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

Comeback Kid- Full Skirts

By: Laura Perez - CupcakeMag Intern


Full skirts are making a comeback! I’m so happy to see the 50’s lady like mid-calf-length skirts once again! They remind me so much of Grace Kelly, my fashion icon. I have always been in love with this style! You can find these full skirts in lace, leather, prints, plaids, florals and in so many other designs. So many designers are embracing this trend such as Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Prada and Alexa Chung to name a few. The full skirt is simply classic and chic it’s a must have!

Saks Fifth Avenue, Lotusgrace Plaid Full-Skirt Dress, $320.00 

Neiman Marcus, Prada Full Skirt Dress, $850.00

Bergdorf Goodman, Jason Wu Printed Faille Full Skirt, $1,595.00

Bergdorf Goodman, Jason Wu Seersucker Full Skirt, $795.00

Positively Pink! Shop for a Cure

As we know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one of our favorite designers, Yumi Kim is donating a portion of the sales on the fabulous Myla top to breast cancer research and awareness. Check out the special price of $78! Grab it up now and rock it for the rest on the month!

So go on - get your shop on for a CURE! 

Putting It All Together

By Candace Cabrera Moore - Contributing Writer/Fashion Week Correspondent 

If you've been purchasing the trends, you may find your closet full of more textures, colors, and silhouettes than you know what to do with! Putting together a cohesive look while utilizing some of the latest trends can be difficult, but with clogs, lace, fringe, faux fur and big floppy hats on point right now, a logical look would be 70's Glam. Here is one way to put your trendy finds to good use and create a great look.

Here we used a DVF blouse that featured lace detailing, a big fall trend. We styled that under a faux fur vest, which is a perfect fall outerwear piece. For pants, we used J Brand Lovestory jeans, which have a higher waist and a significant flare leg. The camel Rebecca Minkoff bag has a bit of fringe to help channel your inner boho, and the clogs were a really interesting, almost olive green color which touched on the military trend we've been seeing. We love the black, wide brimmed fedora, paired with oversized sunnies for an added bit of glam, and we finished it off with a House of Harlow tiger's eye pendant and oversized men's gold watch to complete the look.

Our Chat With Trista Sutter...

We all know Trista Sutter. The super sweet former participant on ABC's The Bachelor. Lucky for her it was a blessing in disguise as she was the runner-up for the show's first season and she was made the first star of one of our favorite shows, The Bachelorette. But now we know Trista as a hard working momma and loving wife and just a down to earth gal. We were beyond excited when our editor, Casi, sat down with her and catch up on everything in her life!

Since watching you on The Bachelorette your life has changed so much. Did you ever imagine when you signed on with ABC that you would be where you are today?

NOT at all!!!  I seriously was just hoping for a fun little trip to Malibu and a cool adventure with the first Bachelor.  But much more than that happened...with the icing on the cake of course being my blessing of a family!!  

Would you ever consider having your own reality show with Ryan and your family? 

We have considered it and have had numerous offers for one, but up until this point have decided that it wasn't quite the right time.  Never say never though!

Seeing your tweets during the last seasons, we know you still must be a fan. Do you have a favorite season to date? 

I am definitely still a fan and always will be!!  Watching the show honestly takes me back to how I fell in love with Ryan, so I LOVE it!  Favorite season to date...of course the first Bachelorette!!!  If it's not a season I was on, then I would have to say that I loved watching Bob search for love. He's still a good friend and I wanted him to find the woman he deserved.   

What did you think about the most recent bachelorette Ali's decision? 

I thought Ali and Roberto was a match made in chemistry heaven.  From what I saw as a viewer, it looked like they were genuinely in love and sincere in their desire to find someone. 

As a mother of two you look fantastic! How do you find time to exercise? Do you stick to a plan or diet?

Thank you!!!!  Honestly, I have no idea.  I think it's really all about holding yourself accountable, and for me, that means hiring a trainer or setting a time with friends to take our friends for a walk.  I don't really stick to a plan other than chasing 2 kids around my house all the time!!!  I do take a supplement called Abdominal Cuts that helps with my midsection and helped me lose weight after both my babies were born.  It doesn't make you feel jittery and is filled with omegas and vitamins.  I love it.  (www.revolutionlifestyle.com). I also truly believe in eating in moderation!

