cupcakeMAG is LOCO for SUGAR LOCO!

Sugar Loco is our favorite site for all things sugar. And no, not just because we absolutely LOVE & ADORE the two FABulous ladies behind it but, because we are crazy for sweets! We are beyond thrilled to share with you our one-on-one chat with the {sweet} gals behind Sugar Logo. {Warning: You WILL crave something sugary & sweet when reading. Our advice? Grab a cupcake before you begin!}

{Two of the SWEETEST gals we know!}
Tracy + Jenny

{1} Tell us a little about yourself & what made you collaborate to create Sugar Loco. 

Tracy began her first business, Sweet Harper, on Etsy in 2008, along with a coinciding blog - which had an amazing following.  She  promoted the wonderful world of Etsy and it's impressive group of artisans.  She loves shopping handmade and really loved sharing her unique finds.  She's become quite the genius at social media.  Tracy recently jumped on board the women supporting site -LaunchHer.com.  Launching and supporting fabulous women owned brands.


Jenny began her first business, Monkey Toes (a line of hand painted children's shoes) almost 10 years ago.  She began hand painting every pair of shoes herself and finally grew to obtain a licensing deal with a major manufacturer.  Along with sweets she has a major love of business and even consults others on growing their business.

Our site came from a GIANT love of sugar, ice cream, chocolate, cake, cookies, whatev.   Seriously, we don't discriminate.  We met via Twitter, it was love at first sugary tweet.  Or were we frenemies?  Well, we became quite competitive (and good friends) with who had the better dessert, in fact we made up a hashtag - #sweettootholympics.  We decided to take our love of all things sweet to the internet by launching Sugar Loco and bringing our favorite finds to all the other sugar lovers out there.  Voila - Sugar Loco was born, January 15, 2011, weighing in at .2 of a milligram (surprisingly, the same weight as a grain of sugar!).

{Tracy + Jenny bring us FABulous interviews on Sugar Loco}

{2} What is your all time favorite sugar fix?

Tracy:  Ice cream is my weakness.  I have literally chased down the ice cream truck before...probably just more for the thrill of the hunt, but I digress.  My favorite place to get ice cream is Grand Ole Creamery in St. Paul, MN. I love to order Birthday Cake ice cream, and it's best in one of their fresh made waffle cones. YUM!  There's always a malted milk ball waiting at the bottom too - I love surprises! 

Jenny:  Oh the one thing I could never live without, which might seem really boring, is a giant slice of Birthday cake.  It's gotta be yellow cake, white (piled sky high) butter cream frosting - oh and can't forget a heaping scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to go with it.  I'm a sucker for this..  If I can't get my hands on a giant slice of cake, I will totally "settle" (HA, not settling at all) for a Nomelie Vanilla Love Cupcake. 

{3} What are you go-to places for all things sugar?

Tracy: Of course it depends on the type of sweets you're after.  I love to stop in at Sugar Sugar Candy in Minneapolis to get a sampling of a few treats.  The owner Joni, is always switching up the bulk candy, and it's interesting candy, not your typical stuff.  For beautiful inspiration, Bakerella is where it's at. OMG, she rocks!  For recipes, my standards are Vino Luci, The Pioneer Woman, and All Recipes. We can't give away all of our faves, you will have to stop by Sugar Loco in November when we announce who made the list of Loco Loves!  

Jenny:  How much time do you have?  I have found some awesome recipes in Sandra Lee's new Bake Sale Cookbook (heads up: one lucky reader will get to pry my personal signed copy from my hands - I won't be giving it up willingly).  So many fabulous and easy dessert recipes.  I'll be making the Dark Chocolate Caramel Slices for an upcoming Share our Strength Bake Sale in Denver (mark your calendar - May 14, in Highlands Ranch, CO).  Assuming I don't eat them all first.  If I want classic sweets, my go-to has to be Lola's Sugar Rush in Old Littleton, CO.  Mainly I love going in their because everyone is so lovely and they all feel like friends.  I stopped by last week for some good old fashioned Cherry Mash.

{4} You get to visit some great places to bring us all the details for Sugar Loco. What is the best part about this gig? 

The best part about this gig?  UH, the SWEETS! But more seriously, seeking out unique finds and meeting the passionate artisans and pastry chefs.  They've got such amazing energy - it's contagious (well, that and the sugar high).  Oh and tasting some marvelous desserts isn't too shabby either.  

Tracy:  Not only do I get to try all sorts of new desserts and sweets, but it is also truly amazing to work with Jenny.  As she said, we met on Twitter, and have become amazing friends and business partners.  I also love exploring Minneapolis to find the best in desserts in my own city, it's kind of like a scavenger hunt.  


