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! 

Peanut Butter Blossoms . . . one of our favorite cookie recipes

Do you have a go-to cookie recipe?  A recipe you can always depend on when you need to bring cookies to a party, to a school function, or to a friend? 

Here's mine.  Peanut Butter Blossoms.  PB Blossoms are little sugar-dipped peanut butter cookies with a Hershey's Kiss perched perfectly on top.

You've probably eaten them...and you might just have the recipe in your arsenal.  If you don't, you need it.  These babies get scarfed up by kids and grown-ups alike.

{PS....I have written in my cookbook (do you write in your cookbooks?) that the 1st time I made these was when kiddo was 7.  He said these were the "most fun" recipe he's ever helped make.}


Peanut Butter Blossoms
{ever so slightly adapted from The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion}

1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. creamy peanut butter (I use Skippy Natural)
1/3 c. sugar (plus more for rolling)
1/3 c. light brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 & 1/2 c. unbleached, all-purpose flour
Hershey's Kisses (7 ounces)

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.  Preheat oven to 375.

Using the paddle attachment, beat the butter and peanut butter until blended.  Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy.  Add in the egg through vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined.  Add in the flour in 3 additions. Scrape the bottom and side of bowl as needed.

Place extra granulated sugar on a plate. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the sugar.

Place coated dough balls on the parchment-lined sheets.  Bake cookies until the are a very light golden color, about 10 minutes.  (Meanwhile, unwrap the kisses.)

Remove the cookies from the oven and it's go time!  Immediately place a kiss on top of each hot cookie, pressing down slightly.

{Kids LOVE to help with this part!}

Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
 
My favorite part? How the heat from the warm cookie makes the kisses soft and melty.  You want one now, don't you?  Oh, and here's how I eat them....I eat all around the perimeter of the cookie, saving the Hershey's Kiss with a bit of cookie on the bottom for the *perfect* last bite.

Are you sold yet?  Wanna try a Peanut Butter Blossom?

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?

SUZANNE TUCKER ~ SPRING 2011 COLLECTION

Designer Showcase 2010

There is no need for an introduction to the work of Suzanne Tucker, co-principle of Tucker & Marks.  Suzanne's work has been showcased in the better publications numerous times, and she is one of Architectural Digest's 100 Top Designers.  

The room above was Suzanne's contribution to the Designer Showcase 2010 home.

This new line of fabrics for Suzanne Tucker Home is so beautiful that I couldn't put it down.  Being fabricated in the United States, Europe, India and Asia, the textures and colors are stunning.  

I have included the name and colorway of each piece.  My scans can in no way reveal the beautiful colors and textures of these fabrics.

Enough from me and on to the collection... 

SUZANNE TUCKER HOME ~ SPRING 2011 COLLECTION

SHAGREEN

Olive

Palomino

Champagne

Latte

Parchment

SEA 

Shagreen ~ 57% Linen/26% Silk/17% Cotton

COBBLE STRIPE

Golden Mushroom

Ivory

Coffee Bean

Grey Blue

Celedon

Cobble Stripe ~ 100% Silk

SOPHIE

Straw

Mocha

Basil

Dove Grey

Eucalyptus

Sophie ~ 50% Viscose/25% linen/13%Silk/12% Cotton

JAKARTA

Khaki

Chili Pepper

Azure

Swamp

Toffee

Java

Jakarta ~ 55% Cotton/45% Linen

CARITA

Sepia

Sepia

Honey

Cucumber

French Blue

Carita ~ 100% Linen

HATLEY

(new color)

Hatley ~ 100% Linen

I love each one, but the browns and grays are my favorites!  What are your favorites?

To order these beautiful fabrics, contact Thomas Laving at 310-278-2456 or one of the showrooms below.  For more information on this line, contact Paige Downey at 415-445-6789.
Also, to see the portfolio and other information, visit the following sites:
Suzanne Tucker Home
Tucker & Marks

SHOWROOMS:

Atlanta ~ Ainsworth-Noah
Chicago ~ Holland & Sherry
Los Angeles ~ Pacific Design Center
New York ~ Holland & Sherry
San Francisco ~ Shears & Window
Paris ~ Holland & Sherry

This is just the beginning of what Suzanne Tucker has been working on.  She will also be introducing a line of furnishings, accessories and tabletop designs soon.  

 Photography by Kevin Candland.

Thank you for your help Paige!

See you soon, friends.

Teresa

xoxo