Monday, April 23, 2012

AMW Gives: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (for the 2nd time around) --- CLOSED!!!

Kiehl's Earth Day was yesterday!  To continue the celebration, AMW would like to share something exciting to the readers as I have been blessed to be one of the few who road tested Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate almost 2 years ago!  (You can read the diary HERE.)

It is effective and would you believe I'm saving up every drop of it?  I still have a few drops left but I try to use it on nights I feel like I need the "glowy look" in the morning!  I would love to keep this bottle close to my heart but of course, I would rather share this new bottle to a reader who would want to give this a try but doesn't have the means to!  

YES!  This is your chance!!!!


Restore every night: Midnight Recovery Concentrate Php2,880.00  (approx $67.00)
"A powerful concentration, it was specifically formulated to biologically replicate skin's natural lipids for optimal skin repair during the night.  This potent elixir is 99% naturally-derived and paraben-free.  During the day, the skin's function is to protect itself against internal and external aggressors.  At night it needs to regenerate, repair and replenish what is has lost as a result of daily stresses." 


How to join?
  • Comment ONCE in this blog post together with your name and email address.
  • Like Kiehl's Manila on Facebook.
  • Tell me: "Which part of my review made you want to try the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate?"  (Feel free to check back my reviews HERE.)
  • Contest starts today ends May 12, 2012 (11:59pm local time).
  • ONE winner will be picked via random generator.  Winner will be emailed and must respond within 48 hours.  A new winner will be picked if no response was received within the stated timing.
  • Contest is open for Philippine Residents.  Prize will be sent via courier by yours truly!
  • Cross your fingers and stay positive!  
Goodluck!
Feel free to LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook and feel free to ask me questions there! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Japan Food Trip: Part 2

Happy Sunday dear AMW readers!  Did you have a relaxing weekend?  I did take things slowly this weekend, I will just be attending a kiddie party then go back home and lay in bed like a dead fish!  *hahaha*

Speaking of FISH!  *laughs*  And food in general, can I please continue my Japan Food Post so I can completely make YOU want to visit the country? 

Last weekend, I did the first part and if you haven't read it yet, do check back by smiling and clicking HERE.

I have said it before and I will say it again, just be adventurous and you'll find yourself embracing the culture!  If you are on a budget, you do not need to sit in expensive restaurants in Japan, in between travel via subway, you may find a lot of cute Bento Boxes sold in reasonable price (considering the quantity of food you get.)

You see these at random Subway Station and food court!  (Note: To check out the price, click photo to enlarge.  Use an online currency converter to check the value in your currency.)

Bento Boxes seen at the Tokyo Station


There were around 8-10 stalls side by side and we took a long walk peeking at all the Bento Boxes we could look at! 

From Pork, beef, eel, etc... I'm sure my reporting would even be better if I understand Japanese, but I don't! :( Sorry!


More Rice Boxes

Healthy salad and sandwiches


The choices were limitless!  If I live here, I wouldn't even be cooking with all the wonderful healthy food choices available anywhere you go! 

We got intrigued with the brand Maisen as we see them a lot!

We bought a box and took it with us to Tokyo DisneySea!  I'm really grateful we made this decision as most restaurants in DisneySea were packed and we were too hungry to line up! So this is a great "in-between" stomach filler!


Nothing beats freshly made food but still, these are really tasty! 

Just when you thought you've had enough of Bento Boxes at the Subway station, they will still be around inside supermarkets!  I have seen Japanese purchasing their dinner before going home!  I wouldn't mind doing the same thing everything looks scrumptious!


One of the "most seen" food are Pork Tonkatsu


And I tell you, that's not all!  Japanese love their sweets!  I have never seen stalls after stalls of sweets in the Philippines!

Donuts

They look like flavored pudding

Snoopy  characters

One Piece Characters
I wouldn't even dare eat them! So cute!

There are also loads of Onigiri Rice!  I just randomly pick some by reading the Kanji characters!


If you think you've had enough of Japanese snacks, there are a lot of bakeshops on various places!  

