Gifts for the Happy Baby and Mommy

Happy Saturday!!!  I'm off for another busy Saturday as my social life circulates mostly on a Saturday as I heavily depend on Mr. AMW to drive me around!  *sobs*  I'm not complaining, I promise you!  Even if I'm just staying at home, I feel the love coming my way in my enclosed room!  Thank you so much to the gifts both Baby AMW and I received over the past few weeks!

Green Sproutlets

I want to thank mommy blogger Michelle from My Mom Friday for sending me gorgeous baby stuff from Green Sproutlets.  They are made from 100% cotton and I can literally feel the comfort of my little AMW using these once he is born! 

 Mustela

 Mustela has been a number one brand that was recommended by most moms when we talk about pregnancy and baby stuff.  A lot of moms swore by it!  When my Sample Room family sent me these for Baby AMW, I nearly shrieked as these are the products I need that I didn't get the chance to purchase yet!  Thank you so much Mustela and Sample Room team!

 L-R Mustela Ciudado Especifico Busto Cream, Agua de Colonia sin Alcohol 

and Foam Shampoo for Newborns

Aside from the 3 star products above, I was also sent a travel size set of Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Fluid, Body lotion and Dermo-cleansing gel for hair and boy. 

Speaking about Sample Room, I recently got an email on my mailbox regarding the search for Sample Room Bloggers Circle Members!  If you are a blogger and you want to be part of this family, please, I highly recommend you guys to join this group as this community is really wonderful!  Imagine, a community of girls loving and enjoying the same products!  Read mechanics on poster below on how to join! 

Adore Fragrances and Aqua Fresco

 Of course, baby AMW isn't the only one who received gifts!  I also got some gifts from Adore Fragrances via NJ Torres (thanks girl!)!  I can't believe how gorgeously named and packaged these fragrances are!  Where were you guys when I was in high school saving up for an expensive cologne???

Of course, there's also something for Mr. AMW!  Aqua Fresco fragrances for men!  Create your own story line with the names of the scent!  Mr. AMW was creating one while taking this shot!  :P

Pond's Age Miracle Line

I have to admit, I did try out a lot of skin care brands and Pond's is one of them but out of all the Pond's line, I seriously haven't get to try the Age Miracle Line!  Don't get me wrong, I'm not on a denial stage!  I love using anti-aging products but I always end up giving this to my sister because she loves this line so much!  I may have to insert the Age Miracle Facial Wash in my current skincare system just for the sake of understanding why my sister swore by this!  Have you tried this line?  Tell me if this works for you! 

Taste Central

Last but not the least, a new online shopping website was launched, Taste Central, is the official retail partner of Deal Grocer !  I've always been an online shopper!  (Most of my maternity clothes were bought online and I purchased so many deal coupons I have a special folder for them!)  So having another site with good taste added isn't a problem for me, it excites me as I scour on various products which I don't see much on other online websites!

Yes, the landing page looks like this, so deliciously yummy right?

Because Taste Central wanted to make Mommy AMW happy, they sent me and Baby AMW special gifts and I have to apologize that I didn't get the chance to take professional shots on most of them as I ended up going "gaga" over the food!

The Blue Kitchen Splenda Oatmeal Crisps

6-Pack for Php1,334.00 (approx $33.35)

Thin-crisp oatmeal cookies that helped me through "in between" hungry moments! 

Mi Casa Belgian Chocolate-Covered Polvoron

3 packs for Php468.00 (approx $11.70)

 Imagine your favorite polvoron with rice crispies but this time, wrapped with a thin, crunchy-layer of Belgian Chocolate?  I was in heaven!  (Was- Past Tense because it's all gone by now!)  I usually have these after meal when I'm craving for something light yet not too sweet!  I'm proud to announce that the selfless I was able to share some Mr. AMW!  I can't wait to order more of these!!!  

Boppy Bare Naked Pillow

Php2,900 (approx $72.50)

 This is one baby product I missed jotting down on my "must-buy" list!  Thankfully, I was gifted one as I was told by moms here and abroad how useful this is for the little one!  I can't wait to put this on test and to moms out there who have this, where do you buy the cover?  Any ideas?

Huiles & Baumes Face Soft Scrub

Php2,000 (approx $50.00)

I appreciate it that Taste Central didn't forget the fact that I'm into beauty so they made sure to include a beauty-related product!  A facial scrub that's paraben-free?  I'm sure it'll be something worth having a look!

 

There are so many reasons to have a bad day and there will always be more reasons if we let them be part of our lives!  My personal goal?  Is to appreciate blessings in life, no matter how big or small it is! No, I'm not saying that being happy means receiving gifts or products here and there, the point of being happy and staying that way is acknowledgment and appreciation!  Acknowledging the effort and time people give you and appreciate them for being part of your lives.

