Corky Kouture™ Blog

Sweet Inspirations for the Girls at Jefferson Davis Middle School

2014-10-06T09:16:00.000-05:00

Marelyn Elwood owner and operator of Sweet Inspiration by M.E. has joined in with us in the Classy Lady Project going on at the Jefferson Davis Middle School with Jessica Saracino. The idea behind the project is to give young girls some extra motivation to be the best they can be. At the end of each quarter one girl who has proven to put her best foot forward in both academic and social responsibility a Corky Kouture Bottled Gift bag filled with a of Sparkling Juice and a Visa gift card for $50.00 will be rewarded to her. AND now Marelyn Elwood is adding to the reward gift by also presenting the quarterly winner with a dozen specially designed cupcakes just for the project.

Sweet Inspiration by M.E. has been in operation since 2011. When Marelyn was 48 she decided she wanted to create sweet, delicious, and beautiful cakes. Marelyn shared “I've been an artist most of my life, a licenses cosmetologist and sculptor. So basically cake baking and decorating is another way of expression, but a divine one!”

Marelyn went on to tell us just how Sweet Inspirations by M.E. all began: “It all started with a dream. My cakes till that dream were basically not great, then had a dream that I made a cake. The recipe and how to do it was in the dream. The next day I decided to make the dream cake and that's how it got started. After that dreams were coming just about every other night, I was making more cakes than I could eat! Then one thing led to another and here I am. I know it was a calling from the good lord. This is what he wanted me to do. I have been able to donate my time and talents now for many and also make a living at it.”

Here is a photo of my first cake. The one in my dream.

We asked Marelyn what are her favorite types of cakes/desserts to make? Her response “It's funny; I don't eat cake or icing all that much, but if I had to pick it would be vanilla cake with fresh pineapple filling and almond icing.”

Marelyn loves donating her time to a great cause. “If I can put a smile on someone's face through sweets, then I know god is happy because it's what he wanted me to do!” stated Marelyn Elwood. This is what prompted her to want to be involved with the Classy Lady Project.

Marelyn plans to make a special cupcake for the winner (pictured above) and I would love to continue to participate as long as I can.

Stay with us here to follow along on the progress of the Classy Lady Project.

Corky Kouture Hits the Halls of Jefferson Davis Middle School

2014-08-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

Corky Kouture has found a way to make it back to the school! Yep, in all its age and glory Corky is going to be walking the school halls again – and you know Corky knows how to dress for the occasion!

Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Collection is pleased to be part of Jessica Saracino’s back to school incentive project – Classy Lady - in a Title 1 Middle School where 100% of the students are on the free or reduced lunch program. As the middle school girls start to walk the halls at Jefferson Davis Middle School on August 18 they are going to have a great reason to want to partake in their daily studies and school spirit. Jefferson Davis Middle School educates students come from low income household. Many of the students who attend are not invested in school because there is no push for education from home or little support. Many are from a single parent home. Those students often find themselves left to their own accord when it comes to their studies and are often times aiding in the care for younger siblings where their homework takes a back seat.

Jessica Saracino and the founder of Corky Kouture Lisa Riedel came up with this project to encourage students to put effort and pride into their school work. Jessica shared “We also want to encourage the girls to strive to be classy young women and discourage bad conduct. Unfortunately a lot of girl on girl drama and fighting is a big problem in our school and is a main disciplinary concern.”

In an effort to encourage our young women to be all that they can be, Lisa will be gifting one student every quarter (nine weeks) a gorgeous Corky Kouture Bottle Gift Bag with a of Sparkling Juice and a Visa gift card for $50.00 to reward the young lady for good behavior both personally and scholastically.

Jessica teaches a reading class at Jefferson Davis Middle School and will be challenging her female students to meet the following qualifications to be eligible for the grand prize of the Corky Kouture package at the end of each quarter (nine weeks):

1. Maintain academic excellence with A/B honor roll in all classes

2. No referrals within the quarter

3. Show kindness to others (this can be by helping me or helping fellow classmates with various tasks)

4. Showing leadership (helping with a club/sport or taking on a leadership role within the classroom/school)

Jessica will be monitoring eligible students not only within her classroom, but asking their other teachers about their behavior as well. She will then select one girl each quarter that she feels best meets the qualifications and awarding her the prize during class. There will be a mini awards ceremony/celebration in the classroom at the end of each quarter honoring the young lady and encouraging the rest to jump on board for their chance to also receive the reward.

Lisa likes to utilize Corky Kouture to empower, reward, and make others feel good! The

bags themselves make a person feel special with all their glitz and glam – it’s hard to not smile and be happy when gifted a CK. When the quarterly winner opens the gift box and pulls their CK out to find their bottle of sparkling juice and then in the CK gift pouch a $50.00 gift card they are sure to be ecstatic. It is like a gift that just keeps on gifting. We will continue to update you on how this project progresses and if you feel so inclined to add another incentive to the CK incentive package please contact us via email, Facebook message or leave a comment below and we will happily contact you.

What Does Joyce Giraud and Corky Kouture Have in Common?

2014-04-13T10:43:00.001-05:00

Corky Kouture recently had some major excitement when they sponsored and attended the Queen of the Universe Pageant On March 16^th at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills Los Angeles, California. Lisa Riedel, owner of Corky Kouture, gifted the top ten winners, judges, and hosts with a Corky Kouture Gift Bag. This is the second year in a row that CK has sponsored this event but the first year for Lisa to attend it in person! I thought it would be fun to hear what it was like behind the scenes at such an event with so many reality stars present! So, I asked Lisa if she would mind answering a few questions about her time there and share some pics with us (Everyone knows I am a Realty TV Freak!). She was very generous and agreed.

Read the full interview below:

Post by Corky Kouture.

Lisa Riedel: Well, let me first explain how I became aware of the Queen of the Universe Pageant and I how I became acquainted with Joyce Giraud de Ohoven. We found out about the event through a contestant last year that was looking for financial sponsors. We wanted to make sure it was a legitimate event so I did the research and was very impressed with the owner (Joyce) and her cause which is charity based with all proceeds benefiting UNESCO is the United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organization. I decided to contact them to see if they would be interested in having Corky Kouture as a product sponsor; without telling them that we were also a contestant sponsor as I didn't want to mix the two. I wanted Corky Kouture to be chosen on its own merits. I heard from Joyce herself and that’s how it happened. We didn't attend last year but were able to this year and I am so glad because it really is a very glamorous and exciting event. Joyce Giraud has created something very special and I am really proud of involving the Corky Kouture brand in The Queen of the Universe Pageant.

Me: Okay, not many of us get to have an experience like you have had attending the Universe Pageant so please, tell us WHAT WAS IT LIKE??? Was it full of the glitz and glamour that we sitting at home imagine it to be like?

Lisa Riedel: YES! It was very glamorous with beautiful people, clothes, and paparazzi - the whole enchilada. It was exactly what I envisioned and what others would imagine. Everywhere you looked there was someone you would recognize as well as designers who created some of the women's dresses at the event. I was very excited to attend.

Queen of the Universe International Beauty Pageant at The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills Featuring: Ariel Diane King, Joyce Giraud Where: Beverly Hills, California, United States When: 16 Mar 2014 Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Me: I bet CK was a smashing hit with the judges and the winner! Did you have a favorite to win?

Lisa Riedel: I felt all the girls were great and I didn't have a particular favorite per say. I applaud each of them for having the courage and ambition to try. And what an experience for them! I will say Miss USA (Ariel Diane the winner) was very graceful, poised and had great answers to the questions asked of her so she certainly was deserving of the Title. Not to mention she is just beautiful. And let me tell you, the prizes were incredible!! WOW! Prizes consisted of money, jewelry, clothing, shoes, classes, spa services, roses from the Ultimate Rose, Corky Kouture; the list seemed endless!! You don't see all the prizes and the total values up there on the sponsors’ page but it is incredible!!! It really is a first class operation.

Me: Okay, honest - is Joyce as gorgeous in person as she is on the TV screen?

Lisa Riedel: Joyce is so beautiful, really! But what impresses me most about her more than her beauty, is the fact she is so hands on with the Pageant and she is truly appreciative for her sponsors contributions. She is someone who actually says THANK YOU personally and means it. This is a woman who is beautiful, wealthy, has a happy marriage and children; you know, just is really living "the dream" but yet she has no arrogance about herself. She really is the kind of woman who I believe is a woman's woman and wants to lift others up. I really believe that based on my own personal experience with her. And she was that way before she was on RHOBH(Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) because I dealt with her with the very first Queen of the Universe Pageant and she is exactly the same gracious woman.

Me: Who else fun did you get to meet?

Lisa Riedel: We met lots of fun people there. The first couple we met was Elizabeth Espinosa (CNN Latino) and her husband. Her designer (he created a dazzling dress for the event for her) introduced us because my Tony is a Surgeon and Elizabeth Espinosas husband is also a doctor. So, that was nice for Tony and her hubby to have conversation. She was actually one of the judges and she is very personable and funny. There was this beautiful African American gal who works for the Obama Administration that I really enjoyed conversing with very much. We got lots of pictures with some of the BRAVO Reality Series Lisa &Ken Vanderpump, Kyle Richards, and David Cruz (Millionaire Matchmaker). Let me tell you, David Cruz and his date or boyfriend were HANDSOME!!!! We actually sat next to them at the Pageant and lots of other fun people like designers, photographers, sports figures; just lots of exciting and fun people. We didn't go to the after party unfortunately because Tony wanted to catch a late dinner so we went to SUR Restaurant and Bar and got pictures with Arian and Tom Sandoval, as well as Scheana Marie from the cast VanderPump Rules. I have to say, SUR is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! On the show you really can't envision how spacious it really is or the numerous vignettes there are. It really is just fabulous! I highly suggest if one gets an opportunity, they should go for the experience. We also met Chuy from Chelsea Lately Show and got a picture with him too. The best part of the night though was randomly meeting a group of 5 women from Orange County that we had a blast talking and hanging out with for a bit. We will definitely call them on our next trip there.

Me: So give us the inside scoop... who is your favorite housewife? Okay - if picking one is too hard - give us your top two picks.

Lisa Riedel: Well of course my favorite would be Joyce. No, I don't know her on a personal friend or even friend acquaintance level, but I do know her from a business perspective and she was gracious, thankful and accommodating so for that she is my numero uno FAVE! LisaVanderpump is fabulously entertaining as are all of the cast members. RHOBH and RHOOC (Real Housewives of Orange County) (my two favorites of all the Housewives series), so really I can’t pick. I guess I just like watching the dynamics of all the gals who have been on the shows. I think all the ladies have something unique to bring to the show which is what makes it entertaining. I really do feel badly when they are fighting or not getting along though but at the same time I know if there wasn't that kind of drama most people wouldn't watch. I especially didn't like the fighting when it involved Joyce because I feel with her Pageant she is a woman that these young girls are looking up to and are inspiring to be like her. Also, she is trying to make a difference in the world so for me, I just hate to see someone like her in that kind of drama because she really is nice. I do think she would really just like to get along with everyone.

Me: Where can we expect to see Corky popping up next; team up with or exciting vendor/sponsor at?

Lisa Riedel: Wherever there is a celebration going on is where you will see Corky Kouture! I am always open to opportunities for exposure to get Corky Koutures name out there. But my BIGGEST dream and where I’d LOVE to see Corky Kouture pop up is my most favorite #1 Reality Show and Reality Celebrity - David Tutera!! I LOVE his show! DavidTutera’s show has got just enough of everything in it. It touches every emotion in me. Every one of his shows makes me laugh, cry and I really learn a lot by watching. His creations are just so magnificent! I would love, love, love to be one of his vendors for any of his events where CK fits in and to do some giveaways for his contests to his viewers. Also, because both our brands amplify the same purpose - to bring special moments, create memories of happiness, give people experiences, and deliver a gift that is unique and personal. Of course Oprah Winfrey would be right up there too because she's all about empowerment and feel good moments. More importantly and the most thrilling and exciting feeling for me is knowing and experiencing that I through developing Corky Kouture I am making so many people smile for even just a moment for so many different reasons and occasions! It has been an amazing journey so far and I am so happy to be a part of touching others with Corky Kouture regardless of age, race, or body type. Our packaging offers unlimited possibilities. How cool and exciting is that?

FUN PICTURES!

Chuy Bravo from Chelsea Lately Show

Kyle Richards and Lisa Riedel

Lisa Vanderpump and Lisa Riedel

Scheana Marie

David Cruz

Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval

Spectacular Wedding Attire and More at La-Boutique-de-Lingerie Bridal

2014-03-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal is your one stop shop for all things bridal. If you’re looking for an experienced sales staff that will see to your every need, this is the ideal shop for you. Valerie Lammon, the owner and operator of La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal has been in the bridal industry since the age of 12. She shared with us "My mom opened up a bridal store in Michigan when I was 12; sold it when I was 23. I really had no intention of ever owning a bridal store or a business of any type just because of the work involved; you have to make a lot of sacrifices to make your business successful." Well, for someone who never really had any intentions on owning a bridal store now not only owns and operates one - but one that is quite successful and offers so much to the brides to be as well as the grooms!

Lammon earned her Associate’s Degree in Fashion Merchandise
and opened her store Sept. 2007 as a upscale lingerie and bra fitting store and slowly went back into the bridal business. (Prior to that can you believe she was flipping land?) Her father was the driving force behind her re-entering the bridal; world when he told her that selling wedding gowns will pay the bills better so back into the bridal world she went. To say the least, he was right; La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal is an amazing success!

When you visit La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal you will not

only find the wedding

dress of your dreams, but you can also find dresses for your entire wedding party. They also offer professional bra fitting sessions that will ensure you and your bridesmaids look fabulous in your dresses. In addition to dresses, La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal can see the needs of the men in your wedding party. They offer tuxedo rentals and accessories that will ensure your wedding day is one that will be remembered.

If you dress should need alterations or if you would like to modify the design, Valerie performs all of the necessary alterations and custom changes. She prides herself in being able to take the visions of brides and do everything possible in her power to make sure their wedding attire is everything they dreamed of. Valerie shared "The happiness of the brides I work with is my number one priority! It is what brings the joy and satisfaction into my career choice."

Because La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal is a smaller company, Lammon has the freedom to choose only the latest cutting edge and current designs. They do not carry out of date or of an inferior quality items. Valerie believes that every woman deserves to look her best on her wedding day.

If you’re a bride who is looking for the perfect dress, you should

definitely stop by and see everything that Valerie Lammon at La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal has to offer. I promise you won’t be disappointed by her amazing selection of fabulous bridal attire!

Make sure to check her out at her websites here: La Boutique de Lingerie & Bridal and La Boutique de Gowns

and her social media sites here: La Boutique de Lingerie Bridal Inc. and La Boutique de Lingerie

Corky Kouture Welcomes the Wedding Season

2014-03-14T11:47:00.003-05:00

Oh, can you hear it; the harmonious sounds of the wedding bells in the air? Can you feel the unions about to be made? Wedding season is fast approaching and blushing brides are looking for those special touches to commemorate their day. Well CorkyKouture™ has the perfect touch to set your wedding apart, make it memorable, and fun! With the Corky Kouture™ bottle gift bags you can customize in so many fun and fabulous ways! Use them for gifts to the wedding party, Mother of the Bride/Groom, bachelorette gifts – the list is as endless as your imagination.

Gift Presentation – This idea is perfect for wedding guests who are looking for a fun and attractive way to present their gift. Our Corky Kouture™ bags are ideal for presenting a special bottle of wine of champagne to the bride and groom. Give your gift the opportunity to stand out and get noticed; present it in one of our Corky Kouture™ bags.
Bachelorette Party Gifts: Add a bottle of personalized wine (great options can be found on our website here: GiftCorkyKouture.com and add a card with a picture of all the girls and the bride with a quote about besties and the date and details of the wedding.
Invitations – Every bride wants her special day to be unique, and using our bags to hold your invitations can do just that. Presenting your invitation to your guests in one of our glamorous bags, will ensure that invitation is not ignored. Can you imagine the looks on the faces of the invited guest when they are presented with an invitation to the most memorable day of your life in this fashion! Talk about marvelous! Create a card for the attached gift holder as an invitation along with a personalized bottle of champagne with the date and time of the event.
Bridal Party Gifts – Are you looking for an unforgettable way to present your bridal party with their gifts? Why not enclose them in one of our bags, whether it is a bottle of personalized wine purchased from us, or another type of keepsake, you can’t go wrong when placing them in one of our bags.
Gifts for The Mother of The Bride and Groom – Mothers are an important part of every wedding. Why not celebrate them by presenting them with a special gift to commemorate the occasion. Presenting the mothers with a Corky Kouture™ holding a bottle of our personalized wine or their favorite beverage and enclosing a picture of the bride and groom with the details of the wedding – (maybe a sweet sentiment written especially for her) in the gift pouch would make any mother break down in tears of happiness.

There are many creative and unique ways in which you can incorporate Corky Kouture™ gift bags into your wedding. They can be used as centerpieces on the tables at your reception, or used to present personalized bottles of wine to your guests. The presentation box can be customized to fit any themed wedding! For customization ideas see Customizing your Corky Kouture. The gift pouch can hold so many different types of treasures. No matter how you choose to use them, they will ensure that your wedding is not something that is soon to be forgotten, and isn't that what all brides strive for.

Valentines Love is in the Air at Corky Kouture

2014-02-13T11:42:00.001-06:00

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and how wonderful it would be if you created the perfect evening for your lover! Well the Corky Kouture Team came up with 10 great evenings that you and your lover can have that can spice up even the hottest romance!

Don’t be expecting your typical card/flower/candy gifting ideas – think bigger and spicier – think of an evening you will never ever forget! The night of a lifetime memory!

Here are our top 10 ways you can tease, seduce, dare or excite your love this Valentine's Day.

1. Turn your home in to a hot hostel and make a reservation for you and your love. Have a sexy meal idea planned with the ingredients already in the frig. Remember you are in a hostel so you have to share the kitchen with your love so cooking together could get messy – if you do it right that is. Make sure you think of a meal that is rich in aphrodisiacs! ;-) Then top that meal off with a great wine gifted in a sexy Corky Kouture. In the gift pouch, slip in some sexy I.O.U’s and get ready to bring the morning in having the time of your life fulfilling each one!

2. Roll the red carpet it out and get ready to put on a fashion show for your love – girls – get yourself two or three sexy lingerie outfits and get ready to strut your stuff for your partner. Men – this is a great one for you! Have your home ready for a Red Carpet show and gift your love a Corky Kouture filled with her favorite drink along with a nice selection of sexy lingerie you would love to see her model! Don’t forget the runway music!

3. Start your evening out innocent, like teenagers again sneaking out with your love. Gift a nice bottle of your significant others favorite libation and end the evening in a fun game of Truth or Dare with a sexy twist. Just make sure your kids don’t catch you!

4. While we are reminiscing of high school days, what about Lovers Lane? Bring in the sunrise on Lover’s Lane with your love, favorite spirits, and a nice snack selection of cheeses and crackers. Slip your favorite spirit into a Corky Kouture wine bag and get the picnic basket ready! Don’t forget the blanket!

5. Romantic dinner with a poetic twist! Take your love out or prepare a romantic dinner in and gift her/him with their favorite drink in a Corky Kouture. In the gift pouch place a romantic poem or song you wrote specifically for them. It might even be proposal night! Surprise her with the ring and a poem in the gift pouch!

6. Masseur for the night! Turn your bedroom into a sexy massage parlor – sexy scented candles, silky linens, and a few sex toys doesn’t hurt and then get yourself an oil warmer and start exercising them hands. Greet your love at the door with a CorkyKouture with a nice champagne ready to go inside, pop it, pour, and then get to disrobing – for the massage of course. Have a nice thick fluffy robe for her or him to slip into and after a drink, direct your love to the bed and let the rubbing begin!

7. Strip Poker baby all the way! Oh yes baby! Why not? What a great way to bring extra spice in a relationship and a great way to take advantage of Valentine’s Day! Pull down the shades before the fun begins.

8. Valentine and wine go together like Cupid and his arrow! Go on a wine tasting adventure at a local winery or create one of your own in your home. Just purchase several bottles of wine you have wanted to sample and don’t forget to get your Corky Kouture bottled gift bag! When you find your favorite of the evening, the next day you can re-gift your Corky with your choice as a couple favorite vintage to another love couple, family member or friend.

9. Succulent Sensually Sweets! Another sexy amazing idea is to create a succulent sweet dessert bar filled with exotic chocolates, whipped cream, berries, chocolate sundaes, and a chocolate fondue! Keep in mind that calories do not count on Valentine’s Day! After all you will be working them off! ;-) Gift your love a sweet red wine in a Corky Kouture bottled gift bag to have later and have the champagne on ice!

10. Bring it back – way back to childhood days and build an amazing fort in your living room. Make it big – you want plenty of room to tumble. Spread out a blanket and prepare a picnic inside the fort and gift your lover their favorite bottled beverage in a sensuous Corky Kouture wine gifting bag.

Visit Corky Kouture today and get your romance on ~ www.giftcorkykouture.com

You can also find us in Splash Magazine!

Hope for a Single Mom

2013-10-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

October is Cancer Awareness Month yet it does not just rear its ugly head in October. This devastating disease is with us every day and everywhere we look. It empties bank accounts and takes lives and shows absolutely no remorse. It has no real rhyme or reason and strikes at its own will. It leaves a trail of despair and for those who are fighting the battle is in a fight for their lives. When you have a strong support group it helps with the beating that Cancer delivers but if you are a single mom with a smaller support group, limited funds, and children you want to see grow into beautiful adults it can feel like you stand alone in the world fighting the battle against this inexorable monster. But there is hope for a single mom. They do not have to stand alone.

Hope for a Single Mom is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping single working mothers in their battle against breast cancer. Hope for a Single Mom was founded by Donna Sullivan, a Florida Brevard County resident. Back in August 2010, Denise Moore, a single mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery on August 23rd. She had to miss several months of work. She received no income during that period and began to fall behind in her bills. Thanks to Hope for a Single Mom she was able to keep her mortgage and car payment up to date and pay off some of her medical bills.

Donna, the sister of Denise Moore, the first recipient of assistance from Hope For a Single Mom, was astounded when she saw firsthand how fast and messed up a person’s finances can be destroyed by a Cancer diagnosis. In hopes to help her sister and nephew during their trying times, Donna teamed up with the women of her Mary Kay unit selling lots of lipsticks and donating part of the profits to help Denise keep her home and her car. Much like the Pay It Forward movement, Brevard County citizens caught wind of this and joined in to help Denise. Banning together as a community, over $5000 was raised and given to Denise. Denise said it was the most unbelievable feeling to know others cared so much to help her stay in her home. She vowed to her sister to beat her cancer and pay it forward to another local single mom.

Every year since 2010, a single mother is selected with care by Donna, Denise and their friends at Breast Friends of Florida and shown the same supportive assistance as Denise did back in 2010. Breast Friends, a non-profit organization, is located in Brevard County and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer and other woman related cancers. Hope for a Single Mom has partnered with Breast Friends and keeps their focus on giving HOPE to our Single Moms here in Brevard.

To learn more about Hope for a Single Mom and to get involved, please visit: http://www.hopeforasinglemom.com

Tickled Pink! Fabulous, Fun, and Flirty!

2013-09-26T13:33:00.001-05:00

Old custom states pink is for girls and blue is for boys and although there have been boring studies done, theories developed, and folklore telling us why women prefer pink over any other color and boys desire blue – the bottom line is, who really cares? If you love yourself some pink – who cares why, right?! Pink is FABULOUS and that is a good enough reason for me!

Pink is sweet, nice, romantic, playful, delicate, and associated with love and romance! It is calming and soft! Pink is sensual and sexy! Pink is womanly as much as it can be girly! But most of all, it is really hard not to smile at a person who wears pink. A woman in pink emits an overall sweetness and kindness and did you know men are more likely to approach a woman in pink than any other color? Why, because it gives off a caring sweet fun nature.

So tell me, what is your favorite color and why? How does it make you feel? And if you love pink, please share me why! I would love to know!

Pictured above is Jessica who is passionate about PINK! So for a fun way to surprise her, she received a PINK Corky Kouture with a PINK bottle of Sparkling Pink Moscato and $100 in the gift holder. She looks tickled "pink" …. Who else adores the color pink?

Here are a few quotes from people I am sure you will know that also love the color pink along with some perfectly pink pictures just for fun!!

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

“Pink isn't just a color, it's an attitude!” ~ Miley Cyrus

“I love pink, it's so girly!” ~ Ashley Tisdale

“I love pink - pink's my favorite. I hardly ever - weirdly - wear it, but I love the color pink.” ~ Ellie Goulding

“I can't see myself without pink lipstick. I can go without it for a couple days, but if there was no more pink lipstick in the world, I'd be useless. Seriously.” ~ Nicki Minaj

“I love to see other women in pink. It's good for every shade of skin and hair.” ~ Elizabeth Hurley

“I think I do my own thing. I start my own trends. I see a lot of girls doing what I've been doing. Pink. Nobody wore pink, and now everybody wears it. It's flattering.” ~ Paula Creamer

“I don't think I will ever get tired of wearing pink.” ~ Emma Bunton

“I grew up with all boys in my family, where there was no place for girlie stuff. But it's amazing to walk into my house now. Everything is pink!” ~ Jerry O'Connell

“I have as much pink as you can have. I love to see other women in pink. It's good for every shade of skin and hair.” ~ Evelyn Lauder

“I love the color pink. It makes a bold statement.” ~ Samuel Larsen

Okay to the rest of you fabulous ladies who also love pink – share your pinkness with us!

Giving Back Through Team PINK

2013-08-05T09:38:00.000-05:00

I am super excited to share with everyone a great non-profit charity called Team PINK. Team PINK was born from two young ladies’ passion and desire to give back to the community as a whole. Their goal is a simple one - to inspire individuals of all ages and all athletic abilities to have fun and kick butt while training and racing for a cause. Jessica Crate and Emily Nelson are the founders of Team Pink. I will share more about each of these fabulous women in a minute, but first, more about their amazing charity work.

Team PINK is a grassroots athletic philanthropy with the love for the color PINK. They are your typical girly girls but yet are not afraid of hard work, dedication, and come with huge athletic goals. Jessica and Emily are on a mission – to get people up and moving – any and all ages and at any of athletic fitness. They know you do not need to be a super star athletic to make a difference when it comes to giving of oneself. With hearts bigger than the U.S., Jessica and Emily don’t want anyone to ever give up on their dreams and want to help where they can to make some dreams a reality.

Jessica shares, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it and just push yourself one step further. I like to tell people that I wasn't born fast or talented, I just absolutely refuse to quit which is also behind the motto of TEAM PINK - No matter what age, gender or talent level, you too can accomplish your goals!”

Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about giving and helping when I can. Part of the reason I created and started the Corky Kouture® brand was to see people smile and feel special and I use it in many charitable manners. I am passionate about lifting people up – not bringing them down or knocking them further down when they are already out. Because of this I love to surround myself with likeminded individuals and Jessica and Emily are both champions not only in their athletic fields but also in my book.

We are runners, we are swimmers,
we are cyclists, we are professionals,
we are visionaries, we are leaders,
we are best friends, we are women
and we are ‪#‎teamPINK‬.
Together we INSPIRE,
GIVE BACK & Raise Awareness!
— with Jessica Crate and Emily Nelson.

Jessica Crate, Elite Athlete, USAT Coach is known for being 9th Overall Female and Boston Marathon Qualifier at the 2009 Las Vegas Rock-N-Roll Marathon, Qualified and raced at ITU World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand and Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas in 2012.

Jessica shares, “I am also committed to running all of my races to benefit a charity in 2013. I love giving back, coaching and encouraging others. A non-profit that I co-founded with a personal friend of mine is entitled Giving Athletics, Inc. Our goal is “inspiring social change through athletic participation.” A goal that also resonates with what TEAM PINK is all about and one that we look forward to instilling in other women, men, children and young adults across the country and around the world.”

Emily Nelson, Athlete, is known for her Surf Coast Trifecta Age Group Series Championship win 2011, 2nd Overall Female Cocoa Beach Triathlon 2012, 9th Place Age Group Ironman St. Croix 70.3 2012, 3rd Overall Female Jacksonville Tri Series #1 2013.

Emily shares, “We have all dealt with our own obstacles but we can never let them knock us down. Jessica and I, coming together as Team PINK, we’re strong than ever. We hope to serve as role models in the community & be an inspiration to others. I want people to see us and think if they can do it, I can too!”

Let’s all help support these two amazing young ladies in their efforts to inspire and encourage others through athletic participation, give back to the community, and to promote and raise awareness for local charities.

You can connect with Team Pink on Facebook here: Team PINK

And visit their website here to see what these fabulous ladies are up to next! Team PINK Website

Why the Feather Boa Remains A Fashion Mainstay

2013-06-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

Feather boas are fun, flirty, and feel good accessories no one should be without. I’ve seen everyone from celebrities to friends wearing them over the years and they have not waned in popularity. This accessory takes fashion to a whole new level, adding character to any look. They are available in an array of colors which makes them and their wearer even more alluring.

I've often associated feather boas with various periods, but they’re still very much alive and well among many wearers of today. Whether you’re going to a party, out on the town, or just want an accessory to express your individuality, a feather boa is the perfect choice for any occasion and one of the main reasons I incorporated them into the Corky Kouture™ Bottled Gift bag collection.

Feather boas are documented as being worn since at least 1820, but are thought to go back even farther. While feather boas are often considered elegant, they are also quite sexy both in the way they look and make one feel.

Feather boas have lasted through many eras to include the Victorian and Edwardian. They were also quite popular accessories during the Roaring ‘20's, and made a comeback in the 1970's with the advent of glam rock and disco. The late 1990's and early 2000's saw a resurgence of the feather boa and it continues to be a chosen accessory item today.

Over the years, a number of entertainers have incorporated the use of feather boas into their acts. Some notable names you may remember include: dancer Isadora Duncan, singer Diana Ross, singer Marc Bolan from the glam rock band T.Rex, singers Cher and Elton John, and wrestler Hulk Hogan. Numerous other cabaret and opera singers have also adorned themselves with these fun fashion pieces. So what has made the feather boa such a popular accessory through the generations? Most likely, because they make a statement – a bold entrance and get one noticed.

I have found the feather boas to be the perfect glam accent to our fabulous Corky Kouture™ bottled gift bags. They add to the statement that the gift bags stand for - individual, unique, fashionable, playful, glamorous, and simply fabulous! They’re the perfect glam gift for any occasion, whether you’re giving it to a friend or yourself, for weddings, birthdays, engagements, house warming’s, dinner parties – the gifting options are unlimited! They’ll add the flare that will be sure to get everyone talking just like a gorgeous feather boa.

