cupcakeMAG: home edition

By Casi Densmore-Koon, Editor

As promised to you yesterday - I wanted to bring you inside my home to show you a little something I worked on over the weekend. It took hardly any cash & only a few hours and well, some inspiration from Courtney Dial of Pizzazzerie - like I stated yesterday, I can thank her for everything! 

I decided - for the first time - yes, the first time - that I would go all out and decorate my table for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving -- spice things up a bit! So I set out to Michael's and Ross - because in my shopping center they are neighbors. Here is what I came back with - a mess right?

Michaels: Felt placemats, pumpkins, candles, napkin rings, glass cases, spray paint and leaf garland

Ross: Table runner, cloth napkins & gold placemats

First things first. I spray painted the little pumpkins with metallic gold spray paint and separated them into two vases. LOVE it! This is a great idea for any holiday! 

I moved onto another easy step - placing candy corn in the bottom of two smaller vases and topped it off with a bright orange candle.

I started to really pull everything together by placing the table runner in the center, gathered up the gold place mats and placed them under the leaf felt place mats along with the napkins and napkin rings. 

It finally started coming together!

Can you tell -- I am a little bit proud as this was the first time I really decorated and had the time to do something more than just a tablecloth. Thanks Courtney for being such a FABulous inspiration! 

HAPPY FALL! 

cupcakeMAG weekend home edition!

By Casi Densmore-Koon, Editor 

You all know that I don't write personal post however, I have made an exception today as I am just dying to share with you my fun filled spray paintin' obsessed weekend! 

This weekend I decided I needed to decorate for fall (which I will share with you later this week) so I twitted the one and only Courtney Dial, editor of Pizzazzerie -- my go-to for all things when it comes to decorating -- for a little inspiration. You all should have read about her here last week and you should now know she is a true genius. Once again she did it. 

I asked her for some simple tips on decorating my table for everyday fall. She immediately tweeted back and told me to buy some small pumpkins and spray paint them gold and place in a vase which again, you will see it all soon! However, what I didn't know is how obsessed I would become with that metallic gold spray paint I picked up at Michael's. It turned into a what else can I re-vamp and spray paint obsession. Here is what I did with my one can of metallic gold spray paint......I just well, LOVE IT!

Those little pumpkins Courtney inspired! 

Took a old basket from my girls bathroom & made it fresh

I purchased these in black and they have just been sitting around so I made them match their bathroom

Re-vamp'd an old stool - added some stickers for pizazz!  
(we also worked on re-doing my little gals bathroom so this worked!)

Didn't need to see doctors numbers on those magnetic clips?
So you guessed it - I painted them to be more chic on the dry erase board.

All of that cost just $5.99 -- all you need is a can of spray paint!

What did you do this weekend? 

I bet you didn't spray paint as much as me! 

colors we are OBSESSED with.......

{left to right} 

Stroppy Jelly Sheer Colour by Butter London

Merino Cool by Essie

 Blue Dahlia by Estee Lauder Pure Color

Sew Psyched by Essie

Royal Paint & Peel by Sula

Sula Nail File

Berry Confezione by Borghese

Something about Spring Nicole by O.P.I

Supermodel by Deborah Lippmann

Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat by Butter London

A little mix of soft, subtle yet bright & fun most-buzzed about colors that we can't be without. 

Grab them up now! 

Your nails with thank us. 

Courtney Dial Inspires!

Courtney Dial puts the Pizzaz in Pizzazzerie. Yep, that's right she is basically a party planning genius. Well, not basically - she is a genius!  Not only is she just beyond amazing and so genuine - she is the complete brain behind the one & only - Pizzazerie. We were just thrilled to sit down and chat with Courtney! And by the way - isn't she like the cutest little thing ever! We just want to put her in our pocket. We adore her! Not just because she is a hard working entrepreneur under the age of 25 but she has amazing passion as the creator and editor of Pizzazzerie.com -- all about the art of entertaining. It is your go to place for recipes, ideas and DIY parties - she was even featured on MarthaStewart.com. Basically, she is perfection in a nutshell. 

What is behind the name, Pizzazzerie? 

