Monday, January 31, 2011

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! 


KELLI FORD ~ INTERIOR DESIGN IN BEVERLY HILLS

Interior designer Kelli Ford has a strong affinity for blue as you will see.  Throughout this Beverly Hills vacation home that Kelli shares with husband Jerry, blue is in some form present in the rooms.  ENJOY!








Love, love this home!  Hope that you have enjoyed this tour.  Pick up your copy of this month's Veranda magazine.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Sneak Preview -- Toni Francesc

Spanish designer, Toni Francesc, is set to show his new collection GARUDÀ 
at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York



Toni Francesc will present his Fall/Winter 2011 collection during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and will return to Lincoln Center on Saturday, February 12, 2011, in The Studio at 9:00 p.m. This will be the fourth season Francesc will show his collection during New York Fashion Week. 2009 was the first season the designer was chosen to take part in fashion week in the U.S.


The upcoming collection, GARUDÀ, is Francescs interpretation of the Phoenix, an eagle-sized bird with red plumage burns in its own flames only to rise from its ashes every 500 years. The Phoenix has long been presented as a symbol of rebirth, immortality and renewal. The collection provides an into insight to each phase ranging from the fire to the ashes.


GARUDÀ is a collection that is focused on fire; its luminous and incandescent colors are the protagonists of the collection: intense golds, oranges and reds are the focus. The energy of the fire brings in ash grays and blacks and are combined with fabrics and silhouettes that represent the combustion and reemergence of the Phoenix. Garments are composed of luscious silks and wools. Generous, straight forms are combined with volumes that nip in at the waist and hug the body in clean lines that trace the female figure.



Francesc is at the forefront of breaking international markets for the world of Spanish designers and will continue to be successful this upcoming season.

check him out: www.tonifrancesc.com

Love Birds - Blog Hop - Blog Candy


Hello everyone! You may have arrived here from Julie's blog if you are following the BBTB2 blog hop. Either way, welcome!

I am finally back to blogging.  I was busy most of last week with one thing or another and the week finally reached its pinnacle on Saturday when Doug and I moved our younger son into his first non-university housing apartment.... On the third floor... With no elevator! (But mom, the rent is cheaper on the third floor!).  :-D  We manged to survive and Ian's apartment is adorable!!!  Far better than my first apartment!

So now that you know where I have been, let's move on to BBTB2!  It is time for the monthly blog hop and this week's challenge was selected by our wonderful Design Team sister, Maria, who asked us to use one or more of the lovely hearts from the Love Struck cartridge.  I chose the love birds.


I created a fold out card using Just Because Cartridge.  I cut an envelop, then used my trimmer to remove the side flaps.  I scored the two fold lines created a half circle fold down flap (see the photo above), a center 4 x 4 area, and an oblong oval flap (see the photo below). 



For the front of the card I cut the love birds heart from Love Struck in pale pink.  I cut the shadow in white. I used copic marks and highlighted random hearts and the birds.  I added satin hearts and a crystallized Prima rose to the front of the card.  I wrapped the lower flap with a dotted one inch ribbon and added an additional satin heart and heart stick pin. 

I added a white circle stamped with a simple sentiment to the inside of the flip down flap.


Inside the card I used Lacey Labels and cut a scalloped square, the trim for the square, and the old school Love Story style LOVE. 


I liked that this card was not my usual single fold card.  I enjoyed the more creative folds and style.  Now let's get on to the good stuff!  I have wonderful BLOG CANDY!  Thanks to Custom Crops I have a $25.00 gift voucher for one lucky winner.  Just leave a comment below before you hop on and you will be registered for the blog candy.

It is now time for you to continue along on the BBTB2 blog hop!  Your next stop is at the blog of our amazing Design Team sister, Penny.  I had the pleasure of meeting Penny in person last summer and I so enjoyed meeting Penny and her daughter, Krista.  Both are lovely and delightful!

I will be back tomorrow when I have a snowy layout to share.

Overpacked








I seem to have a rather persistent problem when it comes to packing a suitcase and that is I completely overpack.  Every single time I just can't help myself and the worst thing of all is that my carry-on luggage could be compared to everything 20 people would need for a 2 week holiday.  It is just ridiculous. 

However, after hauling my usual 10 tonnes of so-called 'I can't live without' luggage on a 20 hour flight from Brisbane to New York a few days I ago it was quite humorous to read an article by Amanda Fortini in the New York Times this morning in which she proclaims her obsession with the overpack too. 

I was comforted by the fact that she too has packing anxiety and as her friend kindly puts it - 'It's like you're traveling by ocean liner.  Will you be accompanied by a porter?'  I WISH I could be accompanied by a porter.  Usually my husband is around and has in the past helped me lug large seashells in my carry-on luggage from Hawaii and cushion covers, mirrors and a painting from LA but this time it is just me and my carry-on and let me tell you it is exhausting running for a connecting flight with 3 heavy bags.  I have vowed and declared that on our return flight next week I will only be bringing 1 bag into the cabin with me and the rest will be checked in.  It will be interesting to see how I go.

