Robinsons Vintage Vanity

Who doesn't love SALE? Here's something that you wouldn't want to miss! The 2012 RDS Beauty Fair called Vintage Vanity. It's from August 1-31, 2012. And 19 beauty brands are participating!

Aside from discounts and exclusive deals, you can also enjoy free makeovers! How awesome is that? You get to try and test out the products before purchasing them!

Among the brands participating are Loreal, Garnier, Maybelline, Unilever. Also participating are Ever Bilena, Careline, Bvlgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, P&G, Neutrogena, Revlon, Myra, Asian Secrets amd Celeteque.

I was able to get discounts and will definitely show you my haul soon! So take this opportunity to shop for your favorite beauty items! :)

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First Look: Gifts!

I have been privileged to be invited to cover several events as a blogger and I enjoy learning so much about different brands and their products. I admit that I tend to stick to the brands that I trust and am not as adventurous as others, so being able to learn about other brands first hand by trying out their products and getting to ask questions to the makers or representatives of these brands really help me in choosing the right products for me.

I want to say a huge thank you to all the brands who have trusted me! I recently got to receive a couple of packages from different brands and I have yet to try out and review some of them. So I am looking forward to that!

So for now here is another first look at the gifts that I received. Expect reviews on most of these here at yellowyum.com

Titania

Nisce Skin

K-Palette

Glambox Cosmetics

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Shi Lin, Xiao Long Bao Place

I was surprised when I saw Shi Lin in Lucky Chinatown. There's a Shi Lin near our place but we haven't really eaten there yet. The first time I heard about Shi Lin is from Marc Nelson. He mentioned that Shi Lin serves the best Xiao Long Bao in the Metro. So since we were ready for our lunch, we decided to finally try it out!

Obviously, we ordered the famous Xiao Long Bao.

P230.00 for 10 pcs

Now I understand what the hype is all about! I think that their Xiao Long Bao is pretty affordable but really delicious. I can't say that it's the best just because I haven't exactly tasted all the other Xiao Long Baos but I'd say it's really really good- a must order. And it's very tasty. Add a little black vinegar and some ginger, ooohh you're in heaven! The wrapper is cooked just right, it's not too thick and not too thin either. The sauce inside combined with the black vinegar glides ever so smoothly.

Spicy Jellyfish P105.00

My husband ordered jellyfish because he really likes it. I didn't taste it but H seemed to enjoy devouring it. Haha!

Spicy Shrimp and Pork Wanton

P125.00 for 6 pcs

I gotta say I did not enjoy this dish that much. It was too spicy for my taste. (H says I don't seem to like chili oil.) I thought that it was too oily. The wantons were drenched in oil so they were soggy. H finished it though. But he didn't give it any compliment either.

Fried Pork Chop and Egg

P195.00

Fried Chicken Chop and Egg

P245.00

These two were our main dish and they were a big disappointment! First of all, I ordered the Fried Chicken Chop and Egg, there was too much breading I could not even taste the meat! It was just breading and flour and small slices of meat. And to think that it was more than P200? H did not like his Fried Pork either. It didn't have any taste according to him. And true enough, when I tried it, I had to dip it in soy sauce because it was bland. The only saving grace? There was an enormous amount of rice! It was all rice and just a small portion of meat. Total fail.

Overall, I will not go back to Shi Lin for anything else but their Xiao Long Bao. Maybe I'll try their siomai too or some other dimsum. But definitely not getting their rice toppings anymore. I would have been happier eating at Le Ching and it would cost me half the price.

I wonder what your experience was when you dined here? Any orders I should try? I think their Xiao Long Bao is really worth going back to. But other than that, there are other Chinese restaurants offering better menu.

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Be Lucky in Chinatown!

One of the events that I attended recently is the opening and grand launch of Lucky Chinatown. I went to the event with my husband since it was quite far from our place. I have heard of Lucky Chinatown from my friends who live in Binondo. They were all telling me that Lucky Chinatown is very upscale and it's a mall like no other in Binondo.

The first thing I saw when I went in was this funny statue-man. I honestly thought that it was just a display- a statue. I was so surprised when he started moving when people were taking pictures.

Obivously, I had to take my photo with him too! :)

The mall was packed with guests, VIP and press. It was a little hard to squeeze myself in because the whole stage area was already full of people.

Andrew Tan, CEO of Megaworld welcomes and explains to all the guests and press all about their vision for Lucky Chinatown. He says that they envision an upscale mall more accessible to Manila residents. Lucky Chinatown highlights the Chinese culture with their restaurants and shops. It aims to showcase the best of Binondo.

