Get to Know Lindsay Pitt of TOAST

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Chanel, Chloe, Fabrik, Fantasy Frostings, Festivity, Fredrick Fekkai, Fredrick Fekkai Shampoo and Conditioner, Holly and Blake Wedding, Holly Durst Wedding, Holly Durst Wedding Cake, Holly Durst Wedding Planner, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, Laura Mercier tinted illuminating moisturizer, Lindsay Pitt, Luna, Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder, Maybelline Illegal Length, Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara, Mystic Tan, Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Spray, Retin A, Sedu Flat Iron, Suave Keratin, Suave Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner, TOAST Events

During my beauty interview with Holly Durst, I asked her how the wedding planning was going and she quickly attributed every single bit of it to her amazing wedding planner. Turns out that wedding planner is Lindsay Pitt founder of TOAST, a boutique wedding and event firm in Atlanta.

During 2011, they were fortunate to help 18 couples plan their Signature Celebrations. TOAST was featured in six different magazines including Life & Style, The Atlantan Brides, Weddings Unveiled and Occasions Magazine. They also had six weddings featured online with Style Me Pretty and even Martha Stewart’s blog Martha’s Circle! (info courtesy of the TOAST website)

Bottom Line, Lindsay’s an amazing wedding and event planner so get in touch with her if you’re interested and in the meantime, check out her blog so you can see her work with your own eyes.

Thank You so much Lindsay for taking the time to share your beauty must haves with my readers!! I hope y’all enjoy!

What are your everyday cheapies, products that we can buy at the drugstore that you use on a frequent basis?  

I get all of my mascaras at the drugstore, my favorite has been recently discontinued, but I like Maybelline Illegal Length. I also love any of the long last lip color from the drug store. I paint it on in the morning and keep applying different gloss all day and the base color lasts all day!

All time fave make up line?

Oh, so hard to choose. I’d have to say Chanel. I love their lipgloss and eyeshadows!

What are your go to hair products and styling secrets?

I am a firm believer that variety is the spice of life, so I usually have at least 5 shampoos in the shower at all times. I mix it up between drugstore and salon brands. Some of my favorites are Suave Keratin line and Fredrick Fekkai.

We both live in Atlanta and FRIZZZZZZZZ……are you kidding me?!? 

How do you keep it at bay,  or is it not an issue for you? I am very fortunate to not have too much of an issue with frizz, but I have the best flat iron.. the Sedu that really keeps my hair sleek and frizz free!

What 3 beauty items are in your handbag right now?

I’m a lipgloss hoarder, I’m currently seeking professional help. My purse, car, computer bag have one or two lipglosses stashed at all times. My faves: Clinique, Laura Mercier and Chanel.

What are your go to make up products on an everyday basis?

Laura Mercier tinted illuminating moisturizer mixed with their foundation primer and a bit of powder. Maybelline pulse perfection mascara (discontinued).

What’s your fave new beauty product/hair discovery?

Makeup Forever HD finishing powder.

It’s summer and being tan is important!  J What are your fave self tanners?

I am a big fan of Mystic Tan booth and their at home product line.

What’s your signature scent?

Chloe . A bride of mine wore it and every time we had a meeting I commented on it, so I decided to make it my own!

For the past few months, I have been on the hunt for the perfect skincare regime; do you have any must haves for your routine? 

In the winter I use retin-a to rejuvenate my skin.

I just love your fashion because it’s so cute and wearable, effortless comfort.  What are your fave stores?

Why, thank you! I’m a big fan of easy fashion that is comfortable but makes you look put-together in a snap. I wear a lot of dresses and some of my favorite places to shop are local Atlanta boutiques. Fabrik, Festivity and Luna are my go-tos, I don’t really like to go to the mall.

Tell us a little more about Toast Events and how you got started in the wedding planning industry? What’s next for Toast Events? 

I’ve been in the event industry my whole career, planning a variety of corporate and social events. But it was the weddings and personal relationships that I loved most, so I took what I knew about events, saw the need for a planner with my style in this market and TOAST was born!