It is snowing here in New York which is quite amazing as this time last week I was swimming in our pool with Harry and Max in 30 + degrees.

Overpacked








I seem to have a rather persistent problem when it comes to packing a suitcase and that is I completely overpack.  Every single time I just can't help myself and the worst thing of all is that my carry-on luggage could be compared to everything 20 people would need for a 2 week holiday.  It is just ridiculous. 

However, after hauling my usual 10 tonnes of so-called 'I can't live without' luggage on a 20 hour flight from Brisbane to New York a few days I ago it was quite humorous to read an article by Amanda Fortini in the New York Times this morning in which she proclaims her obsession with the overpack too. 

I was comforted by the fact that she too has packing anxiety and as her friend kindly puts it - 'It's like you're traveling by ocean liner.  Will you be accompanied by a porter?'  I WISH I could be accompanied by a porter.  Usually my husband is around and has in the past helped me lug large seashells in my carry-on luggage from Hawaii and cushion covers, mirrors and a painting from LA but this time it is just me and my carry-on and let me tell you it is exhausting running for a connecting flight with 3 heavy bags.  I have vowed and declared that on our return flight next week I will only be bringing 1 bag into the cabin with me and the rest will be checked in.  It will be interesting to see how I go.

It is snowing here in New York which is quite amazing as this time last week I was swimming in our pool with Harry and Max in 30 + degrees.

WAITING FOR MY RAINBOW BEND


2011 was off to a great start for me as things are falling into their places one by one. But suddenly things changed. Darkness once again looms...

Just when I thought the showers of blessings won't stop, then suddenly a storm of problems creep in... slowly flooding out the happiness with never ending sorrow and grief. I have been in too many emotional roller coasters and yet I am back in familiar territory yet again. The barrage of rain falling coupked by the rage of the strong winds just won't cease. Helplessly I sit and cry... And then I held my head up and looked at the dark sky.

"It'll soon end!" Now, it's just time to wait for my rainbow bend...

DANICA MAGPANTAY IS FORD'S SUPERMODEL OF THE YEAR 2011


Philippines has another person to really be proud of. Our very own Danica Flores Magpantay was hailed as 2011's Ford Supermodel of the Year. After winning the crown to be our country's representative last year as part of the PFW 2010, she has proven that she is a worthy winner as she bested 70 other contestants in the said pageant. The contest was held last January 22 in New York City.

This is the first time a Filipina grabbed the top prize in the said pageant and only the second time an Asian has ever won. South Korea won it in 2008. Let's all congratulate Danice for this wonderful feat!

Phot Credits: Yahoo Images

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Top Thirty Religious Tattoos

Getting inked for the sake of your religious beliefs is a large cross to bear, if you will.
It is a commitment that subjects the tattooee to more judgment and possible controversy than any other tattoo choice. Wearing your religion on your skin takes resounding faith, unshakeable conviction, and yes, balls. But it is refreshing and in fact admirable in these days of the prolific slut-stamp and lifeless tribal sleeve to see folks stepping out of the ink herd and choosing to physically profess their religious devotion … loud and clear.
Luckily for religious tattoo enthusiasts of today, the artistry of time-honored religious imagery has made leaps and bounds from our forefathers chiseling petroglyphs onto stone. Expressive, beautiful and subjective, check out the incredible artwork that makes up the top 30 religious tattoos.
Jesus: The central figure of Christianity, Jesus, aka Jesus of Nazareth, Jehovah, the Messiah, the Christ, Savior of man, the Son of God, was a prophet and teacher born in Bethlehem and crucified to bestow eternal salvation among mankind.

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Mary: Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, and is also referred to as the Virgin Mary, the Blessed Virgin, the Holy Virgin, the Holy Mother and the Mother of God. Mary is especially honored in Roman Catholicism and is considered the most elevated of the saints.

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Cross: The cross is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It is the primary religious symbol of Christianity and represents the crucifixion of Jesus.

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Rosary: Traditional in Roman Catholicism, the rosary is a set of beads that provides a physical method of keeping track of the number of prayers said, as the fingers can move along the beads as prayers are recited.

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Angels: In Christianity, Judaism and Islam, angels are believed to be messengers from God who are sent to guard over subjects (hence, Guardian Angel) and carry out the tasks of the Divine. Superior or higher-ranking angels are known as archangels; famous archangels include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

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Crucifix: A crucifix is a cross with an accompanying image of Jesus’ crucified body. It is a principal symbol of Christianity and Catholicism.

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The Last Supper: In Christian Gospel, the Last Supper (aka the Lord’s Supper) was the last meal Jesus of Nazareth shared with his Twelve Apostles and disciples before his death.

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Praying Hands: The held-together, praying hands image is a traditional gesture in Christianity and Catholicism. This photo is from RankMyTattoos.com user Rod Fam.

