5 Things to Try This Month – March 2018

04/02/2018 Shirley

March is the beginning of Spring and it’s time to try new nail colors, new coffee, and a new cuisine. See below for the things I am doing this month.

Enjoy the New Nespresso Double Espresso

I am always looking out for Nespresso’s new coffee flavors. This month they released two new capsules (Double Espresso Chiaro and Double Espresso Scuroin) for the Vertuo system machine. I tried it at home and it’s delicious, especially with some frothed milk.

Switch to Green Nail Color

For this month (St. Patrick’s Day and beginning of Spring), I am switching from my all-time favorite red gel nail color to green. Instead of the dark green color, I got a light green color with glitters and Swarovski crystals. I love my new gel nail color and I think it’s perfect for everyday this month!

Break Into Light Color Shoes

Since we are in the beginning of Spring I can start breaking in the light color shoes I bought for the warm seasons. One of my recent favorites for casual attire is Puma’s Glitter Platform Sneaker in Gray Metallic. Unlike most of the glitter shoes I have, these Puma glitters are sealed under a glossy coat, so you won’t see individual glitters falling off.

Valentino

Update Work Wardrobes

With the starting of a new job, I plan to update my work wardrobes with more dresses. Among the brands I like, The Kooples, offers many dresses that are perfect for work and I can wear from morning to Happy Hour.
For example, the The Kooples’ Contrast-Collar Lace-Inset Mini Dress I recently got would be perfect for the office, if I wear it with a sweater cardigan and flat ballerina shoes (with short heels). After work, I can skip the cardigan and switch into a pair of stilettos. This is an ideal dress that takes you from day to night!

Experience a New Cuisine

I like to try food that I’ve never tasted before. This month my friends introduced me to the Kabul Afghan Cuisine restaurant in Seattle. We had kababs combination, which includes chicken, lamb, beef, grilled eggplants, Basmati rice, and Afghan Bread. All the food we had at the restaurant was delicious, but I liked the beef and the rice the best! We finished our meal with the dessert, Ferni, a custard pudding flavored with cardamom and rosewater, and topped with ground pistachios.

Kabul Afphan Cuisine Ferni Dessert — Shirley Style food advantures

All Posts, Beauty

No Such Thing as Too Many Lipsticks Products

03/23/2018 Shirley

Beauty product brands are constantly rolling out new items each season. And my obsessions for beauty products also have changed from time to time.

In terms of the lip beauty products, I used to be obsessed with lip glosses in light pink and fuchsia colors. Now, I am addicted to lipsticks in assorted shades, especially including bright reds.

I used to prefer lip glosses over lipsticks because I liked the texture of the lip glosses and the subtle shine effects they have on my lips. But during the recent year, I expanded my lip color choices and feel more comfortable wearing bright red lip products. Many of my favorite beauty brands now have released lipsticks and liquid lip products that are sheer in texture and full of color pigments. Some of these lip products also have some shinning elements like lip glosses. And some of those lip products can stay on lips and last throughout a meal.

My current favorite picks of the lip color products are: Dior’s Addict Lacquer Stick, Dior’s Rouge Dior Liquid Lip Stain, Yves Saint Laurent’s Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain, Yves Saint Laurent’s Volupté Tint-in-Balm, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick.

When I am fond of a particular lip product, I like to get it in several colors, such as light pink, fuchsia, and red. It’s always fun to decide which lip color product I want to put on, based on what I wear and what mood I am in. Sometimes I’d put on one product on my way out and bring a different one for touch-up during the day.

In my opinion, there’s no such thing as having too many lip color products! This is especially true when each of my favorite beauty brand continues to roll out new kind of lip beauty products each season. If there’s any beauty products I allow myself to indulge in, it would be the lip beauty products.

I don’t usually put any foundation and eye shadows on my face on daily basis, but I love to put on lipsticks when I am out and about. If I absolutely have to, I might put on some concealer around my eye area (to cover the dark circles) and around my mouth to enhance the lip color. And my go-to cover-up product is Yves Saint Touche Éclat Radiant Touch.

P.S.The Yves Saint Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is a multi-purpose beauty product. You can use it on the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, forehead, and more. If I can only have two makeup products for the rest of my like, this would be it!

All Posts, Fashion, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – February 2018

02/25/2018 Shirley

February is one of my favorite months, because it’s the month many of my dear friends and I were born. I will celebrate the special days with my friends and travel to Mcminnville, Oregon, for wine tasting, and to Palm Springs, CA, for vacation.

Below are some of the things I will be doing this month.

Dior New Lip Sticks

I’ve been using Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Lip Balm in both Pink/Glow and Lilac/Glow colors for years. This Dior lip balm is designed to moisturize and enhance our lips’ nature color. I am really glad that Dior is releasing new colors – Raspberry/Glow, Pink/Holographic, Purple/Holographic, Matte Pink/Matte, Raspberry/Matte. I plan to get this Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Lip Balm in both Raspberry/Glow and Pink/Holographic!

