current obsession -- Medela Bottles

Medela is a well known brand who is committed to Breastfeeding and Breastmilk so when we recently found out they had bottles - we were thrilled! We just had to share them with you for all those bottle feeding mommas out there. Medela breastmilk bottles are made from safe, BPA-free polypropylene that helps retain breastmilk's beneficial properties but don't worry - they work great no matter what you put in them, even if for some reason you can't breastfeed don't shy away from this company. 

However, if you do happen to be a breastfeeding momma and pump well the bottles are compatible with all Medela breatpumps so you can easily store and feed with ONE bottle -- how easy is that? The volume marks are so easy to read and don't rub off after washes in the dishwasher over and over like some bottles do. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe. We also love that they come with solid lids so when you are on the go the milk isn't all over the place when you take off the travel cap. Medela bottles are definitely the BEST on the market. 

Head over to Medela now to learn more about this great company and pick up the bottles that you soon will be obsessing over. 

American Girl's Shine On Now -- My American Girl Doll Giveaway!

As you all know cupcakeMAG & Sprinkles has partnered with Shine On Now -- if you missed our post all about American Girl's Shine On Now launch then you should check it out here! In the meantime we know everyone is busy donating stars as Shine On Now has reached more than 563K stars already since the website full launched on July 13th! To thank you all for your support we want to give a deserving girl in your life their very own My American Girl doll which you can check-out on the American Girl wesbite.

Ready to win? Nominate a deserving girl in your life or in the community that you think would love their very own My American Girl doll. Write a description of how this special someone helps others and is involved - there is no need to reference the girls identity. This comment is mandatory!

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to WIN! The winner will select the doll of choice from here.

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow Shine On Now on Twitter

3. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebook page.

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. VOTE for us on Top Mommy Blogs here -- just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register - just a simple click.

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @AGShineOnNow -- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

The winner will be selected Wed., August 4th on or around 11pm! US Residents only.

While you wait check out Shine On Now and make sure you follow them on Twitter and like them Facebook! Also, make sure to check out Shine On Now on YouTube!

Featured Etsy Designer --- Snuggle Bug Kidz --- PLUS a giveaway!

When we first came across Snuggle Bug Kidz we never realized the inspiring story behind the company started by Melena Dumala, 31. What we did see was a really great collection of good quality, super cute finds for our littles. And it always helps when the designer behind the company is just phenomenal - and well, Melena is just that --- she is always shining through our many emails as we have worked with her over the past few weeks. Making us adore this MOMpreneur company even more!

Melena sent us quite a few goodies from her collection -- and we just loved it all. We just couldn't wait to show off just how great her shop is!

This oh so sweet interchangeable tee & tutu set, $24.99 is just perfect for any occasion. What we love? The t-shirt has a small sewn pocket opening at the top of the stem so you can interchange any flower clip you have at home -- making it even more special and one of a kind. However, it does come with the flower clip in the picture. We also just can't get over the softness of this tutu and the detail in the design.

Snuggle Bug Kidz was born out of the desire to find good quality fun clothing and accessories for my kids. When I gave birth to my first daughter we didn't know she was going to be a "preemie," she weighed in at only a little over 4 pounds. I couldn't find anything in the stores that would fit her. No retail outlet in our area even carried preemie clothing. This is where the beginning of Snuggle Bug Kidz took place. With no where else to turn, I began asking family and friends if they could help make some clothing for my daughter.

Almost exactly 4 years later my 2nd daughter was born. At birth she had a perfectly round head but over time she developed Plagiocephaly which is a cranial abnormality which causes your child's head to be lopsided . With the help of our Dr. we were able to get her fitted for a CranioCap Orthosis to help correct the problem. While having a conversation with her Dr. I realized the huge need for a decorative hat for these orthosis. The CranioCap was a ugly plain white plastic helmet. I couldn't believe there wasn't anything to cover these things ! I began discussing with the Dr. about how we could cover these plastic helmets in a way that makes it fun for the kids and the parents. The Dr. had said many parents won't go in public with the helmets on and therefore the children end up in them for much longer then they need to. This was my " AH-HA moment"...

