An Update + My Rihoas Dress ...

 That earned thumbs up when I wore this in my recent Osaka trip!  

I had a hard time updating my Blog because I can't seem to upload photos from my IPAD to the blog!  I may have tweaked something in a wrong way as I have a few Gmail accounts for both personal, work and my son's!  Anyways, if you have any thoughts on that your help would be very much appreciated!

Since my last posting, I have went to Osaka with my family for a week vacation and it was so much fun!  You can see updates on (shameless plug ahead) both Tiktok and Instagram!

As much as I'd love to share travel tips, I'll do so when I get to understand how I can upload photos from my Ipad since I depend on it so much I felt disabled!  

Here's what I posted that made my friends appreciate how I wore it in Japan.  

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A post shared by Nikki Tiu 黃素華 (@askmewhats)

This RIHOAS dress is so dainty, pretty and comfortable this is definitely my Vacationing dress starting today!

I can wear this with rubber shoes as shown on my previous photo and style it to make it more classy with a cute sandals or even shoes.

The extra slit made it extra nice, sexy but in a classy way :D  What do you think?

I am so sorry for the lack of postings but I appreciate all of you guys! I promise I'll be back with better, in detail content that would help you out and hopefully, would make your day as well!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Happy 2023 from AMW Family!

 

OMG, would you believe that?  I get to greet you almost 10 days after New Year's Day!

Life is indeed BUSY yet good.  At least I am not sick or any of my family member.  I really pray the year 2023 will be better for all of us.  With the COVID virus weaning a bit!  I pray new variants won't get stronger than ever!  A reminder for you to always eat well, exercise and take supplements to strengthen immune system.

Life is still busy just like year 2022.  It actually gets busier as I have a few more jobs added to my usual "work" last year.  As a freelancer, I do not complain because I never get time off for myself, why?  I get work to do and enjoy the benefits of staying close to my son as needed - I mean not my choice but I do drive him to and from school.  Aside from being a MOM, I am also his Tutor.  That said, we are bonded almost 24/7 and I don't mind it!

Our 2022 Christmas and New Year were both memorable.  After missing 2 years of holidays in action, we finally bonded with immediately family and few friends.  Seeing friendly faces whom we missed means more than any Christmas gifts in the world.

We also took time to take professional photos with my husband's family!  Included is their cute Collie - COCO! 

Happy 43rd Birthday To Me!

 

2nd year celebrating my birthday from home!

I never thought I’d be able to do so but thanks to Mr. AMW for making the effort to make my day special!  I started my day the usual, early morning class for Kyle as I sat next to him and do my own work while listening and learning “Pang-Abay” *laughs*

Tutor moms can relate, you HAVE to listen to be able to teach your kids…especially for me who graduated EONS ago!  

I did usual home stuff by the way and Mondays are the most hectic - Laundry day, folding the laundry, clean the study room (art materials and books!)  aggh, Mr. AMW asked me to delay it to Tuesday when it’s not my birthday, but what’s the point of procrastinating if I have to do it tomorrow?  LOL

After I did everything in the morning, my cakes and birthday greetings and gifts started to pour in, it was so heartwarming I kept on saying “I can’t believe it, I am so grateful!”

I REALLY AM.

I can’t imagine celebrating my birthday like this BONGGA even on my 43rd birthday!

Best of all, I get to celebrate it with the 2 most important boys of my life!

Happy 14th Blogging Anniversary to Me!

 

Ah, how old could I get?  I can’t even remember the exact moment I signed up a Blogspot account and started blabbling about many things online!  

Was it mid-2017?  Early 2018?  Is it my 14th year?  15th year Bloggerversary?  

I don’t really mind not knowing the exact date but what I honestly mind is the fact that some of you are still here, after more than a decade!  To the new readers out there, thank you still, for being part of my Blogging Journey!  It started out as an anonymous advice Blog to a Beauty Blog, a Food Blog (hello Sunday Food posts!) , a Mom Blogr and finally calling this a Lifestyle Blog. 

