Cool Pink.

Baked Paprika Chicken with Golden Veggie Medley

2013-11-19T06:37:00.001-08:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

As the holidays are approaching, you may want to try something a little different when it comes to the meals you prepare this season. Since I've been inspired by color, I thought this red and gold dinner would be particularly festive. Here's how you make baked paprika chicken with a golden veggie medley :)

For the chicken, you'll need:

-Slightly pounded chicken breast (one for each person you're feeding)
-1/4 cup of flour (all-purpose works fine, but you can also use almond or rice flour)
-1 beaten egg
- 2 tablespoons of milk (or buttermilk if you want a slightly tangier taste. Coconut milk works too if you're going for more of a Moroccan flavor ;))
-1/2 teaspoon sea salt
-2 or 3 teaspoons paprika (you can used smoked paprika for an especially savory taste)
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper (i throw in a few dashes of white pepper in there too)
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
-butter or olive oil (optional)

-Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a pan with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. (Try to find some spray that doesn't have propellant in it. I don't want to encourage you guys using BUG SPRAY in your food! Ok, my rant is over).

-Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and egg. Dip the chicken breasts in the egg, then cover each chicken breast in the flour mixture. Pour a little melted butter or olive oil over the chicken.

-Bake for about an hour :)

While the chicken is cooking, here's how to make the golden veggie medley. Sorry guys, I totally didn't measure this one, just taste it as you go ;) You'll need:

1 pack cherry golden tomatoes (red cherry tomatoes work, too)
3 yellow squash
1 pack organic frozen corn
butter
olive oil
minced garlic
chopped Vidalia onion
white pepper
sea salt
onion powder
garlic powder
cumin
heavy cream (just a tad)
queso fresco
fresh rosemary sprigs

-Chop up all your veggies. Put a saucepan on medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Sprinkle all the seasonings except for the rosemary in and turn the pan down just a little. Add the vegetables, including the onion and garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and fold the vegetables into the cream. Turn the pan back up a little and add the queso fresco and rosemary sprigs. Cover the veggies for about 10 minutes; you'll know they're ready when the squash is tender ;)

Trust me, your family is going to love this one, and you may even trick some people into eating veggies ;) Enjoy!

Lasagna with Turkey Ragu and Fresh Herbs

2013-09-18T14:31:00.001-07:00

Pleasant evening Cool Pinks,

I've been submitting lots of recipes to blogs and websites lately, and I must say my friends have been given me great recipe ideas to come up with :)

As the fall season gets into full swing, hearty, savory meals are the way to go. So, at the request of my friend Ayanna, here's my version of lasagna with turkey ragu and fresh herbs :)

For this recipe, you'll need:

Whole grain lasagna noodles (gluten free noodles work great too)

8-12 large Roma tomatoes
4 golden tomatoes
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Olive oil
all-natural, hormone free ground turkey (of soy-based meat substitute)
Red wine
Portabello mushrooms
Yellow and purple onions
1 Poblano pepper (trust me on this lol)
Heavy cream (or a non-dairy version like Tofutti)
White pepper
Black pepper
Garlic salt
Onion powder
sea salt
Chopped fresh herbs
Organic whole leaf spinach
Organic mozzarella
Shredded white cheddar
Shredded Monterey jack cheese

Now that I'm sure you see how delicious this is going to be based on the ingredient list, let's start preparing the meal, shall we?

