Friday, March 1, 2013

AskMeMom: Mom-to-Be Knows Best

It is funny how I'm starting to write about parenting even though Baby AMW technically have at least a month left inside my tummy!  That's what they say;  it's never too early to start practicing being a mom!

Upon reaching 31st week of pregnancy, I came into a complete halt with my daily tasks and was suddenly worried!  A couple of things were running through my head --- Am I prepared to be a mom?  Will I be a good mom?  Do I have all the things needed before baby comes out? What if baby gets sick and I can't do anything about it?

Because of those crazy thoughts juggling inside my head, I had a brief talk with Mr. AMW a couple of nights ago sharing my ultimate mother-related concerns.  We had quite a long conversation and it was such a heartwarming talk I'd love to share it to all of you.  

Mr. AMW reminded me the time I nearly saw my mom passed away right in front of my eyes almost 4 years ago.  Because of this unfortunate situation, my mom suffered from clinical depression due to chemical imbalance.  After 6 months in denial from my mom's side, we were able to "force" her to see a Psychiatrist and I was advised by the doctor not to leave our mom alone as most patients suffering from depression could get into suicidal stage.  Though married, I talked to my husband to give me "time" to take care of my mom.  At the same time, I took the plunge and talked to my  boss to shorten my work days and hours so I can take care of my mom.  It was a huge decision as I could lose my job!  Thankfully, both my husband and my boss were very understanding.

For the next 3 years, my daily routine would circle around work, doing household chores from going to the market, cooking, taking the dogs out for a walk, washing the dishes, taking my mom to the doctor, buying her medications and making sure she takes her medications on time etc...  It was a difficult task for someone who's married and living far from my mom's place but I didn't mind doing all those for the safety of my mom and for her quick recovery.

Fast forward to the present, my mom miraculously recovered and her health is even better than before! 

I'm not sharing this story just to boast how great of a daughter I am, or how wonderful I am as a person.  I am sharing this story just so you know that we, as daughters would do everything for our family to keep them safe and healthy.  That enough said, Mr. AMW told me how much sacrifice I've done for the love of my family, I will definitely do the same for our son-to-be and you know what?  I think he's right!  Knowing how OC I am in terms of simple things in life especially for my loved ones' safety, I am sure I will be the same or even "OC-er" once Baby AMW arrives!  

Speaking about OC-ness, a company who shares the same "OC" sentiments as I do is Wilkins.  I have friends advising me to make sure to give only Wilkins Distilled water to AMW family and it isn't a huge change on my part as our family has always been a Wilkins-drinker.  Mr. AMW has the world's most sensitive tummy so I take the brand of our water at home seriously making sure my family is safe!

And because of that, I am inviting all mommies out there to share their own stories as uncompromising mothers just like I did sharing my story as an uncompromising daughter.
  • Moms aged 18 and above can submit their stories.
  • In 400 words or less, write about how you give your family the best love and care.  You may include the challenges you faced, the lengths you've gone to, or the sacrifice and difficult choices you needed to make. 
  • You may write in English, Tagalog or Tag-lish.  Submit your story at www.smartparenting.com.ph/wilkins
  • 5 stories will be chosen for publication in Smart Parenting magazine and 1 story will be turned into a 10-minute short film aired on TV.
  • Prices include ---
    a. Writers of the 5 selected stories for publication in magazine will each receive Php 5,000 cash and Php 5,000 gift certificates for Wilkins products.
    b. Grand winner (story will be turned into a short film) will receive Php 10,000 cash and P5,000 gift certificates for Wilkins products

Do you have a story to share on how you make sure to keep your family and loved ones' safety at bay?
I'd love to hear from you!

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Stay happy!


(Some talking points suggested by sponsors but story and opinions written are mine.)

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Nail Art Tutorial: My 34th Birthday!



Today is my birthday!  Happy Birthday to me! :)
I've celebrated 5 birthdays in this blog!  I can still remember the day I turned 30 and it felt like months ago!  
To celebrate my special day, I'm sharing a kiddie birthday nail art as mid-30s or 40s or 50s, we can always be child-at-heart!

My 24th Birthday Nails!
*ahem*  mistyped, I meant 34th!  *laughs*


Step 1:
Though my doctor gave me a go signal on using nail polishes, I am still very careful with the nail polish brands I use.  I make sure they are free from the Big 3 (toxic chemicals).  I skipped nail polish base and went ahead and apply 2 coats of Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Narcissist.
I wanted to create a girly, candy-like vibe so I applied this shade only on my pinky, middle and pointer fingernails.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

AMW Bulletin: It's Clinique Bonus Time (March 2013)

Dear AMW Philippine Readers,
It's Clinique Bonus Time once again and I have to admit, the "thrifty me" loves to wait for this moment to repurchase my Clinique's 3-Step System.  Who doesn't love freebies?  Come on, you have to admit it, if a freebie looks THIS good (photo below), we go crazy!

The above bonus is free with a single receipt purchase of Php5,000 (approx $125.00) from March 1-17, 2013.

**photo from Clinique Philippines


The limited Lilac Pouch comes with your bonus, available only for first 500 clients.  A different pouch will be offered once supplies run out so hurry! hurry! HURRY!

Included in the pouch ---
  • Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 15ml
  • Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser 15ml 
  • All About Eyes Rich 5ml
  • Moisture Surge Face Spray 30ml
  • Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum 10ml
  • Chubby Stick Super Strawberry 1.2 g
I am so happy they added the Chubby Stick sample in this month's Clinique Bonus Time and my ultimate "want to try" Moisture Surge Face Spray!!!  

Are you excited for this month's Clinique Bonus Time?
I can't get any more excited than this!


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Shiseido Perfect Rouge Tender Sheer in RD304 Hibiscus Review




I've always been envious of people who can wear any brand of lipsticks!  Whether high end or drugstore brand, the lip color always manages to look great on their oh-so-lovely lips.

As for me, I'm born with lips that has been slathered with dozens of lip balm and lip treatment but at the end of the day, it ends up looking like a crocodile worth selling to Hermes stores, maybe I could earn a bit of money from it!  *laughs*

Now that I'm embracing and loving what God has given me, I've finally came into a conclusion that when it comes to lip products, I need to invest on moisturizing lipsticks whether expensive or not as they are the only ones that work for me!  (Don't mind me if I still review matte textured lipsticks as I use them on clients!)   And well, you can't blame me as I get sidetracked by lovely shades most matte lipsticks have!

Today, I will be reviewing another one of the most moisturizing lipsticks I've tried from Shiseido.


Shiseido Perfect Rouge Tender Sheer in RD304 Hibiscus
I actually learned this line is quite new.  I called in local Shiseido counter to check if they're available in stores and yes!  They are!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

AMW Reviews: BYS Bronzing Powder

Ah, the power of Bronzing, if done right, you'll look like a Sun Goddess!  
But why are we scared to use bronzing powders?  Maybe, it's the dirty, muddy look?  Bronzing powders can turn us into a shade or two darker?  Or maybe it looks too sparkly under the sun we may end up looking oily?

There are so many factors that could stop us from using one of the most loved makeups by actors and actresses.  Why?  Bronzing powders give a healthy look and can hide freckles, the best part?  It can also give you an instant "slim" overall look!

IF, you are using the right bronzing powders meant for your skin tone!

Today, I will be reviewing a bronzing powder that's unique in terms of its "physical" look and of course, the color!  This is one of the lightest bronzing powder I own which I believe would work really well as a natural bronzing powders for medium to fair skin tones and could work as a highlighter for medium dark to dark skin tones!



BYS Bronzing Powder with Sun Design

BYS says ---
This sun design bronzer by BYS gives a sheer, natural finish that can also be built for desired intensity. This is the ultimate solution for a sunless tan that is easily created within seconds giving you a smooth flawless finish.

Size: 8g
Ingredients:


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Very cute sun design that can brighten up my day each time I pull this out.
  • Build-able intensity.
  • Very natural effect.
  • Doesn't give a dirty or muddy look like other bronzing powders.
  • Can double up as an eye shadow.
  • Price.
Cons
  • The product is Made in P.R.C. (People's Republic of China) which could be a con for others. 
Overall
A very natural, light bronzing powder with build-able intensity.

Tips
  • Can be applied as regular blush for a more natural look.
  • For an overall sun-kissed look, take out a big fluffy powder blush and apply BYS Bronzing Powder all over your face with light hand motion.
  • Fair skinned users must apply with light hand for a more natural finish.
  • Medium to dark skinned users may apply more.
  • Re-application may be needed within the day for people with oily skin.
Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who wants to create a healthy, just came out under the sun look without going under the sun!

Where to purchase and how much?
BYS cosmetics are available in major SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Outlets nationwide.  BYS Bronzing Powder costs Php249.00 (approx $6.23).  Like BYS Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.

Photos


A closer look on the sun design that brightens up my day!


BYS Bronzing Powder product details at the backside

Swatch on Hand
The color is almost golden than "brown". 

Since I'm officially on my 8th month pregnancy and my round cheeks are really starting to show, I'm glad to use the BYS Bronzing Powder on a daily basis to give some "life" and "energy" on my "haven't seen the sun for too long face".  It also gives a nice contour and dimension I want!
Have you seen BYS cosmetics on counters?
Would you give the BYS bronzing powder a try?


I am very happy I don't need much hand control when I use this particular bronzing powder due to its lighter nature.  I can imagine myself using this as a blush on a daily basis until I get back the natural contours of my face! *lol*

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