Springtime!! And a young mans fancy turns to car shows,boat shows,comic con,and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.....Sigh..
Ladies,let's talk fashion. This season ushers in the oversize white shirt,the return of khakis,and the safari dress,(shirt dresses are big),along with 40's style short peplum jackets,skinny pants ,the return of the braid,and short hair,as well as lady-like shoes.
The seasons "it" color for clothes are beige and soft gray (the new black?) Dresses return in everything from soft pastel peach to eye popping pinks,but with a nod to glamour,as well as dress shorts and skirts in denim.
I'm spotting a retro '80's look in shoes this year with platform,peep-toed Mary Jane's,pointed toe flats,and sling-backs. even the 80's style clog is back,as well as the original suede mule. remember those hot little shoes with the studs and cut outs? Our "sexy date night,disco night" shoes are back.
Nightclubs are seeing the return of the little black dress with mile high stilettos (did it ever go out of style?) This time the dress is thigh high.and those killer heels are worn with bare legs.
Sleek,smooth hair is in,and here again is the year of the blond. The pixie cut is also back. Think Carrie Mulligan or Halle Barry,softly tousled hair not overly styled.
"It shades" for spring makeup...soft silvers,lemonade pinks,turquoise,and a retro eye popping candy pink and orange lipstick. One to try is Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in "A-Go-Go". Line lips first in nude,apply,then top with a sheer gloss for a lasting look. (@Sephora $18.00)
Glittery eyeliner is back, again I prefer a softer look. Try Urban Decays Stardust eyeshadow as a liner applied on top of your usual shade. I used "Atmosphere" and got an all day perfect look. Beautiful turquoise without all the harshness of the entire color being on your lids.
Put some "spring" into your life
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Feb 26, 2010
Feb 10, 2010
BellevueGrl asks.... "Are You Star Struck?"
Grammys,Super Bowl,Oscars Oh My!!!
So much buzz going on with Oscars,Fashion Week,Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition,Olympics. Everyone is a little
star struck out there. While I may be in awe of some of the great talent that is displayed,there are many hometown heroes that we often do not see,whose stars are quietly shining in the background.
The real "stars" are the people who have managed to shine through adversity. Those that have managed to keep a smile on
their face even though their world was falling apart.The people who take the time to encourage others even though they are in need themselves. The person who can roll up their sleeves,pitch in and get dirty,and who can kneel down to talk to a child,or to scratch the head of a cat or dog are the people that sparkle just as brightly.
There are many unknown stars among us!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
So much buzz going on with Oscars,Fashion Week,Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition,Olympics. Everyone is a little
star struck out there. While I may be in awe of some of the great talent that is displayed,there are many hometown heroes that we often do not see,whose stars are quietly shining in the background.
The real "stars" are the people who have managed to shine through adversity. Those that have managed to keep a smile on
their face even though their world was falling apart.The people who take the time to encourage others even though they are in need themselves. The person who can roll up their sleeves,pitch in and get dirty,and who can kneel down to talk to a child,or to scratch the head of a cat or dog are the people that sparkle just as brightly.
There are many unknown stars among us!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Feb 5, 2010
BellevueGrl Says...."Let's Talk About Love"
Ah February,and Valentines Day is a week away..What to buy for that special someone that holds your heart? BellevueGrl is here with some great ideas you both will love.
Guys,Women love flowers.They may not admit it,but we are secretly jealous when we see all those pretty bouquets coming in from all the little florists trucks all around town. Valentines Day is the perfect time for roses..but red is cliche. Try something different,like peach,orange,lavender,or something unexpected like white. A simple long stemmed white rose speaks volumes on it's own.very romantic.White is the symbol of purity,innocence,and friendship. forget the Mylar bouquets and opt instead for a beautiful white rose.place on a dresser,or bed,or next to a dinner plate and stir up a little romance.
Speaking of stirring things up...Try The Melting Pot. I'm a big fan of the Bellevue location thanks to an amazing waitress (Erin) that has made Valentines Day memorable for quite a few years now. The place is dressed to the nines for the big day,but this year is featuring a special dinner on Friday,Saturday,and Sunday night for it's guests. Roses,balloons,candles everywhere,cheddar cheese/white wine fondue,to stir up a great conversation,salad,main course,and to die for chocolate and liqueur fondue for dessert. you'll fall in love dipping marshmallows into rich dripping chocolate. It's a bit costly,but for the food and the experience it is well worth it. Probably one of the most enjoyable nights out,and one you will both remember.