Right now we are in the thick of “wedding season”, no rest for the wicked! So I’d like to say what’s next is a pina coloda on a beach somewhere once I make it through June!

I got to know you through my beauty interview with Holly Durst when asking about how her wedding planning was going and she attributed most of it to you, how did you land planning her and Blake’s wedding?

I had a relationship with Earl and Leslie of Fantasy Frostings in California. Holly worked there for a short time and wanted them to do their cake and they introduced us and it went from there!

What’s your favorite wedding venue for the ceremony and reception? Any advice to future brides when planning their wedding?

Atlanta has so many wonderful places, one of my favorites is the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center. It is timeless and majestic.

#1 advice…hire a planner!

ALL TIME fave wedding blooper……

Well, I wouldn’t categorize “favorite” and “Blooper” in the same sentence. We try very hard to avoid any bloopers, but they do happen from time to time! Once (even though we tested it twice!) the CD with the first dance song didn’t work and the bride and groom were on the dancefloor with 425 eyes watching them! Luckily, the band jumped in and improvised…we laugh about it now!

The “Rachel” Truehart

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AG Sterling Silver, Aqua Di Gioia, Banana Boat Self Tanner, Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanning Mist, Bedhead Biggie Headrush Shine Spray, Ben and Courtney from the Bachelor, Ben's Season, Biosilk, Biosilk SIlk Therapy, Broadway nails in French Deceptions Short, Clean & Clear face lotion, Clean & Clear face wash, Courtney from the Bachelor, Daisy Intense by Marc Jacobs, Drugstore Glue On Nails Review, Free Bachelor Goodies, Kerastase Paris Fibre Architecte, Laura Gellar Bronzer, Laura Geller Bronzer, Life After being on The Bachelor, Mary Kay Makeup Remover, Mystic Self Tanner, Mystic Self Tanning Spray, Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo, Rachel from Ben's Season, Rachel Truehart, Rachel Truehart Style, Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner, Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black, Ritzy Misfit Necklaces, Sephora Self Tanner, Sephora Tinted Self Tanning Body Mist, The Bachelor, Wand Curler, What do you get being on The Bachelor, Where Rachel Truehart SHops

Pic Courtesy of ABC

I was pretty much instantly drawn Rachel while watching Ben’s Season of the Bachelor, not because I was hoping her and Ben would make a love connection but because she brought a newer, more updated version of The “Rachel” Haircut to tv.  That’s right, I LOVED Rachel for her bangs….call me what you want, just calling it like I saw it and her hair was killer.

But after working with Rachel on this interview, I realized there’s much more to Rachel than just her bangs…she’s pretty much awesome. She’s awesome because she’s real.  The kind of real that makes you wish you lived in NYC so you could chill with her at the local bar with a beer in hand or shop with her at Club Monaco….because, let’s face it, sometimes you’re not cool enough to shop in there by yourself.

Her beauty routine pretty much sums up her personality of being humble, down to earth, and low maintenance……just chill. Thanks Rachel for sharing your faves/secrets with my readers, you were so awesome to work with!

What are your everyday cheapies, products that we can buy at the drugstore that you use on a frequent basis?

In all honesty probably 80% of my beauty products come from drugstores! Revlon [Colorstay Eyeliner in Black] has a great eyeliner that’s a pencil but liquid look that I always use.   OH! And for fake nails the best (and only brand my sister and I use) is Broadway nails…the french deception in short are my fav…I mean for $6 and maybe 20 min you can have a perfect french manicure that lasts a week! The key is a lot of glue, don’t press them down too hard and file them after to shorten/shape them more naturally (I have them on right now!)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your bangs and raved about them all season long.  They look amazing on you.  When did you decide to take the plunge or have you always had them?

Thank you! I get that a lot! Haha Actually my cousin Shelley has been my hair dresser since I was 19.  It started out as ‘side bangs’ sooo long ago and then a few years back, she asked me to be in a hair show and wanted to go for the blunt bang….I said go for it and never regretted it! Best hair decision I ever made (although I pretty much do anything she suggests… she’s the best! So lucky to have a hairdresser in the family…I’ve lived in NYC for almost 6 years and still go home to get my hair done every 2 months or so)

What are your go to hair products and styling secrets?