I tried the Spinach and Salmon Quiche from Ueno Station and we love it so much!  It costs roughly around Php200.00 (approx $4.00).  Not bad as it's filling!


This is another random bread that I've tried.  It has ham and cheese on it and known to be the top 3 bestseller in the bakery!  I'm glad I bought these as we got hungry inside Meiji Shrine so at least, we have something to keep our tummy warm!

JPY260.00 (approx Php130.00/$3.00)

Random dumplings bought at a food court
The best tasting one is the one with crazy "plus-signed" eyes smiley!  *lol*


And if you're not the adventurous type, you can always go for fast food chains like ... 
 Lotteria

McDonalds


Yoshinoya


Some random Shawarma from Harajuko


The meat is quite juicy and filled with loads of vegetables!


You can also randomly try snacks from convenience stores

And don't miss the rice cakes!

All in all, I can assure you that you won't get hungry in Japan!  You can get a nice, filling meal for around JPY500.00 (approx Php250.00/$5.80) and above.  Snacks could go from JPY200.00-JPY400.00!  You just have to look around and be open-minded to try things even though you don't understand the language!  Again, it helps to know the Japanese words for Pork, Beef, Chicken or Fish!  The rest?  There's always hand gestures and a big smile! :)

I hope you enjoyed the photos!
Are you adventurous in terms of food?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Saturday, April 21, 2012

Something New: Fragrances to Watch Out For

I tend to purchase at least 1 fragrance per year when I was just starting out on a job!  It wasn't difficult for me as I have a few "list" of my cult fragrance favorite! 

Nowadays, fragrance companies are upping their game!  Several marketing strategies were used to catch the attention of consumers like myself who tend to stay loyal to the current brands I'm using!  

One huge example of a great eye-catching marketing strategy is by the use of colors!  Color blocking is the in thing for the past years and it's definitely staying for the spring/summer!




Just look at the colorful shots!


Gorgeous women

and men! *ahem*

There are a total of 4 colorful fragrances that exudes a bright, playful and energizing feel!

1 The Sporty Fragrance - This Floral Citrus Scent features grapefruit and blue lotus for a vibrant, energetic fragrance that evokes confidence and energy.
2.The Sensual Fragrance - A Floriental Fruity with the key ingredients of Cranberry & Tonka Mousse.  This fragrance is for the alluring flirt with a romantic spirit.
3. The Free-Spirited Fragrance - Eccentric, rebellious and independent, this Floral Green fragrance highlights Pear and Mimosa.  This represents ultimate optimism and natural feminine radiance to the woman who dance to the beat of her own drum.
4. The Stylist Fragrance - Edgy and refined, with a flair for the exotic, this Oriental Floral contains key ingredients of Wild Cherry and Purple Amber.  Designed for the stylist woman.

 Judging by the color and description, I'm definitely a 2 and 3 combined!

**Big Pony Collection for Women Retails Php4,300 (approx $100.00)  for 100ml and Php3,100 (approx $72.00)  for 50ml.

Now, if colors aren't your thing and you are more of a toned down individual who likes the regular classy bottle feel!  There are a whole lot of choices but one brand touches the heart of consumers!  You get to buy fragrance at the same time help someone in need!


With Acqua di Gio and Acqua di Goia, the 2 lovely fragrance both Mr. AMW and myself love, the brand will raise funds on behalf of Green Cross International's Water programs.


AND YOU!
YES YOU CAN HELP!


By becoming a fan of the AFL Facebook Fan Page, you will automatically give 50 liters of safe drinking liters for the communities in Ghana and Bolivia!  (go ahead and LIKE them on Facebook now, I won't feel bad that you left my page! Hehehe)

"By becoming fans, you will automatically take part to the Water Race, a fun experience aiming at explaining in an illustrated way the water crises.  You become part of a group of people racing from Milan to Ghana and Bolivia, a virtual travel to bring water to our communities!  You can personalize your avatar, share your position via Google map on your Facebook wall, learn about the places you are virtually visiting and discover via street view where you stand."
So simple idea, more people to like the page, the bigger to group gets and so will the donation!  And if you want to exceed in helping, go ahead and purchase any of the two Armani Fragrances associated with water and 100 liters of water will be provided to support life!  *yay*!