The word pizzazz means "an attractive combination of energy and style", and I have always loved the French word pâtisserie so I combined them. That's where I got Pizzazzerie! :) It's definitely not a site about pizza to some people's dismay though we did just write an article on a fun gourmet pizza party! 

When you first started the site, did you ever dream it would turn into something so amazing so quick?

Never! I thought it would be something that I did every couple of nights as a fun hobby. I had no idea that within 3 months, I would be leaving my full-time job at Vanderbilt University to manage Pizzazzerie! It's been a whirlwind but a blessing. I am so thankful and honored to have met the amazing industry professionals and readers that I interact with daily. 

When you aren't busy with Pizzazzerie - what can we catch you doing? What other things do you enjoy?

When I'm not busy with Pizzazzerie, you can find me headed to an Auburn or Vanderbilt football game with my boyfriend, outside running, or spending time with my friends over a great glass of wine at one of Nashville's fun restaurants. I always have to find time to get away from "work" as an entrepreneur because it's easy to get caught up in working 24/7. My friends and family are very supportive and love dragging me away to go on a vacation, catch a movie, or even go on a long walk. 

Do you have a favorite party to date?

This is a tough one, the parties I have thrown lately have all been so different (from a peacock themed engagement party to a beer tasting party). I would say my favorite to date would be a Berries & Bellinis party I hosted this past summer for a dear friend. We had a build-your-own-berry-cobbler bar that was so yummy. We had bowls of fresh berries and raspberry bellinis. Delicious! 

If you could help one celebrity decorate and host an event who would it be and why?

Though I helped her a bit with a recent sip 'n see, getting to fully plan an event with Tori Spelling (who is also an amazing party designer) would be my choice! She's such a doll and has been a supporter of Pizzazzerie so I would absolutely love to put our heads together for a fabulous event. Other celebrities I'd love to decorate an event for would be Faith Hill and Alyssa Milano. 

What is your favorite part about having Pizzazzerie?

My favorite party is the creation stage, when the ideas are flowing about a party design. I love pulling together all those ideas to come up with a unique and creative party design. That is where I am the happiest - designing and creating! 

What do you think is your biggest accomplishment?

I would say my biggest accomplishment (besides being interviewed for the fabulous CupcakeMag - so thrilled!!) - would be completing my Masters in Organizational Leadership and being an entrepreneur at 25. Not being afraid to walk away from a full-time, secure job in order to follow my dream. 

Courtney just styled for the latest issue of Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

10 Things You Don't Know About Courtney

1.) I was born in Texas but grew up in the Carolinas (Charleston & Raleigh)

2.) Prior to Pizzazzerie, I was a career counselor at Vanderbilt University, recruiting engineering companies on campus and helping students find jobs out of school. 

3.) I wanted to be a genetic counselor when I grew up.

4.) My Mom used to film segments about table ideas as well as write for entertaining magazines. 

5.) I am a big Duke basketball fan (my brother went there). I'm a big college sports fan in general. 

6.) I'm addicted to really cheesy Lifetime Movies. 

7.) I love anything banana flavored - banana pudding is the best!

8.) I used to teach ceramics on the pottery wheel in the summers.

9.) In graduate school, I started a custom cookie business called "The Sweets Boutique" named after my 95 year old grandmother, who we call "Sweet". But graduate school demands were tough, so that was the end of the Sweets Boutique :) 

10.) My favorite foods are mashed potatoes, queso, birthday cake ice cream, and chocolate cake (can we say carbs?). 

Connect with Courtney & all things Pizzazzerie 

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Posh Shasta's Beauty Product Of The Week!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director




Hello fabulous clump-free lashes! That's what I have now that I am using L'OREAL Original Telescopic mascara in blackest black. This was the second "most suggested" mascara when I asked readers to recommend their favorite mascara. My lashes met Mr. Telescopic last week and they are now planning to live happily ever-after. What do I like most about this product? The wand! It's more like a magic wand, leaving my lashes long, clump free and FABULOUS. So far, one week into this love affair, I have not noticed any mascara flakes either. I still am a big fan of the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion, but love the clump-free effect from the L'OREAL Telescopic.

