Tag Archive: sexy

Spotlight on: Laura Corn & Valentine’s Giveaways

My five-year blog anniversary is today, and we’re celebrating with playful pics, saucy tips, and hot giveaways! Just in time for Valentine’s Day…

I recently had the total pleasure of doing a photo shoot for Laura Corn, sex expert, radio personality and author of nine best-selling books on sex, love and intimacy. We were shooting for her latest venture, her new mobile app, 101 Nights – launching soon. I took this opportunity to interview her on her books, her best tips for feeling & getting sexy, and how she got interested in writing about sex in the first place…

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What do you do?
I’m an author of nine best-selling books, and I help couples achieve deeper intimacy through the use of what I call ‘Secret Sealed Seductions.’ My book 101 Nights of Great Sex is loved by over one million couples around the world! I get tickled when I think about Gwenyth Paltrow and Britney Spears being fans.

What made you write your first book on sex?
I was lousy in bed. I wrote my first sex book because I hated sex. I couldn’t have an orgasm with a man! I couldn’t afford therapy so I went to the library & read (and studied) every sex book on the shelves for two years. I taught myself how to orgasm in the library (well maybe not right in the library) and then said, ‘Wow! I know a lot of stuff. I think I’ll write a book.’christa_meola_photographer_new_york_boudoir_nude_33christa_meola_photographer_new_york_nude_boudoir_0011

What’s the central idea of your book, 101 Nights of Great Sex, and how is it different?
My books are unique because they are not books you read, they are books you do. There are 101 Secret Sealed Seductions in the book. Every page is sealed! There are 50 Secret Seductions written for his eyes only and 50 Secret Seductions written for her eyes only. There is also one very special seduction shared by both partners.

Here’s how you play:

Once a week, (or whenever you want to add a little spice to your relationship) you and your lover each pick a sealed page and tear it from the book. There’s no turning back now – and no peeking at your partner’s seduction.  Just follow your secret instructions, and sometime during the week you’ll each be getting an erotic surprise. Talk about anticipation – you’ll both be on the edge of your seats.

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Tell us a favorite inspirational story of someone who’s been helped using your book’s philosophy.
101 Nights of Great Sex has saved a lot of marriages. Its best stated by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Lisaa Rankin, “As an OB/GYN and blogger, 101 Nights is one of my most frequently recommended books. I prescribe it to patients suffering from decreased libido, recommend it to mentoring clients seeking more pleasure, and blog about it as a way to explore the true desires of your authentic self. Plus, (don’t tell my mother!) my own copy of 101 Nights is well loved, tattered, and torn up. My husband thanks you!”

Has anything changed over the years in regards to what people struggle with sex-wise?
For the most part, a low sex drive is really a low desire for the same old thing. Aside from any medical issues someone might have, the sense of excitement, surprise, and butterflies comes from trying new things. There have been so many surveys done on what keeps a long-term relationship exciting, and scientists have discovered that exploration and surprise thrill our sexuality.

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You also have a new app now too right?
Yes, in addition to my books, I’m proud to say that 101 Nights the App is about to be released. This is a mobile App on Apple and Android, which will put the power of my book in the pockets of millions, through their phones.

What inspired you to create the 101 Nights app?
Your beautiful photography, Christa Meola! So seductive! I thought, ‘Damn I need to create a mobile app with your images and my seductions.’ Haha! Which we did! Yay.

Plus, as the world around me grew in technology, it seemed only natural that the ideas and techniques in my book would be a perfect fit for a mobile app. I had map apps on my phone, weather apps on my phone… why not my seduction app? 101 Nights is the world’s most seductive app for couples.

Tap. Tease. Seduce.

It’s a full seduction toolkit, that fits discreetly in the palm of your hand.

It’s really an exciting product.

Thank you Christa!

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What’re your best tips on re-igniting romance with a long-time partner?
Someone has to make a change. When romance and sex stop, its usually because both partners stop nurturing the relationship. Someone has to step up to the plate and get the playdates rolling. That’s why my interactive books are so helpful

How can you best treat your partner to a sexy evening?
Plan it, be intentional, and by all means, build up anticipation. Tell your partner, early in the week that you have a planned a sexy surprise for the two of you for Saturday Night. Keep your sweetie in the dark. Don’t give too much away but drop hints all week long. Every hint allows your partner to relax, and feel special. Your partner will enjoy allowing someone else doing all the work, and feeling truly treasured. Rarely do we get fun sexy surprises as adults.

What is the most essential thing to feeling sexy on the inside?
Believe in yourself. And by all means don’t lose your sense of humor. Laughing and being joyful is sexy at it’s best.

What’s your favorite trick to feel sexy fast?
I put on red lipstick & sky-high heels!

What’s your #1 tip for fellow entrepreneurs who want to write a book?
You have to be passionate about your subject. Passion will carry you far. A book takes a long time to write and even a longer time to publish and market. So if you don’t have passion you won’t go the distance.

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Thank you Laura! And even more gratitude for gifting us with these hot giveaways!

—-VALENTINE’S GIVEAWAYS—-

Giveaway No. 1
A dozen copies of Laura’s best-selling book, 101 Nights of Great Sex

I have a dozen copies of Laura Corn’s best-selling book 101 Nights of Great Sex! Who wants one? Follow me on Instagram or Facebook, Comment, and Tag a friend to enter. Winners will be chosen at random on Vday, and you can comment as many times as you want with a different friend tagged in each comment. You and your friend tagged will both win a signed copy!

“This is not just another sex book. 101 Nights of Grrreat Sex uses ‘secret sealed seductions’ with special instructions for a love task or favor that each partner tears out and completes for one another. Sounds simple but the anticipation and mystery makes even the smallest gestures pretty thrilling.” – Gwenyth Paltrow

Giveaway No. 2
His & Her’s Seductions

If you’re short on time, but still want to give big-time thrills on Vday, we’ve got you covered.
This Rated R giveaway is available for you to instantly download now at the links below.

Warning: Wildly adult content.
For HIS eyes only: Honeylingus & For HER eyes only: The Velvet Tonguechrista_meola_Laura_corn_101_sexy_nights

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Lots of love,

Christa

Chic Brunette, No. 2

Picking up where we left off with Racy Blonde & Chic Brunette, No. 1

Mrs. C ditched the blonde wig and we rocked out the rest of her session together as brunettes. If you take a peek at the previous post mentioned above, you’ll see the same sets – the patterned couch, the bed, the balcony – but all with a different look, in terms of styling, pose, mood, and post. No matter what location I’m shooting in, I hustle my butt off to create variety and tell an interesting story.


That last shot is one of my favs- such a fun and sexy session!

Do you have any Q’s or tips on how to create variety? Share them in the comments! I enjoy hearing from you.

Thank you as always for stopping by and contributing!

Lots of love,

Christa

ps. want to see the inspiration for two of the above shots? Follow me on pinterest, check out my boards, and see if you can spot the shots.

How to Look Great Naked, No. 2

This week, I’ve got my sleeves rolled up and am diving even deeper into writing the new book

I am loving the challenge of pulling forth and putting down all I’ve discovered and learned about how to create stunning photographs of women. The book I’m writing goes beyond photography , to also include how to help women look and feel great by cultivating their sex appeal and coaching a bit of sensuality in their movements in addition to using your photography skills to capture it all.

As we discussed last week in How to Look Great Naked, cultivating sex appeal and looking great naked is not about crash dieting or Photoshop, but rather is about a woman’s attitude, confidence, playful personality, and feeling good in her own skin.

Honestly, that’s 98% of looking and feeling great naked.

So today’s post contains the other 2% to put you over the top with practical and immediately actionable tips to make you look great naked and boost your confidence for when you want to feel simply amazing in your birthday suit. 

How to Look Great Naked, No. 2!

1. Smile and Make Eye Contact
These are two of the most immediate, simple and powerful things you can do (at any given time really). There is nothing quite like the irresistible sex appeal of a confident woman smiling and making eye contact. Nothing else needed. But feel free to read on… 

2. Strap on Your High Heels
Want to add a bit more muscle definition to your legs and instantly feel sexier? Strap on a smoking hot pair of high heels! Obviously, heels make you appear taller (and therefore slimmer, if that’s your goal), but shoes with a slender heel that’s at least 2” high also make the calves appear muscular and much more defined. Nude shoes that match your skin tone are a fantastic choice to make your legs look even longer. However, avoid shoes with ankle straps, a square toe, and chunky shoes which all make legs look wider. Note: of course, this effect only applies when you’re standing. But if you ask me, high heels are the perfect accessory for looking great naked, in any position. 

3. Style Up A Great ‘Do
Everyone knows a good hair day makes a woman feel amazing, so don’t underestimate what a good ‘do can do. When prancing around naked, it’s the one thing you can wear styled, so invest time or money in making it great. Most men love hair that looks shiny, soft and touchable. No time for a polished style? Go for the sex appeal of bedhead. Run fingers through your roots with a scrubbing motion, use a spray wax, spritz all over hair, and then twirl random sections around your fingers. Naughtiness. (ps. I’m loving big hair. The bigger the hair, the sassier and slimmer my body appears.)

4. Get Glowing Skin
When you’re sporting nothing but your birthday suit, you want to make sure your skin feels and looks great. Moisturizing is key. I love Neutrogena Sesame Oil. Not only do I love how it makes my body glow and feel soft and silky, but I’m crazy about the seductive scent as well. A tip: put it on in the shower so it’s absorbed nicely and you don’t end up greasy. Use a moisturizing lotion on your face, and add a bit of  gel stain on your cheeks to get a gorgeous flushed look. Longer term, make sure you’re drinking your 8 glasses a day, exfoliating and moisturizing daily.

Beyond moisturizing, try a tinted moisturizer, self-tanner, or body make-up, which can all hide a multitude of sins, make your bod appear slimmer and give you a healthy glow. Restraint here is a good thing – just enough to give you a healthy glow and make you feel more confident.

5. Find Your Best Light
You can’t underestimate the power of light to flatter a figure. Two things to consider when choosing which light makes you look and feel great naked: the light’s quality and the direction of the source. The most flattering quality of light for your nudeness comes from soft glowing sources, such as a candle, the moon, and pink-tinted bulbs. The least flattering (and frankly, horrifying) light is fluorescent. Yikes.

Ways to create flattering quality of light:

  • Install dimmers. So you can adjust the lights to a level that’s most flattering to your skin and that suits your comfort level.
  • Try candlelight or firelight. The warm glow makes skin look amazing and casts beautiful shadows, not to mention the inherent romantic appeal. Light as many candles to make the room as dim or bright as would please you. 
  • Swap out regular light bulbs for pink-tinted bulbs. Pink-tinted light is the most becoming to skin and casts the most flattering shadows.
  • Place colored plastic gels (pink or orange) over a lamp. You can purchase gels at photography and art stores, or you can use a sheer fabric.
  • Get naked by moonlight. This soft light is another flattering choice with romantic appeal.
  • Go au naturale in early morning light. This scenario is a bit brighter for those who are bolder, but still a soft and flattering even light source.

Ways to position light that flatters:

  • Avoid overhead light. In terms of placement, a light source from behind you, to the side of you, or in front of you are vastly more flattering than the distorting hideousness of overhead light of any kind. Avoid that at all costs.
  • Side light – enhances curves and throws teasing shadows onto other areas. Illuminates less of your body, so it’s great if you’re a bit body conscious and want to have parts of your body “disappear” into darkness. Place lamp to the side of you.
  • Back light – is the least illuminating, throwing your bod into silhouette. Place lamp behind you. 

6. Practice Great Posture
Good posture can take you a long way and is another instant fix to looking great naked. Poor posture sends the wrong message. Excellent posture not only makes you look taller and leaner, it makes you feel and appear more confident. So when we talked about faking confidence until you have it (Tip #2 from last week’s post), this is a great way to do it – through great posture.

Ways to achieve great posture that flatters:

  • Great posture is easy to achieve, but difficult to sustain without constant reminders. Unfortunately most of us go through the day with poor unappealing posture. So practice the following tips while standing in front of the mirror and see how incredibly dramatic the difference is!
  • Stand up straight, pull your shoulders back and down, elongate your neck, tilt your head and chin slightly out and down, pull your stomach in and up and let your back settle into a natural but a bit of an extended arch that pushes out (and plays up) both the butt and chest.
  • Sit on a diagonal, with a slight twist at the waist instead of facing someone head-on. This will naturally cinch in your waist.
  • Place your hands where you want attention to go. If you like your hips, décolletage, or face, put your hands there.
  • When standing, turn a bit sideways, shift your weight to the back leg, and put the other leg out in front of the other, knee slightly bent, and toe pointed, lifting your heel.
  • If you don’t love your arms, position them so that they are away from your body. For example, placing a hand on your hip immediately thins out your arm.

7. Pay Attention to Details

  • Give your hands and feet loving attention. A mani/pedi is a must for good grooming.
  • Style up your nether regions – whatever style (or lack thereof) suits you. 
  • Feel free to accessorize a tiny bit which may make you feel a little less naked, such as a gorgeous statement piece of jewelry on your wrist or around your neck. 
  • A slightly chill room or glass of ice water will do wonders to keep you, um, standing at attention.
  • Lastly, choose make-up to suit your style: minimalism keeps your look au naturale, or you can go bold with smokey smoldering eyes or simply just red hot lips. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below… What’s your single best tip for feeling great in your own skin?

Lots of love and nakedness,

Christa

ps. If ya missed it, here are more great tips on How to Look and Feel GREAT Naked!

pps. If you’d like to get your copy of my book The Art of Boudoir, it’s now available for pre-order!

Smoking and Swinging, No. 2

A swing in Tuscany…







…and if you missed Smoking and Swinging, No. 1, you most definitely want to check it out – it’s been a very popular post.

Two quick bits of news for your Monday…

MODEL CASTING CALL
We’re looking for models and non-models of all ages, body types and sizes for my creativeLIVE workshop in Seattle on Feb 10-12! If you’re in the area and want to be photographed by your’s truly, send a quick note about yourself and a few pics to kate @ creativeLIVE.

PINTEREST
Oh I’ve avoided adding another online addiction like the plague, but I caved and recently started pinning photos to Pinterest. So if you’d like to check out Lighting I Love, Props I Covet, Rocking Pose Ideas, and other fine art boudoir photography inspiration, come check it out and follow me on Pinterest!

Happy Swinging,

Christa

Apertivo Hour at the Villa

Apertivo hour in the Salon at the Villa. Florence, Italy. Sometimes a Party of One is the most fun 🙂











This was another favorite set from my Workshop in Italy! You can see more all week long 🙂

see ya back here soon – bring wine!

x. Christa

Sultry Sunset, Tuscany-style

Sunset in Tuscany is a breathtaking event every night, even from your bedroom window or porch just peering out at the landscape and enjoying some wine. Now if you happen to score a private castle-like villa and sculpture garden with a fantastic nude model — well all the better!

Here are more of my favorites from my recent Italy Workshop that showcase Italy’s stunning light & landscape and the beautiful female figure…












Ah beauty! Italy, cypress trees, stone sculptures, a sunset, 9 of my girlfriends, a beautiful female form, and a camera to capture it all!

It’s all so divine, I can almost forget the swarms of mosquito’s.

Still itching and scratching,

x. Christa
ps. check back for more deliciousness on the blog all week and next from Italia!

Smoking Hot Summer in Italy!

I’m back from an amazing and memorable summer in Europe. From Florence to Venice, Paris, and back to Tuscany – the trip was INCREDIBLE! Like any good working vacation, it was full of good friends (old and new), lots of photography, inspiring art, divine food, wine, new experiences, a TON of laughter, and just a full-out f’g GREAT time!

The Italy Workshop was beyond my wildest expectations and one of the best times I’ve ever had with some of the most beautiful talented amazing women I’m happy to call friends. It was a full-on women’s dream retreat, and I can’t wait to do it again next year! Here is the first set of pics that I shot during the workshop…









I’ll be blogging all of the Italy Workshop pics over the next two weeks, ending with a DELICIOUS GIVEAWAY with goodies straight from Italia!

So keep your eyes glued to this space 🙂

THANK YOU to the amazing women who enjoyed a wonderful week in Tuscany with me – You made it what it was, and always remember… “It’s ITALY, bitches!”

lots of love,

Christa

Passion at Musee Rodin, Paris!

Just got back from an incredible two-week vacation – 3 beautiful carefree days in Venice and 11 glorious day in PARIS filled with art, fashion, food, wine, photographs, and everywhere – l’amour! My awesome friend Natasha met me there for the most girly-girl trip ever! A blissful indulgent holiday that brought me offline and back to everything I love.

One of the standout experiences for me was the Musee Rodin. The emotion in every sculpture, the gorgeous soft colors and light, the sheer beauty and passion filling up this historical space & garden… it was almost too much to bear. Thank goodness I was allowed to use my camera.

Here are some of my favorite moments, colors, and moods from Musee Rodin.

Here’s a shot my friend took of me looking out at the inspiring garden of Musee Rodin. It’s blurry, but I love it anyway!

I’m back in Florence and getting ready to welcome the gals for our week-long Fine Art Nude Photo Workshop & Retreat starting this Sunday!  And even though my bum is seated at my desk in this villa in Italy, my mind keeps wandering back to Paris!  Bear with me 🙂

lots of love and inspiration!

x. Christa

Red Hot Mama

Monique, a mother of two, celebrated her birthday with a sultry-themed photo shoot as part of a sexy weekend getaway with her husband in NYC! Our boudoir shoot was like Carnivale in Venice and Burlesque in Paris all rolled into one tantalizing show!

