Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!


On behalf of Halloween we just wanted to share with you a few of our favorite costumes this year!

BAM BAM!




Our writer, Angela Parks littles ones are just tooo cute!
This is one adorable Alice & FAB Red Queen!

Check out this to die for RED QUEEN! This is pretty amazing & we just LOVE it!

Who doesn't love Twister & Candy Lane? 


Who doesn't love this face?!

Cutest cow on the block!

Little Triplets as the Alice & Wonderland gang! 
We hope it is just as FAB-BOO-LOUS as you! 
Tell us, what were you this Halloween?
AND what costume above is your favorite? 

Friday, October 29, 2010

Obsession: Hank & JoJo Socks!

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer 


My kid is on the move…constantly.  Let me share a moment in my picture taking life with you.  I just tried shooting pics of the lil man and in about 2 minutes I have 45 pictures that are completely blurry because he doesn’t sit still.  I kid you not.  And you bet your bottom dollar that changing time is a wriggly, squirmy, flip-floppy mess too.  Sometimes it even takes two of us to get the kid dressed.  

Enter Hank & JoJo socks… these babies are EXTRA long (above the knee) tube socks which cover little chubber’s feet and legs, which is perfect when I cannot get him to sit still long enough for pants.  I let him cruise around with a tee, a diaper and the H&JJ socks – let all that thigh chub hang out (all while protecting his plump little knees while he crawls on the floor). Who would a thought to make socks that are longer??  This is brilliance!  No longer can my little man pull off his socks right after I put them on.  He gets bored of trying before they are even close (oh look – a squirrel!).  Plus, when I can get pants on the little guy, I know he’s got an extra layer on those little meaty legs on cold days.  CUTEST. THING. EVER.

Another beautiful thing about them?  They’re all made from bamboo.  Who knew you could make socks from bamboo?  And amidst that fact that they are saving the earth one pair of socks at a time by their giant list of eco-stuff and toxin-free, earth-hugging-friendly talk, they are actually a really great product.  I personally think they need to be given a Pulitzer, Emmy, Noble Peace Prize or whatever award it is they give to responsible companies who save the earth…one pair of socks at a time.

Whether Oscar knows it or not, he loves his retro baby tube socks.  I love them because they’re cute, cozy and he looks like he’s headed up to bat.  Mother Earth loves them because every pair is saving her (maybe even her feet).  Even the adorable and unique vintage lunch box style packaging can be recycled – AH-MAZING!

Enter To Win Our PlayPants Giveaway! Deadline to enter is tonight!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

*Giveaway Details* 

Want to win the Sunday Brunch” Playpants? Then please Comment below. This comment is mandatory. You also must be a follower to CupcakeMAG & CupcakeMAG for Littles. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win!

Leave a separate comment below letting us know you have done the following. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win! 


1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow Playpants™ on Twitter

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

4. Make sure you "LIKE" Playpants™ on Facebook

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

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. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

8. Tweet about this giveaway and include @playpants -- 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 by random.org on Friday, October 29th after 11pm. Please make sure you live us your email in one of the comments as well! 

Are you ready for more good news?  

The women behind Playpants Modern Bloomers™ are offering an exclusive coupon to our CupcakeMag for Littles readers for 25% off your entire ordersimply use code LetsBloom25 at checkout!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Hottest Hollywood Mommy Must-Have? Blindmice Socks!

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian are in NYC shooting their new show Kourtney and Kim Take New York, and Kourtney has been SPOTTED on four different days in the last 2 weeks with her adorable son Mason wearing blindmice socks!



Blindmice Socks come in packages of either 3 or 5 socks in coordinating colors and patterns--but not matching--so if your baby loses a sock, it doesn’t matter!  Aside from the convenience of having an extra sock around, they are seamless, comfortable, and fit perfectly... sized from newborn up to age six.  They also come in crew or low cut. Other Hollywood mom fans include Jessica Alba and Amy Adams.

Grab them up now! We LOVE them! 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Finally Fall!

We are loving the Fall Collections from Gyboree and Crazy 8! Check out the the plaid leggings and purple puffy vest we heart! They are the perfect mix and match key pieces to your Littles fall wardrobe. Check out the full collection on Gymboree and Crazy 8 now! The perfect way to start your Fall!



Shop now on Gymboree and Crazy 8! We are BIG fans. 

6 Tips to Select a Great Professional Family Photographer

It is so important to capture those precious moments in life. But it is more important to find that great photographer. Monica and Briana - The Shoots & Giggles Photography Girls tell us just how to do it right.


