Sunday, October 31, 2010

Who looked FAB-BOO-LOUS?!

We saw some faboolous Halloween costumes over the weekend! But, these by far -- beyond cupcakeMAG approved!

Make-up artist/hair stylist to the stars, Cassi Hurd channeling Madonna circa 1980!

Princess Lolly from Candyland
Our very own writer, Jenny Ford AKA Marge with her hubs, Homer!



Another one of our FAB cupcakeMAG writers, Candace & her hubs as The Queen of Hearts & The Mad Hatter! 

Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween Glamour!

By Candace Cabrera Moore - Contributing Writer/Fashion Week Correspondent 



Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so with that in mind and with Halloween just around the corner, we implore you to dig in your closet and become your favorite reality star for Halloween! 

Kardashian Sisters
We love the Kardashians and think Kim, Kourtney or Khloe would be great for Halloween. Start by pulling together two of your closest girlfriends and don long, black wigs, smokey eyes, nude lips, some bronzer, loonnnng lashes, and blush. For Kim, her signature looks is an oversized handbag, leggings, boots, a tank, and a blazer (or, if you’re heading to a snazzier party, wear a body hugging dress!). Don't forget your bottles of QuickTrim!!


Real Housewives of ....
We get great entertainment out of the Real Housewives series and all are equally fabulous. Jill Zarin would be a great housewife to impersonate for Halloween. For Jill, it is all about the hair! Get a great strawberry blond wig with bangs, and add some eye liner and bright lipstick. Jill is often seen running around in cocktail dresses and sky high heels (or you could wear a figure skating outfit!). Bring along a chihuahua (stuffed animal, of course) and call her Ginger!

Rachel Zoe
We love tuning in to The Rachel Zoe Project and getting swept up in her world of couture. It is fabulosity at its best! Start with a wavy blond wig, add powder and a touch of lipstick. Don't even bother doing anything to your eyes, just put on the biggest pair of sunglasses you can find. Put on your highest pair of heels, bell bottom jeans, and then a button down shirt with a faux fur vest, and a long coat to finish it off. The best part about a Rachel Zoe costume is that you really can't over do it- the more, the better, so pile on the necklaces, rings, and bracelets! Make sure you have a big handbag and carry a venti starbucks cup for added effect! You will totally SHUT IT.DOWN.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Men of Style!

You know them, we love them & their style. The world famous Guncles from Tori & Dean's Home Sweet Hollywood has now made another name for themselves - oh so stylish men! We were beyond excited to sit down and chat with them about their style and so sweet Simone


 

We do think you both have great style! Do you choose your clothes or do you have a stylist ? (or maybe Tori helps along the way...LOL) 

Thanks! We choose our own clothes - With our favorite finds coming from H&M and inexpensive vintage shops in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. (Although we'd LOVE to have a stylist someday!)

What does every guy need to have in their closet?

Every guy needs Vans in their closet in all styles and colors. We wear them to events and dinners as well as everyday life.

Do you have a skincare routine? Products you can be without? 

Actually yes! We use the "Perfect Skin" line from the Kardashian's... 

How would you describe your style? What would you say is different about each others style?

Bill's style is a vintage tshirt, jeans. Scout's is a go-to black tshirt or v-neck, jeans or military style pants (because a busy dad needs all of those pockets!)


Where is your all time favorite place to shop?

Our all time favorite place to shop is the Goodwill and Salvation Army where Scout's mom lives in Pennsylvania. The tshirts we buy there for $1.00 would be $70-100 in a boutique in Los Angeles.

Your precious little Simone is uber-stylish herself. What are you favorite things to put her in? Favorite brands? 

Simone is our little fashionista in training. For casual, we love to dress her in L'ovedbaby - their clothes are super soft and cozy. We also love H&M Kids and the vintage pieces her Aunt & Godmother Tori buys for her.


How has your life changed since Simone? 

Well for starters, we're so beyond super happy! We've always dreamed of becoming dads and so it feels natural for us to be parents.

My girls happen to have a fabulous Guncle. Did you ever think you would be so well known for that title you both hold? Did Tori come up with that title? We love it! 

Tori did. We love that we can show people that our family is just like theirs. Our fans give us big hugs when we see them out and about and we enjoy meeting everyone so much!

What upcoming projects can we look forward too? Can we hope for a "Guncle" reality show on your life because that would be amazing! 

