Michelle McMurray de Luces

Michelle McMurray de Luces

Michelle McMurray de Luces has an MBA in Operations Management and a bachelor's degree in Marketing with a combined 20 years of medical and pharmaceutical experience.

Michelle is The Cake Critic, and travels to bakeries and conventions to provide her expertise on starting and managing a bakery. She eats a lot of cake for her job, but someone has to do it.

For most of Michelle's life she has collected wedding memorabilia--ranging from the 1800's to current date. Michelle occasionally consults with brides and owns a business called "Wedding Story Writer" in which she documents weddings in written word for the bride and groom.

Since her teens, she has been a costumer, with expertise in vintage female fashion. Michelle has prepared wardrobe for several films in the Midwest and North Carolina.

Michelle honeymooned in Fiji, has climbed rocks in Sedona, AZ, snorkeled in Hawaii, and swam the clear waters in St. Lucia, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cozumel . Michelle is always up for an adventure, absolutely loves to travel, and hopes to make it to Europe one day soon.
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Displaying Results 1 - 79 (of 79) for All Content
  • Old, New, Borrowed, Blue All Still Ring True for 2012 Bridal Season
    3/6/2012
    This bridal season we see a wide variety of options for brides from all walks of life. Blue wedding gowns, colorful shoes, vintage brooch bouquets...the sky is the limit for color and personalizing one's wedding.
  • Tessa Kim Birdcage Bridal Veils: Non-Traditional Beauty
    3/5/2012
    Tessa Kim is a new Seattle based bridal headpiece designer creating some of the most beautiful pieces on the market today. She's worth a look!
  • Breaking Dawn Wedding Dress: Bella Truly Beautiful
    11/18/2011
    The much-awaited Twilight saga film, Breaking Dawn, has now premiered. Let's watch brides flock to bridal stores to buy Bella's gorgeous vintage inspired wedding gown.
  • Lucy & Black Vintage: Good Deal on Black Friday
    11/16/2011
    As co-owner of Lucy & Black Vintage, I am offering free shipping on Black Friday in hopes of drawing in customers who don't want the hassle of busy streets and storefronts.
  • First Person: Why I Make a List Before Hitting the Yard Sales
    11/15/2011
    Yard sales are great money savers. It's amazing how much money can be saved by purchasing used items that are still in great shape!
  • First Person: Clipping Coupons, Saving $600
    11/15/2011
    Using coupons wisely can help save money at the grocery store. Knowing your grocery store's coupon rules and when their best day of savings is will increase your savings. Be organized and start saving money!
  • First Person: My Failed Handbag Business
    11/10/2011
    Not all home-based businesses succeed. Often they end up being more costly with investment than in return, as I found out when I was a Miche Bag consultant.
  • CupCakeBite: More like a Wonderful Mouthful
    11/10/2011
    One of the best bakeries in the entire Raleigh area, CupCakeBite of Fuquay Varina gets The Cake Critic's Best Bakery Award.
  • Breaking Dawn Cupcake Theme a Great Idea
    11/10/2011
    Bakers: take advantage of trends in our society. Name your confections after main characters to grab the attention of fans!
  • Sensational Delights Homemade Delectables is Truly Sin-sational for the Tongue
    10/6/2011
    Sensational Delights Homemade Delectables, located in Clayton, NC, has become very popular due to their mouthwatering cake bites and other sinfully delicious treats.
  • David Long's Movie Masterpiece: Pieces of Talent
    10/5/2011
    In a rare opportunity to interview the elusive David Long, the actor and main character of psychological thriller film "Pieces of Talent," there were lessons to learn: there's a fine line between good and evil as well as fiction and reality.
  • Halloween Store Gore
    9/28/2011
    Taking a child to a Halloween store shouldn't have to be such a frightening experience, but with America's fascination with blood and gore, that's exactly what it can be.
  • Every Time
    9/28/2011
    A straight-to-the-point love poem: Every Time
  • First Person: Thrift Shops Are No Longer Just for the Poor
    9/28/2011
    Back in the day, it was an embarrassment to be caught inside a thrift shop. Today a person can almost brag at the amount of savings on simple items such as a child's Halloween costume. Why pay $50 when you can pay $3?
  • Management: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
    9/28/2011
    Not all managers are created equal. Your employees' performances reflect directly on you. Although some of these points may seem like "no-brainers," you might be surprised how many managers out there disobey these "laws."
  • Interview with Kristi Ray: Leading Lady from Film Pieces of Talent
    9/28/2011
    Actress Kristi Ray is an intelligent young woman with big dreams and enough talent to conquer the acting world. With the psychological thriller film Pieces of Talent premiering this Halloween...she's going to blow the socks off her fans!
