vampires i love

New Moon hits theaters this weekend, and in honor of undead everywhere, here is a list of my all-time favorite vampires in television and film. (Please note that this list does not include Buffy the Vampire Slayer or True Blood characters, as I have not seen either shows). The good, the bad, and the sexy:

9. Sophia Myles as Erika in Underworld.
8. Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries.
7. Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen in Twilight.
6. Alex O'Loughlin as Mick St. John in Moonlight.
5. Brad Pitt as Louis in Interview With the Vampire.
4. Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries.
3. Gary Oldman as Dracula in Bram Stoker's Dracula.
2. Kate Beckinsale as Selene in Underworld.
1. Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in Twilight.

Who is your favorite blood sucking vampire?

Giveaway winners!

The official winners of our random drawing are...

Congratulations!1st place winner: Emily R!

2nd place winner: Sarah C-S!

3rd place winner: Jenn Z.!

Yay! Thank you to everyone who entered the drawing and sharing your wonderful Christmas memories with me. For those of you who didn't win, keep checking back...many more Cupcake Chowder giveaways to come! Happy holidays!

Sincerely,

Miss Megan

Giveaway time!

Dearest cupcakes-

This time of year with the holidays fast approaching can be stressful and expensive. As women, I know that we rarely take time for ourselves. In appreciation to all my friends, family and blog readers out there I have decided to do a blog giveaway to Azalea Day Spa and Salon in Pleasant Grove!
My sister Kelly is an amazing stylist there, and my sister Kiersten just joined the staff as an esthetician (ie: waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, etc.). They always do such a great job keeping me in style, that I wanted to share the blessing. In order to be entered into the random drawing, please submit your full name and a favorite Christmas memory or experience. Winners will be announced in a few days, so keep checking back, and be sure to tell your friends too! You could win:

1st place: Free haircut, plus 15% off any salon treatment.
2nd place: 15% off any salon treatment.
3rd place: $5 off any salon treatment.

For more information about Azalea Day Spa and Salon, please visit their website: www.azaleadayspa.com or look for them on Facebook. Happy holidays!

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

(photo courtesy of Kiersten Tenney)Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Disney pin trading

It's no secret that I love all things Disney!

One of my favorite things about going to Disneyland is doing pin trading. I don't know if it's the thrill of the hunt, the experience of meeting new people, or the insatiable collector in me, but I am officially addicted to pin trading! In my opinion there is no better way to experience the Disney parks than to walk around in my blinged-out lanyard trading and collecting Disney pins. For those of you who have never heard of (or participated in) pin trading, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started...What is pin trading? Disneyland theme parks sell unique and fun pins in most of their stores to collect and trade.

What do pins look like? The pins feature Disney films, characters, park rides, and other various Disney attractions. Each pin comes with a rubber back in the shape of mouse ears. (See picture above).

How much do pins cost? Most pins range from $6 to $50 depending on what you are buying. There are individual, sets, limited edition, and special collectors pins too. Most of them however, are simply used for buying and trading.

How do you trade? While at the park you might notice "cast members" (aka employees) wearing lanyards or satchels of pins. You can approach these cast members and ask to see their pins. If they are wearing a pin that you would like, you may trade one of your pins for one of theirs. Disney cast members have to trade with you, as long as they don't already have the pin you are trading!

How many pins can I trade? As many as you like. However, you are only allowed to trade up to two pins per cast member per day.

Where can I find pins to trade? Besides shopping in Disney park stores, the best place to purchase pins is on eBay. You can buy pins individually, or purchase them in a "Lot" or group. These "Lots" are generally cheaper if you buy them in bulk outside of Disney parks. Most of the "Lot" pins are in grab bags, so you don't always know what you are getting. However, it doesn't matter what pins they send you, as long as they are official Disney pins and can be legitimately traded at Disney theme parks.

I like to buy a bag of mismatched pins to take to the park and trade with cast members for better ones!

Why would I want to do pin trading? Besides the obvious collecting benefits, pin trading is a great way to experience Disneyland or Disney World. I have met a lot of really interesting people, and I have a lot of great memories doing pin trading. As you move through the parks you will begin to notice that there are many people who enjoy pin trading too! It's a great way to enhance your Disney vacation, as well as a wonderful conversation opener!

For more information about pin trading and collecting, please visit the official Disney website: Disney Pin Trading Services. Happy trading!

The Vampire Diaries

I love this time of year. The cool weather, the beautiful fall colors, and of course all the spooky delights of the Halloween season. For those of you who love all things vampire, might I suggest my latest and greatest guilty pleasure: The Vampire Diaries. The newest TV series is basically a teen soap opera starring two gorgeous blood sucking brothers Stefan and Damon, who both want one thing: the beautiful Elena. There are lots of interesting plot twists, secrets, scandals, and of course plenty of neck biting. One can't help but compare this show to Twilight (which it even references occasionally), but there are some interesting differences. For example, the vampires wear rings which help them to walk around during the daylight, as well as have mind control over their victims. Throw in a gorgeous supporting cast, dark sets, and some serious teen angst, and you have The Vampire Diaries. The show airs Thursdays at 7:00 PM MST on the CW. Happy viewing!

Emmy Fashion 2009

Cupcake Chowder presents:

Best Dressed at the Emmy's 2009

Our vote for best dressed goes to Project Runway star Heidi Klum, who proves that you can still look amazing at any size...even pregnant! She simply glows in this gorgeous black gown by Marchesa.1st runner-up goes to Holly Hunter, who totally rocked this George Hobeika silver dress. Ms. Hunter is a little too skinny for my taste, but she still looks amazing. The woman is 51 people!2nd runner-up goes to the lovely Dana Delaney. She wore the best color on the red carpet, when she stepped out in this purple Basil Soda number.3rd runner-up goes to Grey's Anatomy star Sandra Oh, who wore gold Marchesa. This dress is simple yet elegant, and fits her body perfectly.The Miss Congeniality award goes to the fabulous Toni Collette who is wearing Monique Lhuillier. The dress is beautifully made, and the hot pink color gives it a fun and flirty edge.
Most improved goes to actress Jenna Fisher. This is the first red carpet event that I have been wowed by The Office star. (The dress is by designer Reem Acra). Eat your heart out Pam!

Who was your favorite red carpet diva?