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cupcakeMAG readers the time has finally come -- we are moving on over now to cupcakeMAG.com! 
Please book mark it ASAP as we will NO LONGER be updating here AT ALL.

We are tying up loose ends right now but stay tuned -- the new site is launching today!

As soon as it's live we will give you little update so you can subscribe to our new site as we no longer will be on blogger. We can't wait for you to see it!

Missoni Does it Again!

By: Lauren Gonzalez

A year ago, I was out shopping with my mom for a new tote bag that would fit my laptop. I had already done the sorority tote bag and the Longchamp and I was looking for something unique, but not too flashy. The search went on and on until we wandered into a little luggage and gifts store.

In the very back of the store, I stumbled upon one bag that stood out from the rest. It was a Bric's bag in the ornamental signature print. It was different, well-made and perfect for toting around my laptop, folders, books and more!

Out of curiosity, I recently searched for Bric's online and stumbled upon their collaboration with Missoni! I can tell you from experience that to own a Bric's bag is to love it. The quality, durability and style is unmatched. Paired with Missoni prints, I couldn’t help but oogle with amazement!

Travel in style with rolling duffels and carry-ons, or maybe ask Santa for the laptop case? I haven’t been this excited since Missoni collaborated with Target!

What do you think of the luggage line? Love it?

Must-Have -- Rings that Give Back!

We can thank The Real Housewives of Orange County, Alexis Bellino for connecting us with one FABulous small biz. Holly Freese is the Founder and Designer behind some pretty amazing bling - Expressions Rings of Hope. 

Black Cowboy Swarovski Ring $40 
As seen on Alexis Bellino 

Not only is the Focus Ring ($40) our go-to accessory for everyday (because it pretty much matches anything & everything) but it also supports a good cause. Bling for a cause! What's not to love? Read on to get to know Holly and see what inspired this oh-so-fabulous biz! Holly is absolutely one of the sweetest cupcakes we have ever met and has one of the biggest hearts. We admire Holly for getting the word out and spreading an amazing message to everyone! 

{1} Tell us about yourself & about Expression Rings of Hope, your biz!

My name is Holly Freese and currently I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I am 28 years old and currently a Stay at home Mom of 2 boys;  Walker is 2 years old, and Bryce is 1 year old. Before having children I was in advertising sales downtown Chicago.  I started Expressions of Hope in May of 2010.  I was inspired by my friend, Mike Kacynski, who passed last April from Renal Cell Carcinoma. I wanted to do something with my time, and also wanted to help make a difference!  So, I came up with this idea of creating a little piece of HOPE that women can wear as a accessory to their wardrobe, or as reminder of someone they loved that had passed.  Also, with the purchase of an Expression of Hope Ring, a portion of the proceeds from each ring sale is being donated to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.  I hope to make a stride towards finding a cure for cancer.  There is far to many cases out there, and we need to all come together to help find a cure!

Who doesn't love pink? Patience Ring, $40

{2} What has been the best part about having your own business?

The best part of having my own business is being able to help those who lost loved ones smile, and being able to help support a good cause.  It really makes me smile to see how many supporters I have, and how many continue to follow me each and everyday.  The more supporters I have, the more we can donate towards a wonderful cause.  I love to hear about my "Hope Fans" inspirational stories.  I am truly thankful to those who have helped me and continue to help spread my message BLING FOR A CAUSE! 

Make sure you add the Holiday collection to your wish list!

{3} When did the light bulb go off that you knew this is what you wanted to do?

After my best friend's husband, Mike Kacynski, died last April 2010 of Renal Cell Carcinoma I kept thinking about what I could do help.  He found out in February of 2010 of his disease, and 3 months later he was no longer with us.  I just couldn't believe how this could happen.  Since I was a Stay at Home Mom, I really wanted to start a business that helped my family, as well as helping out a greater cause.  I decided to start making these Swarovski Rings, and donate towards the V Foundation in Mike's name.  

{4} Do you plan to expand the line?

I defintely hope to grow this business, and expand my product line.  I have had some people recommend some jewelry for little girls, or bracelets for women.  I will eventually get a few more products, but for now, I am just trying to get my name out there. 

Make sure you check out these beautiful bracelets too!

{5} What's up next? 

Well....I really just want to get my name out there as much as possible.  Just in the last 2 months my business has really grown and I have quite a few followers on Facebook and Twitter.  I hope to keep that going, keep reaching out to those who have lost loved ones and hear about their stories.  It inspires me to keep growing and moving forward.  I am just trying to keep contacting people in helping spread my message BLING FOR A CAUSE!  The more people who are "BLINGING," that means the more money that has been raised and donated towards cancer research and finding a cure for this awful and all to common disease.  I appreciate you taking the time with me, and look forward to this upcoming year and what's to come of Expressions of Hope. I thank everyone again who has helped me, supported me, and believed in me.  Thank you!!!

