Weekend Food Trip at: Koh Samui Thai Cuisine

First Sunday for the year 2013!  Another day to talk about food and drinks!  On Christmas day itself, we've decided to go out and try a newly opened restaurant at Macapagal Avenue for a change!  We seldom dine in at Thai restaurants as a family so this is a wonderful change!

Koh Samui was opened just for a week or less when we visited the restaurant but I was surprised to see a lot of people dining there! 

Upon arrival, I was awed by the gorgeous interiors and the lovely costumes of the ladies waiting at the door!

The 2-storey restaurant was well furnished and the interior brings me back to Thailand! 

Appetizers

The crunchy shrimp crackers was a hit and we had to ask for second serving!  They also offer it on the menu so feel free to order more if you want!  The other one was mushrooms but i gave it a skip as I'm not sure what other ingredients were in there! 

Signature Pork Bones with Corn Soup

Php480.00 (approx $11.40)

 As the name of the dish goes, it is indeed a soup with pork bones and a tiny bit of corn!  The soup was pretty tasty but I would appreciate it if they could at least add a bit more corn?

Pineapple Fried Rice

Php320.00 (approx $8.00)

A must try!  The Pineapple Fried Rice was a huge hit that we had to order 4 more orders of this just because one order is not enough!  The cashew and pork floss works so well with the rice but with the price, I hope this dish could go a bit bigger!  

Signature Chicken Pandan

Php260.00 (approx $6.50)

For every Thai restaurant we get to visit, ordering the Chicken Pandan is a must!  The size of the chicken isn't big and the skin isn't as crunchy as I've expected.  The chicken meat was tender but lacks a bit more flavor.

Chicken Satay

Php220.00 (approx $5.50)

My favorite dish for the night!  The chicken satay was very tender and I can get away eating this even without the peanut sauce and other sauces that comes with this dish!  I would definitely order this again if I get to return.

Beef Satay

Php220.00 (approx $5.50)

The Beef Satay is also good but I would pick the Chicken Satay anytime of the day! 

Thai Style Grilled Oyster

Php280.00 (approx $7.00)

The grilled oyster was well plated and they were fresh!  I didn't get to taste it but looking at the reactions of my family who took a bite, they were very satisfied!

Signature Charcoal Grilled Honey Chicken

Php380.00 (approx $9.50)

The chicken taste okay, nothing spectacular!  I was expecting the chicken to have more texture (as it is grilled) and probably have a bit of a sweeter taste of honey glaze but none experienced when I took a bite.

Signature Boiled Chicken

half Php450.00 (approx $11.25)

full Php850.00 (approx $22.50)

We ordered the full size and the other half was cooked quite well while the other half on our part of the table isn't completely cooked!  The chicken was quite raw and you can literally see blood dripping as you get into the chicken meat.

Signature BBQ Neck Meat

Php420.00 (approx $10.50)

Another table's favorite!  The meat was tasty, flavorful and tender!  Tastes like Roasted Pork Dish (Asado) that we usually have in Chinese restaurants.

Coca-Cola and Fresh Orange Juice

The sexy glass of Coca-Cola and my Fresh Orange juice!

Pumpkin with Coconut Milk

Php150.00 (approx $3.75)

Coconut Sago Cake

Php150.00 (approx $3.75)

Both desserts, I'm not a fan of it!  Don't get me wrong, they taste good to the rest of my family but I'm really not into these type of sweets!

So far, the overall experience was fine.  The ambiance is wonderful as the interior is well planned and designed!  The servers were all knowledgeable and good considering we ate there a couple of weeks after the restaurant opening!  My only complaint is that some of the prices were a bit too high as to compare to the amount of food we get!  Will I return the restaurant?  Maybe, for its wonderful ambiance but for the quality of food, I'm sure there are far more better Thai restaurants out there.

The company accepts cash and credit card payments.  Additional service charge will be added to your total bill.

Koh Samui Thai Cuisine
Macapagal Hobbies of Asia
8421 Pasay City, Philippines
Tel. nos: (632) 808 9999 and (632) 556 6666

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AMW Reviews: Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette

I am on my way for a trial makeup gig today so I'm leaving you with a review on my favorite palette to use on my "Bridal Clients".  My recently acquired Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette!  

The Rich Caviar palette is part of the Bobbi Brown Holiday 2012 Collection and the said collection comes with 2 palettes.  The warm based Rich Caviar palette (to be reviewed today) and the cool based Black Pearl Palette.

The palette is housed in a black, rectangular plastic case with a huge mirror and a mini dual-ended shadow/liner brush.

