Maskcara Feature {Not The Actual Title}

Let's talk about feeling beautiful for a minute, shall we?  We absolutely looooove giving our readers ideas on how to spice things up in their marriages, but we also know there is more to strengthening your marriage than quality time. There are SO many aspects when it comes to working on your marriage, and today, ladies - this one is for YOU!!

BRACE YOURSELVES!!!  We have found the mother-of-ALL-make-up websites!! Why, oh, why would we be sharing all about this goldmine on THIS website? GIRLS - think "DATE NIGHT"!!  We are going to help you look and feel your very best, not only for date night, but EVERY day! Your husband won't know what HIT you!

{Insert pinterest pic}

Let's back up for a minute here. A few months ago, I decided I wanted to REALLY learn more about make-up. I have always been a girly-girl... I've always loved fashion, clothing, jewelry, makeup, and getting all dolled up. I'd tried plenty of different brands and types of makeup... but I never felt like I had quite caught the hang of it. And then I saw THIS on Pinterest...

Say WHHHAAATTTT? I couldn't believe it was the same girl! She looks great in both her before and after, but the difference was almost unrealistic... and it was all due to makeup & how it was applied! No camera tricks! I was completely in awe.

I read that entire post & then spend quite a while exploring this fantastic website called...

MASKCARA

This website is run by a gorgeous gal named Cara. Not only is she a talented makeup artist sharing her WEALTH of knowledge with the world... but she truly believes that there is beauty in every person & makeup should be used to enhance what you have, not cover it up. She pretty much lives by this motto...

I LOVED this post in which she pretty much shares her mission statement. You can't help but fall in LOVE with her! The person behind this blog isn't a celebrity make-up artist {..yet...} or someone who you wouldn't be able to connect with. Cara is a complete sweetheart, with a GIANT heart, a positive outlook on life, and talents that she is willing to share with all of us. In other words, you will totally be able to connect with her as she passes along beauty tips in a way that we we can ALL understand.

Wanna know the BEST part about all of this? She and her darling little family recently moved to Vegas, yeppers, MY current stomping grounds!! I about died when I found out her hubs was a golfer.. just like MINE! We have a ton in common. We've hung out a few times, our husbands have been golfing a bunch together, and I am SO excited to tell all of you that we will be partnering up to do a fun series with Maskcara this coming summer! {Details coming soon...} OH - and I should mention that she recently won the title of "Allure Blogger of the Year"! Told ya she was talented!

Now, let's jump into some of my ABSOLUTE FAVS on her site! I can't WAIT to share them with you. Are you ready!?!?

You should probably sit down, this will take a while, as you are soon to become addicted to MY new fav site!

 

This is one of my all-time favorite posts of Cara's!  It was the first one I explored & tried after initially finding her site. You know how the light always seems to hit the faces of celebrities just right? They don't have any magical secrets...  it's all about highlighting & contouring! I had NO clue what those words meant until I watched her video. I learned a lot of great tips from my extremely talented friend, Alyssa, which helped get me started... and then I felt I had attended a "Makeup 101" class after THIS video! The first time I tried it, my jaw dropped. I think most of us are all about covering our faces - covering up those blemishes, scars, freckles, or whatever it is that we don't like. The result is a FLAT face that is all one color. This fab tutorial teaches you how to put the color on your face in ALL the right places. The result is quite stunning!

 

GASP!  Can you believe this is the same gal, same day, UNEDITED?? I love that Cara showed off common beauty blunders.. and then showed you how to fix each one. The image on the left is the perfect example of what women do when they slather one color of foundation all over their faces. I honestly think I have made half of these mistakes in my lifetime! Check it out to see which ones you may unknowingly doing!

 

You may be thinking, "I am SO busy!! I just don't have time to spend in the morning to get ready!" Maskcara's got your back! She shows you how to apply makeup in LESS than 5 minutes!! I love that she also shows you her *tools* to keep the little munchkin entertained while she quickly applied her makeup. WINK! Most of us are busy moms & wives... and maybe even business-women. There is always something to do, something to check off our list, someone waiting on US. We need to make sure we slow down a little each day & focus on ourselves. Taking a few minutes each morning to get ready for the day so YOU feel great about yourself - definitely a necessity!