{All Things Expression Rings of Hope}

{shop}

{facebook}

{twitter}

{Thank you Holly for our beautiful BLING FOR A CAUSE. We absolutely adore the Focus ring you sent for review purposes and love everything you do!}

Our Picks -- Small Business Saturday

cupcakeMAG loves supporting small biz and as you all know it is one of our passions. After all, HANDmade with love is the best right? Well, today is just another day to have a reason to scroll Etsy, shop local and HANDmade to support all of those small business owners out there. Don't have the time? Lucky for you we have done the shopping for you! Check out our past Featured Etsy designers here too!

The Lucky Elephant
Free shipping now!

Expressions of Hope
Bling for a cause! Buy 1 get 1 half off now!

Made By Girl By Jen Ramos

My Adobe Cottage

Ellia C. Naturals
Bath & Body Care

Dressing on the Side Tees

The Spotted Olive

Star Candy
Blinging America One Booty at a TIME!

Gussy Sews

Lehla Shop

Support small biz today!

New Beauty Obsession

By: Tiffany Olson

You know when you find a product that actually works, and you're so hooked that you just have to tell everyone?

I have a new product!!

Behold.... the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion!!!

Eyeshadow creases cease to exist when you use this product! I actually found it on accident, because it came with a set of eyeshadows that I bought from Urban Decay. I remember checking my eyeshadow half way through the day the first time I used it, to see if the inevitable creases had formed. There were none! Ah! End of day? None. Amazing!! Even now sometimes I keep looking just because I can never believe there's not even the tiniest of creases.

You don't need a lot, just a tiny dab. (I know this because I have been using the tiniest dab for a few weeks now because I'm almost out!)

PS - It's only $10! You can buy here.

{What is the best beauty product you can't live without?? I love hearing personal references from what everyone is obsessed with. I still don't know how I lived before discovering Nars Blush in Orgasm thanks to Kim!! You can read that article here.}

Tune In -- Tori & Dean's Home Sweet Hollywood Season Premiere



Images courtsey of Oxygen

Lucky for us, we received the season premiere episode of Tori & Dean's Home Sweet Hollywood a few weeks earlier, and lets just say, we've watched it three times now. We know, a little obsessed to say the least! This season begins with a heartwarming (grab your tissues!) moment as the beloved Guncles Bill Horn and Scout Masterson anxiously await the arrival of new baby girl, Simone -- the baby of their dreams. It was so amazing to watch the joy and we just can't get enough of the Guncles we love! And it doesn't stop there -- The Gunles aren't the only ones with with big news to share. Tori gives Dean a surprise gift on Valentine's Day -- news that they are expecting their third child. Can we say exciting? We are jumping up down thinking about what this season has to bring! 

The Guncles everyone LOVES!

Sweet Simone
Image courtesy of Bill Horn

With a brand new business in the works and a brand new baby -- this season is action-packed.

The family that plays – and works - together stays together, and this season Tori, Dean, Liam and Stella show viewers again what a family living and working in Hollywood is all about. With a new store opening – an antique furniture and lifestyle store aptly named “invenTORI” - a book deal, dual acting careers and a third baby on the way, Tori and Dean once again prove that they can do it all, even under the spotlight of Hollywood.

Lehla Shop's Magneblooms inside invenTORI

With plenty of laugh out loud moments it is defintely one of the best premiere episodes so far and we are counting down the days until November 29th when it all begins -- full swing! Tori and Dean have captured us once again as they open their doors to a humble home and let us into a glimpse of their lives. The Spelling-McDermott's never let us down!

Tune into Oxygen for the Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood Season Premiere on Tuesday, November 29, at 10pm ET/PT. Don't miss it cupcakes! And while you wait, shop invenTORI now.

Confessions of a Manicure-ista!

By: Lauren Gonzalez

I have a confession to make. I paint my nails an average of twice a week. Between chipping and regular wear and tear, it’s a must. Being on a tight budget, I don’t go to the nail salon very often, so I take matters into my own hands (literally) to make sure my nails are neat and tidy.

There are so many fabulous nail trends right now. For a quick and fun How-To, check out the youtube video I made showing how to paint the recently popular “half-moon nails.”

Here’s some pictures of my past “half-moon” designs and color combinations!


Right now, however, I want to take a moment to dwell on my most recent nail color. I’m currently wearing Le Métier de Beauté nail polish in Ken’s Vintage Vine.


Now, I know what you’re thinking...of all nail polishes, this is definitely the cheapest! Although for most of us, it may not be budget friendly (it IS about double the price of Essie...not to mention Sally Hansen!) however this nail polish is magical, I swear!
It brushes on smoothly, and there’s minimal chipping...I haven’t changed my nail color in a week – a major feat if you know me well!

I love my Le Métier de Beauté nail polish so much and I just wanted to share it with all of you! If you are due for a splurge and love painting your nails check out Le Métier de Beauté, you won’t be disappointed!

Neiman Marcus has a great selection of Le Métier de Beauté online. Get your perfect polish in the click of a button here: neimanmarcus.comFor more ideas on nail designs, check out my board on Pinterest dedicated solely to nail painting designs!

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: