*Girlie Blog - Makeup, Fashion, Product Reviews and Life in Seattle

PURPLE EYES AND PINK LIPS - A MAKEUP TUTORIAL

2012-01-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

A delightful way to welcome the spring is to wear spring-y colors.

I know. I know. Spring is still far away. But it's never too early to think warm, and add soft but bright colors like purple and pink to your makeup.

Want to see a subtle way to wear purple and pink? Read on.

Step 1

Apply pencil liner to the bottom of your eyes.

(Because this is more of a day makeup, I skipped the top liner.)

Skipping the top liner still emphasized your eyes, but appear much less dramatic.

Step 2

Apply a dark purple shadow to your lids.

Remain as close to the lash lines as possible.

Using REVLON matte shadow in Aubergine.

Applying shadow as close to the lash lines as possible lines your eyes in a natural way.

Step 3

Apply a medium-toned purple shadow to your creases.

Using Covergirl Eye Shadow in Purple Blast.

Blend well to give the different shades of purple a gradient effect.

Step 4

Apply a violet or soft pink highlighter. Blend well.

Using Covergirl Eyeshadow in Pink Chiffon.

A highlighter brush blends really well.

Step 5

Add mascara and curl lashes.

Step 6

Add pink gloss.

NOTE: I am doing my lips rather unconventionally. I dabbed a pink eye shadow onto my lips, and topped it with vaseline.

Using Covergirl Shadow in Knock Out Pink.

Topping with Vaseline creates a smooth, shiny finish.


No need for lip brush, just use your fingers to dab and blend.


If you don't have a gloss that you like, you can always think outside the box.

Done.

Subtly, spring-y purple and pink.

Have you ever used eye shadow on your lips?

How do you wear purple and pink?

HUMP DAY HUNK - ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

2012-01-26T01:24:00.000-08:00

Some men are like fine wine -- the older they get, the better.

Robert Downey Jr., who infamously battled with drugs and alcohol and made an admirable comeback, has certainly aged into a sexier version of himself.

Plus those acting chops? FINE. WINE.

Catch him in Sherlock Holmes 2. He doesn't disappoint.

BIKER CHIC - AN OUTFIT POST

2012-01-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

When comfy met rock n' roll, biker chic was born.

I was thrilled that the biker chic trend stuck around, as I've always been a bit lazy when it comes to fashion. So if an outfit of tank, jeans and jacket has become the latest trend, I'm all for it.

Sometimes a lack of effort also exudes style. After all, being fashionable isn't about wearing the latest and greatest. It's about being comfortable in your own skin.

Wearing my newly acquired biker jacket - only $20 from ROSS.

Wearing boots and skinny denim to add a feminine touch to a tough outfit.

Just a simple tank top underneath to complete this easy style.

How do you like the biker chic trend?

WEEKENDS IN SEATTLE - HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

2012-01-24T14:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year, girlies! How are you celebrating year of the Dragon?

My parents made a trip to the Northwest just for New Year's, and we had a wonderful time hanging out together.

Instead of trekking down to the International District for the weekend's festivities, we decided to stay home and have a little feast.

After all, Chinese New Year isn't just about being out in the crowds, but really about spending time with family.

Here are some snapshots from the weekend:

Shared curry chicken and shrimp with mom at the Cheesecake Factory.

Thanks to my parents offering to babysit, hubby and I finally saw a movie in an actual theater. By the way, we absolutely recommend "Sherlock Holmes 2."

Enjoyed a juicy Peking duck.

Made pork and leek dumplings.

Treated ourselves to sweet mango cake.

And of course, gave out red envelopes to our little one.

Happy Chinese New Year!

How did you welcome year of the dragon?

SHABBY APPLE GIVEAWAY - ENDS IN TWO WEEKS

2012-01-23T22:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday girlies!

I am so happy that Shabby Apple Boutique asked for Girlie Blog's partnership in a jewelry giveaway.

Shabby Apple is an online women's apparel store that offers unique clothing and accessories.