 

At this point, if you are discouraged thinking that ALL of these posts are geared toward women in their 20's & 30's - think again! Women are beautiful at ANY age, and Maskcara shows you how to bring that beauty out by using her lovely 60-year-old mother as the model. Plenty of tips and tricks in this post to help women age gracefully, and feel their best no matter how many wrinkles AKA love lines they have.

 

WHOOT, WOOT!  Here is the post you have been waiting for! I know I always want to look my best for my hot hubby, but date night is something we look forward to & I like to take extra care when getting ready for those fun nights. Gotta make sure those baby blues of his are glued to yours truly all night, right???  Ok, ok - seriously now, this post is really great! We did a smoky eye tutorial on our site a while back, but this baby is a video tutorial - so it truly spells it out for you along with the rest of the face!

 

Once you've mastered the basics of applying makeup and are feeling pretty confident in your highlighting & contouring skills... you can dive into the "special occasion" stuff!  Maskcara put this great post together exposing Victoria Secret's Best Kept Secrets! She spills the beans from your head to your toes! This wouldn't be something you would do every day - but definitely for those EXTRA-special nights out-on-the-town!

 

Do you just adore this girl, or what?!? We can't WAIT to share what we have up our sleeves - your two NEW favorite websites will be combining forces to bring you something awesome! MWAH!

SexyModest Giveaway

    

[pinit count="horizontal" always-show-count="1" url="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/tara/are-you-sexy-modest/" image_url="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/SexyModest-Pinterest.jpg" description="Win a $250 Shopping Spree from SexyModest Boutique! www.TheDatingDivas.com #giveaway #clothing #accessories"] Once upon a time, four divas popped into a FABULOUS boutique & about died when they discovered all of the goodies inside! Not only are we going to SHARE what we found, but this amazing store we visited called, SexyModest Boutique, is offering a discount for OUR READERS... and one lucky lady is going to walk away with a $250 shopping spree!!  Whoot, WOOT!! Just in time for SUMMER!! Are you ready to check out the lovelies we are now sporting in OUR closets??   BUT... before you do, we also wanted to give you a darling printable freebie that you can use to help you shop AND that you can refer to each time you pick out your outfit...    [pinit count="horizontal" always-show-count="1" url="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/giveaways/the-ultimate-fashion-formula/" image_url="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/Fashion-Formula.jpg" description="The ULTIMATE Fashion Formula that will help you look your best every day. Darling printable offered in 3 colors. This is a must-download printable!! www.TheDatingDivas.com #freeprintable #fashionformula #fashiontips"]  Are you just dying?!?  When I learned this formula, I realized that I had already been following it... but now I make sure to pay closer attention as I pick out my outfit each day. We owe a HUGE thanks to the talented Sameeha with The Inked Leaf for diva-fying this fabulous FASHION formula!! You can choose which color you want, download and print it, pop it into a 5x7 frame, and display it wherever you pick out your outfit.  Download your FREE copy today!!  **The Fashion Formula Printable - in BLUSH**The Fashion Formula Printable - in MUSTARD**The Fashion Formula Printable - in AQUA  NOW - onto the FASHION FORMULA in action, the wide variety of items that SexyModest offers, and how WE paired it all together. PLUS, we picked out a bunch of our favorite items they currently have in stock for you to hurry & snatch up...  

DIVA NISHA: Let’s talk basics!  Every woman needs a few specific basics in her closet to really maximize her wardrobe.  I LOVE the maxi skirt I got from SexyModest because I can dress it up or down with many different tops.  Choose a maxi skirt in a fairly neutral color to totally optimize it.  With my navy and cream stripes, I’ve dressed it down with a white basic and neon orange jacket, dressed it up with the shirt pictured and also with a white basic and mint cardigan.  I feel comfortable grocery shopping, attending church, and playing with my kids at the park in this!

Get a similar look with this Spring Chevron Maxi and Sunshine Embellished Sleeve Top

Other basics you can’t live without include SexyModest’s half tee.  I have a black one I’ve worn with so many different dresses and tops!  Also, SexyModest has a unique basic cap sleeve shirt unlike any other - the material is AMAZING!  It fits over my 7 months pregnant belly and goes right back to it’s original shape when I take it off.  For me, it’s timeless no matter what size I am.  Lastly, I have to mention SexyModest’s Scrunchy Skirt.  This one size fits all skirt seriously flatters every body type!  When we were all trying it on, it made me think of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants jeans.  You could share it with all your girlfriends!  Better yet - each of you get a different color and swap periodically.