I used to Blog EVERY SINGLE DAY for the past 13-14 years.  Do I have writer’s block?  NONE AT ALL!  I guess Blogging is really perfect for me as I have an awful lot to say every single day!  Blogging does not feel tiring or work at all, it feels like a safe haven for me, a diary (journal) where I freely put out what I want to say on every single topic discussed out here.  

Fast forward to 2020 when COVID-19 pandemic happened, our househelp left our home due to pregnancy, I have a day job, a LOT of side jobs adding up to a full-time mom and homemaker job!  It was hard for me to write every single day like before but I focused my energy in creating content that makes me happy! 

Videos are a thing of the moment, I also noticed the sudden shot of popularity on Tiktok and new influencers because readers/followers nowadays want instant gratification - quick videos, short articles, “Please go straight-to the-point” type of content.

For someone who was called an “OG Blogger” in the industry (which still made me cringe to say it by the way!), a lot of Bloggers my time would probably resist on this sudden shift of style of influence - but not me.  I welcome the change.  I welcome new learnings because I learn so much through the process and doing short 1 minute videos actually made me feel YOUNGER than my age! #hahaha

So I just want to say, through the years, Blogging/Vlogging/Content Creation/ Influencer Marketing will always be honest, straightforward and created with LOVE for me.  Some would probably go crazy looking out on numbers, likes and followers.  For me, having at least 1 or 2 or 5 of you reading this is already enough, enough to say, I have someone who listens to what I have to say and every single one of you matter.

Because of this journey as a Blogger, Beauty Influencer, Mom Influencer or how you would like to call it, you guys are HELPING ME HEAL through all the bad times I went through for the past 14 years of my life!  I welcome every influencer (big and small) because cyberspace is enermous, everysingle one of us has a voice, a space, to put out what we want to say out there.  Because, someday, somehow, like me, you will find someone getting comfort in what you do!  And that’s all that matters.  

AMW Friends, THANK YOU.  THANK YOU for staying. 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Happy 42nd to Me!

Happy Birthday To Me Indeed!

42 years of existence, can you believe that?

I am very much grateful with my clients, the brands I work with and of course, my family!  For being so ever supportive with what I do!

Here’s a transition video for you!  I honestly felt 24 still! 

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A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

 

What made me smile, this Spotify connected BTS Cake from my good friend Janina.  Who owns Girlstuff.

A yummy Lemon Tarte cake by my Marie France and The Facial Care Centre Family!

Kyle Had Dengue!

I was M.I.A. for so many days because Kyle got really sick on Chinese New Year's eve!  

As I picked him up from school, after watching Dragon Dance performance, his palms were extremely warm so I thought it was for the fact that he was scared of the huge dragons that made his body extra warm.

But I was a bothered because Kyle was off that whole week, teachers are telling me he wasn't in good condition and seems to be whining a lot in class.  

Happy 2020!

Wow, who would've thought I'd still be typing Happy New Year 12 times?

Have I been Blogging THAT Long?

I guess, Yes!  I was single when I started Blogging, got married, tried to have a baby (succeed after several years) and went through so much with you guys (loads of in between happy and sob stories).

One thing for sure, I am GLAD you are still here to read my entries.  It has been 10 long years of DAILY BLOGGING.  I meant business when I say I write once a day and some days, I even posted 2-3 blog entries!  That's how much of a talker I am and things have been slowing down when I realized there aren't much readers nowadays since the kick-off of Instagram and Facebook. 

Did I lose the heart to write?  No, I just got busier creating content on my Instagram (shameless plug coming up!) - follow me on Instagram as a lot of you seems to like it there.  

Will I stop writing?  Maybe?  

Maybe not!

I don't know what my future holds but one thing for sure, the Beauty Geek in me will never die! 

So if you are reading this on New Years Day...THANK YOU SO MUCH for checking back.  Thank you for being a TRUE #AMWFriend and I can't wait to meet you in person (or maybe we met already!)  But THANK YOU...thank you for staying.

This won't be a long post as my son is waiting for me to play with him!  His Holiday Break is almost over so we are enjoying every single moment of it --- that explains the lesser number of blog posts!

