Bright Starts Babymoon

We have some exciting news about a promotion Bright Starts will be offering! Bright Starts, one of our favorite baby brands is launching a Babymoon sweepstakes on 12/1/09. It is the perfect getaway for any expecting moms.

Baby on the way?

Before baby arrives, win a getaway to pamper yourself and enjoy some downtime. Bright Starts™ is giving away a luxurious 7-night babymoon vacation to three lucky couples. Relax and re-connect at an incredible U.S. Virgin Islands destination – St. Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas.

Your babymoon includes:

· Airfare for up to four from anywhere in the continental U.S.

· Seven night’s hotel accommodations

· Spa treatment for the mother-to-be

· Dinner for up to four people

· $500 spending cash

· Choice of activities

Who wouldn't LOVE that? Sweepstakes begins 12/1/09 and ends 11/30/10. One winner will be chosen each 4 month giveaway period. Go enter to win NOW at www.brightstarts.com/babymoon

Chic Mommas Chic Cruizin'

After pushing quite a few strollers we have finally come to the decision that wasn't as hard as we thought; if only we started with these strollers at the beginning!

We just can't imagine our walks without the Contours Options Tandem ($250) and Britax Blink ($150).

If you can think back to a time when double strollers were bulky - and so not chic to now where they are a statement piece in our lives (and somewhat of an accessory to go with our outfit). The Contours Options Tandem (we LOVE the red) is a perfect stroller that gives you the flexibility every parent needs. Unlike other double strollers, we could easily carry a ton of shopping bags after trips to the mall without everything falling out, and well, of course our two kids too! For 1 or 2 kids, infant or toddlers, everyone has a great view in any direction with its reversible seats. It is so easy to change the seating position with a touch of a button to create six different stroller options.

Top Features:

• Seats Easily Reverse to Create 6 Different Stroller Options. Children Can Both Face Parent, Face Each Other, Face Forward or Back to Back. The Options Tandem Can Also Be Used with Only the Front Seat so There's Lots of Storage in Back.
• Infant Car Seat Attachment Fits Most Car Seat Brands on the Market. Additional Car Seat Attachment is Sold Separately to Accommodate Twins!
• Both Seats Recline for Infant's Comfort
• Ultra Smooth Ride & Steering with Two 8" Front Single Swivel & 10" Rear Never Flat Wheels
• Easy Trigger Fold and Convenient Free-Stand™ Allows the Stroller to Stand on its Own! And if You Remove Both Seats, This Stroller Will Become More Compact When Storing in Small Places.
• Parent Tray with 2 Drink Holders Keeps Drinks Close By
• Front Child Bar Rotates & Removes for Easy Child Access. And Toddlers Can Get in By Themselves With the 2 Easy Steps.
• Other Children Can Walk & Use the Hold-On™ Handles
• Large Basket Accommodates All Babies' Gear

Don't need a double stroller? Opt for the Britax Blink. You won't be disappointed withe the all-wheel suspension that provides an ultra-smooth ride. It is the perfect alternative to the crappy lightweight strollers that just cause frustration. The clever fold release mechanism allows you to fold the stroller without scuffing the tops of your shoes or feet. It is so simple to use, you can practically do it with one hand. It is perfect for quick trips but also long excursion with it's compact fold. It hardly takes up any space.

We LOVE:

• The large canopy with visor that blocks wind, rain and harmful UV rays from sensitive skin.
• SO EASY to maneuver in stores (especially ones that aren't stroller friendly) and in-and-out of the trunk.
• Layback recline with adjustable leg rest really comes in handy for those who like to sleep on the go.
• One-foot, linked rear brake locks both rear wheels with one step.
• LOVE the portable carry strap that enables you to carry the stroller while keeping your hands free! We always need extra hands!
• Five-point harness makes contact with the strongest parts of the body
• And for parents who always need more storage like us - the practical storage pouch is the perfect place to keep items you are constantly digging for - phone, keys, wallet, etc.....