Since I am blonde and highlight it I always use a toning shampoo (AG sterling silver is my Fav).  A couple of my favorite products are biosilk silk therapy (smells amazing), also love BedHead spray Biggie Headrush (a shine spray), and Oscar Blandi Dry shampoo for in between washes (I only wash my hair about 2-3 times a week)

What 3 beauty items are in your hangbag right now?

I actually rarely bring makeup with me in my purse…I think all that’s in there right now is just lipgloss…it’s a must have for me I feel like a buy a new one at least once a week. 

What are your go to make up products on an everyday basis?

Mascara (I have yet to find a brand I truly LOVE…any suggestions??)  My eyelashes are light so it looks like I don’t have any if I don’t put on Mascara so I almost never leave the house without it.  I also always use an under eye concealer & Bronzer powder (MAC & Laura Geller are my fave).  I usually use black eyeliner on both top and bottom lids.  Liquid on top and pencil on bottom has been my latest pattern

What’s your fave new beauty product/hair discovery?

Just recently started using Kerastase Paris Fibre Architecte…also I love the wand for curling your hair!

It’s almost summer and being tan is important! :) What are your fave self tanners?

I am not a big self tanner person because I’m worried about looking orange but I did recently try Mystic Tan Sunless spray, and Banana Boat also makes one I like.  My cousin told me Sephora makes a great one that will be my next to try!

What’s your signature scent?

Aqua Di Gioia!  I am OBSESSED with Aqua Digio for men and have been since High School…I can smell it miles away!  So naturally as soon as they came out with the female version I ran out and bought it.  I honestly have considered many times just buying the men’s version I love it so much!

I also love Daisy Intense by Marc Jacobs for when I’m in more of a musky kind of smell.  (the Aqua di Gioia is a very clean crisp scent so I like to change it up sometimes!) Plus the bottle is awesome.

For the past few months, I have been on the hunt for the perfect skincare regime; do you have any must haves for your routine?

I am not great about skin regime.  I have pretty good skin naturally (lucky me!) and I either use just regular mild soap or sometimes a Clean & Clear face wash and for lotion I like their oil free lotion as well. And I love Mary Kay’s Makeup remover it’s the best!

Do you get any awesome goodies as part of being on the show? I know you wore a Ritzy Misfit necklace, which are SUPER cute. Anything else cute or beauty related that you got as part of being on The Bachelor.

We got some fun stuff, some OPI nailpolish, some hair-care products by Sojourn (mineral oil treatment that I love), Mystic tan (that’s how I discovered that), then some fun lip glosses and make up.

I just love your fashion because it’s every day yet stylish with an edge.  What are your fave stores? Do you feel like your style has changed at all since the show having lived with all the other girls and their style influences?

Thanks!  I don’t think it’s changed just from that, I think I am always taking influence from others I am around it just rubs off.  My style is always ever evolving…I think it’s important to take inspiration from everywhere and then make it your own and have fun with it.  Some of my fave stores are H&M, TJ Maxx, Forever 21, Club Monaco, Loehmanns…

For more about Rachel’s Fashion, you can check out her interview with Possessionista.

Ok, so when did you first realize Ben was the Bachelor? Was it when you got out of the limo….were you surprised at all?  And was he the one you wanted it to be or did you have your eye on someone else?  

I knew before getting out of the limo, we found out a week or two before then.  I was happy it was him when I found out because he seemed like a cool laid back kind of guy and I knew we would get along, which we did! 

Pic Courtesy of ABC

Courtney….. was she really as bad as the edits made her look, a lot of people just felt like she was super edited to be the villain to increase ratings, me being one of them? 

Not at all!  She was nothing but nice to me I don’t have anything bad to say about her.  We shared a room many times right up until I left, and I still stay in touch with her today.

Pic Courtesy of Bachelor Wetpaint

How has life been since the show? Do you get recognized all the time or were you able to slip back into your everyday life pretty easily?