Happy New Year!  I pray that you stay happy and healthy!  I pray you have a peaceful heart and if in one way or another you are carrying a burden right now, I am sending you big virtual hugs and I am telling you right now --- you are not alone!  I've been through a lot and I'm still here, doing what I love to do with a smile on my face...I can do it --- you can too!

Photo taken by: Mark Lao

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Personal Thoughts on Blogging

So many times over the past decade plus, a lot of my friends and readers asked me this question: "Why do you still blog?  Don't you even have writer's block?"

It may sound like a huge "yabang" to you but I seriously never had one --- siguro naman gets niyo na ever since Instagram Stories was invented --- you understood naman how talkative I am right?  (Even my Coach was amazed how I can blab during the most intense boxing session!)

Aside from my talkativeness, this space... AskMeWhats.com means so much to me.  You all seen my journey when I was just starting out, the time I pursued  Make Up Artistry to becoming a Make Up Trainer today.  How I juggled having a day job to being a freelancer wearing multiple hats.  The time my mom fell into depression to the time I tried to have baby and finally made it! (Look!  Kyle is already 6!)  

As to every single posts that seems to be very pointless at some point - why do I keep on reviewing Lipsticks, blush, foundation etc... when there's a whole lot of other people who does the same?  

Well, aside from the fact that I'm enjoying all these (kahit na hardwork talaga siya), I see a couple of views per post (not a lot!) but every single view means so much to me!  Whether there's just a handful of you or thousands of you on good days,   as long as someone is interested to hear me out, to read what's on my mind... I will still be here!  

But I do missed those days when I see comments, people asking questions regarding the product or service I posted.  Or days I just receive comments asking me how I am!  But I guess times have changed especially with the existence of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

Do I feel bad about the changing times?

NO

Of course not!  I just go with the flow and just continue to do what makes me happy.  

Just like this MAC Compact Powder which I first purchased for the sake of review a decade plus ago!  Looking at my old posts makes me cringe yet smile all at the same time!  

So what's the point of this post?

Wala naman! :P 

But I just want to say THANK YOU, if you are here, reading my posts no matter how repetitive they seem to be!  I love you from the bottom of my heart for making me Ms. AMW or Mrs. AMW or Mommy AMW.  Thank you for continuously asking me questions and for being so nice to me because NONE of you bashed me on my wrong grammar and spelling ---> because who in the hell have time to proof read if you have gazillion things to do?  (Not me obviously)

But THANK YOU, THANK YOU for staying put.  This is not a special anniversary post or anything, this is how random gratitude is and I am "encapsulating" gratitude in a short post!

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay HAPPY!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Happy 2019! Happy New Year!

Dear AMW friends,

January is actually my Blog anniversary, end of January to be exact and guess what? This blog is 12 years old!  Who would've thought I'd celebrate most of my life's milestones here?

From my journey to studying makeup, sharing my hardships in handling clients and looking for customers.  Turning 30 years old while I also shared the hardships of a family member going through Depression for 4 full years!  From being a Miss to Mrs. then giving birth to Kyle!  

Yes, you've sen it all!  Thanks for being part of my life's journey, though my Blog comments decreased so much (40+ comments per article down to almost none at times), I knew a lot of you are still reading or browsing through my posts --- so THANK YOU for holding on.  I know there may come a time I won't blog as much (hello on blogging at least 1 post a DAY for the past decade!), I knew I won't be as interesting as before (hello Senior Citizen a couple more years!)  I just want to say THANK YOU for giving me a space here on Cyberspace to share my feelings, my love and my passion.  I really appreciate every single one of you!  I don't see you as readers, instead, you are all my Cyber friend so can we just group hug? :P

I know the coming years are going to be extra challenging (parents getting old, dad suffered Stroke, etc...) but at least I know there's a whole bunch of you giving me the thumbs up and shoulder to cry on!  I know I can count on YOU just as you can count on me!

Happy New Year and please follow me on IG because that's were you really get updates on how my life goes every single day!  (Watch AMW stories - yes, shameless plus)  And I also do a lot of unboxing and initial thoughts on new products before I get to put them up here (written form) because it takes time for me to test products!

Enjoy this special start of the year and stay HAPPY!

