What I'm Thankful For - Year 2014

Blogging has helped me grow into a social butterfly that I am!

Don't get me wrong, I was a butterfly :P  but not a "social" one!  I may be very talkative (okay, SUPER talkative) now but believe it or not, I used to be REALLY shy!  (walang aangal please)  I am so scared to ask for price when I go to stores I always ask Mr. AMW to help me do so.  I tend to smile a lot in social gatherings but deep in my heart, it goes "thump thump thump" because I am seriously in an awkward situation.

Through Blogging, I still have those moments but I improved so much my events-mate may want to stuff my mouth with a sock!  :P  Super daldal ko na kasi talaga as in BONGGA!  :P  

Yes, I am in a "muni muni" stage again because another year has ended, looking back, 2014 was such a bitter sweet year for me!  It was a challenging year yet I received so much blessings at the same time.  I made a really big decision to give up "half" of my day job and went part time because I wanted to really look after my growing kid.  So obviously, HALF of my salary is deducted and since we moved out, more expenses for us right?  

So good bye trips, good bye gadgets, goodbye to all my "luho" :)
 
But God really is good.  He provides what we need and even MORE!

I was able to travel to San Francisco early this year to represent the Philippines as a Makeup Artist for Benefit's Grand Launch for They're Real Liner (story HERE and HERE).



Best of all, Benefit understands the fact that I'm a mom so they permitted me to take with me my then super baby pa na Baby AMW and of course, my partner-in-travel Mr. AMW.

Gift Guide: For Brush Lovers

Ohhh, the year 2014 is almost ending and I have so much to share about my great 2014 finds!  Just in case you don't know, I have been randomly giving out my favorite items on Instagram and/or Facebook so please follow both my FB and IG account (@AskMeWhats).  

Now on to one of my favorite brush brand!  If you met me in person, on the job as a MUA, you'll see that I highly use my Charm Pro Brush set together with my individual MAC brushes because these babies really delivery!  I have been using them constantly for years and so far, I am still very happy with the quality (as long as you take good care of them). 

For all my CHARM Brushes review, please click LINK HERE. 

And who would've thought the brand came up with 2 new brush sets perfect for gift-giving?  Maybe you don't have Brush-loving friends but you love makeup brushes yourself?  No one can deny the fact that receiving a good set of makeup brushes this Christmas can make you feel extra good!

New Charm Pocket 5pc Brush Set in Black

Php500.00 (approx $10.50)

This is the sleek black version of the Pink Pocket Brush set (reviewed HERE).  As much as I would love to say that almost all "kikays" love pink!  I am wrong!  I have a lot of kikay friends who wanted a set that isn't too "girly" so this black version is perfect for emergency makeup retouches and you can slip this inside a big, medium and small bag!

Céleteque Acne Solutions Acne-Clearing Concealer Review

Céleteque, the brand that is known for skincare came up with their own concealer called Acne Solutions Acne-Clearing Concealer!  I can't really say this is makeup as it has a cover-up pimple and treatment properties making sure your zit won't get into its' worst state as you try to cover them up!

True enough, there are days when you just want to cover your pimple because it popped out at a wrong timing (ex. party to attend, date, get-together with friends).  I usually go for my trustee The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil but obviously, that is just a treatment and I still need a separate concealer.  This is where the product comes in!  A 2-in1 product that promises coverage and treatment!

The tiniest concealer I own!  The length of the packaging is only 4 inches while the diameter is less than 10cm!

AMW Cooks: Steamed Fish Fillet in soy sauce and ginger

I have always been a fan of Steamed Fish Fillet in Soy Sauce and Ginger when I dine in a Chinese restaurant.  I always find myself wanting for more but the serving is not enough.  Maybe,  matakaw lang ako!  (I just have a big appetite!) 

I used to be a "safe cook", cooking dishes that was taught to me by my mom or sister.  Now that I'm getting more experimental with my cooking, I finally mustered enough courage to cook my favorite dish!  And guess what?  It wasn't that difficult and if you search #AMWCOOKS on Instagram, I actually cooked this exact dish multiple times!  Because it is healthy and Baby AMW appreciates this!

Ingredients:

My favorite Lookbook from Plains & Prints Holiday 2014

I may not blog a lot about fashion but I am really into fashion!  I know my style so well I can literally just take a peak at a clothing store and I'll know right away if a particular outfit would look good on me or not!  That's the reason why I can shop a lot of my clothing online!  

I guess, just like makeup, I know which particular style, color and size would work well on me!  And Plains & Prints Holiday 2014 collection didn't fail in making me salivate!  Their collection is so amazing I want to put them all inside my closet!  (Kasama na din si Anne Curtis! *lol*)  She is so pretty and perfect for the brand!

For the PP Holiday 2014 collection, they divided it into 3 categories!  East Meets West, Heaven & Earth and Modern Metropolis!

East Meets West