For this giveaway, the store provided me with an assortment of crafty and beautiful jewelry to choose from. Because of my love for bulky pieces, I decided on this DARK SECRETS OF WONDERLAND bracelet (see it here):

It's a gunmetal-colored chained bracelet that really makes an impression. Its retail values at $32.

Here's how to win:

One entry:

1. "Like" Shabby Apple's facebook page here.

2. Go to ShabbyApple.com and select your favorite piece of jewelry.

Two entries:

1. Follow Shabby Apple's twitter here.

2. Follow Shabby Apple's blog here.

End Date:

Monday, 2/6/2012, 12 A.M.

** OPEN TO U.S ONLY**

ACCESSORIZE BUDGET-WISE – HOW TO AVOID OVERSPENDING WHILE SHOPPING FOR ACCESSORIES

2012-01-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

Ever find yourself in debt after accessory shopping?

Don't worry. It happens to every girlie girl. You start a shopping trip with one bracelet in mind, but become overzealous at the stores, and try on every piece of jewelry you see. Before you know it, you have just recovered the U.S. economy by walking out with the entire store.

Unwise as it may seem in hindsight, buying all those pretty things felt so good at the time.

If you are just now cringing at your credit card bill, and vowing to never overspend again, there is hope. Just know that it takes an awful amount of discipline, so good luck girlies!

Trying on a stack of bangles during a recent accessories trip.

Shop in one place

On any given shopping trip, you are surrounded by temptations. Take the local mall, for example, every other store has some type of accessory staring at you in the face.

To avoid buying too much of the same thing, stick with one store. Get what you need from that place and stop right there.

Create a shopping list

Ever wonder why some people are anal about having a grocery list? It helps them save.

Prior to going shopping, create a "must" list and a "lust" list. Find things on your "must" list first. If you still have money left, then move on to the "lust" list. However, if you have exceeded your budget, then re-prioritize.

Stick to your budget

This one is a no-brainer, yet it is so hard to accomplish. But do try to stick to your budget.

Forever21 - always trendy, always full of choices.

I looked utterly happy.

Shop cheap for trendy items

Feather in your hair? Neon clutches? Anything that looks like a trend will eventually go away. So why spend a fortune on them?

My neighbor K, who happens to be a fashion stylist, suggested going to stores like Forever 21 for trendy accessories. Not only will you get this season's hottest stuff, you also stretch your dollar.

Always try stuff on before committing to a purchase.

How do you avoid overspending on accessories?

PRODUCTS I AM LOVING NOW - JANUARY 2012

2012-01-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

Hi girlies, how is everyone's new year so far?

2012 started off warm and rainy in Seattle, with a record high of 60's in early January. Too bad our lucky streak ended in recent days' never-ending snow.

I started Girlie Blog to share beauty and fashion info with fellow gal pals on cyberspace, and often announce products that I have discovered recently. Here goes what I have found in the new year so far:

H2O Eye Cream

Need to protect against crow's feet? This cream provides a surge of moisture to battle dryness and prevent wrinkles.

Plus, the pump is super easy to use.

Burt's Bees Night Cream

Cells repair themselves at night, and they need proper protection. That's why a good night cream is essential.

So far, I am impressed with how this cream lathers on thickly to battle the night.

Benefit Powder Brush

With the softest, bushiest bristles, this brush by Benefit applies powder and bronzer evenly and comfortably to the face.

I look forward to using it everyday.

Do you have any new products to share?

HUMP DAY HUNK - EWAN MCGREGOR

2012-01-19T02:06:00.000-08:00

It was the summer of my Junior year in college. A few KD's and I went to see the very first Star Wars installment. One look at Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi -- I was in love.

Crushes don't last, but my crush on McGregor lingered through my 20's and into my 30's. I love his Scottish accent, his European sophistication, and the fact that he really can act.

Each time I think of him, I think of that carefree summer with girl friends.

Thanks, Mr. McGregor, for helping me through Hump Day, and bringing back sweet memories of summer.