I love you all!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Merry Christmas from AMW Family!

When Kyle was born, my wish came true and I couldn't ask for anything more but for him to be in great health and be a good person.

Of course, if God gives me more wishes to be granted, I wish for great health and safety for my whole family and of course, sharing some good vibes and blessings to YOU my dear AMW friends who have been with me for more than a decade.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart because I still have the chance to type my well wishes here every single year!  Thank you for checking my site, for reading my thoughts and trusting my reviews.  I will keep on doing this as long as I have the passion to help and share my knowledge (and that would be a long long time pa I can tell!)  I just hope you still want to read something from a Senior Citizen in the future!  #lol

Merry Christmas to you my friend, from the time I was still single to being a Mrs. down to being a mom, thanks for being part of my journey and I can't wait to share more with you!

Please let me know you're still here by commenting below!  I'd love to know that I am not talking to just anybody on cyberspace but someone with a name!  Someone I can really say THANK YOU to!

Merry Christmas!  

Stay Happy, Healthy and Loved!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Stop and Smell the Coffee

It was more than a month ago, March 10, 2018 to be exact when my dad fell off the stairs.  He was confined in a hospital for series of tests for 2 days and he was released as everything "seems fine".

As much as the results were all good, dad became restless, he can't move much due to pain and his usual activities which he does on his own is turning out to be a major challenge.

Fast forward to 2 weeks after the fall, I visited him as usual to feed him and give him some TLC (massage!).  I asked him what he wanted to eat - noodles, rice or congee.  And all I heard was mumble.  He can't seem to speak anymore.  

We brought him to the Emergency Room and we learned his left brain suffered stroke and his speech was the first target.  The news drained me - I felt like a kid all over again.  I wanted to cry but I needed to stay strong at the same time.  

Everyday seems to go by pretty quickly.  My usual crazy schedule became crazier as I need to insert hospital visits in between mommy duties.  It was tiring - yes, but it was something me and my siblings chose to do!

There's always a silver lining (as they say), true enough, there is a glimmer of light!  My dad is currently home and settled, he is still having difficulties in communicating and we need help with Speech Therapy but at least, I know he's safer! 

But, as for any machine - in my case, my body.  Overwork means my body is finally going downhill.  I have difficulties waking up in the morning and I feel sleepy and tired midday.  Don't worry, I'm not depending on coffee to give me the instant boost of energy, I actually stopped drinking for quite some time surviving some days without coffee or maximum of 1 cup a day!  That's a huge change considering I'm a 3-4 cups drinker!

Top: SM Woman
Pants: Zalora
Shoes: Shoegar

Today, I realized that I need to slow down a bit.  While waiting for my son in school, I've decided to OPEN my laptop not to work but to write this personal post to share with you that my life, other peoples' lives and YOUR life isn't perfect.  We are all carrying a certain baggage on a daily basis but we try our best to put a "happy mask" on our faces because life needs to goes on! 

The world won't stop just for you. 

With my dad's stroke episode and my mom's near-death experience several years ago, I realized, I need to STOP and SMELL the COFFEE (Figuratively).  We need to stop and enjoy life because we may never know when our coffee will get bitter or worst, stale!  

And since we're on the topic of coffee, the relaxation happened at Figaro Coffee Banawe, it wasn't the greatest place to "tambay" as the electric plugs aren't working and at some point (or some area of the room at 2nd floor), it gets hot with the sun coming through.

But as I said: STOP AND SMELL THE COFFEE

Some Changes I've Done for Year 2018

2018 started out pretty well.

2 days after 2018, I was hired to do the job I love most - teach makeup to a small group of eager learners!  

Aside from that, I was able to work with a brand for a very important project which I can finally tick off from my bucket list! 

In life, it is easier to just "go with the flow" and stick to what works!  "Why change?  When everything's working out well?"

That statement gets to be blurted out so easily by me, I used to be that way, "Matigas ang ulo."  (hard-headed).  I disliked change so much it felt like "change" is trying to ruin the world that I'm trying the create - my tiny rigid universe.  