Here is the low-down from L'OREAL:

Features:
Telescopic® Original Mascara enhances your lashes with intense length and unique lash by lash separation. The flat side of the patented flexible Precision Brush lengthens lashes up to 60%, while the comb side of the brush precisely separates lashes for a clump-free result.

Ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested.
Removes easily with soap and water.
Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Fragrance-free.
How To's
Expert Application Technique
Place the brush at the base of lashes and gently sweep up to tip.


Do you use this mascara? Do you like it as much as I do?Let me know what you think!

HELP CASI WIN!

After much anticipation, Naya Shoes has launched the Facebook contest, “She’s Got the Naya Look” -- and Casi, our editor-in-chief created a look using her favorite pair of Naya shoes, The Narubi boot for her Outfit of the Day! All you have to do is log-in on Facebook and VOTE FOR LOOK #3! So, please - help look #3 win! Click here. Plus, if Casi's look wins - one of you lucky readers who vote and comment below may win something too! 

Want to get the look? Read on to see how and what her favorite pieces are for Fall along with her fave pair of boots! 

Man of Style -- Jeff Lewis

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer

When I was approached, the night before, by Casi (head Cupcake) to interview Jeff Lewis of Bravo’s funny series “Flipping Out”, I literally FLIPPED OUT!  I admit, I had a little bit of apprehension interviewing  Jeff since he is so quick witted (would I be able to keep up?) and dry humored (will I know when he’s joking or not?).  Is my desk clean enough (oh, thankfully we weren’t skyping)…  My anxiety completely diminished once I got on the phone with him and realized he is just a normal, yet very stylish and put together, man.  Our conversation was very similar to having a chat with a friend or say, my brother.  And aside from all of his silly antics (uh hem, making his employees pee into jars so he can chase away wildlife from his property), he is humble, inspiring and motivating too.  Jeff is quite the package – humorous, hard working & stylish (and of course easy on the eyes too!), which is precisely why he has been chosen to carry the title of Man of Style for this month.

ABOUT JEFF

Jeff has been interested in architecture, design and real estate since he can remember.  He’s got plenty of memories of him and his dad working night and day on maintaining his Dad’s rental properties throughout California.  He described painting and cleaning the different rental units as “fun” – and that’s where the real estate bug bit him.  

Even as a child Jeff was neat, tidy and extremely organized when it came to his personal space, it’s a control thing.  He would rearrange the furniture around the house to create better flow and appearance.  It’s been a natural talent for him and he took it into his adult life by starting a business and ultimately Jeff Lewis Design (www.jefflewisdesign.com). 

THE SERIES - FLIPPING OUT! 

I was surprised to find out that the Bravo Docu-Reality series “Flipping Out” was actually a fluke.  Funny thing is, Jeff hadn’t planned to be in a reality series.  Jeff, and his company of real life “characters”, were discovered through a video shot and submitted by assistant Jenni for a different reality series.  Networks came knocking to document his life and business on the TV screen.  In no way did Jeff ever see himself as famous – “I’d much rather be rich than famous” says Jeff.  


But the most beneficial part of being a part of a reality series, in all honesty from Jeff, has been “the additional income”.  He was very candid about that.  I found out that the additional income hasn’t all gone to Jeff’s head, he has been able to bless those around him too.  In fact the most recent episode of Flipping Out, he took Zoila (his sarcastic, yet oh so sweet, housekeeper) to New York with him, toured her around NYC and bought her a new wardrobe at Bloomingdales all for her birthday.  “She’s been with me for 10 years, we take care of each other” (Um Jeff, can I come clean your house??) 

STYLE, OUR MAN OF STYLE

Jeff describes his personal style as very brand-loyal and “Classic All American”, as he grew up in the OC which tends to dress more on the conservative side.  His favorite designers are, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Burberry, with a few more casual pieces from Abercrombie and Banana Republic.  He has to dress somewhat relaxed because he is always in some sort of construction zone and wants to look professional and put together without ruining expensive pieces.  For the job site casual footwear is a must – he sticks with brands like Nike, Converse and New Balance.  When he does get the chance to dress up he is all about the John Varvatos for suits and higher end pieces.  This stylish guy doesn’t recruit help when picking out his own wardrobe; he obviously has the magic touch to pull it all together himself. 

