Editors' Note: May!

We can't believe it is already MAY! Wasn't it just April 1st.....seriously, time flies! We have beyond major things happening at cupcakeMAG in the next few months & can't wait to share them with all of you! We are thrilled to continue to watch our readership grow! 


Here is our table of contents for this month:

- Exclusive Interview with Kim of The TomKat Studio (and a giveaway!)


- FABulous Featured Bloggers! We can't wait to share with you some of our favorite bloggers & sites - Centsational Girl, Poppies at Play, Birthday Girl, Evolution of Style, With Style & Grace.... and more! We loving showing off some our favorite spots on the web and of course, the leading ladies behind them! 

- As you know we LOVE supporting the HANDmade community and will be showcasing many FABulous Etsy designers in the next weeks! A few our....Tiny Giraffe Shop, Eight Baby Legs, It's Written on the Wall, Eisley Rae and oh-my-word, the list goes on....so many amazing Etsy designers we are dying to share! 

- As for celeb interviews, we looking forward to sharing our chats with Gretchen Rossi, Ramona Singer, Tiffani Amber Thiessen and more with all of you since we didn't get to in May! We had to wait on a few things but they will be going live this month! 


- Make sure you enter our giveaways ending Friday from Banner Boutique, Mandolin Goose & Marlee & Noah. They are all just FABulous & you won't want to miss them! 


Sad to say, cupcakeMAG has made some staff changes as we moved into our new office this month. Make sure you are following the official cupcakeMAG team on Twitter: @cupcakeMAG_Kim, @cupcakeMAG_Tiff, and @cupcakeMAG_LA. 


Make sure you "LIKE" us on Facebook too! 


Interested in advertising on cupcakeMAG & being a Sponsor? We have 2 spaces left at the super discounted price! Get details: cupcakemag@gmail.com. It isn't just an ad space - weekly Facebook & Twitter mentions along with a post to introduce you to cupcakeMAG readers! 


We are gearing up for our big reveal of our new re-launched site as we say goodbye to blogger! Make sure you sign up for our updates in the top right corner so we will still be in touch when we make the change! We don't want to say bye to all of YOU! We are excited to expand cupcakeMAG in many ways! 


We will be officially launching cupcakeMAG home which will showcase DIY projects, before/after make-overs, must-haves for your home and more! We also will be showcasing our favorite  {Sweet Shoppes} on the new site as well! In the past few months we have worked with so many {sweet} ladies who have sent us cookies, cupcakes, and all things sweet -- we just had to have a place to show them off! Our new site will do just that as we share our faves with you! We have TONS to look forward too! 


As always, thanks for your support and dedicated LOVE for cupcakeMAG. 


Cheers to warm weather, cute shoes and MAY! 





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April Editors' Note

Whew!

We have had a whirlwind of chaos the last few weeks! Here is hoping for a fresh start in April!

Here is our table of contents for this month:

- Exclusive Interview with Kim of The TomKat Studio (and a giveaway!)

- Chatting with Tracey & Jenny of Sugar Loco! We love these sweet ladies!

- Catching up with Lindsay Banner of Banner Boutique - the cutest headbands for your Littles (and one amazing giveaway and we AH-mazing!)

- 1st Birthday Feature! From paper details to the sweets that filled the table!  We plan on showcasing all of those who made it possible and giving you all the details!

- FABulous Featured Bloggers! We can't wait to share with you some of our favorite bloggers & sites - Look Love Linger, Chickabug, Evolution of Style, With Style & Grace.... and more! They are just so FABulous and we truly adore these ladies!

- As you know we LOVE supporting the HANDmade community and will be showcasing many FABulous Etsy designers in the next weeks! A few our....Tiny Giraffe Shop, Eight Baby Legs, It's Written on the Wall, and oh-my-word, the list goes on....so many amazing Etsy designers we are dying to share!

- As for celeb interviews, we looking forward to sharing our chats with Gretchen Rossi, Ramona Singer, Tiffani Amber Thiessen and more with all of you!

And if you haven't yet - make sure you read our latest chat with Tori Spelling and enter our FABulous giveaways from Star Candy and Kelp Designs- they both were extended until Tuesday due to some site issues with comments!

We also want to thank all of our SPONSORS! Next week is cupcakeMAG Sponsor Week and we can't wait to share them all with you! Some will even be offering discount codes & giveaways! We truly appreciate our Sponsors so very much! Ellia C. Naturals, Firefly Confections, Stitched Boutique, Dressing on the Side, Really Cute Stuff, Caroline G Bows, Little Ella Bug, Venetian Decor, CML Designs, Sugarsticks Parties, Star Candy, Annie & Isabel and YES Teacher -- we can't thank you enough for your support! Stay tuned to meet & greet them all!

