Weekend Food Trip at: Manang's Chicken

Happy Sunday AMW Friends!  Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday greetings I received over the week and it was surreal as I felt like I know each and every one of you through blogging! :)  Can we have a group hug please?  *hugs*

A usual laid-back Sunday was put on hold last week as I had to do some errands with the ever sweet hubby!  We had brunch before we left home and headed to wherever the meeting should be (yes, on a Sunday!)  and we went straight to my mom's place to drop by some documents after paying our bills at SM Sta. Mesa. I promise you that I steered away from Ilocos Empanada for a change and focused on eating something else!  Come on, who wants an orange colored baby?  *knocks on wood*  hahaha

It was funny as Mr. AMW was craving for Casa Naimas Bibingka so we drove to Tomas Morato, after picking up his Bibingka take away, we've decided to use the gift certificate we have from Manang's Chicken.

The first and last time I've tried Manang's Chicken was a year ago during Best Food Forward event (blog post HERE).  Don't get me wrong, I love the chicken but I haven't been back because I was staying away from eating chicken as I do get some allergies on them! 

Fast forward, I'm glad Manang's Chicken has broadened their menu and they have pork dishes available for customers like ME! 

I was really hungry at 3pm so I headed straight to the counter to give my orders!  *laughs*

Here's the overview of what we had for the day!

 Macaroni Salad Regular

Buttered Corn Regular

Php29.00 each (approx $0.73)

The Macaroni Salad is a huge check same as buttered corn!  These are 2 side dishes I would always order in any restaurant and I'm glad Manang's Chicken didn't go wrong offering these!

 Large Chips with 2 Dips

available dips: Creamy Cheese, Garlic Mayo and Spicy Ketchup

Php64.00 (approx $1.60)

Really crispy, thinly sliced potatoes that works so well with Garlic Mayo (my favorite out of all the dips).  I like the fact that the potatoes weren't soaked in oil!

Garlic Pork Fillet Meal

Php109.00 (approx $2.73)

This meal comes with 2 free drinks, both I had Lemonade while Mr. AMW went for Iced tea.  The Garlic Pork Fillet is very crispy and fried into perfection.  If you're not a fan of garlic chips, I strongly suggest you ask to have these garlic bits separated as it could overwhelm you.  As for me, I'm okay with it.  The dip isn't the usual gravy but vinegar dip instead.

 

Red Velvet Sundae

Php49.00 (approx $ 1.23)

The Red Velvet Sundae is supposed to be available only for the month of February but I was told they will extend it until March 31, 2013!  Yay!!! Both Mr. AMW and I enjoyed the warm red velvet cake as creamy soft smooth vanilla ice cream melts inside our mouth!  The extra sprinkles reminded us so much of our childhood days we had to close our eyes and enjoy the moment!

 

 Overall, I'm happy the restaurant offers variation of "Barkada Sets" (Group Sets) that would help us save money at the same time enjoy variety of food they offer! 

Overall, prices were reasonable and I took a peek at their kitchen area and they're quite clean at the Tomas Morato branch that we visited!  They have FREE WIFI for dine-in customers to the social savvy out there!

Before I end this post, you may be interested to join their "Eat, Snap, Win" Photo Contest running until March 31, 2013.  Anyone who dine at Manang's Chicken can submit their photo entries on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to win an exclusive lunch treat!  Full mechanics can be viewed on their FB Page. 

AMW wearing one of Fly Shades' Newest Summer Collection on a no makeup day!

Have you tried Manang's Chicken?
Did you enjoy your dining experience?

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Something New: L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3

I was one of the lucky few who were chosen to receive the FIRST EVER latest innovation from L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise called Revitalift Laser X3!  The name, the packaging itself looks amazing no wonder the newest product line took various countries by storm!

I personally haven't tested any L'Oreal Revitalist products except their facial mask but my brother has always been buying these for my mom especially the serum and eye creams!  I haven't taken any before and after shots of my mom as I have to admit, she isn't that consistent with her skincare application but all I can say is that my mom doesn't look her age! 