  • Cake Balls for Your Wedding Reception
    9/26/2011
    Adding cake balls to the cake table at your wedding reception is a fun way to give guests a choice of flavors, and you can save money by serving this mini-treats, as well!
  • Plan a Successful Halloween Party
    9/19/2011
    Planning a great Halloween party doesn't always cost a lot of money, but it does require some research time.
  • Interview with Joe Stauffer, Director of Wilmington, NC Film "Pieces of Talent"
    9/18/2011
    Joe Stauffer, making his directorial debut with this year’s upcoming thriller, Pieces of Talent, is familiar with the perils of filmmaking. For the past decade, Stauffer has been writing, editing, producing and scoring films, commercials and music videos.
  • Cold Rainy Weather Makes Me Want to Bake
    9/18/2011
    Fall is upon us and it's time to start baking. There's something about cold, rainy weather that makes me enjoy baking all the more.
  • Zombie Birdhouses: Special Homes for Our Feathered Friends Created by Mike Bowen
    9/17/2011
    Creepy birdhouses made with recycled birdhouse materials--an excellent and inexpensive option for bird lovers who also enjoy Halloween decorating.
  • Carefree Air Travel Belongs to Days of the Past
    9/16/2011
    Ever since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, air travel isn't so carefree for any of us...but there are lessons learned in the midst of pain and sorrow.
  • Business Card Confusion
    9/9/2011
    Free business cards might seem like a good deal, but when it comes to a powerful advertising tool, purchasing a well-thought-out business card is the better choice.
  • Cakes by Faith Gave Me Faith in Good Cakes
    9/1/2011
    Durham, NC has a home bakery within its boundaries that it should be proud of: Cakes By Faith. Not only are the cakes outstanding, but 10% of profits go directly into a fund to help local residents.
  • Ghostly Visits Provide Untimely Death
    8/30/2011
    Have you ever had an experience so frightening that it causes your heart to beat so hard that it feels like it will come out of your chest? This ghostly visit is so frightening it causes an untimely end to a woman in bed with her sleeping husband.
  • Beautiful and Delicious Cakes
    8/29/2011
    Come see some of the best tasting cakes critiqued by The Cake Critic.
  • Hurricane Irene's Impact on Middle NC
    8/29/2011
    When a hurricane is predicted to make landfall in a given area, most people take the prediction seriously, especially if they are the residents in that hurricane's path. Not all people are serious when it comes to weather predictions.
  • Hurricanes Bad for Food Crops
    8/27/2011
    When we hear about an approaching hurricane, a good majority of us don't even think about the impact on farmers' crops. A hurricane can be devastating to cotton, rice, and many other crops, which will cause an increase of our food prices.
  • Unusual Weather in Wilmington, NC Troubles Residents
    8/23/2011
    Wilmington, NC has seen a variety of weather this August. Tornadoes, water spouts, flooding, earthquakes, and an impending hurricane that already has parts of the Outer Banks evacuating.
  • Don't Dare Hurricane Irene
    8/23/2011
    As Hurricane Irene makes her path up the Florida coast, many North Carolina residents are in denial and are daring the storm to show us what she's got.
  • Hershey's Website Hacked, Some Personal Information at Risk
    8/4/2011
    Hershey's sent out an email today explaining that a recipe on their website was hacked and that some user's personal information is at risk because of it. Was the recipe really that bad?
  • Raleigh's New Cake Sculptor: Iriene Wang of Ai Cakes
    7/24/2011
    Iriene Wang, owner of Ai Cakes in Raleigh, NC is a pristine new up and coming cake artist in the Raleigh metropolitan area.
  • The Cake Critic Has Cake Lust
    6/24/2011
    Scratch cakes are generally time consuming projects--not only does it take time to make the cake, but sometimes it takes days to decorate it. I can appreciate that. Cake decorators are artists...well, at least most of them.
  • True Blood Cupcakes, Zombie Cake Pops & Other Halloween Ideas
    6/24/2011
    With so many interesting new decorating ideas, who would want a plain orange buttercream cupcake for a Halloween party? Scary new cake decorating trends include zombies, alligators, vampires, and even Gene Simmons' Kiss makeup. Boo!
  • Gluten-Free or Hot 'n Spicy? It's Your Choice at Taste Selects
    6/23/2011
    Taste Selects is located downtown Lynchburg, VA within walking distance to the river and many wonderful stores.
  • Cake Pops: It's What's for Weddings
    6/23/2011
    Cake pops vendors are sticking it to today's brides. Cake pops are the new trend for wedding receptions--the bride can have her cake, eat it, then serve the pops to her guests.
  • Montana Plains Bakery: the Jewel of Lynchburg, VA
    6/17/2011
    Performing cake critiques is a job, albeit a very tasty job and one I enjoy for many reasons. Montana Plains Bakery is one of my new favorites. They whip up a mean Rosewater Cake!
  • Financing Cosmetic Surgery? Better Think Again
