Sweet Inspirations for the Girls at Jefferson Davis Middle School

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.