I definitely get recognized when I’m out, or on the street every now and then, but it’s actually really fun! It happens a lot especially when I’m out with the other girls (as you can see Jenna Jaclyn and I are attached at the hip!).   It’s so surreal too!  I think my friends get more sick of it than I do, it’s still fun for me :)   I think it’s funny when my parents tell me how they got stopped in the bank or grocery store in our hometown and asked ‘omg your Rachel’s parents…how was that experience for her???” They have fun with it and are proud of how I represented myself so it’s all good!

Melanie Snare, How DOES She Do It All?

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Atlanta Falcons, Aveda, Aveda's Volumizing Tonic, Beauty, Beauty Blender, Beauty Interview, Coco by Chanel, Covergirl, CoverGirl lash blast mascara, Falcons, Falcons Cheerleader Beauty Interview, Juicy Coture, Kerstin Florian Signature products, mascara, Melanie Snare, Safety Harbor Spa

One thing you may not know about Everyday Southernista is that I’m a football fanatic, I LOVE the fall for that very reason!  And how appropriate for this to come out during the NFL draft! When I snagged the opportunity to interview Melanie Snare, a former Falcons Cheerleader, I was SUPER excited!

Melanie’s resume is quite lengthy, besides being a former cheerleader, she has hosted tons of shows, everything from the X Games to Red Carpet Premiers and even shows on the History Channel. In addition to hosting, Melanie also serves as the Executive Producer for Comcast in Atlanta producing all of their local On Demand original programming.  She’s currently creating and producing a new show featuring Atlanta Restaurants.

I love Melanie because she’s super relatable to all of us, she’s busy trying to juggle being a wife, mom of two precious little girls, and trying to promote herself through a full-time career. Thanks Melanie for taking the time to share a few of your beauty secrets and fave beauty products!

What’s your everyday cheapie, an inexpensive product that you use often and love.

My everyday cheapie would be CoverGirl lash blast mascara. I have tried the super expensive mascaras but don’t feel like they make a big enough difference for the price for everyday.  If it’s a special occasion, maybe. But not everyday.  Even on days when I don’t wear makeup – I do put on some mascara – it makes me feel not so naked.

What’s a beauty splurge that you can’t live without? 

I can’t live without the high end professional grade hair dryers and flat irons.  I have super duper thick long hair that takes forever to dry and I hate drying it with a passion. So, I am willing to pay the extra money for a dryer that will do it faster and a flat iron that will work the best.

What’s your fave new beauty find/discovery? 

I love my beauty blender. Basically, it’s a link pink sponge shaped like a tear drop that you use to apply foundation. The technique you use with it really creates a smooth even finish and is supposed to be the best for television since the cameras are so not forgiving.

What’s your skin care regime and some of your favorite skin care products?

I actually bounce around a lot on skin care products. I am not a die-hard fan of any one product. I used to be really bad but as I have gotten older, I am doing better with a routine that includes cleanser, moisturizers, eye repair creams and firming creams.  One skincare line that I do particularly like a lot is called Kerstin Florian Signature products – I discovered them when I was at Safety Harbor Spa in Florida for a facial.

Any new fragrance you’ve fallen for lately?

My absolute favorites are Juicy Couture and Coco by Chanel.

All time favorite hair product(s)?

Again, I have crazy thick long hair which is a blessing and so many people always ask if I have extensions – but it is definitely a lot of work. I love a lot of different hair products depending on what look I am going for so this is a hard one for me. I do love Aveda’s volumizing tonic spray – it’s incredible – I use it on my roots since I have plenty of volume elsewhere, but its great at adding that extra umph to your roots which also allows me to last a few days between blow-outs without going too flat at the roots.  Apparently, its great for people with thin to medium hair too for adding volume all over. I don’t need help there though.

You have interviewed a lot of celebrities throughout your career, what was your most memorable interview and why?

That really is so hard!  Maybe my most memorable interview was the combination of interviews on the red carpet at the Soul Train Awards simply because there were so many stars and it was literally one right after another – not to mention it was the 40th anniversary for the Soul Train brand which was very cool! That night alone I interviewed Marsha Ambrosius, Robin Thicke, Tamar Braxton, Terri Vaughn and many more.  Sometimes I can’t believe I actually get paid to do this!  Here’s the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6QX0h2oAU

What’s next for Melanie Snare? You recently launched a blog, what’s the direction and intent behind it? 

I just recently launched my blog, www.HowSheDoesItAll.com, which documents my life as a family focused and career driven woman walking a thin line between chaos and control simply trying to survive and thrive on a daily basis . . . This blog is my personal attempt at helping others to understand the complexity of being a successful and driven Working Mom, to share my personal secrets and some from others on how to succeed in this conflicting world of chaos that we have chosen, and to inspire people in some form or fashion that it is ALL worth it!  And if you are not a Mom or not even a female – there’s still plenty on the blog for you – we all need a little inspiration in our life! Plus, since my career revolves around sports, celebrities, fashion and entertainment – that will naturally be a major theme throughout the blog.

And I am really hoping to host more shows on the national level this year – that is a huge goal of mine and with that comes the need to grow my “audience” through the blog, Facebook and Twitter. So, please connect with me at www.facebook.com/MelanieSnarePage and follow me at www.twitter.com/MelanieSnare. That would be fabulous!

Getting REAL with Elizabeth Kitt!

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Aquage Illuminating Gelade, Bachelor, Bachelor Pad, ben flajnik and courtney robinson, Bronzed Airbrush Tanning, Elizabeth and Joshua, Elizabeth Kitt, Elizabeth Kitt and Match.com, Jesse Kovacs, Johnson's Light Oil Mist, Kenneth Cole Reaction for Women, L'Anza Healing Strength Silk Serum, LOreal Age Perfect Moisturizer, Match.com, Neutragena Body Oil, Olay Age Defying daily renewal cleanser, Redken All Soft conditioner, Rent The Runway, Renttherunway.com, Sebastian Penetraitt shampoo, SUN Dark by Giesee, SUN Self Tanner, TRESemme Extra Firm Control Hairspray

Remember a brunette Elizabeth Kitt from The Bachelor seeking Jake’s affections? Maybe you know her best as a blonde on Bachelor Pad trying to win $250,000. She didn’t find love or win any money on Reality TV, but she came out a better person because of it!

I started following Elizabeth on twitter about 6 months ago because I loved her story on Bachelor Pad.  I mean, I think we’ve all been mislead by a man at some point in our lives and wanted closure or answers.  She just came across so genuine to me and as I got to know her better through her tweets, I realized all my assumptions were true.  She’s so sweet, so sincere, and definitely someone I would want in my closest circle of friends.

I was really excited to interview Elizabeth because I know she’s happier than ever and in a really great place. I was also anxious to get the inside scoop on what really went down during Bachelor Pad, along with understanding her thoughts about Courtney’s portrayal on Ben’s season of the Bachelor, having gone through it herself.  So THANK YOU Elizabeth for taking time out of your life to share your beauty faves with us.  I appreciate your support more than you’ll ever know. I hope y’all enjoy her interview as much as I did!

Oh, and if you want to get to know her EVEN better, follow Elizabeth on Twitter, @elizabethkitt22

What are your everyday cheapies, products that we can buy at the drugstore that you use on a frequent basis?

Neutrogena has a body oil for about $7, but I’ve always used Baby Oil with Aloe Vera to moisterize my entire body after a shower. It’s cheaper than the Neutrogena Body Oil, and it works better in my opinion!

What are your go to hair products and styling secrets? BTW I LOVE you brunette!

Thank you!! I feel more like myself as a brunette. It’s my natural hair color, AND it’s SO much easier to maintain! Every gal has to mix it up once in her life though, right?! Going blonde was a fun experience; one I’m happy to have moved on from, much like my relationship with Jesse Kovacs! (haha) To answer your question, I LOVE: Sebastian Penetraitt shampoo, Redken All Soft conditioner, L’Anza Healing Strength Silk Serum, and TRESemme Extra Firm Control Hairspray!

