Weekend Food Tripping at: Cafe Monaco + My Favorite Noodle Soup

Good morning!  It's a Sunday and at the moment, I'm off for a Wedding gig!  It'll a full, busy day but I can't way as my brothers and parents will be coming back from their Hong Kong trip!  I can't wait to hear their stories!  Ahhh, I have to get back to Hong Kong after 3 long years!  I missed the food and I missed just walking around the area!  *chants* "Must...Go...Back!!!"

Since last week has been crazy with the monsoon rains that seem to go endless, we were on house arrest so we definitely didn't go out for "Weekend Food Trip"!  But guess what?  I have stock photos from the week prior to that and let me share to you first, my favorite noodle soup at the moment....

Lam Tin's Asado (Pork) Wonton Noodle Soup

less than Php200.00 (approx $4.00 or less)

On days that I get to visit Banawe, Lam Tin Tea House will always be the restaurant of choice!  I'm sure the servers would know our orders once we get in the restaurant!  "Fish and Tofu rice plus Lumpiang Shanghai please!"  *laughs*  And one day, as I was craving for something to warm my tummy, I've decided to give their noodle soup a try and I can't believe why in the world would I miss this!

The difference between Lam Tin's version of Asado Wonton Noodle Soup as compared to other restaurants?  Aside from the fact that you get a lot of noodles, pork and wonton, the soup base is very tasty!  The restaurant added the "honeycured pork" sauce over the soup making it extra yummy!

If you're within the area, definitely a must try!

 Lam Tin Tea House

#30-U Banawe St. Cor. Cuenco St.

Brgy. Sto. Domningo, QC

Tel nos: (632) 425-7093 / (632) 998-46-85

Please keep in mind that the restaurant only accepts cash payment.  No service charge.

Since we're within the area, let's head to a quaint restaurant that you don't see often without having someone recommend this place to you!

Cafe Monaco

Also located at Banawe, Quezen City, this restaurant was highly recommended by Keith's colleague as she knew how much we love Korean dishes.  Yes, Cafe Monaco, the restaurant serves Korean, Japanese and a bit of Filipino dishes!  

The restaurant is dark and it's always packed!  All the seats and tables do not match so it gives a nice "homey" feel!  

Free appetizers

Bibimbop

Php140.00 (approx $3.25)

 For the price, I wasn't expecting much but once the dish arrived, it did not disappoint us!  

With the separate red paste, we mixed it to our Bibimbop rice according to our needs.  I like how Cafe Monaco included fresh vegetables and grilled beef into it!  The grilled beef pieces were small yet very tasty.

Korean Beef BBQ

Php125.00 (approx $ 2.90)

Another good find!  Strips of tender beef with sesame seeds and vegetables work so well with the Bibimbop! 

Cafe Monaco has a whole lot of other dishes from Tempura to Chicken and beef Ramen, Tapsilog, Losilog, Ginseng Chicken etc..!  If you're craving for Asian Dishes but don't know where to start and you are at Banawe QC, give this restaurant a try!  The food is very tasty, prices are affordable and you feel like you're eating at the comfort of your own home!

Cafe Monaco

647 Banawe St. St. Peter, QC

Tel no: (632) 743-2685

Restaurant accepts cash payment only.  No service charge.  Parking is limited.

What's your current cravings?
I'm still craving for something Korean!!! :)

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Happy weekend!

Something New: Clinique's Pore Refining Solutions

Happy Saturday AMW Readers!  I hope our Philippine-based readers are doing okay, the week has been crazy with non-stop rains but I'm glad we were born resilient so guess what --- Filipinos are standing up again!  We are survivors!

Today, I will be sharing to you 2 new products from one of my favorite skincare brand Clinique that I have recently included in my makeup train case.  Let me tell you why I needed these.

A lot of my clients, once they are on the makeup chair, have super clean face minus the moisturizer.  I always start by checking out their current skin situation with a couple of questions before I get to decide which skin care products I would use.

Yes, the condition of the skin is very important to achieve flawless makeup! 

Introducing ---

New Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector

Keep in mind that I did not test the Pore Refining Solutions products on my own skin as I have a normal/dry combination type of skin.  But bear in mind that since I have a lot of clients who suffer from combination, sensitive to oily skin, I do take time to learn about these products and I hope my  experiences would at least give you a rough idea on how the products work!

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correction Serum says---

A serum that instantly diminishes the appearance of pores while simultaneously helping to strengthen and tighten skin's structure over time resulting to a smoother, nearly poreless look in just 2 weeks.