Photo Credit: Flickr,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chopiana/

Photo Credit: Flickr,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chopiana/

SNOW IN SEATTLE AND LORAC SELFTANTALIZER

2012-01-18T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hello girlies, is it snowing where you live?

On a rare occasion of snow in Seattle, a blanket of white covered the Emerald City. Looking out from a view point, you see a wintery painting -- pretty in all its quietness -- by Mother Nature.

Kids in the neighborhood all hurried to the hills for sledding -- such little opportunists. Love how they filled the streets with laughter.

We took our little one out too, and had a hearty time frolicking in fluff.

Feeling a bit cold after playing in the snow.

Glad to have an opportunity to wear furry boots and bulky coat.

Kudos to Seattle's news team! They have been working around the clock to keep everyone abreast of road conditions.

With only a handful of snow plows, Seattle is less than equipped for severe weather. The news has been truly helpful by promptly informing the public about weather conditions.

Hope everyone is being careful on the road!

All this snow has got me daydreaming about summer, so this Lorac SelfTANtalizer came in mail just in time -- thank you so, so much to Funny Face Beauty!

YOU ARE SUCH A SWEETHEART!

Don't you just love the packaging?

Hope everyone is surviving the winter so far!

SHIMMER MADE EASY - 3 WAYS TO APPLY SHIMMER TO YOUR FACE

2012-01-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

Shimmering in three places

Don't think you can shimmer? Think again.

Applied correctly, you can create a look with just one shimmery agent. All you have to do is use the same shimmer at three places on your face. The result is subtle and soft.

Here's how:

Using:

Maybelline Eyeshadow in Seashell

(It has a soft, peachy color with just a hint of shimmer.)

Step 1

Using your finger tip, sweep shadow all over eye lids.

Step 2

Dab shimmer on the apples of your cheeks.

Then blend with a makeup brush.

Step 3

Add shimmer to the tip of your upper and bottom lips.

Seal it with a layer of sheer to light lip gloss.

DONE!!

One shimmery shadow. Three ways.

How do you wear shimmer?

CLASSIC BEAUTY BLOG AWARD

2012-01-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

A HUGE thanks to Ask Erena for your nomination.

The rules

~*~ Thank and link back to the person who awarded you ~*~

~*~ Write 7 random things about yourself ~*~

~*~ Spread the love to 15 other bloggers ~*~

1. I am originally from Shanghai, but went to high school in a tiny Midwestern town with 10,000 people.

2. I dread public speaking.

3. I prefer a close-knit group of friends rather than knowing everyone under the sun.

4. I love pink, but it is actually not my favorite color.

5. I am a dog lover.

6. I sleep on my tummy.

7. Although I enjoy going out once in a while, I prefer chilling with close friends most of the time. How else do you really get to know someone and develop genuine relationships?

15 Bloggers I'm passing this to:

Tiffany's Makeup Story

Life and Style of Sadii B.

The Bookness

The Blarkness Chronicles

Take a Peek Inside Nicole's Mind

Shiny Glam

Savvy Spice

SNACKING RIGHT - WILDWOOD ORGANIC DRIED TOFU

2012-01-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

Are you a snacker like me?

No. SNACKER. As in food. Not slacker.

Anywho...If you snack like I do, you pretty much eat all day. Doing so isn't kind on the waistline, especially if you like candies, soda and chips.

Here is a healthy alternative to your daily nibbles -- Wildwood Organic Tofu.

Growing farm fresh organic soy goods since 1978, Wildwood has grown into one of the largest soy goods producers that offers all natural tofu and flavored tofu.

As a kid in China, I have always snacked on flavored tofu. So, discovering Wildwood was exciting.

Wildwood offers an assortment of flavors, including terriake and curry. My favorite, however, is aloha baked seen here. It's a bit smoky, a bit sweet, and a whole lot delicious.

I can snack on them alone:

Lean, mean protein machine

Chewy and healthy

Or eat them with a meal:

Even yummier with curry chicken and chick peas.

Have you tried Wildwood organic dried tofu?

