Giveaway from The Colorful Gator!

By: Lauren Gonzalez

The Colorful Gator, a sweet little boutique in Gainesville, Fla., is offering all of us Cupcakes a chance to win a FREE Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarf!


Once they hit 1,000 fans on their new Facebook page, they’re randomly select a fan to win the scarf.

If you don’t have one of these scarves already, let me just tell you, they are life changing. They’re 51% silk and 49% cashmere...aka the softest accessories in my closet. I own two and I wrote them all summer long and plan to tie them a little tighter for the upcoming chillier weather.


Help out our friends at The Colorful Gator by liking their Facebook page. You can also shop with them online , follow them on Twitter @ColorfulGator and their blog.

Check out how they styled outfits around these ultra chic and soft Murfee scarves on their blog:

Help cupcakeMAG Win!

Naya asked cupcakeMAG editor, Casi Densmore-Koon to participate in Naya Shoes Renew Your Soles to celebrate America Recycles Day! Casi was asked  to style 5 looks around ONE pair of Naya Shoes which she received when she donated 5 pairs of unwanted shoes! So, we took our favorite pair - the Kasha Bootie in Oxford Brown grabbed cupcakeMAG's Editor Assistant, Katie - and Casi got to work styling 5 looks. But, we need your help! Read on to get the details and please VOTE on Facebook for Casi!

Take a look at the 5 looks styled around the Kasha bootie!

After you browse the looks PLEASE head over and LIKE Naya Shoes on Facebook, scroll down and VOTE Casi Densmore-Koon! It automatically enters you to win a pair of Naya shoes -- 5 Facebook Fans will be winning so enter now and vote for us! Pretty please? 

Vote here now! 

Don't mind the iPhone pics. 

We are on a busy schedule around here and were on a time crunch to quickly pull the looks together!

Thank you Naya shoes for our Kasha bootie and asking us to participate! 

Want to get the looks? Stay tuned! Tomorrow we will give you all the details so you can! 

Tell us: Which look is your favorite?

And, don't forget to vote! 

Sponsor LOVE! Plus a Summer Giveaway!

We love our sponsors. ALL of them. But, we have to say -- we are pretty obsessed with this one. Have you noticed The Monogram Merchant on our side bar? Well, if you haven't you are missing out on some serious goods. They are the go-to place for all of your must-have personalized goods...oh, let's not mention, gifts galore! The Monogram Merchant is the perfect place for gifting - you just can't go wrong. 

The cupcakeMAG Editors' pick for this month is their Fabulous Flower Tote ($89) that comes in an array of gorgeous colors - just perfect for your summer vacay. Lucky for our readers we are giving away one to YOUR in your color of choice! We are sure you will LOVE it.

Enter to win below! Can't wait? Head over to The Monogram Merchant now to get your shop on! Don't forget to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter too! 

Want to be a cupcakeMAG sponsor? 

It isn't just ad space. 

Sponsor dedicated post, weekly Facebook & Twitter mentions too! 

We have a few spots left at our super-FABulous discounted price! 

Email us for all the details: cupcakemag@gmail.com

The One & Only Kim of The TomKat Studio plus a giveaway!

Oh Kim. How we love you? Let us count the ways. Yes, we absolutely adore Kim of The TomKat Studio. Let's be serious here....how could you not?

Kim Stoegbauer doesn't need an introduction. But, for those who aren't familiar with the name - Kim is the amazing & talented Designer and Editor of  The TomKat Studio. Kim is also one of the sweetest ladies we have worked with and we are truly thrilled to share our chat with you + thanks to Kim - giveaway a $50 shop credit! If you have never browsed The TomKat Studio - it is sure to be a favorite now. We guarantee it! 

{Read all about Kim here.}

{1} Tell us about how you started The TomKat Studio and where the name came from. 