Allergy Tested.  100% Fragrance Free.  Oil-Free.  Non-Acnegenic.  Dermatologist Tested.

AMW says ---

As of the moment, I can't tell if the product does give a nearly poreless look in just 2 weeks as I use this product only once in most of my clients.  As of initial usage, I appreciate how the product gets absorbed into the skin in no time and best of all?  It works for most skin types. 

The Clinique Correction Serum does not instantly reduce the appearance of pores but it helps keep the area hydrated and gives a matte-looking finish.

Cost ---

Php3,000 (approx $71.40) available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Tower Shangri-La, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Essenses Robinson's Place, Rustan's Essenses Gateway Mall, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Clinique Trinoma.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector says---

Our best-selling instant perfector now upgraded. On contact specialized cross-linked silicone polymers drape the skin in an invisible, breeathable film that fills in and smoothes out the pore surface providing immediate oil absorbing benefits, leaving skin with a flawless matte finish.

Size: 15ml
Allergy Tested.  100% Fragrance Free.  Oil-Free.  Non-Acnegenic.  Dermatologist Tested.

AMW says ---

Because the product says "Instant Perfector", I always welcome anything "Instant" especially on clients!  My favorite Instant Pore Minimizer to date is the Benefit Porefessional and the Instant Perfector is definitely getting to the top! I believe this bestselling Instant Perfector has been further upgraded.  Though I haven't tried the older version, the newer version seems promising!

Once applied, the product immediately settles into pores and lines and minimize the look of it with a matte finish.  Unfortunately, the product contains silicone polymers so this may not be advisable for people sensitive to silicone-based products.  The good thing though, is the product doesn't have a heavy-silicone feel!

And who doesn't appreciate the tube packaging? :)

Cost ---

Php1,500 (approx $36.00) available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Tower Shangri-La, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Essenses Robinson's Place, Rustan's Essenses Gateway Mall, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Clinique Trinoma.

Added information regarding Pores from Clinique ---

• Pore size is partly determined by inherited factors, such as the levels of androgen (male hormones) present in the body and oil gland sensitivity to androgens.
• If you have higher androgen level, more oil will be produced thus may have more chances of pores.
• Drier skinned individuals may have barely visible pores.
• Can you shrink pores?  Generally, yes, by reducing the androgen levels.  How?  By medications such as contraceptives and these can only reduce the size of pores to a certain extent.  Isotretinoin, or Accutane, can also be used to bypass the male hormone effect and works directly on the oil glands decreasing its output of oil.
• New technologies like laser and IPL can also aid in lessening the look of pores.
• The largest pores are generally found on the nose and the cheeks areas immediately adjacent to the nose.
• It is important to keep skin properly cleansed and exfoliated to avoid blackheads that can stretch pores and inflammatory acne that can lead to permanent scarring.
• In 20's and 30's, pores can start to stretch due to sun damage, constant picking and squeezing of the skin.
• Chronic sun exposure damages and wakens the supporting structures, surrounding pores and contributes to their enlarge look as we age.  Just as skin, pores can also loosen and sag as we age.
• To keep pores look smaller, a cleanse, exfoliate (if necessary) and moisturize.  
• Use oil-free makeup can help.

Any other information you have regarding the newest Clinique Pore Refining Solutions?
Any other pore minimizing tips you may add?

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(Product sent for PR purposes.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Benefit High Brow

When I first visited the Benefit Cosmetics Boutique at Greenbelt 5, there were a short list of items I want to spend on and one of them is the Benefit High Brow Pencil.  It took me months, before I've decided to pick this up as I would always fight the urge to purchase one!  I always tell myself: "How in the world can High Brow be a necessity?  I can always use eyeshadow to highlight the brow bone area!"

Well, guess what?  Using an eyeshadow is nice but using a Benefit High Brow pencil gives extraordinary results!  (Ok, that came out like an infomercial! lol)

As I was busy with the afternoon Workshop with guests at the Benefit Boutique, Greenbelt 5 last month.  One of the attendees took the High Brow pencil and requested me to show her how to use it.  I happily obliged and applied a tiny amount on her brow bone area and blended it using my fingers, she took a good look at the mirror and said: "Oh wow!  I see a huge difference!"  

I stepped back, and in my mind I was screaming: "Oh my!  It did make a huge difference!  Her eyes look lifted and lively, I must get myself one immediately after the workshop!" 

Yes, I need proofs and once I got one, my conscience went on hibernation.

Benefit says ---

A brow lifting and enhancing pencil that instantly adds a lifted look to the entire eye area. It's never been easier to raise a brow or two! The soft, matte linen-pink pencil looks beautiful on all skin tones.

