Travel Report: Hotel Innotel, Singapore

Yes!  I'm in the beautiful City of Lion --- Singapore!

I arrived around 2pm and went straight to a grocery to purchase water, a unique Coca Cola bottle/can, some chips JUST in case the Anaconda inside my tummy gets hungry! :P  

I swear, a huge luggage won't stop me from checking out a grocery at the Terminal 2 before we headed to the city proper!  

I tell you, it was a super EVENTFUL bus ride!  I like the adventure but I got a lot of bonuses out of it!  Ahhh the driver was a classic!  I won't forget him for the rest of my life!  Not because of his driving!  Let's just say, I don't seem to understand him and he does not understand me either and we're both speaking in English!  *lol*   Okay, just leave it like that for now as I'm still super "embarrassed" :P

I booked our hotel at Hotel Innotel via Agoda.  I'm so happy that the hotel wasn't hard to find!  Based on reviews, the hotel prides its location as its just 2-3 minutes walk to the Doby Ghaut Station which connects to other MRT lines.

I want to compliment their service!  Once I got to the front desk, they have clear folders on all the online bookings and my file was found right away.  I was asked to show my passport and credit card to confirm the booking.  In just a couple of minutes after, I was ushered to the room!  Quick and efficient!  I  like it! 

Onto the hotel, the room is just a regular sized hotel room BUT its interior is modern!  I smiled once I saw this sight.... white paintings with a colorful stripes  accent at the back of the bed....my kind of room! :)

Here's the other side of the room, take a look on how "hip" the color of the door is!  Each room number has different color combination! 

The bathroom is small yet its surprisingly spacious!
Okay, I got myself confused here with my statement

but you'll know what I mean once you scroll down

 The sink is located OUTSIDE, just right after you stepped inside the room.  It takes a bit of time to get used to this room configuration!  I'm starting to like it though as this totally feels like "home".

 

The hotel room has a couple of hangers, 2 bath robes, a safe...

Basic toiletries.  Ahhh, I see coffee, creamer and sugar!  

*made a cup for myself and Mr. AMW*

 

The most important part?  The bed is not too soft nor hard!  Ahhh, because of the wonderful bed, I slept in and woke up a bit too later :P

Free WIFI/Lan internet.  Once they give you the room keys, they already have the internet password printed out for you to use!  Ooohhh, blow dryer is available in EACH room plus this super cute mirror!  

I can use the computer to look at myself in the mirror (normal and macro mode) anytime!  (as if! LOL)

Oh my!  Before I end this post, can I share something?  Remember those very thin, card-board like slippers that hotels give out to use for free?  Oh my goodness, cardboard bedroom slippers NO MORE!  The hotel has 2 pairs of really good quality hotel slippers! Call me childish but simple things like these matters to me!!!

Just in case you're interested, mission accomplished on day 1!  Adding up to Mr. AMW's Coke collection...

Right in front of our hotel, there's a cute lion smiling at us!  Can't help it but we need to take a shot of him sitting so cute! Check out his bangs! :P

And the saying that I totally agree ----

Spent a wonderful dinner at Watami Restaurant, The Center with gorgeous Blogger friends!  Most of them have to fly all the way from Malaysia for this!  Thank you so much girls!  I had a fabulous time and my tummy is super duper happy! :)

Singapore is a bit humid even at night but the wonderful friends I met and a whole lot of funny moments made me realize how lucky I am! :)

I'll report back when I get the chance!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Tagaytay

What to do in Tagaytay?   EAT!!!

There must be something about Tagaytay that makes me want to stuff my face with food!  Restaurants are everywhere and the view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano that can be seen in most restaurants is probably the added factor that makes my tummy go wild!  Note to self:  Not to go to Tagaytay if I'm on a diet.

Too bad, I'm not! Well, I should...but..not yet!  Not for now okay? :P

A visit at Tagaytay won't be complete without dining at Antonio's Grill.  We made a mistake of having late lunch as we literally have our saliva hanging on the side of our mouth!  Maybe not them, but I'm sure it felt that way to me!  

So when the waiter finally arrived......I literally heard voices that sings... "ALLELUIAH!" 

 Sisig na Pusit

Php300.00 (approx $7.00)

I think it was a first for all of us to try this dish and I have to say..."Oh my goodness, will always order this if I visit Antonio's Grill!" --- 'nuff said!

Sinigang na Baboy

Php405.00 (approx $9.40)

Never fails!  Best if you order together with your friends as this soup is obviously good to share!  The right kind of sourness with the good amount of pork meat and vegetables!

Pinakbet

Sorry can't find the price online

Healthy serving of squash, beans, eggplant, okra and a whole lot more!

Not for the vegetable-phobics! :)

 Grilled Liempo

Php255.00 (approx $5.90)

300 grams of grilled pork belly!  Shen's favorite! :)

We had 2 orders of this best eaten with your own version of vinegar + calamansi + chili

Antonio's Grill 

One Destination, Aguinaldo Hi-Way,

Tagaytay City

For dinner, it was a recommendation of Tara to visit Hawaiian Bar-B-Q.  No, the restaurant isn't smoky and you don't have BBQ on sticks displayed all over!  *blush*  Well that was originally inside my head when the restaurant name was mentioned!

This is a not so huge restaurant located at the ground level of The Boutique Hotel.

Baby Back Ribs

Served quite huge which can be easily shared.  The sauce is just right and I find myself not adding up the sauce that comes on the side as its flavorful enough to enjoy it as it is!

 Baked Potatoes

As highly recommended by Tara, its a must try! Oh my!  I am dreaming about this since it first touched my lips!  Okay, I'm writing romantic stuff now!  But gosh!!! MUST TRY!!!!

 Calamares

 Best paired with beer....still the best if paired with water!  *laughs*  Crunchy, yummy, and did I say crunchy already?

Fisherman's Catch with 3 Sauces

Best ordered with friends!  I like the surprise of just picking a piece and wonder which one would give me the allergies...okay, all of them!  But totally worth it!

 Mango Crumble

Well, I don't know why it looked this way, probably our fault!  We were taking shots and it melted right in front of our eyes.  Nevertheless, still yummy!  I have a thing for mangoes!

 Chunky Monkey

Don't ask me why its called that way but I can go dance like a monkey after the sugar rush!  Loads of ice cream, bananas and peanut butter!  Guilt-free?  NO way! (doing lunges and jumping jacks while typing this entry) LOL

Hawaiian Bar-B-Q

#45 Aguinaldo Highway

Tagaytay City

Next day Fabulous Lunch at Buon Giorno Cafe and Bistro located at The Cliffhouse!  Such a lovely place to relax and bond!

Free Focaccia bread that we've all been waiting for :)

 Buon Giorno's Special

Php218.00 (approx $5.00)

A mix of Buor Giorno's best salad ingredients

drizzled with well-revered house dressing

 Not sure if I got the right salad name on this one but whatever it is, reminded me of Asian Salad with the oranges and dressing!  If I'm on Facebook, I'll LIKE! 

Rib Eye Steak

 Php554.00 (approx $12.00)

Good to share for at least 2-3 people (non-heavy eater).  We actually enjoyed this together with the gravy that comes on the side.  You can request how you want your meat to be cooked.

Gamberretti e Funghi Ravioli

Php280.00 (approx $6.50)

Stuffed pasta with mushroom and shrimp filling topped with tomato sauce.

Another MUST re-order!

Prosciutto e Funghi pizza
Php246.00 (approx $5.70)

Deep flavors of ham, mushrooms and oregano

I enjoy the thin, crunchy pizza dough with flavorful  tomato sauce topped with various vegetables and meat.

Buon Giorno Cafe and Bistro

4 Cliff House

Tagaytay City, Cavite

I will definitely go back for another food trip!  I think all the restaurants we tried deserves a thumbs and toes up! :)  I enjoyed all the dishes!

Any other good restaurants that I must try if I go back to Tagaytay?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Salon Report: Hair Coloring, Gloss Treatment at AZTA Urban Salon

Happy First Day of October!
To celebrate the Happy October month, not because its October-fest (I'm not that much of a beer drinker), but because October is my brother's birthday!  October is also the month I start to feel the spirit of Christmas!  *inserts Christmas songs as I wear my reindeer headband* :P

One way to keep yourself happy is to give yourself "me" time.  What's my definition of a "me" time? 

All together now: "Visit a salon!"

I try to salon-hop as much as possible because I believe there's just so much to offer in each salon!  I may have a favorite hairstylist but I am quite adventurous in trying out different salons and I'm not that icky when it comes to who's touching my hair!  (as long as they don't pull it hard!)

One rainy weekday, my brother-in-law picked me up at our home and drove me to SM San Lazaro (thanks B.I.L.!).  My sister was also there and my nephew!  He was so cute!  Before we bid our "temporary" goodbyes, he said: "Auntie Nikki will look pretty after!"  --- good job training him sis!  *laughs*

I have been a local customer of Tony & Jackey (my favorite stylist is Water) and it was a surprise for me to know that AZTA Urban Salon has a branch at the nearest SM mall from home!  I'm glad I visited this place on a weekday and here's the gorgeous, comfortable ambiance that greeted me....

Let's not forget the friendly smile of the receptionist Ms. Chien.  

 

First thing I checked....magazines!  Do I have enough to read?  Are they updated?  YES! 

GSL Gives: Smooth Skin in Seconds --- Winners!

Thanks for joining the GSL Gives: Smooth Skin in Seconds contest!  Seem like a lot of you would want to have Smooth Skin in Seconds and its possible with the right product!

Congratulations to the winners ---

Angelie Oro

and 

Rachael Uson

From the bottom of my heart, thank you GSL Philippines for choosing AMW as one of your means to share Good Skin Labs products!  

Feel free to add them up on FaceBook to be updated on their products and promos!

To the rest, keep smiling and always stay positive!  Your luck is just right around the corner and it won't go to you if you're frowning! :P

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Garnier Light Dark Spot Corrector Pen

There is something about Lemon that left me running to the opposite side.  Do not get me wrong, I do know the advantages of Lemon or shall I say, Vitamin C as part of any skincare product.  It helps lighten dark spots and brightens the area.  Why does it seem like I'm staying away from them?

Dryness!  I'm scared of putting any product with vitamin C as I've had my fair share of experiences trying them out then drying the hell out of my skin which led me to "hitting myself on the head" and went back to my old skin care regimen.

A couple of months ago, I have not been sleeping well and because of that, I ended up with pimples on random areas like the right side of my cheek, the forehead and a tiny bit on the chin area.  It was gone after 5-7 days but it left a mark that just can't get away.  

Then I saw the Garnier Light Dark Spot Corrector Pen sitting on top of my table which I put it for Mr. AMW to use!  I picked it up and ended up using this myself for weeks. 

Here's what I have to say....

Garnier Light Dark Spot Corrector Pen says ---

Garnier Light Dark Spot Corrector Pen's new formula works precisely to reduce the intensity, size and number of dark spots.  Thanks to its active natural ingredients, it targets them precisely, preventing their formation.  Instant whitening agent helps fade off dark spots and making them less visible.  In 28 days, dark spots and signs of skin darkening diminish visibly.  Skin is fairer and more even.

Size: 10ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nice, yellow, squeeze-y tube, easy to use!
• Consistency of the cream is just right.
• Gets absorbed into the skin easily and has a matte finish, you can apply makeup without any problems.
• Has a light lemon-y scent.
• It DOES lighten up fresh dark spots but not the old ones.  Keep in mind the application HAS to be consistent.
• For prolong use, lets say 2-3 tubes together with the other products from the Garnier Lightening Range, it does help speed up (a bit) the treatment.

Cons

• You cannot see the result in an instant.
• Need to do this religiously so lazy people out there? This is a CON for you.
• Can dry out the skin if you over apply.

Overall

This product may or may not work so please purchase at your own discretion.  My mom-in-law has been a Garnier user for more than a year and she's been loving the results and I've seen her dark spots around the cheek area literally decreased after constant am/pm usage for (take note) a year, lets not forget that she's also using the Garnier Lightening Cream with the Garnier Light Dark Spot Corrector Pen to spot treat dark areas.

Mr. AMW on the other hand have tried to use on his old pimple marks and he did not see any "obvious results" so he gave up!  (probably too impatient lol)
 

Personally speaking, I have been using this product only on dark spot and the darkness has reduced significantly (not in an instant) not knowing if it's because of the product or because it has been healing on its own.  (You tell me!)

Tips

• Best used consistently, morning and night.
• Use together with other Garnier Light products to see better results.  I can attest to this as my mom-in-law has her spots lightened after more than a year of usage!  Including THIS product.
• If you have sensitive skin, test product under the ear area for at least 12 hours and see if signs of itchiness or irritations occur.
• Dab a bit of the product directly to the dark spot.
• Feel free apply on larger areas if you want but you'll end up spending more!  I suggest you purchase the day and night cream.

Will I repurchase?
Not for myself, for my mom-in-law, yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone with normal or oily skin who needs to lighten up dark areas around the face and can stick to the regimen for tubes and tubes.  Someone who is patient to see results in a month or even more!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watsons or leading supermarkets for Php199.00 (approx $4.75).

Have you tried the Garnier Light Dark Spot Corrector Pen?
Share to me and the readers your experience using this!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!