Getting to Know McKenzie Westmore

You may recognize McKenzie Westmore from her 10 year run as "Sheridan Crane" on NBC's popular daytime drama Passions but that isn't all she is best known for - an actress, television host, wife, mother and fitness and health enthusiast are a few more titles she holds. Currently, she is host of SyFy's new special effects and make-up competition series FACE OFF - a new show we are loving. 

McKenzie also has quite the background in personal training and nutrition as a health, beauty, fitness and nutrition enthusiast! What else could she add to her full multi-tasking plate? A line of wellness products! McKenzie has created a line to enhance the health, beauty and well being of women everywhere. 

We are thrilled to share the lovely Mrs. Westmore with our readers as she truly is an inspiration of how you can do it all! 

{1} You do it all -- you hold so many titles. How do you manage it all?

Some days I wonder myself! Honestly, I am a very organized  person but even still it’s not easy and it’s always a juggling act. I am always making notes in my phone for the day of what needs to be accomplished, making sure Maddox is taken care of at all times! 

{2} Many of us watched you for years on Passions. Do you miss that chapter in your life? Do you have a favorite episode you filmed?  

There are certain aspects that I miss from my Passions days but am thrilled with where my life and career are headed now. As or a favorite episode I would have to say the first Tango between Luis and Sheridan.  It was really the first time seeing the sparks between the characters and my first time dancing on television, which scared me to death but I loved it! 

{3} Congrats on your new show, Face Off! What can you tell us about the new competition series? 

Face Off is a competition/elimination series exploring the world of special-effects make-up. The contestants are given a certain amount of time to create their own original works of art ranging from full body paint make up on models to creating their own horror villain. Not only does the show incorporate effects make-up but it will also include a wide range of skill sets. It all ends with one winner and one grand prize that will launch a career.  

Each episode brings something new and exciting.  If you have ever asked “How did they do that?” or “How did they make that?” in a movie or television show then FACE OFF is for you!

{4} Besides the new show you are working on developing a line of wellness products. Can you tell us a little about that?  

I’m working on a series of products for beauty, health, nutrition and wellness.  I'm very excited about these products because they have been inspired by my family's rich history, knowledge, and legacy as pioneers in the world of Hollywood make-up arts.  

{5} What can we find in your make-up bag?  

Oh boy!  What cant you find! I love trying and testing out new products but my staples are a bronze primer to start.  I’m not big on foundation since it’s so heavy on the skin and I love a more natural look so I use a tinted moisturizer with spf, mineral powder.  

As for my signature colors, I always stick with a pink blush and pink eye shadow with either brown or black eyeliner and use either white or light blue on the table of my eye to brighten them up.  For lips its usually just gloss and now I Love Lip Fusion XL!  It has totally pumped my lips naturally! 

{6} With background in personal training - what do you always tell your clients? Do you have a favorite work out?  

I always stress the importance of a well-rounded workout that is based in cardio and weight bearing moves.  I’ve always been a big fan of yoga because it not only is so great for the body but for the mind and soul too!  One of my all time favorite yoga practices is HP Yoga by Steve Ilg. 

{7} For those who always can't get to the gym - what do you suggest they do in their own home? 

When it’s a rainy day and I'm home I do a combination of yoga based moves as well as jumping jacks, pushups, jogging in place…etc…you really can get a great workout in wherever you are with simple tools we all have in our home.   Even when Maddox was a baby I would incorporate him in my workouts holding him close doing squats and such.  

10 THINGS WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT MCKENZIE! 

I’ve really been an open book most my life so here goes… 

1. I trained in opera and am a coloratura soprano.  I love to sing to this day! 

2. I am a trained equestrian rider in English and Gymnastics on horseback. 

3. I can raise one eyebrow and wiggle my ears.

4. I hate liver and onions.

5. I could live on sushi! 

6. I’m an expressive person and communicator and a huge pet peeve is when someone doesn’t pay me the same respect.

7. I first acting job was at 14 months old in a Bold Detergent commercial. 

8. My favorite color is turquoise.

9.  My favorite cars are a ’57 Chevy and Mercedes Gull wing.

10. I love to bake and make a mean cookie! 

Love her right? We do! Make sure you follow McKenzie on Twitter and tune in to Face Off on the SyFy channel, Wednesday at 10pm! 

Oscar Red Carpet 2011: cupcakeMAG's Best Dressed!

{Reese Witherspoon}
You can't go wrong with Giorgio Armani Privé mixed with $1 million worth of Neil Lane diamond and emerald jewelry. Her voluminous retro updo made her look like a grown-up Barbie. We LOVE it! 

