Pow Wow in Cali: Bloggers' Night Out

I am back home! I have work tomorrow (ugh), but I can't turn in without posting these pics. I am very honored to have been part of an amazing night-out with uber-gorgeous ladies from Blogger land, and I couldn't believe that I was at the right place at the right time. I finally met Vanessa (who doesn't know this amazing lady?), and she is just as warm, sweet and bubbly in real life. We also thought of the same things while we were chatting about stuff - truly great minds think alike. =P Nessa, soooo happy to have finally met you! Since I'm in Cali anyway every couple of months or so, I am thinking it won't be the last time I'd see you. :)

Anyways, we dined at the Rock Sugar Pan Asian Kitchen on Santa Monica Blvd. in Century City. Now I am used to driving long distances, but weaving through the clogged arteries of the Los Angeles freeways really took a toll on my nerves. The different freeways I had to use to reach my destination were dizzying, to say the least, and driving alone from Chino Hills to Century City at night for the first time, especially for someone like me who doesn't know the California freeways since I'm from out-of-state, was a tad daunting. But the food, conversations and especially the company were so worth it. My trusty GPS also made my travel so much easier and helped me arrive at the venue on time and in one piece.

The lovely ladies in attendance were Yummiebitez aka Anne, Incandescent aka Helen, MzxJoey aka Joey with friend Drea, NessasaryMakeup aka Nessa, BeautyIsAndrogynous aka Mimi, Fuzkittie aka Rajia with her boyfriend, Jackie aka J.Rose and her friend Ceejay, and last but definitely not the least, the sizzling hot hostess for the night, Pink aka Pam with her boyfriend Cliff. I just cannot believe how amazing these ladies are. I actually first met Anne in the reception area of the restaurant, and she looked so fresh and pretty. Then I met Jackie, another gorgeous lady who was very friendly and who actually lived near where I was staying in Cali. Pink truly lived up to her role as hostess; her charisma was palpable from the start and she really made everyone feel at ease. She gave us all a wonderful remembrance of the pow wow - we each got a NARS Turkish Delight gloss and Liquid Candlelight Face and Body Glow from Laura Geller. Not to be outdone, Nessa gave each of us a boxful of goodies, which was very sweet of her. We had a Yankee Swap as well and I got the Monistat Anti-Chafing gel from Nessa. It was such a hilarious night!

I can't capture the dinner in words, so here are some pics. Again, ladies, it was such a pleasure to meet all of you, especially since we are bound by a common love for makeup. I had to leave early, but it was nice knowing that some of you went on to enjoy the rest of the early morning.


Anne, Pam, moi, Nessa


Anne, Pam, moi, Nessa and Jackie


Anne, Joey, Nessa, me


one of the delicious dishes we feasted on (OMG, the food kept arriving non-stop! We were so stuffed!)


Rajia's boyfriend doing the honor of placing our names in a bowl for the Yankee swap


Our uber-hot hostess with the names while her man looks on


Joey talking about her holy grail item that she gave to Rajia


The "grand prize" for the night - the "neck massager"


Shades Of U and Nessasary Makeup


Anne, Pam, me, Nessa and Jackie


Nessa's goodie bag for everyone


inside Nessa's goodie bag


Pink (Pam)'s giveaway for everyone


Everyone wearing (and showing off) the NARS Turkish Delight gloss