Weekend Food Tripping at: Red Big Bowl

The first time I dined at Red Big Bowl was March of this year (read post HERE).  It was one fine Saturday of taking CharChar for grooming and it was done for more than 1.5 hours at The Purple Groom so we finished late and we were all hungry for late dinner!  

Thank goodness Red Big Bowl closes around 10pm and we arrived the restaurant at 9:30pm and we were still able to enjoy warm, freshly cooked meals after a long day!

Cold Cuts Combination 

Php365.00 (approx $9.13)

This was a fail in our part, the White Chicken was covered with ginger and it was a bit dry.  The Asado was covered with this sauce that also tastes like ginger and the seaweed, which was a favorite of mine on all Cold Cuts Platter was also a "miss" in this particular restaurant.  I guess the one that got our approve sign was the Century Egg and Lechon Macau.

 

Birthday Noodles

Php220.00 (approx $5.20)

No one's celebrating their birthday that night but Mr. AMW was craving for one!  He requested for "more sauce" and the dish came out perfect! 

Fish Fillet with Tausi Sauce

Php145.00 (approx $3.62)

This was my mom's order and she told me the dish lacks "salt".  It isn't a "miss" but the dish could get better!

Red Big Bowl Mix Rice

Php165.00 (approx $3.80)

Since we arrived late, they ran out of roast duck so my brother opted for another serving of Lechon Macau instead.  The Lechon Macau, as stated on my review on Combination Platter tastes good!  

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet Rice

Php145.00 (approx $3.62)

This was dad's order and so far, he finished the meal and when I asked him how it was, he gave me a thumbs up sign! Who can go wrong with Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet? 

Minced Pork with Lettuce Wrap

Php290.00 (approx $7.25)

The best order of the night!  For someone who doesn't have much appetite, I was able to finish up almost half of this plate!  I was smiling all throughout as the combination of crunchy vegetables with minced pork and crunchy noodles are match made in heaven!

Some of the dishes that I had early this year were removed from the menu but I'm glad they added more.  The place is huge and clean and servers are very attentive and helpful.

Let's not forget the television on each table located near the window of the restaurant.  It's a huge plus as my mom and dad likes to watch TV while eating!

Red Big Bowl

3555 P. Sanchez St., Old Sta. Mesa

Manila, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 516-4716

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AMW Makeovers: Groom's Side Engagement Party

Happy Saturday AMW Friends!  By the time you're reading this, I'm off to Tagaytay for a short R&R!  I've wanted to relax and enjoy fresh air while my tummy isn't as huge yet!  So I'll definitely be updated you through Twitter (@AskMeWhats) and Instagram (@AskMeWhats) so please follow me there! :D

Today, I will be sharing to you the makeover I did for a gorgeous family at Pink Me Up Beauty Nail and Dry Bar located at Shaw Boulevard.  The place is super cozy and gorgeous by the way so it really helps made me feel relaxed amidst the crazy nausea!  (I was on my 2nd-3rd month of pregnancy then.)

**hair styled by: Pink Me Up Beauty Nail and Dry Bar

Mother

Skin type: Normal

Request: Very natural makeup

Mother of the groom requested for a super natural look so I focused on prepping her skin by taking time to moisturize it and apply layer after layer of moisturizing foundation from RMK.  I covered her dark undereye circles with a salmon colored concealer prior to foundation application.  

The shape of her brows is great but it was a bit too light so I had to redefine it with the use of eyebrow pencil.  For eye makeup, I have opted for a bronze shade to give her a temporary lift.  

A bit of contouring was done on her cheeks and nose, a peach colored blush was used and a deep orange red shade of lipstick was applied.  So far, I guess Client Mom is quite comfortable with her overall look! (I hope!)

 

Sister 1

Skin type: Normal

Request: Cover skin darkness due to late-night sleep

All the sisters have gorgeous skin and face so I didn't have any hard time in creating looks for them!  Sister 1 had a loooong day at work and had only a couple of hours of sleep so I've decided to brighten up her eye area and cover skin shadows and darkness for her to look like she had 8 hours of sleep!

I took time correcting the darkness under her eyes and some spots on her chin and leave the rest of her face with minimal foundation.  I used 2 shades of foundation on her, a shade lighter at the center of her face and a shade closest to her original skin tone on the rest of the face.  

I matched her brow color with her hair and applied a very natural matte colored shade of eyeshadow and added falsies.

Since I visualized her to look "dainty" and "princess-like" on her brother's special day, I've decided to use a matte pink blush and matte pink colored lipstick.

Sister 2

Skin type: Combination (oily/dry)

Request: Any look that match her

Sister 2 came home for her brother's wedding the night before so she's obviously tired and skin gets a bit dry due to plane ride.  