DIVA TARA: Every outfit you wear should include what we like to call, the “Eye-Catcher”. This is the piece that the eye is drawn to when others check out your fab outfit. It makes a statement, and I like to make sure mine are bold statements! In the image above, I am sporting a color-blocking top. I swear this dah-ling SexyModest piece spoke to me from the rack!! Obviously, it spoke to a lotta women out there because they quickly sold out BUT, I was able to find a bunch of other cute “Eye-Catchers” they still had in stock. One of my favorites was the starlet tee! Even though it’s paired with a super cute skirt in the picture, my eye went straight to that cute star, & when I saw the words, “P.S. I Love You” written on it... I knew I had to have it! This shirt can be dressed up with a skirt or dressed down with jeans.

The “Eye-Catcher” doesn’t always have to be your top, it can be as simple as adding an interesting scarf to the mix, like the Leopard Print Scarf above. I even saw that SexyModest was offering these adorable Empress Flower Pants. I am not sure if I am quite ready to sport those on my ole legs, but I DID see quite a few similar looks at a recent blogging conference I went to and the fashion bloggers who made the leap looked darling. It's hip right now, ladies! If you are looking for a few more “Eye-Catch-y” pieces to add to your wardrobe, I found this Floral Overlace Blouse, this Spring Chevron Maxi, and this cute striped long tank {LOVE this outfit!}. Feel free to browse through their “Tops” section to find even MORE “Eye-Catcher” pieces!! Your wardrobe will thank you!

DIVA WENDY: THEE Completer Piece! Another IMPORTANT part to your outfit!

As stated above, you need to have a basic, we all have basics. The interest piece is what makes us stand out and gives us some sass! The completer piece ladies…COMPLETES your already dahling outfit. It will be your “WOW” factor!  This can be a jacket, a cardigan, or even a belt. Occasionally it can be your shoes or jewelry, but is most commonly found below the neck and above your knees!

Pictured above is myself with SexyModest’ Nautical Jacket and their adorable Spring Colored Jeans in orange! Completing my outfit for a night out on the town look or even a casual shopping day with the kids, both looks are made to impress and ARE still stylish and comfy! You can never go wrong with a simple cardigan or blazer to dress yourself up for the night.  If you still feel like something is missing, throw on a belt (or two) to complete your total look! Also pictured, we have Tara with a thick colored belt that makes her outfit irresistible and gives her a waste line that is slimming and very appealing to the eye! Nisha finished off her darling maxi skirt with a coral top and mini belt {tied with the cutest knot} this totally takes your focus away from her cute baby bump!

DIVA KARI: Let's not forget the icing!! Your Accessories are going to be the absolute topper to your completed outfit and they are going to pull all of your above pieces together. Pictured above, you will notice my main accessory was a SexyModest coral and white necklace... it's simple, eye catching, and compliments the style and colors of my outfit. The key to accessorizing any outfit is balance. You don't want to go overboard with your accessories or underboard {as the case may be}, so here are the Diva tips to making your accessory skills hit the mark. First, choose your focal point. You'll only choose one focal point (aka: accessory piece) at a time. So if your necklace is the focal point (like mine is in the above picture) all of your other accessories will be smaller and compliment your focal point. Focal points can be anything from a necklace, scarf, large ring, large bracelet, belt, or earrings. Second, make sure that your accessories don't match each other exactly. While my necklace came with matching earrings, I opted for a complimentary pair of gold hoops. Or for another example, instead of pairing a Medieval Owl Necklace with a matching owl earrings, pair it with this Foiled Metal Cuff Bracelet. Third, stick with your theme. If you are going with a Country Charm Scarf, make sure that the rest of your accessories are small and simple. The scarf itself is bold and flowery, yet feminine and sweet. You'll want to balance out the scarf with pieces that will match that feminine theme, but not upstage the scarf itself. Like adding these simple Pearl Stud earrings.