Standing tall among the wholesaler complexes in Binondo, Lucky Chinatown injects new energy into the area as its very first upscale shopping mall. The 108,000 square meter development is the latest offering from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, bringing with it five levels of top-class shopping, dining, and a deep appreciation for Binondo’s Filipino-Chinese heritage. Accompanying the mall is the Chinatown Walk, an exciting street development recreating the Chinatown of old, complete with pre-Spanish era-inspired architecture and authentic Chinese stores and establishments.

President Noynoy Aquino, Mayor Alfredo Lim and other esteemed VIPs help keep the Chinese tradition alive by dotting the head of the dragon to signify luck.

President Noynoy Aquino also shared how proud he is of Lucky Chinatown and he said that he knows that a lot of Filipinos will be given more employment because of the opening of Lucky Chinatown. 

Honestly, hearing his speech and thinking that most of our ancestors come from Binondo, it gave me goosebumps and made me really proud. 

The hosts were of course none other than Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto. They gave life to the event with all their stories and jokes.

Oh and did I mention how stylish and fabulous they looked? :)

My most favorite part of the event was the slideshows. They showed how Binondo looked like and how the Chinese lived before and how modern we are now. And of course modern times call for modern shopping centers- Lucky Chinatown.

The event closed with a fashion show from the brands of Lucky Chinatown. Imported and local brands like Mango, Folded & Hung, Cotton On, Oxygen, Gap,  Payless, Aldo, Sperry, Clark’s, and Charles & Keith are included in Lucky Chinatown’s star-studded lineup.

Aside from these, Beauty Bar, The Body Shop, Shiseido, and Vivere Salon are also present in Lucky Chinatown.

Also another attraction that I'm looking forward to? The Chinatown Walk! It's still being constructed but here a museum will be built, also vendors of  traditional medicines, jewelry, and other interesting finds will be found. Ai Ren Tang, one of the metro’s most prestigious authentic Chinese drugstores, is also at the Chinatown Walk.

Of course! As you all know, I love eating! So far, the restaurants open are Little Asia, Uncle Cheffy, California Pizza Kitchen, Shi Lin, and Kogi Bulgogi, . There's also a food junction which features Big Daddy’s Chicken, Binalot, Buko Ni Frutas, Chicken Charlie, De Original Jamaican Pattie, Dimsum n’ Dumplings, Heaven’s BBQ, Hecky’s Lechon, House Of Kimchi, Potato Corner, Sizzling Seafoods, Steak Break, WanChai Tea House.

Since Lucky Chinatown is from the same makers as Resorts World, they also boasts of four top-notch cinemas, The chairs are roomy and they also have very comfortable Emperor Twin seats!

I am so proud that Binondo has upgraded their malls and there's now a modern mall at the heart of Manila! Now it's very convenient for Manila residents to have a one of a kind experience in Lucky Chinatown!

Lucky Chinatown is located at Reina Regente St. corner Dela Reina St., Binondo, Manila with operating hours from 10AM to 10PM.

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YELLOWMUM: PCOS & My Current Supplements

Welcome to YELLOWMUM! It's my new category sharing with you my journey as an expectant mum! :)

So I guess it goes without saying- I haven't been blogging regularly because o my pregnancy. Wow, when they say morning sickness, I never knew that it meant "whole day sickness". I mentioned in one of the videos that I did that I was sick (my all day sickness) and it really took a toll on me. I learned from my mum to listen to my body. If I feel tired or dizzy- I rest. And for the past how many months, I always get dizzy when I'm in front of the computer. So what's the solution? To turn it off and take a nap. Lousy I know, but I feel like it's one of the best advises I have received from anyone so far. "Listen to your body." It's not just me anymore, it's me and my munchkin.

Anyways, I want to talk about the supplements that I currently take. My doctor is pretty practical and she doesn't make me take so many supplements that she feels I don't really need.

Nature's Bounty

Folic Acid

Folic acid or folate is a B vitamin B9. The best food sources of folic acid  are in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, orange juice, and enriched grains like cereals.

I have been taking Folic Acid for a little over a year now even before my pregnancy. Folic Acid can help prevent birth defects of the baby's brain and spinal cord. It helps in the baby's neural tube develop in the brain and spinal cord. I was advised to take it even before pregnancy because birth defects actually occurs within the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy and by that time, women generally don't know that they're already pregnant. 