Some other great ideas on my list-
Create a basket of pampering bath essentials. Start with a heart shaped basket,then add bath gel,body lotion ,a candle in their favorite scent,then add the surprise of a bottle of wine. Many shops like Cost Plus,or Whole Foods Market has a special isle designed for wine for chocolate lovers. try Crabtree and Evelyn for the bath items,Bath and Body Works,or the Body Shop.
Godiva-You can give a little of your heart without having to give up alot of ca$h...
6 pc Valentines Day Truffle gift box $15,True love Gold Heart $25,Valentino the bear $25,8 pc Valentines Day Ballotin $15
Let Love surround you this Valentines Day!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Guys,Women love flowers.They may not admit it,but we are secretly jealous when we see all those pretty bouquets coming in from all the little florists trucks all around town. Valentines Day is the perfect time for roses..but red is cliche. Try something different,like peach,orange,lavender,or something unexpected like white. A simple long stemmed white rose speaks volumes on it's own.very romantic.White is the symbol of purity,innocence,and friendship. forget the Mylar bouquets and opt instead for a beautiful white rose.place on a dresser,or bed,or next to a dinner plate and stir up a little romance.
Speaking of stirring things up...Try The Melting Pot. I'm a big fan of the Bellevue location thanks to an amazing waitress (Erin) that has made Valentines Day memorable for quite a few years now. The place is dressed to the nines for the big day,but this year is featuring a special dinner on Friday,Saturday,and Sunday night for it's guests. Roses,balloons,candles everywhere,cheddar cheese/white wine fondue,to stir up a great conversation,salad,main course,and to die for chocolate and liqueur fondue for dessert. you'll fall in love dipping marshmallows into rich dripping chocolate. It's a bit costly,but for the food and the experience it is well worth it. Probably one of the most enjoyable nights out,and one you will both remember.
Some other great ideas on my list-
Create a basket of pampering bath essentials. Start with a heart shaped basket,then add bath gel,body lotion ,a candle in their favorite scent,then add the surprise of a bottle of wine. Many shops like Cost Plus,or Whole Foods Market has a special isle designed for wine for chocolate lovers. try Crabtree and Evelyn for the bath items,Bath and Body Works,or the Body Shop.
Godiva-You can give a little of your heart without having to give up alot of ca$h...
6 pc Valentines Day Truffle gift box $15,True love Gold Heart $25,Valentino the bear $25,8 pc Valentines Day Ballotin $15
Let Love surround you this Valentines Day!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Jan 27, 2010
Brush Up On Beauty- Makeup 101 Part 2
You Make Me Blush-
Ladies, when it comes to blush brushes, throw away those little tiny brushes that come in your compacts and invest in a great brush,a harsh stripe is all you will see if you're applying your color with one of those pre-packaged minis.
The best blush brushes come with a soft dome shape to allow color to be applied to the center of the brush for a soft sweep across your cheekbones.
Try to aim for a high quality brush,one that is not made from nylon. Pony hair,tipped goat hair,or 100% goat hair offer the smoothest applications and again need not be expensive. I was able to find two that range in price from $46.00 for a Nars Blush Brush to a Lorac Brush for $26.00
Again, Sephora has their own professional brushes, which I happen to think work great,and can be bought separately. An angled blush brush is $28.00
The staff at Sephora is always ready to assist and can show you the best way for you to achieve a natural look and the best brushes to get it.
You can find everything from concealer brushes,to foundation brushes,to powder brushes,and yes, if you want to set your makeup for a smooth last all day look a powder brush that picks up soft translucent loose powder is your best bet.
Happy Hunting!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Ladies, when it comes to blush brushes, throw away those little tiny brushes that come in your compacts and invest in a great brush,a harsh stripe is all you will see if you're applying your color with one of those pre-packaged minis.
The best blush brushes come with a soft dome shape to allow color to be applied to the center of the brush for a soft sweep across your cheekbones.