I have 3 girls under 7 and I have to tell you that I just ADORE the collection you designed for My Vintage Baby, "Winter Rose" - especially the mixing of prints and the detail in the jeans are just so different which we always look for. It is just so precious! How did your partnership come about? Are you working on your next collection? 

 I'm so happy to hear that...thank you!!!  I actually heard about the line through Twitter and then met the founders at an event they were sponsoring in New York.  They asked if I'd be interested in collaborating and I was ALL for it!!  Not only did I fall in love with their clothes, but their business helps support stay at home moms who are reps and donates a portion of the proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  It just felt right.  We are working on our next collection...so much fun!!

What is one piece of advice you would give to all those mommas out there when it comes balancing work and family?   

Remember that you are human and you can't always do it all. It's okay to say "no" to whatever and whomever, if you are feeling overwhelmed, and know that people will (or at least should!) respect you for doing what you have to do for you and your family.

What is up next for you?  

 Wow...a lot actually.  The Biggest and most important thing, (as always!) is making sure my kids and husband are happy!  Next on the list right now...supporting Ryan and helping him reach his goal of raising $100,000 for an adventure camp for young adults with cancer through an organization called First Descents.  We are still looking for $10 from 10,000 people...it is a truly inspirational cause as we have learned firsthand through its campers and attending a camp ourselves.  Just go to:  First Descents.

And now, see just what you DON'T know about Trista:

1.    I can wiggle my ears.

2.    I am a true Hoosier...being born in Indianapolis and going to Indiana University.

3.    I can't eat foods that are jiggly or mushy or extra chewy textures (i.e., bananas, jello, and seafood).

4.    I get teary when I yawn.

5.    I am allergic to dogs, cats, and especially horses and still get hives when I pet my own dogs.

6.    I have a half sister and a step sister, but grew up as an only child.

7.    My favorite sound is the laughter of my children.

8.    One of my dreams is to write a children's book.

9.    I had my gallbladder removed.

10.  I am a HUGE country music fan...especially of Tim and Faith and Brad Paisley.

11.  I don't drink a lot of caffeine.

12.  I was on the first season of Dancing with the Stars and got "beat" by Evander Holyfield!

13.  My husband is the person I admire the most.

14.  I've always wanted to attend New York Fashion Week.

15.  I am ADDICTED to red velvet cupcakes.

Not only is Trista a FABulous cupcakeMAG supporter she is a super-mom and a genuine, down-to-earth person. We just adore Trista! For all things Trista, follow her on Twitter!

Etsy Featured Designer: Jeni Peragine’s Designs!

By: Elizabeth Seever

When we at Cupcake Mag were asked to review Jeni Peragine’s designs we couldn’t say no.  Jeni is a full time freelance Graphic and Web Designer. She has been married for two years and has seven fur-babies.

Jeni’s jewelry is inspired by everything around her. “I love anything that is modern vintage, baroque, real vintage or gothic.  I was raised with Native American EVERYTHING in my house because I am part Cherokee Indian. I honestly believe this may be where my feather fascination began.”  She designs gorgeous headbands, earrings and necklaces with feathers. We at Cupcake Mag loved the feather earrings accented with bird charms.  We also die over our vintage cameo necklace in navy blue. “Other than my feather items, I love to create my own twisted versions of modern vintage… Sometimes you find the most amazing vintage pieces at trade shows and flea markets.”

Don't you just LOVE these?!

Cupcake Mag: Is your first love graphic design? When did you think up "hey, I should start an etsy shop and make gorgeous things"?

Jeni Peragine: Well my mom is really crafty and makes beads and jewelry. Her style is COMPLETELY different than mine, but she was one inspiration.. The other is that I’m just obsessed with fashion, so I would always make my own jewelry. I would get tons of compliments, so eventually I just opened an etsy.

CM: Is your style reflected in your etsy shop? How do you describe your style?

JP: Oh definitely. I am feminine with a vintage/rocker edge. I love anything true vintage as well as modern vintage and I LOVE rock music and the whole skull and grunge look. Saying this... I still am feminine so I just try to mix those two very dominant types of design to come up with the perfect twist.

CM: Feathers are the center of your shop, how did you come up with feathers to be the main focal point of most of the shop?