Do you have any healthy snacks to suggest?

WEEKLY BLOGGING TIP - WHAT IS YOUR PLAN?

2012-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

** Disclaimer: I am not an expert, just someone trying to become better at blogging by writing about it.

Do you have a plan for your blog?

Just like a business, your blog has consumed all of your past time. Yet you tirelessly keep keeping on, because you love what you do.

Also just like a business, your blog needs a plan. I'm not talking about a formal write up like business plans from management classes. I'm talking about a simple, immediate plan that includes precise and attainable goals of what, when, how and for how long.

A couple of months ago, I decided to take blogging more seriously, and created a plan. My plan had only two goals:

Goal 1: Increase page views from 100 to 400 visitors per day.
How? Exposure through commenting on other blogs, and connecting via GFC or Bloglovin.
How much? Each day, comment for two hours and add five connections.
For how long? Two months.

The result? I now average 450 visitors daily. :O)

Goal 2: Post at least three times per week.
How? Create "weekly series" and set up a day of the week to post on each series.
For example, "Hump Day Hunks" happens every Wednesday. So I have a guaranteed post on that day.
How much? Three times a week.
Sunday night -- "Weekends in Seattle."
Wednesday -- "Hump Day Hunks."
Friday -- "Friday Girl Crush."
For how long? As long as the blog exists.

The result? I now post anywhere between five to ten times a week. (Okay. I went overboard.)

Including the results above, I also started getting more sponsored posts, sponsors, companies asking for product reviews, and best of all, new followers of my own.

As you can see, having a plan gives you goals to strive for, and keeps you both entertained and challenged. Plus, the sweet success of achieving something -- small or large -- feels so fulfilling.

So, what is the plan for your blog?

CASUAL DATE NIGHT - AN OUTFIT POST

2012-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

When you have a kid, date nights are extremely rare -- and on these rare date nights, I like to dress up, just a little, to celebrate time away from parenting.

A while ago, hubby and I had a casual date night, when I wore this teal top. The top is fun and flirty, just like date with the mister.

Love this top -- so comfortable.

The shoulder likes to slide off. I guess the shirt has a mind of its own.

What do you wear on date nights?

WEEKENDS IN SEATTLE - SLEET AND SNOW

2012-01-15T02:55:00.000-08:00

Hi girlies, how are your weekends going?

I see a lot of snow over the blog-o-sphere. Has the white monster hit the best of us?

In anticipating snow today, sleet came down and drenched the entire neighborhood. I was just bouncing (from excitement) out the door, to the mall, and had to retreat back home.

No worries though. We still ate yummy Thai food and had a cozy movie night in.

Though quiet and cold, this weekend in Seattle was still as lovely as can be.

A sheet of sleet shooting to the ground

Savory cabbage soup warmed us up

Curry chicken over rice

Garlic tofu for the kiddo

Hubby's beef noodle soup

Enjoyed Chai green tea by the fire place

Have you tried these? They are super yum.

What do you usually do on a snow day?

NAIL TAG

2012-01-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by All Things Girly -- thanks for the shout out babe!

Here goes...

The rules

1. Answer 10 questions

2. Pass it to 5 other Bloggers

3. Make sure the blogger you tagged know about this.

1. How many polishes do you have?

About 10. I am not that nail crazy.

2. What is your favorite brand of nail polish?

All sorts. I like my Revlon polish a lot.

This polish by Revlon (in Chocolate Truffle) is perhaps the best polish I've had.

3. Do you like Crackle polish or do you have it?

I do like it, but I don't own any. Perhaps I need to change that?

4.What is the brand of your first nail polish?

Wow. That was long ago. I think it was a Chinese brand I got from Shanghai.

5. If you're going to have a nail polish line what would you name it?

Girlie Polish :O) (After my blog)

6. What nail polish does not compliment you?

I look pretty awful in pale pink.

7.What nail polish compliments you?

I think beige or cream compliments me best. They are more mature looking.

Beige polish -- always pearly and pretty.