In December of 2008, I made the decision to leave my real estate career to stay home with my two little ones. Staying home allowed me more time to focus on creative projects and crafts. We decided to turn an empty room in our home into a craft studio for me to play in. Shortly thereafter, I decided to start a blog to share decorating, crafts, baking and party projects I was creating. I called the blog "The TomKat Studio", named after my kids Tommy & Kate. It quickly gained a loyal following and before I knew it, my readers were asking me to sell the party items that I was making for my own kids' parties! I opened up the Etsy shop in March 2009 and it has continued to grow and grow. I couldn't be happier working from home, doing what I love and also being there for my family. 

{Kate's Fairy Garden Party}
{Vicki Lynn Photography}

{2} Your blog is filled with amazing ideas, parties, designs. It is just so pretty to look at - great eye candy! Do you have a favorite party you have worked on so far? Favorite collection?

Oh...it's so hard to choose! I have been so lucky to work on over-the-top parties for my own children, as well as styled photos shoots for designers, magazines and HGTV. I would have to say my favorite party would be my daughter's 3rd birthday, which was a Fairy Garden theme. The colors were so vibrant and fun. It was first fully styled dessert table and the response from our readers was incredible! 

{A beautiful theme inspired by Barbie}
{Vicki Lynn Photography}

{3} Could you share with us a few must-know party tips? 

1. Choosing a Theme :: When planning your child's birthday party, always take a cue from what he/she loves. Choose a color scheme or theme based on your child's favorites. If your child is old enough to have an opinion on what type of party he/she wants, decide on the theme together. You can create a beautiful elements for any theme, even if your child prefers a certain character. For example, my daughter wanted a Barbie party this year. She chose between a fashion theme {inspired by Fashion Fairytale} and a mermaid theme {inspired by A Mermaid Tale}. She picked the fashion theme and so we went with a pink, black & white French theme. The only actual Barbie elements were the cake and the music!  

2. Make Lists :: While you don't need to write down every little detail {the party should be fun for you, too!}, keeping lists of tasks that need to be completed, shopping that needs to be done is very helpful during the planning process. Don't wait until the day before to prepare everything for the party. Do as much as you can in advance! 

3. Create a Timeline :: Have a general plan of the order of events, to keep things moving along during the party. Be sure to come up with a couple fun activities to keep the kids busy in addition to serving cake and opening gifts. 

{LOVE these Free Printables Kim designed for Kate Lander's post over at Layla Grayce}

{See the post + download them now}

{4} As a mom, how do you balance work & family? 

I believe that balance is an ongoing process. I do my best to give my attention to my family when they need it, and to my business when it needs it. Both seem to be constant! I have come to realize that I can't do all by myself. I have help with my business {three amazing assistants} and plan on adding help with my household duties soon. On a sidenote, one thing that can go the wayside is adding "me time" to that balance. Allocating time for myself to relax and enjoy is one of my priorities right now. As working mommies, we need to take some time out to rejuvenate and refresh. 

{DIY Party Project: Mini Cake Bunting Tutorial & Free Printable Alphabet Pages}
{Image by Laura Winslow Photography}

{5} What party trends do you see for 2011? 

1. The Full Package :: Most of customers are inspired by the parties they see on our website. They want to recreate the party they have seen showcased and therefore want the entire party package along with resources for everything from the desserts to clothing. The TomKat Studio aims to provide all of the vendors so that our readers can easily access the amazing vendors we use. 

2. Cake Pops :: Everyone loves cake pops, so I think they will continue to gain popularity and become a staple at birthday parties! Thanks to Bakerella for creating such a yummy, festive treat! Isn't it amazing that they are even sold at Starbucks now?

3. Birthday Cakes with Mini Cake Bunting :: This trend is popping up everywhere these days. We created a free printable files with lettered flags in a variety of colors last year and it has been an incredibly popular download!

{The SO Sweet Lollipop Collection}
{Image by Laura Winslow Photography}

{6} Currently, in your Etsy shop, what are you favorite items?

My favorite collection will always probably be our Lollipop Collection. I originally designed the invitation, party circles & favor tags for Kate's 2nd Birthday. It was one of the first collections that I offered in the shop and it was published on many fabulous party inspiration websites including Hostess with the Mostess and Amy Atlas Events. It continues to be our best selling theme.

I also LOVE the our Alice in Wonderland inspired collection. The photos of the collection are from an incredible photo shoot by Laura Winslow, that I styled and featured the party collection in. It was our first of many collaborations and will always be a favorite!

{Pretty cakes from The TomKat Studio's Pretty on Pinterest series}

{7} When you have the time what magazines do you love to read & blogs do you love to browse?

I love to snuggle up with great magazines. I always browse my Martha Stewart Living from cover to cover the moment it arrives. Martha is such an inspiration to me, as both a creative genius as well as a savvy business woman. I adore Celebrate magazine by Phyllis Hoffman. Not only because I was just featured in it {yippee!} but because it is filled with amazing entertaining ideas and gorgeous photography. I recently received a copy of Summer with Matthew Mead and nearly fell over in my chair with the turn of each page. The styling and photography in every feature is absolutely beautiful. 

As far as blogs, I following tons of entertaining blogs, including great inspiration sites like Hostess with the Mostess and Amy Atlas. I also love home decorating blogs like Decor8, HGTV and HomeGoods Open House. To get my crafty fix, I love House of Smiths and Tatertots & Jello. 

{Kim was recently showed off in Celebrate Magazine. Check it out here}

{8} What is up next for your FAB empire :) 

Let's see....what's next? More styling, more party designs and more fun! I have little dreams and I have big dreams. I will just continue doing what I love and I know things will fall into place!

1. I love sweets.

2. But, I've been eating way too many.

3. I love margaritas. 

4. But, I've learned not to tweet after cocktails.

5. I love taking pictures.

6. But, I don't know how to use Photoshop.

7. I love to inspire.

8. But, I hate being copied.

9. I love my work.

10. But, I love my family even more! 

{The Blog}

{Shop on Etsy}

{Facebook}

{Twitter}

{READ ON!}

Enter to win a $50 shop credit to The TomKat Studio! 
{Giveaway has ended! Winner was #52 and was announced on Twitter}

NEWS FLASH! Head over to Sugar Loco NOW...

You know how much we LOVE Sugar Loco so you know we LOVE this giveaway! 

We had to bring it to our readers attention STAT! 

The lovely Jenny has a signed copy of......drum roll please.......
the Sandra Lee Bake Sale Cookbook up for grabs on Sugar Loco.
We know! FABulous right? 


It is SO easy to enter the Giveaway - just "Like" Sugar Loco on Facebook and leave a comment here. Doesn't get much easier! You can even do it with a cupcake in hand.

How much do we love Sugar Loco? See here.

We LOVE LaunchHER! Enter to win ONE amazing giveaway!

If you have always been a reader of cupcakeMAG - you are sure to know our love for LaunchHER.

Lucky for you, this Friday will mark LaunchHER's 100th {freshly launched} feature, and they are already celebrating! 

So how are they celebrating? ONE lucky winner will receive an entire {swag} bag with over $700 in products from amazing women owned brands. All you have to do is leave a comment over on LaunchHER.

Pretty awesome right? Happy Monday and lots of love to our ladies at LaunchHER for showing off some of our favorite brands! 

Go ENTER now! 

AND.....

Like LaunchHER on Facebook.

Follow on Twitter.

Check out their blog.

Get launched! 

SHOW THEM SOME LOVE! 

Annette Tatum Giveaway for cupcakeMAG readers! Win a Queen Duvet and Pillowcases of choice!

As a follow up to our fantastic crib-set giveaway last week on cupcakeMAG for Littles - we didn't want our cupcakeMAG readers to feel left out.  So, BIG THANKS to Annette who has has kindly offered one more giveaway this Spring! Only this time it's just in time for Mother's Day! Win it for yourself or give it as a gift for Mother's Day!

We can't wait for one of our readers to win a Queen Duvet of choice plus a set of standard pillowcases.

{Please keep in mind delivery will take 4-6 weeks as duvets are made-to-order.}

Make sure you check out our chat with Annette here! {just in cased you missed it!}

Enter below.....you don't want to miss this giveaway!


{THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THE WINNER was announced VIA Twitter} 

Editors' Pick: In Love with Clairebella plus a giveaway!

Thanks to Layla Grayce we were introduced to the lovely, Kathy Denness of Clairebella.  Kathy brings us "beautiful products for stylish living" and we just can't get enough of the collection of goodies. And, well - she is just the sweetest!

{Kathy of Clairebella}

Our favorite? We absolutely adore their super-stylish trays. Just in time for the entertaining season, they are beyond perfect to serve your guest or to keep on display. We love it on our desk too! It is the perfect place for papers.

{Super-Stylish Melamine Personalized Zebra Tray, $43}

We are thrilled to let you get to know her just a little bit more. Check out our chat with Kathy below and enter to win $100 to get your shop on!

{1} Tell us about Clairebella and what inspired you to begin the biz.



Initially, Clairebella started as a baby products business. I was a stay-at-home mom and always had an entrepreneurial bug. I was living in Australia and started with hand-painted kid's furniture. When I moved back to the US, I saw an opportunity to launch Clairebella. The company is named after my daughter, Claire. In 2009, we moved from moses baskets and soft goods to the personalized line we have now. We really found our niche and the line took over- to the point that it didn't make sense to try to continue with both. We now have a juvenile products license with David Textiles, who produces Clairebella fabric by the yard, burp cloth sets and blankets.

 {2} What is your all time favorite item?

{the cutest personalized cell phone cases from Clairebella on Layla Grayce, $52}

I would have to say our new product, the cell phone cases.

{Clairebella Cutting Boards - you may notice the one above from the April issue of Southern Living}

{3} What is your best seller?

Also the cell phone cases. Our glass cutting boards are close behind.


{4} When you aren't working on the latest and greatest things for Clairebella, what can we find you doing?

A morning run on a nice day is heaven to me.

{We LOVE this Place Setting for our Littles}

{5} What has been the biggest challenge having your own business?

Prioritizing your life can be a challenge. It is definitely a balancing act and when you are wearing so many hats, you have to be organized with your time. I am an artist, so organization is not my strongest point. I couldn't live without my iPhone calendar alerts!


{6} What tips do you have for other starting their biz?

Seek out someone in your industry, if possible, who can be a mentor. Always be open to learning new things. Just when you think you have all of the answers, something changes. Being open and flexible versus rigid in your business plan will help you to adjust quickly.


{7} What is up next for Clairebella?
 
We will have some exciting new product additions later this year, but that is hush-hush for now :). Suffice it to say, we would love to expand into broader product categories and see our patterns all over the house!
 

{Who doesn't love writing notes in style? Personalized Clipboards make perfect gifts too!}

Ready to browse around? Head over to Clairebella and shop the collection on Layla Gracye! Also, make sure you follow Clairebella on Twitter and Facebook!
 
Enter the Clairebella giveaway below! You can use the $100 Clairebella gift certificate on Layla Grayce!

{THE GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND ANNOUNCED VIA TWITTER.}
 

cupcakeMAG LOVES Heather of Chickabug!

When we came across Heather of Chickabug's Party Idea Blog we immediately fell in love with amazing inspiration and beautiful work! Heather's blog is the perfect place for all things party & pretty. 

We are thrilled to share Chickabug with our readers! Enjoy the giveaway too! 

{Heather of Chickabug}

{1} The Chickabug blog is just FAB! You could browse it for hours. What got you into blogging such great things?

Thanks, Casi! That means so much coming from you! : ) I actually started blogging a few months into running my Etsy shop so that I could post pictures of the things I was making. Back then I was so naive that I had no idea that party blogs were such a big deal. I just posted whatever party photos customers sent me, along with random things that caught my eye on Etsy or in the blog world. That's still what I'm doing, actually -- just on a larger scale! I also make sure to include LOTS of party photos and LOTS of details about sources since I now know that's what readers are looking for.