As time went on and the busyness of life took over I began to realize the huge need for not only preemie clothing, and CranioCap covers, but for the need to celebrate the FAMILY as a whole. We're all different. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and we all have our funny quirks !

Being a young mom of 3 has it's challenges and one of those challenges is to find good quality merchandise at a great price. As my kids have grown and their personalities began to shine I wanted to make accessories, and clothing, that matched who they were... FUN...ACTIVE..and PLAYFUL....this is where the Snuggle Bug Adventure began! . With the help of two of my great friends, Ashley and Rebekah, I believe we’ve created a brand of clothing and fun accessories that will truly bring a smile to anyone who wears them.

We also just couldn't get enough of the rhinestone flip flops for your fancy feet! Lucky for you, Melena is giving one our readers a pair of their choice! So head on over to Snuggle Bug Kidz and tell us which ones you just LOVE! This comment is mandatory. You also must be a follower of cupcakeMAG & sprinkles!

For extra entries, leave a comment, telling us you have done the following. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow Snuggle Bug Kidz on Twitter

3. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebook page

4. Make sure you "LIKE" Snuggle Bug Kidz on Facebook page

5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email! But please make sure you confirm your email address. We do check :)

6. VOTE for us on Top Mommy Blogs here -- just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register - just a simple click.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Tweet about this giveaway and include @snugglebugkidz - you must tweet, not just follow.

9. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

Get your comments in now! The winner will be chosen on Monday August 2nd after 11pm. Open to US residents only.

Mom of the Month --- Shanna Coady of My Favorite Everything

Photo Credit Sandy Heit 

Shanna Coady is one mom that seriously wears a uber-chic super mom cape; she is quite amazing to say the least! The fact alone that she changes 5 rounds of diapers before noon makes us applaud her even more.

If you don't know Shanna, well, your are missing out. Shanna runs a brilliant site, My Favorite Everything -- one that we can't go a day without reading -- it is my favorite (besides ours of course!) and I am just so happy I stumbled upon via Twitter quite some time ago - which is also when I found out she was going to have 3 littles ones under 2! Yes, you read correctly.

To catch you up to speed we want to share with you a little bit {about} Shanna that we have taken from her website because we just LOVE her writing style so much. But also, we asked Shanna to timeline a day in her life -- to see just how crazy it can be to run a biz with littles -- after you read her day she shared with us, you will see the many reasons she is cupcakeMAGs MOM of the MONTH!

Photo Credit Sandy Heit

So about me: My name is Shanna Coady. I live in Orange County, California. I’m married to an awesome guy, Mike, and have 3 incredible daughters, Addie 2 yrs (also known as “Tornaddie”) and Hayden 1 yr (or “Giggle Monster”), and our newest addition in March, Piper who is almost five months old.

In my previous life: I was an Interior Designer. I worked for Ralph Lauren Home, Neiman Marcus Visual, owned my own interior design company, and worked for a local Real Estate Developer. Most recently I project managed the residential interior design for a resort in Newport Coast, California.
In the past few years: I’ve gotten engaged, planned a destination wedding, had 3 babies 11 months and 13 months apart, purchased and remodeled a house in 3 months (that most say previously looked like a meth lab), sweat equity style with my fabulously talented husband, and served Thanksgiving dinner 2 days after moving in, pregnant and with an 8 month old….oh, and worked full time on the resort project that was installing at the exact same time.
In the past year: I have flown on 15 planes with 2 children, 15 months and under, and adjusted sleep schedules in 3 time zones.
My life has been busy. It’s been creative. It’s been mayhem. It’s been awesome. I wouldn’t change any of it as it’s what brought me to where I am today. But I’ve also found that simplifying amidst the confusion is a big help!

“A day in the life” is tough for me to write about. Seems no day is ever really the same…as I sat to write this post, I had one of THOSE days and thought THIS is the day that I’ll share. But then life gets complicated, and a few days go by, and you think no THIS is the day, and then the same thing repeats as life is complicated still. Then you realize no day is ever the same and every day can out top the last one. So here goes….


