Date Night In

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Whether you can't find childcare or you simply want stay in your comfy clothes, date nights at home can be just the ticket to celebrate Valentine's Day. You don't have to get all dressed up and kill your toes in heels for you special someone to find you sexy. In fact, studies have shown that men prefer women with less makeup and natural lip colors. And though they may love beautiful lingerie, on the outside, skinny jeans and a t-shirt can be sexier than a tight red dress. In light of that information, I have created a date night and a makeup look with Memebox and SN Makeup Artist to show you how to look great for a date night in.

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Memebox-89 webblog

1| Think like a Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn was adored by men just as much as women. She was the epitome of the classic, girl next door. Wear you black skinnies, a button up shirt or turtleneck and a pair of flats. Maybe even plan to watch Roman Holiday with your beau.

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corallipstickblog

2| Vintage inspired makeup. Forget the eyeshadow and just apply a black winged eyeliner. A pale coral lip is a great complement because it gives you some color, but not too much. I love Memebox's giselle lip crayon. Simply apply around your lips. It goes on smooth and has a bit of gloss to it. It's only $7.00 and you can get it for an additional 10% off when you use the code AVE10 at checkout. This applies to any lip crayon, lipstick or lip tint product.

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Memebox-72 webblog
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Memebox-75 webblog

3| Coffee or wine, please. I don't know about your guy, but my hubby loves a great glass of wine or cup of coffee more than food. Granted, there needs to be food, but spend some thought on what you will be drinking just as much as what you will be eating.

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Memebox-83 webblog

There you have it! A simple, cute date night look that's comfy and sexy. PS - don't wait for Valentine's Day to have a great date night in. You can do it anytime with ease. Just don't forget your lip crayon and use your AVE10 code at checkout.

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Memebox-53 webblog

Photos by Michelle Herrick; art direction, styling and modeling by A.V.E. Styles, makeup by SN Makeup Artist.

Makeup & Fashion for V-Day Ladies' Night

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Memebox-138 webblog

This post is sponsored by Memebox.

Do you remember when Valentine's Day was about giving your friends cards and candy that told them they were "dino-mite" or that said "bee mine" with a bee on it? Why not make this Valentine's Day just as much about your friends as it is about your significant other just like old times? Maybe you're in the "lonely hearts club" when it comes to romance, but I am sure you are very loved by friends. So, plan a ladies' night out and dress up for each other rather than staying at home this Valentine's Day. Here is some makeup and outfit inspiration to get you brainstorming.

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memeboxredlipblog
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Memebox-59 webblog

#1 Red Lips & Sequins - Did you know that most men hate red lipstick and sequins? They think both are too flashy (pssssshhht). Did you also know that girls LOVE red lipstick and sequins?! So, wear both on your ladies night out. We love Memebox's "spirited red" lipstick. It's a perfect, true red and complimentary to all skin types. It's also only $8.00.

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Memebox-126 webblog

#2 Pink Lips & Polkadots - Gold polkadots with a gold skirt? Why not? Ladies' night is about wearing what makes you feel happy, and polkadots always put a smile on my face, especially gold ones. Plus, this lipstick purse is too funny and quirky not to sport for a girls night out. (You can get this whole outfit from Frances Vintage). Add a bright pink, bubble gum lip with Memebox's #06 bright pink lipstick.

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hotpinklips
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Memebox-119a webblog

Ladies' night isn't complete without some memorable selfies. Make sure to document the love. xoxo!

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Memebox-131 webblog

Photography by Michelle Herrick Makeup by Stephanie Neiheisel, SN Makeup Artist Styling by Alex Evjen, A.V.E. Styles Clothing from Frances Vintage

How to Look Web-Cam Ready

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In one week I'll be presenting about Pinterest strategies for hundreds of stylish bloggers and business owners for Alt on Topic. I couldn't be more excited to share my Pinterest knowledge, but I'm so nervous about giving a talk online. I've never done it before, and I am just praying I don't have any technical difficulties. One thing that has crossed my mind is what I should wear and how I should dress for my talk. Let's be honest, web cameras make everyone look terrible. Whenever I see my face using Skype and Facetime I just try to look away because I feel like the wide angle distorts my face a bit. After thinking about what to wear and how to impress for my presentation, I decided I needed some help in the makeup department. I asked my dear friend, Stephanie Neieheisel, to show me how to create a face that is web-cam ready, and we thought this would be great advice for all of you too! You can check out the video below, and don't forget to subscribe to her YouTube channel for more makeup tips!

Of course, makeup isn't the only thing that can help you make a great impression. Check out my latest eBay guide sharing accessory tips to help you look great for an online date. And, if you're interested in attending this one day webinar head on over to Instagram to win a ticket to Alt on Topic.

30 Thriving Challenge Completed

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SONY DSC

Three months ago I decided I was tired of just talking about getting into shape. Turning 30 was a big wake up call that I had lived a good 20 years out of shape and eating things that were easy rather than good for me. I asked Mountainside Fitness to help me with my challenge, and they gladly gave me a three month trial and a couple sessions with a trainer so that I can learn my way around the gym.

Three months later I still weigh the same 124 pounds, but my BMI has gone from 22% to 20%. I'm toned and fit. I also look forward to the gym every week and miss it when I'm not able to go as often as I would like. Who would have thought I would become a gym rat three months later.

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SONY DSC

The biggest excuse I used for not going to the gym was not having enough time and not having someone to watch Elle. Well, the truth was that I wasn't making time for it. There are some gyms out there where I didn't feel comfortable putting Elle in the kids program. I knew I would feel better at a more family friendly gym like Mountainside. Sure enough Elle looks forward to going there every time. I drive 25 minutes each way to go to the gym, but it's worth it.

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SONY DSC

I have officially become a Mountainside Fitness member, and I'm looking forward to being there for years to come.

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SONY DSC

These photos that you see were created by Liz Evans. She loves celebrating the female form. She wanted to celebrate my accomplishment and my birthday by photographing my body after the challenge. I'm so thankful for these photos. They really help me see the confidence I have gained and the muscle I have gained throughout this process. Go check her out if you're in need of a really encouraging experience.

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SONY DSC

My dear friend and talented makeup artist, Stephanie Neiheisel, also wanted to be a part of this special moment. She created a gorgeous navy smokey eye with bronzed skin and a nude lip. LOVE LOVE LOVE. This makeup look is perfect for fall.

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SONY DSC
SONY DSC
SONY DSC

Fashion Week Favorites: Beauty

I enjoy the hair and makeup at fashion week almost more than the clothes. So much so I decided to dedicate a whole post to my favorite beauty looks from NYFW. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order!) Bright lipstick and fun up-dos at Badgley Mischka:

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The "wet look" holding fast at Oscar de la Renta:

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Beautiful, clean faces and side parts at Marchesa:

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My absolute favorite hair and makeup came from Rodarte; tough headbands and loose braids mixed with smudged eyes:

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Pretty plaits from Christian Siriano:

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Sleek ponytails at Michael Kors:

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And beautiful, purple eyes from Jason Wu:

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Images all from: wwd.com