Weekend Food Tripping at: The Pink Vanilla

"Aging leads to weight gain due to slower metabolism" --- I've read that on various health magazines and fitness books for the longest time! Not that I worry about it but I do want to look fit and healthy as I grow older!

And on that exact day I got to be a year older, look at the surprise I received! 

A dear reader, who owns a home-based online store "The Pink Vanilla", sells cupcakes and bars got my address as she wanted me to try their cupcakes!  Who would have thought she'll send me ALL their cupcake flavors and MORE?  I'm not complaining though, it was delivered at home the morning of my 33rd birthday!

Eye candy!

And more!

Scroll down for more details of EACH cupcakes

Revel Bars 

Box of 12

Php175.00 (approx $4.00)

I took out a knife to slice the Revel Bars into smaller pieces as I'm scared of anything that goes above 50% sweet!  It was a nice surprise to taste a good amount of "fiber" on each small bite with the melted taste of chocolate MINUS the "very sweet" factor! 

Carrot Cupcake with Cream Cheese

Php45.00 (approx $1.00)

Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting

Php45.00 (approx $1.00)

Chocolate Chip Cupcake

Php49.00 (approx $1.10)

 

Carrot Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

Php40.00 (approx $0.90)

Carrot Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

Php40.00 (approx $0.90)

Devil's Food Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

Php40.00 (approx $0.90)

Devil's Food Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

Php40.00 (approx $0.90)

Oreo Cupcake

Php49.00 (approx $1.10)

Banana Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

Php40.00 (approx $0.90)

Each of the cupcake is not only physically attractive but they taste equally as good!  My top picks would be Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting --- I can't get enough of this!  I am saving this up and slicing them into tiny pieces and enjoy each bite!  Mr. AMW likes the Oreo Cupcake and Chocolate Chip cupcake because he enjoys not only the cupcake itself but the added cookies right on top!  Oh, he told me the generous amount of cream is a wonderful bonus!  My mom-in-law enjoyed the Banana and Carrot cupcake so it seems like we're not fighting over the same cupcakes!  

I actually brought some to my mom and dad and I told them to remove the cream and there they were savoring each mouthful not leaving a "spot" of cream behind!  (Sorry doc, I ruined their diet!) 

It was one of those extra "sweetness" in life that can make us smile and I want to thank The Pink Vanilla for the generous birthday treat! :)

Though I can't share the cupcakes to you, I hope the lovely photos can bring a smile on your face! :)  I'm 33, probably gained pounds from all the sweets, yet, I'm very happy and probably off to jog while you're reading this! :P

Feel free to check out The Pink Vanilla's Facebook page for price list, other food offerings OR you can just enjoy the photos without gaining weight!

 Have a sweet Sunday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Products sent as gift.  Opinions 100% mine.)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Red Big Bowl

Happy Sunday everyone!  How was your weekend?  Oh, I can't even explain how mine went, well, since you're forcing me *winks* I will do my best to explain!  Hahaha

Forgive me but I need to share what I've been through yesterday!  After a wonderful makeup gig for an old client, I suffered a terrible stomachache!  I'm not even sure where it started but the pain was so intense I can't even enjoy my lunch!  It was my favorite Korean dish!  And you will know I'm not feeling well if I am not enjoying my food! *insert sad face*  What's even worst, it was a jam-packed Saturday and there were just so much to do and I can't bear to cancel any one of the appointment as time is gold!  *time-OC Nikki talking here*

Fortunately,  I survived Saturday because I'm now energized telling you the story about it! :P  Let me tell you though, it wasn't easy but constant praying and "in between relaxing" helped!  So yeah, that's how my Saturday went and I hope yours was the opposite version of what I've been through!

ON to the better news, let's get back to the happy topic!  FOOD!

I got to know this restaurant because my mom and dad-in-law talked so much about this!  Funny how you can find a Chinese restaurant right in front of Lourdes Hospital around Manila area!  Since I heard nothing but good feedback from my parents-in-law, I've decided to take my mom, dad and brother there on a weeknight!  Yeah, it was "single Nikki"  night! :P

Cantonese love their soup so nothing beats soup as a starter!  Most would go for salads, I will vote for soup anytime of the day!

Polonchay Seafood Soup

Php230.00 (approx $5.30)

A healthy cup of soup with fresh seafood.  We actually like how it was on the "less saltier" side and no MSG!

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Php190.00 (approx $4.25)

I have tasted better Yang Chow Fried Rice in other restaurants but this did not fail me in terms of (again) the no MSG taste! 

 Cold Cuts Combination

Php350.00 (approx $7.95)

A good serving of lechon kawali  (crispy pan fried roasted pork), White Chicken, Seaweeds with century egg and Asado.  This is a must order to try different dishes in one order!  For someone who's not into lechon kawali, I am really giving them 2 thumbs up on maintaining the crunchiness of the skin and the juicy texture of the meat!  My next favorite would be the seaweeds just because I like them a lot!

Fish Fillet with Broccoli Flower

Php270.00 (approx $6.30)

Another must try healthy dish especially if you're with family members who need to eat healthy!  The fish fillet is obviously fresh and I love how the sauce did not overwhelm the natural taste of vegetables and fish!

Shrimp Balls 8pcs

Php280.00 (approx $6.35)

Okay, forgive me, I did try my best to be healthy all the way but my taste buds needed something unhealthy!  *laughs*  This order came in last and it was a wonderful "touchdown" to the Red Big Bowl Dining experience!  This is my favorite dish and I will definitely order this again when I get back! 

Just so you know, I am not a healthy-eating freak but I'm actually not a fan of soda and lucky me, I love my tea or just regular water!  The rest of my family got soda!  Come on guys!  Focus on healthy lifestyle!  *laughs*

Oh, before I forget, the cool part of this restaurant, aside from being spacious, is the fact that there were around 4-5 tables that has a flat screen television on each table!  My mom and dad did not miss their daily dose of evening news!  Hey Korina Sanchez, looking good here! :P

The place could get a bit hot though as it's huge! 

Do not worry about parking, they have ample parking space!  Red Big Bowl accepts cash and credit card payments.  Service was good!

Red Big Bowl

3555 P. Sanchez St., Old Sta. Mesa

Manila, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 516-4716

Are you within the area?  Have you tried Red Big Bowl?  How was your experience?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

The Unsung Heroes: While You Were Drying Your Hair...

Okay, the title is a failed attempt of "While you were sleeping" (movie) kind of drama!  

HELLO!!!  Happy Saturday!  I'm off for another very busy weekend but I'm never complaining!  Keeping myself busy is one way of keeping myself sane!  I dislike the feeling of being idle so busy is good!  

I haven't blog about The Unsung Heroes for the longest time *checks old posts*  3 entries for the past 4 years, not bad at all!  That only means that I'm giving the stuff I bought the equal opportunity of a lifetime they deserve!  I deserve an applause!!! *claps claps claps*

After the Rat Tail Comb article, which in my dictionary, is a MUST have in every household, my love into hairstyling got deeper and mind you, this post is meant hairstyling on special occasions!  I do not intend to do this on a daily basis as I'm a wide-tooth comb kinda girl.  This post is also perfect for hairstylists!

2 Unsung Heroes today....

The Boar Brushes

And sectioning clips

Let's focus on the boar brush first, I own one boar brush which I bought from Denman but can't seem to find it anymore so during Cosmetologie 2012, I went up to the Goody booth and saw this at 20% off!  This is definitely an older version as I've seen the newer and more colorful ones but I aimed for "professionalism" *ahem* actually, I just went for the more inexpensive so bought this for Php550.00+ (approx $12.50) as opposed to the original price of Php700.00+  (approx $16.00).

I actually got the tip from Kim who was doing hairstyling for my clients and she advised me that this size is perfect for almost all hair length!  I thought of investing a 100% boar brush that I'm sure will last long as I take care of them pretty well!

As I was touring the rest of the booths at Cosmetologie, I also bought 2 other sizes for a super inexpensive price, it's out of a whim and "just because".  Angela, who was with me that time, can't believe her eyes why I even need all these!  *hahaha*  

After I tell you how much I bought these, you'll understand why no one can stop me!  The biggest boar brush costs Php200.00 (approx $4.50) while the dark brown boar brush costs Php100.00 (approx $2.30).  Backups aren't bad if they are inexpensive yet still comes in good quality!  

And since I'm already on hair stuff shopping, I plan to purchase more sectioning clips because it may sound nothing to you but it's heaven scent for people who blow dry!  I used to use those butterfly clips but they're all starting to go "toothless" so time to get professional!  

You have to give me a pat on the back for finding these Crocodile Clips pack of 5 for a price of.... *drumroll* Php50.00 (approx $1.15)!!!

They clip onto your hair super well and doesn't hurt at all!  Oh yeah, *boasts* did I say it's super cheap??? And cute??? And cheap??? :P

I know, this may sound silly to people who are the "wash hair then go" type!  For someone who likes to style her hair once in a while PLUS doing other people's hair, this is definitely worth posting on THE UNSUNG HEROES portion!

Any hairstylists out there reading this post?  Come on , back me up! :)

Have a wonderful Saturday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Sephora and Tony Moly

East Meets West, or was it West Meets East?

It is a Eureka Moment post as I have found a similar product available locally and quality is good and the brand is from...Oh yeah, just hold on your horses and wait until you scroll further down!  *tee hee hee*

Let's talk about the Sephora Crayon Jumbo 12H Jumbo Liner.  I got this from my dearest blogger turned real-life friend Lisa whom I met for 3 times last year!  She told me how much she loved this particular product and thought I would love it too!  Well, she's right!  I have been using this as my eye-lighter (eye highlighter) at the same time, my eyeshadow base.  I even love to use this on it's own and it looks so natural on my lids that I can leave it just the way it is!

 The shade is in Taupe, neutral shade that would work on almost all skin color!

 04 Taupe

The shade is build-able and creates a wonderful pop of color no matter how you prefer to apply.  Taupe shade is a  nice, light to medium brown shade with a whole lot of shimmer but not over the top.

With the 04 Taupe from Sephora, I applied the important "highlighting" points as seen on diagram below

Check out the effect

Here's the big question, we do not have Sephora down here but I've found a nice alternative.  I'll write down the similarities and differences on the latter part of this post.

Tony Moly Crystal Stick Eye Shadow

in Gold

You get to see the shade on as the color is peeking on the bottom part of the pen

I'm not saying the Tony Moly is a "spot-on" dupe of the Sephora 04 Taupe shade as the name itself suggested otherwise.  The product does remind me of Sephora though.

Here are some of the similarities and differences between Tony Moly and Sephora ---

Similarities:

• Both have the similar texture.
• The nice consistent sparkles that doesn't look like a disco ball.
• Both serves as a nice eyeshadow base, works as an "eye-lighter" and can be used on the waterline to create brighter-looking eyes.

Differences:

• You need to sharpen the Sephora Crayon Jumbo while the Tony Moly Crystal Stick Eye Shadow is housed in a retractable packaging.

• Sephora has longer staying power as compared to the Tony Moly one.
• Sephora version is more crease-proof, budge-proof and water-proof.  Tony Moly smudges on oily lids.
• Sephora costs $12.00 (approx Php528.00), Tony Moly costs Php198.00 (approx $4.50).