8. Name two of your nail art best-friends.

I have no idea what this means.

9. What was the best nail polish gift you ever recieved?

I just got a Deborah Lippmann set from NY and a Little Canoli. They look beautiful.

10. Make a speech thanking the blogger who gave you this tag.

Thank you All Things Girly for the tag. I had a wonderful time with this post.

Five bloggers I'm tagging:

15 Steps, Then a Beauty Blog

7% Solution

Amy's Makeup Blog

Asian Beautifier

Beauty and the Banker

FANCYLA.COM CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

2012-01-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

Bussing downtown, browsing from store to store, and taking time trying the newest fashion -- sometimes I really miss the freedom of not having kid(s).

A busy mom now, I don't have time to physically shop for clothing, especially sexy party dress, cheap club shoes and cheap cocktail dress. That's why I was glad to discover fancyla.com, an online store that specializes in apparel, shoes and beauty, and offers the most popular brands like Promise and Beyond the Garden.

Need sexy boots? Need cheap clubbing dress? Or are you shopping for cheap sexy dresses in general?

Don't worry. Fancyla.com has it all. It also has new arrivals every day to give you the latest style, and new website banners that offer you the best deals.

Right now, you can take 25% off all boots with code: BOOTUP25, and free shipping on purchases over $75 with code: FREESHIP.

The store also welcomes returns and take backs, with no questions asked.

If you want to get the store's daily deals, then sign up through email.

So what if you are too busy to go walk around the mall? With just a click of the mouse, you have an entire store right in front of you.

Have you been to fancyla.com?

TAKING A MOMENT TO YOURSELF

2012-01-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

Errands, Chinese school and lunch with mama friends -- Friday morning was super active.

While the kiddo napped in the car ride back, I detoured at West Lake Union's drive through Starbucks for a much-needed boost.

The sun was shining and the air was fresh. It was the perfect time to take a moment to myself in the middle of a crazy day -- even if I had to sit in the car to enjoy the serene somber.


West Lake at Seattle's Lake Union.

When was the last time you treated yourself to a break?

FRIDAY GIRL CRUSH - EMMA STONE

2012-01-13T21:50:00.000-08:00

23 years old and she is already hot in Hollywood -- Emma Stone is something.

Okay, something meant she's funny, she's genuine, and her acting always comes across as honest and natural.

She's like the girl-next-door with star power, your best friend with access to the red carpet, and a young starlet worth crushing on...perhaps for a long time.

Don't believe me? Check her out in Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Help, or Easy A, which earned Stone a nomination for a Golden Globe. I guarantee you will love her.

Photo Credit: Flickr, GDCGraphics

Photo Credit: Flickr, rocor

Do you crush on Emma Stone?

GETTING ORGANIZED - CABOODLES ACRYLIC COSMETIC ORGANIZER TRAY

2012-01-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

Anyone resolute to organize in the new year?

Our bathroom sink, a.k.a my temporary makeup storage, has been a complete mess since our toddler started walking. Because she cannot keep her hands out of my makeup drawers, I have been slowly moving them onto the bathroom counter I share with hubby.

Poor hubby! He has been complaining since the summer.

Today, I saw this clear cosmetic tray at Target. It cost around $15.

Cute packaging, right?

Love all the compartments.

Excellent ways to store makeup brushes and tools

There is room for about anything.

What a good way to organize!

With diligence, I organized all the pretty things I own, and converted this:

No, we did not just experience a tornado. This is actually a good day.

My poor brushes. They deserve so much better than my college roommate's mug.

into this:

Neat...at last.

Makeup is still busting out, but so much more organized now.

Hubby could really give me a back rub now. (Wink! Wink!)

How do you organize your makeup?

FROM FRUMPY TO FAB - AN OUTFIT POST

2012-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

Sometimes one small change can take frumpy to fab.

I wore this ruffled button-up when I was in my first trimester. Hiding a growing belly was such a challenge, and I'm sure I looked awfully frumpy -- or shall I say awful and frumpy?