What’s your typical make up routine for a quick, everyday look?

I have freckles, so my skin is uneven. I like to use a foundation – always. I feel like it helps to blend my freckles into a more even tone. Powder, blush, mascara, lip gloss. Haha, I wish I could say I’m born with it, but no “It’s Maybelline!”

What are some beauty/make up splurges that you know are expensive but SO worth it?

Professional Shampoo and Conditioner. I cannot use anything else! My hair just doesn’t feel the same without it.

What’s your fave new beauty product/hair discovery?

I just bought Aquage Illuminating Gelade, and I LOVE it! I use it to tame fly always and to define curls right before I use hairspray to finish the look!

It’s finally spring and being tan is important!  What are your fave self tanners? Any Application Tips?

I love to go to Bronzed Airbrush Tanning in Brentwood before Red Carpet events, or big celebrations, but it costs $35 each time. For home use I really like SUN Dark by Giesee! Shower/exfoliate, dry off completely, lotion bottoms of feet, get back into the shower and spray evenly over entire body and face. This stuff smells good, looks good, and lasts about a week!

What’s your signature scent?

Kenneth Cole Reaction

For the past few months, I have been on the hunt for the perfect skincare regime.  What skincare products do you swear by?

I’m on that hunt too – constantly! Right Now, I’m using Olay Age Defying daily renewal to cleanse and Loreal Age Perfect to moisturize. Do I swear by it? No…but it gets the job done.

Your figure is amazing! Does it come naturally or do you have to work at it?

Why THANK you! I wish I could say it comes naturally, but it’s like anything you take pride in, you have to maintain it. Since I started dating Joshua we kind of let ourselves go a little bit! I think it was a combination of being in love, working long hours, and the winter time, but we both totally fell out of our workout routines and it was starting to show!! So last month when we officially moved in together, we made the garage into a fitness gym, and we’ve been getting our bodies back into shape for the summer! I’m noticing that being in my 30′s  makes it EXTRA hard to get it back, so the trick for anybody is to make healthy eating and working out a lifestyle, not a diet!

Online or In-Store Shopping? What are your fave spots?

With my work schedule, THANK GOD for Online shopping!!! I discovered RentTheRunway.com before my most recent Red Carpet event in Vegas, and it was FABULOUS!! I recommend this website for anyone with a wedding around the corner, or any event where you want to look amazing for the night, and send the dress back the next day!

I LOVED you on Bachelor Pad, I think your experience just felt so real and relatable.  I feel like ALL of us have been mislead and broken hearted by a man at some point, telling us one thing and doing another! After watching it with the rest of us, was there one thing that you learned about yourself being on the show going through such a heartbreak? 

Absolutely!! Don’t get me wrong, Jesse Kovaks is a good guy, he just wasn’t the guy for me. I think we’ve all, men and women, been in a situation where one person is into it more than the other. It just so happened that it happened right when Jesse and I were going on The Bachelor Pad. I think he could have been a little more gracious by telling me he was going to be on the show in order to save me from complete meltdown, but it all worked out in the end! I do wish we could have won ONE STINKING COMPETITION, but we made it to every episode which was cool! The reason I was SO EMOTIONAL in the beginning was because I told Jesse I was going on the show, but he lied to me and said he wasn’t going to be on the show. Because it was a competition to win $250,000, I felt like I couldn’t trust him. I’ve never been in love with someone I couldn’t trust, and Jesse was hard to trust. He had a wandering eye, and it was heart wrenching to have feelings for someone I didn’t trust. It made me MUCH more emotional and desperate seeming than I’ve ever been! Anyway, it made for GREAT dramatic tv, and I made certain to find the RIGHT guy for me moving forward, which I have! Trust is everything in a relationship.

You have also been very vocal about everyone passing unfair judgments on the “character edits” of participants on The Bachelor/rette.  Do you think producers took it too far on Ben’s season?  I personally feel like the extreme editing took away from the show this season and I’m hoping they realize it by making Emily’s season more genuine.