Here are some of the results after testing Revitalift Laser X3 by users ---

• Proven effective on pores and lines.
• No measurable difference vs. laser treatments.
• Performs even better than laser on skin smoothness and bounciness.

Renewing Anti-Aging Serum

Php1,399.00 (approx $34.97)

According to L'Oreal's Expert Advise ---

"The serum contains micro-particles that are full of active ingredients, so for optimum application, give them time to penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis.  The gentle circular movements are key to helping the active ingredients penetrate the skin."

New Skin Anti-Aging Cream

Php1,299.00 (approx $32.48)

According to L'Oreal's Expert Advise ---

"Spread the cream directly over the entire face.  Use your fingertips to massage into the skin with circular movements, moving from the bottom to the top of the face as well as around the eyes (inner corner toward outer corner) and on the neck.  For full effectiveness, it is advisable to apply Revitalift Laser X3 Cream both morning and evening.  For maximum results, follow this protocol twice daily."

Anti-Aging Tranforming Eye Cream

Php899.00 (approx $22.47)

According to L'Oreal's Expert Advise ---

 "For sensitive eyes, avoid applying the cream too close to the lashes and favor the area closer to the brows."

I may only have one face and my mom and sister are currently on their skincare regimen at the moment.  Don't worry, I still have a mom-in-law who recently finished the skincare product she's using and I'll definitely let her test this range out and I'll report once I get some insights from her! :)

**Revitalift Laser X3 is available in all leading department stores nationwide.

Which particular product mentioned above would you particularly want to try?
I am most interested with the Revitalift Laser X3 Anti-Aging Transforming Eye Cream!

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Stay happy!


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

Something New: Majolica Majorca Secret Blink Collection

Just like a book-lover who gets excited picking their favorite books, or a stamp-collector collecting a limited edition stamp, a makeup enthusiast like myself gets excited each time a favorite brand gets to come up with new (sometimes limited) collection!

Over a lovely dinner a couple of weeks ago with our friend from Majolica Majorca Philippines Cathy, we were introduced by the newest collection from Majolica Majorca in celebration of their 10th year anniversary, the sad thing?  We had to keep mum about it until the collection comes out!  (Isn't that hard for someone who loves to share good news?)

Well, the secret is finally out!  Comes March 1st, the Secret Blink Collection is finally available in the Philippines!

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister

Php795.00 (approx $19.87)

A liquid lengthening mascara that cleverly lengthens and strengthens even the shortest lashes.

Majolica Majorca Lash Jelly Drop

Php495.00 (approx $12.37)

A liquid lengthening mascara that cleverly lengthens and strengthens even the shortest lashes.

 Limited Edition Skin Remaker Case

Php450.00 (approx $11.25)

A specially designed limited edition foundation case.

The Little Hummingbook I (Limited Edition)

Php995.00 (approx $24.87)

A makeup palette that sparks curiosity like a secret garden. A fun makeup palette book containing an eye cream base, 2 eye shadows and a lip gloss.

• Eye cream base: A cream base used as an eye shadow primer.
• Eye shadow: A luminesce eye color that is glossy and sparkly when used alone and magical when applied over the eye cream base.
• Lip gloss: A gloss that plumps up and moisturizes.  Formulated with the moisturizing ingredientRoyal Honey EX（Acacia honey, Royal jelly extract, Bees wax）

 

I have 3 products from the Secret Blink Collection on a road test at the moment!  I can't wait to share my review! 

Majolica Majorca's 10th Year Anniversary Secret Blink collection will be available at local Majolica Majorca stores comes March 1st 2013!  Like Majolica Majorca Philippines on Facebook and follow them on Twitter (@MajolicaPH) for more product and sale updates.

Any products from the Secret Blink Collection caught your attention

 and may cause some "lack of sleep"? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on MJ's 10th Year Anniversary Collection!

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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.)

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.