 

Bobbi Brown says ---

With six mix-and-match shades this eye palette truly strikes it rich. Featuring everything you need to take eyes from day to night including Bobbi’s beloved base shadow in Bone and the palette’s namesake shade in Rich Caviar. Complimentary colors include metallic and sparkle textures, perfect for building intensity. A Mini Dual Ended Shadow/Liner brush completes the set-all it needs now is a bow.

Shades:  Bone, Candlelight, Wheat, Olive, Black Topaz, Rich Caviar

AMW says ---
Pros

• Sleek packaging, easy to tote along for personal and professional use.
• The combination of neutral and green-based shade works well on most skin tones especially Asian skin!
• The palette has variation of textures, making it easy to create various looks.
• The shades works well on both daytime and nighttime makeup.
• Pigmentation is mostly good.
• Staying power is good.  Half a day without primer and whole day with primer for people with not so oily lids.
• The double ended brush may not be enough to create looks but the brush is made of good quality!  I enjoy using the synthetic version to apply my cream shadows as base.
• Worth the price as you get to own 6 eyeshadow shades!  Each shade boils down to approximately Php500.00+ each.

Cons

• The palette is limited edition.  So better grab this NOW or purchase each shade individually.
• The thing with palettes, is the probability of owning the same shades you already have!  (Ex. as for me I already have the shade Bone.)

Overall

Since I'm a neutral makeup kind of girl and would go for some ooomph on special days, I love this palette and this is turning out to be my favorite palette to date!  The shades work so well on my skin! 

Tips

• As it goes with all eye shadows, it will fade without primer underneath so make sure to use your preferred primer for your shadow to stay longer and crease free.
• Explore and try on various combinations to create various looks!
• The shade BONE can be used on men to create a "clean", oil-free look.  (This tip is for MUAs.)
• Shadows can always be applied wet or dry, but keep in mind to wet a small area and keep the dry area dry to prevent eye shadows from spoiling.
• Black Topaz and Rich Caviar can double up as an eyeliner, make sure to blend it well and set with a powder or sealant to prevent smudging.

Will I repurchase?
Not this exact palette but other Bobbi Brown palettes!  For me, palettes saves more money and space!

To whom do I recommend this to?

The shades work well on all ages!  Even this palette is consists of warm toned shades, this also works well for people with cool skin tone!  This palette is super versatile so it's good for all!  *whispers* Even men!  I use Bone to create a clean, oil-free lids on my groom!

Where to purchase and how much?

As for the moment, the only Bobbi Brown counter that has this palette is at SM Mall of Asia Branch!  If you plan to purchase this, HURRY!  Priced at Php3,200.00 (approx $80.00).  LIKE them on Facebook to get updates on their collections.

Photos

Good quality, dual ended brush that needs cleaning upon purchase.

The palette contains 3 matte eye shadows, 2 metallic shimmers and one sparkle glitter shadow.  Which, in my opinion is a perfect combination to create various looks from day til night.

 Top (L-R) Bone, Candle Light & Wheat

 Bottom (L-R) Olive Tree, Black Topaz & Rich Caviar

1. Bone - off white
2. Candle Light - mid-tone shimmering beige gold
3. Wheat - medium ash beige
4. Olive Tree - golden green
5. Black Topaz - deep green with gold pearl
6. Rich Topaz - rich black brown

Please visit my "This is How I do it: Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids" post wherein I used the Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette in this tutorial.

Do you own any Bobbi Brown eye shadows?
If yes, which shade and do you use it a lot like I do?

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AMW Wears: Fly Shades' Latest Collection

Happy Friday AMW friends, I hope it's a lovely sunny day today as I'll be featuring my latest collection of Fly Shades.  A little bit of background regarding the brand, Mr. AMW and I bought a similar Fly Shades years ago and we marked it as our "couple shades", the glass is interchangeable and we loved it so much we wore it each time we went out!  (aren't we cute nerds?)

Over the years, I do check out Fly Shades' newest collection at their random shops (check my Fly Shades purchase last year HERE) and little did I know that Fly Shades was actually co-owned by my very good friend's husband!  (small world eh?)  Through the years, the brand has broadened its collection and I can definitely spot better quality, better looking, chic designed shades perfect for all ages!

The newest collection isn't an exception, I got the set as a gift from them and I can't seem to pick the favorite as I love them all!

**Note from AMW: sorry but I do not know the names of each pair so numbering them will do for now! :D

 Fly Shades #1 

The shades is quite unique and I love it that it gives a huge "oomph" to my plain, simple outfit!  I actually wore this shades when I tote my Guedez Industria Bag in Desert. 