I think the show has new producers, and it shows!! Looking back at what The Bachelor started out as in the beginning, and to what it has become is SAD. This show feeds off of destroying a woman’s reputation, and they don’t care what it does to them after the fact! Imagine being filmed 24/7 for 6 weeks straight, being put in uncomfortable/non-organic situations where emotions are involved, and then watching the footage for the VERY FIRST TIME with MILLIONS of viewers and finding out that the only parts people get to see are your most unflattering! The women on the show don’t get paid ANYTHING!! It’s complete exploitation, and you can’t understand it until you’ve gone through it! I don’t think it would be SO bad, but then there are the BLOGS, and the message boards. The things people choose to say about someone they don’t even know is bullying at its worst! It’s sickening because we sign a contract that scares us from saying anything and therefore we have no voice. Be careful what you say, even about a celebrity whom you will never meet. Does it make you feel that much better about yourself to post awful things for the world to read? I feel bad for Courtney. Nobody deserves that.

I also know you have now found the love of your life through online dating!  Was there a specific moment you remember thinking, “he’s a keeper”? Any exciting future plans??

YES!! I can’t believe I met Joshua on Match.com!! But you never know when and where you will fall in love! We actually might have met without Match since we have a group of mutual friends, but for whatever reason we kept missing each other at group parties! Joshua and I met the last week in April 2011, on an unassuming Monday evening. He messaged me on Match, and I agreed to meet up! During our date, I remember thinking “there’s something about this guy…”.  AND he didn’t know that I was on a couple of Reality Shows!! I didn’t tell him until the third or fourth date! ~ To read our story go to http://blog.match.com/2011/07/26/bachelor-star-love-match/. As for “plans for the future”, Joshua and I moved in with each other in February! We live near the beach in Venice, CA and couldn’t be happier! I’ve never lived with anyone, and I can’t believe how much FUN it is!! We make each other dinner, and camp out in front of the fireplace…it’s very romantic! I hint from time to time how I would love to get married and start a family, but it’s not something I need ASAP. We’re enjoying where we are right now! The future is exciting!!

The “Final Rose”

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Bare Escentuals, Bare Minerals Bronzer, Bare Minerals Warmth, Ben and Shawntel, Big Sexy Hair Dry Shampoo, Big Sexy Hair Products, Brad and Shawntel Shopping Spree, CA, Emily Maynard, Emily Maynard as next Bachelorette, Enjoy Conditioner, Enjoy Hair Products, Enjoy Shampoo, Final Rose, Final Rose by Shawntel Newton, LuLu's, Maui Babe Self Tanner, Shawntel Newton, The Bachelor Women Tell All, Trucker in Chico, Viva La Juicy Perfume, YoungBlood Make Up Line, YoungBlood Mineral Make Up Line

Although Shawntel Newton didn’t recieve the final rose from Brad OR Ben, she’s walked away from both experiences a better person with no regrets! I definitely admire Shawntel’s courage to approach Ben during this season of The Bachelor and respect the way she conducted herself when the other girls in the house were out for blood.

I was super excited about my Beauty Interview with Shawntel because she’s full of confidence and so down to earth, just an everyday beauty. She’s such a sweetheart and she’s just the kind of girl you see yourself being friends with! I can’t say enough wonderful things about Shawntel, so THANK YOU for your time and tips! I just know y’all are going to love her interview, so enjoy!

What are your everyday cheapies, products that we can buy at the drugstore that you use on a frequent basis?

Oh goodness, I am a drugstore junkie sometimes with fun cheapies. I love to stock up on my eye shadows. I don’t wear eye shadow very often, but on occasion it’s fun to dress up and make your eyes stand out a little more. I also tend to get all my nail polishes from drugstores! 

Your long hair is gorg, what are your go to hair products and styling secrets?

Well thank you so much! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the product, Enjoy. My hair always feels so clean and shinny after each use.

What are some beauty/make up splurges that you know are expensive but SO worth it?