Try to aim for a high quality brush,one that is not made from nylon. Pony hair,tipped goat hair,or 100% goat hair offer the smoothest applications and again need not be expensive. I was able to find two that range in price from $46.00 for a Nars Blush Brush to a Lorac Brush for $26.00
Again, Sephora has their own professional brushes, which I happen to think work great,and can be bought separately. An angled blush brush is $28.00
The staff at Sephora is always ready to assist and can show you the best way for you to achieve a natural look and the best brushes to get it.
You can find everything from concealer brushes,to foundation brushes,to powder brushes,and yes, if you want to set your makeup for a smooth last all day look a powder brush that picks up soft translucent loose powder is your best bet.
Happy Hunting!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Jan 21, 2010
Brush Up On Beauty
I've had a lot of people ask if using a makeup brush really makes a difference when applying eyeshadow or blush.
The answer is absolutely.....
Here are some examples as to why you should be using a good makeup brush vs a sponge tip applicator or the tiny
little brush you find in compacts to apply your makeup.
A sponge applicator gives little or no control over the amount of color you apply and can often give a harsh look,whereas a brush
allows you to be able to apply a sheer color wash to the lid or layer color on for a bolder look. using an angled brush allows better shading or contouring of the crease or outer eye area and a pointed brush is perfect for creating a gorgeous "cat-eye" or for applying cream eyeliners..you simply cannot do that with a sponge tipped applicator.
For a neat,clean brow line try using an eyebrow brush...sweep brows upward and out then apply pencil or powder,gel can be used to tame those who are blessed with natural color to their brows to keep brow line in shape.gently comb through eyelashes with comb side to remove any extra goop from mascara. By the way,did you know that long ago,mascara used to come in little "cakes" and was originally applied with a brush to lashes?? That was the original idea behind those eyebrow brushes..the makeup brand "Rimmel" takes it's name from the Italian name which means mascara... The first mascara product was originally invented by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th century. Max Factor perfected the mascara that we see today inventing the wand inside the tube.
A good brush doesn't necessarily need to be expensive. While the best are made from sable,and can be costly,brushes can be found at Sephora that range in a variety of price ranges starting at about $20-$50 per brush . Brush sets can be found starting at $15 to $50 mid range and a bit more for professional grade. I actually have two sets for basic use . Another very good brand to try is Sonia Kashuk @ Target her brushes come in nice little sets with a cosmetic bag or traveling case for under $25
Next week,we'll follow up on blush brushes.
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
The answer is absolutely.....
Here are some examples as to why you should be using a good makeup brush vs a sponge tip applicator or the tiny
little brush you find in compacts to apply your makeup.
A sponge applicator gives little or no control over the amount of color you apply and can often give a harsh look,whereas a brush
allows you to be able to apply a sheer color wash to the lid or layer color on for a bolder look. using an angled brush allows better shading or contouring of the crease or outer eye area and a pointed brush is perfect for creating a gorgeous "cat-eye" or for applying cream eyeliners..you simply cannot do that with a sponge tipped applicator.
For a neat,clean brow line try using an eyebrow brush...sweep brows upward and out then apply pencil or powder,gel can be used to tame those who are blessed with natural color to their brows to keep brow line in shape.gently comb through eyelashes with comb side to remove any extra goop from mascara. By the way,did you know that long ago,mascara used to come in little "cakes" and was originally applied with a brush to lashes?? That was the original idea behind those eyebrow brushes..the makeup brand "Rimmel" takes it's name from the Italian name which means mascara... The first mascara product was originally invented by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th century. Max Factor perfected the mascara that we see today inventing the wand inside the tube.
A good brush doesn't necessarily need to be expensive. While the best are made from sable,and can be costly,brushes can be found at Sephora that range in a variety of price ranges starting at about $20-$50 per brush . Brush sets can be found starting at $15 to $50 mid range and a bit more for professional grade. I actually have two sets for basic use . Another very good brand to try is Sonia Kashuk @ Target her brushes come in nice little sets with a cosmetic bag or traveling case for under $25
Next week,we'll follow up on blush brushes.
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Jan 16, 2010
Do You "Follow" Me?
Being on Twitter brings it's share of interesting followers,but sometimes it can lead to discovering great little eateries and
wine bars quite by accident.
Such is the case with Grand Cru Wine Bar in Bellevue.