Fly Shades #2

This glass may be too round for my taste but once worn, it actually works well on my face shape and it gives a nice classic vibe!  This very round shaped glass reminded me so much of the Women's Marc by Marc Jacobs round sunglasses that was a huge hit! 

Fly Shades #3

This is turning out to be my favorite pair out of the collection that I received.  You know how I realized that?  I actually went to visit the Fly Shades booth again and picked this one and purchased the exact same pair without knowing I already own one!  My oh my!

Fly Shades #4

The Aviator glasses has been a hit for many years and I actually own a Rayban version in black but I'm glad to own something as fancy as this housed on a white frame!  White-framed sunglasses has always been a hit for me as I love the "cool" vibe it exudes! 

Fly Shades #5

Love the unique red color that gives an extra "oomph" to normal-looking aviators.
Shall I give you that: "I don't care how you feel" attitude? *meh*

Fly Shades #6

Another great pair I wouldn't mind wearing on days I want to look mysterious and classy!  The gold side-frame gives a nice touch of class to any outfit! I promise you, even if you wear a simple white tee and plain old jeans!  This spells: "I'M A MILLIONAIRE!" :P

Here are just 2 photos taken using my Fly Shades!

Fly Aviator shades worked so well with my makeup-less face!  I was too lazy to apply any makeup on first day of January and I just went for a simple family lunch so I opted for bare face with my trustee shades!

The price of Fly Shades ranges around Php250.00-400.00.  Again, as long as you take care of them, they may last you years!  Please LIKE Fly Shades on Facebook to get updated on their newest collection!

Which one among the 6 pairs I featured in this post is your favorite?


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

AMW Reviews: Face of Australia Face Base Primer

Every time we visit the Duty Free Shop in the Philippines, I make sure to stop by the Smashbox counter to restock my Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light which I like using on clients!  Unfortunately, I get "Sorry, it's still out of stock." answer for the longest time and I actually ran out of my favorite primer so I have to be always on a lookout for an alternative!

My most recent primer that I've tried on both myself and clients is the Face of Australia Face Base Primer with Vitamin E and Chamomile.  Scroll down for my in depth review! 

Face of Australia says ---

Face of Australia Face Base Primer is specially formulated to apply under your foundation to improve your complexion and assist make-up last longer. Face Base Primer contains Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate skin and chamomile to smooth your complexion, leaving it fresher and brighter, ready for foundation application. Face of Australia Face Base Primer fills fine lines for a more balanced surface, so that your foundation applies evenly and stays on longer for all-day flawless skin.

It smooths skin tone, fills fine lines, whilst delivering instant hydration that retains skin's moisture level and controls shine. Face Base Primer improves performance and foundation wear with chamomile to promote skin repair. Contains Vitamin E to strengthen and smooth skin's texture and Yarrow Extract encourages cell regeneration. Face Base Primer is Oil Free so it won't clog pores.

Size: 50ml (1.7 fl. oz.)
Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Tube packaging with flip top lid.  Easy to tote along.
• Oil-free primer indeed and never feels heavy on skin.
• Contains Vitamin E and Chamomile as its top ingredients.  Vitamin E is always great on skin while Chamomile gives a relaxing effect.
• Texture is in between gel and lotion.  Very lightweight.
• Fast absorbing. 
• Hydrating, non-drying.
• Doesn't create heavy or oily-feel.
• Silicone-free.
• Makeup stays longer and maintains a fresh-looking appearance for people with dry, normal and combination skin.  Super oily individual may still need to retouch at the end of the day.
• Powder, cream or liquid foundation can  be applied more evenly with this face base primer underneath.

Cons

• No added sunscreen.
• There's a very tiny hint of "plastic" scent which doesn't bother me but may bother people with super sensitive nose.
• The product doesn't blur out or fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

Overall

The Face of Australia Face Base Primer reminded me so much of the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer base on the texture and calming properties.  The FOA Face Base Primer is lightweight, moisturizing, gives a calming effect on skin and makeup stays fresh longer than applied without it.

Tips

• Apply sunscreen prior to primer application for added protection.  But if you are mostly indoors and will be photographed a lot, you can skip sunscreen just for a day!
• After skin care, apply Face of Australia Face Base Primer on freshly moisturized face and let it sit for a couple of minutes before you proceed with foundation application.
• On areas that needed more "protection" (ex. dry spots, wrinkles, fine lines, t-zone, etc..) apply a bit more of the face base primer using patting motion and wait for the product to sink in.
• Primers are best applied with clean fingers using massaging motion.
• If you have very sensitive skin, do a patch test before applying the product all over your face.  Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage IMMEDIATELY.
• If you have BB creams added into your makeup regimen, it boils down to trial and error on which comes first, BB cream with added skincare can come first and proceed with primers while some prefers to go the other way around.  It is basically your choice at the end of the day!
• People who suffers from super dry skin may need the extra help of a moisturizer prior to primer application.  While people with super oily skin may need to take with them oil-control films to pat off excess oil midday.