1.) Get to Know Your Photographer & Create a Lasting Relationship. We suggest that you research photographers both online and via word-of-mouth. When you find a photographer that suits your style – CALL them. Emailing is fine but it is so impersonal. It's so important to make sure you "click" with your photographer since you will hopefully be creating a relationship with them over the course of the next few years as your child and family grows. If you choose a photographer to do your maternity, newborn, 6-month, and one-year session you will be spending A LOT of time with them so it's imperative that you can relate.


2.) Ask Your Photographer About Their Level of Experience. As a wise client of ours once said, “These days everyone with a digital camera considers themselves a ‘photographer’… but if I were to hand you a trumpet you wouldn’t consider yourself a musician.” You need to be aware that photography companies come with ALL degrees of experience ranging from your amateur neighbor to the world-reknown photography celebrity. More than likely you will want someone in-between who fits into your budget, preferably someone with experience and a photography education. However, the most important tool in picking a photographer is their body of work. Make sure that your photographer is a “what you see is what you get” professional. This means that the quality of images that they represent on their site or portfolio are going to be the same quality of work you receive. Whether that means another photographer at the company might shoot for you or that the images you see online are retouched and the images you GET aren’t… it pays to ask about their quality standards.


3.) Be Ready to Make an Investment. When you look for professional photography services, you need to be prepared to invest and here is what you are investing in: a pro isn’t simply coming to hang out and casually snap some photos – a pro is highly educated in their craft, has taken great time to schedule your session and familiarize themselves with you, your family and your image goals. They know how to make you feel comfortable, pose you and your family, perfectly light the scene and make you and your family look amazing. And it doesn’t stop there! We also then typically do a TON of post production including uploading and editing your images, setting up a meeting with you and helping you pick your favorite shots and their ultimate products. From there we create the products of your choice and are on hand to assist you every step of the way from booking to product delivery.


4.) Understanding the Final Product AKA You Get What You Pay For. Many professional photographers are also simultaneously graphic designers and skilled retouchers. Therefore we are capable of not only capturing your images but retouching your prints and designing your products. For example, at Shoots & Giggles we do all our post-production ourselves. It is important to ask your photographer about the degree of post processing and TLC your images will receive as that often increases the value and beauty of the images exponentially. Are your images going to be color corrected and retouched as they are represented in the photographer's online portfolio, or are they going to deliver them to you straight from the camera? Do they retouch and design your products in-house, do they outsource it to another company or do they work on the images at all?


5.) Disk of Images VS Fine Art Digital Negatives. We get asked about this a lot. Most high-end pro photographers do NOT offer a disk of ALL the images, however many amateurs and beginners will. Rather than offering a disk of ALL the images, many pro photographers will offer hi-res digital negatives retouched and color corrected a la carte. If you are looking to spend very little and get a disk of untouched beginner-caliber images, working with an amateur or a student might work well for you. However, if you want a lot of "guaranteed-to-be beautiful" shots to choose from, working with a professional is going to be your best option.


6.) Last but not Least – Photography is ART! Pros look at each shoot as an opportunity to express themselves creatively and ENJOY what they do – that is why we are doing it! The moments you hire us to capture are priceless (and totally adorable) and we truly love every minute of it!

About Shoots & Giggles:

Monica and Briana both got their degrees in photography and film from the Brooks Institute of Photography, Santa Barbara. The two have been working in the portraiture industry ever since, both working in digital retouching and graphic design, as well as perfecting their photography craft and ultimately starting their own company, Shoots & Giggles Photography.

Visit the Shoots & Giggles website and blog too!

We Are So Excited About Playpants Modern Bloomers™ And An Exclusive Offer For Our Readers!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director


I am thrilled to share with you our review of Playpants Modern Bloomers™, as we here at CupcakeMAG for Littles, love to bring our readers all of the latest info on the best products available for our children. 


My experience in the past with bloomers was that the elastic around the thighs and waist usually quite restricting and uncomfortable for my babies.  I cannot sing enough praise for these fantastically constructed Playpants™!  The quality, fabric, construction and sweet look of these bloomers won me and the CupcakeMAG for Littles team over! 