*All strollers were tried & tested by Cupcake Mag and baby approved! Please keep in mind that this is our opinion and review of these items after much use and we were not paid to write about the products given for review*

WHY WE LOVE ALL THINGS TORI

Tori Spelling isn’t just a versatile actress with a career span over film, television and theater but most recently has been seen on her hit reality TV show that follows her life, “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood”. Just a few months ago, the season premiere was the most watch season debut and highest rated Oxygen original series ever, as it pulled in over half a million viewers. As many of you may know Spelling is best known for her roll as Donna Martin on “Beverly Hills 90210” – Spelling is now reprising her role as Donna in the CW spinoff series 90201 which started last September. In April 2009, Spelling published her second memoir Mommywood, a follow up to her New York Times bestseller sTori Telling. But Tori Spelling isn’t just an actress, writer and mom – she is also an accomplished jewelry designer and clothing designer. Her latest designs from “The Tori Spelling Collection” can be viewed exclusively on HSN and HSN.com. Little Maven, her new children’s line, inspired by her own little ones, just debuted this fall and is already selling out.

GET TO KNOW TORI SPELLING

After many thanks for the amazing compliments, and congratulating me on my newest belly, CUPCAKE MAG'S one on one with Tori Spelling reminded us that celebrities are just regular human beings too! From being a mommy that manages it all to her new clothing line Little Maven - Tori answered all our questions with great pleasure.

Cupcake Mag: As a mother of 2 girls under the age of 6 and a third little one on the way, I was able to really relate to "Mommywood". You have a very busy life. How do you balance all of your responsibilities, both professional and personal?

Tori Spelling: It’s easy to juggle it all cause I know that my family comes first. With them as my focus and my rock I'm able to multi task. Everything I do is for my children and their future. But every endeavor I take on is time consuming yet a labor of passion. It’s all organic to me or my family.

CM: What brought you to designing your own children's line, Little Maven? What was important to you when designing?

T: Little Maven was 100% inspired by Liam and Stella. I love being a mom and I love fashion so the two together was an organic fit. As a style conscious mom I wanted to create clothes for my babes that were fun and stylish yet comfortable. Then it was important to me to make the line affordable for my mommy friends everywhere.

CM: What is behind the line's name?

T: I knew I always wanted to design and to be a part of the fashion world. I thought of the name Maven years ago and thought it encompassed the essence of a brand I wanted to create. Maven is all knowing about a certain subject. A STYLE maven is all knowing about the fashionista's lifestyle they want to encompass. So, a LITTLE MAVEN is a mini fashionista!

CM: What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a fashion line?

T: As with any business you venture into, it’s all about passion. I say fashion is my passion! You have to believe in your point of view a 100% yet you have to be able to know your customer! It’s a fun world and creating pieces you'd personally wear or in this case that I'd personally dress my own children in is really what it’s about. Always dream big and never compromise!

CM: Little Maven is by far budget friendly and affordable for many moms - was that a goal of yours?

T: I grew up in a very luxe lifestyle yet I knew from an early age that fashion doesn't have to cost a fortune to look good! I love people and especially moms and I love that thru my reality show and my books I now have mom fans/friends everywhere that can relate to me. So, it was VERY important to me to develop a line that was stylish without compromising comfortability or quality and that was also affordable to moms everywhere.

CM: Liam has such a cute rocker style and Stella is definitely a true fashionista already - If they aren't wearing Little Maven, what are some of your fave kid’s labels?

T: First of all I love that you GET my kids style! Made me smile. I also am a fan of Splendid, Ella Moss, Kingsley, Lucky, Gap, Paul Frank, C & C, Cynthia Vincent, and Target!

CM: You are already a superhero mom - with two NY times bestselling memoirs (we hope for another soon!), reprising your role as Donna Martin, an accomplished jewelry designer, reality show with millions of viewers, and now a kid's clothing line, what could possibly be up next for you?

T: I recently completed my 1st children's book. It'll be released Fall 2010. Very excited for that! That's one of my favorite times is story time with the kids! I also hope to create a women's fashion line soon as well!

CM: And lastly, what are your fashion obsessions of the moment?

T: As a style conscious mommy of 2 it’s all about affordable, quick, yet chic fashion! I love pops of color to complete an outfit. I'm into boots, belts, scarves, headbands, and metallic or jeweled toned flats.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT LITTLE MAVEN:

In the Fall, Tori’s new children clothing line, Little Maven, hit stores this September, but she gave us a sneak peak at some items in the collection so stay tuned for Cupcake Mag's feature and photo shoot on trendy childrens clothing lines that we just can't get enough of!


