So before the leaves disappear and the holiday season takes over, here are five things we think deserve a spot on your 2026 fall calendar:

1. Throw a Favorite Things Party

Girls’ night, but make it fall. Invite your favorite people over, pour the fall cocktails, and have everyone bring a few of something they absolutely love to exchange.

It’s easy, so much fun, and doubles as surprisingly good research for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. If you’ve never hosted one, our Favorite Things Party blog walks you through exactly how it works — plus a few of our favorite finds under $25 to inspire you.

2. Spend a Fall Day at Cox Farms

Is it really fall in Northern Virginia until you’ve spent a day at Cox Farms?!

Grab the family or a group of friends and make a day of their fall festivities: pumpkins, farm animals, slides, apple cider and plenty of quintessential fall fun. Check out Cox Farms and grab your tickets before you go so all that’s left to decide is who you’re bringing with you.

3. Hike Riverbend Park

One of the best parts of living in the DMV is that you don’t have to go far to get completely surrounded by fall color.

Head to Riverbend Park in Great Falls for a hike along the Potomac, take in the changing leaves, and enjoy one of those perfect crisp fall mornings before it gets actually cold. Check out the park’s website before you head out to pick your trail on AllTrails and plan your visit.

4. Refresh Your Makeup Routine for Fall

Your wardrobe gets a fall refresh, why shouldn’t your makeup routine?

This is the perfect time to swap out your summer look, learn a few new techniques, and finally figure out what to do with the products sitting untouched in your makeup drawer. Book a one-on-one makeup lesson with MAB Artistry and we’ll help you create a look that works for you — and, most importantly, teach you how to recreate it yourself at home.

5. Start a Fall Book Club

Consider this your excuse to finally start the book club everyone keeps talking about.

Pick a few friends, choose a night, add wine and snacks, and suddenly you’ve got a standing girls’ night for the coziest months of the year. And you don’t even have to figure out what to read first — we put together a fall reading list to help you pick your first book (or five).

Make the Most of Fall 🍂

You don’t need to pack every weekend with plans to have a memorable season. Pick a few things that get you outside, give you an excuse to spend time with your people, or let you do something just for yourself.

Five ideas, one very good fall. Now get them on the calendar before holiday season takes over!

The post The MAB Fall Five: 5 Things to Do in the DMV This Fall appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

It’s also perfectly timed before the holidays. You’ll get tried-and-true ideas for Christmas gifts, Secret Santa exchanges, and stocking stuffers straight from the people who already love them.

How a Favorite Things Party Works

Ask each guest to choose one item they genuinely love that costs $25 or less, then bring three of that exact item to the party.

When everyone arrives, put each person’s name into a bowl three times. One at a time, guests share the favorite thing they brought (bonus points for giving the group the full sales pitch on why they love it) and draw three names.

Those three people each go home with one!

By the end of the night, everyone leaves with three new goodies to try, plus a running list of things they suddenly “need” and probably a few ideas for people still sitting on their Christmas shopping list.

What Should You Bring?

This is where the party gets fun because there are basically no rules beyond the price limit.

Your favorite thing could be:

Something practical: The viral makeup bag that somehow holds your entire life, your favorite travel organizer, the portable charger that lives in your purse, or the water bottle you bring everywhere.

Something for beauty: A TikTok-famous lip product, your holy-grail mascara, the hair product you recommend to everyone, a mini perfume, or the skincare find you’ve already repurchased three times.

Something cozy: A candle, fuzzy socks, a cute mug, your favorite tea or coffee, or the hand cream permanently sitting on your nightstand.

Something delicious: Your favorite fancy chocolate, seasoning blend, hot sauce, coffee syrup, snack, or another little treat people might not normally buy for themselves.

Something funny…but genuinely useful: Gas-X because sometimes the best gift is being able to debloat after a flight. 😂 Electrolyte packets, stain-remover pens, wrinkle-release spray, emergency fashion tape. All those random things that aren’t glamorous until you desperately need them.

And pay attention to what gets the biggest reaction: you might just discover the perfect stocking stuffer for your sister, gift for your best friend, or little add-on for someone who’s impossible to shop for.

The best Favorite Things aren’t necessarily the prettiest ones. They’re the things that make everyone at the party immediately say, “WAIT… I need that!”

