Weekend Food Tripping at: Sugarhouse

Good morning friends!  By the time you're reading this, I'm probably still in Tagaytay or heading back to Manila!  It's going to be a wonderful weekend spent with my friends!  I can't wait to share to you my food adventures once I get back!

Everytime I visit my parents' home, I always like to bond with them over dinner, the problem with Sta. Mesa area, is the lack of food choices!  Boy was I glad when SM Hypermart was there and there are a couple more restaurants added up aside from the usual SM Sta. Mesa.  One place I haven't really taken the time of day is Sugarhouse, it was a sudden "craving for sweets" that took us to the place!  From then on, it changed my overall view of the "Dessert Place", it is one nice place to dine as well!

Taco Salad

Php165.00 (approx $3.80)

Crispy tortilla chips artfully topped with seasoned ground beef, 

crisp shredded lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, onions, 

cheese cubes finished with tomato salsa.

I'm not sure if anyone who frequents SM Megamall would remember a small Taco stall called "Baron's Taco"?  It's a favorite taco place of ours and we were literally crushed when we can't find them anymore!  So this Taco Salad, from Sugarhouse is closed to what we were craving for from Baron's Taco!  I love crushing the tortilla chips into tiny pieces and mix them all together for a lovely crunchy salad!

Chicken Salpicao

served with Chocolate Bliss Cake and Iced Tea

Php280.00 (approx $6.50)

I'm not sure if they offer the set meal the whole day but it doesn't hurt to ask!  The meal is worth it as you get to try tender tasting chicken cubes, with a tiny bit of salad on the side with garlic rice!  

Chocolate Bliss

Baked Pork Spareribs

Php250.00 (approx $5.80)

Ribs marinated overnight in a flavorful tomato sauce then slow-baked until tender.  

Served with steamed buttered vegetables.

My brother ordered this one and he told me the pork spareribs is indeed very tender but he would appreciate the meal more if the fat wasn't that thick!  

Beef Ribs in Beer

Php270.00 (approx $6.25)

Some rib fingers, the tender and very flavorful meat in between, 

simmered them in beer to make this hearty stew

My dad loves his beer so I guess the presence of "beer" on its name made him order this!  The beef is indeed very juicy, tender and flavorful, there's no beer taste at all.

Fish Fillet en Papillote

comes with Chocolate Bliss and Iced Tea

Php280.00 (approx $6.50)

My mom was craving for something healthy so this is a perfect choice!  Cream Dory was used and I've given this a taste myself, I'm not a fan of peppered anything so I'll give this a skip!  

Sugarhouse 
GSM Mezza Residences Aurora Blvd. 
Cor. Araneta Ave. Sta. Mesa, QC
Phone: (632) 559-5995
website: www.sugarhouse.com.ph

Overall, the place is quite small so I'm not sure how they can accommodate a big crowd.  I think the place is nice for the ambiance (quite homey) and of course, with such a small area, the servers are very efficient.

Have you tried meals from Sugarhouse?  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Vitacreme Anti-Ageing Serum

Remember my first Vitacreme B12 product review?  It's called the Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream and little did I know, they also came in serum form for anti-ageing!  

Vitacreme B12 Serum Anti-Age

Vitacreme B12 says ---

Enriched with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, an potent anti-aging agent, blended with a high concentration of Vitamin B12, Hyaluronic Acid and Asiatic acid, it delivers various benefits, including anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, whitening, hydrating and firming. With this all-round treatment, skin is restored to a youthful-looking appearance.
This gel type care is fresh and readily-absorbed to perform the greatest efficacy.

Size: 30ml
Ingredients: (click to enlarge)

 AMW says ---

Pros

• Squeeze type tube with pointed tip making it easy to control the amount of product needed.

• Gets absorbed into the skin quickly.
• Leaves a soft, moisturized feel immediately after first use.
• Manufactured and expiration date clearly printed on box.
• Immediately blurs out lines and lessens dryness.
• Non-greasy. 
• No breakouts nor allergic reactions on me.
• My skin doesn't look and feel dry anymore!

Cons

• If you dislike fragrance on serums, this particular product has a floral scent but disappears less than a minute.
• Sensitive skin may react due to the presence of Parfum in the ingredients.
• Price

Overall

This product is medium pink shade of serum is a bit watery by texture which can get absorbed into the skin easily.  It doesn't leave a greasy or oily-feel and feels very light upon application.  The anti-ageing effect, I can't tell for now but I can immediately enjoy the softer, more supple feel of my skin.

Keep in mind that skincare products need TIME to really see its effectiveness and results.

Tips

• Unsure if this product would work for you?  Do a patch test.
• Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage immediately.
• Use a tiny amount to start with, press a small pea-size of product and gently  massage into the skin starting at the driest part.
• Once product gets absorbed into the skin, you may continue with your regular moisturizer
• This product is good for 6 months upon opening.  Mark the product with the date.
• Do not forget to apply your neck area. 
• Though it was written in the instruction portion to use day and night, I prefer to start using the product once a day until your skin gets used to the additional "potent" product.

Will I repurchase?
May or may not.  Serum is never an integral part of my skincare regimen. It's a luxury :)

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls and boys who are used to injecting a "serum" into their regimen.  This is best used for people above the age of 25, who needs the anti-ageing properties. 

Can be used by normal, dry, oily and combination skin.  Sensitive skin may need to do a patch test.

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 Php2,400 (approx $55.80) per tube.



Product photo

Medium pink shade of the product

Once blended, it goes on clear,

reducing the look of fine lines and dryness.

 

For more information, LIKE Vitacreme B12 on Facebook.
Do you use serum in your current skincare regimen?
Which serum brand do you use and is it effective?

Once in a while, I include the usage of serum as part of my "night time" routine especially on days I feel my skin gets really dry and needs the boost of moisture.  I'm halfway done with Vitacreme B12 Serum Anti-Age and so far, I'm happy with it.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Maybelline HyperSharp Liner

Happy Month of June!  The month for wedding bells! 

I know how a lot of you dislike to use liquid liner because of some unexplainable factors!  *laughs*  Let me explain, it's the unsteady hands!  I know because I used to complain about that too!  My first liquid liner was purchased months before my Engagement Party (that was year 2007), and I (bravely) did my own makeup during on that special day so I practiced... A LOT!  And guess what?  My eyeliner during my engagement party isn't perfect but it wasn't bad at all! 

Moral of my short story, do not be scared to try liquid liners as they aren't tattooed on your lids!  They can be removed easily by a nice eye makeup remover so please, don't get scared and start whipping out your liquid liners...NOW! :)

One of the sharpest, shortest brush liquid I own to date is from Maybelline.  It's a wee bit shorter than my K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof but similarly sharp! 

The HyperSharp Liner from Maybelline

Maybelline says ---

AMW says ---

Pros

• Perfectly sharp and short liner brush giving you a precise thin or thick line!

 

• Manufactured date is clearly printed upon purchase.  Product is well sealed.
• Pigmented.
• No smudging.
• Dries quickly!
• Easy to remove with any eye makeup remover.
• Can easily draw various winged liner look or designs for Avant Garde mareup.
• Inexpensive for its quality.

Cons

• Since it's a brush tip, it will be difficult for first time liquid liner users.
• The ink flow could be a problem as sometimes, I need to reapply twice for the right pigmentation.
• It won't smudge if you rub your eyes but some of it MAY flake off.

Overall
A great inexpensive liner that gives you a good control, a thin or thick line can be easily done with a short .05mm tip.  This liner won't give you the panda eyes.

Tips 

• Watch out for Sales!  Maybelline have sales every now and then so you may purchase and test on some of their products less 10-20-30% off!  Follow them on Facebook to get updated!
• Apply by holding the pen pointing the tip towards your lashline 

•  or flipping the pen on the side for a better application.  (Practice makes perfect.)

• Shake the pen before use.
• If you have extremely oily lids, it helps to prime your lids with your choice of oil control eyelid primer.
• If you use a liquid liner, apply with short strokes near your lash line, do not forget to tight line with your choice of waterproof eye pencil.
• Never share the same liner brush on different individuals.  If you must, wipe the brush tip with a makeup cleaner pad.
• Keep in mind that it takes time to apply a nice line, use a pencil if you're in a hurry.
• Since I can't seem to know when I use up the product, I like keeping a tiny sticker writing down the date I start to use the product and give at least a month (if daily use) and 2 months (not daily) and start to stock up before you ran out of the product.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
 Anyone who likes to create a nice thin/thick line without bringing an extra brush.

Where to purchase and how much?
 At local Maybelline counters for Php399.00 (approx $9.25).

Product swatches and photos

Thin or thick line can be easily drawn

The color is achieved by lining once on thin line, twice on the thick line

I like applying using short strokes flipping the pen sideways as shown on photo below.  Afterwards, I like to fill in spaces by pointing the sharp tip of the pen straight and gently rub the brush onto the area where extra lining is needed.  

Maybelline HyperSharp Liner in Black on my upper lash line.

Feel free to tight line with your choice of eyeliner pencil

How many days, months or years did it take for you to perfect your line?
Mine would be, around a week!  (It was daily!!!) :P and trust me, I still make mistakes!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Wears: Ferretti Donna Bone Colored Pumps

Shoes, shoes, shoes... I can't get enough of them!  Who feels the same way? *raises hand*

As picky as I am, it took me a while to purchase "another" nude pumps!  I bought a super comfortable one a year ago but I told myself a girl can have more than a pair of nude colored pumps!  

I followed my own advise!

When I visited the new concept store of Ferretti at Glorietta 1&2 (read report HERE), I laid my eyes on this and I can't leave the store without purchasing this pair!  Oh, I strongly suggest you visit the store as I thought I was a size 7 but ended up with a size 6 for this particular design!  It doesn't hurt to check out their other collections and don't forget their bags and accessories!!!

It wasn't bad at all as the front part was elevated so it doesn't hurt my feet!  I wore it during the Philippine Fashion Week: SM Ladies' Fashion.  I paired it with a colorful dress that I got from H&M! 

Name: Donna

Color: Bone

Price: Php1,499.00 (approx $35.00)

Available at: Ferretti Store, Glorietta 1&2 or ONLINE

Have you found "THE NUDE PUMPS" for you?
From where did you purchase and how much?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: The Avengers Nails

Good morning universe!  I am telling the world that today will be a good one!  :)  I hope the world agrees! :P

Over dinner with friends, one of my college friend was requesting for The Avengers nail art.  Both Keith and I have thought about doing this nail art after watching the movie but I was so lazy for the last few months!  We've seen The Avengers posters and I know how they look like either on Mighty Mugg or Hasbrow so I have a couple in mind!  Too many things in mind I can't decide what to do!  So thanks to Rina for the request as I was pushed to finally create one!

Here you go, my version of The Avengers Nails

Black Widow

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) doesn't have a particular face or mask that would make people recognize her easily so I've decided to draw her Character Icon instead.