If I'm going through a bad day (promise, I have loads of that recently), I look into those emails, handwritten notes, text messages and comments from readers, friends and families and the troubles may still be there but at least, I have this feeling that I'm not alone!  Last but not the least, learn to pray and thank God for each day and moment that we get to breathe and enjoy life here on Earth! :)

Okay, that's me talking, not my pregnancy hormones! :P  Have a wonderful weekend ahead and stay positive!

What are you thankful for today?

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Readers' Corner: Fix Your Brows with Eyebrow Pencil

Dear AMW Friends!
Today is the day!  We talk about brows AGAIN!  The reason why I'm sharing another tip on how to fill in brows is because I was asked about brow questions so many times during my Benefit Fine One One Emergency Workshops 1, 2 and 3!  Yes girls!  3 workshops and most girls ask about brows!  

Don't get me wrong, I am very happy that you guys are so interested about this particular beauty topic because I cannot stress enough on how important it is to fix your brows!  Trust me, it's like chocolates, it's addictive!  *laughs*

The reason why I created a separate post on using eyebrow pencils as I have done a tutorial on how to fix your brows using brow gels and brow powders!  I know some of you are not comfortable with the mentioned products so to those brow pencil users out there?  Raise your eyebrow pencils and let's start the eyebrow party!!!

Just in case you get lost on the way to the party, let me share to you my previous related posts---

This is How I Do It : Lightening my Brows AMW Style

This is How I Do It:  Easiest Way to Trim and Groom Eyebrows

AMW Reviews: Benefit Brows A-Go-Go (Tutorial on how I use the set here)

First and foremost, it is very important to groom your brows!  You can either do that yourself, or in my case, I always advise readers to trust the professionals!  You can groom them on your own later on!

Step 1:
Starting with clean brows, pick the eyebrow pencil that matches your skin, face and hair.  Keep in mind not to pick any eyebrow pencil with strong red undertone as it gives an illusion of super fake brows.  

In this tutorial, I picked a Blonde Colored Brow and Eye Pencil from BYS Cosmetics (reviews will follow soon) as my brows are way too dark and my hair (though haven't colored for MONTHS) still have the medium brown shade that was left from my pre-pregnancy hair coloring.

AMW Reviews: Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation Firming and Anti-Wrinkle SPF15

Shiseido has always been a brand I look up to in terms of skincare, especially when I'm opting for one that gives my skin the radiance and brightening effect, I always get it immediately by using their serums.

One thing I have to admit, I am not really updated in terms of their makeup line.  So this year, I'm glad I'm widening my horizon and I'm finally getting to know more Shiseido and their makeup line.

Let's start with their Liquid Foundation that has the Anti-aging benefits, has full coverage, gives highly lustrous finish that's meant for normal to very dry skin!  (that calls my name!)

Radiant Lifting Foundation

Firming and Anti-Wrinkle

Shade on review: 100 Very Light Ivory

Shiseido says ---

Revive your skin with light. A revolutionary anti-aging foundation with innovative light technology to eliminate shadows and give skin a radiant, youthful glow. Radiance Reflecting Powder provides a soft-focus effect and luminosity to wrinkles for a more youthful, lifted appearance. Offers a smooth, radiant finish for 12 beautiful hours and a rich moisturizing effect for 24 hours.

Smooth Wrap Oil, Hydroxyproline, and Rose Apple Leaf Extract provide abundant moisture to the help counteract wrinkles and firm the skin.

Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Pump packaging, easy to control amount of product needed.
• Lasts the whole day.
• Gives a radiant glow, you can definitely see the "glow" immediately after application.
• Doesn't settle into fine lines.
• Gives light to full coverage. 
• Can also double up as a concealer.
• Can lessen the appearance of pores.
• Easy to blend and apply due to water base.
• Covers light imperfections (light acne marks, dark under eye circles)

Cons

• Can't see the amount of product left.
• Going for full coverage may give a "heavy" feel for combination and oily skin.

Overall

Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation has a slight floral scent that doesn't bother me at all.  The foundation gives a nice radiant glow immediately after application and coverage can be adjusted from medium to full.  The foundation lasts all day for normal and dry skinned individuals and touch-ups may be needed for people with combination skin. I can't comment on the firming and anti-aging properties as I do not use this foundation on a daily basis.

Tips

• This foundation is best used by people with normal and dry skin.
• For areas with fine lines, wrinkles and pores, an extra help from a makeup primer may be needed.
• For light to medium coverage, use a stippling brush or damp sponge for application.
• For heavy coverage, apply using your clean fingers, foundation brush or dry sponge.
• Never remove dispenser until bottle is empty. 
• Wipe dispenser mouth after every use!  PLEASE!

Will I repurchase?
Yes, I'd go for "beige" shades.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Daily foundation users with  normal/dry skin who likes the radiant glow.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Shiseido counters for Php2,350.00 (approx $58.75). Like Shiseido Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.  The product costs $45.00 at Sephora website.