And if you just can't get of TORI SPELLING make sure you check out the links below:


http://www.tori-spelling.com/
http://www.littlemaven.com/
http://twitter.com/torianddean
http://jewelry.hsn.com/tori-spelling_c-j_a-4551_xc.aspx?rid=1121&prev=hp
http://www.hsn.com/summer-is-here-blogs_g-250_xg.aspx

Fall in Love with momAgenda -- (plus win one!)

No need to use your blackberries as your calendar; we found a chic functional replacement. After we received the momAgenda Desktop Planner (in Rose Pink Faux Crocodile) we immediately became quite obsessed. It is not just a planner; it is a MUST HAVE accessory.

Reasons we CRAVE the planners:

• Week-at-a-view: The unique format is perfect for moms with littles one running around. The planner features a space for you and up to four children. We love that it features monthly views too.
• momEssentials: The pamphlet, which is placed in the back on the planner can easily be removed and reused from year to year. No re-writing your contacts each year.
• The Style: The new crocodile covers, in FAB new colors; Rose Pink and Spring Green are stylish, elegant, and chic. The perfect little accessory for your busy life.
• Size: Not to big, not to small, just perfect! The 7x9x1 planner is perfect to grab on the go and fits nicely in all bags.

We LOVE the momAgenda Faux Crocodile Desktop ($44) but the momAgenda stain-resistant Desktop planner ($42) is just as stylish. It comes in six vibrant colors with all the FAB features momAgenda is famously known for; the party planning pages, lots of space for jotting notes, favorite website sections, notes for FASHION, books, vacation, movies and more. Don’t forget – personalization is available to make it even more YOU!

Not a momma yet? You can still be an organized fashionista with myAgenda($40) for everyone.

Spotted: Rachel Zoe recently raved about the new faux croc covers - “I love the crocodile momAgenda. I am going to give it to all of my clients who are moms!” Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman "Loves" her momAgenda and Brad Paisley’s wife, Kimberely Williams Paisley couldn’t be happier with the products and calls them “Genuis!” We totally agree!

*momAgenda GIVEAWAY*

ONE lucky Cupcake Mag reader will have the chance to win your very own 2009-2010 momAgenda Desktop in Fuschia. Leave a comment here and tell us one reason WHY you need the momAgenda desktop planner. Make sure you are a follower of Cupcake Mag! One entry per person, per day! One winner will be chosen randomly on Friday November 13^th at 6pm (EST). Retail Value $42. Good luck!

Can’t wait to win and feel the need for one right now? Head over to momAgenda now for the Fall Annual Sale where Mini-Dailies are 40% off and Desktops are 25%! While you are there don’t forget to sign up for new alerts, new products updates and an exclusive 10% subscriber discount.

Chic Moms -- A Sprinkling of Holiday Treats

Making our list and checking it twice. Trying to find out what goodies we like - from top brands we all know and love to new finds we can't get enough of - Cupcake Mag's Holiday Gift Guide is for all the little ones in your life that is already tried and tested by yours truly.

Cupcake Mag's Holiday Gift Guide for Chic Babes

Fisher Price: Snap N’ Style Friends are just adorable and is perfect for someone’s that two! The mix n’ match snap n’ style dolls retail for only $13! The accessories are adorable and the sweet styling encourages early role play. Little hands can easily snap-on clothes and will play for hours. And you know we just can’t make a list without including ELMO! Elmo Tickle Hands ($30) top the list this year as something fresh and fun for your any Elmo fan. Slip them on in a second to tickle and dance just like Elmo with the silly sounds and fun phrases. For the smaller babes in your life we LOVE the Amazing Animals Tubtime Tugboat perfect for bath time fun along with the Stack ‘n Surprise Blocks Songs ‘n Smiles Sillytown features many developmental benefits for baby and lots of fun!

The top 5 Hasbro games for the season are Sorry! Spongebob Squarepants Edition ($20), Connect 4: Spongebob Squarepants ($15), Kid Cranium ($20), Littlest Pet Shop Go Fish ($6) and Pictureka! ($23) - you will be sure to have hours of fun with these family fun filled games for a not so silent night.

