Monday, December 24, 2012

Some Last Minute Christmas Gifts!

Merry Christmas AMW friends!  Just one more sleep and the happy season is here!  How are you celebrating your Christmas?  I'm off with the family for a nice lunch/dinner and spend the rest catching up on each other's lives!

Just like ME, maybe...some of you are still not done with Christmas shopping! Maybe, you were part of "population" who spend more time stuck in traffic rather than the shopping action itself.  Let's give each other a *high five* shall we? 

Note from author:  These are all random products that comes into mind but feel free to add more!  I am more into "packaging" and effectiveness of the product brand! 

Let's talk about gifts that we tend to steer away from.  The gift of skincare, body care and hygiene.  Okay, giving products related to hygiene is a bit tricky so you can either gift this to your family members or super close friends!  I'll explain why the gift of hygiene can make a receive happy!  (like me!)

Gift ideas #1 
for mouth and teeth
After I reached 5th month of pregnancy, and 2nd trimester is the safest period to visit a dentist, I've decided to visit a dentist one day for teeth cleaning and look what hit me!  My dentist scolded me like I was a 10-year old kid as it seems like I am still not taking enough care of my teeth!  *embarrassed*  My gingivitis problem is still there and seems I didn't do anything about it!  My gums ended up bleeding A LOT so I was scheduled for 2nd session of teeth cleaning after the New Years!  *hides face from embarrassment* 

Dentiste Plus White Perfect 
Gum and Tooth Protection


you can also add up with a toothbrush and toothpaste! 

Gift ideas #2
 For the face
The gift is skincare is well appreciated nowadays as a lot of us are on a search for really good brands but can't seem to shell out a lot to try out different brands!  So gifting someone a skincare brand they haven't tried would give them a chance to test on new products without them needing to spend!  Smart idea right?

Let's start with the inexpensive ones that I or my family members have tried and loved!   

Various Dove Facial Wash
  • Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Cleanser
  • Dove Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
  • Dove Cleanser and Toner in One
  • Dove Fresh Touch Facial Cleanser
Less than Php200.00 each

If you have a budget and wants to give your mom, sister or bestfriend a brighter "look" for the year 2013.  Shiseido came up with a simple daily routine focusing on the basic skincare technique!  Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing!  

Shiseido 1-2-3 Skincare
Php2,750.00 (approx $68.75)


And for the special men in our lives!  Mr. AMW have used these, also my dad!  I've heard nothing but rave reviews!

L'Oreal Men Expert
each product less than Php500.00 each
  • Pure & Matte Anti-Regreasing Moisture Gel
  • Pure & Matte Anti-Blocked Pores Exfoliating Gel
  • Pure & Matte Anti-Sebum Foam Scrub
  • Pure & Matte Bright Charcoal Black Foam

And usually, best gift idea for dads!  Shaving Gel!  My dad is old school, he uses regular soap and water and always end up with razor burn!  The best idea for clean shave?  Use a good quality shaver and a shaving gel!

Nivea for Men Cool Kick Arctic Freeze
 Wash & Shave Gel
Perfect 2-in1 product!

And if you have a bit of budget or you would want to impress your dad-in-law or your boyfriend's dad!  A good skincare brand for men immediately came to mind!  I gifted this set to my brother and he loved it so much!  (Note: My brother is very picky with his skincare products!)

Lab Series Skincare for Men
Visit: www.labseries.com and Like them on Facebook for more products
Multi-Action Face Wash 
Php1,400.00 (approx $35.00)

Maximum Comfort Shave Cream (Advanced Formula)
Php1,600.00 (approx $40.00)


Age Rescue Eye Therapy
Php1,850.00 (approx $46.25)


Gift ideas #3
for the body

Nivea Sun Line
Each product not exceeding Php500.00
Out of all the sunblock brands I've tried, Nivea is one of the brand that goes on top of my list as their products can be used for the whole family!
  • Nivea Sun Moisturizing After Sun Spray
  • Nivea Sun Kids Swim & Play SPF50+ 
  • Nivea Sun Whitening Immediate Sun Protection Collagen Protect
  • Nivea Sun Invisible Touch Transparent Spray SPF30 PA++

If you plan to give a sunblock surprise for your girlfriends that would make them smile because of its gorgeous packaging, go for ---

Snoe Here comes the SunBlock
Instant White SPF45 Sun Lotion
Php199.00 (approx $4.98)

Gift ideas #4
Miscellaneous body products
Give a set of hand and food care products would also work well for people who are always on the go!  An instant at-home spa session is what I usually gift to my mom and sister and I'm sure this set (paired by yours truly) is the best gift for anyone who needed the break.