We would absolutely love to do a Guncle spin-off show (wink, wink!!) Don't forget to keep up with everything "Guncle" by visiting our website GunclesOnline.com!!!!!


{ALL} things Guncle! 
{scout on twitter}
{bill on twiter)

Stay tuned for them on the next season of 
Tori & Dean's Home Sweet Hollywood! 
We just adore those Guncles! 



Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Shasta's Beauty Product Of The Week... Fabulous Lip Gloss!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director



Hello fabulous lips!  Fantastic lip gloss that hydrates as well as it is aesthetically pleasing is hard to come by, but Pure Color Gloss from Estée Lauder does just that, providing fantastic color and finish, while keeping my lips looking healthy.  My favorite color, of the 34 fabulous shades to choose from is Tempting Tearose.  Here are all of the fabulous details from Estée Lauder:


34 Seductive Shades, 3 Brilliant Finishes and a Custom Collection by World-Renowned Makeup Artist, Tom Pecheux
Estée Lauder introduces the next generation of color with high-impact glosses that drench lips in enviably chic shades. Lasting shine, maximum moisture and three multi-dimensional finishes combined with vibrant color and nuanced tones, set the stage for a modern, sensual look. A special collaboration of six fashion-forward shades by Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux folds into the irresistible collection of bold, juicy hues and subdued neutrals, redefining color for lips. Experience a collection of rich attitude and saturated color by Estée Lauder.
34 BOLD, SEDUCTIVE SHADES
• Exclusive
True VisionTM Technology wraps pigments in a crystal-like coating to provide intense, brilliant color and shine
• A subtle to high-impact color palette ensures a shade for all skin tones and desirable lip looks
• Smooth, even pigments impart a soft, fullness to the lips
• 34 sleek shades of natural nudes, edible berries, seductive reds and sensual plums
3 LUXURIOUS FINISHES
• From a soft satin shine to an energetic sparkle, these three distinct finishes glide onto the lips to draw maximum attention:
SHINE
: Color-true pigment polymers deliver an ultra shiny, glossy finish
SHIMMER
: Finely cut pearls provide a mirrored shine with fierce shimmer
SPARKLE
: Super high-shine fused with high-powered metallic sparkle for the most dramatic look
INFINITE MOISTURE
• Vitamin C and Vitamin E moisturize and help protect lips
• Multi-functional humectants enhance lips’ emolliency and moisturization leaving lips immediately soft and hydrated
• Over time the condition of the lips improves, feeling and looking younger and healthier
LIGHTWEIGHT, COMFORTABLE TEXTURE
• Non-sticky, non-tacky formula leaves lips beautifully cushioned
• The new flexible, precision applicator delivers the perfect opacity in an even and fluid application
• Exclusive signature fig scent
Suggested Retail Price
: $20.00

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Heading Out in Classic Camel

By Candace Cabrera Moore - Contributing Writer/Fashion Week Correspondent 








Switching out fall's dark colors for neutral shades of classic camel can be a welcome change. The warm, buttery color is a great alternative to drab grey pieces or black staples we usually see for fall. The best part about this neutral color is that while it is currently trendy, it is actually nothing new. Camel has always been a very classic color. You could do head to toe hues of camel (think dark, caramel colored, wide leg, high-waist wool pants, with a cognac belt and a fitted, light camel, long-sleeved tee), or you could incorporate camel colored accessories as a contrast to classic black. This is an elegant look that is here to stay!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Sandra Lee is Semi-Homeade

Sandra Lee is a name we all know and love. You all may know her as the host of two highly rated television shows on Food Network - Semi-Homeade Cooking with Sandra Lee and Sandra's Money Saving Meals - she also host Sandra Lee Celebrates on HGTV. We were so lucky to sit down with the internationally- acclaimed home and food expert, not to mention a semi-homeade goddess! Check out our chat to see just what she has been up to, how she does it all and what to expect for the future. 


cel


You have written 20 books, host two incredibly popular Food Network shows, and are editor-in-chief of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade magazine. You accomplish more in a year than most people accomplish in their whole life! As an incredibly busy person, how do you manage the work/life balance that everyone strives for?  


My work is a huge part of my life, but at the same time, I do not consider it work because I love what I do. I really do live my life the Semi-Homemade way. Not only is it a practical way to cook, it is a lifestyle that allows you to live your life simply and to the fullest. Using savvy shortcuts gives you more time to spend with your family and loved ones, which is something I truly cherish.   