Size: 2.85g Net wt. 0.10 oz.
Ingredients:

 

AMW says ---

Pros

• Creamy pencil, easy to apply and blend.
• Positively gives the "lifted" look!
• Accentuates the arch of the brows making it look more defined and neat.
• Multi-functional.  This can also be used on the waterline and on the inner corner of the eyes.
• Looks natural.
• Even if your brows aren't in good shape, the Benefit High Brow will define your brows making it look neat and clean.
  

Cons

• Though pricey, this can last a long time as a little is enough.
• None for now, I'm in love with this!

Overall

The Benefit High Brow gives a very subtle "uplift" effect and can be used on a daily basis.

Tips

• Apply the pencil directly on the brow bone area and gently blend with your clean fingers or a synthetic concealer brush.
• If you prefer a more defined arch, feel free to apply some of the Benefit High Brow Pencil above the brow by using dots and blend.
• Continue with eye makeup. 
• Use this pencil to highlight the inner corner of your eyes or the tip of your nose as long as it works for your skin color.
• Instead of using a matte white eyeliner pencil, Benefit High Brow can  also be used on the waterline to create bigger looking eyes.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to have lifted brows on a daily basis.  Works for almost all skin types!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Benefit Boutique at Greenbelt 5 and Shangri-la Mall for Php1,200 (approx $28.00).  LIKE Benefit Cosmetics Philippines on Facebook for Promos and Product information.

Photos

The Benefit High Brow is described as 

soft, matte, linen-pink shade

How I apply:  I prefer to apply a line underneath the brow area 

as shown on photo below

With my clean fingers, I blend the pencil with a dabbing motion

staying only within the area where the pencil was drawn.

Continue with your regular eyeshadow application

 or you can leave the house as it is.

Do you define your brows with extra products?
Do you think you need the Benefit High Brow Pencil?

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Tip for the Day: How I Store my Hair Accessories

When I was young, my mom's idea of making me happy is not by buying me Barbie dolls nor new clothes and shoes (I'm a hand-me-down baby! :P), she knew I'm not the type who would want her parents to spend all the money for the youngest kid in the family!  Yes, I was a good girl!  Wait!  Before you react, I was a good girl because I AM a VERY good girl now!  *proud*  hahaha

Okay, back to the story, my mom, a simple housewife, who has a budget to feed all 4 kids would spend some of the "family budget" in buying me hair clips and ribbons!  When I toured my parents around Shenzhen, China a couple of years ago, she was busy haggling with a seller and at the end, I realized she was buying me a Swarovski-studded hair tie!  She got a good deal!  It was gorgeous and it was super touching on my part as my mom isn't the type who would go waste money on something that's not a necessity!  We have to admit, Swarovski-studded hair tie will never be a necessity! 

Simple things matter to me.

And because they matter, I take into consideration on taking care of them!  I have hair ties and clips that were with me through the years years!  They have a value attached to it as they were gifted to me by my sister, my mom, my friends, etc...

Here's how I store all my hair accessories, aside from making sure they are clean and safe, I also want to make sure I can see them easily! 

TADAH!

I originally have an "all-black" version but it died on me after 8 long years.  I head up to SM Department Store and purchased a red and white one!

Approx Php500.00-600.00 

(approx $11.60-14.00)

Are you into hair accessories?
If yes, how do you store your prized possessions?
Any other storage tips you may want to share?

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#PrayForThePhilippines

At the moment I'm typing this post, I can hear heavy rainfall again and I am getting nervous by the minute.  This, aside from Typhoon Ondoy happened 3 years ago (blog post HERE), has been one of the worst rainfall our country has experienced and I'm not sure if we'll have more of these!  As of now, all we can do is pray and help as much as we can!

 **photo taken from www.manilastandardtoday.com

**photo taken from www.manilatimes.net

 **photo taken from www.abs-cbnnews.com

 **photo taken from www.abs-cbnnews.com

For more information on donation drop-off and for cash donations, visit Relief.ph

And thanks to our friends from Cha Dao Tea Place for offering help too!

Cha Dao Tea Place is accepting donations in selected stores.  For every donation, Cha Dao Tea Place gives back a regular cup of milk tea (free to the person donating).  Please check Facebook and Twitter (@ChaDaoTeaPlace) for more information. All donations will be forwarded to Red Cross and Philippine Army for distribution to affected areas.

This too, shall pass.  I know the Filipinos will and can survive this!
God bless us all!

Stay safe!
Stay strong!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!