For the base, I've used oil-control primer on areas that oil up and moisture the dry patches and let it sit for a couple of minutes before I start with foundation application.

It is quite tricky to conceal some of her skin darkness and spots as they fall on the area of "dry spots" so it is difficult to use any concealer that could dry up those areas even more so I've decided to use a cream based foundation to cover up her under eye circles and redness.  It is very important to "layer" and blend them really well to prevent obvious patches.

As for the brows, her brows are perfectly shaped so all I need to do was the fill in some spaces and darken it a bit.  For the eyes, I used a combination of champagne, gold and brown shadows creating a "lifted" look.

Of course, it's one of the most "photographed"  events so I contoured her face giving her definition and finished up with a reddish brown lipstick that matches her blush.

Sister 3

Skin type: Natural

Request: Natural makeup suited for her age

Sister 3, the youngest sister told me the color of her dress (deep purple) and I've decided use that shade as an inspiration!  Same as Sister 2, I didn't get to whip up my concealer and layered her foundation to cover her skin imperfections (which isn't much).

As for eye makeup, I used cream, deep purple and black eyeshadow blending them all together making it a bit difficult to pinpoint the main shade used!

I also picked dainty colors for the rest of her face to suit her age and gave the rest of her face some contouring for her to smile and be ready for the camera!

It was one of the most difficult makeover I've done not because it was difficult to prettify them but it was the peak of my morning sickness.  The family was very helpful and supportive of my pregnancy that I didn't feel any pressure at all and was able to finish my task in no time!  

Thank you for the trust and I hope to do another round of makeover with you guys soon!

Which one is your favorite "makeover" look?

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AMW Bulletin: Espada Philippines Facebook Wishlist Promo

Dear Philippine Readers,
This promo has been up for several days but just in case you missed this, I'm sharing this to you once again as you may want to make you Holiday even better!

Espada Clothing, I just learned today is one of Thailand’s top clothing brands of today’s generation. The brand has wonderful accessories from bags to clothing.  And this Christmas season, they have an on going promo for their fans to take home an exclusive Espada item of their choice on the Espada Wishlist Promo!



For more information on Espada Philippines, kindly visit the following:
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/EspadaPhilippines
Espada Wishlist Promo: https://www.facebook.com/EspadaPhilippines/app_383913968349290

Are you joining?
I wish everyone the best of luck!

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AMW Reviews: Benefit Bathina Take a Picture...It lasts

The first fashion show that I witnessed was in college when we purchased a ticket to support our dear friend.  Once my friend walked down the runway, I had my mouth wide open as his skin (yes, he's a dude!) and so were the rest of the models were glowing in an unexplainable way!  From then on, when I got into makeup artistry, the image was always on top of my head as I want to recreate the same effect for my clients.  What must it be?

When it comes to "body" makeup, I have my own stash of "shimmer" powders that works for the body with just a sweep of my huge powder brush!  But my "stash" won't ever match the "image" I had in mind!  It haunted me for years!

When Benefit Cosmetics arrived in the Philippines, one product that I haven't taken notice of is called Bathina.  ME? I already have gorgeous legs to start with, why would I need it?  (just joking!)  The truth is, I'm low maintenance when it comes to my body (that explains my extreme skin dryness) but when I had my Brow Bar experience, I had enough time on hand to reach out for Benefit Bathina and tried on their tester.  VOILA!  I went home with it!  (not the tester of course! LOL)

Benefit says ---

This sheer, glimmering body balm adds a seductive golden-pink sheen to legs and body. It's pure body luxury! Comes complete with Bathina's velvet puff for a smooth application.

42.5g  Net wt. 1.5 oz.

Ingredients:









AMW says ---
Pros

• Super cute "tin can" packaging.
• Doesn't feel heavy on skin. Works even for our weather.
• Smells really good!
• Gives a nice, shiny glow but not fake!
• Works on all skin tones.
• Can be used all over the body.
• Gives an unexplainable glow in photos or in person.
• Long-lasting.
• Easy to bring even on travel.
• Can minimize the appearance of scars.

Cons

• Price.
• May take a bit of practice for the right effect.  

Overall

This body balm is long lasting, smells great and can be used all over arms, legs and décolletage.  Gives a golden pink glow without the sparkles or obvious shimmers.