When do you find the time to write your books or create recipes or material for your shows or magazine? 


I am always thinking about the consumer: what does he or she need to make everyday easier and more enjoyable? I always think about my sister Kimber or my best friend Colleen, both who are amazing mothers balancing work and family. If an idea won't work for them, I won't do it. Even if I am out having dinner at a fancy restaurant, I like to see how I can transform this gourmet, restaurant-cooked dish into something that can be easily made at home with ingredients you can just pick up at a local grocery store.


It must be said, you're incredibly beautiful and always look amazing. Do you have any semi-homemade beauty secrets you can share with our readers? 


Thank you! I use beauty and body care products that you can typically find at any drugstore or department store. I love Loréal makeup, and I rely on Lubriderm to keep my skin soft and moisturized. Of course, another part of looking good is eating healthy, which should not require you to spend hours in the kitchen or a fortune at the supermarket. When you're shopping, you can buy the lighter versions of full-fat products. When you cook, use methods like steaming, poaching and broiling to reduce the use of fat. Be selective about starches - choose good carbs like whole grain breads and pastas. Most of all, enjoy what you eat.

If everyone had to have 5 ingredients stocked in their kitchen at all times what would they be? 

One of my favorite shortcuts is using Bisquick, which saves all the time you spend mixing flour, baking soda, salt and shortening. It's super versatile, so you can make deep dish style pizza, chicken pot pie, breaded pork chops, cupcakes, cookies and so much more. I also like to stock up on ground sausage in the freezer to substitute ground beef because it has so much more flavor. A diverse supply of seasoning also easily helps turn bland meals to brilliant. McCormick has a great line - their pumpkin pie spice is my go-to seasoning. Stock up on frozen vegetables and refrigerated mashed potatoes, which are easy side dishes that help complete any meal.  

Do you have a favorite recipe or a favorite episode on the Food Network from Semi-Homemade?


I am thrilled with the new episodes of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, which premiered on September 12. I also always have tons of fun doing my Halloween episodes - it is my favorite holiday and I get to dress up in all these amazing costumes. You'll have to tune in to see what I have in store for you this year. 

Your involvement in several charitable organizations such as Unicef and God's Love We Deliver (and many others), as well as your spokesperson status for Share our Strength's Great American Bake Sale and Operation Frontline is admirable. How do you decide which organizations to become involved in, and how has this changed your life?


It is so important to give back. I grew up living on welfare and using food stamps to put dinner on the table for my younger siblings, so I know firsthand just how much charity can help. I am very passionate about Share Our Strength, which involves Americans to work to end childhood hunger. No child should be growing up hungry. I'm proud to be a part of Share Our Strength, and it's made me even more appreciative of what I have today.


How can we find out more about these organizations or become involved?


You can easily find out about Share Our Strength and other organizations on their websites, which are linked from my own website, www.sandralee.com. I encourage everyone to get involved - a little goes a long way.

What is up next for you? 

I'm currently busy working on my two new cookbooks, Semi-Homemade Comfort Food and Semi-Homemade The Complete Cookbook, which will be released in the fall. Semi-Homemade The Complete Cookbook is my biggest cookbook yet, with 500-plus pages of all-time favorite and brand new recipes. Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee will also be re-launched in September. This time, I will be using 70% FRESH ingredients and only 30% pre-made ingredients in my recipes for healthy and delicious meals. There is a lot to do, but it is all very exciting.  




1. I love Mexican food.
2. My favorite color is white.
3. I grew up in Washington state.
4. My Grandma Lorraine who raised me is my biggest inspiration.
5. I am the big sister of 5 siblings.


All things Sandra

Sandra was so kind to send us a few of her latest cook books that we are just dying over along with her latest magazines! Rush out now and grab her Halloween issue -- it has some great ideas if you are throwing a Halloween bash and some awesome recipes! We truly thank Sandra for everything - she is an inspiration to us all!



Thursday, October 21, 2010

Bloggers We Love: Liz Franco of SrslyLiz

By:  Elizabeth Seever
BLOG: SrslyLiz.com

Writer: Liz Franco

Why we LOVE: Her style posts are fab, her link bytes are silly and inventive, her food posts make us hungry and her mom is so sweet!! Oh and her dog is lovely.
CupcakeMag: How did you get started with your blog? 
Liz Franco: I started my blog in October of 2008 and it started out as just a way to infuse both my passion for writing & to keep family and friends in the loop. I never would have dreamed I'd be this immersed in the blogging community...but I'm glad I am.

