MY NEW LOVE INTEREST & GIVEAWAY

This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Ryan won my heart, but Levi has stolen it. Being a mom to a boy feels different than being a mom to my daughter. Not better, not worse...just different. I'm the first woman he has loved, and it feels so special. Moms of boys told me leading up to Levi's birth that it would feel special in this way, and they sure were right. So, I have started to take Levi on dates just like Ryan has taken Elle on dates for he past three years. And, to celebrate turning Levi turning nine months old, I have teamed up with Carter's to share with you what we love to do on our dates together.

Ryan and Elle always go on a date to Starbucks so she can talk to him all about her ideas, eat madeleines and drink chocolate milk. Levi, on the other hand, loves to eat and run (or shall I say crawl). So, our dates include good food and any place that lets him roam free and explore. I dressed him in a Carter's Little Baby Basics t-shirt that says "wild one," because he is sure is wild. He wore black and white striped pants and his mini Birksenstock style sandals from Carter's. I really want to get a pair just so we can have matching shoes. He is too young to be embarrassed by that, right. ;)

I took him to The Original Chop Shop for a cold pressed juice and a chia pudding parfait. His favorite part is pounding on the table and staring at new faces. While he is doing that I just stare back at him, and marvel at how nine months have already passed by since we first met. Of course, I strapped a bib on him because he is the messiest eater in the world. Somehow food ends up glued in his hair and eyebrows every time. I love that Carter's makes bibs that coordinate with their outfits too. 

When we play outside Levi wears nothing but a soft, breathable onesie because it's so warm in the summer. I love this cute outer space onesie. You don't see black onesies too often, so I liked that Carter's offered something modern and different. Plus, onesies show off those delectable baby thighs. (Can he stay little forever?!)

Being a fashion stylist, I thought dressing a boy wouldn't be as fun as dressing a girl. I thought wrong. I love dressing Levi because it's so easy and there are endless outfit combinations between the shirts and pants and onesies he can wear. Carter's makes dressing kids a breeze with all of their matching sets down to the accessories. I think everything in Levi's closet is Carter's just because it's also affordable. This kid grows like a weed. Did you know he is wearing 18 month clothes at he is only nine months old?! Holy smokes we have gone through a lot of clothes very fast! If you're in the same boat and you are looking for stylish, affordable clothes for your littles, look no further than Carter's. Carter's actually has a 20% coupon that you can use until July 4th. 

We finished our date with some exploration, chalk writing and kisses. I think next time we'll go to the splash pad or the zoo. I would love to hear where you want to take your daughter or son on a date. You can WIN a $100 Carter's gift card if you comment below before 5pm on Friday, June 10th with your date idea, and you can have additional entries by visiting my Facebook page or following me on Twitter. NOTE: In order to track ALL entries I am using Rafflecopter. See the widget below to enter. I promise you won't get any spammy stuff. It's just to make sure the contest is fair and square. The winner will be notified by email, and I will personally send the gift card to you.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Perfect Makeup for Valentine's Day

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Memebox-19 webblog
Memebox-19 webblog

I remember it wasn't until I was 19 year's old that I finally had a Valentine. I never had a boyfriend in high school, so it was really special when Ryan, my husband, was my first Valentine. I will never forget that date. It was our second one and first official date because long story short our first date was a bust when Ryan's car got stolen. No joke! haha. (I'll be sure to tell you that story later).

I still have the J.Crew red skirt that I wore on our first official date, and I remember how embarrassed I was when he opened the front door wearing a red shirt and black pants, almost my exact outfit except flipped. We looked like a walking checkerboard. When we got to the restaurant we sat down only to find his sister and her husband just a table away. It was still romantic nonetheless.

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Memebox-27 webblog
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Memebox-61 webblog

Do you remember your first Valentine? Do you remember getting dressed up for that special someone? Well, I hope you have a Valentine this year, and if you do I really hope you get to go out since it's on a Saturday night. Here's a gorgeous makeup look created by Stephanie Neiheisel of SN Makeup Artist using Memebox's "I'm Lipstick #5" in pink fuchsia and then adding "I'm Lip Crayon #4" in Juliet on top. For a total of $14 you could have Valentine's Day ready lips and get many more uses after that. Use code AVE10 for a 10% discount of any lip product purchase.

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memeboxdatenight

Pair this makeup with a classic LBD and loose curls and you've got yourself a show stopping Valentine's Day outfit! Have fun!

Makeup by Stephanie Neiheisel, Photography by Michelle Herrick, Styling by A.V.E. Styles; Florals by Hoot and Holler and makeup products from Memebox.