Get Engaged on Valentines Day

2013-02-04T13:26:00.000-06:00

Surprise your loved one this February 14^th with a ring! You know you want to ask the man of your dreams or woman of your dreams to marry you. Why wait? Getting engaged on Valentines Day is the perfect time.

You can buy a bottle of your favorite wine the two of you enjoy. Instantly turn the wine gift into a spectacular gift when you place it inside one of the Corky Kouture™ wine giftbags. Choose a sexy red wine bag, a stunning pink wine bag, a sophisticated black wine bag or a sharp white wine bag. The fancy bottle gift bags come with a zippered pouch. Inside of the pouch may be the perfect place to put the engagement ring for your loved one. This year make Valentines Day gift giving a magnificent celebration!

Choose the setting where you want to ask him or her to marry you. You may want to take your loved one to your favorite restaurants. Make sure you call to make reservations ahead of time as Valentines Day is a busy day of the year. While the two of you are enjoying each other’s company, and the time feels right, bring out your wonderful gift.

If the person you are about to propose to is an adventure enthusiast, plan a hot air balloon ride, skydiving, bungee jumping or another thrilling outing. After all of the excitement is over with, sit down and propose to him or her and watch the adrenaline kick back in!

If you live in a warm area you may set up a picnic after horseback riding. Imagine the two of you slowly riding horses though the beautiful countryside. As your appetites awaken, bring out the picnic basket and blanket. Enjoy the day together. Pop open a bottle of wine and share with your loved one how much he or she truly means to you.

Take your honey to the city for a day of shopping and lunch. Surprise your loved one with a ride on a carriage. The carriage is the perfect place to ask your significant other to marry you.

Getting engaged on Valentines Day, celebrating the way the two of you like to along with your great gift of a bottle of wine, a fancy wine bag by Corky Kouture™ along with an engagement ring will make a lifelong cherished engagement story to share with your family and friends.

Valentines Day Gifting: Show You Care

2013-01-29T13:20:00.000-06:00

Skip the boring chocolates and flowers this Valentines Day. People expect to get the same old same old every year. Make this Valentines Day gifting extra special. You can create a more meaningful gift when you make your own card and slip it into the adorned zippered pouch of a upscale Corky Kouture bottled gift bag with a fine wine nestled inside. You do not have to be a scrap booking enthusiast to make a card. Look online how to make a simple Valentines Day card. You may decide to take a piece of red construction paper and glue a photo of the two of you on the front. If you do not like your handwriting, use your computer to type Happy Valentines Day. On the inside use the computer to type out your thoughts, feelings and/or a poem to your loved one. Use a glue stick to paste the poem or written thoughts inside of the handmade card. The fact that you took the time to create something with your own hands will impress your loved one.

Along with the lovely card you created, purchase a bottle of wine. Get the wine your significant other likes or a bottle the two of you enjoy sipping together. There is no need to wrap the wine bottle as you can purchase a stunning Corky Kouture™ fancy winebag to place the wine in. The wine bag is absolutely gorgeous and makes any gift appear lavish. If you want to purchase jewelry, a gift card or another small item you can place it inside of the clever zippered pouch.

If you are getting cabin fever plan ahead to spend Valentines Day at a hotel. Splurge and get a hotel room with a hot tub. The two of you will wash away your cares and stress in the hot tub while sipping the wine you gave as a gift to your sweetheart earlier. This one night focusing on the two of you can rejuvenate your relationship in no time.

Spending quality time together is a must to keep your relationship thriving. Small or large gifts show the other person you care. Buy your sweetheart a candy bar when you go to the store when it is not on the list. Your significant other will know that you are thinking of him or her when the two of you are apart. Treat your spouse or significant other to a larger gift such as the wine inside one of the CorkyKouture™ fancy bottle gift bags and a hotel room for the night. Valentines Day gifting is made special when you spend time together and take the time to buy a special gift for your significant other.

Romantic Valentine’s Gift

2013-01-27T13:24:00.000-06:00

Newlyweds, you can continue your honeymoon with a lovely gift for Valentines Day. Plan a romantic date. You do not have to spend a lot of money to celebrate February 14th. What is something the two of you love doing together? When was the last time the two of you shared being together and doing it? Whether you enjoy playing cards, taking hikes, watching a movie at home or another inexpensive date, plan ahead. Give your spouse a bottle of wine, liquor, sparkling wine or wine perfectly wrapped in one of the Corky Kouture™ fancy bottled gift bags. You can even put a few pieces of wrapped chocolate inside of the zippered pouch.

You can still have a romantic evening together even if you have young children. Plan at least one month ahead if you need a babysitter. Every other parent is going to be calling for a sitter on this special evening. If you are lucky, maybe your parents baby-sit your children. Perhaps your parents could take your children for the entire night and you can pick them up in the morning. Surely your parents will understand the need for the two of you to have some alone time. Plus, grandparents love being with their grandkids! It is a win-win situation all around.

Ladies, have you been married for many years? If so, rekindle the love in your relationship with a romantic Valentine’s gift. At times we all take each other for granted so make sure you make your spouse feel needed, loved and important in your life. The perfect gift is to share time together. Give your beloved a bottle of wine or champagne all decked out in a Corky Kouture™ fancy wine bag. Make sure you prepare ahead and wear a sexy dress or lingerie. Sit in your living room with the lights down low. Turn on your stereo so that soft jazz music is playing. Light a few candles and/or start your fireplace to compliment the mood. Relax, talk and sip your wine while looking into each other’s eyes. Simply take pleasure in each other.

Valentines Day is the perfect time to spoil your loved one. Spoil him or her with your time sharing a bottle of wine or other beverage. Make the gift of wine extravagant when you use one of the upscale bottled gift bags from Corky Kouture™. Take a photo of the two of you sometime during the evening to capture your special Valentines Day moment.

Gift Ideas for Valentines Day

2013-01-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

This Valentines Day surprise your friends with a Valentines Day gift. Think of all of the times your best friends have been there for you. Now is the perfect time to tell them thank you. With a favorite bottle of wine, a Corky Kouture™ bottled gift bag and a small handmade card to slip inside of the handy gift bag zippered pouch.

Your friends will know how much they mean to you. You will love seeing the surprise look on their faces. Perhaps that evening you and your friends can get together at one of your homes and enjoy the bottle of wine together. Who needs a date? You and your best friends can share laughs, memories and the usual fun you have together.

If you are married you can surprise your significant other with a bottle of champagne ingeniously placed inside of a Corky Kouture™ bottled gift bag. Slip a gift card for a massage for two inside of the gift bag zippered pouch. You will definitely score points with this Valentines Day thoughtful gift!

Valentines Day gift giving is not just for lovers. If you are a boss and appreciate your employees make sure you show them. When you give a gift to an employee you are showing them how much you care and appreciate the hard work they do for you. Little things do mean a lot when it comes to the workplace. Give a bottle of wine or sparkling wine to your top performing employees. Place the bottle inside of one of the fancy bottle gift bags from Corky Kouture™.

Don’t forget your parents this February 14^th. Surprise your parents with a romantic dinner. Bring over a home cooked meal along with candles and a bottle of wine in one of the upscale bottle gift bags available. You may decide to select a red, black, pink or white wine gift bag. Red may be the perfect selection since it is the holiday of love. When your parents see this lovely gesture do not be surprised if your mother becomes teary. Your parents will enjoy the romantic dinner and bottle of wine together. The memories you have created will last a lifetime.

This year make this Valentines Day special for the loved ones in your life when you surprise them with a bottle of wine, champagne or sparkling wine inside of a stunning CorkyKouture™ bottled gift bag.

Graced by Joyce Giraud

2013-01-22T12:30:00.000-06:00

Corky Kouture™ had the great honor of interviewing Joyce Giraud, an actress and model, a two time Miss Puerto Rico winner and the 2^nd runner up in the 1998 Miss Universe pageant. She is also known for representing Puerto Rico at Miss World 1994, and for her roles in in episodes of Baywatch; in the film Dude, Where's My Car?; and in the TV shows House of Payne and Joey. Joyce’s latest undertaking is the founding Queen Universe Pageant that will take place on January 27^th in Los Angeles.

Joyce Giraud obtained two Bachelor of Arts degrees before the age of 19 as well as one in Special Education. Her love of children led her to work with the less fortunate children and residential homes in Puerto Rico.

Joyce later married Michael Ohoven, a Film Producer and Founder/CEO of Infinity Media. Joyce and Michael have two beautiful children.

We wanted to know more about Joyce Giraud – what motivates her and her thoughts about the beauty industry. We hope you enjoy the interview as much as we did giving it.

CK: At what age did you begin competing in pageants?

Joyce Giraud: I started competing in pageants when I was 19

CK: What do you feel is the most important quality for a pageant competitor to possess?

Joyce Giraud: In my opinion the most important quality for a pageant competitor to have is self-confidence. If you are self-confident and secure it simply projects and in order to be self-confident you have to be your true self.

CK: What are some of the major issues you feel girls and women face today when competing in pageants? Thoughts on over the top Pageant Mom’s.

Joyce Giraud: I think now days the one thing I really hate about pageants is when some girls enter for the wrong reasons. I believe a pageant is an amazing platform that gives you a voice and if you use it correctly and are selfless about it you can truly make an impact and help the charities of your choice.

About the stage pageant moms, I really hate it! I’m not saying little girls can’t participate in beauty pageants but it should ONLY be because it’s something they really want to do not because they have a mom that wants to live through them. I’m a mother of two and I would never force my babies to do something they didn’t want to do.

CK: Has your perspective on pageants changed over the years and if so how?

Joyce Giraud: My perspective of pageants has changed over the years and that is exactly the reason why I created Queen of the Universe. I think pageants need to have the credibility they used to have before.

CK: How do you feel your modeling and acting career has shaped you?

Joyce Giraud: My modeling career was something that just happened. I was scouted by a photographer while I was working in Kentucky Fried Chicken so I could pay for my university studies. Modeling was great because I found it quite easy to just stand in front of a camera and make enough money to pay for school. It also gave me the opportunity to travel the world.

CK: How have you been able to use your education in your current career?

Joyce Giraud: I have two BA's One in Social Work and one in Special Education. I feel it my education shaped me and I feel I am able to use it almost on a daily basis. Social Work helps you deal with people and understand human beings. We are all the same... just different shapes, colors, and sizes, but still the same.

CK: What inspired you to create the Queen Universe Pageant?

Joyce Giraud: I have been dreaming of creating a pageant that gives women the opportunity to represent their countries, be ambassadors of women, have a voice to help their charities and use their titles to further their careers and goals in life while not being judged for being married, single, or having children. That’s how Queen of the Universe was born and each day I thank God for my amazing group of Queens. They are exactly what I dreamed!

CK: What is the most valuable lesson you've learned while putting the pageant together?

Joyce Giraud: While putting the pageant together, I would say the most valuable lesson I learned is something I learn each day – PATIENCE - Patience is the key to success and perseverance leads you to make your dreams a reality.

CK: What advice would you give up and coming pageant competitors?

Joyce Giraud: For any up and coming pageant competitors I would tell them that even though it sounds cliché, the best thing is to simply be yourself. When you are simply you, everybody will love you because people can tell when someone is fake and just trying to impress a crowd.

For Fun Questions:

CK: What is the one thing every girl should own?

Joyce Giraud: The one thing every girl should own is a pair of mile high stilettos! They make you feel beautiful no matter what you are wearing :-)

CK: Your favorite designer?

Joyce Giraud: My favorite main stream designer is Roberto Cavalli but MY FAVORITE DESIGNER IN THE WORLD is my amazing friend David Antonio who has made my dress for every major moment of my life. He made my graduation dress, my Miss Puerto Rico dress, my Miss Universe dress, my Miss Venus dress, my Queen of the Atlantics dress, my dress I word when my husband was nominated to the Oscars, and my favorite of them all, MY WEDDING DRESS!!

CK: Most fun modeling job you ever did and why?

Joyce Giraud: The most fun modeling job I ever did was for a client who took us (two models) to shoot in the Caribbean on a cruise. We had the time of our life :-) I will always remember that shoot. The worst was for a client that flew me to London to model bikinis in the snow! I was miserable because I hate the cold!
:-)

CK: If you could model for anyone you haven’t already modeled for, who would it be and why?

Joyce Giraud: If I could model for anyone it would be for Channel because I’m just in love with the brand and everything in the collection.

Make sure to check out the Queen of the Universe Pageant! Get to know Joyce more and follow her on Twiter at Joyce Giraud on Twitter and on Facebook at Queen of the Universe and Joyce Giraud!

Happy New Year!!!!

2012-12-31T10:29:00.000-06:00

May 2013 bring you all the wonderful things life has to offer!!!

Corky Kouture Makes the Perfect Secret Santa Gift!

2012-12-24T19:43:00.000-06:00

Jessica Crate, aspiring to qualify for the 2016 Marathon Olympic Trials and a two time Canadian and World Junior Nationals Cross Country and Track Team member took advantage to the versatility of the Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Bottled Gift bags this year as awesome Secret Santa Gifts! The lucky recipient was Ana Caza as seen in the picture and video below. Ana loved her Secret Santa gift immensely!

Corky Kouture makes the perfect wrapping for your bottled gifts. The glamorous presentation box can be personally customize to fit the personality to whomever you gift it to!

The embellished zippered gift card holder is perfect for slipping in a gift card to your recipients favorite store, restaurant, Master Card, Visa, etc.. or for slipping in a piece of jewelry or other token of love and appreciation.

Jessica used her Corky Kouture to slip in some Protandim and other goodies!

When Jessica isn't running or playing Secret Santa she spends her free time working fast and furiously as an Independent Distributor and nutraceutical representative for Life Vantage. She is also a Level 1 USATF Certified Coach & Newton Certified Natural Running Instructor, Team Beach Body fitness and nutrition coach and is the Co-Founder & CEO for her favorite non-profit Giving Athletics.

Make It a Christmas Tradition

2012-12-14T12:50:00.000-06:00

Many families carry on Christmas traditions. Of course having a turkey or ham with all of the trimmings is at the top of the list. We cannot complete our dinner without the mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, buttery buns, yams, green beans, squash (possibly with marshmallows), pumpkin pie and minced meat pie. Can you smell the coffee now?

Another family tradition may be to head outdoors and do some caroling or watch a Christmas parade. Traditions make long lasting memories.

I find that some households have the women in the kitchen while the men are in the family room watching TV. A male will enter the kitchen when it is time to carve the delectable meat of the hour. The rest of the men will follow suit into the kitchen when the food is ready to be eaten. Ladies, do we need to break this tradition I ask with a smile on my face?

Christmas morning generally starts with eagerly seeking out the Christmas tree to see what it holds for you. Eagar to see if Santa felt you were good or bad. LOL! Or maybe tradition holds that the family sits down to breakfast first before diving into the Christmas wrappings.

Whatever your traditions are, they are scared and they have created memories for all members involved. For those traditions and many others that families create, another can be made with Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Presentation Bottled Gift Bags.

When visiting relatives, a Corky Kouture would make an awesome hostess gift filled with the host’s favorite libation and a gift card in the adorned gift card pouch attached to the Corky Kouture bottled gift bag. In turn, this could quickly become a tradition as the CK takes its turn from relative to relative’s home with the gifted removing their treasures and filling it with new treasures for the next home it is gifted at.

Christmas is not just a time for giving, but also a time of reflection. At your evening meal as you reflect with your family of the days past over the year, take time to reflect on those people who have touched your life in one way or another, or maybe someone who needs reason to believe the upcoming year can bring better. When as a family you choose that one special person (or more if you choose) you could gift that person(s) a Corky Kouture filled with your own treasures along with a note with your sentiments. What a great way to start someone’s New Year!

If you would like to purchase the Corky Kouture® Glamour Galore presentation bags visit Corky Kouture®

We would love you to join us on Facebook @Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Collection and Twitter @CorkyKouture too!

Creative Christmas Gifting with Corky Kouture

2012-12-11T11:43:00.002-06:00

You can find creative ways to give Christmas gifts this year with Corky Kouture without breaking the bank. For example, for that couple so deeply in love you could choose a bottle of champagne, a red Corky Kouture bag, two types of cheese and crackers. The couple is sure to appreciate the thought of using the gift together.

Certainly you know of many friends and family with stressful jobs, children and are constantly on the go. For this friend or family member a bottle of wine inside of a lovely Corky Kouture bag along with lightly scented candles, bubble bath and a relaxing CD is sure to put the gift recipient in a much needed Zen mood.

Do you have a family to buy for? You may decide to buy a bottle of Sparkling Grape Juice and put it in one of the stunning bags. Purchase a family movie or two and a box of popcorn. This gift is sure to be a family fun hit! Plus, you have saved money by not having to purchase a gift for every single person in the family.

Perhaps you have a favorite bookworm or two in your life. You could purchase a book on his or her list. If you don’t know what book or books he/she wants you could give a gift card from a popular bookstore. Add a bottle of wine and put it in your favorite CK bag and you are good to go!

We all have people on our Christmas list that have it all. Every year it’s a struggle to find the perfect gift. A favorite bottle of wine and a striking CK bag is all you need!

Maybe you and your husband or wife need a holiday getaway. How about booking your favorite hotel for a night or two? Of course this gift is more expensive than any gifts listed thus far but your relationship is very important to the both of you. With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays the two of you are sure to appreciate a getaway from it all! With the hotel gift add a bottle of champagne to a CK bag, chocolates to feed each other and maybe even some new sexy lingerie.

People love personalized gifts. When you give something personalized the gift recipient knows you had to give some thought about them before you actually selected their gift.

If you would like to purchase the Corky Kouture® Glamour Galore presentation bags visit Corky Kouture®

We would love you to join us on Facebook @Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Collection and Twitter @CorkyKouture too!

OFFICIAL 2012 HOLIDAY RAFFLECOPTER GRAND GIVEAWAY - ENTER HERE!!

2012-11-23T04:19:00.001-06:00

The moment you have been waiting for - the official 2012 GRAND HOLIDAY RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!!!!! GET READY!!! GET SET!!! AND ENTER!!!! You could be the SOLE winner of over $450.00 of gifts certificates and merchandise!!

Must reside in the UNITED STATES and MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD OR OLDER to enter! THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR DAILY ENTRIES TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING SO MAKE SURE TO VISIT DAILY!!!! 2012 GRAND HOLIDAY RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY'S will run until December 8th 12 P.M. CST and the WINNER will be announced within 24 hours after cut off time.

Deana Marshall and Michelle Castillo from ArticleWriteUp.com

Irene Woodbury from IreneWoodbury.com

Sulay Renee’ from SumptuousSulayPlusApparel.com

Rhonda Winston from Baby-Guide.Born-Unique.com and YourVirtualServiceGroup.com

Jessica Groover from SlumberPartiesByJessicaGroover.com

Aimee Biondolillo from AimeesJewelryTreasures.com

Kelley Lang from Avon, Wildtree, and Norwex

Nancy Ravanelli from TheGuestCottage.com

Azalea McKinney from HighHeelJunkie.com

Tiffany Coble from Etsy.com/Shop/ExpressiveBeauty

Shasha Lynn from EasyShop360World.blogspot.com

Joan Barlow from Scentralstn.com

Wendy Tanner from GrannysKountryCandles.com.

CorkyKouture™ started the 2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway with a Corky Kouture™ "Glamour Galore Collection" bottled gift bag with a $50.00 gift certificate! What prompted Lisa Reidel, the Founder and CEO of Corky Kouture™, was the burning desire to make someone’s holiday extra special and help create a memory for that individual and to do so in a grand way. By uniting with other generous business owners, she knew that the team effort would accomplish that goal.

The other distinguished and generous businesses that have joined Corky Kouture™ for this special holiday Rafflecopter include:

That is a lot of AWESOME businesses that have gifted a lot of AWESOME STUFF! Just check out all the wonderful things you could WIN!!! ENTER TODAY AND EVERYDAY UNTIL NOON ON DECEMBER 8TH! THE MORE TIMES YOU ENTER, THE HIGHER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Wendy Tanner from Granny's Kountry Candles

2012-11-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

This blog highlights Wendy Tanner from Granny's Kountry Candles. Wendy has generously added a $20 gift certificate to use on-line at GrannysKountryCandles.com or in her store in person!

Granny’s is located in a small historic town in Ohio, USA and is a family-owned and operated business.

For incredible value, Granny's brings to you Daily Deals! Visit Granny's Sidewalk Sale to unlock the deal of the day!

Save money also by checking out Granny’s Daily Deals on her Facebook page! Granny’s Kountry Candles wants to provide the finest quality soybean candles at an affordable price. Customer Service is their first priority.

"Not Just Another Candle Company" Granny's has been hand-pouring soybean candles for over ten years now. They offer a wide variety of jar styles in over 100 fragrances. Each candle features a decorative wax "embed" that coordinates with the candle scent. Tiny Feet on Butt Naked is the perfect example. Wholesale and fundraisers are their main specialty. Free private labeling with a $50 minimum order. Talk about a cool gift!

You will find a vast selection of candles to choose from. There are bakery candles, candle accessories, jar candles, school and team spirit candles and soy melts for your warmer. Not only are there candles but you will find room and body spray scents.

These candles are "clean-burning" home-grown soybean candle goodness. It is a woman owned & operated business.

Perhaps you want to create a candle gift basket. Choose your favorite scents or if you know the Christmas gift recipient’s favorite scents choose those. Find a basket at home or at a discount store. You may choose to make a bathroom gift basket. Place two candles in the basket and body spray scents. Add a plush towel, hand towel and washcloth to the basket. Place a pretty bow on the basket and you have a gorgeous gift to give.

You can create a couple’s anniversary gift basket this Christmas season. Add candles, homemade spaghetti sauce, noodles, a loaf of unopened French bread, a rose, a chunk of cheese and a bottle of wine. Your gift recipients will thank you for being so thoughtful.

This Christmas surprise everyone on your list from parents to the mailman, teachers, etc., with a scented candle from Granny's Kountry Candles! Let them know that you are thinking of their health. After all, stress is unhealthy and by giving candles as a gift you are setting the stage for a much needed serene evening.

Take a look at Granny's Kountry Candles and say hello to Wendy at any of the following locations!

Granny's Kountry Candles Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/GrannysKountryCandlesLLC

Granny's Kountry Candles Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Grannyscandles

Granny's Kountry Candles Fundraiser Site: http://www.soybeancandlefundraisers.com/

Granny's Kountry Candles Website: http://www.grannyskountrycandles.com/

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Joan Barlow from ScentralStation

2012-11-22T10:30:00.000-06:00

This blog highlights Joan Barlow from ScentralStation. Joan has been kind enough to add a $20.00 gift certificate for online use or in person for her retail store ScentralStation!

Scentral Station is woman-owned and founded in 2002 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has evolved into an emporium of scentual pleasures for handmade scented candles, homemade bath and body products, fragrance oils, perfumes, incense, and so much more. This company believes that it has superior products without the high prices.

Even if you cannot afford to get away from it all on a tropical paradise vacation, you can still enjoy the homemade products such as the bath products, fragrance oils and homemade scented candles. Your soul will not care if it is on a sandy beach, it will feel tranquil with the wonderful products listed above. You will feel refreshed and ready to take on the world after using these high quality products.