Jenny: I love that I go beyond what I would normally order at a restaurant and try new things - and it's all in the name of "work" (I can hear my husband rolling his eyes).  I also love that people are coming to us for recommendations, sharing their favorite recipes or hot spots with us - I swear we receive a new recipe or a "lead" several times a week.  Who knew that we would be come the sweet experts??  Ok, one more thing I love about this gig?  Promoting these wonderful products.  It feels good to put a smile on the faces of the hardworking people behind them, spread the word and hopefully generate some sales for them too, they really appreciate it.

{We LOVE the ideas they share on Loco Kids!}

{What's new?}

Well, currently we're seeking the next city to expand to...Vote here. We've got some great features, local businesses and online, along with yummy recipes.  Let's just say, you're not gonna want to miss it.  

PS - we're ALWAYS on the hunt for new and unique confections, don't be afraid we won't bite (YOU), contact us!

{Don't miss a thing!}
Sugar Loco
Crazy for Confections!

www.SugarLoco.com

Facebook

Twitter: @Sugar_Loco

Ahh, don't you LOVE Sugar Loco? We do! 

Plus, your {sweet tooth} will thank you! 

Jenny's Frugal Christmas List

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer

Editors Note: You are going to laugh really hard. Be prepared. 

I’m throwing my pennies in every wishing well I see and making massive wishes ::closes eyes real hard and crosses fingers::  I hope Santa Baby noticed I was over-the-top well-behaved this year and will be showering me with a bunch of lavish gifts.  I know my list might be a little extreme, but why can’t a girl wish big? 

I’d love to replace the bread maker I’ve been mourning the loss of for a year now.  I used to throw the ingredients in and be on my merry way (yes, they are THAT easy) – and in a few hours – voila – yummy carbiness.  I am sure my bum is not missing it, but my tastebuds are relentless in yearning for another one (and homemade pizza dough).  And this is why my first pick is a breadmaker, by “BAM!” Emeril. (True story: I’m pretty sure the hubs has tried to buy me one several times, and I’ve told him that he cannot buy me appliances as gifts, so I asked my mom.  HA!)

I ALWAYS love getting makeup.  Maybe it’s because all the amazing gift sets are out and I do not splurge very often.  It’s like a princess’s dream to have millions of shades of blue, green and pink eye shadow (that you’ll probably never use, but you’ve got it just in case!).  My favorite selections for gift sets are:  Stila’s Holiday Lip Glaze Collection. I am a huge lover of their lip glazes.  Why you ask? Because in Colorado my staple is Chapstick – not glamorous at all.  Stila does NOT dry my lips out like everything else I’ve tried.  I adore it and hold it close to my heart…um, I mean lips. I can’t get enough of the vibrant colors for nail polishes…my inner goth can totally make its appearance with this line of Sephora by OPI mini collections -  I can use the colors and by the time they’re sooooo last season, they will be gone!  I’m excited to try “Teal we meet again” on my toes.  And lastly, who wouldn’t love to be “Box Office Sensational” while donning your new lids, cheeks & lips with Lorac’s huge travel case full of fun .I could spend an entire afternoon creating looks for myself with this baby.

I’m a very giving person during the holidays.  That’s why I like to treat my hubs to a gift (I’m pretty selfless….and humble too).  Because we have to keep “Santa” happy -  I’d choose a sassy little number like this one…and of course I would look like this in it too, because I’m going to stop eating….NOW!

I’ve been eyeing this little guy since I received Juicy Couture’s catalog about a week ago.  This gift would really knock my socks off. Not only is it a gorgeous diamond encrusted “J” that can be added to my Juicy tracksuits, but it is also my initial and I can add it to a necklace too.  I think it’s a totally realistic add to my list, right?  It’s practical, if I happen to get lost at a mall with amnesia and forget my first initial.  (I will justify anything)

As I got dressed this morning I decided of a practical gift for myself.  Something my wardrobe is missing and could desperately use – a pair of Leopard print heels.  Like these by Vince Camuto -- I’m kinda particular about the print from the leopard – it’s my pickiness coming out.  But I really like this one and I think it will bring out my inner-cougar.  RAAAWR!

 

I’m don’t consider myself a sappy person, but I do love to love, love…Make sense?  So why not wear it on my chest with this sweet little number by Etsy.com designer Aziza Jewelry.  It’s a precious little Sterling Silver necklace that I think will continue to bring love to me.  Oh my gosh, I AM a sap!