Tips
from Benefit

• For glimmering results, apply evenly with velvet puff. 
• To accentuate the glow, buff in a circular motion.

from AMW

• It would be great if you have your legs shaved (if needed) as this may enhance the leg hairs. 
• I prefer using the puff for personal use and for clients, I use a wedge sponge to apply on arms and legs (if necessary).
• Apply at least 2-3 layers for photography makeup.  The effect isn't obvious in person but it gives a nice "unexplainable glow" on photos.
• Since this is still considered "makeup", wash them off at night before going to bed.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Brides-to-be, models who are always on photos and of course, regular "Janes" like you and me who wants healthy-looking, glowing skin!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Benefit counters for Php1,600.00 (approx $40.00). LIKE Benefit Cosmetics Philippines on Facebook to get updated on Sales and events.  At Benefit international website for $28.00 (without tax)

Photos

Manufactured date printed on box

Benefit Bathina is housed in a slimmer tin can which makes it easy for travel.

Includes the body balm and a sponge for application.

Closer look on pan.

Golden pink shade without obvious sparkles.

The sponge comes with a nice ribbon holder for ease of application.

I used the Benefit Bathina on American Ring Girl Model Arianny Celeste for a Print shoot.  I applied the body balm all  over her arms and legs including her décolletage.

Would you give Benefit Bathina Take a Picture...It lasts a try?
I actually enjoy using this product on clients and would use this on myself only on special occasions.

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AMW Reviews: Avon Bright Eyes Shadow Stick in Black Diamond

If you are a fan of MAC Shadesticks but felt it's a bit too pricey for you, well, aren't we glad there are more and more alternatives out there?

Avon finally created an eyeshadow stick for people on the budget!  There were only 2 shades available but I was able to give the Black Diamond Shade a try! 

 

Smile and click HERE on how I used my Avon Bright Eyes Shadow Stick.

Avon says ---
Draw attention to your beautiful eyes, and stand out in a crowd with unexpected shades.  This cream shadow pencil delivers brilliant color and blends easily.  It is a bold eyeshadow and eyeliner in one, creamy, vibrant stick.  Plus it's fade-proof and crease-proof.

Available shades: Black Diamond and Purple Star

AMW says ---
Pros

• Cute, click type packaging.  No sharpening needed.
• Shade is pigmented and creamy.
• Black Diamond has a nice metallic finish.
• No glitters.
• Gives a vibrant look to any eyeshadow.
• Indeed fade-proof.
• Easy to use. 
• Multi-purpose: Can be used as eyeshadow base or liner.  
• Price.

Cons

• I'm not sure if this is the case for all of their eyeshadow sticks but mine doesn't twist back down.
• Only 2 shades available.  It would be great to find a blue, green or gold version.
• Will crease if you do not use an eyeshadow primer.

Overall

An easy to use eyeshadow/eyeliner sticks for people on the go and people on the budget!  This product is much pigmented and has a nice metallic sheen that doesn't transfer.  This product WILL crease if you suffer from oily lids so using a good eyeshadow base underneath is recommended.

Tips

• You can choose to use this product as is and blend with your fingers or brush or use this as an eyeshadow base.
• For a very simple smoky eye makeup look, apply the product all over lid and blend.
• Even if you do not suffer from oily-lids (like me), I like to use an eyeshadow primer underneath as I feel safer that way! 
• To create different eye makeup looks, apply different shades of powdered eyeshadow on top of Black Diamond.  Be creative!
• If you plan to use this as a liner, gently apply the Avon Bright Eyes Shadow Stick close to your lash line with short strokes for a more natural finish.
• If you prefer to apply Black Diamond on your lower lash line, set it with a translucent powder or a  powdered eyeshadow.

Will I repurchase?
Not for myself but will recommend to people on a budget.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls who don't suffer from super oil lids and would love to enhance the pigmentation of their eyeshadow or wear this on its own.

Where to purchase and how much?

Php179.00 (approx $4.25). Simply Pretty Bright Eyes Shadow Stick is available exclusively through Avon Representatives nationwide.  Log on to www.avon.com.ph to find out how to contact your Avon Rep.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@AvonPH).

Photos

 You get a well sealed Avon Bright Eyes Shadow Stick upon purchase.

 

Swatch of Black Diamond without base.

In my case, twisting back the Avon Bright Eyes Shadow Stick is not possible

 so I had to use my finger in gently pushing it back.

Cream based eyeshadow is tricky to apply (especially dark colored ones).  So take time to apply them on your lid going a bit beyond the crease.  NEVER apply all over as the effect would be dirty. 

What are some shadow sticks you've used and enjoyed?
So far, I enjoyed using my MAC Shadestick in Beige-ing and Sharkskin,  The Body Shop Kajal Liners,  Tony Moly Crystal Stick Eyeshadow and the Sephora Crayon Jumbo 12H Jumbo Line and of course, who would forget our NYX Jumbo Pencils?

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