AskMeMom: First Trimester --- the Aftermath

The title of this post may sound a bit too tragic *laughs*  but it was meant as a joke to catch your attention, at the same time, jokes can be half-meant as my first trimester is definitely something I won't forget for the rest of my life! 

One thing you should know about me, is that, I have high tolerance to pain!  So if I tell you I'm in pain, I'm seriously *insert expletives here*  IN PAIN!!!  

This post is created for me to look back and reread this story like a dear diary.  But the real reason for this post is to dedicate this to my li'l AMW for him (if it's a boy) to understand what mommy has gone through so he needs to be extra sweet to me and not be all "macho", and for her (if it's a girl) to be reminded how difficult pregnancy is so she can forget about early pregnancies!!!  *laughs*

Everyone who follows me on Twitter and Instagram (AskMeWhats) knew I've been suffering from major morning sickness. I know morning sickness stories are boring but, I'm sorry, I had to let it out or else, I'm going bonkers!!! hahaha

I learned I got pregnant quite early, it was during The Purple Groom Brand Ambassador Shoot but I wasn't able to announce the good news to anyone yet unless I get a confirmation from the doctor.  Those first few weeks, I have abdominal pains but I still had to smile on cam while carrying handsome Char Char!  See what a good stage mom I was?  :P

6th weeks of pregnancy came and it was the start of my nightmare!  I woke up in a mood one sunny Saturday and I was greeted with extreme headache that lasted the whole weekend!  My body was suffering from fatigue from fighting the pain.  I tried taking "Biogesic" but it didn't do anything and I felt nauseous!  It was the first Saturday and Sunday of my life that I've spent lying on my bed and not move a single bone!  It must be the universe's way of telling me to "RELAX".

I went to the doctor on my 7th week and I was confirmed pregnant with a heartbeat!  It gave both me and my husband joy but I felt so bad for not being able to celebrate as my whole body is fighting over fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, heartburn and a whole lot of pains that I don't think a human being should go through! 

Makeup Gigs

Here's the joy/sorrow of being a makeup artist, you get makeup bookings as early as half a year ago and I have a couple of bookings made and all of them are super important!  Because I love my job and client dearly, I've miraculously completed a fashion show, wedding, and other makeup gigs!  I have mask on when I do airbrush makeup, I have Mr. AMW feed me bread or lasagna in between, and I excuse myself and throw up inside the wash room in between makeup.  What's the most important part?  I was able to finish my job and I'm so thankful I have understanding clients!!!  

Day Job

I work from home for the past year and did I stop working since I got this morning sickness?   The answer is simply NO.  My job is a bit unique taking a leave for a day would mean me piling myself up with more work once I get back!  It was very difficult to wake up early in the morning but I did and I still do!  I have to admit, I can't seem to work as effective as I'd like to be as I get to throw up in between phone calls and lay down every hour for 5 minutes just because my body can't handle staring at the computer screen, researching, making phone calls all at the same time!  But you know what kept me strong?  The fact that I'm still lucky enough to have a day job that doesn't require me to travel to work!  Working from home is a great ease for pregnant women like me who suffers from morning sickness!

On Blogging

How do I get to blog daily in this situation?  

Well, if I get to work everyday in this situation, blogging is nothing!  It actually helps me go through my worst days!  Working could get stressful but blogging doesn't!  I get to talk about makeup, skincare, clothes, accessories and other stuff which tend to put my morning sickness on hold!  Product reviews could take a bit more time as I do have strong aversion on scents.

Cravings and Food Aversions

I don't have specific cravings for now but food aversions?  I definitely experience it so much I dislike eating most food which made me lose more weight!  The problem with food aversions is the fact that I don't get to eat much which ended up giving me the worst heartburn I've experienced in my entire life! Thank goodness for the internet and books, I know baby is still alright as long as I get to eat healthily once 2nd trimester comes!

This week, I'm on my 15th week and I still suffer from morning sickness but I'm still thankful I don't get to vomit 5-10 times a day but it has trimmed down to maximum of 2 times!  That's a huge improvement!  I don't have my appetite back as of the moment but I'm lucky I still get to eat!  