I’ve gotta list something for my sweet tooth.  My sweet tooth is massive…about the size of my mouth and it LOVES some good chocolates, cakes, candies, well, pretty much anything with sugar in it.  I’ve been wanting to try these Marshmallow and Caramel treats by Hammonds Candies here in Denver. The display at our local Whole Foods is enormous and it’s my fantasy to get locked in the store and sit and lick it all. I’ve been to the candy factory tour, (mouth watering the whole time), but didn’t get myself any caramels.  What was I thinking? 

I believe that if I wish REAL hard Santa will leave me one of these under my tree.  Or just outside the house would work too…    No biggie, just a Range Rover.  HA!  Since going to meet up with the CupcakeMag ladies, I fell in love with Angela’s Rover (ya, me and the Rove are on nickname basis now).  I had no idea it would be so posh and so roomy too (see it IS practical!)… And that’s why I think my good behavior this year warrants a nice big Range Rover.  What do you think?  (I know, far-fetched…but again, a girl can dream big!)

I hope you all have a fabulous holiday season!  I know my marshmallows (errr…I mean family) and I will be cuddling by the fire and enjoying time with each other – I hope you do the same!

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

Black is the new White

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer

Confession:  I *heart* jewelry.  Really, what girl doesn't?  My jewels du jour vary by mood.  Sometimes I am a minimalist, with a tiny silver chain and studs or hoops, and sometimes I like to go a little more bold, with larger pendants and chunky cuffs.  Some of my all time fave jewelry comes from my step mom's jewelry biz -Ridgeline Artisans.

Julie and my Dad started out on an amazing adventure a few years ago, to Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka breathing in the many flavors of the culture and collecting amazing works of jewelry art from little artisans around the globe.  I was completely jealous of their trip and selflessly offered to become a "buyer" and if I had to travel to exotic locations I would definitely take one for the team...I am a good daughter.

These are my two FAVE necklaces (though I could spend hours sifting through their collection and finding a million more faves).

I'm completely infatuated with black pearls (if you can't tell).  There's something so "sassy Jackie O" about these little gems of the sea.  Which describes me to a tee - "sassy" and if Jackie O ever donned a wife beater, I'd be sure she was my long lost twin.

Go to Ridgeline Artisans today and show my step-mama, Julie, some love.  Like what you see here? Email Julie for the 5-Strand Black Pearls from Thailand byemailing Juliedirect.  Or get the Chandelier Necklace here.

The best part? Use the code: cupcakemag at checkout and you'll get 20% off your purchase.  YIPPEE!

I'd love to know two things... 

1) What's your favorite jewelry find?  (And you can't just say "Etsy", give me a link below! 

2) What adjective describes your personality? 

(disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this review, I am family, AND I love their fabulous exotic finds.  My review is my opinion.  I was given these necklaces for my birthday as gifts. WOOT! WOOT! LUCKY ME!)

So get linking & tell us where you go for jewels! 

Birds of a Feather…

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer <--- (ps, check out her new pic!) 

My husband admits (and so do I), I will stay a teenager, at heart, FOREVER.  I love hand-woven friendship bracelets (you know the kind that you safety pinned to your pants throughout your high school years), simple braids tousled, yet strategically placed, throughout your hair in an up do, BFF necklaces & cutoff shorts… That is why I initially fell in love with the fabulous Juicy Couture.  Best known for their velour tracksuits and whimsical clothing and accessories, Juicy Couture has released into the wilderness (aka. a local mall near you) their latest collection: Bird…Juicy Couture, all grown up!

I was just drooling all over my keyboard at Juicy’s online Look Book of this amazing collection of fancies.  The way I describe it – Rocker Chick meets English Country Side – I’m head over heels in LOVE!  I had to sit at my computer for at least 45 minutes trying to pick out my favorite Bird look and I think I’ve settled on Look 5 – the Slouchy Poncho & Magic Stretch Leather Leggings – so uber-chic I can’t stand it.  Or wait, is it Look 8 that I *heart* best – Wool Herringbone Sexton Jacket & High Waisted Shorts?  No, no, it must be Look 7 – the Military Coat & Magic Stretch Leather Leggings.  Oh SNAP, I give up – I love them all!  And as I virtually thumb through this online Look Book, I daydream about the fancy country side places I will wear them all to!! 

I love that this line consists of deep hues of gray, black and silver – all very slimming I might add.  You can tell by the thoughtful details of exposed zippers, yummy cashmere, and subtle patterns that no feather was left unturned in this collection.  I’m going bananas wishing I could run my hands across every piece.

This line is so beautiful it makes me want to grow up…a little…but I will still have a friendship bracelet pinned to my leather leggings.  Don’t judge.

Get your Bird on at www.birdbyjuicycouture.com or click here for a list of stores near you.