Any other similar products you've discovered recently from 2 totally different brands?
Have you tried either of the 2?  Let me know your experience!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Ansley New York 3D Shimmer Powder and Blusher

You have probably heard about Glow and Glamour Store from THIS Contest which was sponsored by them.  Oh, the contest isn't over yet, feel free to join and win yourself a Love Package! :)

Okay, back to Glow and Glamour Store, the online store also sells various contact lenses and of course, cosmetics!  One of the brand you can find in store is the Ansley New York Cosmetics.  I originally thought this was a US brand but guess what?  It's Made in Korea! :)

 

I got 2 shades---

01 Rose Blossom

02 Fairy Pink

Ansley New York 3D Shimmer Powder and Blusher says ---

• 2 in 1 The powder as soft as a velvet and pressed dots blusher are in a box.
• The master of 3D make up The micro pearlcontained powder will structure 3D face line.
• Unchangeable skin surface It will keep the moist and shiny skin all day long.

Weight: 120grams

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging is really nice!  Comes with loose powder and blusher!
• The loose powder portion is sealed pretty well upon purchase.

• Has an extra blush brush.

 

• The loose powder puff feels very smooth on skin and is made of good quality.

• The 3D Shimmer Powder gives healthy glow with a nice oil control.
• The blusher looks very natural.  01 Rose Blossom shows really well on most skin color.  
• The 3d shimmer powder is finely milled and soft to feel and does not create white cast.
• 3d shimmer powder can also be used on neck, arms and the rest of the body as it gives a nice healthy shimmer.
• The blush and powder stays for almost 4-5 hours for normal or dry skin, approximately 3 hours for oily skin.
• The company that sells this packs the product really well and I got them safe and sound.

Cons

• The extra blush brush is nice but it has to be kept separately in a pouch or makeup bag to prevent the brush from getting dirty.
• As a retouch powder, pressed powder is always better to prevent "mess".
• Not locally available, have to pay extra for shipping plus wait for them to arrive.  
• 02 Fairy Pink will not show well on darker skin tone.
• As for the loose powder, it has obvious glitters which may not be advisable for people who prefer matte-looking skin!

Overall

The Ansley New York 3D Shimmer Powder works just like that of a Laura Mercier or Shu Uemura Loose powder, definitely highly recommended.  For the Ansley New York Blusher which is also part of the package, this gives a nice "super natural" flush no matter how much you apply.

Tips

• If you have oily skin, blot excess oil with an oil blotter first prior to retouch to prevent powder build up or patches.
• If you like retouching with a k-brush, leave the blush brush that comes with the product and use ONE brush to retouch both blush and powder!  
• If you like using the "powder puff" that comes with the product, do not forget to wash it regularly to prevent bacteria build up.
• If you like the "obvious" blush, apply your favorite blush shade of choice then top with Ansley Blusher as they give a nice, healthy, unexplainable glow.
• For the blusher: Since both 01 and 02 shades will always appear natural, this is the perfect blusher/ setting powder on top of a cream blush or cheek tint!
• Once allergic reactions occur, STOP usage immediately.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  I may not finish up the Blusher quickly but I like using the 3D Shimmer Powder on clients.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Ladies on the go who are happy with powder and blush then zoom!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Glow and Glamour website for $18.90 (approx Php832.00) + Shipping.  Check my code given by the company for 10% off. 

01 Rose Blossom

Combination of shimmer powder, peach, medium pink and gold specks

Best used by light, medium and dark skin tone

Though I do not own Guerlain Meteorites, this reminded me so much of it!

02 Fairy Pink

Combination of Shimmer powder, light pink and purple shades

Color comes off super  natural with a very natural pinkish glow

Perfect for people with light to light-medium skin

For personal use, I apply the 3d shimmer powder 

with the puff in quick, patting motion

I like using my Shu Uemura Powder Brush in blush application

I picked the shade 01 Rose Blossom

as it can show better on photos with flash

If you plan to order from Glow and Glamour website, feel free to use the code specially for AMW readers (AF280291458).  Less 10% on all products in store!

If you get to purchase either of the 2, which shade would you pick?
Have you found a 2 in 1 product just like Ansley that you can recommend?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Reviews 100% mine.  Code generated for the purpose of discount, I am not affiliated nor paid by the company.)