Monique almost convinces you that she’s sweet towards the end here 🙂

Almost 🙂

After the shoot, we celebrated with Hot & Dirty Martini’s and oysters… a perfect finish to a raw and sensual day 🙂

Salute!

x. Christa

Masked!

I’m jumping on a plane bound for Italy in a minute, but wanted to share a favorite sexy moment from Friday’s shoot in NYC!

Ciao ciao! more sultry mystery on the blog soon 😉

x. Christa

 

Good Kitty Cat

It was just another day on set with a good little kitty cat. Most of the morning was spent feeding.
Awwww how cute. Until…

…this happend…

…and suddenly this little kitty becomes less kitty and more TIGER!…

…that’s okay, a good cub owner can quickly turn the tables and a “cat & mouse” game ensued…

…after a morning of feeding and fun & games, it was time to show our sexy stripes!…


MeeeeeOW! Awww, good kitties. Enormous thanks to Mr. David Yang for setting up this fab & fun shoot.

To check out embarrassing behind the scenes shots of me being silly with a tiger cub (like this one) and shots that didn’t make it to the blog, be a cool cat and LIKE my FACEBOOK Fan Page.

Thanks gorgeous,

x. Christa

 

Nude Photo Workshop & Retreat in Italy!

All NEW! For Women Only!
NUDE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP & RETREAT
with Christa Meola

Florence, Italy | September 4th – 9th

I am SO FREAKING EXCITED to announce my ALL NEW ITALY WORKSHOP! I designed this event to be an empowering and sensual experience unlike any other! This is more of a RETREAT than a workshop. I can think of few things more fun than getting together a small group of super sexy soul sisters to enjoy a week-long all-inclusive female photo-fest in an Italian Villa. Space is very limited.

This is a unique event & one-of-a-kind learning opportunity! Sleep & eat in a beautiful historic 15th century villa with me as you complete a stunning portfolio, work with fashion models & nude figure models, create beautiful photographs, explore Italy, and eat up & drink in all that LA DOLCE VITA has to offer!

Be inspired by the art, history and beauty of Florence, as we explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Tuscan countryside and the villa’s expansive estate.

Each day will include shoots and focus on a different aspect of photographing women and building a successful business.

You will receive personal coaching from Christa while you shoot and be granted use of all images for your blog and portfolio. Christa will share in-depth info on how to work beautifully with natural light, the art of coaching & posing models, creating high-end sets & styling, creating amazing relationships with clients, pricing, post production, branding & more. Film and Digital photographers of all levels are welcome.

Room and board are included. You will be Christa’s guest at a beautiful historic private villa and enjoy authentic Italian meals and dinners on the town. Think divine combinations: Italian cheeses & antipasto, Butter & Sage Ravioli, pizza & wine, fruit & espresso, chocolate &… well chocolate!

Lastly, can you handle even more sensual awesomeness headed your way?!

As Christa’s gift to each woman…

ALL ATTENDEES will receive a MINI-BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION with Christa!

SOLD OUT

 

 

“Worth every penny. This is the workshop for those who want to stand out in the photography community.”
Allie Lindsey, Temecula, CA

“Best workshop I’ve ever taken!!!! Anyone who asks me I tell them it’s SO worth it! Sign up!”
Shani Barel

“It’s the 1st workshop I walked away from saying how wonderful it was & that it was worth every single penny.”
Stephanie Piscitelli, Bridgewater, MA

“Christa’s workshop blew me away!… an amazing experience!”
Rita Spevak, Chicago, IL

“I had my highest portrait sale ever of $4,700 thanks to Christa!”
Lisa Roah, Orange County, CA

“Best money I’ve ever spent on my business. Period. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Erin Nelson, San Francisco, CA

“I more than doubled my income! Attending Christa’s workshop changed my life.”
Robin Hultgren, Walnut Creek, CA

“EPIC!!!! I have a new outlook.”
Melissa Lin Huddlston-Smith, Moreno Valley, CA

“I have been on fire since the workshop! It kicked my creativity and inspiration into overdrive!”
Jill Amanda, Santa Barbara, CA

See CHRISTA’S PORTFOLIO, read the REVIEWS, check out THE VILLA, and SIGN-UP NOW!