-Boil the noodles with water, olive oil and a little white pepper
-While the noodles are boiling, marinate the ground turkey in a combination of olive oil, chopped herbs, red wine and seasonings. Put the meat aside so the flavors can set in.
-Set the oven to broil and brush the whole tomatoes (not the fire-roasted tomatoes) the Poblano peppers and the mushrooms with olive oil and a little sea salt. Put the veggies on a cookie sheet and broil them for about five minutes until the outside skin is charred. This gives them a roasted flavor that tastes great with turkey :)
-Take the veggies from the oven, peel off the deeply charred parts and roughly chop the veggies.
-Place a saucepan on medium heat and add olive oil. Add the marinated ground turkey and chopped fire-roasted tomatoes and stir to evenly cook the meat.
-Strain the noodles. They're ready by now.
-Add the chopped veggies to the ground turkey, except for one Roma tomato and one golden tomato. Puree these two tomatoes in a blender or food processor with the heavy cream or Tofutti to create a sauce. About 3 tablespoons of cream should do the trick.
-Do a little kitchen dance while the tomatoes are blending because you know this lasagna is about to be SO GOOD.
-Add the pureed tomatoes to the meat and veggies. Stir the mixture and give it a little taste. Add any of the seasonings above (including the red wine) to the sauce if you think it needs more flavor. If you want to make the sauce...saucier, add a small can of tomato paste to the ground turkey.
-Oil a large pan and add your first layer of noodles.
-Add a few spoonfuls of the ground meat and sauce on top of the noodles, followed by slices of mozzarella, shredded cheese and a layer of spinach. It looks so fancy and you're gonna be impressed and you're probably gonna put some of the sauce on a spinach leaf and taste it. It's OK. It happens.
-Keep adding layers. At the top, add one more thin layer of sauce and cheese, and top with fresh herbs
-Cook at 375F for 45 minutes. For the first 20 minutes, cover the lasagna with foil.
-Set the table and get ready to gain 2 pounds.

-And there you have it! This recipe is really tasty, pretty healthy, and it's sure to be a hit. I've made the vegetarian version for non-vegetarian family and friends, and it's just as good. Enjoy!

Thai BBQ Stirfry

2013-07-04T12:24:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July Cool Pinks!!

Since today is officially known as National BBQ Day, I played around with a stirfry recipe yesterday that came out GREAT, and will go well with your 4th of July meal. This recipe is vegetarian, but you can add spicy chicken sausage if you want ;) Here's how you make Thai BBQ Stirfy. Trust me, you'll thank me later ;)

You need:

Yellow rice
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Red onions
Garlic
Mushrooms
Basil
Broccoli
Spinach
Olive oil
Chili flakes
Extra firm tofu or spicy chicken sausage
Sharp cheddar cheese (or Daiya vegan cheese)
Green onions

-Marinate the tofu in olive oil and all the seasonings listed above, along with your favorite BBQ sauce and coconut milk. You can do this the night before you make the stirfry, or while you're putting together the other parts of the recipe. The longer you can marinate the tofu, the better. If you're using chicken sausage, douse the sausage with BBQ sauce and fresh basil, and let it sit until you're ready to add the meat to the skillet.

-Cook the yellow rice. If you want to make your own yellow rice, don't be intimidated. Just add vegetable stock, Goya Adobo and saffron the water when you make white rice, and Voila! yellow rice :)

-Put olive oil in a skillet and turn it on medium heat. Add the vegetables to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, then add all the seasonings. Pour the tofu or sausage into the skillet (you can use both "meat" sources if you want lol), and stir everything together while it cooks for a few minutes.

-Add the yellow rice to the veggie and meat mixture and let it cook for about two minutes.

-Put the stirfry on a plate and add sharp cheddar and green onions to the top. It's Thai food, It's barbecue. It's DELICIOUS.

Stay Cool. Stay Pink. Stay Fab :) Happy 4th of July!

Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe

2013-06-10T07:21:00.002-07:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

Ok, so yesterday, I made a quesadilla for breakfast. It was delicious. I had some tortillas and veggies left over from a delicious weekend of tacos, so I decided to make a healthy morning meal. These are simple, and a welcome change from standard breakfasts like oatmeal and toast (blah.) Here's the "recipe":

-Get the really soft corn tortillas from the local grocery store (most brands are gluten free :))
-Chop up some purple onion, green onion, garlic, tomatoes, black olives and jalapenos
-Mash handful of black beans to make them easier to spread. Add cumin, sea salt, chili powder and ground pepper to the beans.
-Warm a little coconut oil in a skillet.
-Spread the beans on the tortillas, add the chopped veggies, and add your favorite vegan cheese (or real cheese if you're not vegan lol)
-Cook the two tortillas in the skillet the way you would a grilled cheese sandwich.

So tasty! Eat the quesadilla with a side of fresh fruit--I recommend sweet mangoes with black pepper. Enjoy :)

Natural Allergy Cures

2013-06-04T06:21:00.003-07:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

Sorry for the delay in getting this post to you--I've been busy sneezing my nose off :/ But luckily, I found some relief that we can all take advantage of this wonderfully warm allergy season--castor oil and baking soda!!! Here's how you use it:

Pour a drop of castor oil into the palm of your hand
Sprinkle some baking soda over the castor oil
Stir the ingredients together with your finger to form a paste
Put the paste on your fingertips and massage the top of your nose and sinus cavity for about 1 minute (get some massage in under your eyes too--it's a great exfoliator ;) )
Put a little of the mixture on the inside of your nostrils, then use a little of the nasal spray that works best for you (Perrigo and Afrin work really for me)

This remedy works for at least 2 hours at a time if you have severe allergies, and 4-5 hours at a time if you're allergies only flare up around certain plants or pollen types.

Here are a few more supplements/tips for keeping allergy season sneeze-free:

Put a little lemon balm oil in your nasal spray. It makes the spray smell a lot better, keeps you from getting watery eyes and boosts your immune system.
Drink chamomile tea with ground ginger at night and lots of orange blossom honey before going to bed at night. These ingredients reduce the histamine response in your body and take away that 'wired' feeling you get when you're hopped up on allergy pills.
Take cat's claw (it's at GNC) at least three times a day with a meal or snack. It's a sneeze-buster and takes away the swelling in your nose and eyes during allergy season

Scribble and Stain: The Mini Poetry Book Is Here!!!

2013-04-09T04:57:00.001-07:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

So, I write. A lot. And I write a lot of things. Amongst the blog posts and fashion advice and cookbooks, I still have so much poetry to write. Which is why the mini poetry book is now available for purchase!!!

Scribble and Stain, a condensed version of poetry that has made ME think (and rethink) the purpose for my pen is available now on the blog. Many of the poems in this short book were actually written for people, which gives insight into the connection between poetry and the way a writer views the world.

Check it out. Stay cook--and pink :)

Cool Pink Recipes: Mexican White Rice

2013-04-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while since I've posted a tasty recipe, so here's a simple side dish you can make tonight! It's Mexican white rice, and it's the perfect side dish for enchiladas or tacos. This is a go-to side dish that your whole family will love, and it's an interesting take on plain rice. Stay cool (and pink) and make this dish tonight :)

For this recipe, you'll need:

2 cups rice

2 ½ cups water

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup chopped onion

¼ cup chopped tomatillos

½ chopped chives

1 cup chopped red and green peppers

Salt, pepper chili powder and cumin, to taste

1. Boil water and cook rice in a pot per box instructions.

2. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil.

3. Add the onions and tomatillos to the saucepan and cook until the onions are slightly clear.

4. Add chives to the onion and tomatillo mixture, along with chopped peppers. Save a handful of chives to garnish the rice after cooking.

5. Stir the rice into the saucepan with the cooked vegetables, spoonful by spoonful.

6. Add seasonings to taste and add a little more olive oil if necessary to keep the rice from sticking.

7. Take the rice from the saucepan to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped chives on top before serving.

Catching Up: Fashion and Such

2012-08-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

I know it's been a while, but I've been being a fashionista and getting the bakery up and running :) Here are some new published articles that I've been working on. Happy reading!

http://madamenoire.com/197471/dashing-in-denim-how-to-look-fabulous-in-jean-material-this-summer/

http://madamenoire.com/201285/brown-girls-in-the-nude-neutral-lipstick-shades-for-us/

Stay Cool and Pink,

Miya

Bold is Beautiful: How to Make the Classic Red Lip Your Own

2012-05-11T06:51:00.003-07:00

Hey there Cool Pinks,

Yes, spring is a time for lip glosses and peachy lipsticks. This is very true. However, the red lip is always in season. Whether you have a power meeting at the office or want that extra boost of confidence for a first date, red lipstick can do the trick. However, all reds are not created equal when it comes to which shade will look best on your skin. Here are some tips for finding the red lipstick that will make your complexion shine.

Dark skin: If you have very chocolately skin, a deep berry shade (not burgundy) will make your lips stand out and compliment your rich brown skin well. The brightness of the lipstick will also make your smile more appealing, and bring out the red undertones in your skin. Take a few style cues from Estelle for inspiration.