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *

Before we jump into the FABULOUS giveaway, we wanted to do a shout-out for the customer service that SexyModest has. Here is a little blurb from one of the outgoing & fun owners, Jason:

"You will love your SexyModest purchases. We know from time to time there are challenges when purchasing online and to that, we say this, if for any reason you have a challenge with your merchandise, we are happy to take care of you. We have a full-time client services department that is standing by to help resolve any challenges that may arise. It is our number one priority to have superior customer service."

Doesn't that make you feel all warm & fuzzy inside?? Did we mention that the owners are a husband & wife team?  They are darling & were so much fun to get to know!  If you absolutely cannot wait for this giveaway to end & must get these hot items today, SexyModest is offering a special code for our readers for just a couple days!!  Enter the code divas10 to receive 10% off your entire order. Whoot, WOOT!

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *

Are you ready to SHOP?????  You can enter in 3 EASY steps... and if you keep reading, we'll TWO more *extra* entry methods with you! 

#1) Click on over to Sexy Modest & pin 4 of your FAVORITE outfits to one of your boards... maybe you should create a "Gonna Own This Baby Soon" board!!

#2) Make sure to follow both The Dating Divas AND Sexy Modest on Pinterest. Just click on both of those links and click the red "FOLLOW ALL" button. 

#3) Fill out the Google Form below {and then check below that form... to see the two EXTRA ways in which you can enter this Shopping Spree!!}

**EXTRA ENTRIES**

**EXTRA ENTRY #1 - Follow SexyModest via their newsletter. Click on this link to sign up. Once you have signed up, refresh this page to view the Google Form above again, & complete the form again... but then mark "YES" on the Newsletter Option. Here is a blurb from the owner, Jason, on what to expect once you sign up: "A fabulous way to SEE the newest arrivals before anyone else, is our newsletter. The best news for you is, It's fast, easy and FREE it takes less that 30 seconds and well worth it's weight in gold and clothes."

**EXTRA ENTRY #2 - Follow SexyModest via text. Text MODEST to 55771 to sign up. Once you have signed up, refresh this page to view the Google Form above again, & complete the form again... but then mark "YES" on the Text Option.Here is what the owner, Jason, has to say about their Text VIP List: "Ladies!?! We give our very best discounts to those on our VIP text list. If you love great deals and FREE discount codes, what I am about to tell you will be the most important decision you make in the next 10 seconds. Grab your cell phone & text MODEST to 57711 We never share your information and we don't send messages unless it's a BIG deal! Your VIP status awaits… Text us now!"

*This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Pinterest. We hereby release Pinterest of any liability. Entry includes filling out the form above including name, email, and pinning. One entry for filling in the form. You are providing the information to The Dating Divas who will in no way sell or give your information to anyone, including Pinterest. This Giveaway will run for two weeks starting Saturday, May 25th at 5:00 AM PST and ending Saturday, June 8th at midnight PST. Once the giveaway ends, the winner will be chosen using Random.org and contacted within 24 hours by email. This post will be updated with the winner’s name once we’ve heard back from that lucky duck! The winner will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. 

WHAT?! You’re not on Pinterest?! {GASP} Girl, you are SO missing out! We need to get you up to speed STAT. Stop what you’re doing and click over to Robin’s post right now to get the whole Lowdown on Pinterest. Trust all, you’ll be so glad you did. Then come on back and enter to win this fabulous giveaway!!!

Google+ Giveaway

Spring is in full bloom and that means summer is right around the corner bringing with it sundresses, sandals, shorts, and swimsuits!!!

Are you ready for the heat?

Maybe a better question would be is your budget ready for it??

We want you to have the

BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

...and so we teamed up with some of the most AMAZING blogs out there to give away crisp, cool, cash!! {Squeal!}

[pinit count="horizontal" always-show-count="1" url="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/giveaways/spring-shopping-spree/" image_url="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/Wendy-SSSPicture-1Fixed.jpg" description="Enter to win a FREE SHOPPING SPREE giveaway valued at more than seven hundred and fifty dollars!!! www.TheDatingDivas.com #giveaway #freeshoppingspree #newwardrobe"]  

We have $500 for our first place winner AND just because we were all feeling super generous we also have $250 for our fabulous runner-up!!

