lashes

then applied with 2 coats of MK Lash Love Mascara

 

Two out of 3 mascaras opened....
What's the 3rd mascara brand?  You guess!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: ELLE Eyewear, MAC Me Over and Le Perfumerie House of Scents

Weekend is half a day away!  It's time to share some news to my dear AMW readers!  Thank you for always visiting my site, I really appreciate it and I'm reaching 3million page views soon!  I don't know how to thank you but I hope you can feel my appreciation with this "CYBER POWER HUGS"!!!

ELLE Sunwear

 

ELLE Sunwear will be having a one-day sale at SM Mall of Asia Department Store and Atrium (During the So ELLE... SO ME Fashion Event) on September 25, 2011 as they release ELLE Eyewear's 2011 Holiday Collection.

Customers get 10% off the tag price as well as a limited edition ELLE Bowling Bag valued at Php2,990.  If you are looking to buy sunglasses, this is the RIGHT time!

Drooling over this particular one included in the 2011 Holiday Collection

Also this one!

MAC ME OVER!

Experience the art of transformation and get the chance to be "MAC ME OVER'ed".  Kindly read poster for more details!

Le Perfumerie House of Scents

A dear blogger friend Martha is the owner of Le Perfumerie site.  I am proud of her for serving more than 500 customers to date!  As a way of saying "thank you" to her supporters, she's offering FREE SHIPPING on all perfume orders!  

Le Perfumerie House of Affordable Scents

SMS: 0927.460.7763

Email: leperfumerie888@gmail.com

Shop: http://leperfumerie.multiply.com

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Sweet Rawr!

Nail Art of the week!!!  Good rawr-in'!!!

If you have seen most of my nail art tutorial, you'll know that I'm into dainty stuff, flowers, flowers and... more flowers! Animal prints?  I've done once with my version of Zebra Nail Art.

This week, I am inspired to do another "animal print" inspired nail art, this time, leopard print!  Unfortunately, I can't seem to leave the leopard print as it is as I don't seem to find myself fit that 'sexy, rawr worthy' personality! 

I went for "Sweet Rawr" Nails instead!

AMW Bulletin: Group Deals and False Advertisement --- Beware

Cleverbuy.com.ph
Dermaesthetique

Both companies left a bad taste in my mouth.  Let me tell you why....
A dear reader emailed me and asked me if I am affiliated to this said Clinic because she saw my before and after shot.  I clicked on the site and here's what I saw...

Perfect! From Php2,500 to Php250.00 Great deal right????

WRONG!
I saw my own before and after photo

And obviously, it was a before and after shot of a review I did

Obviously, not from a treatment from Dermaesthetique

For the Record:

I have never tried any Under Eye Circle Treatment

and never stepped in Dermaesthetique Clinic

Fast forward, I gave Cleverbuy.com.ph a call, asking them who's at fault here.  In all fairness to the manager "Wax", he admitted they were the ones who stole my photos and they apologized and told me they'll remove the photos.  

At the same time, I emailed Dermaesthetique via their FB Page.

Shared to everyone via Twitter and FB Wall, I did my part!  I hope they'll at least contact me to apologize.

Well, of course not!  That's why this post was created!  I seldom get angry for long and I actually told myself I'm not going to dwell on this issue as its just a waste of my positive energy.

Then, I got a message from a dear FB friend telling me Cleverbuy did not remove my Before and After shot on their FB page.  

Really....... seriously.........

I had to click to enlarge as I couldn't believe it.  I would know that's me as I own that face for 32 years, well, I started looking like that around 12 years old, so fine!  For 20 years!

*pissed off Nikki* I gave Dermaesthetique a call and I was told by the "receptionist" that the Dra. (who's the owner) already knew about it and asked me to call Cleverbuy instead as she knew "nothing" about the incident.

*more than pissed Nikki*

I told the receptionist I won't put down the phone unless I talk to a marketing person or anyone in-charge of dealing with deal sites.

I got a name... Dra. Emilou Eclipse, she's the owner of Dermaesthetique.

I gave her a call on her clinic, another receptionist answered, telling me she's busy.  Asked me to call back 5 minutes after.  I told her I'll wait, and I did...and it has been more than 10 minutes when the line was cut.

(okay, by this time, I should have ran out with an ax like a headless chicken)  But I didn't, I was surprisingly cool.

I called back and Dra. Eclipse picked up the phone.  I told her my concern and she insisted that she was advised by Cleverbuy that they will use "authorized" photos or stock photos sent by the company to the deal site.

Okay, my first question was:
"If you're the owner of the company, won't you at least CHECK out the deal that was pasted all over the net?  Aren't you even alarmed to see a before and after shot of someone who did not go through your treatment?"

She agreed.

Second question:

"Who's the owner of the site's FB page?"

She said she is.  I told her I sent her a message, and she said she read it but was "too busy" as she's not always in front of the computer.

I told her if I am the owner of the clinic and there's someone complaining about the stolen photo, won't she at least email me and apologize?  Okay, I don't even need apology, I just want to see what actions she will take.

Obviously NONE.

So anyway, I won't waste much of this blog space.  I'm actually not ranting, I am perfectly fine.  What I want is to tell EVERYONE to be careful with companies like these!  Imagine, how difficult it will be to talk to them if you have issues with a certain treatment done at their clinic?

I don't need to talk more, you decide and tell me if these people are worth trusting or if you would trust your hard earned money or face in companies like these.


P.S. I know companies have "stock photos", whether they are real or not, I don't care!  Just don't steal mine.
P.P.S I'm not creating this post to pull down both companies, I just want to make you "aware" and be careful with deals you purchase.  I cannot tolerate stealing of photos and using them for ads on services I did not even avail.


My friends from Malaysia have something to say about Deal Sites, read them as they're super helpful ---
My Women Stuff 
Pretty Beautiful


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!