Also from Hasbro is the My Little Pony Pinkie Pie’s Playhouse Playset ($45). This was a favorite among our little product testers with small hands. The playhouse is quite precious and has everything you need to take care of Pinkie Pie, the adorable pony figure. From a swing, potty, crib and other fun accessories your pony has everything they need to feel at home along with music, lights and sounds with just a push of a button. It is sure to be a big hit in your house this holiday season. For the creative mind, the super fun Play-Dog Burger Builder ($15) and 2009 Family Fun Toy of The Year Award Winner is perfect for those who love to cook with tons of burger building accessories.

Recommended items from Lego are the Large Pink (or Blue) Brick Box($30) that contains 402 bricks in 12 colors that comes in a pink storage case with transparent lid. Along with My First LEGO Sets in three classic themes are perfect for young builders. They make fun and adorable stocking stuffers for only $10 you get 117+pieces.

For the girly girls Barbie Doll Fashionistas is a perfect way to express your fashion personality and STRIKE A POSE! We love the trendy fashions the dolls wear as each has a distinct personality (Glam, Cutie, Girly, Wild, Sassy and Artsy) reflected in their clothes and accessories. For only $12 you can collect them all and pamper them in the ultra-stylish Barbie Glamour Camper ($80). We can’t get enough of the GLAM details!

Not into Barbie yet? Go for the PollyPocket Roller Coaster Resort Playset ($50) for hours of fun. Join Polly and friends as they pack in all the fun and adventure of a rollercoaster into a deluxe luxury hotel. The playset includes a Polly™ doll, pet monkey, rollercoaster car and luggage cart. Girls will forget about their winter blues as they spend endless hour’s resort-side with Polly™ and friends! It is on every little girl’s wish list!

As for the older girls, we suggest American Girl’s brand new historical character, Rebecca ($95). She comes alive with the story she tells and is a keepsake for years to come. We couldn’t get enough of the red herringbone dress and two-tone boots she arrived in that are authentic styles to her era.

For the tot who loves to pretend make sure you check out the Bitty Baby collection perfect for pretend play. We loved the Baby’s Diaper Tote ($36) which has everything your little one needs to care for her Bitty Baby all in a pretty printed tote.

Hidden Treasures

The Piggy Story: The “Art Folio” ($21) is beautifully crafted in your choice of adorable patterns (9 to choose from!) and keeps your kids happily occupied with creativity. Everything you need comes along; drawing pad and 12 crayons in a very easy to carry fold n’stow art case. Does your little artist need more? Opt for the BRAND NEW Little Picasso Art ($22) kit filled with 20 pieces that easily (and neatly) get packed away for on the go trips from car rides to taking it along to school. Each kit includes 8 markers, 8 colored pencils, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 glitter flue pen and 1 pair of safety scissors. Browse around at everything you need to capture your little one’s imagination.

Yubo Lunchboxes: One of our favorites by far the BPA-free lunchboxes contains a food-safe, anti-microbial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Easy to clean and 100% dishwasher safe the lightweight YUBO lunchbox ($29.95) design and soft handle make it comfy for kids to carry. We also love the interchangeable faceplates, food containers and ice packs that fit snugly. This lunchbox should be mandatory!

Dante Beatrix: Sweet, precious, and just adorable are only a few words to describe the Little Kid Anastasia ($42) backpack perfect for your pink princess. She will never want to take it off! It is also a perfect spot for her Kindred Things bear ($40) from Henry Road. Stuffed with love the bear is made of vintage chenille and Henry Road scraps and remnants. No two are alike.

Perfect stocking stuffer! Crayon Rocks come in vibrant colors that look just like rocks! Ranging in price from just a few colors for $5 to all the colors for $27 the crayons are designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles, preparing fingers and hands for handwriting are all natural soy wax made from USA grown soybeans and colored with natural mineral powders. They are sure to be a hit.

Color Me House is perfect for rainy day fun or to get those creative juices flowing! The Color Me House ($40) and Color Me Rocket ($50) entertain kids for hours and can easily be put together in five minutes, and we aren’t that handy! Your artist will love painting, coloring and decorating and will never grow tired of the fun. It can be easily put away and put back together for years of fun!