{Sandra Bullock}
The scarlet Vera Wang gown was simply stunning paired with a crimson VBH clutch and Harry Winston earrings & bangle. 

{Mila Kunis}
The lavendar lace Elie Saab Haute Couture gown with Neil Lane diamonds topped our faves. 

{Jennifer Lawrence}
The newbie to the Oscars shows us that sometimes less is more. She swooned us with her bright red Calvin Klen Collection, elegant Chopard earrings and bangle, Juditch Leiber clutch and Jimmy Choo sandals. Perfection! 

{Michelle Williams}
In true vintage style, the white Chanel Haute Couture gown paired with Harry Winston diamon earrings and ring turned heads on the red carpet. 

{Anne Hathaway}
We loved this vintage Valentino Haure Couture taffeta gown with a beautiful floral applique train. She tops it off perfectly with a scarlet red lip and Tiffany & Co. 

{Cate Blanchett}
Perfectly structured! In an eleabroately beaded Givenchy Haute Couture gown with yellow beaded accents and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry -- she looks her best. We also love her fresh chic bob! 

Tell us: Who was on your best dressed list?

cupcakeMAG LOVES Gussy plus a GIVEAWAY!

When we first connected with Maggie the super talented brain behind the beauties of Gussy Sews - it was love at first sight! She whipped us up a custom laptop bag (also used as a diaper bag, tote, and well, for anything we can!) ruffle and all along with the sweetest little clutch that we can't stop wearing. We were immediately smitten with Gussy Sews. It was pure handmade perfection and we couldn't stop swoonin' over our little collection. We are beyond thrilled to share Gussy Sews with you and know you will LOVE them just as much as we do! Read our chat with the lovely owner and designer behind the pretty bags and accessories. And guess what? Thanks to Gussy you are getting a chance to win $100 to start you own Gussy collection! Oh and did we mention - we LOVE her blog. It is seriously a daily read so bookmark it now!

{1} Who is Gussy?

Gussy is a girl that has learned SO MUCH in so little. Two years ago, in January of 2009, my husband and I both lost our jobs. We were living in Michigan at the time and were married just 7 months prior. In a {wonderful} whirlwind we moved 12 hours from our home state to Minneapolis, MN, and somewhere in between moving to Minnesota I quit the job we moved here for to sew full time on Gussy Sews. But there's more to me than just sewing and sharing my journey on my blog. I love to have a good chat. I love to hug, I love to be around people. I love to cuddle our pup, Bauer, and I love to drink Coca-Cola!

{The girl behind the ruffles, Maggie Whitley otherwise known as Gussy & her work space}

{2} What inspired Gussy Sews?

In November of 2008, Zack and I were newly married and also living in a new city in Michigan. Zack was working a job that often meant late-nights or weekend work (TV commercial production). I couldn't stand the thought of watching TV when he was still working, and I had recently found Etsy... so I decided I was going to each myself how to sew. I went to the public library and (honestly) checked out 30 books. I soon became BFFs with YouTube (hello! it is hard to learn how to thread a sewing machine when you're looking at a black & white photo). From there I was sewing things that I would want to use (totes, zipped pouches) and over the last 2 years I'm seeing that sharing & encouraging are two things I love. These two things are what really inspire me :)

{Gussy's Favorite Item! The Yellow Woodgrain Tote Bag, $78}

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

This is easy! The yellow woodgrain tote bag. LOVE IT!

{we LOVE headbands especially the pink/red floral headband, $14.50}

{4} How do you choose your fabric?

I'm really drawn to colorful, fun, sassy prints :)

{ruffles & houndstooth, it doesn't get much better then that!, Medium Zipped Pouch, $18.50}

{5} When did your love affair with sewing begin?

I threaded my very first sewing machine in November of 2008. The affair officially started in March of 2009 when I branded my products as Gussy.

{6} What is up next for you?

Actually, I'd like someone to fill ME in. I never, ever thought I'd live out-of-state from family, let alone be the owner/designer of a business. For years I was a gal of security -- I always wanted to know what was going on, but so much changed once we lost our jobs. I realized fast that I'm really not in control, God is. And honestly, it's all been amazing. All the tough stuff has made me so much more wise, and all the uncertainty was never uncertain to Him. I'm very thankful.

{WHAT YOU DON'T ABOUT GUSSY!}

1. I like a lot of creamer in my coffee (hello, hazelnut)

2. I will never skydive.

3. I have a tattoo on my right wrist -- it's a Japanese symbol for joy. I got it when I was 18 ;)

4. I don't like shell fish.

5. I don't like to get up early.

6. I love to be cozy on the couch with tea and good friends/family.

7. When I was younger, I loved to read so much I'd often read 3-4 books at a time ;)

8. My mom gave me the nickname Gussy after Gussy the Goose from Charlotte's Web. (Something about the goose having a lot to say, and so do I...?)

9. I have a dual-major in Journalism (editorial) & Art (photography) and am so thankful to use this DAILY.

10. I have a fear of not being prepared, of forgetting things. I think this is why I over think so much :)

{All Things Gussy}

{Twitter}

{Facebook}

{Blog}

{Shop}

Well thanks to Gussy you can win $100 to get your shop on with Gussy Sews! Read on the enter now!


Giveaway: $100 gift certificate to Gussy Sews!
(US only; baby blankets and discount codes are exempt from the gift certificate.)

How to win: Visit Gussy Sews and tell us just what is on your wish list. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Follow Gussy on Twitter.

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

4. Make sure you "Like" Gussy Sews on Facebook. 

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

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

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

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday, March 5th at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.



Exclusive Interview with The FABULOUS gals behind Layla Grayce plus $150 Giveaway!

Wendy Estes and Tiffany Harris have one thing in common - the passion for Layla Grayce. Wendy, a mother to 4 children, including twin 3 year old girls understands how to multi-task and what busy working moms need. She knows all about selecting the best items for babies and children. Wendy is seriously super-mom balancing her career and family life. Wendy is one of the sweetest gals we know - just so genuine. 

{Wendy & her twin girls

Tiffany is their resident design buff and wow, she is just great at what she does. With degrees and education as an interior designer, certified color consultant and a current American Society of Interior Designers member -- she is pure perfection. Just recently Tiffany reconnected with her high school sweetie and married. Tiffany is constantly assisting customers with decorating suggestions and purchasing and has an amazing eye for great design. Just wait until you see her house! 

{Tiffany}

Read on to get all the details on their amazing company they have built together and how you can win a $150 gift certificate to one of our favorite shops, Layla Grayce. 

{a beautiful collection from Aidan Gray}

{What inspired you to start this amazing shop, Layla Grayce? Did you ever imagine it to grow so quickly? What inspires your picks on the site?}

Tiffany: Layla Grayce was built on passion and adoration to create beautiful surroundings.  We had access to some incredible furniture lines and realized there was a hole in the market because you couldn’t find them anywhere. Women have such busy lives and so little time to search out what they are looking for; we knew we could create an aesthetically pleasing virtual store where you could shop for yourself, mother, child or friend all with the click of a button.   

No, we never imagined we would be as big as we are today, nor did we ever set out to be.  We often laugh at our humble beginnings, but looking back, growth was an inevitable result due to the drive and delight we both have to continue to push ourselves and always strive to improve Layla Grayce. 

Inspiration is found everywhere we go and we are constantly adding new products by pushing the limits to be current and still traditionally classic.  The constant search for new products is infectious when we travel together.  Thankfully, our aesthetic is almost identical even living across the country from one another.  

{the perfect pink rainbow pettitskirt dress}

{Wendy, you are a mom which automatically means you are a multi-tasker, especially with a growing biz! What advice or tips do you have for other moms out there doing the same?}

This is true. I’ve grown in to a multi-tasker, not a multi-slacker although in my next life I pick multi-slacker. Advice I give moms in business is toss the idea of balance out the window. Business needs you more one day, kids really need you the next so in my opinion balance is leaning left, then leaning right to compensate. If you’ve chosen to run a business and have children, I know it’s easier said than done but try to let go of “guilty mom,” you’ll be happier and so will those around you.

Second, try to be as efficient as possible. That starts with getting organized. A secret for managing my marketing/ web/ pr team remotely is Google. I run about 10 calendars that are shared with my team such as a blog, new product additions, social media, newsletter, press & web maintenance schedules. Employees can login to their Google account view changes, make changes and add notes and all changes are viewed real time. We’re also heavy users of Google’s document sharing. If you can be efficient by keeping organized, it should lower stress levels which trickles down to the kids.

{Layla Grayce has endless amazing things - a beautiful shop with beautiful things! This may be hard but do you have any personal favorites?}

Tiffany: Well, thank you!  Layla Grayce has over 7,500 products and some are available in multiple colors, so there is a lot to choose from.  It is so difficult to narrow down the favorites because everything was a “favorite” at one point, or else we wouldn’t have added it to our collection.  Currently, our favorites are: 

- Wendy and I both gave cell phone cases to everyone we know this year for Christmas. Stylish, functional and who doesn’t love personalization! 

- Fashion is something we used to do years ago and we decided to bring it back this past year to offer something more for our women’s department.  Ella Moss for women and a little boutique line called Decaf Plush for kids are among our favorites. 

- Aden and Anais eco-friendly bamboo swaddling wraps are one of the hottest gifts on the market for new moms.  I don’t have kids, but they are so soft, I actually wear them as a scarf!  

{Looking at the site, you must have quite the sense of style. How would you describe your own personal style?}

Wendy: One of the things I love most about this business is the consistent exposure to beautiful products and design trends yet no trend can replace a high-quality, well-designed classic piece.  Over time, I’ve learned restraint in design and in my home. I favor minimal, yet impactful accessories and symmetry of space. I prefer classics in fashion or my home décor in key, core pieces embellished with modern, colorful accessories.

Tiffany: Both of our homes are the official testing ground for Layla Grayce products.  If it isn’t good enough for us, then it certainly isn’t good enough for our customers.  Presently, I am in the process of finishing an 8 month remodel on my home and I can proudly say it now reflects our Layla Grayce look.  The key furniture pieces are covered in natural linen with sea glass blue accents and crisp white linen bedding.  A few antiques added into the mix and a chandelier made from an old wine barrel hang in our entry to add character.  

{Take a peek inside Tiffany's home. A few little antique shell bottles on an Oly studio antiqued mirrored top coffee table. A dome chair in the entry and a dining chair with wallpaper above. Oly Studio is a new collection recently added to Layla Grayce.  The Serena Drum Chandelier was a must for Tiffany's dining room.}

{Tiffany shares her personal decorating tips with cupcakeMAG}

1) We are big believers in buying what you love and investing in pieces that can grow with your ever changing taste.  It’s easy to inexpensively update classic pieces with the color palettes that express your style of the moment.   

2) A home is meant to be lived in.  Scratches and dents on furniture are proof of the love that surrounds us.  Embrace the imperfect. 

3)  Express yourself.  Take risks. Mix and match new and old pieces.  Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed with the idea of redoing everything all it once and then never begin to create your own beautiful surroundings.   

Tiffany tell us, "I'm currently obsessed with wallpaper. It’s like dressing your walls with your favorite fashion prints.  This one is a shot of a ceiling and a modern fan with acrylic blades so it doesn’t distract from the wallpaper print. Also, a little antique 60’s dress form that I keep in my office usually dressed with pearls and scarves for fun."

Let's get to know these FABulous gals a little more! Wendy & Tiffany tell us a few things you may not know.

{WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WENDY!}

1) Avid sports fan. MMA (http://ufc.com  & http://pridefc.com), Dodgers, Lakers and most importantly my 10 year old son’s football team, the 2 yr undefeated metro-Atlanta champions. Go Eagles!

2) Can’t remember a joke. Can’t tell a joke. But, can laugh at them & most importantly admire those who can.

3) A Scrabble scrapper and especially liking the Scrabble app recently loaded on my ipad.

4) I work fast and drive even faster. Look out Atlanta.

5) Recipe collector. I believe good cooking comes down to 2 things, experience combined w/ an insane recipe. I enjoy reading Cook’s Illustrated and several foodie blogs.

{WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT TIFFANY!}

1.) Love Ugg boots on a cold morning at the beach.

2.) Current obsession – wallpaper.  I have it in five rooms in my own home and still want more.  We plan to add our favorites to Layla Grayce soon!

3.) Dislike the word “hate”.  I wish it could be deleted from the dictionary. Being late.  Seeing others be disrespectful to our elders.

4.) Pet peeve? Texting or talking loudly on cell phone at a nice restaurant.   

5.) Sports fan of LA Kings ice hockey and Formula 1 Car Racing.

Did you just fall in LOVE all over again? We are sure Layla Grayce just swoons you right in! So what are you waiting for? Enter to win $150 to Layla Grayce! Read on to enter now. 

{All Things Layla Grayce}

{Shop}

{Blog}

{Twitter}

{Facebook}

Giveaway: Thanks to Wendy & Tiffany we are giving one lucky reader $150 to Layla Grayce! 

How to win: Visit Layla Grayce and tell us just what is on your wish list. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow Layla Grayce on Twitter.

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page

4. Make sure you "Like" Layla Grayce on Facebook. 

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

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

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

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday, March 5th at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.