Thankfully, my job entails me to meet, socialize and work with inspiring people.  Because of that, I got inspired, and inspiration welcomes CHANGE.  I can actually see myself changing, and it was the for the better because I can sense that!

Let's start with the simplest change in life that I managed to do.  Some sounded so childish and small, but it is because of these tiny changes I get the courage to aim for bigger goals!

A Reminder To Always Make #TimeForMom

I grew up under strict supervision from mom.  She is a housewife, who does EVERYTHING for us!  From taking care of our grandparents, "palengke" duties, cook us breakfast/lunch/snacks/dinner and even drove us to and from school for more than 15 years!

Aside from that, she does the laundry (hand wash lahat) and iron all our clothes.  (Note: There are 4 of us siblings + grandparents + parents = you do the Math)

It was an extremely difficult task (almost impossible if I may add!), I see how she perspires as she run around doing errands without a single complaint!  That's why our relationship is strictly "I-listen-to-my-mom-or-else...."  There's no time for us to really talk or bond because she's too busy to even have a breather.  I remembered wishing we could have a closer relationship, like my classmates and their moms!  I used to wish she could be cooler like my friends' moms.

When I started working and when Mom was finally having more time on her hands,  I realized, our relationship shouldn't stay that way forever.  I make it a point to bond with her by taking her out for a quick facial or massage over weekend.  Our relationship definitely changed from just plain "mother-daughter relationshiop" to a "closer mother-daughter relationship".  It didn't happen overnight, it was a conscious effort for me to MAKE time and prioritize her.

WHY?

Because this lady has done so much for me and my siblings and giving her just a couple of minutes or hours in a day will never be enough to show her how much I appreciate her.  But at least, we can always start somewhere.

And to those who wonder how I get to be THIS cheerful and how I get the energy to do multiple tasks like a Super Girl?  

Well, here's my tiny little secret that I'm finally sharing.  Behind this "Wonder Woman" that you think I am, .I have an even better SUPER WOMAN behind me who backs me up, supports me without limit and sends me love like no other --- She is my very own mom!  With her, I can be like that little kid who runs to her when I'm in trouble, when I'm tired or when I get hurt.  Of course, I also run to her when I'm happy, when I'm in my best mood.  I just run to her because she is my HOME.  The very person who loves me for who I am without expectations or limits.

That's my secret and it really works!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas AMW Friends!
I am very thankful EACH and every year but this year is definitely NO EXCEPTION!

Christmas actually came in early with our advance Christmas party with Beauty Blogging Friends.  Celebrated at Aruga by Rockwell, we all wore black and did exchange gift during the month of November!



Then, we celebrated Christmas with the Sample Room family at The Flame Restaurant at Discovery Primea Makati.  Aside from the Annual Christmas Party, Sample Room also celebrates their 4th birthday with Partner Bloggers and Beauty Insiders!

Because I Want to Live More...

Hello AMW Friends, I'm Nikki Tiu (aka AskMeWhats, Ms. AMW, Mrs. AMW, AskMeMom).
A lot of my friends wonder how I go through my life each day, when I tell them, I tend to ask myself too: "How do I manage my day?"  

With a lot of help of course!  Before I share to you some of my secrets to stay sane amidst the crazy daily schedule, let me tell you first what I do.. aside from being "Your Friendly AMW neighborhood" of course!

Stripped off from all the glamour of makeup, I wake up every morning and send my son to Preschool.  The school is quite far from where I live so I've decided to wait for him half a day instead of driving back and forth.

Happy Mother's Day, Mommies!

"Am I ready for motherhood?"
Well, I used to think I have an answer.  I told everyone I love kids and would be ready as early as 18!  (thankfully, di naman nangyari yon hahaha)  But that very moment I gave birth, I finally knew what to say when faced with that question.

"You'll never be ready."

Even with that cute cheeky, toothless smile.  You may never be ready for sleepless nights.  You will never be ready for that constant worry whenever your little angel gets sick or whenever they cry.  You will never be ready when your heart breaks into many pieces when they hurt themselves or when you have to bring them to a hospital for an emergency.  Oh God, I will never be ready for that!

