Featured Blogger -- Jen Ramos of Made By Girl

Jen Ramos isn't just a designer. She is the writer of a FABulous blog that we just LOVE! You could spend hours, scratch that, days on her site. We first found Jen on Etsy. You remember this post? Everyone just adores her prints on Made By Girl. 
Well now you can get to know the girl behind it all. 

{What made you decide to begin Made by Girl?}


The idea of being my own boss has always enticed me. Starting Made By Girl was an opportunity to feel that sense a freedom that comes with owning your own business. I'm a leader at heart & don't care much for working a 9-5 corporate desk job. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a desk job, its just not for me.

The Made By Girl Office 

{You have a very eye-catching blog that most could browse for hours. We have to say - you have a beautiful home & office. What home decorating tips can you share with us? What inspires you when it comes to decorating?}

Thanks! Well, I'm inspired by colors, textiles, wallpapers, pieces of furniture, magazines & more. I believe inspiration is everywhere if you stop to take notice.  I believe one's home should reflect one's personal style. TIP: Adding large scale colorful art is a great way to brighten up a home. 

{inside Jen's home}

{What are you favorite sites or blogs you browse online? And what magazines do you read?} 

My favorite magazines are Living Etc, Real Living Australia, Elle Decor and more! Favorite online blogs? Hmmm,  I have too many to name..

{When you aren't designing your next card or print, what can we find you doing?}

During the weekends, I'll be hanging out at a local Starbucks or bookstore, or snuggling with my guy on the sofa watching a few old flicks....on Sundays you'll find me at church and meeting friends for lunch. 

{Do you have a favorite item in your shop?}

My favorite item is the Hello Languages print.  I would love to see it as a wallpaper someday.

{What is up next for you & Made By Girl?}

I feel like I should take a short break, but we'll see.  On the work front, I'd love to add more interesting artists to my shop, more calling cards, as well as a few new kids designs. The rest I'll leave it up to God. 

Web: MadeByGirl.com

Twitter: Tweet Jen

Blog: MadeByGirl Blog

cupcakeMAG -- Home Edition! -- Featured Etsy Designer!

Click the {banner} to visit the shop

.....they are so much more then pillow covers. they are the latest home accessory......

Kenilworth Place is something we have been fond about for quite some time. We just LOVE the shabby chic style and cottage comfort of Kenilworth Place. The designer, Sandra, gives us the perfect accessory for our home - something special to brighten up a chair, couch or your little one's room. The choices are endless with pages of to-die-for shabby chic pillow covers. They instantly re-vamp your space and make it look inviting and cozy - and oh my gosh, the quality - it is beyond amazing. Read on the WIN your very own Keniworth Place Pillow Cover and get to know the lovely designer herself. 

Reversible Cottage Chic Pillow Cover. $30

Spruce up your space with a little pink, $25 

{What made you begin your shop?}

I am entrepreneur by nature. I owned my own boutique for many years before I had children. After they began school, I wanted to start another business. I discovered Etsy and was able to create a business around my family time. I work out of the studio I designed and built behind my home and love not having to deal with retail space and landlords.

The designer, Sandra

{What inspired the name Kenilworth Place?}

Our first house was an English Tudor in a designated historic district. The avatar for my shop is a picture of this home which was located on Kenilworth Place. Built in 1905, we became the home’s first owner occupants. It had been a rental property for over 80 years and needed significant work. With so much money being invested repairing the “bones” of the house, this is where I started designing and sewing home décor – draperies, slip covers, table cloths, pillow covers, napkins and of course draft snakes (which I sell at my other Etsy shop Shakerville).

The Studio.....dreamy right? 

{How long have you been sewing?}

Basically my whole life. I still remember my first customer. Her name was “Barbie” and I made her a towel to wrap around her red swim suit. I believe I was eight years old. My mother Ripple and grandmother Ada Mae were and still are my inspirations. My mother had an eye for prints and my grandmother never needed a pattern, just an idea.

Inside the studio....ah, fabric galore! 

{When you aren't sewing, what can we find you doing?}

Spending time with my three kids and my husband. We are an active family and love what Oregon has to offer, from hiking around Mt. Hood to relaxing at the coast, nothing is more than an hour away from Portland. When we are at home, you can find me in the garden with my dogs.

{What are some of your other favorite Etsy sites?}

There are so many wonderful and talented Etsy shop owners it is hard to choose only a few, but I really like Retrofide, abushelandapeck, Afra, DrikaB, sohomode.

The perfect playroom pillow or for your Littles special place, $28

{What is up next for you?}

Short-term is launching a new collection of pillow covers. This will be a unique and different style from my current offerings, yet complementary. You will be able to mix these pillows with anything currently on my site and create a great look.

Longer-term I will be moving my operations to the farm. We are looking for the right property with a large barn to house my studio and enough land to create my English Garden and allow my English Mastiffs more room to roam.

Are you LOVE yet? We are. So why not win one! Read on below to enter your choice -- any pillow cover in the shop! You can thank Sandra for it. 

Visit the shop and tell us which pillow cover you want to win. This comment is mandatory.  You also must be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For each extra entry just let us know (each in a seperate comment) telling us you have done so! The more you comment the better chance you have to win! 

1.) Follow cucpakeMAG on Twitter

2.) "Like" us on Facebook!

3.) Subscribe to our updates --- just sign up with your email in the top right corner above. 

4.) Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

The winner will be selected by random.org on Feb. 4th after 11pm. Please make sure you leave us your email in one of the comments as well! 




Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen on the date above. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love. However, we were given a few samples for review purposes. 

Oh So Chic Holiday Gift Guide from Decorative Things

Just a few months ago we were introduced to Decorative Things - a cute little online shop that "turns ordinary things into decorative things." Founded 21 years ago they started ordinary phone books decorative with fabric slipcovers and now they have tons of unique items for everyone on your holiday list. Here are a few things we just can't live without - whether you’re shopping for someone else or yourself - treat yourself to Decorative Things.

Keep Calm and Carry On Poster

There has been quite some buzz surrounding the simple and chic poster which looks great framed in an office or your own home. Even celebs like Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott can't be without it. It comes in five different colors and is only $25 - a perfect unique gift.

Cutting Boards with Personality

If you missed their debut on NBC's "Ask Melissa" - you’re missing out on one the "Hottest Gifts for the Holidays." The ultimate odor and stain resistant hygienic work surface for cutting preparing and serving food. This cutting board ($30) is different though - instead of shoving it away in a drawer you are going to want to show it off on your counter. We LOVE the toughened non-skid glass made of new technology with non-slip rubber feet and it comes with a lifetime guarantee against breakage!

Stylish Resin Watch to Channel Your Coco

Coco Chanel was one of the first to show off vintage Bakelite jewelry – and this is just like a vintage Bakelite bracelet except it is a chic watch ($65). It is perfect for every woman on the go – like Coco once said “Luxury must be comfortable. Otherwise, it is not luxury.” Just like Chanel these resin watches are chic and modern – a perfect match.

Good Luck Horn Necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane

The horn necklace ($60) is just one of the chic designer accessory’s we adore. It is a must in every fashionistas wardrobe and is a signature fashion statement. Join the Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry club which includes all of our loved fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna and Britney Spears. Sarah Jessica Parker, and her besties also wear them often on “Sex in the City” and out on the town.

Eyeglass Trays in Decorative Patterns

This is a perfect gift for anyone who treasures their glasses. While you may have seen them on House Beautiful “THE BEST” list as well as Oprah’s O List you need to make sure they are on your list this holiday season. For only $20, the beautiful laminated trays are a perfect touch to any desk or night stand and make eyeglasses easy to spot.

But, just remember, whatever you decide to put on your list, for yourself, or someone else, make sure you click on over to Decorative Things – there is plenty more waiting for you.