12:30AM Addie (2 year old) Wakes up crying. I run to her room to find she has twisted herself around in bed and is head first in her twin bed, meaning with a roll she has landed on the floor (padded for such times). To the request “sit wit me Mama, sit wit me” I lay down in her tiny bed and scratch her back while she drifts back to sleep. Head back to bed myself…
2:45AM Hayden (1 year old) wakes up screaming. She has a cold with a cough that never seems to end. Poor thing. Rock her for a bit and put her back in her crib. Head back to my own bed for the second time.
3:30AM Piper (4 months old) wakes up and is ready for a bottle. Try the binky for a bit (reaching over bassinet next to our bed – her room is still being built), but no luck. Jump to the kitchen to grab her bottle from the fridge before her crying wakes the other 2 girls.
4:00AM Piper finishes bottle and goes back to her bassinet. I pick up my iPhone to begin scanning the 1000+ posts that are updated in my Google Reader. Try to read as many as possible
5:00AM Eyes are heavy, go back to sleep for a bit…
6:50AM Addie wakes up. We hear the rattle of her doorknob as she opens the room next to us, and shuffles into our room carrying her blankie, her sippy cup, her book, and her snuggle bunny. No leaving anyone behind in this family. She crawls in bed and we turn on “Wonder Pets”. (Our way of getting just a few more minutes of sleep.)
7:00AM Piper wakes up all smiles and joins us in bed for some snuggle time with Addie. (“I hold Piper! I Hold Piper!”) Hayden wakes up too, but she likes to play in her crib with the stuffed animals, so we give her a few more minutes.
7:15AM Hubs hops out of bed to get Hayden and grab Piper’s bottle on the way back. The whole family watches “Wonder Pets”, plays “Where’s Addie/Hayden/Piper??” under the covers. I’m playing, and checking tweets and emails, replying to what I can.
7:25AM Head out to the kitchen & front room to make breakfast. Week day frozen waffles (replaced on weekends with homemade pancakes), whipped cream & strawberries. Hubs stays with girls while I jump in the shower. Second round of diapers goes to Dad!

7:40AM Showered, dressed I take over with the girls, Hubs heads back to get ready for the day. Carry Piper while Addie & Hay follow to Addie’s (soon to be both Addie & Hay’s room) and pick out clothes for the day. Piper hangs out in (soon to be) Hayden’s crib. Addie jumps on her bed while Hayden is dressed. They switch. THEN we pick shoes…takes a little while. Shoes are important. We must try A LOT of them on.
8:00AM Done and dressed. NOPE, third round of diapers and they all stink! SO sad for me!
8:15AM Hubs is showered, dressed and heads to kitchen to make his protein shake – Addie & Hay, “Shake, shake, shake!!!” with accompanying dance moves, help him out – ice, juice, bananas, buttons…. Then we all head outside to do the “Shake-shake, Bye-bye” dance for Dada as he leaves for work. Oh you bet, we are all shakin’ our booties and waving our hands in the air. You KNOW the neighbors LOVE this morning show!!
8:30AM Reheat cold coffee from fridge in microwave (left over July 4^th travel pack from Starbucks – not the best, but brewed and ready to go, ½ and ½ can work miracles on anything!)
8:35AM Load up 3 girls in the car…toys, blankies, sippy cups, bottles, diaper bags, mom’s coffee, and we’re OFF! Call the kids doctor from the car to see if we can stop by for a check on these colds. Stop at drive thru donuts for a treat (gotta keep mom in the best graces with kids!)
8:45AM Drop Addie off at Daycare (twice a week for a few hours to play with friends). Check iPhone for tweets and emails before leaving and heading to the doctors.
9:15AM Dr checks Hayden – her head cold now has an ear infection, needs a perscripton. Piper is still a head cold, humidifer & saline are still best. Plenty of sanitizer on the way out. Piper gets a smidgen of her morning nap in the car.
10:00AM Drop off prescription at drive thru pharmacy (thank goodness for drive thrus!!) Check iPhone while waiting. Reply to a couple emails.
10:20AM Home! Change both babes’ diapers, 4^th round. Set up Hayden with her kitchen. Feed Piper her 10AM bottle and set her to play in her pack n play.
10:35AM Check iPhone for Tweets and Emails. Return a couple phone calls. Cancel milk delivery. (Kids drink too much milk now, more cost effective to buy at Costco. Bummer for me.) Throw laundry in and quickly make beds and straighten up from breakfast.
11:15AM Switch Piper to bouncie chair and make lunch for Hayden, and an iced coffee with milk for mom.

12:00PM Change both diapers, 5^th round. Set up music box for Hayden to play with, while I put Piper down for her nap.
12:15PM Play music shop with Hayden. Get out the sock up CD from her birthday. Dance Party!! This 1 year old can dance!!
1:00PM Snuggle Hayden in her crib with her “B” (blanket).
1:15PM On cue, construction crew has just come back from lunch and started working on the playroom again. The entire house vibrates (raised foundation and wood floors, no room is safe from noise!!) praying the sound machines do their jobs in the nurseries!! Quickly pick up from lunch and change over laundry.
1:30PM Sit down at computer to get at least 1 post done or at the very least, the photos uploaded so I can work tonight….but sister sends an iChat invitation. Hmmmm need to work, but sister lives in another city, “accept” and try to type simultaneously.
2:15PM Piper is up from her afternoon nap. Quick diaper change and we snuggle into the sofa for a bottle while mom catches up on a Food Network show.
2:35PM Move Piper to a blanket in my office. Finish off the post for the next day, return a couple more emails.
3:00PM Hayden wakes up. Another quick diaper change, grab a sippy cup, & snack. Get Piper in her car seat and head out to pick up Addie.
3:15PM Stop at drive thru pharmacy to pick up Hayden’s prescription.
3:20PM Call Daycare to see if Addie can meet me outside since other 2 babes are in the car. Addie is with her sweet friends and all smiles as I turn the corner, love that!
3:40PM Heading home….DOOOOOA, forgot to pick up dry-cleaning across town in the other direction. Quick u-turn, stop at drive thru cleaners (LOVE drive thrus. If you have a drive thru, I will be your customer!!!) Back on track to the house.
4:40PM Addie & Hay unloaded. Piper is still in the car (in the garage with open doors everywhere) asleep in her car seat with 20 more minutes of her afternoon nap.
5:15PM Piper is awake. Cute neighbor kids, 5 and 7 ask to come over to play. SURE! Distraction is my friend!! Kids play in front yard while I feed Piper.
5:30PM Get dinner going. Hmmmm, nanny is on vacation so have not had the extra hands to help do grocery shopping…..not much in the house.
5:35PM Grab squash and herbs from the garden and pray for a miracle dinner…got it! Carbonara…..eggs (couple left), cream (half n half for coffee will work), pancetta (I got bacon!), pasta, zuchinni and squash. A couple plums from the tree out back, we’re in business.
5:40PM Dada is home!! The girls are celebrating like they have not seen him in WEEKS!!!!
5:50PM Dinner is ready. Thinking paper plates outside sounds like the perfect cleanup!!
6:15PM Onto dessert (more distraction), slow melt popsicles for Addie and Hay while mom and dad finish dinner and savor a glass (or 2 ) of wine….
6:30PM Piper gets a loooonnnngg bath in the sink (she loves this part of the day!!) Our kitchen sink is great for baths!! I have a fab baby bath that fits super snug and she can’t slip out b/c the sink is snug around it. I fill it half way and can load the dishes from the day (from the other sink – double basin) into the dishwasher without leaving her side! She giggle at me the whole time, the best!
Addie and Hayden hop in the pool with Dad. Fun Dada time (though kinda wishing mom could join too). Piper heads out for “nigh-nigh” kisses from her sisters.
7:00PM Give Piper her night bottle a quick rock and she is OFF to dream land! Fab sleeper!
7:15PM Head out to pool to get the girls ready for bed. Outdoor shower is my friend tonight. Crank on the heat and the kids play for a little while longer while Dada heads inside to change and to grab pjs and diapers.
7:25PM Get the girls dressed & ready for bed, (“Micky diaper mama, Micky!!!” No worries, I wont forget Addie! That onite diaper is as much for my benefit as yours!)
7:35PM Stories with Dada, while mom gets the rooms ready, finds blankies, sound machines on, shades down….
7:45PM Nigh-nigh kisses all around!!! Hayden goes off with Dada, Mom and Addie head to Addie’s room. “Sit wit me Mama. Sit wit me.” How can I say no?? We get our 15 minutes of snuggle time in, then a BIG NIGH-NIGH hug.
8:00PM Girls are all down.
8:10PM Hubs finishes the kitchen while I fold the laundry from the day with stacks to take it into the rooms the next morning.
8:15PM Hubs heads to the sofa for DVR shows, and mom heads to the office to work.
10:30PM Hubs wakes Piper up for her last bottle…..I’m still working….eyes are getting sleepy….head is nodding off
11:00PM Can’t pull a late one tonight. Make the rounds to check on all the babes, hope it’s a good night for everyone. Piper, Mom and Dad all head to bead….1 last check on the iPhone…..