JP: Feathers.... I absolutely LOVE them. I love birds too.. Outside, I couldn’t have one for a pet.. But they are fabulous. I’m just intrigued by them. Also, I am part Cherokee Indian and a lot of our home décor growing up was Native American EVERYTHING.. So a lot of it probably came from that.

Just clip and go! Makes a great statement piece!

CM: Do you have a favorite piece in your shop?

JP: I like a few of the items in my shop a little more than others, but if I don’t really LOVE something it doesn’t go in my store. I really love to make the feather clips though; they are different and NEW still to me. I have been making earrings and necklaces for some time so these sort of interest me a little more at the moment.

CM: When do you find time to make your pieces in your busy lifestyle?

JP: Whenever I feel creative and want to design jewelry, I just make time for it. I have tried to design on days that I was just not feeling it, and nothing gets accomplished. I just decided to design when I feel like it, it works out a lot better that way!!

This necklace was just enough flair to add to her OOTD.

CM: Fifty percent of all profits go to your cause BREATHE-AND-RELEASE, has it always been a dream to create an organization to help people directly (or indirectly..)

JP: YES!! I feel like it’s what I am supposed to do. I have been through a lot in my life and I feel that it is a necessity to use it to help others. The memories are not happy ones but they make me happy when I can share them with someone else to make them feel like they aren’t alone.

CM: What is next for your designs? For your cause BREATHE-AND-RELEASE?

JP: Next for my designs: Well I recently started working for myself as a Graphic/Web Designer doing freelance. I’m hoping that picks up really fast and also, due to this situation, I will have a ton more time to design items for my store. I have a new line of items coming out this year, so make sure to check out my store. I would share, but I do not want to ruin the surprise.

Her gorgeous work area

BREATHE-AND-RELEASE:  BREATHE-AND-RELEASE is officially incorporated, we are just working on getting things ready to apply for the 501c3. I travel around the country to conventions and events to share information about BREATHE-AND-RELEASE and I am currently working on putting together an event that helps reach out to people who have been abused and raped. This IS NOT all BREATHE-AND-RELEASE focuses on; it’s just for the type of event it’s for. Please check back to the fan page linked in this review for more details.

You can check out Jeni’s personal websites for more details:

Personal Blog

RockinMommi
FB FanPage RockinMommi 

Twitter

Website

Etsy

FB FanPage

 Twitter

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Breathe and Release:

Website

FB FanPage

Twitter

Tumblr

Posh Shasta's Beauty Product Of The Week!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Hi friends! Every week I bring you a product that I really believe in, tried myself and use regularly. I believe that if I am going to put my recommendation behind a product, I better believe in it and boy do I believe in this week’s product!

This “Cooling Eye Brightener” from Anastasia, Beverly Hills is phenomenal, it helps brighten my puffy tired eyes and the caffeine in it helps tremendously with my under eye puffiness. My favorite things about this product are the cooling effect and the very slight shimmer that brightens my eyes.

Here is info about this faboosh product from Anastasia.net:

Infused with caffeine and white tea to help tone, soften and de-puff around the eye area, especially after tweezing. Features Anastasia’s exclusive antioxidant-rich Balkan Botanical® Infusion and a light cooling effect, which help to soothe and refresh tired skin. Subtle reflective pigments trick the light helping to perk up eye area.

My Make Up For Ever “Lift Concealer” is used underneath the Anastasia “Cooling Eye Brightener”. Do you use either of these products? If not, what is your favorite concealer and/or eye brightener?

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Obsessed! Marc Jacobs Statement Bag!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director














Well hello Net-A-Porter.com! I like to think of myself as "in the know" as far as handbags go, but you, Net-A-Porter, clearly know more! My eyes have never seen this amazing bag before! A new take on a classic? Perhaps even Hermes inspired Marc Jacobs to make such a fabulous bag? All I know is that I am obsessed and need this bag up in my life, STAT!

Here is the info from www.net-a-porter.com:

Invest in timeless accessories like Marc Jacobs' sophisticated large black grainy leather tote with gold locking padlock and key. Carry this investment piece with sleek streamlined styles for a fashion-forward look that's straight off the runway.

Thank you MJ! I cannot stop thinking about this bag, I will be victorious and she will live with me soon! Net-A-Porter is such a great resource for all things FAB, so go get your shop ON!