CM: How many readers do you have on average a month? 
LF: As of today I have 360 subscribers & average about 6,500 visits to my blog per month. I think its nuts that 360 care about what I have to say. It's extremely flattering and I'm grateful for all of my readers.

CM: What blogs do you have in your google reader? 
LF:I don't user Google Reader! I used to, but it became extremely overwhelming. I subscribed to so many blogs and would have several hundred posts to read daily & I just couldn't keep up with it anymore. Now I just keep a list of my daily reads {which you can find on my blog} and make a point to visit new blogs every day. If you leave a comment I am sure to go and take a look at your site too.

CM: Did you go to college? 
LF:After I graduated high school I went straight to a 4 year university to get my Communications degree, but left after one year. My whole academic life I'd been sort of a nerd--honor courses, straight A's, etc. but once I got to college I felt burnt out. I just didn't feel like college was right for me and was prepared to educate myself in whatever I chose to do.

CM: What is your inspiration for blog entries? 
LF: I'm inspired by people & things in my every day life, other bloggers, music & good design. If there's anything I feel strongly about it usually makes it onto my blog.
CM: What do you do in your free time? 
LF: I enjoy reading, riding my bicycle, going on adventures with my mister, hanging out with friends, football season & cooking up new recipes. Also, all of my freelance design work is done in my free time. I'm a very busy bee!

CM: Do you have a guilty pleasure? 
LF: Absolutely. Gossip Girl, indie pop-punk & potato chips--just to name a few :)

CM: Describe your style.
LF: I would describe my style as something along the lines of comfortable chic. I love dressing up & wearing heels but 90% of the time I'm happiest in a vintage sundress & my moccasins. I'm excited for Autumn because it's my favorite season to be styled in. Dresses + tights + boots + cardi's. I can't wait!


CM: What is up next for you? 
LF: My main goal at the moment is to finish preparing my online vintage shoppe Little Gray Suitcase and launch in early October. (editors note: it opens tomorrow!!) I've been working on it for months & it's although it's been a lot of work, I'm having a lot of fun taking on this new direction in my life & career. Even if I never sell a single thing it won't be a waste because I've learned so much about starting a business and myself in the process.
CM: What tips to you have for other bloggers to "make it" in the blogging world? 
LF: The one thing I can't stress enough is to be yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in the narcissism that is inevitable in The Blogosphere. By being yourself and coming up with original content, that will come across to people and they will keep coming back for more.
Liz's workspace

Ten Things on Liz:

1. I am 100% Mexican & speak fluent Spanish
2. I have a strange phobia of two things; roadkill & praying mantises 
3. My favorite food is mashed potatoes
4. I am terribly bad at math
5. My dog looks like an ewok
6. My favorite color is seafoam green
7. I name mostly everything, including my car {Ariel} & my bicycle {Lily}
8. I'm a super girly-girl but am also a huge sports fanatic. My favorites are football & hockey.
9. Tequila shots are my favorite.
10. I'm the oldest of 5 girls & am very close with my family. My mom is my best friend.

Alexis Bellino, Wife, Mother, Reality Star and Designer!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director





All of us at CupcakeMAG fell in love with Alexis Bellino and her heart of gold when she was introduced to us as “The New Housewife of Orange County” on Bravo’s hit series “Real Housewives of Orange County”.  
Bar none, Alexis has NO agenda, only wants the best for her marriage, her children, has the kindest heart, and I am GENUINELY blessed by this interview!

First of all, thank you for the interview you and congratulations on your new dress line!  You always look so pretty, stylish and confident. What was your inspiration to start designing?

Well thank you for the compliment! My main inspiration in starting Alexis Couture is two-fold: First, I wanted to make fashion EASY for the busy mom (and non-moms!!) who needs to grab ONE item from her closet and go, and two, I want to bring the couture feeling of fashion to women  at an expense everyone can afford. 



When will your new dress line be available? 
January 2011.



Where will our readers be able to purchase your collections?   

Always on my website alexis-bellino.com, but also in a few stores and boutiques that will soon be announced!  