    6/9/2011
    Some women want to appear as the celebrities do in Hollywood, while some just wish for their pre-pregnancy body back. Many women don't have the money for plastic surgery so they turn to financing the procedure. Know your risks.
  • Father's Day memories: Football games, World War II and a missing pinky finger
    6/7/2011
    My grandfather was known as a stern man but he had stories that would make the grandchildren laugh. He always had a game on television -- football or baseball. The crowd noise from a game takes me back in time to their loving home.
  • College Student Mom Helps Her College Student Daughter
    6/7/2011
    Attending college at an older age becomes really interesting if your child attends college, too. It can be beneficial to parent and child, creating a bonding experience.
  • Vacation from Hell at Foley Beach, SC
    6/6/2011
    Not all vacations are relaxing. The vacation my entire family took back in 2006 is one we refer to as "our vacation from hell." At least when we say that there is no question which one we are talking about.
  • Jeep Woman: That's Me
    6/6/2011
    I am on my fourth Jeep and have enjoyed them all. Beginning with a Cherokee Classic, then a Liberty, a Commander, and now a Wrangler JK, there is no doubt I am a 100% Jeep lover.
  • Sarah Palin Should Plank on Her Bus Tour
    6/2/2011
    Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin began a national bus tour this week to discuss her would-be presidential aspirations. Thousands of young people now wonder if the Motorcycle Mama is a great candidate for Planking, too.
  • Let's Pretend to Retire
    5/31/2011
    For two weeks my family lived on what we had just to see how it would be when we were only living on our retirement funds. It was a hard two weeks but there were some much-needed lessons learned.
  • Literature Reviews for Master's Degree Level Students
    5/31/2011
    Writing a literature review takes time, so plan ahead!
  • Memorial Day: Time to Honor Our Fallen Soldiers
    5/29/2011
    This Memorial Day take a moment to pause and reflect on what the day really means: honoring our fallen soldiers.
    Also published on:
  • May 25th Marks the First Global Planking Day
    5/25/2011
    May 25, 2011 marks the First Annual Global Planking Day. Young people everywhere have been seen planking and are rapidly posting photos on Plankbook.com. Will the phenomenon die down after today and become old news? Many officials really hope so.
  • Ready, Set, Plank!
    5/23/2011
    The First Annual Global Planking Day is quickly approaching, and plankers around the world are finding new and exciting places to perform their stunts. Plankbook.com hopes to unite plankers everywhere on this special day for plankers.
  • "Screwed by the Town of Cary" Man Has Lung Cancer
    5/23/2011
    David Bowden, resident of Cary, North Carolina, is now suffering from lung cancer as his battle with the Town of Cary resumes.
  • Durian Fruit Wafer Snacks: the Stinkiest Cookie in the World
    5/22/2011
    Durian fruit is hard to find in the United States and other countries, and for pretty good reason. Durian fruit stinks. Durian wafers can be found in some Asian supermarkets, but are only for the brave--or those with no sense of smell.
  • Father's Day Gifts Your Dad Really Wants but Will Not Ask For
    5/19/2011
    Ties are out. Buy your dad something he really wants this year!
  • New Social Networking Site for Plankers: Plankbook.Com
    5/18/2011
    It was inevitable. Someone had to take steps to unify plankers around the world, thus a new social networking website has been born: www.plankbook.com.
  • Junk Drawers: Everybody Has One
    5/13/2011
    Almost everyone has a junk drawer somewhere in their home, and sometimes even at the office. How does a regular drawer become a junk drawer?
  • First Annual Global Planking Day: May 25, 2011
    5/13/2011
    The First Annual Global Planking Day is on May 25, 2011. Thousands of plankers worldwide will be participating in this hilarious stunt activity so have your cameras ready!
  • Dangerous or Fun? Either Way, Planking is a New Sensation on Facebook
    5/12/2011
    Planking is the new stunt phenomenon in Australia, which has turned police against the people performing the stunt. Regardless, there is a new day of celebration coming up, called what else? Plankers Day.
  • Do-it-yourself Wedding Pew Cone Decorations
    5/10/2011
    Making wedding decorations can be fun and inexpensive. The bride can be as creative as she wants to be with this pew cone project!
  • Long-sleeved wedding gowns are in!
    4/29/2011
    Princess Catherine "Kate" Middleton wore a beautifully elegant, long-sleeved wedding dress that has helped subside the strapless wedding gown trend. Some of us thank her deeply.
  • Was Princess Kate's dress surprising?
    4/29/2011
    Kate Middleton planned her wedding dress very carefully and deliberately knowing she would one day be the Queen Consort. Smart woman!
  • Elegant Kate Middleton becomes a princess
    4/29/2011