Something Red for February

This year’s Lunar New Year falls in February. Red is the lucky color for Chinese and it’s one of my favorite colors too. To celebrate for the holiday month, I will switch my monthly gel nail color from last month’s pink to red.

New Job is the Best Birthday Gift

I am starting a new job in February. It’s a senior program manager position for an Artificial Intelligence training organization. I am fascinated with the role Artificial Intelligence technology plays in our current world and I am glad I have the chance to learn more about the technology. To me, starting a new job a few days before my birthday is the best gift I could ask for.

Vacation in Palm Springs

I will join my friends at Palm Springs, CA, for a few days this month. This will be my first time to Palm Springs. I am very excited. This trip will be my mini get-away from the chilly weather in Seattle. And I can wear the Summer dresses every day!

Manila Blahnik documentary

I love to watch any fashion related documentaries. I found a documentary (on Netflix) on the legendary shoe designer, Manolo Blahnik. The film title is “Manolo The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards”. It’s fascinating to see how his passion for shoes grew since his early childhood, and how his life experience transformed him into one of the world’s most famous shoe designers!

All Posts, Fashion, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – January 2018

01/31/2018 Shirley

January is the beginning of a new year. There are plenty of things to experiment with (i.e. adding a new skincare routine or reading a new book to refresh your statistics knowledge). Below are the five things I’d like to do in January.

Replace Gel Nail Color for Fun

I go to the nail salon to replace my gel nails every four weeks. I usually get my nails done in red and change the designs and decorations (i.e. pearls and crystals) each month. For this month, I wanted to try a different color. I chose hot pink color with silver glitters, crystals, and pearls.

Experimenting with a New Skincare Device

It’s the beginning of a new year, and it never hurts to try a new skincare routine. I’ve being hearing about some benefits of the microneedling process on skin. This process involves penetrating the skin with tiny needles (by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician) to induce the collagen built-up and improve the skin complexion. But the treatment is pricy (about $500 or more per session). The potential benefits of microneedling is enticing, but I am not sure if I want to spend quite a bit of money for a session just yet. For starters, I’d like to try an at-home microneedling device to see if the professional microneedling treatment is worthy to invest.

Watch the New TV Show Versace

In December I saw a commercial for the new TV series, The Assasination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”, and I was intrigued by the story. The series is based on an actual event. And it’s released in January.

Read a Book to Refresh Knowledge

When I read any article that includes any statistical information, I try to keep an open mind on how likely the numbers actually represent reality. I know there could be some bias with the author’s intention to persuade the readers to agree with their point of view. Recently, I came across a book, “How to Lie With Statistics”. The book is light reading and helps to remind me how there can be bias in statistics information.

Shop For Sales

January is a good shopping month. A lot of stores (especially e-stores) are offering additional sales, up to 70 percent off of the original price.

All Posts, Fashion

Kenzo Embroidered Tiger Sweatshirt

01/11/2018 Shirley

Clothing with bold animal designs has become very popular in recent years. It’s hard not to notice the increasing number of clothes items, handbags, and accessories designed with animal prints like cats, tigers, dogs and insects.

I am a big feline lover. And for years, I really like Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirts. The sweatshirt has a big embroidered tiger head pattern on the center of the chest. I think the design of the sweatshirt is bold, but not too exaggerated. And the most important thing is that the sweatshirt is really comfortable. You can upgrade your casual sweatshirt look by pairing it with a pair of black jeans or a short skirt.

Each season Kenzo offers its iconic embroidered tiger sweatshirt in different colors. Each sweatshirt is based on the same tiger pattern, but the color of the embroidery varies on each design. For example, a Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirts in a neutral black color could have the tiger outlined in pink thread and centered with an orange “Kenzo” logo, but another Kenzo’s neutral black sweatshirt might have the tiger outlined in light green thread and centered with a white “Kenzo” logo. These embroidery changes make each Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirt a unique piece.

If you like Kenzo’s tiger design, but prefer something thinner than sweatshirts, you could consider Kenzo’s printed cotton T-shirt. The t-shirt doesn’t have embroidered material, but the color and pattern look the same as on the sweatshirts.

When a fashion piece I like comes in multiple colors, I can’t resist the desire of getting multiple versions. I currently have the Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirts in hues such as orange, maroon, fuchsia, and black. If I ever spot another Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirt in the color combination I like in the future seasons, I wouldn’t hesitate to get it.

All Posts, Holidays, Travel

New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, Spain

12/30/2017 Shirley

My family and I just returned from our Christmas holiday trip to Las Vegas. We are now planning for the New Year’s Eve. As I look back on what I did for last year’s holidays, I can’t help but think about my last year’s trip to Spain. It was my first time going to Spain and celebrating the New Year’s holiday in Europe. It was a great trip.

To celebrate the New Year’s Eve, my friend and I went to the New Year’s Eve party in the lounge at the W Hotel in Barcelona, where we stayed for the Barcelona trip. There were several memorable things from the celebration party: drinking tons of Cava, eating twelve grapes at midnight, and watching the fireworks from our hotel.

Drinking Cava
Cava is the Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method of the French sparkling wine Champagne. I don’t usually drink Champagne in the States because it’s too bubbly for me, but during my Spain trip (Barcelona, Majorca, Madrid, and Toledo), I drank a lot of cava just for fun. Since the Spain trip, I’ve become more used to drinking Champagne.

Eating Twelve Grapes
Eating a grape at each bell strike (total of 12) by midnight of the New Year’s Eve is a Spanish tradition since 1909. During the New Year’s Eve party at the W Hotel in Barcelona, each guest received a bag of twelve grapes. We were supposed to eat and swallow all twelve grapes by the midnight for good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. Based on my personal experience, eating all twelve grapes within twelve seconds is a very difficult task. Our local friends told us that for the little kids, they usually gave them chocolates instead of grapes, so they can finish them on time.

Watching the Fireworks
One of the perks of staying and parting at the W Hotel in Barcelona is the close up view of the fireworks. While we were busy counting down and swallowing grapes, we had no problem finding a perfect spot at the balcony for the fireworks. I have to say welcoming the New Year in a foreign country was definitely a fun experience!

This year, instead of traveling oversea during the New Year’s Eve, I am spending the time with my family and my two nieces in Irvine, California. It won’t be as crowded as last year, but it will be just as memorable as any other New Year’s Eve!

All Posts, Fashion, Holidays

The Five Best Shoes for Holiday and Evening for 2017

12/13/2017 Shirley

Each year around the holiday season I like to pick five shoes that I think are perfect for the evening. If you are into glitters, I have three that I highly recommend. If you prefer non-glitters, there are still plenty to choose from.

See below for my suggestions.

Jimmy Choo Hanover Bootie

Glitter boot is in for the Fall and Winter. If you haven’t had the chance to update your wardrobe with an eye-catching boot, try Jimmy Choo’s Hanover Bootie. It’s elegant and stylish. Pairing the Hanover bootie with a miniskirt or short dress will elongate your figure and show off your legs.

Jimmy Choo Romy Pointy Toe Pump

If you are looking for a pair of stilettos in glitters, I highly recommend Jimmy Choo’s Romy in ombré glitter. For me, Jimmy Choo’s Romy pumps are very comfortable to wear for hours and the glitters are perfect for the season! Try the Romy pump in pink and black glitters (my current favorite pair)! The shoes will go well with dresses in pink and black.

Miu Miu Studded Glitter Pump

If you are into silver glitter stilettos, try Miu Miu’s Studded Glitter pump. This point-toe pair of Miu Miu shoes is covered in silver glitters and embellished with sparkling studs. I have a pair of Miu Miu Mary Janes in a similar design and with crystal rhinestones. The shoes go well with almost any outfit. In my opinion, if you are traveling for this holiday and can only bring one pair of stilettos with you, this Miu Miu’s Studded Glitter pump will be it for you!

Miu Miu’s Studded Glitter Pump

Gucci Gucci Elaisa Embellished Bow Pump

If you are not into glitter shoes, there are still many options when it comes to the holiday and evening wear. For example, Gucci has the Elaisa Embellished Bow High Heel Pump, which has a removable elastic bow made up of pearl embellishments. You can wear the pump by itself or place the pearl embellishment bow on the shoes (or ankle) to upgrade your look instantly.

Gucci Elaisa Embellished Bow High Heel Pump

Roger Viver Red Ballerina

Red is a must-have for the holiday season. When you need a short break from wearing the stilettos for the evening, try a pair of the ballerina flats. I highly recommend something like Roger Vivier’s Embellished Satin Ballerina shoes in red. This point-toe shoes has crystal-embellished buckles. THe design of the ballerina flat will give you the comfort you need without losing your sparkling charm. I suggest you to pair it with a black dress like The Kooples Floral Lace Dress.

Roger Vivier Embellished Satin Ballerina

All Posts, Beauty, Holidays

Your Under $29 Holiday Gift Guide for 2017

12/11/2017 Shirley

One of the holiday parties I will be going to this month requires each guest to bring a gift under $29 for the white elephant game. While I was looking for gift ideas, I came across some products that I think I could bring. See below for the suggestions.

Fun Wine Glasses

Looking for a gift for cat lovers? Consider giving them some wine glasses decorated with fun statements related to cats.

‘If Your Cat’s Home’ Stemless Wine Glass, $12 each, or $24 for Two.

Bath Salts

After a long holiday shopping trip, nothing serves you better than a long rejuvenating bath. Try the sea salt blended with chamomile flowers, rose petals, and lavender.

Bath Salts, $26.

Beauty product

Lip balms are essential for the Winter season. Instead of the normal pink color of lip treatments, what can be more fun than trying the clear flower balms? The flower comes in three flower colors (yellow, green, and pink).

Flower Balms, $14 each, or $28 for two.

Makeup Kit

When it comes to makeup kits, we can never have too many makeup brushes. For this holiday season, try the MAC’s Snow Ball Mini Brush Kit. Included in the kit are a power brush, foundation brush, shadow bush, smudge liner brush, and brow groomer brush.

MAC’s Snow Ball Mini Brush Kit, $29.

Skin Ointment

Last month I tried various body lotions to see what works best for me during Fall and Winter. I came across the Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. I massaged it into my hands, legs, and knees. And I was surprised how great the product works on my skin and protects it from drying out!

All Posts, Beauty, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – December 2017

12/06/2017 Shirley

We are now finally in December. Needless to say, most of the things I’d like to do in December involve some sort of holiday celebration. See below for my list.

Nespresso Holiday Coffee

Each holiday season Nespresso releases its holiday limited-edition coffee and espresso. For 2017, they offer three flavors for the Vertuo line and three flavors for the Original line. My favorite pick for the Vertuo line is the Peppermint and for the Original line is the Liquorice. You’d be surprised on how great the Liquorice flavor tastes with the steamed eggnog.

Luxury Hair Treatment

I don’t usually do much when it comes to styling my hair. The most I do is to put Moroccan oil on my hair after I wash it. A friend recently suggested to me to try the hair brush by Mason Pearson. Since I have long and thick hair, I bought a Mason Pearson’s Junior Mixture Nylon & Boar Bristle Hair Brush. After brushing, my hair instantly became shiny and fluffy. I love the way my hair looks.

Invest a Velvet Jacket

Velvet is one of the big fashion trends for this season. Since it’s the holiday season, it is the perfect time to invest in a velvet jacket that you can wear to special events or holiday parties. The two most versatile colors of the velvet jackets are black and red. But you can always add some sophistication to your outfit by wearing a bordeaux velvet jacket.

Christmas Brunch by the Fountain

I’ve been to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve before and had a great time. This year I will be joining my family in Las Vegas for Christmas. It will be my three-year old niece’s first time to Las Vegas, and I think it would be fun for her to eat brunch by the Fountain of Bellagio. I know just the right spot for the gorgeous fountain view and it’s one of my favorite restaurants in the Bellagio hotel, Lago by Julian Serrano.

Holiday Celebration in the Theme Park

Last year’s New Year’s Eve I visited Spain and watched the fireworks from our W Hotel in Barcelona. This year, I will be in Orange County, California, visiting my brother’s family. And I plan to watch the fireworks from one of these theme parks in California.

All Posts, Beauty, Fashion, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – November 2017

11/21/2017 Shirley

November is the beginning of the holiday season. It’s time to think about what to do for Thanksgiving and where to shop for the Black Friday sales. It’s also a perfect time to update your wardrobe and bundle up for the cold weather.

Below are some of the things I suggest for November.

Update Beauty Product Collections with Glitters

As we are getting closer to the holiday season, beauty product companies are rolling out items with glitters and shimmery. It’s time to get a head start on building your Year 2017 holiday beauty collections. My suggestion is to start with the MAC’s Snow Ball Gold Pigment and Glitter Kit.

Kick Off the Holiday Season with Nutcracker

Last weekend, my friend invited me to watch Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker show at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. I watched the Nutcracker Ballet a long time ago, but it was in December. Although I wasn’t ready for the holiday season before I watched the show, with the holiday decorations I saw and the music I heard during the Nutcracker Ballet, it all definitely got me into the holiday mode.

Bake Dessert for Friends and Family

The only times I’ve baked desserts have been during the holiday season. In the past year, I’ve mastered my baking skills for a couple of desserts. For this year, I’d like to add a new dessert to my baking list, so I can get ready for the holiday feasts with friends and family. And I am planning to bake a lot of cheesecake from scratch.

Invest in a New Warm Jacket

Last year when I visited Spain in December, I knew I would be sightseeing in various cities on daily basis and I’d need a warm jacket to help me get through the trip. I bought a Canada Goose jacket for the trip and it really served its purpose. A warm jacket like the one I bought was a good investment. For this year, I am looking into getting another down jacket in a different style and color.

(Picture taken at Toledo, Spain.)

Upgrade to New iPhone

My first iPhone was the 3GS, which I purchased in Year 2009. I love using iPhone so much, so I’ve been getting a new iPhone every two years. This year, Apple released two iPhone devices: iPhone 8 or iPhone X. I know I want the iPhone X and can’t wait to get mine!

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