On the brighter side, you will be surprised on how much UNCONDITIONAL LOVE you feel.  You will realize how much LOVE your heart can give.

Truthfully, the joys and pains of being a parent.  Especially a mom.

Doing the Things I Love To Do! #ChangingLives

So it's been a while since I posted something personal.  The last one was "How To Deal With Mommy Burnout"

Firstly, THANK YOU for being so nice about my sentiments as a mom!  I know all of us have different ways in dealing with motherhood stress ---  "To each their own!"  as they say.  As for me, I'm so thankful I've found ways to deal with it with flair!  Though I have been spending more than 50% of my time with my son, I make sure to set aside time to do the things that makes me happy! 

My Consultancy Job in an Executive Search Firm.  

Yes, I still have a day job!  Shocking to most of you but yes, I sit at least 4-5 hours in front of the computer everyday the moment my son wakes up!  I do a lot of phone interviews, research and emails!  I've been doing for a decade now and I'm so thankful my boss understood my needs to work from home so here I am!  Still alive and kicking!

What I'm Thankful For - Year 2015

Continuing the series of "What I'm Thankful For - Year 2014".  Let me share to you what I'm thankful for this year!  The year 2015 was an amazing one!  I have to thank YOU guys for continuously supporting AMW and for embracing the changes!

Speaking about changes, let's not forget the Big change of look and layout on my blog!  THANK YOU guys for being so welcoming with the change!  It was a difficult goodbye for me because I have been so accustomed of my dark blue background but hey, people change, people grow and my blog needs to grow!

Anniversary Date at Stella Woodfire and A Chocolate Cake

If you follow me on any of my social media sites, you'll know that Mr. AMW and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and on November 3 our 19th years together!  

You do the math...if you can't...let's just say...we've spend more than half of our lifetime together..and I LOVE EVERY SINGLE DAY OF IT!

So cheesy right?  Well, I'm lucky God really gave me not only a partner, but my best friend for life!  I can't imagine breathing a single minute without him!  He's my number 1 fan, my ultimate support-system and he is the reason why I am THIS cheerful and positive!  Happy nth year anniversary to us Mr. AMW!

To be honest (again, not being too cheesy), everyday is really like an anniversary celebration to us.  It really boils down to who we are as a couple and let me tell you straight-out, we are extremely child-like and little things in life really make us happy!

So our 8th year celebration wasn't extremely grand but for us, it was the grandest for us because we get to spend time together amidst the extremely busy schedule.

Since I go out most of the time for meetings and blog events, I usually take notes on restaurants I've tried and liked!  So I've decided to be the "man" and take him out for lunch at Stella Woodfire.  I've dined in this restaurant a couple of times but I felt the ambiance, the location and the food is perfect for both of us.

On Motherhood....after 2.5 years

Taking a break to talk about motherhood.

Yes, I'm on sentimental mood once again!  Kyle just had another "nose-bleeding" episode and I am more calm and in-control now unlike the first time it happened!  Just a bit of background, Kyle has several moments of nosebleeding for the past year!  Now that he's bigger, the bleeding reduced drastically but he still experience it every now and then.  

As I went back to my work table and stare at his sleeping angelic face.  I can't help but tell myself to take a breather as his naptime only takes an hour and a half.  Yes, I knew his schedule by heart because I was the one who imposed it!  I know exactly what time he wakes up, what time he naps, what time he gets to eat his snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner!  I can almost tell the exact time he does number 2.  

Am I a "Hitler" mommy? 

Definitely not, but I"m definitely a strict mom who follows certain rules and regulations made by...ahmm..ME!  hahahaha and everyone in the household should stick to it!  

OO na, Hitler Mom na!

When I received a package from Milna Philippines c/o a good Blogger Friend ,(Thanks Ginger)! I was reminded on how I used to be a mom to Kyle a year ago especially when it comes to FOOD.  And I wished I knew about these baby snacks a year ago!

"Milna is a baby snack food that is highly recommended by doctors/medical practitioners in providing nutritious food for your child during his/her developmental and gowing up years. Milna will be available in all leading groceries and supermarkets in September 2015." -- taken from their FB page.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Milna-Philippines