Thank you so much for reading about my first trimester experiences!  Before I end this post, I will be sharing the latest photo of Li'l AMW taken on the 13th week!  I was told Li'l AMW is one active baby and isn't shy in front of the camera!  That's my boy/girl!!!

Check out the clear photo of Li'l AMW's head, spine and legs!

*proud momma*

Thanks for reading and I hope I didn't bore you!

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Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Kitchen

Dear AMW Friends!  Happy Sunday!  I'm excited to share another food post as I rarely go out and eat in a restaurant for the past months!  My dearest friends from college have decided to meet up as 2 of our friends are leaving the country within the year!  *insert sad face*  It is indeed very sad but life has to go on and we know God has better plans for both of them!

The restaurant picked was at Greenbelt called Kitchen as the restaurant is a nice place to hang out and catch-up!

Caps and Rolls

Php175.00 (approx $4.15)

Lettuce wraps, Must Try!

Since the menu just stated "lettuce wrap", I've decided to give this a try thinking this would taste a bit similar with the Lettuce Wraps most Chinese restaurants offer.  I'm wrong!  *laughs*  It was a wonderful appetizer as the fresh lettuce gives a refreshing feel on every bite.  I can't seem to pinpoint the ingredients but there's definitely a mixture of pork and vegetables with crunchy noodles.  Not a bad start!

Swirl Around

Php140.00 (approx $3.33)

Mixed Seafood Pumpskin Soup

As I've always been a fan of pumpkin soup and my tummy isn't doing well with the stomach acidity, I've decided to give this a try and it's actually a wonderful decision I've made as this turned out to be my main meal for the night!  I love the right combination of pumpkin and cream, none of the ingredients overpower each other and I love the smooth texture that gives a warm massage inside my tummy!

 On Barbie's Cue

Php295.00 (approx $7.00)

A combination of meat and seafood Kebab

This was Mr. AMW's order as he's always been a fan of Kebabs.  The meal is tasty though he would appreciate it if the meat and seafood aren't on a diet!  The dish comes with Saffron rice.

I picked a regular Lemonade for drinks as water doesn't do me any justice as of the moment!  I need flavored water!!! *laughs*  

Overall, we had a nice experience but it was funny how we were taking more than 30 minutes to almost an hour to pick our orders!  Why?  because the names of the dishes were totally unrelated to the dish and the menu is a bit confusing!  I hope they could do something with their menu and probably write more descriptions on each dish!

Service was okay but you shouldn't be very hungry when you plan to dine in here as the food takes a bit of time to arrive!

Kitchen
Ground Floor Greenbelt 3,
Paseo De Roxas, Ayala Center Makati
Tel. no: (632)-757-4565 to 66

A photo of my college friends whom I've been friends with for more than a decade!  Some of them maybe leaving soon but we know in our hearts we're always be friends forever! 

Have you dined in at Kitchen Greenbelt?
What's your favorite dish? Any other food recommendations?

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AMW Reports: Marilyn Monroe by MAC Retail Event

Good day everyone!  Did you sleep well?  Well, today, I'm in a good mood as it's our 5th Wedding Anniversary!!!  Happy Anniversary to my super supportive best friend and husband --- Mr. AMW :)  And we can't ask for anything more but li'l AMW is the perfect gift we're both excited about!  Thank you Lord!

AMW Reports MAC's Marilyn Monroe Collection!  

It was that fateful Saturday and Sunday that I miraculously felt much better and I was bragging how I'm feeling much better!  Guess I spoke too soon as I went back to having morning sickness again but I'm staying positive it will be long gone SOON!

I was invited to check out the newly renovated MAC Glorietta Store by Kirsten and meet Owen Sarmiento for some quick tricks on how to do a perfect liner and red lips!

I immediately checked out the collection before it's gone!

Then I looked around the newly renovated store and I'm amazed!  Everything looks so neat and colorful! 

Doesn't this remind you of a MAC Pro Store?

Here's my super quick and easy makeover done by Owen!  I am obviously happy and super comfortable with the look!

Some of the makeups used  It was indeed a quick and easy look so let me share you some tips that I learned from Owen himself!

Owen prefers creating a perfect liner as it is without the various eyeshadow shades!  He used a matte colored paint pot to brighten up my lid area after concealing my undereye circles of course!  He then picked his favorite MAC eyeshadow in Ricepaper to prepare the lids on a quick yet perfect eyeliner application.

