Sunday, January 13, 2013

Weekend Food Trip at: Lugang Cafe

I'm off to my goddaughter's birthday party and I can't wait to spend time again with my friends!  So obviously, I'm out to eat something again but I'm not leaving you with an empty space on my blog!  What to expect on today's post?  

Let's all say it together: "Food post!!!"  

Ah, I'm so happy when my appetite came back, I seriously missed enjoying each bite so when I hit 5th month and got my food mojo back, I said yes right away to a quick get-together with my high school friends as one of our close friend came home for the holidays from Singapore!

Restaurant for the day?  Lugang Cafe!

This is my second time dining at Lugang Cafe, the first one was during an event and I was really shy to pull out my camera to take food shots as it was an event!  It wasn't my party or something so believe it or not, this girl can get shy! *blushes* :P

Shall we get on to what Mr. AMW and I had that night? 

Steamed Crab Roe and Pork Xiao Long Bao
8pcs for Php268.00 (approx $6.70)
I've had this on my first visit and was happy with the amount of "soup" I get inside my Xiao Long Bao!  The soup was a bit too much though I wish they have more of the steamed crab roe and pork so I can at least taste something more! 


Golden Fried Rice with Shredded Pork
Php240.00 (approx $6.00)
I don't get it why rice dish have to be this small!  It can be shared but for someone with a huge appetite, this may not be enough for one person!  Lugang's version of Fried Rice is quite tasty.  With scrambled egg, cucumber, carrots and a whole lot more of other vegetables are included.  The shredded pork were a bit non-existent but so far, I'm still okay with this.


Beijing Shredded Pork (Served with pancakes)
Php280.00 (approx $7.00)
Upon seeing this dish on the menu, I nudged Mr. AMW to order this for me right away as the last time I had this dish was years ago when I was still working in Shenzhen, China!  The one I had in China is similar to the one served in this restaurant, the only difference is the "wrap", Lugang's version is like that of a spring roll wrap while in China, I had the shredded pork wrapped in tofu skin!  Both are equally good and I would order this again!





Vietnam Egg Rolls
Php180.00 (approx $4.50)
Really crispy and tasty egg rolls!  I love this dish so much I can't believe I'm ordering Vietnam dish in a Chinese restaurant!  This doesn't taste like most Vietnam rolls you try in other Vietnamese restaurants as this dish has a fusion of Chinese style cooking!


 

Let's not forget the Coca-Cola and Iced Tea combination!

Overall, the ambiance of the restaurant is great!  I love spending time there with friends and family.  Servers were a bit slow and confused with our orders and our friends got their meals more than 30 minutes after!

Lugang Cafe Greenhills
116 Connecticut St. Greenhills, San Juan  
Tel. No: (632) 542-0196


Have you tried Lugang Cafe?
Any other dish recommendations?

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Saturday, January 12, 2013

AMW Reviews: Yuka 2-in-1 Nail Polish Remover Solution and Cotton

Happy Saturday!!!  January seems to pass by pretty quickly and seriously speaking, my tummy isn't getting any smaller!  I'm really having mixed feelings right now, I want to see Baby AMW ASAP but I love my baby bump and the way Baby kicks me at wee hours of the night!  

Before I go dramatic over my pregnancy, I will be sharing a review on a cute product which I recently tried from my November BDJ Box.





Yuka says ---
Acetone-free.  No cotton needed.  Non-drying ingredients.  Trendy & fashionable.  No Mess.  No Spills.  Handy and Easy to Use. 

Available in: Orange, Grape and Strawberry
Ingredients: Dimethyl Carbonate, Glycerin, VE, K-15, Pronopol, Perfume.


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Super cute packaging!
  • The product is indeed mess free.  
  • Easy to tote along during travel!
  • Acetone-free.
  • 1 wipe can remove regular nail polish on 1 hand!
  • Inexpensive.
  • Scent is wonderful!  Doesn't have the strong acetone scent that could get irritating.
  • If each sheet was maximized, the 1 x Yuka Nail Polish Remover Wipes can remove nail polish up to 17 times!
Cons
  • Though the product is said to be acetone-free, it dries out my cuticle and leaves a dry feel.
  • Not widely available.  Have to order online for now. (But according to commenter Jing, this is available at Watsons, let me know if you find them at Watsons too! Thanks)
Overall
I find this product gives the easiest way to remove polish anytime anywhere!  Can easily remove almost all types of nail polishes plus acrylic paint but leaves a white film on top of your nails with a bit of dryness.

Tips
  • Keep in mind to close the container tight to keep the cotton from drying.
  • Though it is easy to just grab as many sheets as we can for removal, 1 sheet can be maximized up to 5 fingernails!  I've used maximum of 2 sheets for 10 fingernails. 
  • Store in cool, dry place.  Never in directly sunlight.  
  • If you wear glitter polish or any hard-to-remove polish, leave the cotton on top of your nails for a couple of seconds before wiping it off.
  • Proceed by applying cuticle oil or hand lotion immediately after nail polish removal to prevent cuticles and fingers from drying.
Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Nail polish enthusiasts who dislikes nail polish removal due to its messy nature!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available online on Facebook for Php68.00 (approx $1.70).  


Photos

Yuka Nail Polish Remover Wipes comes in 35 soaked sheets.

Each sheet is very thin thus you may grab at least 2 sheets in one go!

Remember my most recent nail art tutorial called Welcoming 2013 Nails?  As seen on the tutorial, I've used several polish shades plus the combination of acrylic paints and glitter polish!  Let's not forget the top coat!  