Medium dark skin: Black women with medium dark skin (think Gabrielle Union) can opt for a darker shade of red lipstick. A slightly purple tint in the lipstick will add immediate sophistication to your look, especially if you keep the rest of of your look simple by adding mascara, bronzer and nude eyeshadow. This look is perfect with a power suit--or with "that dress" that you know always gets heads turning ;)

Brown skin: Your honey-colored skin will look best against bright red lipstick with orange undertones. The color will make your entire face glow, and you won't need much more makeup (concealer and bronzer, but that's about it). A wine-colored lip is also best for Black women with yellow or red undertones, and will contrast against your pearly whites well--just as Sanaa Lathan ;)

Medium light skin: A plum red is your best bet if you have medium light skin and want a red lip that will wow everyone--without being too overwhelming. A mascara that brings intensity to your lashes, and a classic accessory like pearls will give you just the right mix of edgy femininity--kinda like Rihanna.

Light skin: The lighter your skin, the pinker your red lipstick should be. Notice how Beyonce keeps her eye makeup simple, and adds subtle shades of pink that will compliment the lipstick. A bold shade of red will look too overdone in light brown skin, but a deep pink adds just the right amount of romantic prettiness.

The Cool Pink "Five Quick Fixes" Cookbook is Here!

2012-05-07T20:04:00.001-07:00

Hey there Cool Pinks,

The first edition of the "Five Quick Fixes" cookbook is complete! A number of people asked about new and exciting ways to make tofu, so that's what this e-cookbook is about. Whether you want to spice up tofu or make it a sweet treat, you'll learn how with very easy steps that anyone can follow. The book is $7 and on sale now! Just click on the link on top of this post to purchase (the link to the first cookbook is to the right :) ). Stay cool, pink--and healthy :)

Cool Pink's 'Spring Pink-Me-Up Series' is Here!

2012-04-24T06:30:00.001-07:00

Good morning Pinks,

It's time for the Springtime "Pink-Me-Up" fun to begin! As you know, pink goes with everything--it's a universal color that looks good on all skin tones. So, if you have something pink in your closet that you just can't seem to make an outfit out of, or if you want to add more pink to your style, send me a pic of your wardrobe woes, and I'll provide you with three simple solutions. Remember to send in your pictures before May 1. There may be a nice little treat in it for the participants:)

Stay Cool and Pink,

Miya

The Cool Pink Cookbook Is Here!

2012-04-24T06:25:00.002-07:00

So...y'all know how I'm ALWAYS talking about food, and trying new ingredients, and coming up with recipes that sometimes sound a little crazy--but end up turning out GREAT?! Well, the time has come for you to share in my cooking explorations! The first volume of the Cool Pink Cookbook is done and available for purchase! All you have to do is click on the 'buy now' button on the blog homepage (look to your right) and when you purchase, I'll send you the cookbook link. It's only $5 :) This cookbook was so fun to write, and I hope you have as much fun preparing these recipes as I did.

Stay Cool and Pink,

Miya

More Blogs to Come...

2012-04-23T13:08:00.002-07:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

It's been too long! Well, the wait is (almost) over. I've been working on some extra fab fashion and beauty blogs that should be published this week, so I'll send the links your way soon. Until then, stay cool--and pink:)

--Miya

And..Even More Cool Pink Around the 'Net: Other Blogs I Write For

2012-03-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

OK Cool Pinks,

This blog assignment was a super fun one. I did a guest blog post on the For Colored Gurls website that I think you guys will enjoy. It's about blue nail polish--and who doesn't love that?! Check it out and tell me what you think. And, as always, stay cool--and pink:)

--Miya

Even More Cool Pink Around the 'Net: Other Blogs I Write For

2012-03-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

Here's another article I wrote for For Harriet that I think you guys will enjoy. Just spreading more information on what it takes for us girls to be even more fabulous. Don't forget to give me your feedback. Until tomorrow, stay cool and pink :)

--Miya

More Cool Pink All Around the 'Net: Other Blogs I Write For

2012-02-29T11:49:00.002-08:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

So sometimes, I'm kinda serious and I write health-related articles that help us to be better women and, you know, sexier :) Here's a recent article I wrote for For Harriet for everyone to check out. There should be another one up in the next few days as well. I'll keep you posted.

Until then, stay cool, pink--and healthy :)

--Miya

Cool Pink All Around the 'Net: Other Blogs I Write For

2012-02-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

So, a few other fashion and beauty blogs have flattered me by thinking I'm opinionated and fashionable enough to write for them. Here's an article I did for My Thirty Spot (a pretty cool blog, by the way) about how to be fashion-forward, 30, and appropriate. Hope you guys enjoy!

http://www.mythirtyspot.com/2012/02/how-mirror-changes-reasons-for-re.html

Hair Wars: What To Do With Your 'Do

2012-02-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

You're already late for work (you just got out of the shower, and you have no idea what you're going to wear--sound familiar?) So what are you going to do with your hair? More importantly, what will your hair allow you to do to it?

You don't have the time to book an appointment at the salon. Remember, you're already late for work (I know it's tempting, but just try to have some self control lol). And, you don't have any weave tracks laying around to create a new look. Or maybe you do. But that's for another day :) So, here are some quick fixes that will tame your mane, and get you into the office just before the boss notices that your chair is empty.

Headbands. If you don't have any headbands, go purchase like 10 of them, right after work. Even if you have super-short hair. A flower or bead embellishments offers just enough style at the office without being over the top. And even if your hair is slightly damp, or too dry, you can hide these issues well with headband. For instance, brush your bangs back and hold them in place with a headband if you didn't have time to flat iron them. Or, spray some oil sheen on your curly locks and position them around a headband with a large embellishment. Style Bakery Teen (I know, they're in the teen section, but this is a "young" trend you can get away with) has an array of headbands for you to choose from (shown above). Look at more of their selection here.

Hats. A fedora, or even a baseball cap, can hide the fact that you and your hair aren't exactly on good terms right now. A hat is also another way to display your Cool Pink sense of style:) Of course, hats aren't always allowed in the workplace. However, if you work in a creative environment and won't be reprimanded for wearing a hat to work, find your favorite hoop or feather earrings and wear a hat that compliments the neutral shades of brown, black or gray you're wearing. Check out some hat choices here.Oh, and put some leave-in conditioner on your hair and cover it with a scarf before putting your hat on. That way, you're treating the breakage and dryness of your hair all day. It's more likely that your hair will cooperate tomorrow:)

Head scarves. Style Rev features a scarf that Ashely Olsen recently wore that I'm sooooo in love with. Check it out here. This can serve as the inspiration for more affordable versions of the head scarf. Visit your local craft store, purchase a few yards of fabric, and have a small fashion show in front of the mirror. Fold and tie the scarf in ways that flatter your head and face shape to cover all your hair, or form the fabric into a headband to make it more appropriate for work.

Have no fear, Cool Pinks. There's always a way to stay fab--even when your hair is having an off-day:)

Purple Kisses: Why Purple Lipstick Belongs in Your Makeup Bag

2012-02-19T11:54:00.003-08:00

Sure, it's risky. But you can do it--even if you're on your way to work, or that really important meeting where you've got to impress the boss. Purple lipstick is another cosmetic item that we've been warned against by older women of color. And while our aunts and grandmothers meant well when they told us not to wear purple lipstick so we wouldn't look like clowns or "women of the evening", there are several purple shades that fit your sense of fashion--and keep you from looking, uh, questionable :)

Graftobian Professional Makeup makes a lilac-hued lipstick that is ideal for Black women with cool (bluish or green) undertones. If your skin is the color of nutmeg, or has a whitish-brown shade that is similar to cocoa or a white chocolate latte, this lipstick is for you. Wearing the lipstick with a light-colored concealer under your eyes will make your lips pop without drawing unwanted attention to your face. Instead of blush, wear a bronzer, so the pink and red tones of the blush won't compete with your pout :) You can find this pretty purple lipstick here:)

Givenchy Lipstick #562 in Purple Shine is a magenta pout paint that works well for women with warm undertones. This is a more subdued alternative to a classic red lip, and is even more beautiful with a cat eye. A subtle pink blush will help to bring this look together. And fyi, if you're wearing this liptick to work, go for a conservative hairstyle like a bun or ponytail.

Up the Amp by MAC pretty much looks good on everyone. I know it may look intimidating in the tube, but once you put it on your lips, you'll start to notice the red, orange, and pastel purple flecks in the lipstick--depending on your skin tone. Find a purple or slightly fuchsia liner to keep this lipstick intact, and use a nude or shell-colored eyeshadow to add balance to the look. This lipstick is great for a mid-week office pick-me-up, or a night on the town. Either way, it's the perfect color attraction when you want to wear all black or gray :)

Try these purple lipsticks, and send me your pics so I can feature them. Stay cool, pinks :)

Roses are Pink: How to Look Great on Your Valentine's Day Date

2012-02-14T15:07:00.001-08:00

Whether you're going to dinner and dancing with your girlfriends, have decided to take your little ones out for a Valentine's Day treat, or are planning a romantic evening with your significant other, you've gotta look your best. I mean, how else would a Cool Pink chic look? lol

Sooo...here are a few of my go-to style ideas I turn to when I've got an impromptu (or not-so-impromptu) date of sorts. Make Valentine's day comfortable, classy and chic with these simple steps. After all, the holiday is another..."reason" to wear accessories in all shades of pink :)

Wear Rose Earrings. They're a little more festive than studs or pearls, and embody the loving spirit of the day. I love these by Betsey Johnson!

Wear a Pink Scarf. Tie a thin scarf around a cotton, long-sleeved shirt, or wear it as a feminine ascot with an Oxford. A scarf that features a pink pattern like stripes or small polka dots is cutesy, but not too childish. Scarves also work well as headbands, and can make anything from a formal dress to jeans and a t-shirt look just a little cuter, depending on the scarf's material. This scarf from Halogen should do the trick:)

Wear a Metallic Heel. Trust me on this. If you're wearing any shade of pink in your outfit, a heel in a metal-like shade will bring immediate sophistication to your look. If you have cool undertones, a silver or platinum heel is best; women with warm skin tones should choose a bronze, gold or copper-tinged heel. These selections from Yandy and Ami Clubwear are super cute--and affordable. I'm definitely getting into the gold ones. I'll take pics to show you how I put them together as soon as I get them in the mail.

Happy Valentine's Day, Pinks! Have a lovely evening :)

Babe, Can I Borrow Your...? How to Take Style Cues from Your Man

2012-02-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

You've been searching through your closet. And now you're discouraged. I know the feeling. There are random pieces in there that you'd be able to do something with--if you had the right skirt, pair of shoes, accessories, etc. Well, the despair is over ladies. Just raid your man's closet! Trust me, he's got some good stuff in there. Here are some clothing items and accessories you can rock in the most feminine fashion, or use for inspiration during your next shopping trip :)

Cufflinks. Cufflinks with pearl embellishments, or those made of different types of metal, can make your outfits stand out. If your beau isn't using the cufflinks anymore, you can hot-glue a safety pink to the back of each link, and wear them as brooches on a turtleneck. Or, you can spray paint the cufflinks and clip them onto your favorite black pumps to spice up your professional look. If he needs the cufflinks back (this is when you try to bribe him to see if you can keep them lol), just purchase a button-down shirt from your favorite thrift store, remove the buttons from the sleeves, and wear the cufflinks in a more traditional fashion. Keep your look femme with a hot pick or red lip :)

Fedoras. Fedoras are the answer to a bad hair day--and you can customize them to reflect your personal style. Since your guy's head will likely be bigger than yours (just sayin' lol), you can wear a colorful headwrap underneath the fedora for a boho chic look. If you have feather earrings, stick them into the ribbon embellishment around the hat for a feminine touch. Wearing large earrings when you rock the hat keeps the look lady-like.

Ties. You've picked out most of them, anyway, so you may as well get some wear out of them. Ask your beau if you can "borrow" some of his older ties and use them as headbands. You can even hot-glue synthetic jewels or small flowers onto the tie if you're going for a '60s mod-inspired look. Ties can also be worn as a belt; tie it in a knot on the side of your waist to cinch a dress or dress up a pair of jeans.

Oxfords. He hates dressing up, so help him out by taking some of those Oxfords off his hands. Use your man's basic white dress shirts underneath a blazer; keep your outfit girly by opening the first two or three buttons of the shirt wearing two or three charm necklaces. Or, wear a long Oxford with a pair of metallic tights and wedge heels for an easy-going 80s look.