If you have bigger looking eyes, you can feel free to create thick liner with exaggerated winged look.  As for me with small eyes,  he advised me to go for thin, precise line that's close to the lash line and wing the liner only a bit.  I asked Owen if its alright to do the super thick liner most Kpop stars sport and true to my gut-feel, Owen says it may be great for Kpop stars but not advisable for regular "Janes" like us!

Before and After Marilyn Monroe Makeover

This is my kind of makeup!  Owen filled my brows and complimented how easy it is to shape my brows as it was full to start with!  Less than 5 minutes liner was done using the Marilyn Monroe Penultimate Eye Liner in Black.  Then a gorgeous soft matte coral blush from MAC Marilyn Monroe Blush in Legendary!  And the lips?  I've found the most comfortable red lipstick shade that suits my skin --- MAC Marilyn Monroe Lipstick in Charmed I'm Sure!

I gave Owen a huge hug for giving me a super quick, easy and wearable Marilyn Monroe Look!

 

MAC's Kirsten Brito, AMW and Phoebe 

Do you like my Marilyn Monroe daytime makeover?

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AMW Reviews: Avon Simply Pretty Smooth & White Whitening Dual Powder Foundation with SPF20

Happy Friday and super happy weekend!  Some of you are on a holiday but some of you probably aren't, so to those who are at work today... *high five*  Let's hug each other and support each other!  

One of the first few makeup products that I tried are face powders.  My first face powder was from Johnson & Johnson then I graduated to face powders and moved up to powder foundation.  The first powder foundation brand I tried was from Pond's!  It was a bit over Php100.00 (approx $2.00) back then and I had to save my allowance for that! 

Of course, once I got a job, I was able to save up on other brands and the rest was history! 

Today, I'm going back to the basic, not everyone are willing to shell out a few hundreds and thousands of pesos for a powder foundation especially at a young age (or let's say those selfless stay-at-home-moms out there who would rather save the money for their kids!).  

I hear you...I will share to you a new dual powder foundation from Avon which my dear big sister loves! 

Avon Simply Pretty  Smooth & White Whitening Dual Powder Foundation with SPF 20

Avon says ---
Get flawless coverage that leaves you with radiant and rosy-white skin.  It corrects blemishes and spots with Rose Complex, which aids in healing acne scars and repairing damaged skin.  Plus, it shields against the sun's harmful rays with SPF20 PA++

Shades: Natural, Almond, Soft Bisque

AMW says ---
Pros

• Super cute packaging!
• Has its own compartment for sponge.
• Has SPF20.
• Can be used on dry or wet application.
• Gives light to medium coverage.
• Applies smoothly.
• Gives an even coverage.
• Unsure about the "heals acne scars and repairs damaged skin" effect but it's nice to know the product has this!
• Inexpensive.

Cons

• Could get drying for people who have dry and sensitive skin.
• Does not completely cover spots.
• Limited shades.

Overall
Avon Simply Pretty Smooth & White Whitening Dual Powder can be applied both wet or dry.  The product gives an even light to medium coverage.

Tips

• Wash the sponge before use. 
• If you have oily skin, blot your skin with a tissue paper or oil control film prior to retouch to prevent uneven coverage.
• If you suffer from acne scars or extreme redness, it helps to cover the area with a good concealer prior to powder foundation application.
• Sunblock application is still needed if you will be exposed under the sun.
• If you have combination skin, pat the powder on areas that tend to get oily and try to leave the rest to prevent dryness.

Will I repurchase?
No, but will recommend this!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal and Oily skinned individuals.

Where to purchase and how much?

Available exclusively through Avon Representatives nationwide for Php270.00 (approx $6.30).  Log on to www.avon.com.ph to find out how to contact an Avon Rep.  Follow Avon on Facebook and Twitter via @AvonPH.

Photos

The cute light pink packaging with a separate compartment for sponge.

 The shade I reviewed is called Almond.

Before and after shot

Almond matched my skin perfectly and it gives a very natural, even coverage.  If you look closer, I have some tiny spots and redness on my cheeks and the redness was reduced but the spots are still visible.

(You can click photo to enlarge)

AMW wearing Avon Simply Pretty Smooth & White Whitening Dual Powder Foundation in Almond using dry application.  If you can look closely, my skin looks flaky and dry as I suffer from extremely dry skin the past few weeks.

Have you tried Avon powder foundations?  How do you find them?
I have tried a couple of so far they aren't bad.  My older sister, on the other hand has combination skin and she loves this so much she's on her 3rd compact!

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

AMW Wears: Regatta Clothing

Happy Thursday!  

Shopping, let me see, I haven't done some for the past 3 months!  I have been very sick and if I get the chance to go out, it'll be a super short trip as I can't stand or walk for long!

Last Saturday, there was a tiny window of me "feeling human" so I grabbed that opportunity to go out and trust me when I say, I felt like a bird that got out of the cage!  *laughs*

I went to MAC Store at Glorietta to check out the Marilyn Monroe Collection (will share that experience soon) and then off we went for a shopping trip!  I may have a closet full of clothes but I finally do have the right to say: "I don't have anything to wear!"   

I didn't gain much weight on my first trimester (I actually lose some!) but my tummy has a mind of its own, yes, the growing uterus and the growing li'l AMW makes me want to tear all my shorts and jeans apart! Each time I try to button my shorts/jeans, it makes me feel like throwing up!  *laughs*  Too much information eh?  Sorry!

Since I got an invite to take a look at Regatta store, I find it a perfect way to shop for bigger sized clothing comfortable enough for my "sexy bodeh's" needs!  *laughs*

Regatta isn't new to me as I have purchased a couple of their male shirts as a gift to my brothers!  I always find their designs to be in good taste!  With Mr. AMW by my side, I thought I'll be shopping more for him as I have this mindset that they cater more on males rather than females!

Don't you love it when I'm wrong???

Colorful menswear right in front of the doorstep!  And the lucky AMW 'family' is lucky enough to find most of their stuff on sale!  
 

 

 I was setting my eyes on the cute orange top for Mr. AMW!  Mr. AMW actually looks good in bright colored shirts!  (He just doesn't know that! :P)

On the left hand side of the doorstep, I saw cute, colorful belts, bags and wallets!

 

On the right side, I see some female clothing!  And mind you, I saw some gorgeous pieces I would love to try at first glance!  

 

The nice color blocking dress plus body mists!

Jeans

 

More tops for guys on sale.

 

Looking back,  I am not surprised to find something my family would want!  They have different shades of shirts and different prints that would suit anyone's taste!

AMW in action!  I'm a quick shopper I tell you!

 

The gorgeous yellow/navy blue dress that I want!  They're on 50% sale but I gave it a miss!  *sad*  The sizes left are Extra Small and Small, though this one fitted me perfectly, I don't think I'll be able to wear this for the next 6 months!  So I focused on clothing that I can wear comfortably even during pregnancy.

(Looking back at this photo, I do feel a bit of regret for not getting this!  Don't you love how the navy blue portion hides my growing tummy?)

The cute green dress that immediately caught my eye as it was worn by the mannequin at the store's visual display!  I took home one size bigger so I can still wear this till my 2nd trimester!  I plan to wear this as a dress and once my tummy gets too big, I can wear this as a top with leggings!

Because I wanted to try a top but I was wearing a dress, I've decided to randomly pick a pair of shorts and guess what I saw?  Pastel colored shorts that I've been looking for!!!  I want all colors but I picked the shade that I do not own and it was the light yellow!

So yeah, good job, I got them both!  

 Tired yet happy after a quick shopping trip at Regatta.  Check out my shopping-mate!  *ahem*  Sorry Mr. AMW, he poses better than you! * winks*

I also picked a couple of shirts for Mr. AMW, he's too shy to have his photo taken.  :)

 

So far, I left the store feeling happy with my purchase and the price points aren't bad!  They definitely have clothing for everyone and their staffs are super helpful!  

Check out their Website to know more about their collection.

Like them on Facebook and add them up on Twitter.

Visit Regatta stores at Alabang Town Center, Greenbelt 3, Glorietta 3, Trinoma, SM The Block, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Cubao, SM Southmall, Robinsons Place Ermita, SM Fairview, SM Calamba.

Which among the items I bought is your favorite?

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