Make sure you subscribe to get My Favorite Everything to your inbox everyday! It is the perfect accessory with your am coffee -- and we enjoy reading it everyday! Head over now, you will end up spending hours with all the ideas she shares! Also, don't forget to follow Shanna on Twitter and became a fan {we are her #1 fan} on Facebook!

editors choice--phil&teds......you make us swoon -- plus an awesome giveaway!

phil & teds...oh how we love you....let us count the way.......

oh wait, where do we begin?

Let's start with the newly launched The Smart Stroller, also known as the "complete compact". The Smart features so many things, I just don't know where to start. The Smart features all the adaptability and modular functionality of a large bodied stroller - packing all the features a mommaista needs into a phenomenally sleek (and ever so chic) compact body.

phil&teds is dedicated to helping parents adapt&survive the crazy world of parenting! They strive to accomplish this with smart products which provide parents the ability to continue to live active lifestyles with tots in tow. Well, The Smart Stroller does just that!

• Ultra Adaptable
• Car Seat Compatible
• Seat Reclines
• Lightweight! The frame is only 14lbs.
• State-of-the-art aerococre seat which is hypoallergenic, ultra-supportive cushioning, and easy to wipe clean
• We also adore the Adaptable Bassinet ( otherwise known as the peanut)
• The price! It is a great value- $249.99 for stroller, or $359.99 for the stroller + peanut bassinet

Sidenote: I have a 5 month old and The Smart bassient, otherwise known as the peanut saved us during a weeked trip to Grandmas. I realized I forgot the pack and play but grabbed the penaut right from the car. Kennadi slept over 10 hours right next to me in her Phil & Teds portable little peanut - perfect for my little peanut.

Besides all the FABulous features The Smart stroller offers; it just looks good. Bottom line; it is uber-chic and the perfect accessory when cruzin' around town with your littles. I personally, could go on about this stroller all day so Phil & Teds is giving away The Smart Bundle to one of our cupcakeMAG readers so you can see for yourself just how amazing this stroller is; sure to start a Phil & Teds trend in your town.

Giveaway Details!

Make a comment telling us why you must-have The Smart stroller bundle (bassinet included) which is a retail value of $359.99. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG & Sprinkles.

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry letting us know.

The more you comment the better chance you have to WIN!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow phil&teds on Twitter

3. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebook page

4. Make sure you "LIKE" Phil & Teds on Facebook page

5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email! But please make sure you confirm your email address. We do check :)

6. VOTE for us on Top Mommy Blogs here -- just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register - just a simple click.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Tweet about this giveaway and include @philandteds - you must tweet, not just follow.

9. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

The winner will be selected next Friday, July 24th around or after 11pm, EST. Open to US residents only please.