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?First time primer users or even long-time primer users can give this a try!  Works best on normal, dry, combination skin!  Oily skin would appreciate this too due to its oil-free formulation, but VERY Oily skinned individuals may find the need to retouch at the end of the day!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at D Hip Sanctuary for Php618.00 (approx $15.45). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682
 
Photos

Face of Australia Face Base Primer Tube Packaging

with flip top cap

Sealed upon purchase

Texture is lightweight, lotion/gel-like texture

Easy to apply and blend into the skin

The product gets absorbed into the skin easily and gives a fresh, moisturized texture.

Since my last bride for year 2012 have normal, clear skin, I've used this primer on her and I am so happy to report that I got a text from her a couple of days later thanking me for the makeup and gave me a super helpful feedback!  Her makeup stayed the whole day and she didn't have to do much retouch! Great job Face of Australia Face Base Primer!

With BB creams and CC creams around the corner, are you still using primers on daily basis or on special occasions?  Why or why not? 

Feel free to read my previous post on Tip for the Day: Base Makeup/Primers.

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Eureka Moment: Wild Peach Cosmetics Palette

Good morning everyone! I hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day celebration and are we now looking forward to Valentine's Day?  *laughs*

As a professional makeup artist, I am one of the lucky few who have a wonderful "assistant" who carries all my makeup stuff without asking anything in return!  Holler to Mr. AMW!  As for some who doesn't have anyone to help carry their stuff, isn't it a nuisance to lug your makeup train case especially if you're doing makeup for someone who lives on the 4th floor without elevator? 

I hear you!  That's why bringing the least heavily packaged makeup as possible is one goal of mine as I don't want Mr. AMW to break his back!  I have invested a big sized Z-Palette a year ago and depotted my powder foundations and insert it all there!  It definitely saves a lot of space and energy!  

**Photo taken from Z-Palette website.  Mine is in light pink!

I'm lucky I have a lovely godmother/aunt who lives in the US who helps me ship this palette together with my Zuca Case!  But what if I want more?

EUREKA MOMENT!  Finally, a local seller who sells a good Z-Palette dupe!  

**Photo taken from Wild Peach Cosmetics FB Page

My order came days before Christmas and it was perfectly wrapped for the season! I was told by the seller that they do wrap your orders individually but yours will probably look different since Christmas season is over!

Wild Peach Cosmetics comes in two sizes!  You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to be able to use these customizable cosmetics palette as these comes in 2 sizes! 

Wild Peach Cosmetics large size palette comes in black with a clear window is the only color available for now and I don't mind as I like to look professional after my baby pink Z-Palette case!   This palette comes with a sheet of sticker for use on non-metal pans.

**clear window blurred.

The large palette is best used to store cosmetics housed in larger pans like blush or powder foundation!  If you're a professional makeup artist, you can fill in as many eye shadow palettes as you can!  

On the other hand, if you do not own a lot of makeup and plan to bring a customized palette just for your own use, the personal size palette is your perfect choice and the best thing about this is the fact that you can change the eye shadow shades or blush shades you need for the day!  Same as the large palette, this also comes with a sheet of sticker for non-metal pans!

I picked mine in black and polka-dotted hot pink as it screams my name all over!  Because I love my husband's back so much, I've decided to depot more of my MAC eye shadows!  (Note to self: I just need time to do this!) 

Wild Peach Cosmetics Personal Size Palette costs Php280.00 (approx $7.00)
Wild Peach Cosmetics Large Size Palette costs Php550.00 (approx $13.75)
Facebook page: Wild Peach Cosmetics
Website: http://www.wildpeachcosmetics.com
Email: wildpeachcosmetics@gmail.com

Overall, I am very happy with both palettes and the quality exceeds my expectation!  I love the additional sheet of stickers that I don't need to buy separately and both come with instructions on how to use!  Once I've filled them all up, I'll definitely post a picture of it through Instagram and Facebook so don't forget to follow me there!  

Are you currently using a customizable palette?
If not, do you plan to purchase one?
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(Product received for review.  Opinions 100% mine. Please purchase at your own discretion.)