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Krishna: While many Hindu groups recognize Krishna as the incarnation of Vishnu, some consider Krishna to be the Supreme God. Krishna is the speaker of the Bhagavad-Gita, and is often depicted as a baby or as a youthful prince playing a flute. Krishna is believed to personify the loving relationship between God and humans.

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Sacred Heart: A traditional symbol in Roman Catholicism, the Sacred Heart represents Jesus’ physical heart. The Sacred Heart is usually depicted as a flaming heart surrounded by a crown of thorns and bleeding. The crown of thorns alludes to Jesus’ death, while the fire represents his love for mankind.

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Scripture: Although “scripture” is generally defined as the sacred writings of religious texts, it has been traditionally associated with the writings of the Bible.

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Triquetra: The Triquetra is used by Christianity as a symbol of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), but is also used in Neo-Pagan religions.

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Star of David: The Star of David is a six-pointed star emblem, commonly associated with Jewish culture and Judaism. It is named after King David of ancient Israel and is also present on the state flag of Israel.

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Pentacle: Neo-pagans, especially Wiccans, use the pentacle as a symbol of faith, similar to the Christian cross or the Jewish Star of David. As a representation of the elements, the pentacle is an amulet used in magical evocation, summoning the spirits of the four directions (with the spirit as five) at the beginning of Wiccan ritual.

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Triple Moon Goddess: In Pagan and Wiccan tradition, the Triple Moon Goddess represents the three stages of life: Maiden, Mother and Crone, as well as the three phases of the moon.

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Baphomet: The Baphomet was first depicted by nineteenth century occultist Elipas Levi as a symbol of harmony, redemption, and union with the Divine. A simplified version of the symbol (the Sabbatic goat) was adopted as the emblem of Anton Lavey’s Church of Satan in 1966. These two figures are now both synonymous with Satanism.

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Pentagram: Traditionally a symbol of a 5-pointed star, an inverted pentagram with two points up, often inscribed in a double circle with a depiction of a goat head in the middle, is referred to as the Sigil of Baphomet among Satanists. It is used as a sign of rebellion or religious identification; the three downward points symbolizing the rejection of the holy Trinity.

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The Devil: The Devil, aka Satan, Lucifer, the Beast, the Antichrist, Beelzebub, etc., is a fallen angel in Christian and Catholic tradition who rebelled against God and was cast down into the pit of Hell. The Devil is usually depicted with horns and a serpent’s tongue.

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666: The Bible’s Book of Revelation asserts 666 to be “the number of a beast.” In modern culture, 666 has become one of the most widely recognized symbols for the Antichrist, and a symbol for Satanists.

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Upside down cross: The reversed cross is traditionally the symbol of St. Peter’s refusal to be crucified in the manner of Christ, preferring to be hung upside down, as a gesture of humility. In modern times, the reversed cross is most commonly associated with Satanism and a rejection of the Christian doctrine.

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Brahma: Brahma is regarded as the creator of the universe in Hinduism, and was believed to be self-born in the lotus flower which grew from the navel of Vishnu. Brahma is traditionally depicted with four heads, four faces and four arms, representing the four directions.

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Shiva: Shiva, the God of destruction, is the supreme God in the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism. He is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation, and has a third eye. Shiva is often depicted as blue, referring to when he drank poison churned up from the earth’s ocean.

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Vishnu: Vishnu is regarded as a major God in Hinduism, and is believed to be the preserver of the universe.

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Ganesh: Ganesh is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in Hinduism. Ganesh’s elephant head makes him easy to identify, and his reverence extends to Buddhists and beyond India. He is regarded as the Remover of Obstacles and Lord of intellect and wisdom.

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Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama (563 BC-483 BC, approximately) was an Indian spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. He is generally recognized by Buddhists as the Supreme Buddha.

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Kuan Yin: In Buddhist culture, Kuan Yin is known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is generally accepted that Kuan Yin originated as the SanskritAvalokiteśvara, which is her male form.

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Yin and Yang: Although found throughout Chinese culture, the Yin and Yang symbols are often associated with Taoism, as they represent the dynamic force of the Tao – two energies constantly interacting with each another: the sun and the moon, femininity and masculinity, birth and death, etc.

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Rastafari: Rastafarianism isa religious-cultural movement that began in the 1930′s in Jamaica as a reaction to the European colonialism and slavery of Africans. Central themes of the religion attempt to explain the future of the African race by looking to Ethiopia for an African King.

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Atheist: Atheism is defined as the disbelief that deities exist and/or the lack of belief in gods.

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Darwinian Fish: Charles Robert Darwin (1809 -1882) was an English naturalist who taught that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors through the process he termed natural selection. His theory of natural selection came to be known as the primary explanation of evolution in the 1930′s, and now forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory.

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Good vs. Evil Duality: These images represent religious duality.
Jesus/Satan:

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Mary/Evil Mary:

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Angel/Devil tattoo from RankMyTattoo user DeadGirl666

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Whether denying the existence of God(s), altering the perception of God(s), or embracing God(s), religious tattoos encapsulate a personal and cultural honor that no other artwork can match.