Interested in advertising on cupcakeMAG & being a Sponsor? We have 4 spaces left at the super discounted price! Get details: cupcakemag@gmail.com. It isn't just an ad space - weekly Facebook & Twitter mentions along with a post to introduce you to cupcakeMAG readers!

Our new site is still being {re} vamped and we assure you -- it is soooo worth the wait! We can't wait to make the switch and introduce you to even MORE great things cupcakeMAG will be sharing with you!

As always, thanks for your support and dedicated LOVE for cupcakeMAG. 


We truly adore you all so very much!

Happy Spring!



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Hello LOVE Month -- Editors' Note - A little bit extra personal?

The month of LOVE! Oh sweet LOVE. We cherish this month as we hold our loved ones closer for Valentines Day. I especially love this month because of all the pink that fills the stores!


cupcakeMAG will be sharing with you one super fab 1st birthday for my little darling, Kennadi. We can't wait to share the event as soo many have worked so hard to make it possible. We thank you -- you know who you are! 




As always we have some must-read celeb interviews and this is the month our team takes on Mercedes- Benz Fall 2011 Fashion Week in New York City. We will have all the on-site designer interviews, designer reveals, beautiful collections and fab fashions! NYFW also makes it a crazy busy month for us but keeps us going! We can't wait to bring you all the up-to-date daily runway shows, designer interviews and on-site celeb chats!


We also have amazing giveaways and featured bloggers to share this month including an exclusive interview and giveaway with the ladies behind Layla Grayce and so much more! It is going to just be a FABulous month. 






Now - onto the more personal topic for the month. About this time last year I was getting ready to give birth to my third beautiful little girl Kennadi Audrey Monroe (yes, named after Jacqueline, Audrey and Marilyn) - almost a month and half early. Yes, I had her at 35 weeks. Weighing 4lbs 12oz when we left the hospital we were beyond blessed to spend no time in the NICU and leave with our baby girl.





Kennadi, only a few days old. 




Kennadi's Birth Announcement Photo
However, when I got home it hit me how precious and dainty Kennadi really was. I don't know if it was the anxiety of having a preemie and taking care of such a tiny little one or if I was just overwhelmed by the fact that she was so little. I went into serious post partum panic. I don't know if it was quite depression but I remember reaching out briefly on Twitter because I was having such an out of body experience of panic and it was awful, so so awful.


I thank ONE person for truly taking a second to read my tweet and saving me. Yes, saving me. She made me realize I wasn't crazy and things would be normal again shortly. So who is this so FABulous little lady I call my "Post Partum Angel" - she is known as @LaStylistMom on Twitter.






Bethany showed me that there was light at the end of the tunnel. She also taught me that many people go through this and suggested Brooke Shields amazing book "Down Came the Rain". This was a person who tweeted me. A person I had never spoke to before. That second when I got her tweet and her number I called her. She dropped everything to help me and she did. I felt so much better just talking about it. And to do this day, I am so blessed to have had someone like her to just tweet into my life. She will always be a special friend in my life. 


You would think that after having a miracle baby and going through a rough pregnancy I would be beaming with joy but the week or so after deliver was the roughest time of my life. And let me tell you, I was very thankful for my little cocktail of happy pills to get me through those teary nights.


I know this may be a little personal to share but I wanted to put it out there for my readers to see that I am too, human.  I hope I don't loose any of you. We are all human right? I wanted you all to know that it is okay to seek help. Help is good and sometimes what you have to do to make it through another day. Whether it is post-partum or just the stressers of every day life - seeking help and learning on a supportive friend during that difficult time made everything so much better. 


It is a New Year so keep it real my cupcakes and seek help if you need it - it is okay and will make you a better person. That is my February memo to all of you. And remember, I am always an email away! As always, thanks for all your love and support. Lots of love! 





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Editors Pick: Annie & Isabel -- Plus a giveaway!

You pick out what to wear to a party. You pick out what to wear to the gym. You pick out what to wear everywhere. Why not be prepared? We have the perfect option for you when you head to the hospital. Yes, the hospital! 




Of course no one wants to think of themselves in the hospital but if you are anything like us, we like to be prepared with Annie & Isabel. Just a few months ago, you may remember reading about me in the hospital. Well luckily I was prepared! I had my Anita gown with me! Yes, I know. Who thinks to grab something to wear during their hospital stay? Well, ME! (I was the one in labor checking my make-up the whole time!) I can't stand those yucky, crunchy hospital gowns. Not to mention, I hate the contast feeling that I am showing people things I shouldn't be! 