Jeff recommends that every man have a great pair of jeans in their closet.  “Jeans that fit well and are flattering”, which Jeff has found to be a challenge for himself.  He is also an advocate for a great casual sports coat. 

I asked Jeff about his skincare routine, and surprisingly he was slightly embarrassed!  “It’s been the same routine for 20 years – Ivory soap and Lubriderm.  I take 2 showers a day and don’t have time.”  Well whatever Jeff is doing is working, I’d say!  In addition to two showers, store bought soap and lotion, he drinks a ton of water except during Happy Hour, of course.  Keeping fresh, is important to Jeff, hence the two showers a day, and that’s why he is drawn to clean scents when choosing cologne.  You’ll find him smelling like Jivago, Tom Ford, John Varvatos, or Dolce & Gabbana. 

FUTURE

Jeff is extremely optimistic about the future of opportunities; he never in a million years imagined his life on this grand of scale.  First a reality show on Bravo, designing an amazing kitchen for House Beautiful, a budget-friendly décor line on QVC, and a growing business.  What can we expect from him next?  The recent renovation of the popular Mexican restaurant, Casa Vega, has opened up so many more unexpected commercial opportunities for JLD, including restaurants, bars and hotels. 

Though things are going extremely well for Jeff he doesn’t let it go to this ego and hasn’t forgotten his roots - he is incredibly thankful his education had been paid for and that he was able to enter the working world without student loans.  Everything else, he says, he has worked really hard for himself.  He realizes and is working on, being more adaptable, like his dad is.  His voices sparkles when he talks about his dad, you can tell he admires him and gained a tremendous amount of work ethic from him. 

In the end, I had a fabulous conversation with Jeff.  I admire the show even more because of your humility and of course the giggles I get from it – you’ve got cheerleaders over here at cupcakeMag and we wish you nothing but success!

Keep in touch with Jeff!

Website – www.jefflewisdesign.com

Twitter - @JL_Jeff_Lewis

Facebook -  Jeff Lewis

Chloe, S/S 2011, Paris Fashion Week

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director




















































Ballet with a taste of Mad Max? Colors of white, beige, cream, pink, black and ONE red coat make up this Chloe Spring 2011 collection, shown at the Paris fashion week runway show. The leather shorts? Hello, amazing! Fabulous clean lines are going to be huge in the Spring and this collection is just that, with a little something extra. Maybe it is the tulle mixed with leather? Whatever it is, Chloe was a hit in Paris and we j'adore!

-Getty Images

Pretty Panchos

By:  Candace Cabrera Moore

 

Besides the gorgeous foliage and the impending Halloween candy consumption, another reason I look forward to fall is outwear. A big trend this season is the poncho. Easy to wear, and goes with everything, the poncho is a great go-to piece to throw on before you walk out the door. Choose a subtle black or grey if you're not too sure of the trend, or go big and bold with a bright print if you're ready to embrace it with open arms! The options out there are endless. 

Fashion Tip: If you are petite like me, and are scared of being swallowed up by the poncho, belt it to give yourself definition at the waist, and keep the rest of the outfit simple (think skinnies or leggings and knee high boots). This is a great staple to any fall wardrobe!

James Perse Poncho: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3125618?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=366

American Eagle Poncho: http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat90048&productId=1454_7064&cid=AEO_CSE_k22350&mr:trackingCode=461BCC9C-C3AB-DF11-98FF-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

Stella McCartney Spring 2011, Ready To Wear, Paris Fashion Week

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Lemons and Grapefruit got the show started for Stella McCartney at her ready to Wear S/S 2011 Paris show. Long flowing dresses, ruled during this show, my prediction is that this look will be huge for next summer. Ponchos and tunics are still going strong and were well received when they came down the runway, fetching applause from the front-row. The always fabulous McCartney is expecting baby number four, she truly inspires me as a mother, as she is a hands on mother, chasing her dreams, creating such a huge fashion reality for all of us who adore her designs.

Photos: WireImage

currently obsessed with the Mara Hoffman Shawl Collar Wrap Coat

two words: to die! 


The bestselling Mara Hoffman coat has returned to Intermix & we are very excited! It is so practical yet stylish which is the perfect chic combo. We love the wide shawl collar and the slimming cut. Grab it in grey or camel. Oh, it's lined too! 