Sakura Products
(each product costs less than Php200.00)
  • Sakura Hand Sanitizer
  • Sakura Food and Heel Lotion
  • Sakura Hand and Nail cream


Snoe Snoe White Extra Strength Kojic Milk Whitening Scrub
For girls who like spending time inside the bath tub so they can scrub their worries away!

Yves Rocher Body Pack
(Pack costs less than Php500.00)



Penshoppe Unlimited for Men and Women Scent
Each cost Php199.00 (approx $5.00)

Gift idea #5
Added Bonus

Nivea Lip Products
Each cost less than Php200.00
You can add up special lip care product from Nivea which are best added to any gifts you have in mind as EVERYONE needs lip protection! 


Gift idea #6
For the Hair
There will always be a friend, a family member, a colleague who takes serious care of their hair and giving them the gift of "hair protection" is like giving a kid a bag of candies!  

Think about hair treatment products, serums, hair shampoos and conditioners etc...

Black Beauty Fix, Protect and Shine
I love to create my own pack of goodies and tie them in a nice ribbon!  The gift says it all!  You are a friend who will be there to help fix his/her problems, protect him/her from harm and will always be there to cheer him/her on their moment to shine!


and since we're on the topic for hair!  Moms and moms-to-be will always appreciate products that are safe for kids! A super cute packaged hair care product for the kids!

Human Nature Kids Natural Shampoo & Body Wash


Gift ideas #7
For every Beauty Guru in us
 The best Christmas gift for girls who are into makeup?  An eyeshadow set!  There are LOADS of eyeshadow palettes available in the market nowadays but let me put some of those that caught my attention because of its versatility and wearability!

L'Oreal OpenEyes Pro
You can pick up the favorite shades of your recipient and whatever colors then plan to use in the palette will always match!  Pick from hues of browns, blues, greens and purples!  You'll make a "kikay" girl happy this season!

Majolica Majorca Trick On Powder Eyeshadow
I own around 3-4 palettes of Majolica Majorca Trick On Powder eyeshadow palettes and one thing will always comes to mind --- Daytime Look!  However you would like to use your Trick On Powder Eyeshadow, you will always look "made up" and it works for everyone!  Add on a bit more of the pigmentation and you're set for night out!     



And just because I can't help but include this gorgeous Estee Lauder Pure Color Fall 2012 collection before the year ends, this is another great tip for YOU who don't mind spending a bit more, probably for yourself or for the closest people in our lives!

Estee Lauder Violet Underground



 Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette 
in Violet Underground
Php2,500.00 (approx $62.50)
The collection is available for limited time at Rustan's Makati and Shangri-La this month, good while supplies last so hurry! :D




And since we're on the topic on eye makeup, feel free to throw in my favorite brow powder!  The Benefit Brow Zings!  This set can last the recipient a year or more!  So worth the price!

Benefit Brow Zings
Php1,600.00 (approx $40.00)


I know this post can get too long and overwhelming but really, there are still a lot more products to include for Holiday Gift Giving 2012!  A tip from me?  Always keep in mind the person you're giving gifts too!  What are their likes?  Their passion?  What tickles them?  I use that trick in purchasing gifts for my loved ones that's why I don't usually spend too much time on shopping!

Last but not the least, if you're out of imagination, give the gift of Good Vibes! :)

Snoe The Good Vibes Collection 
in Happiness
(set costs Php199.00/approx $4.97)


Don't tell me you didn't smile with this super cute packaging!

What are other good gift-giving ideas you can share?
I'd love to hear from you!


Advance Merry Christmas AMW Friends!

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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Weekend Food Trip at: Kenji Tei Ramen House

It is Sunday and a couple of days left before Christmas!  Let's talk about food!  

Last weekend, I went to Benefit's First Birthday Party and before I left Greenbelt 5 for  my doctor's check, we've decided to fill our tummy with warm, feel-good food before we brave the traffic.  We originally wanted to visit Bulgogi Brothers but we want something filling but not too heavy!  Off we went to Kenji Tei.. a Ramen House.

What I usually do, is to check in Foursquare and read various tips from people who have given this restaurant a try!  Do you do that too? :)


Miso Butter Corn Ramen
Large: Php348.00 (approx $8.70)
Chasu Miso ramen with butter and corn
 

Since I'm over with my morning sickness which started happened just 2 weeks ago, I am into sweet corn and the "butter corn" ramen + my liking for miso soup is a great combination that made me decided to go for this ramen dish out of all the choices they have!

So far, the dish didn't fail, I would prefer to have the butter on the side int he future but the noodles are very fresh and tasty, there were around 4 pieces of thinly sliced Chasu (braised pork).  You can pick a regular sized or large sized dish but we went for the latter as Mr. AMW and I like to share our food!  I would prefer it if there would be more noodles! 

The miso soup tastes good but for the first time, I can't finish up a bowl of soup because of the oily feel of butter!  Again, note to self, butter on the side in the future!
 

Crispy Chicken Teriyaki
Php228.00 (approx $5.70)
Grilled Crispy Chicken Teriyaki Glazed in Teriyaki Sauce 
Reading some of the tips from Foursquare, one dish caught my attention as a lot of past customers recommended this dish --- The Crispy Chicken Teriyaki!  When the dish arrived, I was in high hopes expecting some "zen" moment but it didn't happen!  Personally speaking, I will enjoy it much better if I can taste a bit of the chicken but that didn't happen as the chicken was sliced too thinly.


 Yaki Gyoza
6pcs for Php188.00 (approx $4.70)
Grilled pot stickers 
My favorite Gyoza to date (spoken by someone who's not really into Gyoza) is the one we had from Kokoro Ramenya.  This probably comes in second.  I like it that I get pork and vegetable on each bite.  Very tasty and smells really good.





Of course, there's always going to be a Coca Cola for Mr. AMW and I usually go for water but for today, I wanted Iced Tea and I'm happy with it!


Overall, the experience was good.  We will return to try other Ramen or rice dishes.  Service was really good and the ambiance is very comfortable I can probably eat on my own!

Kenji Tei Ramen House 
3/F Greenbelt 5, Legazpi St Legazpi Village, Makati 
Tel. no: (632) 754-3098



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Saturday, December 22, 2012

AMW Makeovers: Last Wedding for the Year 2012!

Happy Saturday AMW Friends!  Today, I will be sharing my final Bridal gig for the year 2012!  I am very thankful as I have prettified so many men and women this year and I'm looking forward for more!

Thankfully, I am feeling so much better on my last Bridal Gig and I was able to enjoy and savor the prettifying session with our gorgeous family featured in this post!


The Bride
Skin type: Normal
Request: Smoky eye makeup
Seldom do I get "smoky eye makeup" request from brides so it was a bit of a shocker for me coming from a Bride who's not used to having her makeup done!  It was a request I can't deny as I can immediately imagine a daytime smoky eye makeup look that would work well for her features, skin tone, dress and hair!

Let's start with her skin, the Bride has lovely skin to start with, not oily, not dry.  So I picked Laura Mercier Foundation Base and applied it all over her face and neck for a smoother foundation application.  I want her special day to be her "most radiant" day, I took my time applying layers and layers of medium coverage liquid foundation using the same foundation to cover the darkness under her eyes.


As for her requested Smoky Eye Makeup, I picked a medium gold eyeshadow color and applied it all over the crease blending and applying more.  I layered the eyeshadow with medium brown eyeshadow in matte and finished the rest off by applying glittery black eyeshadow near the lash line for a perfect "gradient" effect.

Gel liner was applied very close to her lash line and strongly recommended her full falsies for an extra drama!


I contoured her face and applied a matte peachy-pink blush finishing up with a similar shade of lipstick.


I love how the Bride is in a festive mood!  She was smiling and laughing the whole time which made her even more beautiful! :D


The Groom
Skin type: Combination (Oily on the T-zone)
Request: None
The very sweet groom was there all the time to help out with the wedding preps!  Most grooms are just in their rooms waiting for photo-ops while this groom was very hands on!  I even had to ask him to relax and savor his special day!

When asked about his skin condition, he groom complained to me his oily T-zone so I applied an oil-control primer generously on the said area and applied a shade darker powder foundation all over his face applying a bit more on under eye area for more coverage!  I did a lot of contouring for a nice dimension both on and off camera!

A brow gel was used to maintain the shape of his brows and a very natural colored lip balm was used for that wonderful "You May Now Kiss the Bride" moment!  (The lip balm tastes great by the way!)


MOG (Mother of Groom)
Skin Type: Dry
Request: Natural-looking
MOG is very young at heart!  I enjoyed prettifying her as I get to hear her share her stories! I took time preparing her face by applying good amount of moisturizer all over her skin waiting for the product  to set in before I proceeded with foundation application.

I gently drew her brows and redefined it before I apply liquid foundation.  As soon as the moisturizer was set, I tested on various foundation shades and was able to prepare her most matched shade by mixing 2 colors!

A matte colored eyeshadow shade was used mixed with shimmer-gold shade applied carefully at the center of her lids giving her the feel of her makeup. 

Matte peach blush was used and a brownish orange colored lipstick was used.


MOB (Mother of Bride)
Skin Type: Normal
Request: None

Looking at MOB's facial features, I've decided to focus on giving her eyes a lift and cover some of the pigmentation around her cheeks.  

After moisturizing her skin with an oil-free moisturizer, I applied 2 layers of cream foundation and used concealer for some dark spots.

MOB's tattooed eyebrows were fading a bit turning into a grayish shade.  Armed with my K-Palette 1-Day Tattoo Lasting 2 Way Eyebrow in dark brown, I gently filled her brows with a gray-colored eyebrow powder as well to make her brows look more natural than ever!

As for her eye makeup, I focused on creating a "lifting effect" so I applied darker shadow shades on the outer-V and used light reflecting shadows on the inner corners of her eyes to the center for brighter-looking eyes!

Red lips would make her look gorgeous and I'm glad she agreed! 



If  I were to do your makeup for a special occasion, what would your request be?
I'd love to hear from you!

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Friday, December 21, 2012

AMW Reviews: Guedez Industria Bag

I am very picky with the bags I use!  No, it doesn't have to be branded but it has to be made with good quality!  I can easily say "NO" to a branded bag 70% off if the materials used aren't worth the price or the way it was stitched was messed up.

Last but not the least, it has to fit everything that I need to bring, friends who knew me personally know I take with me loads of stuff!

After harassing my Longchamp Planetes bag for years, I finally put it to rest and used my newest baby for a Christmas Shopping Trip!

Guedez Industria Bag in Desert
**photo taken from Guedez website

I originally like the color Firetruck (Bright red) but decided to pick Desert (light mustard yellow) shade as the color would work well on most outfit and I can easily take this with me on formal and casual affairs!  I made the right decision as the bag goes well with my skintone too! 



Guedez Industria ---
A structured box bag with adjustable handles and a matching removable long strap.  Includes open pockets and an interior zipper with a featured flap closure.  Can fit a small water bottle and a foldable umbrella, a tablet or your netbook, various reading materials and your coveted diary.  Or you could just have a few things and your Chihuahua.  Fully-lined, medium-weight.

Comes with a dustbag.



Dimensions: 12x10.5x5 inches

Colors available:





AMW says ---
Pros
  • Nice color choices.
  • Made with good quality leather.
  • Can be used as an arm bag, shoulder bag or body bag!
  • Can store a lot of stuff! 
  • Both hand and shoulder straps are adjustable. 
  • Made locally! :D
Cons
  • Online shopping!  Not all bag-shoppers are comfortable with this idea.
  • Some may find the size still too big for their taste.  (True for those who are into small bags)
Overall
Sturdy, works for all occasions, trendy and definitely worth the price!

Tips
  • For people who likes to use this for travel, go for Industria Gran.
  • Wipe your bag with clean damp cloth to remove dust and dirt after every use.
  • Fill your bag with bubble wrap to keep the shape of the bag during storage.
  • Put your bag inside dust bag after every use.
  • Do not hang your bag as it may stretch the handles.
  • If you plan to store your bags inside a cabinet, make sure the area is not moist or under direct sunlight.
Will I repurchase?
Yes and I'm waiting for more designs from the brand!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Women on the go who wants to store their stuff inside a sturdy bag .

Where to purchase and how much?
Visit  www.shopguedez.com to order.  The Industria Bag costs Php 2,690.00 (approx $67.25).Follow them on Twitter: twitter.com/shopguedez 

Photos

Guedez Industria Bag with shoulder strap

Guedez Industria Bag as hand bag

Very spacious inside and I love the extra pockets!

Since there are times I don't want to carry a "super structured" bag, I can easily tuck both flaps inside and create a more casual shape!

The Guedez Industria Bag can fit my iPad and netbook!
I can seriously fit CharChar (my Pomeranian dog) inside!  

Here's how I would normally carry my stuff using my new found favorite bag!
Inside: iPad, Black bag organizer (large size), wallet, mobile phone, makeup pouch and a short umbrella at the bottom part of this bag as I dislike seeing umbrellas inside my bag but I can't go out without it!  *laughs*


Since it was just a short, Christmas shopping day for me, I've decided to use this as a body bag and I can easily maneuver the bag on the side or front of me which made me feel more secure of my belongings.


What's your newest bag to date?
So far, the Guedez Industria Bag is the newest in my small bag collection!  This is also a perfect Christmas/New Years gift to our loved ones who are into leather bags!

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Thursday, December 20, 2012

AMW Bulletin: The Supreme 4 for SM Accessories

I bet by this time, you're already aware of SM Accessories' Supreme 4!  I see them even on public buses!


Anne Curtis
 

Georgina Wilson


Richard Gutierrez

and
Xian Lim

I have always been a fan of SM Accessories and have bought several for myself and as gifts to my friends and loved ones!  I like how affordable they are as compared to other accessories brand!  I am actually posting this today as I'm heading to SM mall tonight to shop for last minute Christmas Gifts!
 
SM Accessories offers necklace, bracelet, earrings, cap, bags, belt, watch, wallet and others. 
Visit SM Accessories section in all SM Department stores nationwide.

Do you own any SM accessories?

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