So, there you have it. There's always a way to stay, cute, cool--and pink :)

The Sun on My Lips: Orange Options for Spring

2012-01-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

It's the color of some of our favorite things--peach cobbler, tangerine Italian soda, perfume with peach notes, and that super-cute cardigan at Urban Outfitters. OK, so maybe those are some of my favorite things--but I'm sure my fellow Cool Pinks can relate:) Orange lipstick shouldn't be a makeup taboo for women of color. In fact, it's pretty chic--if done correctly, of course. Here are a few nectarine-hued paints for your pout that will make springtime just a little "springier". Hey, my blog--my words :)

Makeup Forever lipstick in "Satin Bright Orange"

This orange lipstick is ideal for warm skin tones. So, if you look great in red dresses, and your skin has more of a glow when you wear white and tan than when you dress in gray or dark blue, this lipstick is for you. Although, I wouldn't recommend wearing this with a red dress--you'll look like all parts of a peach. Just a little free fashion advice:) Use a nude lipliner to keep the pigment in place, and wear a sheer, oatmeal-colored eyeshadow and medium brown eyeliner so that your lips are the main feature. Apply bronzer instead of blush for this look to give your whole face an attractive glow. It will bring out the red, orange, and slightly yellow undertones of your skin quite nicely:)

MAC lipstick in "Electro"

This lipstick looks great on both warm and cool skin tones. If you have cool undertones (e.g. gray dresses look great against your skin, light blue eyeshadow is your friend), this lipstick will keep your complexion from appearing "washed out"--especially at the beginning of the spring season when the weather is still kind of cool. If you have warm undertones, mix the lipstick with your favorite clear gloss for a subtle pop of color that looks great with heavily-lined eyes. And FYI, this is a wonderful eyeshadow when you're wearing a nude lip. Mix a little of the makeup with your finishing powder and sweep it across your lids. Makeup blogger RenRen also suggests using the lipstick as an undereye concealer, which I think is a genius makeup move--especially if you have dark skin. You can find more information on that here: http://www.makeupbyrenren.com/2008/12/another-use-for-mac-electro-lipstick.html

MAC lipstick in "Good to Go"

Warm-toned ladies--this lipstick is for you. The tangerine color is perfect for bringing in the spring season, and a dark pink blush will pull the entire look together. A soft brown lipliner (not too brown, though--we don't do Great Pumpkin lips around here) helps to keep this coral-kissed shade intact. A throwback cat-eye with very dark brown or black liner will give you a sexy, Stepford wife look. A sand or bone-colored outfit is the perfect way to pull this entire look off.

So, try some orange lipstick this season. You just might love it!:)

Five Things Makeup Can't Do

2012-01-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

OK Cool Pinks,

You know I love the cosmetics. And the fashion. And the fragrance. But I have to be honest. There are just some things that makeup won't cover, clothes won't conceal, and fragrance won't erase. I know that seems (virtually) unbelievable lol, but alas, 'tis true. It's always healthy to reflect on the things that you can do to become a better woman--so that the makeup will be that much more alluring. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Makeup can't....

Serve as a substitute for healthy skin. There are some great concealers out there that can make blemishes virtually invisible. And while those are ideal for quick fixes, especially when zits decide to make guest appearances on days when you need to be super cute (ugh, it happens SO OFTEN), it's best to keep your skin healthy, instead of covering up the problems. Drink plenty of water, take vitamin A and E capsules, and get lots of rest. If your skin is oily and you get breakouts a lot, use a seaweed mask at night to draw out the impurities. I sleep in mine sometimes:)

Cover (all) your least favorite features. Makeup, when done properly, can help to shape your facial features in a flattering fashion. (Wow, that was a lot of alliteration. But I digress). But don't confuse makeup with plastic surgery--or self confidence. If your eyes are too small or your nose is too big, use makeup to your advantage. But don't count on the items in your makeup bag to create a totally new face for you. And don't be so hard on yourself. There are people who think you're really beautiful. And at least one of those people should be you:)

Make him notice you. Can I tell you a secret? Makeup is for other women--not men. Guys don't really even like it when they can tell we have makeup on. Trust me, I have this debate with my honey all the time smh. Nude makeup that gives you an even skin tone and a slight shine to our lips is best for date night--or when you're trying to get that someone special to notice you. Men want to know what you actually look like--not who you pretend to be or wish that you were. Makeup is a touchy subject for them, too--even though they don't quite know how to articulate that. Excess makeup dictates a lack of authenticity in a woman. And men want to spend time with women they can trust. So, stock up on the blush and bronzer--but lay off the purple lipstick--or at least save it for a girl's night out:)

Change your life.Makeup doesn't pay your bills, make your no-good boyfriend change his ways, or give you your dream job. While looking your best leads to feeling your best--which leads to doing your best--don't count on your "looks" to make your life go in a different direction. The right makeup may get you noticed--but that's about all it will get you. When you wash your face at night, you still need to know that you're worthy of love and respect. It seems like common knowledge, but trust me, I come across people every day who need to hear this.