Oh!  Before I forget, there's another one included in the "Acqua" line, Acqua di Gioia Essenza, "Water of Joy"

"The sensation of freshness permeates every head note with the aroma of crushed mint leaves and the zest of First Bloom Lemons, given added impact by an unexpected pink of Pink Pepper.  Next comes Jasmine Absolute, the olfactory richness of this new fragrance comes above all from its intence floral heart, created around a sophisticated trio of jasmine..."
Did you know that? 
Each 100ml Acqua di Gioia Essenza bottle contains the equivalent of 196 Jasmin Flowers?
**100ml retails at Php5,800.00 (approx $135.00).

Mother's Day and Father's Day or Grandparents day or whatever special day is just around the corner!  I hope I was able to give you a good idea on what to purchase!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Be informed! 




AMW Reports: FitFlop's Trend Diffuser 2012 Collection Launch

When I say a certain brand/style of shoe/sandal is comfortable, you have to believe me because I'm the "Queen of Sensitive Feet"!  When God created the world, I was showered with the sensitive feet genes (if there's such thing) *laughs* so finding the most comfortable pair is a talent I nurtured for the past years!  

FitFlop surpassed my standard!  Remember my Unsung Hero Post regarding FitFlop?  I thought those pairs we have at home were enough but...FitFlop has to come up with a new collection!  The Trend Diffuser 2012! 

I dragged my lazy bum to Makati Shangri-la Hotel and wore my Frou FitFlop in Black sporting a black dress for a formal, sit-down dinner in black-and-white themed Rizal ballroom. 


The event started as we were enjoying the wonderful salmon salad (my favorite) from the talented Chefs of Makati Shangri-La Hotel!   The beautiful host, Ms. Sandra Seifert, welcome the press and I did have a bit of goosebumps for being part of this prestigious event with magazine editors, local celebrities, bloggers and VIPs. 


Melody Nubla, Brand Manager of FitFlop Philippines did the welcoming remarks sharing to us how we get to have the first glance at the Trend Diffuser Collection, which, by the way, will only be available at FitFlop boutiques through pre-ordering starting May 10,2012!


Though the main meal was served, I was busy extending my neck trying to catch a glimpse of the new collection and taking snapshots of them for you to enjoy! :) 


 The pieces made way down a runway with various clothing accompanied by bright lights!
 Not only did the professional models strutted the runway! Extraordinary women who are FitFlop fans joined the models in "Wear the Shoes, Rule the World" mission!



A closer look on the stars of the night ---

FitFlop Gladda
Half sneaker, half cut-out corset has strung facings, vulcanized construction, soft, supple leather strapping, and a cool-girl ankle collar making it the must-have sexy sandals especially for the summer season.
FitFlop UNO
Neat, chic, scoop-cut Uno slip-on.  Ballerina-style shoe with a hidden wedge adds a bit of height, making your legs look amazingly graceful!

Okay, I never thought FitFlop could possibly make ballerina flats but they managed to!  And they look really cool!


FitFlop UNO Sneaker
Handcrafted in Italian leather complete with tailored facings.


The night ended with a toast from the people from Primer Group of Companies, the exclusive distributor of FitFlop in the Philippines.


This collection will be available at FitFlop stores in SM Mall of Asia, Megamall, North Edsa (Annex), Southmall and Cebu through pre-ordering starting May 10, 2012.

For more information on FitFlop Philippines and its Trend Diffuser line, feel free to check out FitFlop Philippines on Facebook and add them up on Twitter (FitFlopPH).

I want to thank the people from Primer Group for the warm accommodation!  *waves at Macel and Laira*

Do you own a pair of FitFlop?
If yes, how many pairs do you currently own?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!