Photos

Pump dispenser that needs to be clean after every use.

A small amount of 100 Very Light Ivory

Ivory is a shade best used by fair and pale-skinned individuals.

Blending the product well, you can see an immediate radiance.

Since 100 Very Light Ivory is well, too light for my skin, I've decided to apply this product still all over my face for everyone to see the effect and coverage.  Please note that this foundation definitely do not match my neck but I am impressed by the lovely matte finish with radiant glow.  It doesn't settle into the dry areas of my face and I can apply more for full coverage.

AMW wearing Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation

 in 100 Very Light Ivory

I definitely came out looking pale wearing this but with the right bronzer, blush and lipstick, I'm sure I can manage to adjust the wrong foundation shade.  I'm sure you can too!

After reading my review on this foundation, would you give this a try?

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

AMW Reviews: Neolia Shampoo and Conditioner

Organic hair care products?  Though my scalp is quite sensitive and dry and I probably need it than most of you, I tend to steer clear from these types of shampoo and conditioner as I've got a fair share of "tangled", "string-y" and mega dry hair that's difficult to manage. 

Once I learned I was pregnant, I've decided to keep those shampoos and conditioners meant for color-treated hair and rummaged through my haircare stash and picked this one up as the Paraben-free ingredient called my name!

**Photo taken from Sampler Room website

Neolia says ---

An organic shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for all hair types, most especially for delicate scalp that helps reduce dandruff. Each variant has a unique ingredient to help nourish, revitalize and moisturize both hair and scalp. Neolia products were developed without compromising the effectiveness and pureness of each product by giving greater importance to certified natural ingredients.

Essential Features:
PARABEN-FREE Paraben is a known chemical cosmetic preservative and these have been found in breast cancer tumors.
GENTLE AND HYPOALLERGENIC Gentle on scalp and reduces the tendency to cause allergies.

ORGANIC COMPONENTS AND BENEFITS:

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL  It helps nourish, condition and improve the strength and elasticity of the hair.
Contains antioxidant vitamin E, vitamin A and helps heal dry flaky scalp also known as dandruff.

ALOE VERA  Stimulates the production of new hair and prevents hair loss.
Acts as natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster and shine.
Naturally combats frizz.

APRICOT Give your hair follicles strength and contributes to hair shine.
Moisturizes and nourishes the hair root as well as the hair and known to promote hair growth too.

INCA INCHI Helps full repair, infuse damaged strands and protects breakage against heat styling.

MORINGA Protect hair ends and moisturizes dry, brittle and coarse hair.
Rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and C, copper and calcium which is an important nutrients for the skin and scalp.

Full Size: 400 ML

AMW says ---
Pros

• Super cute packaging.  
• The shampoo smells wonderful!
• Doesn't cause my scalp to itch.
• No dandruff.
• Hair feels light and easy to comb.
• Organic.
• Paraben-free.

Cons

• I hope the conditioner would smell as equally great as the shampoo.
• Conditioner may not be enough for dry and course hair.

Overall
A shampoo and conditioner set that doesn't cause my scalp to itch.  My hair is dandruff-free and hair feels light and easy to manage. Though this combination isn't meant for hair that's super dry and sensitized, this is the first organic shampoo and conditioner combination I've tried that doesn't make my hair dry and tangled.

Tips

• If your hair is colored or sensitized, it is important to do at least once a week deep-conditioning treatment to maintain hair's moisture.
• Peel off the sticker ONLY if you can differentiate the shampoo and conditioner base on cap color (brown cap is shampoo, white cap is conditioner.)  I excited peeled off the sticker and got confused which is which!  *laughs*
  
• Massage shampoo onto hair and scalp, wait for a couple of minutes before rinsing for deep cleansing.
• Conditioner doesn't feel thick, I can even use it on my roots down to the tips and it never wears my hair down.

Will I repurchase?
The shampoo --- yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
People with sensitive scalp.

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at Landmark Supermarket, Rustans and SM Supermarkets for Php310.00 (approx $8.15) each.  Feel free to check Sample Room every now and then and pray for samples! :)

Photos

The cute peel-off sticker packaging

Shampoo and conditioner without the sticker.

Looks great inside the bathroom.

Have you tried any organic hair products?
Share to us your experience!

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Nail Art Tutorial: Back to Retro!

When we talk about Retro, I remember 2 things --- Retro inspired dresses....

and the Deee-lite's "Groove is in your heart"..... *laughs* 

There's just so much inspiration during the "Retro-Years" so I've decided to create my own Retro Nail Art design!  Nothing too fancy or complicated as I just cut my nails super short!  If you follow me on  Instagram (AskMeWhats), I did mention that this is my shortest nails ever!  And here's a proof that short nails can still do nail art! :)