My bronzer, by bareMinerals (warmth) is SO worth it. It may be a little expensive, but it also lasts a long time. And it’s the best bronzer EVER!!

What’s your fave new beauty product/hair discovery?

Oh, I am SO addicted to the beauty line, Big Sexy Hair…their dry shampoo is AMAZING! I use it every day. You want volume then you want Big Sexy Hair, dry shampoo!! 

Its almost spring and being tan is important!  What are your fave self tanners?

Oh that’s easy…Maui Babe self-tanner is my favorite. I will put a little on and mix it with some hemp lotion to give it more of a natural look.

As I am getting older, the mirror is helping me realize that skin care is super important. What skin care products do you swear by?

This is so true! I try to be very careful with my skin. I use the make-up line, YoungBlood. It’s mineral based and very gentle on your skin.

What’s your signature scent?

My signature sent would have to be Viva La Juicy. I can’t get enough of that smell!! And men tend to be very attracted to that sent

Ok, so I’ve been wondering about how make up translates on tv, all of you girls always looked gorgeous. Did you do anything different for your make up while on tv that you don’t typically do?

Honestly, I didn’t do anything different when I was on the show than I would have done in Chico. I try and have my make-up look more natural. The key is a good bronzer!!!

I just love your fashion because it’s simple yet stylist and looks easy to pull off.  What are your fave stores and jewelry spots? And how AWESOME was your shopping spree with Brad?!?! Do you still wear the clothes you bought?

Oh my goodness, that day in Las Vegas was unforgettable. What girl would not enjoy a shopping spree?!? I had so much fun with Brad going from store to store. I brought home a lot of fun goodies, and YES I do wear the clothes I got from Vegas to this day!! Some of my favorite stores (aside from the ones in Vegas) would be Trucker, it’s a local clothing store here in Chico and you can find anything from comfy clothes, to going-out clothes. I am also addicted to shopping online. Lulus is one of my favorites!

You JUST released your first book, Final Rose. Tell us about the inspiration behind it, why you decided to do it, and what it’s about.

Yes, I did just get my book, Final Rose, published about a month ago. It’s been so exciting hearing from people who have read my book and how much they enjoyed reading it. I really put my heart and soul into that book. It’s a memoir about growing up around the funeral industry. I talk about how I became a funeral director and I open up about my dating life and how that has been for me ever since I became a funeral director. I do talk a little bit about my experience from The Bachelor. I think the best way to put it…it’s like you are reading my diary!

Click on the image of her book below to buy it!

I loved your courage to come back for Ben on this past season of The Bachelor. After watching Ben this season do you think he’s different than he came across to you before he started the show? Do you think he’s in it to really find true love? And did you get any apologies from the women on the WTA that taped last weekend?

That was not easy for me to walk into the third cocktail party and knowing that I was not going to be liked by most of the girls. But I didn’t care. I was focused. I wanted to see if there was something more with Ben and I, and I had to know! So I took the risk and I went for it. I was not expecting it to go as badly as it did! There were some hurtful things that were said about me. And that was not easy. When Ben told me that the reason why he was sending me home was because it’s just not fair to the other women if I stayed, I thought to myself…he’s doing me a favor! I want a man who’s going to fight for me and Ben was NOT willing to do that. I was more upset once I was sent home because I was so exhausted having to defend myself to the other girls, not because I was sad to leave Ben. I think Ben really wants to find love, I hope that he did! You’ll have to watch March 5^th and see what happens on The Women Tell All

I must admit that I LOVED Brad and Emily together and still a little sad it didn’t work out but happy at the same time because she’s decided to be the next Bachelorette. You actually had the opportunity to get to know her off camera, how do you think she will do and are you as excited as I am to watch her?

I am very excited for Emily. I think Emily is an amazing, strong and beautiful woman. She is going to have a great time and I pray she finds the man of her dreams.

Shawntel wrote this to Emily while on The Bachelor, little did she know the truth behind what this would mean for Emily’s future as The Bachelorette!

*All personal photos courtesy of Shawntel Newton. Promo and show pictures via People and ABC.