FASHION'S NIGHT POUT BY REVLON

With a catchy name - "Fashion's Night Pout", anyone? - Revlon's newest nude lipstick is my newest fave.  With a creamy mixture that didn't seem to dry the lips and a sexy color matches just about anything, this lipstick by Revlon makes one of the best lipsticks I have tried.  Plus, it costs less than $10!

 

Revlon lipstick in "Fashion's Night Pout"

Revlon lipstick in "Fashion's Night Pout"

Without Gloss

Revlon lipstick in "Fashion's Night Pout"

With Gloss

MARC BY MARC JACOBS AT BLUEFLY

Some girls just got it.  They find the cutest accessories and outfits for an amazing price.  It must be in their genes.

My friend and I just met up, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her satchel by Marc Jacobs.  Structured, roomy and smooth with leather exterior, it was the belle of the ball of all designer handbags.

She must have paid an arm and a leg for it right?  WRONG!  She got it at bluefly for a very reasonable price.  Of course, being a fashionista myself always looking out for the best price, I looks up Marc Jacobs Handbags on Bluefly as well, along with other Marc by Marc Jacobs fashion - so many lovely things on sale!  It was a girlie girl's dream!

With bluefly, now good shopping is in my genes too.

TWENTY-SOMETHING BIRTHDAY VS. THIRTY-SOMETHING BIRTHDAY

A twenty-something birthday is certainly different from a thirty-something birthday.  After turning thirty-something last week, I realized how dramatically I have changed in the way I celebrate turning one year older:

Waking up

Twenty-something:

Get made up and put on a nice outfit to look extra pretty on my special day.

Empty kitchen table.  (Actually I didn't even have a kitchen table.) 

Thirty-something:

Feed, change and take care of the baby first in a messy ponytail and dirty pajamas.  It'll be after 10 AM until I brush my own teeth.

Flowers and candies on the kitchen table.  A note from hubby saying "Enjoy your day!"

During the day

Twenty-something:

Carrying a smile on my face as the entire office stops by my cube to wish me a happy birthday.

Thirty-something:

Carrying my baby in an ergo to the coffee shop for a cup of americano in order to wake up.

Birthday dinner

Twenty-something:

Reserved table for over 20 friends for a crowded dinner party, thanks to my then-boyfriend.

Thirty-something:

No reservation needed.  Just a table for two and a half at a local sushi joint before the dinner crowd comes in at 6PM, thanks to my now-husband.

Girl Time

Twenty-something:

Barhopping until midnight and then we dance the night away!

Thirty-something:

Magazines and gossip during mani and pedi, then we dance...until 11 PM, then we cab it home.

Though a thirty-something birthday sounds a little less exciting, I still had a warm, thoughtful and wonderful time.  As long as I'm with loved ones - and trust me, not all of those 20 dinner party friends remained in touch after 10 years - I don't mind a smaller, calmer and more ordinary celebration.

A first birthday card from my daughter

Toasting to cider instead of champagne.

Boston cream cake

Warm wishes from my wonderful family

 Birthday flowers - a girlie girl's fave

 

 Getting a manicure during girl time.

 

MARCH HUNK ALERT: CHRIS PINE

 Born to actor father Robert Pine and actress mother Gwynne Gilford, acting is in Chris Pine's genes.  After graduating from the University of California - Berkeley, Christ studied at the Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco before heading to Hollywood.

Within a short few years, and with head-to-toe good looks, Chris joined the cast of Just My Luck, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and Smokin' Aces.  His more famous role came in 2009, when he was cast as Star Trek's young Captain James T. Kirk.  Bringing more wit and personality to Starship Enterprise's beloved captain, Chris won the affection of not only die-hard trekkies, but also girls around the world.


In his most recent film out on DVD Unstoppable, Chris's depiction of train conductor Will Colson melted a few more hearts with the character's heroic determination to stop a runaway train carrying hazardous material.  Though in the end, the train was saved and the flammable cargo kept safe, Chris Pine heated up the screen with his hot looks and baby blue eyes.


In the near future, we will see even more of Chris Pine in this year's This Mean War and next year's Star Trek 2 - can't wait!

NEW TOOLS

If you are an avid beauty blogger like me, you know very intimately the tingly excitement I am feeling right now.  It's like having a school girl crush, as a Freshman in high school, on the most popular guy in senior class.  Yup!  I am THAT excited over my new makeup tools.

ECOTOOLS 6-piece tool set, foundation brush and mini brushes

Made with all natural and recycled materials

REVLON Covered Lip Brush

ARDELL Lash Starter Kit in 101 Demi

FINALLY! NUDE PUMPS!

Nude pumps are your best friends when you want to elongate your legs.  Plus, their neutral color matches almost any color of outfit.  

After a long and arduous search (I have been looking for about two years), I finally found the perfect pair of nude pumps: slingback, peep-toed, and coated with smooth patent leather - So happy to have found them!


Of course, I had to wear the new shoes right-a-way, and what better occasion than a Date Night (In) with the hubby?

 My sexy new pumps.  They are worth the wait!

Out of the many things to wear the nude pumps with, I chose a flirty cocktail dress for our date night.

In the entire ensemble.

Leggy pose to show off my new shoes :O)

A few pictures of our dinner date:

 The candles gave us a romantic ambiance

Shrimp and scallops seared in butter and olive oil

Sweet, bubbly Muscato D'Asti

WRITING IS AN EXPLORATION

My absence from The Girlie Blog is not without reason.  In fact, I have a very good reason: I have been writing!  

Eight months ago, I made a difficult decision to quit a full-time job in IT to become a stay-at-home mom.  Although I love every minute of caring for the little one - and she is still my priority - a part of me yearns for an adventure to steps out of the cycle of changing diapers and wiping drool.  In particular, the creative part stimulated me to start writing - something I have always loved to do.

In a market saturated with freelance writers - specifically content writers - I certainly strive to stand out, and do so with well-researched, enticing and unique content.  Without the education or background in writing, I signed up at a couple of online content sites to hone my skills.  Although the pay is mere pennies, I have been learning and loving the art and craft of writing.  


For the past few weeks, I have embarked on a journey to become a freelance writer and it has been a challenging but exciting ride.  I can't wait to gain more experience and get better.


Of course, I haven't forgotten about The Girlie Blog, a place I can write about what I want and feel free to be myself.  I miss you.  I miss my blog friends.  I promise to visit often.


Meanwhile, I will explore the world of freelance writing - without expectation, only dedication - and do the best I can to make it a great journey.

EASY DESERT IDEA: BUTTER-SIZZLED BANANA IN COCONUT AND CINNAMON

This desert I kind of created on a whim.  Surprisingly the outcome was pretty tasty.  If you want an easy-to-make desert with creamy and cinnamon flavor, then you should give the "Butter-Sizzled Banana in Coconut and Cinnamon" (yes, I totally made up the name) a try.

What You Need:

1 Med Banana (ripe but not overly ripe)

2 Tbl Spoons of Coconut Milk or Cream

Cinammon

1 Tbl Spoon of Butter 

What You Do:

Step 1: Slice Bananas

Step 2: Melt butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat

Step 3: Add banana slices into the melted butter, let it cook for 2 minutes until down side is golden 

Step 4: Flip each banana slice over and cook the other side for 2 minutes until down side is golden

Step 5: Place banana slices on a plate.  Pour coconut milk or cream over and sprinkle cinnamon

Sweet.  Creamy.  Savory.