ScentralStation products make the perfect Christmas gift. Not only are they priced low but one can actually use these gifts! How many times have you received a gift that you never used? Maybe you even re-gifted one or two gifts. With these soothing scented products your gift recipients will definitively not be re-gifting your items! While you are Christmas shopping online or at the in person store, make sure you pick up a few items to treat yourself. Just be careful, her products are ADDICTING! They are just that good!

Joan also sells Avon. You can find many Christmas gifts on her Avon website. From kitchen items to make-up, spa items, baby items, clothes, hair care products, men’s products, teen products and so much more! If you have not looked at an Avon catalog in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised at all of the new sensational products Avon has to offer. One thing that has not ever changed about Avon is that you will still find fantastic prices on all of the products!

This holiday season make sure you shop online or in person at ScentralStation products or Joan’s online Avonsite.

ScentralStation Website: http://www.scentralstn.com/ ScentralStation Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/scentralstation
Joan's Avon Site: http://www.youravon.com/joanbarlow

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Shasha Lynn from EasyShop 360

2012-11-22T10:00:00.000-06:00

This blog highlights Shasha Lynn from EasyShop 360. Shasha Lynn is gifting a $25.00 gift card to Walmart!! Who couldn’t use an extra $25.00 this time of year for stocking stuffers, Christmas gifts, groceries, or every day necessities from Walmart? I bet most would be thrilled to win this and all the other awesome gifts that have been generously given for the 2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway!

Shasha Lynn is very active in the social media world and has created a venue where buyers and sellers meet through EasyShop 360, 360 ShoutOuts on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/360shoutouts and a few different facebook groups that encourage businesses to help one another. EasyShop 360 was founded in 2010 and offers advertising, networking and shopping. Currently the EasyShop 360 website is under construction (thus the reason for the $25.00 Walmart gift card but make sure you become a member of their blog until their main website is rebuilt.

EasyShop 360’s mission is to drive customers to the business owner's door and to give the customer a great deal along with a wonderful experience. We all could use a little extra money in our wallet, couldn’t we? Easyshop360 believes in "People helping People." As mentioned, their mission is to create an online venue where buyers and sellers meet. They want to help business owners increase sales by bringing buyers to their door without charging high listing and backend fees. Check around and you will find out how costly this service can be.

For example if you sell jewelry online you can use Easyshop360 to get the word out on the products you are selling. Make sure you share photos as this will increase your sales incredibly. Another tip is to pin the products you are selling onto Pinterest. You may type in the price of the product you are selling so it immediately shares the cost of your item with potential buyers. You can find Shasha on Pinterest here: ES360World http://pinterest.com/es360world/

Shasha’s business is an online marketing portal that creatively uses a shopping website to feature and market business’s products and services. There is a onetime annual fee. No commissions, listing or sales fees; just your membership fee. FYI: You can write this fee off on your business taxes.

Easyshop360World is an upcoming online advertising/shopping website bringing buyers and seller together. This business features our subscribers' products in individual webstores to drive more customers to the business owner's main website.

If you are starting out an online business you can check out this fantastic business’s fanpage, blog, Twitter page and/or Pinterest page to get more information. You will be happy you did as it will increase your fan base which in turn can help you sell more products and/or services online.

Check out the curent promotion going on the EasyShop 360 Fanpage with the 7777 Multi-Vendor Sale and Giveaway Celebration and get in on the fun. You are going to want to connect with Shasha and EasyShop 360!

Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/easyshop360

Blog: http://www.easyshop360world.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ES360World
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/es360world/

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Tiffany Coble from Sisterly Creations

2012-11-22T09:30:00.000-06:00

This blog features Tiffany Coble from Sisterly Creations. She is gifting a 1 ounce shot glass candle filled with Tahitian Waterfall scented soy wax and decorated with blue glitter. You will be amazed at the quality of her candles and scents! Every scent she sends out her door smells amazing!! (That’s a lot of “s” words! LOL!)

Tiffany is from Missouri, USA. She is a stay-at-home mother that loves making jewelry and candles. She has a passion for design. She takes ordinary items and turns them into something elegant and unique. Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family and studying psychology. She runs a support group on Facebook that allows her to connect with others and offer support and advice in many different situations.

You will find many handmade gifts for the holidays! Bridal & everyday jewelry designs as well as sets in a variety of materials. Simple, classic and modern. She offers free First Class Domestic Shipping via USPS. Each and every piece is made with love and care by Tiffany.

You will find unique creations by Tiffany such as this chain garter. Thigh chain garters are all the rage at this time. Wear the chain garter with a sexy miniskirt or a pair of shorts. You can even wear it over a pair of jeans, tights or black leggings. You will surely get noticed!

Wear this intricate pearl fringe necklace that is white on gold by Tiffany. Glass pearls and glass crystals adorn this lovely masterpiece. You can wear this stunning jewelry piece to a wedding, out to dinner or a night out on the town. This necklace also makes the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one on your Christmas list.

There are plenty of Christmas gifts to treat yourself or a friend, family member or co-worker. If you are not sure which piece of jewelry to purchase you can easily buy a gift certificate. Let the gift recipient choose her special piece of jewelry from you.

Soon more scented candles will be offered at The Kandle Shoppe on Etsy.com. We all could use a break from our busy lives. Picture coming home from work or a long day with children at home and sitting down in a peaceful home with scented candles burning to soothe your soul.

Tiffany of Sisterly Creations cordially invites you to visit her store. She is having a huge Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale!

Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/sisterlycreationshandmadejewelry

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ExpressiveBeauty

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/people/thekandleshoppe (in the works)

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ExpresiveBeauty/

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Rhonda Winston from Your Virtual Service Group

2012-11-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

A warm thank you goes out to Rhonda Winston from Your Virtual Service Group. YVSG. Rhonda has generously gifted a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card just in time to use at the Amazon Holiday Toy Shop!

YVSG commitment is to provide solo entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals with affordable, knowledgeable support services. Complete satisfaction is guaranteed, and exemplary customer service is our standard.

“With over 30 years of combined support experience, YOUR Virtual Service Group continues to provide its clients with new, fresh, and exciting ways to get your tasks completed efficiently and effectively.”

Rhonda also offers the BornUnique Baby Guide. This ultimate baby guide is a must for all new parents as well as experienced parents. When you sign-up you will receive a free copy of the Pregnancy Nutrition Guide, Breastfeeding Guide, or a Baby Shower Guide. You may choose which guide you would like to receive.

On the Born Unique website you will find many so helpful tips. Examples include: Baby Health, Baby Gas, Breastfeeding, Mommy Health, Boy Names, Girl Names, Baby Shower Games and Baby Shower Food. You can get informed before you have your baby! There is even a Universal Baby Shower Registry on the website! There is a very helpful article telling new parents about the “Baby Must Have’s.” Talk about taking the stress out of one’s life and simplifying one’s life.

Every parent could use something free. You will have a blast entering plenty of Baby Giveaways! In the past a Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry Scarf, Storkcraft Aspen 6-Cube Organizer and Changing Table Combo, four cute baby books and a $30 Baby Prize Pack have been given to a lucky winner! At this time you can enter to win a free stroller and a Power Wheels Ford F150 Ride!

If you know of someone that is pregnant or has a baby please share this website with them. And if you need assistance in your Social Media support, Blog management, newsletter management, web hosting, complete web servicing, giveaway marketing support, press release marketing and more, make sure to connect with YVSG!

Connect here:

Born Unique Baby Registry Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/BORNUnqueBabyRegistry

Born Unique Baby Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/BornUniqueBaby

Born Unique Website ~ http://baby-guide.born-unique.com/baby-giveaways/

YVSG Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/YOURVirtualServiceGroup

YVSG Website: https://www.yourvirtualservicegroup.com/