I mean, even Tori Spelling was in love with the stroller and has been seen toting Stella around Hollywood (she even twitted to confess her love!) so you know it is the fashion-forward stroller to have. Don't waste time! Head over to phil & teds and order one pronto until then enter away and just hope you win.

Stay connected with phil & teds by following them on Twitter, Facebook and don't forget to check out The Smart Stroller video here on YouTube. Get ready to be obsessed!

a new blog to follow -- kristine's story -- one mother's journey

I can't really recall when exactly I came across Kristine Brite and Cora's Story but I can tell you how many times I have told their story. When I saw a tweet from Kristine about her own space - I was thrilled & even more honored that she let me design her blog & run with it. Take a look, make sure your follow & support - we together can change lives.

Fourth of July Fashions

Leisa Naples, Lifestyle Correspondent and designer of Twins Twice Tutus gives us some sizzlin' looks at spectaculat prices. Here are some Fourth of July fashions to remember for next year!

With the Fourth of July approaching, the desire to find something snazzy and patriotic is upon us. You probably won’t be looking for five inch red sequin heels like Carrie Bradshaw. Unless of course you want to be the “talk” of the family picnic. So what’s a fashionista to wear? Then to intensify the shopping experience, your children think you host the television show, What Not to Wear. They expect you to whip up a fashionable look for them also.  

A smart holiday shopper needs to keep in mind budget and practicality. Here are the hottest finds for mom and her mini fashionistas for  this Fourth of July.  

Top Four Kids Patriotic Tees 

1. Justice for Girls Sublimation Studded Tee – This is a smart choice because it does not have Fourth of July graphics, so it can be worn all Summer. At only $14.94, this tee looks quite spunky with white denim shorts or a ruffled white skirt for a “girly girl” look.
2. Justice V Neck Burnout Graphic Tee in Dazzling Blue – This beautiful blue has all the graphics that should represent the holiday. Peace and love signs decorate the front with lots of shimmer and glimmer. Ringing in at another reasonable price of $14.94. Both of these tees can be found at most Justice stores or online.
3. The Miss America Tee at chasing-fireflies.com – If price is no object, this adorable red tee will be her favorite Summer find. What is more fun than a pool party, tofu burgers and Nana’s apple pie? This sassy red tee that is adorned with rhinestones saying Miss America across the chest. This glamorous tee is $34, but can even be worn in the Fall with a white long sleeve tee layered underneath. You can even duplicate this look for less by purchasing a plain red or blue tee and finding your own rhinestone iron on appliqué at the craft store.
4. Cherokee Sleeveless Hanging Top – This is a favorite among all my four girls for many reasons. You can dress this cami up or down. It has an adorable ruched neckline with glitter stitching and the strap is adjustable for a perfect length. This season it comes in an adorable blue polka dot design that would be perfect for the Fourth of July. You can also go with a white cami and iron o a sequin star or flag appliqué on the front for your mini diva! At the unbelievable price of $4.99 in all Target stores, you can afford to buy one in every color.

Celebrity Rockin’ Red, White & Blue Looks for Mom 

1. Arden B Slub Halter Top – A similar look was spotted on Audrina Patridge from the Hills on a recent episode of their Costa Rica vacation. The halter top/dress she wore was black, but if you are looking for patriotic looks this comes in red, white and blue in Arden B stores  or online. The halter is reasonably priced at $29 and looks great with capri skinny jeans.
2. Arden B Tye Dye V Neck Knit Dress – This dress is perfect for the summer holiday with a dramatic mix of ruffles and tye dye in red, white and blue. A cool choice for a hot Fourth of July and you can’t get a more reasonable price at only $32
3. Betsey Johnson Lady Bug Studs – If dressing up for this holiday is   not your cup of tea, then you can show your spirit with red or blue accessories.  These adorable earrings have summer written all over them and look great with Bebe’s v neck logo halter in white. The earrings are a Summer steal ringing in at only $25.

MOMpreneur of the Week? ME!

So, I am not one to brag but since I LOVE this blog so much (and the lovely momma behind it) I just had to share! Click below and check it out! Thanks for all the support! I couldn't do it without ALL of YOU! xoxo