Giveaway: Revlon Prize Pack
Lately, I’ve been reading every article I find on marriage. Mostly to dispel any preconceived notions about what I think marriage is supposed to feel like verses what it actually is. My husband and I have a habit of emailing these articles to each other when we find them, mainly to make ourselves feel better about our own relationship. Why it’s okay to fight about stupid things, how differences in disciplining children can cause a rift, why your spouse annoys the crap out of you sometimes, etc. etc.
Mike and I are not a perfect couple. We are opposites who are complimentary but not always totally in sync. One thing we do understand though is the importance of time off by ourselves, away from the kids and just focusing on each other.
Often when we start to get distant or especially nit-picky, we make a date. It doesn’t have to be anything particularly elaborate, but we dress up (at least a little) and remind ourselves why we got together in the first place. Which, let’s be honest, is as much about chemistry as picking someone because they like to cook, have a stable job and a way with kids.
I remember the first time I saw Mike, and just as importantly, the first time he saw me. There was a look he gave me that was one of both attraction and recognition. It was a look that said, it wouldn’t be so terrible to keep looking at you for a very long time.
I love that look. I don’t see it as often as I used to, but when I do, it’s usually when we are headed out on one of our dates. After we have put on our coats, said goodbye to the kids, closed the front door behind us and are heading down the elevator just the two of us. When things are going well and one of us isn’t consumed with something happening on our phone, that’s the moment we connect. That moment in the elevator is when Mike might comment about something he wouldn’t notice at any other time— a haircut, a new outfit or a particularly bold shade of lipstick.
Last week, Revlon sent me their new Ultra HD lipstick in Gladiolus to wear for a date night out with Mike. This is a seriously RED lipstick. I must admit, I felt a little self-conscious when I looked in the mirror. I wanted to look amped up but not like I was trying too hard.
Mike made me feel better the second we stepped in the elevator.
“New lipstick color?”
“Do you like it?”
“I do.”
And then that look.
I should also tell you that one of Mike’s biggest assets (which also doubles as one of his biggest flaws) is the man cannot tell a lie. Even if it’s to save your feelings. So when Mike says he likes your lipstick, HE LIKES YOUR LIPSTICK.
When Revlon contacted me to do a post initially, I was nervous. As I get older, I am less and less a fan of taking pictures of my face. “Do I have to show before pictures? How close-up do they want them? What if I don’t look pretty in the pics? I’m not Emma Stone, you know!”
But when I saw the photos, I was so pleasantly surprised. First of all, the Gladiolus doesn’t look overdone at all. It looks tasteful and fabulous. Secondly, I totally saw the me who Mike met almost ten years ago on our first date.
I can see the Mike I met that day too.
Looking at our pictures, I feel like we don’t look nearly as different or as old as I have begun to imagine in my head. That in itself is a gift.
Maybe I should wear bright red lipstick more often.
Today, I’m giving away one Revlon prize pack to one lucky winner.
The prize pack includes Revlon HD lipstick in Gladiolus which uses wax-free gel technology that provides true color clarity and rich texture in one smooth swipe, for a feel that’s lighter on the lips than traditional lipsticks.
Giveaway rules:
1) You must be a Mommy Shorts subscriber or facebook fan to enter. Then leave a comment telling me about the last time you went on a date night.
2) Tweet the following and then leave a second comment saying you did so:
I just entered to win a @Revlon Prize Pack from @mommyshorts! http://bit.ly/1Gp51sR #LoveIsOn #Revlonmusthaves
Winner will be announced on Friday April 24th.
In the meantime, you can load up on Revlon HD and all of Revlon’s 2015 new Must-Haves at Walgreens!
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WINNER UPDATE:
And the winner is… Margaret whose last date night with her husband consisted of them picking out new running shoes, getting cocktails and then dinner during restaurant week, and drinking a little too much… sounds absolutely perfect!
Congrats! Please contact abby@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize.
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I was asked to participate in the #RevlonMustHaves, sponsored by Revlon at Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.
A date night? Let’s see…the baby turns 1 next week, so it’s been more than a year ago. Wow, time can really get away from you!
We went to dinner (Indian) and a punk rock show (we thought it was rockabilly night) at our local live music bar last Saturday. The best part is that it was Matty’s idea. I thought he was asking me if we had plans on Saturday so he could “jam” with his musician friends. I was pleasantly surprised that he wanted to jam with me.
Our last date night was Monday. Kid is with grandma in another state so perfect, RIGHT? Nope. He was sick with a cold and asleep when I got home so we made soup and watched John Oliver on the couch together… which is more couple time than normal, since last week I got the incredulous “You watched John Oliver without me?!?”
Our last date night was back in November, it was more of a date-day and it was to run the mens health urbanathlon together.. so we really didn’t “talk” per say except for yelling at one another to hurry up!! HAHA
I can’t remember the last date night we had! We were supposed to go on one a few weeks ago, but the Badgers ended up in the Elite 8…so we decided we’d rather stay home and watch the game 🙂
We went out for dinner when our friend and his girlfriend came to town. It was a blast and we need to do it again!
March 13 (I had to actually go look on my instagram, couldnt remember the date :P) My MIL watched our little one and we had dinner and drinks and REAL adult conversation!
We need another one real soon!
I tweeted too!
Last date night was about 3 weeks ago. We had left my nephew’s first birthday party and decided to see if my parents would watch our boys for a few hours, just long enough to go to dinner. Actually eating hot food? Amazing!
I don’t have a Twitter account and don’t plan on getting one, but I am a FB follower and I get your newsletter! Does that count? The husband and I haven’t been on a date since my company’s Christmas party, but that was pretty much planned for us. The hubs did get me a variety of restaurant gift cards for Xmas with babysitter cash tucked inside each envelope….which we have yet to use. So sad. Please send me pretty lipstick so I can get dolled up and date my husband! Pretty please with blush on top?
Sushi dinner and a movie, about a month and a half ago. We try to at least go every couple of weeks. It’s hard with three kids and us working full time. Mainly because of the expense to be honest.
Our last date night was Friday. The hubs arranged with my mother to sit all by himself and even though at 6:30 we were both yawning on the couch and yet to start bedtime and wondering “is it worth it?” by 8pm we were ready to go – dolled up, in a dress (legs!) and even put on my “good bra” (TMI?) which makes me forget three kids were there. It is ALWAYS worth it, I just forget that before the operation that is getting the kids to bed. We tried a new seafood place and made it through two bottles of wine because we were talking so much. It has been a while since I wore lipstick that shade – like years – it looks great on you.
We had a date night last Tuesday night at our local Mexican restaurant, my husband retired last year and doesn’t want to dress up much anymore….I am still working and like to dress up for a date…..you and your husband look great on your date and I love that lipstick shade, Revlon makes great lipsticks!
We actually had a date night 2 months ago. It was the first time in about 6 months we went anywhere without the kids. It was fabulous, and weird at the same time. We kept checking the back seat for the kids lol.
Last date night was 3 weeks ago – before everyone got “the cold from hell” that we’ve all been fighting since.
Our last date night was about a month ago. We went to an awesome local greek place and just enjoyed each other’s company.
The last time I went on a date was in January when my husband deployed. He’s finally home now, but between his work schedule and mine we haven’t had a date yet. He is home just in time for a peaceful month before our first baby is due to make his appearance! 🙂
I think our last date night was to dinner and to see the latest Night at the Museum movie (we share a bizarre penchant for goofy infantile humor movies). It was lovely and we stayed out way too long, which meant the check to the babysitter hurt a bit that night… Worth it!!!
Last date night? We attempted one last minute last week which would have been our first in nearly two months (the baby is almost nine months old). We left our daughter with my niece and went out to try the newish French restaurant in town. After ordering drinks my niece called to say the baby had not stopped crying since we left. Gave her some suggestions. Our drinks came and we ordered our meal. Niece called again to say that she did stop crying but had started again. So we got our food to go. Walked back to the car and found some one had hit us while we were out and did not leave a note.
I wish I was making this up, but nope. It all happened. We very much need a do over.
Last month, the grandparents took the kids for a couple nights. We went out to dinner and watched a movie at home (and most inportant got to sleep in one morning).
*I don’t have a twitter account but I do follow on facebook 🙂
tweet sent!
2 years ago. This sounds like a really long time,( and it is!) but the previous date had been years before that 😉 It was a weekend away, so I think it makes up for the distance in between dates. A long picturesque drive together, a cabin to sleep in ( without children) and a late night of dancing. Fabulous. I think we’re overdue for another.
Hmm. Too long that I can’t remember. 🙂
What’s a date? Dear god, I can’t remember the last time I went on a date. It’s been over 10 years, I’m sure.
We don’t have date nights as often as we should…my poor husband! We usually use the opportunities out to run errands and possibly see a movie. Nothing elaborate, but we remember what it’s like to hold hands and have an uninterrupted conversation.
I tweeted
https://mobile.twitter.com/Bskb3/status/585863049841487872
Our last date night was our last anniversary August 3rd. Ugh, that was forever ago. We were celebrating our anniversary and the end of many months in the hospital (7 weeks on strict hospital bedrest followed by my sons 45 day NICU stay). Unfortunately due to us being tag team parents (me working days-him working nights) we haven’t had a true no kids date night since. ugh.
We have a regular sitter who comes every Tuesday, and we usually go out to dinner. We didn’t last night b/c we’re keeping Passover (& are meeting friends to see a play on Fri), and last week our son got sick a couple hours before we were supposed to leave, so I guess it was 2 weeks ago…?
out last date wasn’t one where I needed lipstick. We hit the slopes. Me skiing, him snowboarding. Closest we felt to being kids in a long time!
We haven’t had a date just the two of us in over a year, but we do get out without the kids and double date with friends, probably every other month or so! Last night out without kids was to attend a wedding and we got Nana to babysit so we could stay over in a hotel! Blissful!! (Nana flew in from the West Coast for this – so a VERY big deal!)
We recently took a trip to New York without our 20 month old daughter. We missed her, but it was great to have the time away to reconnect!
Tweet tweeted! @mollybarwick
My last date night was towards the end of February. My mom watched our son and my husband and I went out for drinks at a fancy hotel bar with live music. Turns out a fraternity was having their formal in the hotel and everyone was hanging out in the bar. Made for a not so romantic night but with really excellent people-watching, we were not disappointed.
I tweeted!
We went to dinner at a sushi/teppenyaki place and to see Cinderella. I think I may owe DH a “boy movie” for that one, LOL. We are lucky to have my ILs close by to watch our twins, and they are happy to do it!
My husband surprised me with tickets to my favorite concert/band about a month ago. It was great being with just him, in the back of the arena, enjoying a night together. I even said we could go home early because it was a weeknight and getting pretty late, but he said he wanted to stay out a little longer with me, which was so sweet.
Hahahaha! Date night? Well, we actually had a standing date to see The Hobbit in theaters around Christmas when my MIL is in town. Now we’ll need to find a new movie.
We went to dinner and a movie for my birthday in January.
We’re going on a date tonight!!!! It’s just a little date since it’s a school night for the kids (grandparents are watching them, but at the grandparents’ house), so we’re planning on Chipotle. First thing we said to each other this morning: “It’s date night!”
Date night? With a 2 year old and 9 month old, I can’t remember the last time we we went out alone. But, you’ve inspired me! We need to make it a habit.
March 14th for my birthday
I’ve been married for 2 years and 4 months. We have four beautiful kids together. We haven’t been on a date since we got married.
Our last date night was to a professional lacrosse game. It was supposed to be with friends, but their baby got sick so they couldn’t make it. We had already arranged for the boys to stay overnight at Grandmas, so we enjoyed the night at the game, stopped for a late night happy hour, and slept in the next morning, and went out to breakfast!
Our last date night was a couple of weekends ago! We kept it low key; famous hotdogs for dinner, ice cream, and furniture shopping. What was so special about our date night is that we both turned our phones off and had great conversation!!!
We went grocery shopping last month with just our newborn in a carrier, leaving the other 7 children at home asleep while a friend stayed at the house. Does that count?
I tweeted
That lipstick is a great color on you.
I can’t remember the last time my husband and I had a date night outside of the house, but we have one coming up this weekend! We’re going to a military ball and spending the night at a hotel without our kids. I’m soooooo excited!
True date night? Hmmm… our anniversary on November 2. We went to the Melting Pot for dinner and got way too full and I fell asleep in the car on the way home. Booooooring.
But we did get to go to a Jimmy Buffett concert last year where we even had dinner and drinks before hand and drinks afterwards!!!
My DH and I went out for a “Valentine’s Date” the weekend after V-day. It was snowing pretty bad and we almost cancelled it, but we were both ready for some kid-free time.
So we drove the kid’s to our friends house and then drove about 30 minutes to the movie theater to see a movie. Except that due to the snow and terrible road conditions the theater was closed. Drove over to the restaurant, same thing. We drove around a little and I tried calling other restaurants, all closed. I was starting to think we’d gotten rid of the kids and drove down for nothing.
We happened to drive by Red Lobster and it looked dark inside but there were a good number of cars so we stopped and they were open. Since they were pretty much the only place in town open the wait was long but we were determined to do something with our evening so we waited. They were understaffed and everything took longer that expected, but it was AWESOME! Seriously the best food I’ve had there in years. We had also noticed a pool hall was open so after dinner we spent an hour shooting pool.
None of it went as planned, the whole thing was almost a waste, but it ended up being an amazing night and I can’t wait to do it again.
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/StephJAnderson/status/585877953986359296
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/KirstenPiccini/status/585881705506070528
It was months ago. After our daughter was born, my husband basically zoned out. Like, became a shell of himself. Imagine PPD for a man. Anyway, several months ago we went on a wonderful date, and I thought things might be turning around. A week later, he moved back in with his parents. He couldn’t handle the stress we were under (we had a LOT happen at once… It was a really rough time period) and basically cracked. Recently he started seeking therapy and got diagnosed with depression, and is desperate to make things work between us. So anyway, a good date night would be fantastic right now.
You look beautiful!
Hmmm, date night? Last time…does a double date count? About a month ago.
Our last date night, was actually a date morning before our second baby was born. I was 38 weeks pregnant and i’m not sure that lipstick would have helped much… It was nice to be out together, even iF we spent that time talking about baby names. But now, 4 months later, I think we could use a little couple time!
Sushi on Saturday! (And martinis).
My husband and I don’t go on many date nights, but I work part time from home so we weekly have date lunches.
Our last actual date night was Valentine’s Day, which is also the day before someone had to leave for Army training. Our baby sitter got bad sick so we had to take our then three month old baby but we went out to a nice dinner, caught up with some old friends, and then went to a local park and walked around some. All stuff I wanted to do. It was lovely! 🙂 He won’t get back until mid-June though so it’ll be a while until the next date night! So, until then, Skype dates it is!
And I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/sharandacrews/status/585885879090053120
Date night? What’s date night???
Date night? We have a 3.5 year old and a 6 month old . . . its been over a year. It is so sad, we have drifted apart. I rarely see that squinty eye smile of his that I fell in love with and I am sure he doesn’t see the same bubbly personality in me. I try at times, but usually I am just to tired. I’d love to go on 1 date a month or even 1 every 3 months, sounds good in theory.
And I tweeted!
I’m a single mom. The last time I had a date night was about 4 years ago. I can’t even remember what going on a date feels like! 😉
I tweeted! I’d love to look red hot for my hubs again.
Date night: Saturday night, cheering on our basketball teams! Yay for overnight babysitting!
We went out to dinner a few weeks ago. It was very nice!
Our last date night was for my birthday in February, just dinner. Baby is still small enough, and I’m breastfeeding, that I can’t leave her for more than a few hours. But I got dressed up a little, did my hair. It was nice to just sit and be able to talk without any interruptions.
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/KayleyMaybe/status/585887134776598528
I’m a subscriber! My husband and I had our last date night in January. We went and bought new running shoes (which I just cannot do with kids in tow, since I like to try them out on the store treadmill), then went for cocktails at one place and dinner at another since it was restaurant week here. I drank way too much, but we had a blast, I wish we could do it more often!
We went to Opening Day on Monday for my husband’s birthday. Beer outside in beautiful weather!
My husband and I just went on our first date in almost two years. In all honesty, we were so consumed with life as parents, we forgot how to be a couple. I remember weeks before the date, I was stressing out SO bad about what to wear, I ended up purchasing FIVE dresses. He’s so used to me in yoga pants, band t-shirt and a messy bun, so it was my priority to “wow” him. (and I did!) The night was so incredible, we reconnected as a couple and fell back into a deeper love. Since then, we made a promise to eachother that we wouldn’t allow more than 4 weeks to go by without going on a date!
we went on a date night a few weeks ago while my parents were in town to watch our son. We went to a nice restaurant downtown and each had a fancy cocktail. We made the rule to keep the phones away except to ensure there were no text messages from my parents. Otherwise it was the first time in a long time we were both present in the moment for each other in what seems like a long time.
Love your blog! My husband took me to a concert around Christmas…we’re working on getting out more!
I’m thoroughly embarrassed to admit that the last time my husband and I went on a date was over 2 years ago, before our son was born. We both have hectic schedules, so time with our son is precious. I really do want to change our focus back on each other, especially with #2 coming in July.
I LOLed at “the GOOD bra.” Doesn’t every woman have that ONE bra that makes your breasts look like they did pre-kid/full time job and you just look in the mirror and go, “Yeah. Boobs. Go me.”
I can’t remember when our last date night was, but I know it was several months ago. We’re long overdue!
It wasn’t too long ago, maybe in February. My hubby and I went to see American Sniper. The first movie we were able to see in almost a year and a half. We thought we’d make it easy on the sitters to do the whole dinner, bath and bedtime routine before they arrived. So we got a 10pm showtime. That movie was soo long, we were exhausted by the time we got home….close to 1am! We went straight to bed, no after- date-night celebrating going on. Whomp, whomp 🙁
Valentine’s Day was the last date night we had. We went to a cute little restaurant we’d heard great things about. It was such a great time!
I just tweeted! And I’d like to add that was my first tweet ever. Thank you Mommy Shorts!
my husband and I went to see a show called video games live! It was possibly the geekiest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m a pretty big geek! It was really nice to get out of the house for an evening though.
I just dI’d the Tweet thing! HOpe it worked!
I’m obsessed with red lipstick! I love this shade!
The last time went on a date, we actually went on a getaway to Napa Valley. It was awesome! We had not connected like without racing home to the sitter or trying to stay up so the kids would be sleeping when we got home in a long, long time.
You look fabulous! That lip color suits you so well!
Last time I went on a date with the hubster was to go see the movie American Sniper. We then went to dinner a local restaurant that serves the best sweet potato fries!
I tweeted.
Last date was last Friday. We have been making a conscious effort to have a lunch date once a week and a evening date once a month lately. Anywho….we drove to a neighboring town via the scenic route (river canyon back road instead of the interstate) and had a sushi dinner with drinks then when up the road to a local brewery and did the sampler flight together. Quote from my husband after we had cracked each other up a few times, “hey now I remember why we like each other. We are fun!” Date nights are a must! With a 3 yo and a 1 yo we definitely need the “we” time!
I can’t enter, but what the heck, felt like leaving a comment anyway. The last time I went on a date night, I do not remember. I DO remember the last time I had one planned … my older child was going to a sleepover, so I called up my mother to ask her to watch my youngest. She said sure, so I had the drop-off plans all worked out, and the restaurant/movie chosen for my husband and I … and then we received a call that due to a family emergency with the sleepover host family, I had to not only help out with schlepping my kids and their kids back and forth to various activities (which, when all was said and done, worked out to about 3 hours of either driving to, driving from, or waiting in a vehicle at the activity); then help out at the sleepover itself. But when I say *had* I mean that loosely as of COURSE I would drop everything to help my friends, and while it wasn’t an ideal date-night in any way, shape or form, I think my husband and I were drawn closer in our “helper” roles than if we had selfishly ditched our friends in their hour of need. It’s OK. We have the rest of our lives to date 😉
The last time we went on a date night was when Guardians of the Galaxy came out because seeing that movie was a part of our night. It was also the first night I felt comfortable leaving a baby with someone else! Our latest attempt at a date night was last week when Fast and Furious 7 was released, but it got cancelled due to no babysitters. This reminds me we are definitely due for another date night!
yep, I’m a Facebook fan! Last time I went on a date (when we got dressed up) was for Valentine’s Day. We talked about the kids, our dreams/goals, and cried (happy tears). It was wonderful!
I tweeted!
A few nights ago was the first in probably a year… but of course, planning a date night on Easter, in retrospect, is a terrible idea. Everything was closed when we headed to option number 4. By then, mood was killed and he was tired. Do. Over.
Our most recent date was last week! We finally found a babysitter that our 3 year old adores, so we’re going to try to go out once a week. We got to go to a “grown up” restaurant (no crayons on the table) and have an uninterrupted conversation for the first time in forever.
Oh, and you look fabulous!
Don’t have Twitter but am a subscriber and FB fan.
Last date night was about a week and a half ago. And yesterday we went out with friends and celebrated 10 years since our first date!! Our dates used to be much fewer and farther between but we have been making a conscious effort to do it more often!
Ilana, I love the way you’ve modified how you present sponsored deals. 🙂
We usually try to go on a date one or two times a month, but things have gotten crazy and we don’t have a babysitter anymore, so it’s been about two months since our last one. I think we just went shopping for some new clothes, it was really nice to get out of the house. We were visiting relatives, so the kids were with them!
We are just back from visiting my folks (an international flight away with a two year old) which means we recently did get a dinner date in. But, since that only happens when we see them or they visit us it’s a twice yearly occurrence at most.
My last date with my husband was 2 months ago and we went to see a movie. I would like to go for another one with my red lipstick on to see love in my husband eyes.
Tweeted!
You are beautiful Ilana, you both make a great couple. <3 <3
We attempted a date night Valentine’s weekend as a belated anniversary night out. We are not big V-day people (actually, my hubby worked years in a restaurant and hates the hype), but my parents were in town for our daughter’s birthday, so beggars can’t be choosers! We picked a brewery and dive bar we thought wouldn’t be overcrowded with lovebirds, got about 5 minutes from our house, and had to turn around because of icy roads! We ended up watching a movie with my parents. Super bummer! Our date night prior to that was when my MIL was in town over the winter holidays…we played darts and drank beer and harkened back to our youth! Fun to remember and feel young for a bit!
Our anniversary last July! I was 7 months pregnant and it was such a fun night. I can’t believe that it’s almost July again!
I tweeted too! @missbethanywilk New makeup would be so awesome, and those colors are so pretty.