As I sat in the hospital room I felt stylish & chic even though my hair was matted to the bed and I hadn't showered in days - my Anita gown was there by my side! I got stopped as I was wheeled to have an MRI - just because of my super-cute hospital wardrobe! Right before my operation, the nurse and I were talking all about my gown. What a conversation starter! Now, I am expecting #4 and I am so excited! Honestly, because I have a reason to wear it again! It is super-soft and comortable and I am confident I an not showing anyone my rump - yes, full back coverage! It is very important! 


Oh, and did I mention? They have pockets. The perfect place for lip gloss! And of course, it has all the hospital needs of a hospital gown. The gowns wrap and tie on the side for full back coverage. The shoulder straps also provide easy access for IV lines and those newly nursing mommas!


I also adore the inverted pleat in front  and beautiful grosgrain ribbon- it adds just the right amount of detail to make the gown even more perfect! Well guess what? We are giving you one! Well, the FABulous ladies at Annue & Isbael are! Read on to win now! It is perfect for every fashionista! 









Editor Note: I have to say, not only are the gowns amazing and the must-have essential for everyone but the ladies behind the gowns are even more amazing! They are genuine, down-to-earth gals and love to put a smile on your face! They do just that with their gowns! 


MORE about the ladies & the name:


We are sisters and registered nurses. Anna works in an Emergency Department and Selena works in an adult Intensive Care Unit. Our many years of working as nurses have made it clear to us that wearing a generic hospital gown is often a patient's number one complaint. We saw an opportunity, with our business, to improve the patient experience by designing gowns that are attractive, comfortable, and, most importantly, completely cover your "backside" : When you look good, you feel better.


The name "Annie and Isabel" honors our great-grandmother, Annie, and our grandmother, Isabel. We were so blessed to have our great-grandmother in our lives. Annie was a selfless, spirited woman and role model to many generations in our family as she lived to the age of ninety-eight. Our grandmother, Isabel, was a beautiful and loving woman who died of pancreatic cancer when we were young. She is the reason that we are both nurses today. Our childish dreams included the wish of naming our future daughters after these women who were so dear to our hearts. Six boys later, we are honoring our grandmothers in another way. Their names will live on with our new business venture….. "Annie and Isabel".


How sweet! NOW go win one! Read on below......





Tell us which gown you want to win. This comment is mandatory.  You also must be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 


For each extra entry just let us know (each in a seperate comment) telling us you have done so! The more you comment the better chance you have to win! 


1.) Follow cucpakeMAG on Twitter


2.) Follow Annie & Isabel on Twitter


3.) "Like" us on Facebook!


4.) "Like" Annie & Isabel on Facebook! 


5.) Subscribe to our updates --- just sign up with your email in the top right corner above. 


6.) Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 


7.) Tweet about this giveaway and include @annieandisabel-- you must tweet, not just follow. 


The winner will be selected by random.org on Monday., Jan. 3rd after 11pm. Please make sure you leave us your email in one of the comments as well! 

Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen on the date above. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love. However, we were given a gown for review purposes. 
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A Note from the Editor: It's December!

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." 
 - Hamilton Wright Mabie



Image from Occasionally Crafy
It is that season! December! Can't believe it is already here! And Christmas is ..... exactly 24 days away! You can finally start pulling away that advent calendar! 


It is beyond my favorite time of year! I love the decorating, the cheer in the air and of course - the presents! The stockings are hung - the tree is decorated (well, almost) and we only have a little shopping left to do! Ahhhh, I LOVE Christmas! 


But enough with me and my love affair! Let me tell you what cupcakeMAG is up to this month! We have, as always, a ton of great celeb interviews to show case this month. The lovely Dina Manzo & I had a great phone chat and I can't wait to share! We also will share our interviews with Kendra Wilkinson, Aubrey O'Day and an amazing celebrity trend expert - Rachel Florio, which is one you should defintely not miss! We also will counitnue to show off some great websites and bloggers too! We also are working with Kate Landers of Kate Landers Events which will be just great! And we are finishing up the cupcakeMAG's wish list along with our fabulous Holiday gift-guides and giveaways galore on cupcakeMAG for Littles! Did you see our fabulous chat with Elizabeth from 4moms today? And the giveaway? You can't miss it! Even if you don't have a little one - try & win it for a gift! And of course, throughout the month we will bring you up-to-date with all the fabulous fashion & beauty trends. We won't let you miss anything in the fashion world! 


I personally am beyond thrilled to FINALLY share some BIG (personal!) news with all of my FABulous readers! Stay tuned next week - the exclusive news will be showcased in moi's interview by Kate Landers! And yes, I will make sure you can find it! I can't wait to share it all with you! 


I once again thank each & every one of you for being such a FABulous audience and this holiday season I am thankful for all my cupcakes - not just my staff, but ALL of the cupcakes out there! Thank you always for the support and from my family to yours - Happy Holidays! 





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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! 



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