I chose to buy a bottle of Folic Acid from a store in Greenhills (similar to GNC and Healthy Options but I forgot the name) because it will end up cheaper than buying it per pc from the drugstore. 1 tablet is 800mcg and I take 1 a day.

During my last check up (when I was 12 weeks pregnant), my doctor actually said that I can already stop taking it or I can just finish what I have. It's not necessary anymore because my baby has already finished developing his/her brain and spinal cord. I plan to just finish my bottle of folic acid. I think I still have about half of it. :)

Watson's Compliance Pack 

Metformin

Like what I mentioned, I was diagnosed with PCOS. Here's a short description that I was able to research about it:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes irregular menstrual periods because monthly ovulation is not occurring and levels of androgens (male hormones) in women are elevated. The condition occurs in about 5 to 10 percent of women. The elevated androgen levels can sometimes cause excessive facial hair growth, acne, and/or male-pattern hair thinning. Some, but not all, women with PCOS are overweight or obese, and they are at higher than average risk of developing diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. For women with PCOS who want to become pregnant, fertility pills or injections are often needed to help women ovulate.

Although PCOS is not completely reversible, there are a number of treatments that can reduce or minimize bothersome symptoms. Most women with PCOS are able to lead a normal life without significant complications

Upon discussing this with some of my friends, I learned that one of them also has PCOS. Apparently it's not as uncommon as we thought. I found out via ultrasound. I was so shocked when I learned that I have it because I've always had regular menstruation. My friend was even told that she only has 50% chance of getting pregnant. How scary is that right?

Anyways, because of this situation, I was prescribed medication for it. Ever since I learned about my PCOS, I have been taking Metformin. It is supposedly intended for diabetic people since it's a hypoglycemic agent. But it's also being used to treat PCOS. Metformin improves the effectiveness of insulin produced by the body.

Even though I'm already pregnant, my doctor advised me to continue taking it because she says that it's a very good supplement. It helps reduce chances of gestational diabetes and since those who have PCOS are at higher risk for miscarriage, Metformin reduces risk of miscarrying.

I was able to get a Compliance Pack which has 30pcs Metformin tablets from Watson's. It's a generic brand, Rite Med, but I don't really mind. I've tried the branded ones (P7.00-9.00 each) and it didn't really do anything differently so I think I'll stick to the generic brand.

Early this year I also took Clomene which is to help me ovulate. Since I was diagnosed PCOS, it meant that I don't ovulate every month and since we're already trying to start a family, I have to make sure that I ovulate everytime. I took that for 5 days per month. It was after a cycle of 3 months before I got pregnant. After that 3 months, I already stopped taking Clomene. The downside when drinking Clomene? Aside from it's hella expensive, if I remember correctly it was about P200+ per tablet, multiple births is also possible- yes meaning twins, triplets, quadruplets, and so on. (I already learned that I only have 1 baby inside me. :))

So in conclusion, at the moment I'm taking 2 supplements a day. I know that there's also Prenatal Vitamins. And I asked my doctor if I need to take that, but she said no need for me. 

For moms out there, do you have any recommendations or suggestions of what else to buy? Not only for supplements but any maternity stuff? :) Please share with me.

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Hair Tie that Stays Put!

I have always had long hair ever since I could remember, I never felt that short hair suits me. Since my hair is quite sparse and sometimes too silky, it's so hard for me to find a hair tie that perfectly fits my hair and stays put the entire day! 

Thank heavens Goody has their Goody Girl collection. My favorite would have to be the Strawberry Hair Tie, StayPut Hold. Why? Because it really does stay put and it's so friggin' cute! It doesn't mean that even though I'll be a mum soon, I have to stop my love for cute accessories right?

Goody StayPut patent-pending technology provides 52% more hold than traditional elastics. The collection comes in a variety of styles and sizes to securely hold all hair lengths and types.

The first time that I used this was when I went to my trip to Bangkok and ever since I've just been loving it! I can wear my hair in a pony or put it all up with this hair tie!

The tie is also ouchless! Honestly, another thing that I loved about it is that it doesn't cause damage to my hair and doesn't lead my hair to break. I suffer from hairfall so it's important that I don't use products that may cause more hair fall. I remember my dad asking me if I was sick because my hair fall was THAT bad. :/

I still have a couple of Goody products and all of them are superb! My favorites if you ask me would have to be my Spin Pins (whcih I talked about here) and this StayPut Hold hair tie! :D How about you?

Disclaimer: Product is given by the company. All information written are based on my experience and are my 100% honest opinion.

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