How is the new season of RHOOC going?  Assuming that you are filming anyway!   


Honestly?  Just kidding!  I actually feel that I learned so much last year about myself, and each of the women that I feel the season is going well! I'm not saying it is drama-free, but I am saying that IT'S GOING TO BE GOOD!

Is there a moment from a past season of RHOOC, that you were in, that is your favorite?  


I think the moment that I prayed for Vicki's daughter. That was such a tough scene for all of us, none of us expecting that argument between Vicki and I to occur. So when it did, and I realized that the focus was being shifted from Vicki's precious daughter to our own dispute, it felt good and right to take the matter back to Briana (Vicki’s daughter). That's really what life is really about - staying healthy and your children.

How are your kids? What are their ages now?

 
My kids are fabulous! They make me smile and keep it real for me!  My son is 41/2 and my twin daughters are 3 yrs old in November!  Although my son acts 34 and my twins are the most emotional little things I've ever witnessed! 

What is your favorite part of the day with your kids?  


Definitely breakfast.  It's the one meal during the day that EVERYONE is in a good mood, including me (lol), and I just love waking up and all five of us having breakfast together! I usually cook, they are only allowed cereal one day per week, so the rest of the time it's fun to have them help me make French toast, eggs, oatmeal etc! 

How is Jim?  Do you two still go on regular dates? 


My honey is doing so well!  We make it a weekly requirement to spend one dinner a week out alone, getting to reconnect, discussing our exciting endeavors, discussing our kids (of course!) and just relaxing while someone else can cook the darn meal! LOL!

You have gorgeous skin, what is your skincare regimen? 


Thank you again!  I wash every morning, and every evening. I use a skincare line from Cosmeticare, called Vivite with a couple other products from them Intracueticals and Neocutis. It's important to always wash, tone, and moisturize several times a day! Plus you always have to remember to pay special attention to your eyes-they need extra moisture and care! And drink WATER!!

Do you wear foundation?  Our readers are always on the hunt for a great foundation. Is there one that you love?  


I never used foundation BEFORE Housewives! I do use two different ones now: On camera I use Smashbox High Definition Health FX foundation. Off camera I use Urban Decay Surreal Skin to Powder Foundation.     

I really admire how open you are about your Faith, have you thought about writing children's books based upon Christian principles?  


I feel that faith is important because it helps remind us this life is not about us, it's about what is next to come. Faith is what keeps me going every day of my life. When times get tough, it seems it would be so easy to fall into the trap of "victim", however with a strong faith, it makes it easier to know you are not alone and God will always meet you where you are.  I have absolutely thought about writing a children's book based upon Christian principles. 

Can you tell us what other plans you have on the horizon for 'Alexis'? Will jewelry become a part if your line?  


Diamonds are a girl's best friend!!! The great part of "Alexis Couture" is that there are many embellishments on some of the dresses that allow me to still fill that jewelry aspect as well! My focus is on my dress line right now because I want to perfect it before I move onto other entities of Alexis Couture. It could EASILY be another facet of Alexis Couture in the future.

What are 10 things that our readers may not know about you?    

 
1. I love Coffee Bean over Starbucks.
2. I sleep on my stomach more than my back.
3. I HATE road rage.                                                                       
4. My dream is to be on Dancing with the Stars (on ABC) OR hosting it!                                                                       
5. I have a lips gloss addiction.                                                          
6. I am a list girl. I have bought every type of PDA, electronic organizer, my phone etc, and I ALWAYS go back to my notebook and post-it notes. It drives my hubby CRAZY!
7. I am scared of heights but love roller coasters, explain that one to me! 8. I suffered from Postpartum Depression after my twins.
9. I LOVE a good bargain!!!                                                             
10. I eat tuna out of a pack for lunch probably twice a week- for convenience and it tastes good!!        


In the next few weeks we will be bringing you all the behind the scenes details about Alexis Belino’s new dress line and all of her upcoming projects, so stay tuned! 
Thank you to Alexis for being such a breath of fresh air, you are such a doll!

Off Topic…
Want to know more about Alexis?  Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and of course her website!
Alexis, can you tell Jim to tell my Jer where to order a fab monogram pendant like yours?  I really NEED that up in my life, this girl loves bling and anything monogrammed and THAT features my babies’ initials!  SO please do let Jer know where to order that pendant from and I cannot wait to place my order from your new line!  Xoxo
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