With 1 sheet of Yuka Nail Polish Remover Wipe, I was able to remove nail polish from my left hand!  The sheet did turned dry and almost ready to throw out on my 3rd nail, but because of this review, I tried to maximize the use of each sheet and so far, 5 is the maximum!

A closer look on all the colors that came off!  The only con that I mentioned is the appearance of white powdery substance on top of my nail and the dryness along the cuticles.

Would you go for conventional nail polish remover or a Nail Polish Remover Wipes like I did?
So far, this is a first for me to try pre-soaked nail polish remover wipes and the experience is quite good.  I am hoping to find more that has the same nice scent, same no-acetone ingredients without the dryness!  Any recommendations?

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Friday, January 11, 2013

AMW Reviews: Benefit Dallas Blush

Before Benefit Cosmetics came to the Philippines, I told myself that given the chance the brand gets here, I promise myself to grab as many Box O' Powders as I can and so far, I think I've done an okay job in a year of Benefit Philippines' existence!  *laughs*


Note to self on other Benefit Box O' Powders to try --- Sugarbomb, Dandelion, Thrrrob and Hoola! 



Benefit Dallas Blush is housed in a box packaging just like the rest of their box o' powders!  Well, that's the reason why

Thursday, January 10, 2013

AMW Reviews: Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief

January 1, 2013 is more than a week over but it doesn't mean the celebrations will end. We, Filipinos, love to spend time with our friends and loved ones and bonding will always equate to enjoying our favorite meals!  As for me, I still have loads of get-together plans with my friends!

Years ago, I would laugh at my mom and brother each time we eat Halo-Halo or drink something super hot or cold, I'll see them react to pain and I've always thought they were over-reacting!  After some dental checkups, both my brother and mom are said to have sensitive teeth and they've been using specialized tooth care products for years.  

As for me, I've always been very consistent with my dental care in terms of brushing my teeth 3x a day, using mouthwash and flossing.  But after my most recent checkup during my 2nd trimester of pregnancy, I was told by my doctor that I am starting to suffer from gingivitis (gum disease) which may also cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments and may expose the root surface that leads to the nerve of the tooth!  No wonder I am starting to have a hard time with my favorite Frozen Yogurt and iced cold drinks!  What's even worst?  I'm recently craving for anything ICE cold!  Frozen fruit salad, Halo-Halo, Chilled Sugarcane juice, Vanilla Ice Cream, etc...Etc... The list definitely goes on!

I may not be into New Year's resolutions but I promised myself I will start taking care of my teeth and will use the right type of toothpaste, mouth wash and toothbrush and not just randomly pick whatever is available at the sink! 

I listened to my dentist's advice when she told me to "Change your brand of toothpaste!”  So I went ahead and picked the newest Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste.



The product comes in a uniquely "sealed" tube, guaranteed product freshness!


Colgate says ---
  • Toothpaste with exclusive Pro-Argin™ technology
  • Instant relief (apply toothpaste directly with fingertip for one minute)
  • Lasting protection (with regular use)
Size: 75ml/ 110g

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Very minty.
  • Texture is very thick.
  • Both Mr. AMW and I tried the Sensitive Pro Relief and it does help lessen teeth sensitivity even after first use. (direct application with fingertip leaving product for at least 1 minute.) 
Cons
  • It is  somewhat difficult to find! (I’m glad it’s available in Mercury Drugstore branches. We always go there to check.) 
Overall
Effective for people with sensitive teeth.  The product definitely gives instant relief.
Tips
  • Avoid using hard bristled toothbrush if you have sensitive gums and teeth.
  • Be aware of the brand of toothpaste you use and check with your dentist.
  • Avoid food and drinks that could trigger pain.
  • Have a dental check at least once every 6 months!  
  • For immediate relief, aside from using the toothpaste to brush your tooth, apply toothpaste on to the sensitive tooth with your fingertips.
Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone!  Doesn't have to be people with sensitive teeth but people with healthy gums and teeth can start using this for added protection!

Where to purchase and how much?
Bought mine at Mercury Drugstore (Retiro Branch) for Php144.00 (approx $3.60).


They also have another sensitive toothpaste, Colgate Sensitive Whitening, which also provides sensitivity relief but costs cheaper at only Php89.00. (approx.. $2.23).



I am proud to say, I can easily enjoy my frozen yogurt last weekend without pain!

Feel free to visit http://www.colgatesensitive.com.ph  for more details on their Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief products. 

Do you suffer from sensitive teeth? 
Do you use specific toothpaste for your specific needs?


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(This is a sponsored post.)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Nail Art Tutorial: Welcoming 2013 Nails!



A wonderful day everyone!  I am so excited to share my post today as it has been almost half a year since my last nail art tutorial!  Do you still remember my last nail art design?  If not, feel free to click HERE and see my Big vs. Small nail art design!

Looking back at my post, I wasn't able to play Casino game at Resort's world and didn't went home a billionaire but I got something even better!  I got pregnant and I have Baby AMW which turned out to be the greatest gift I received for the year 2012!

Before I go dramatic, *sniffles*  I posted about a nail polish brand that's free from THE BIG 3 --- Formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate and best of all, it's affordable!  (read Eureka Moment post HERE I did wish that they come up with more shades and my prayers were answered!  Isn't it the greatest timing?

Girl Stuff Nail Polish Newest Shades and Collection

And here's my Welcoming 2013 Nail Art!
This design was inspired by the color of the year --- Emerald but since I don't have any "safe" emerald polish on hand, I settled for apple green!  Aside from the color inspiration, I also included some of the Christmas colors --- Red and Green and inserted my Chinese Belief --- round/circles for luck!