Give It a Fall Girls’ Night Feel

You don’t need elaborate decor to make this one feel special. Lean into cozy fall hosting with candles, a seasonal cocktail or mocktail, a grazing board, easy appetizers, and a playlist everyone knows.

Set up one designated spot for everyone’s Favorite Things so guests can see what people brought without immediately knowing who brought what.

For drinks, think apple cider spritzes, espresso martinis, cranberry cocktails, or a simple wine-and-bubbles setup. Add a few fall florals, warm candlelight, and cute cocktail napkins and you’re done.

Make the Reveal Part of the Entertainment

Half the fun is hearing why someone chose their item.

Have each person reveal their Favorite Thing and give everyone a quick pitch. How did they discover it? Why do they love it? Why does everyone else need it?

This is especially entertaining when someone passionately explains a $12 household item like they’re presenting on Shark Tank.

Then draw the three names and hand out the goods!

A Few Of Our Favorite Things Under $25

Need a little inspiration? Here are a few things we actually love! From beauty finds to random products you never knew you needed.

Topicals Slather Exfoliating & Smoothing Bar
An everything-shower upgrade that exfoliates and smooths rough, bumpy skin.

ARCH&M Japanese Exfoliating Washcloths
Extra-long, super exfoliating, and SO satisfying. One of those random Amazon finds you’ll wonder how you lived without.

Araza Mango Cream Color Pot
An easy, blendable pop of color for both cheeks and lips. Pretty, practical, and perfect for everyday makeup.

Mocado LED Travel Makeup Mirror
Compact, rechargeable, and has built-in lighting with 1X and 10X magnification. Hotel bathroom lighting could never.

Zeelooroo Travel Jewelry Organizer
Keeps your necklaces and jewelry separated while traveling, because no one wants to spend vacation untangling necklaces.

Josie Maran Hydrating + Cleansing Body Wash
A little everyday luxury that smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Viral LV-Inspired Makeup Bag
The TikTok-famous makeup bag that gives major designer vibes without the designer price tag. Cute, practical, and holds way more than you’d expect.

Extra-Large Long-Handle Lint Roller
A giant lint roller for floors, rugs and furniture. Is it glamorous? No. Will you become obsessed with it? Probably!

Everyone Leaves With Something

A Favorite Things Party gives you everything you want from a fall girls’ night: good food, drinks, laughs, recommendations from people you actually trust, and a few new goodies to bring home.

Plus, you’ll head into holiday shopping season armed with a whole list of friend-approved gifts and stocking stuffers, which might be the real win here.

So text the group chat, set the $25 limit, tell everyone to bring three of their Favorite Things, and prepare to leave with a much longer shopping list than you arrived with!

The post Host the Fall Party Everyone Will Love appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Books:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

2.Strangers by Belle Burden is such a powerful, can’t-put-it-down read, especially for women. It’s emotional, thought-provoking, and one of those books that stays with you long after you finish.

4.If you’ve seen the show, trust me – the book, The Deal by Elle Kennedy is even better! You get so much more depth with Garrett and Hannah, and their story just hits differently on the page.

5. Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings is extra special because it’s something you can read with your kids (maybe 5th grade and up), but it also opens the door to deeper conversations. It touches on themes of friendship, peer pressure, and doing the right thing (even when it’s hard), making it both engaging and meaningful to experience together.

7.No one does summer quite like Elin Hilderbrand, especially in Five Star Weekend. Between the Nantucket setting, unforgettable friendships, and plenty of drama along the way, this is the perfect book to toss in your beach bag and get lost in for an afternoon.

10.A huge favorite with my book club, Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Meyers had us laughing, reflecting, and talking long after we turned the last page! Heartfelt and full of unexpected twists, it’s the perfect summer read about second chances, friendship, and finding the confidence to step into your own story.

Let me know what you’re reading this summer! I’m always looking for my next read 🤍
xo, Ana B.

The post Ana B’s Summer Beach Reads appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

1. Host a Fall Soirée

Bring the season to life right at home with a fall-inspired gathering. Think warm candlelight, cozy textures, and a charcuterie board that feels almost too pretty to touch. We shared a little inspiration on our recent Instagram Reel and blog post— proving that hosting doesn’t have to be complicated or over the top. With seasonal cocktails, rich fall colors, and good company, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable evening.

2. Go See a Show at The Kennedy Center

A night at The Kennedy Center is the perfect way to dress up, unwind, and soak in a bit of culture. From Broadway favorites to symphonic performances, the venue always delivers an unforgettable experience. Ana recently saw The Sound of Music and couldn’t stop raving about how magical it was. Add it to your list for a romantic date night or a girls’ evening out — it’s a quintessential fall outing that feels just the right amount of fancy.

3. Start a Book Club

Cooler weather calls for cozy rituals, and there’s nothing better than gathering your friends for a good book and a glass of wine. Choose something from our Sweater Weather Reading List to kick things off, then rotate hosts and genres each month. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, connect, and carve out time for something that’s just for you.

4. Visit Cox Farms Fall Festival

If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, nothing beats a day at Cox Farms. It’s a Northern Virginia fall staple for a reason — think hayrides, pumpkin picking, giant slides, and all the apple cider and kettle corn your heart desires. Whether you bring your kids or go with friends for a carefree day, it’s an instant mood booster that captures everything we love about autumn.

5. Hike at Great Falls

Few things compare to the beauty of Great Falls in the fall. The golden leaves, crisp air, and sound of rushing water make it one of the DMV’s most scenic escapes. It’s the ideal weekend reset — take a slow morning, grab a latte, and enjoy one of the many trails that offer stunning overlooks. Pro tip: go early to catch the soft morning light (and avoid the crowds).

6. Go to Night of the Living Zoo

Halloween season gets a sophisticated twist at the Smithsonian’s Night of the Living Zoo. It’s an adults-only evening with live music, themed cocktails, and costumes that go way beyond your typical spooky party. With the zoo as your backdrop, it’s a night that’s equal parts festive and unique — a must for anyone who loves a reason to dress up and celebrate.

The season is fleeting, but its magic lingers — in the laughter, the golden light, and the little memories made along the way. What is your favorite thing to do in the fall in the DMV?

xo, The MAB Team

The post 6 Local To Do’s This Fall! appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Whether you’re planning a friends’ night in or a backyard gathering, here’s a peek at how we created our chic, autumn-inspired evening — and how you can recreate it, too.

1. Setting the Mood & The Décor

When it comes to fall entertaining, atmosphere is everything. We wanted our soirée to feel warm, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant — a space where guests could laugh over wine, graze on beautiful boards, and wrap up in cozy throws as the sun set.

We layered in all the textures that make fall feel so good: soft plaids, neutral pumpkins, dried leaves, and gentle candlelight. Tables were lined with mini pumpkins, flickering flameless candles in votive holders, and touches of orange and cream plaid in a cute table cloth – the perfect balance of rustic and refined.

A curated playlist of acoustic favorites and soft indie songs (you can find plenty of “Autumn Chill” playlists on Spotify!) played in the background, setting a relaxed yet upbeat mood.

2. The Food Spread: Yummy Eats Made Easy

We kept the menu simple but stunning with help from Wegmans catering. Their options made it effortless to serve crowd-pleasing favorites that looked as good as they tasted.

Here’s what we served:

-Sushi platters for something fresh and unexpected – a MAB fave every get-together!

-Mini sandwiches filled with turkey & brie, roast beef & horseradish, and pesto veggie.

-A charcuterie board overflowing with cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruits.

-Seasonal salads with roasted vegetables and cranberries for color and flavor.

The food table doubled as part of our décor — we used wooden boards and textured linens to give everything that elevated “effortless hostess” look.

The Sweet Touch: Our S’mores Board

No MAB soirée would be complete without a signature dessert moment — and our s’mores board stole the show. Guests roasted marshmallows over the firepit and got creative with their combinations.

Our favorite board additions:

-Graham crackers (classic and chocolate)

-Assorted cookies (fudge stripes or oreos)

-Milk, dark, and white chocolate bars

-Marshmallow fluff spread for a decadent topper

-Reeses Chocolate for an elevated chocolate center

We displayed everything on a large wooden tray, creating a look that was both beautiful and inviting. It was the perfect way to wrap up the night — a little nostalgic, a little gourmet, and a whole lot of fun.

3. Our Signature Drink: Fall Sangria 🍎

We wanted a drink that felt festive but easy to batch — something that guests could sip all evening long. Enter our Fall Sangria: a mix of crisp apple cider, Sauvignon Blanc, a touch of bourbon, and slices of fresh fruit.

What we mixed:

-4 cups apple cider

-1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc

-1 cup bourbon (we used Four Roses for a sweeter addition -adjust to taste)

-1 apple and 1 orange, thinly sliced

-3–4 cinnamon sticks

We combined everything in a large pumpkin pitcher, let it chill for a few hours, and served it over ice. The result? Cozy, spiced perfection.

Non-alcoholic twist: Use sparkling apple cider instead of wine and skip the bourbon for a family-friendly version that’s just as delicious.

4. Hosting Tips from Our Team

A few takeaways we’ll be using again (and again!):

-Prep everything early so you can enjoy the night — assemble boards and chill sangria before guests arrive.

-Layer your lighting — mix candles, string lights, and lanterns for a soft, flattering glow.

-Keep bugs away with citronella torches and bug spray to keep away any lingering mosquitoes .

-Keep the playlist going — music is key to keeping the energy warm and inviting.
 

Our fall soirée reminded us that you don’t need a special occasion to celebrate — just good friends, good food, and a little creativity.

Here’s to savoring the season, one cozy gathering at a time.

xo, The MAB Team

Fall soirées aren’t the only thing on our list this season! Ready to explore all the cozy, colorful fun the DMV has to offer? Head over to our blog to see 6 Local To Do’s This Fall — the perfect companion to your next pumpkin spice moment.

The post Host Your Own Fall Soiree appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Reads:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

1.The Many Lives of Mama Love is raw, emotional, and powerful—perfect if you’re into memoirs about reinvention, resilience, and real-life redemption arcs.

2.If you’re in the mood for sweet sisterhood stories and a behind-the-scenes look at growing up in a famous family, Sisters First is a warm and nostalgic pick.

7.The Glass Castle is one of those wild, real-life stories that’ll have you saying “wait… what?!” every other chapter—and still leave you inspired in the end.

10.Obsessed with a twisty thriller? The Silent Patient will have you turning pages all night trying to figure out why she stopped speaking—and what really happened.

Add even more books to your TBR list with Ana B’s Cozy Season Reading List!

The post Sweater Weather Reads appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

1.You Get All the Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Photographers focus on the big shots, filled with glamour and edits. Our content creator captures the more candid moments & helps you create fun & easily resharable reels!

2.Content You Can Post Right Away

No waiting weeks for galleries—your unedited photos and videos are delivered within 24-48 hours. Perfect for sharing on Instagram stories, TikTok, or your business page while the excitement is still fresh.

3.More Freedom for Your Photographer/Videographer

We’re not here to replace your photo/video team—we’re here to complement them! Our creator stays in the background, getting extra content without interfering.

4.Raw and Real > Posed and Polished

There’s something special about raw footage—it’s authentic, emotional, and totally you. We highlight the real moments you’ll want to remember.

5.A Dedicated Eye for Social-Worthy Shots

Our content creator knows how to find the lighting, angles, and details that look amazing online. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes bestie who just happens to have a great eye.

6.Perfect for All Types of Events

From weddings to corporate retreats, birthday bashes to branding shoots—if you’re making memories, we’ll be there to help you share them.

7.Easy to Repurpose for Reels & TikToks

The content we deliver is ideal for quick edits, highlight reels, and social storytelling. Great for brides, brands, and anyone who loves a good montage.

8.You’ll Actually Be in the Moment

Instead of asking your friends or team to capture clips on their phones, let us take over. You stay present—we’ll get the shot.

Bonus: It’s More Affordable Than You Think!

With multiple packages to choose from, our content creation service is designed to fit different events and budgets.

Ready to capture it all? Whether you’re walking down the aisle or unveiling your brand, we are here to document the magic.

Click here to learn more and book your event coverage!

Still not sure? Schedule a 15-minute consultation here to ask our content creator, Karolina, all your questions!

The post 8 Reasons To Add Content Creation To Your Next Event appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the List:
one | two | three | four
five | six

1.This galvanized tub by Better Home & Gardens does double duty as cute decor and perfect storage for drinks at your summer get-togethers!
2.Every party needs a charcuterie or veggie board and this rustic serving board will give perfect summer vibes to your spread.
3.Cute and functional, this oval rattan caddy is perfect for holding silverware at your summer parties – and way better than storing in a cup!
4.Being outside is a must at summer parties, so light up this 8-wick citronella candle that will also help keep mosquitoes away.
5.Enjoy wine and mocktails out of these chip and break resistant glasses from Crate & Barrel – perfect by the pool or with littles running around.
6.You won’t have to worry about your nice china breaking at parties this summer when you swap them for these melamine dinner plates from Crate & Barrel.

What are some of your summer hosting must haves?

Xo, The MAB Team

Get summer break ready with Ana B’s Beach Reading List!

The post Summer Hosting Must Haves appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Shop the Books:
one | two | three | four | five
six | seven | eight | nine | ten

1.I’ve shared The Wedding People before, but it’s such a great beach read I had to share it again! About an unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people she meets that helps her start anew, this is a super easy read because you won’t want to put it down.
2.The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is a classic must read for everyone! This book has helped transform lives of people of all ages and career paths – and it’s one that I frequently look back to as a refresher for when I feel stuck in a rut.
3.When I say this book kept me up way into the middle of the night because I had to know what happened next – I’m not lying! The Housemaid Is Watching is so packed full of tension and twists that you won’t be able to put it down.
7.This inspiring memoir, In The Country We Love, about immigrants hits home for me since I come from the Latin community and is a must read! This book brought forth so many emotions and is hard to read, but is so important – especially with recent current events.
10.The Messy Truth is like your no-filter bestie in book form—funny, honest, and totally bingeable.You should toss it into your beach bag because it’s the perfect mix of real talk and feel-good vibes while you soak up the sun!

Let me know what books are on your reading list that I have to add to mine!

xo,
Ana B.

Want more summer inspo? Head to my Swimwear Essentials for suits you’ll love to wear!

The post Ana B’s Beach Reading List appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.

Decorations That Won’t Break The Bank

Cute decor doesn’t mean having to spend a ton to decorate! Make your party space on theme with fun balloon hearts hung on the wall and heart streamers dangling between. Elevate your tablescape by topping a white tablecloth with a deep red cheesecloth to add texture and color and scatter heart-shaped votives between dishes. Simple on theme touches will make your party look fun and chic!

Sips & Snacks

A party is never complete without some tasty treats and drinks! For galentine’s day, lean in to chocolatey treats and savory options that are easy to eat while socializing and playing games. Some of our favorites:

–Sushi Board – an assortment of raw & cooked rolls and sashimi
–Breakfast Board – small pancakes/waffles with toppings & bacon or sausage
–Dessert Board – brownies, cupcakes, chocolates, and candies, oh my!
–Hummus & Veggie Tray – your favorite hummus with veg and crackers for dipping
–Fruit Skewers – make them more festive by cutting the strawberries into hearts
–Tea Sandwiches – little finger sandwiches with various fillings

Make even your drinks look on theme by tying a red or pink bow to each glass and filling with a pink drink like rose prosecco or aperol spritzes!

Aperol Spritz
-2 oz. Prosecco
-1.5 oz Aperol
-Splash of Soda Water
-Orange slice or Orange peel
-Optional: Olives

Add all ingredients to a glass with ice and garnish with either an orange slice or peel. Make it feel like you’re in Italy by adding an olive or 2 as is tradition!

Get Crafty and Playful

Who doesn’t love playing games with friends?! Games are a great way to kick off your Galentine’s Day celebration and get everyone laughing and bonding! Start with Meet-and-Greet Bingo to break the ice and get to know fun facts about your friends while the party gets underway. Then, get competitive with a round of Galentine’s Scattergories, where everyone will race to come up with answers that fit quirky categories. Test your rom-com knowledge with Movie Matching by matching iconic movie quotes to the correct romantic comedy, and end with some laughs in Musical Cups—a fun twist on musical chairs where the last person standing wins! Get a box of chocolates or a mini bottle of champagne as a gift for the winners of each game to make it even more fun!

Find all the printable games here for free to use for your party!

Wrap up the party with a fun and creative activity like candle painting? Get some taper candles and acrylic paint, and each guest can create a one-of-a-kind piece! Set up a table covered in kraft paper to protect the surface from paint spills, and for an extra theme touch, paint white XO’s all over the table cover. Not only will the candles serve as beautiful decor, but the painted table will tie everything together, creating a charming and memorable end to your day!

Get glammed up for your party with our MAB Artists or add group makeup lessons for a fun addition to the party! Book using code GALENTINES for a special 15% off!

The post How to Throw a Chic Galentine’s Day Soiree! appeared first on Makeup by Ana B.