Disclaimer: All items mentioned were tried and tested by Cupcake Mag. We do not get paid to review this product, just like all the products we feature. This is just our opinion, review and recommendation on the products mentioned.

Chic Moms -- Fave of the Week -- Baby Star! (Plus a Giveaway!)

For your shinning star - baby star creates products for the design - savvy parent and texture-loving child. They are great at balancing style and functionality while creating the essential items in a simple yet modern way.

We love the girl diamond blanket. The signature modern baby blanket is not only light weight for cool nights but is great for wrapping your baby up in style. We loved the combination of design and texture topped off with a fun trim.

It matches perfectly with the sweetest kimono set. Not only is this to die for set soft and comfy but it is stylish as can be! The kimono top has cuffed sleeves and side snaps. The pant also has snaps on the inside of the legs which is easy access for diaper changes (which we love) and has a perfect fit with a diaper.

Lastly, we just can't get enough of the oh so chic bibs to catch food and drool in the hippiest most fashionable way!

BIG PLUS: All baby star products are FORMALDEHYDE-FREE, making them safe for your baby and the environment! Eco-chic all the way!

baby star has given Cupcake Mag readers an exclusive discount code for 30% off your order. Just use code 20twinkle09 by 12.31.09! Additionally, please make sure you check our baby star’s fabulous weekly specials. We also encourage you to join baby star’s ambassador program! You can share discount cards and earn 30% commission credit. Make sure you apply today!

Giveaway Details: Enter our giveaway to win your own DIAMOND BLANKET! All you have to do is visit Baby Star and comment below by telling us your favorite Diamond Blanket Swatch. Then take a quick second to sign up for the baby star newsletter. For extra entries make sure to follow baby star on twitter, facebook, and their blog. As always make sure you are a Cupcake Mag follower too!

• http://twitter.com/babystar_mktg

• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25191706968
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Star/88369322741
• http://blog.babystar.com/

*All comments must be received by Monday November 30th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly and emailed the following day. Open to U.S. residents only.*

Trend Spotted -- Wrap Up This Season in a Cocoon!

Photo obtained from PopSugar of Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo of Stephanie March by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow (with Apple & Moses) is the first to be spotted in the Fall 2009 trend; the cocoon sweater. We saw it on the fall runways and a similar style on the recent six season of Project Runway.

OBAKKI featured this Cocoon Sweater in Cement in the Fall 2009 Collection and it is must have warbdrobe piece for the season. Available at Scoop Nationwide. Retail $782. It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

If your more of an accessory gal type who splurges on the best you should opt for the LELYA water snake RED clutch - beyond perfect for the holiday season!

Just a few nights ago, Stephanie March carried the clutch ($435) at the 2009 GLAMOUR Woman of the Year Awards. Ever since well - we can't take our mind off the beauty. You can find it at Verve in New York or by calling 212.691.6516 or visit www.leyla.com

Monkey-Toes’: The Perfect Fit for your TOT

We just can't get ENOUGH of the fashion forward Monkey-Toes

It is time to pack up the cute sandals now that the winter chill is upon all the little toes. Luckily, Monkey Toes’ has the perfect transition for your tot instead of just another pair of plain old sneaker.

The company’s canvas too cute sneakers and sassy Mary Janes (both $31-$35) have rubber soles and every pair is individually hand painted with cuteness. You have it all with adorable spring laces that kids can put on by themselves with no constant tying, or for us moms, constant bending over.

Among the fun designs that teach your little babes about bugs and insects are leap frogs, piggies, spiders, and bumble bees. When we received our sample pair of Flutterflies Sneaks, they were packaged with ribbon and ready for gift-giving. We couldn’t just be spoiled with one pair and immediately placed a personal order.

About the Designer

MOMpreneur, Jenny Ford is behind the genius idea of Monkey-Toes’ and is responsible for keeping our little ones toes uber stylish. Her dream of being a stay-at-home mom and business owner has come true as we see; Jenny has quite the eye for style. So just who inspired the line? You can thank her daughter’s long toes for the name “Monkey-Toes.”

Browse over to get your little one a pair and learn more about the line at http://www.monkey-toes.com/

Images courtesy of 32FlavorsPR, http://32flavorspr.com/