    For months the public has patiently waited to see Kate Middleton's top secret wedding dress. The day has arrived and the bride's dress is beautiful. This couple emanates light and love for all of the world to see.
  • Kate Middleton's Wedding Shoes
    4/25/2011
    Kate Middleton has her choice of shoe designer, but one shoe stands out above the rest. Georgina Goodman's beautiful wedding slipper is perfect for a modern princess bride!
  • Flowers: the Relaxing but Fun Video Game
    4/15/2011
    Not all video games are violent. "Flowers" is one game enjoyed by people who do not want to blow something up.
  • Bike shops in Cary, North Carolina: No excuse to be out of shape in this town
    4/14/2011
    There are many bicycle shops in the Cary, NC area. With the new bike routes being painted on the streets, no one in this town has a good excuse to be out of shape.
  • Ten Great Spa Resorts to De-stress One's Life
    4/13/2011
    There are many beautiful spa resorts in the world, but some stand out more than others when it comes to great customer service, beautiful surroundings and location.
  • Understanding the Cost of Capital
    4/13/2011
    For those of you in finance class, before one may write a paper on the cost of capital, understanding terminology is necessary.
  • More Businesses Take "Thinking Lean" Approach During Recession
    4/13/2011
    In a declining economy, it is ever important to be cautious with money. Companies able to forecast these events fare better when they hit bumps in the road, or in this case, rocks in the water.
  • ERP Systems: A Big Expense But Worth the Cost!
    4/12/2011
    ERP companies can be hard to choose from. Important aspects to consider include the vendor's experience and modification capabilities to fit your company's needs.
  • Slipping on Ice is Funny
    4/8/2011
    If you think someone slipping and falling on ice is funny, you are not the only one. It is the unexpected slip motion that sets most of us off with hysterical laughter.
  • Home Buying Can Be Painful
    4/8/2011
    Buying a home is a huge decision that does not readily go away if dissatisfied with the choice. Hiring your own inspector may help you save a lot of money in the event something is "missed" by the original homeowners.
  • Buying a New Home Can Cost Less Over Time
    4/5/2011
    A home buyer has many decisions to make, but one of the main decisions is to buy an existing home vs. a new home. There are pros and cons to each, and sometimes it all comes down to the budget. A new home might save money in the long-run.
  • 'One Tree Hill' Extras Treated Right
    4/4/2011
    Ever wonder about working as an Extra on a television set? It can be fun, challenging, and exhausting. There are a few things you need to know before arriving that will make your day easier and less stressful.
  • A Chocolate Biscuit Wedding Cake
    4/4/2011
    Prince William requested a chocolate biscuit wedding cake. Most Americans have never heard of such a confection. It is easy to make and delicious!
  • The Perfect Home
    4/3/2011
    A customer who researches what is available in the market and understands his needs is far more likely to be satisfied than those signing a contract blindly. Make your list and check it twice. Your builder might just be naughty, be we hope he's nice.
  • Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry: Do Your Research Before You Buy
    3/31/2011
    Vintage rhinestone jewelry can be valuable if in pristine condition, but remember--they are not diamonds and not made with quality metals such as gold. Do research prior to buying to assure the best quality pieces are in your collection.
  • Wedding Reception Buffets Now Include Candy
    3/31/2011
    Chic wedding reception buffets should exude the personality and preferences of the bride and groom but with the guests in mind. By serving a variety of delectable foods, the bride will be sure to please even the most finicky of guests.
  • A Zombie Wedding Cake Has Never Tasted so Good
    3/31/2011
    Today's wedding cakes are created to reflect the lifestyle of the bride and groom. By using a bit of imagination, a spectacularly delicious cake can be born. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?
  • DIY Weddings: Appetizers Instead of a Meal
    3/31/2011
    Appetizers, commonly known as hors d'oeuvres or finger foods, are no longer used merely to whet the appetite at a wedding reception. They can now be the main meal.
  • Easy Do-It-Yourself Disaster Kits
    3/31/2011
    Preparing for any natural or man-made disaster can be daunting. This article will show you the basics of what is needed in an easy-to-assemble backpack to survive for a few days with less stress .
    Also published on:
  • Modern Twists for Bridal Bouquets
    3/31/2011
    Modern brides want a twist on their wedding bouquets. There are several ways to accomplish this desire. A bride must look into her own personality.
  • Creative Boutonnieres Made Easily
    3/31/2011
    Boutonnieres are usually traditional. However, they can easily be made modern by using every day items, some internet research, and a little bit of creativity.

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