{DIY Easter Candy Celebrations}

{2} When you aren't designing  your uber-cute personalized goods on Etsy, what can we find you doing?

It's so basic, but my favorite everyday activity is just walking my dog, Charlotte. Spoiling the heck out of her is one of the simplest joys in life! I also love to cook -- I make banana-chocolate chip muffins that would knock your socks off.

{cupcake water bottle labels, personalized from Chickabug's Etsy Shop}

{3} Do you have a favorite party you have custom designed for?

My all-time favorite party is the Sweet Shoppe party that I worked on with Shelley from How Does She. Not only was the party STUNNING thanks to Shelley's amazing eye for detail, but more important, we became friends through working together. She's been a really positive presence in my life ever since then, and has cheered me on every step of the way. So, the Sweet Shoppe party has to be tops, just because of her!

{Invitations by Chickabug for the Sweet Shoppe party}

{4} Do you have a favorite party you have featured on the blog?

My most recent favorite was the sock monkey party that was put together by Susan Gentile for her one-year-old son, Alexander. I've been lucky enough to work with her on a few parties now, and they always gain a lot of attention thanks to her gorgeous photos! It's really such a compliment to her that people write me and request items straight out of the pictures.

{the cutest sock monkey party!}

{5} What other blogs/sites do you often frequent or just have to read?

Oh, there are SO many good ones out there! For parties, I love Birthday Girl, Kara's Party Ideas, Pizzazzerie, and Kate Landers Events, LLC. 

I also never miss a post by How Does She, Glorious Treats, or Mini Eco. And for comic relief, you can't beat Cake Wrecks.

{TONS of FREE printables on Chickabug!}

{6} Where do you pull inspiration from?

My customers! I've been a designer for a very long time but had no idea how sophisticated today's party scene is when I started creating invitations. So I really mean it when I say that everything I've learned about children's parties comes straight from my clients! Every theme I've designed and every item I offer has been developed on request. There's a story behind just about everything, and some of my most popular themes were actually designed with one specific child in mind -- so for me, it brings back great memories to browse my shop.

{Custom stickers you can find in the Chickabug Etsy Shop}

{7} Do you have any party tips you can share for making it a super success?

Plan well in advance, and plan with your guests in mind. Coordinate a few fun games or activities, and set up little areas so that guests can move around the party and have plenty to do. Adding lots of personalized, special details to the day is important, but it's even more important to make sure that everybody has a fabulous time -- the hostess included! 

{Under the Sea birthday party}

{8} What is up next for Chickabug?

Hiring help, definitely! Right now I work alone, so the next step is going to be finding someone to help out -- even if it's just to to tape up packages for me a couple of nights a week!

All Things Chickabug!

{Blog}

{Etsy Shop}

{Facebook}

READ ON TO ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY THANKS TO CHICKABUG! 

Sponsor Week starts with this Sweet Shoppe: Firefly Confections

We first met Sandy when she made us beautiful shabby chic silhouettes cookies for our First Birthday Feature - it was love at first sight. We adore Sandy and bakin' biz, Firefly Confections!

Want to sink your teeth into the most delicious chocolate chip cookie you have ever had?

Check out Sandy's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies - they are simply divine. 

Make sure you check out the NEW Firefly Confections blog to see their first post & win a FABulous giveaway! AND read on below to enter our FABulous giveaway too! Who doesn't LOVE sweets?

All Things Firefly Confections

{Facebook}

{Twitter}

{Blog}

Sandy's sweets are almost tooo pretty to eat! 

We drool over everything bakes!

Birthday, Wedding, and even Logos! Sandy does it all.

Giveaway below for our cupcakeMAG readers! 

Want to be a cupcakeMAG sponsor? 

It isn't just ad space. Sponsor dedicated post, weekly Facebook & Twitter mentions too! 

We have 3 spots left at our super-FABulous discounted price! 

Email us for all the details: cupcakemag@gmail.com 

{GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN.}

Announced on Twitter.