Because of our new found love of Playpants™, we wanted to present you all with an opportunity to win the adorable pair that I reviewed; the style is called Sunday Brunch, in size 4: 22-37 lbs/ 9-12 months




The Playpants story, from the creators themselves, Rachel, Anna and Zoe:

Playpants™ are proudly designed and manufactured in Vancouver, B.C. by Rachel Boguski, Anna Day, and Zoe Flower, three moms with 6 little bums of their own to cover. With playdates full of busy boys and girls, we quickly recognized a void in the market for a simple yet stylish way to cover up the busy bottoms in our lives.  What we were searching for was a modern take on traditional baby bloomers most commonly attached to a dress, but we continually came away disappointed by cheaply made and poor fitting products.
Using our diverse talents and backgrounds— ranging from videogame design to linguistics and medical sciences— in August 2009, the three of us set out on a journey that would change our lives, our families and our friendships. Playpants™ Modern Bloomers was born.
Playpants™ are as convenient as they are stylish.  They prevent curious babies from pulling off their own diapers. They cover toddlers’ underpants. They offer a quick no-fuss solution to getting dressed-- no buttons, no snaps, no flaps, no zips. They are perfect on their own in the summer, and help keep up tights in the winter. Any season, any occasion, any bum… we’re dedicated to bringing bottoms back into focus in a fresh, functional and fun way. As we like to say... "Little Bums. Big Style."
Our designs are inspired by our own children to reflect the individuality, playfulness, and simplicity we strive for in our everyday lives.
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"Rachel"


Creative. Natural. Thrifty.

Favorite style: Kyoto
The bottom line: like a fine bottle of wine
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"Anna"


Classic. Sensitive. Fun.

Favorite style: tea party
The bottom line: cries during the opening credits
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"Zoe"


connected. Fluttery. Fantastical.

Favorite style: laundry day
The bottom line: rides a unicorn to work


What are Playpants?


Playpants are the original modern bloomers for the little bums of your little ones. Our bloomers cover disposable, cloth and hybrid diapers in machine washable 100% cotton prints and certified organic styles to fit girls (and boys!) from birth to three years. 




We're passionate about our bloomers. Each of our prints and fabrics are carefully handpicked before they make their way onto your babies and toddlers. We take the time to ensure our products provide comfort, flexibility and durability.

Made responsibly in Canada and designed by with love by three moms with six little bottoms to cover.



*Giveaway Details* 

Want to win the Sunday BrunchPlaypants? Then please Comment below. This comment is mandatory. You also must be a follower to CupcakeMAG & CupcakeMAG for Littles. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win!

Leave a separate comment below letting us know you have done the following. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win! 


1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow Playpants™ on Twitter

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

4. Make sure you "LIKE" Playpants™ on Facebook

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

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. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

8. Tweet about this giveaway and include @playpants -- 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 by random.org on Friday, October 29th after 11pm. Please make sure you live us your email in one of the comments as well! 

Are you ready for more good news?  

The women behind Playpants Modern Bloomers™ are offering an exclusive coupon to our CupcakeMag for Littles readers for 25% off your entire order, simply use code LetsBloom25 at checkout!


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

A million and one uses......Mimi the Sardine Splash mat!

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer 

A splash mat?  What?  I swear when I put Oscar in his highchair more food goes on the floor (or my dog’s belly) than it does in his mouth.  He even does the wind-up before he pitches that chunk of peach right to the ground.  He’s destined for athletic greatness, I can feel it!



Enter the Mimi the Sardine Splash Mats, in the ever so male chic “Hybrid Cars” variety (pictured).  When I received this mat my head started spinning.  Oh the places it will go!  It’s not just a floor spill mat, it can be used on tabletops too.  Think ofthe artwork my little van Gogh can create on it…ERRR, throw across it.  Then I took it outdoors and thought, this will protect my little man from picking dog poo off the ground in the backyard – GENIUS!  He will have his own little waterproof (and poo-proof) mat to play on in the grass.  We can take it to the park for picnics, or put it in the playroom so he can run toys across it, or, or, or…..  There’s truly a million and one uses for this little mat, even though it says it’s for splashes.  The best part?  When he’s done with it I can throw it in the wash machine.  LOVE that!  It’s pretty much the only way things get clean around here.  (I wish someone would invent a whole house wash machine)

It’s so lightweight that I can be rolled up, tossed into the diaper bag and taken over to friends houses too.   As much as I enjoy making a mess of everyone else’s house, we might actually be invited back if I use the mat to keep things tidy.




I love that they call it “a 42”x42” insurance policy for your floor or table”.  I’d like to add to that “and your entire house, and the park, and the backyard and the playroom”.  Ok that’s it.

Not in the market for insurance?  Well they’ve got a TON of adorable, eco-friendly, products just waiting for you to snatch up on their website at www.mimithesardine.com.  I personally love their reusable lunch kits, aprons, bibs, and fancy shmancy regular sized coated tablecloths with sophisticated patterns to coordinate with your home décor!  Go get you some Mimi.





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