Create internal fulfillment. If you feel great when your foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow are intact, but start to get that sinking sensation in the pit of your stomach at the end of the day when it's time to remove the "paint", it's time for some serious self-evaluation. What is your definition of beauty? How do you truly see yourself? If you could never wear makeup again, what would your reaction be? When your heart and mind are in a place of confidence and peace, all your life choices will be sound (to the best of your knowledge), and yes, that includes your makeup choices:)

Until next time, stay cool--and pink:)

Put some Pink in your pout!:)

2012-01-29T16:22:00.000-08:00

Spring is almost upon us, so in addition to creating a new wardrobe, you may want to give your makeup a seasonal overhaul as well. So, what about pink lipstick? You may be thinking, 'my skin is too dark for that--I'll never be able to pull it off!' Not so--there are plenty of great companies that offer pink glosses and lipsticks that are great with any complexion.Check 'em out--after all, we support all things pink around here:)

NYX "Paris" OK, first, let me just say, you won't pay more than $5 for this lipstick. That alone should be reason to at least try it:) This light pink shade is perfect for warm skin tones, and has a barely-there tint that will give your whole face a healthy glow. You can wear it with a smoky eye to balance out your look, or with nude eyeshadow to complete your fresh-faced them. To make the lipstick even more sheer, brush on a little shea butter before putting this lipstick on to condition your lips and keep the color on longer.

Revlon "Stormy Pink" This purplish-pink lipstick is the perfect pout companion for both cool and warm skin tones. Line your lips in a beige shade to keep the lipstick on longer and bring more attention to this slightly magenta hue. A baby pink plush or face bronzer and long lashes will make you springtime pretty. You can find this lipstick for about $10 at your local drug store. For a matte look, dab a little concealer on your lips before you apply the lipstick.

MAC "Girl About Town" This deep pink lipstick should be the feature of your look. Understated eyes with black or dark brown liner and a bone-colored eyeshadow will make this aubergine-tinted lipstick stand out. The creamy texture makes your pout appear conditioned (and, let's face it, kissable;)). Women with cool undertones should add this to their makeup bags to make their faces look bright and refreshed.

So, there you have it:) Once you try these shades out (and you know you want to) send me your pics so I can post them. And of course, I'll be adding some pics from my pink lipstick experiments as well. Now go--be fabulous:)

SQMT--Super Quick Makeup Tips: Black, Brown, Then Back Around

2012-01-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Cool Pinks,

OK, so here's the deal. You want to add some definition to your eyes. But you don't want to look like you're getting ready for a drag show. Or, maybe...listen, we don't judge here--we just want you to look great. But we may need to have a small conference about your choices at a later date.

Anywho, here's your Super Quick Makeup Tip--Black and Brown Eyes!. I know it sounds weird, but trust me, it's uber-cute. And you can do it in, like, 3 minutes :)

First, prime your eyelids with a mixture of your makeup primer and a concealer that is a few shades lighter than your skin (any MAC primer works great for this, and you can combine it with a cheap concealer like e.l.f., which is like $2 at Target. Yes, y'all lol)

Then, give your lashes a few coats of mascara (CoverGirl mascara is my pick if you don't want to spend a lot--it's usually not over $10 at the drugstore)

Apply strip lashes if you want your lashes to be fuller and the mascara just isn't doin' it for you (I'll post tutorial on this soon :))

Then, use liquid eyeliner in an oak brown shade for the bottom of your eye. That's right--the bottom. This will make your eyes pop without giving them too much "smoke." It will give you just enough definition, and will provide a nice contrast to your dark lashes.

Add black eyeliner to the top of your eye, right along the strip lash line.

Dab some more concealer along your brown line with a brush for more definition. No eyeshadow needed for this look!

Here's the finished product! What do you think? Once you try the look, send me your pics so I can feature you in Super Quick Makeup Tips! Until then, stay cool--and pink:)