It's October: Editors' Note

Can you believe it? It's already October. Where did September go? With Fall in full swing and Halloween around the corner we have some great things in store for cupcakeMAG & Sprinkles this month. Not only will Sprinkles be getting a new name - but we have amazing changes to come for both sites - only for the better & we look forward to sharing soon!

We have some great celebrity interviews this month to share -- Denise Richards, Offical Hot Mess, Kendra Wilkinson -- and those are just a few! Along with our Men of Style, the famous Guncles, The Real Housewives of New York star Simon Van Kempen and The Rachel Zoe Project's Brad Goreski!  October is going to be a FABulous month! We will also showcase some of our favorite "hostess with the mostess" - Courtney Dial of Pizzazzerie and The Food Network's Sandra Lee! So stay tuned for a full packed month! 

And lastly, as I sit here from my hospital bed, thinking of all the work I have - I can't help but be thankful for the amazing support I received the past few days. For those of you who follow me on Twitter you know that I have been hospitalized for a kidney infection & kidney stones and basically won't stop tweet complaining until this little gal passes. I went it in a few days ago thinking I had a virus and was severely dehydrated. Come to find out -- it was a little bit more right after getting over bronchitis/pneumonia. When it rains it pours! But, I wanted to start this off with a big THANK YOU! Thank you to all of those who read cupcakeMAG, "Like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter & everywhere where else you can find us. We are more than grateful for all the support we have received and I am more than grateful for the many cyber hugs, kisses and prayers that I have received over the pass few days. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful group of cupcakeMAG supporters. Thank you all - from the bottom of my heart! 

 

I wanted to say another big thank you to Annie & Isabel -- the uber-stylish hospital gown company for sending the The Anita -- not only did I stand out in the sophisticated and super soft gown (and lots of compliments!) I felt comfortable from all the awful pain I have been in the past few days! And, I didn't have to worry about flashing anyone my boo-tay as I walked to and from the bathroom. It really put a smile on my face. Please, don't judge the messy hair and no make-up. 

Stay tuned -- later this month I will giving one away to one of our luck readers in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month! You won't want to miss it.

I would also like to take a moment to bring you up-to-date with our first cupcakeMAG fundraiser. Please browse over to Braden's Hope. Braden is a sweet little 6 year old boy who is battling stage 4 neuroblastoma. We are putting together a fundraiser and need all the help we can get so please spread the word and help us raise awareness for childhood cancer. Please take a moment to browse the site and spread the word. A huge thanks to Bethenny Frankel for sending a bunch of singed goodies for the auction & to all of those participating! 

End note: Oprah once said, "Making the decision to look after yourself is the ultimate in healthcare." -- and that is what I shall do this month! Along with looking after all of you! As always, lots of love & thank you! 

{new} sponsor

We are SO excited to share with you our latest sponsor -- Pretty in Pink Megan! If you aren't a follower of her site -- you are slacking! Head over to the newly re-vamp'd site and browse around to get to know Megan and her love for fashion. Thanks Megan for your cupcakeMAG support!

{PIPM}

We mean....like really, how cute is she?

Megan brings you her many outfits, product reviews and even sometimes cleans out her closet and sells the items to her readers for some serious great prices! We adore Meg & her blog -- we promise, you will too! 

Posh Shasta's Beauty Product Of The Week!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Essentially a facial in a bottle. This product has been in my skincare routine for two years, if I could only have one product, this would be it.

Epicuren’s Alpha Lipoic Omega contains all-natural botanical, vital vitamins, trace minerals and amino acids all combined to restore and combat skin’s aging process, as well as improve the tone and texture of the skin. It firms, minimizes pores and gives a natural glow to your face.

Ingredients: Water (aqua), Sodium Lactate (derived from milk solids), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Thioctic Acid (A-Lipoic Acid), Dimethyl MEA, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Lipid Vitamin C), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (derived from crushed Grapeseed), Retinol (Vitamin A), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Bee Propolis Extract, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5), Starch Phosphate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Bearberry Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract.

To find out more about Epicuren and where to purchase in your area or online, visit www.Epicuren.com.