What will you do with all that money?

Pick out a whole new wardrobe? Splurge on weekend away with your spouse? Use it on a spa day, new fragrance, and fresh make-up?

The possibilities are endless, so start dreaming big!!

 

 You know we love ALL our awesome readers but this contest is open only to followers of our Google+ pages.

Not sure if you are following all these awesome blogs on Google+? It is so easy to be a follower, just check out this post here for the scoop.

Check out all the Google+ Pages of these FABULOUS blogs below by clicking each picture and then right below the picture(s) you can add each page to your circles! Super easy!!

And for an additional entry add us to your Google+ circles

Entering this contest may be the easiest thing you have done all day!

Now... just enter in your basic info, and then answer a SUPER FUN QUESTION! :)

Yes, you totally read that right- so what are you waiting for? Get your entry on!!

Giveaway starts Thursday, May 23rd at 5:00 am PST and ends Monday, June 3rd at midnight PST. Once the giveaway ends, the lucky winner will be chosen using Random.org and contacted within 24 hours by email. This post will be updated with winner’s name once we’ve heard back. Winner will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. Open to U.S. residents only. *This promotion is sponsored by the above specified bloggers and is in no way affiliated with Google. We hereby release Google of any liability related to this promotion, the receipt of prize winnings, etc. Winners must be of full legal age in the jurisdiction in which they live. This group of bloggers are only responsible for sending out the prize. Participants will be responsible for any taxes, tariffs duties, etc. due upon delivery of the prize.

12 FREE Printables For The 4th of July! {Bloggers sneak peek!}

It's time for yet another INCREDIBLE blog-hop of free printables!

We just LOVE giving all these amazing designs to you guys!!

Each month we are featuring 12 different bloggers who have all created THE cutest printables, each themed for something special!! So far, we have featured 12 free printables for Spring, 12 free printables for Cinco de Mayo, and NOW we are featuring...

12 FREE Printables for The 4th of July!

See what YOU lucky peeps are in for!!:

You have everything you need to make this 4th of July AMAZING!

And not only that, we wanted to come up with something EXTRA special from us here at The Dating Divas that can turn your 4th of July into something fun for YOU and that SPECIAL SOMEONE ;-)

Check out what we have for you here! {we are pretty excited about it}:

Isn't this card FABULOUS?! Sameeha of The Inked Leaf designed this card that is not only a fun, flirty way to tell your spouse you love them this 4th of July but it's also 3D!!!! WHAAAT?!!! And, don't worry, the download comes complete with step-by-step instructions on how to put this together in a snap!

Here's the front of the card... we are LOVING the vintage-vibe!:

And then open it up aaaaaaand BAM!
{also notice a spot to add a little personal love note inside ;-)}

And here's the back of the card!:

GET YOUR FREE 4TH OF JULY POP-UP CARD HERE!

#1) {The Dating Divas} - A vintage pop-up card letting your sweetie know they are the ONLY one you want this 4th of July!

#2) {Somewhat Simple} - Two super simple and adorably patriotic milk carton-style treat boxes! 

#3) {Whipperberry} - A festive "Let Freedom Ring" printable banner for the Fourth of July! 

#4) {Crafting Chicks} - A patriotic quote to inspire you as you celebrate Independence Day! 

#5) {Tatertots & Jello} - Patriotic Medallion Party Printables for parties or decor. 

#6) {L'il Luna} -Fourth of July Sparklers Prints that are perfect for gifts or favors at your next Independence Day celebration! 

#7) {My Sister's Suitcase} - A fun and simple game that Toddlers and Kids LOVE to play - just like "Don't Eat Pete!" 

#8) {I Heart Nap Time} - Patriotic Party Circles to give your 4th of July that All American feel! 

#9) {The 36th Avenue} - Celebrate this 4th of July with this festive red, white and blue printable.Showing our true colors! 

#10) {Paging Supermom} - Printable Statue of Liberty Crowns are the perfect thing to wear to your neighborhood fireworks show! 

#11) {The TomKat Studio} - Printable Patriotic Cupcake Toppers & Flags for Your 4th of July Celebration! 

#12) {The Idea Room} - Celebrate with these festive drink labels for your 4th of July BBQ.