My frumpy shirt - good for pregnancy, bad for fashion.

Today, I have no pregnant belly to hide, but I do have an important interview (for another article) to rush to at the Legacy House in the International District.

I thought this shirt, with dark washed jeans, would make proper business casual wear for the interview.

To avoid looking frumpy again, I tucked it in -- there goes that one, little change -- and the outfit instantly took shape.

Tuck the shirt in - much better.

How do you take your outfit from frumpy to fab?

STYLEDON - THE FASHION NETWORK

2012-01-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

Want to be inspired? Want to be discovered?

Join the style network at StyledOn.com, a fashion social network where designers get noticed, fashion bloggers get traffic, and fashion lovers exchange ideas.

Once you sign up and log into the site, you can access all the channels the site has to offer. You can find out about the latest trends through "Fashion Features," receive awesome gift guides on "Gift Guides," get a summation on current and past styles through "Community Roundup," and access many other fashion-related news through an assortment of channels.

From style guides to fashion finds to picture inspirations, you can browse and be a part of a growing fashion community. No wonder that in less than one year, StyledOn.com has been named "Best of the Web" by InStyle Magazine, and The New York Times Style Magazine said it is "quickly becoming the Facebook for the fashion net."

You have always been a stylish girlie, now you have a place to share your passion for fashion with others. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now.

REVIEW - BURT'S BEES BEESWAX LIP BALM

2012-01-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Chapped lips -- another "beautiful" side effect of harsh winter air.

(And I live in Seattle, for God's sake. It's supposed to be rainy and wet here.)

To keep my puckers moist and kiss-a-ble, lip balm is a must. "Santa" left me Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm in the stocking -- lucky me :O) And this one contains vitamin E and a hint of peppermint.

Trust me. I have tried a ton of lip balm. Some of them were amazing. Let's see if this one stacked up to the others?

The Claim:

"Smooth, supple lips everyone will be buzzing about."

My Take:

I am so totally buzzing about it.

Lips felt smooth and soft after use.

Lip balm definitely provided a noticeable coat of protection.

Thick, rich formula felt great on the mouth.

Balm soothed my chapped lips.

Likes:

Excellent moisturizing power

Smooth, thick, protective formula

100% natural ingredients

Hint of peppermint felt tingly and nice on the lips

Twist top was easy to use

Reasonable price. Only around $3 a tube.

All natural, recyclable products are the best.

Dislikes:

Small tube might be easy to lose, as I am often scatter-brained

Highly addictive. (Okay, this is not really a "dislike," but I can't seem to put it down.)

Overall Rating:

5/5

Re-purchase?

Absolutely!

Twist tube is easy to use.

Have you tried Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm?

How did you like it?

HAVE AN UPLIFTING DAY - STARBUCKS VIA READY BREW IN MOCHA

2012-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Need a lift in the A.M? Or do you need a hard punch to wake up?

No matter how you make yourself alert, caffeine always seems to help.

Over Christmas, Santa sneaked in a few packets of Starbuck's VIA Ready Brew in Mocha. I usually don't go for instant coffee, but I am open.

One drink?

WHOA! THAT SWEET CHOCOLATE FLAVOR ENTANGLED WITH THE RICHNESS OF COFFEE!

I'm hooked :O)

If you are in need of a waking punch in the mornings, give these a try. They might just take you from a sluggish morning to an uplifting day.

Have you tried Starbucks VIA ready brew in Mocha before?

DOWN-TO-EARTH BROWN - AN OUTFIT POST

2012-01-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

What do you feel like wearing today -- cheerful brights or down-to-earth brown?

Flirty and colorful, brights are fun. Some days, however, I feel a bit grounded, and go for something brown.

This brown sweater dress may not scream for attention, but it has its own charm. It's earthy, mature, and super comfy -- something I can just throw on, wear all day long, and still look put-together.

Throw on a sweater dress over leggings, and you are ready to go.

Brights are nice, but so are earthy browns.

Now that I have made my choice, what about you?

Will you be wearing down-to-earth brown?