They "followed" me and I began to "follow" back and it was the start of a beautiful relationship. I learned all about this hip little wine bar tucked inside a corner of downtown Bellevue located on 108th Avenue. Parking is easy, there is an underground parking garage that is free and access is very simple. It is both a wine shop and a great little restaurant.
There is always something going on,be it Monday night $1.00 taco night to wine tasting events, happy hour,and the ever popular
"dinner on us" with a speciality menu for the evening. reservation must be made in advance, but this has become so well liked that they have extended this from Wednesday nights to Saturday nights as well.
The happy hour is divine...mini crab cake,cheese platters,mini cheese ravioli,generous portions served by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. The wine is an amazing mixture of Italian,French,Californian,and local vintages..too many to mention here,but take a look at their website for further details at http://grandcru-winebar.com
This is better than the average wine bar. classy,without being stuffy and a very relaxing atmosphere. the crowd is mixed,all ages, so anyone would feel welcome walking in. The music is just right,not too loud,it was nice to be able to hold a conversation at the table and not have the music overwhelm us.
I visited on New Years eve and was treated to the best champagne ever. Cheers to $5 bubblies by the glass,it was wonderful!
I was informed by my waitress that they had just opened in April of '09, but I can see big things coming for this little bistro.
Try it out, you will be very pleasantly surprised..and follow them on twitter @GrandCru
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
wine bars quite by accident.
Such is the case with Grand Cru Wine Bar in Bellevue.
They "followed" me and I began to "follow" back and it was the start of a beautiful relationship. I learned all about this hip little wine bar tucked inside a corner of downtown Bellevue located on 108th Avenue. Parking is easy, there is an underground parking garage that is free and access is very simple. It is both a wine shop and a great little restaurant.
There is always something going on,be it Monday night $1.00 taco night to wine tasting events, happy hour,and the ever popular
"dinner on us" with a speciality menu for the evening. reservation must be made in advance, but this has become so well liked that they have extended this from Wednesday nights to Saturday nights as well.
The happy hour is divine...mini crab cake,cheese platters,mini cheese ravioli,generous portions served by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. The wine is an amazing mixture of Italian,French,Californian,and local vintages..too many to mention here,but take a look at their website for further details at http://grandcru-winebar.com
This is better than the average wine bar. classy,without being stuffy and a very relaxing atmosphere. the crowd is mixed,all ages, so anyone would feel welcome walking in. The music is just right,not too loud,it was nice to be able to hold a conversation at the table and not have the music overwhelm us.
I visited on New Years eve and was treated to the best champagne ever. Cheers to $5 bubblies by the glass,it was wonderful!
I was informed by my waitress that they had just opened in April of '09, but I can see big things coming for this little bistro.
Try it out, you will be very pleasantly surprised..and follow them on twitter @GrandCru
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Jan 7, 2010
Just "Wondering"
It's finally here-
Urban Decays Alice In Wonderland Book Of Shadows!!! Just saw a preview at their website and I am
loving the shades from this collection!! http://www.urbandecay.com/. This company has some of the hottest,
hippest shades and products that are always cutting edge,and this season is no exception to the rule.
I always look forward to seeing what this company will come up with,and have never been dissapointed in their choices.
Ladies if you're thinking these shades may not work for you,think again. This spring is all about color! These were meant to be played with,get creative!
Toss your brown and black eyeliners and try rimming your eyes with these shades. They don't have to be used as an all over color. team with a soft silver,gray or pink,use an angled brush to apply the blue or purple to the outer corner of the eye for a gorgeous "pop" of color.
Be "Alice" and discover a "wonderland" for yourself!!!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
Urban Decays Alice In Wonderland Book Of Shadows!!! Just saw a preview at their website and I am
loving the shades from this collection!! http://www.urbandecay.com/. This company has some of the hottest,
hippest shades and products that are always cutting edge,and this season is no exception to the rule.
I always look forward to seeing what this company will come up with,and have never been dissapointed in their choices.
Ladies if you're thinking these shades may not work for you,think again. This spring is all about color! These were meant to be played with,get creative!
Toss your brown and black eyeliners and try rimming your eyes with these shades. They don't have to be used as an all over color. team with a soft silver,gray or pink,use an angled brush to apply the blue or purple to the outer corner of the eye for a gorgeous "pop" of color.
Be "Alice" and discover a "wonderland" for yourself!!!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl
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