We LOVE it and YOU can WIN it! Mountain Buggy's Terrarin and Freerider with Connector

{sophisticated & sleek. it makes you look even better when jogging on-the-go}

Yes, it's official. Officially genius! Mountain Buggy has brought us the terrain, all-terrain jogger and well, it's hot! Not to mention -- it's the official stroller for Baby Boot Camp and is used by professional runner, Kara Goucher, who came in 5th at the Boston Marathon. As a runner - this stroller will become your new best friend. We were beyond shocked at how well it transitions from grass to pavement from the boardwalk to the beach. Yes, we said it -- the beach! What other jogging stroller do you know makes running on the beach easy? Mountain Buggy's Terrain does it! See why we said genius?! Not a runner? The Terrain gives you reason to start.

 

The Mountain Buggy terrain ($499) blows all joggers out of the ball park with it's 16-inch, all-terrain tires. Snow, sand, grass - you name it, it plows right on through with no problems. Not to mention the 3-mode front weel can be locked back or forward, or left in the full swivel postiion. Don't worry about your Littles head bobbling back and fourth and all over the place. We found, because of the adjustable tracking and shock absorbing suspension system - they are in for a oh-so-smooth ride. With an adjustable seat position from full recline to upright they can enjoy the not-so-bumpy ride. And never worry when dodging traffic in the city or loosing control on a trail because the hand operated active brake easily helps control speed. 

Benefits as a Runner: Avid jogger? This is perfect for roads to trails! The all-purpose tread on the tires give you excellent traction over uneven surfaces. You can even adjust the handle to fit your height! 

Perfect for Walkers:  No more struggling through rough and hilly terrain. Take hikes without a struggle! Walk quickly without worrying over little bumps in the sidewalk! The terrain buggy makes walking a breeze.

We {LOVE} the little features too. Bottle holder and peek-a-boo flap complete the package. 

See for yourself why we are pretty much (okay, we are!) obsessed with the terrain. Watch the video here!

Now, it gets even better with the Freerider! While one rides in the stroller another Little can grab a free ride. The Freerider stroller board ($99.99) attaches via a connector that fastens to the rear axle of the buggy and let's your Little ride close! They will just love it. But than, it gets better, yet again! (is that even possible? oh, yes!) The quick release button attaches and detaches stroller board from the connector so they can ride freely if desired. Best invention ever! No more having to push the stroller and carry the bike when your Little gets tired. The freerider does it all for you. The connector can even be positioned anywhere on the rear axle -- so change it up when needed. We love the rear wheel brake when in scooter mode, grip pad, and anti-slip surface too! Safety first, always. It is pretty amazing how the freerider followed our buggy in every and any direction. Yet, the 2-mode rear wheel castor easily became fixed for scooting. You can quickly get it out the way when not in use - just toggle to fasten it up! Check out this video and see why we think it's the coolest thing ever! Comes in four colors - orange, pink, blue and black. 

{details: freerider max weight, 20kg. free rider connector 2 compatible with phil&teds classic, sport, hammerhead, explorer and verve buggies, Bugaboo Cameleon,BOB Revolution (not compatible with CE versions), Britax StriderPLUS, Easywalker Duo}

Read on to enter to win not just the Mountain Buggy Terrain but the freerider and connector #2! Over $600 worth of swag for one very lucky reader!

{Mountain Buggy sent us items to review. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love.}

exclusive giveaway week! WIN THE SMART with VERSO adaptor NOW!

Finding the perfect stroller can be rough. The choices of finding one seem endless right? Well, this time you can say goodbye to endless worry of finding the right stroller because we have done it for you. We are absolutely smitten over the Phil & Teds Smart stroller ($249.99) --- yes, I know -- you may recall our already confessed love here once before but, we can’t help ourselves. The lightweight stroller system just got better with the verso adapter.

• The lightweight aluminum frame is just as light as most umbrella strollers!
• One of the best seats with baby’s comfort in mind! Completely washable too!
• We can’t get enough of the super thin yet large sun-protecting canopy blocking your little with over 98.5% of UV rays. What other stroller does that? Forget that super thick fabric. The sun hood works perfect in both rear-facing or front facing mode providing lots of adjustable coverage.
• Easier than tying your shoe the smart glides into fold mode for super easy storage and travel. You can even easily remove the wheels if desired!
• It grows with your little! The smart is the most adaptable stroller from newborn to toddler! Attach a peanut bassinet ($149.99), add a car seat ($39.99) or change the direction the seat faces. You can’t ask for much more as a parent!

And lastly, the verso! ($34.99) Swap it around with just two verso adaptors to switch the smart seat. You can now choose between front facing to rear facing. This is just brilliant! Bond with your babe face to face or let them explore the world with front facing. We seriously love this feature.

{We gifted Tori Spelling with a Smart stroller and next thing you know --
she was photographed pushing it & featured in UsMagazine. Along with confessing her love in a thank you note!
Win one NOW!}

ENTER BELOW TO WIN!

editors pick -- phil&teds verve! WIN IT {exclusive giveaway week!}

Over the summer my girls and I spent some time at our beach house. And well, I didn't want to be the mom that everyone was looking at as I toted everything and the kitchen sink to the beach. So, I was presented with a challenge. What stroller do I take that not only holds my littles but all the extra baggage too? Not to mention, the thought of getting stuck in the sand as everything topples over. Get the picture? We all have been there before and it is so not the fun part of beach vacationing or a pretty sight. Lucky for me, I feel in love all over again when phil&teds sent me The Verve.

The best part for me? That I could wipe it clean after a mountain of sand had made its way in after 8 hours on the beach along with a side of ketchup and who knows what else! You can thank the washable seat pad for that one. Another perk is the contoured ventilated seat system.My little never even broke a sweat. Pretty good considering my 3 month old slumbered in it most of the day! The verve is contoured for ergonomic support and ventilated for temperature regulation. The soft padded liner comforts and supports those little ones. And when your strolling down the boardwalk and one runs one way and the other another - don't fret, the brake is there with a touch of a button conveniently located on the handle. Now that's what we call handling braking at your fingertips! It also is only 28lbs so you won't struggle getting it open and closed & is feather light when pushing which delivers an effortless stroller experience - just another check of the "why we love the verve" list.

{the verve in action through the sand, heart monitor and all!}

A few more reasons why we just can't stop pushing the Verve:

- Sleek, Stylish and Elegant. Yes, we are talking about a stroller. The dual front wheels with suspension give smooth handling and serious pavement control with dual front wheels and balanced shock absorbers. 

- Triple recline double kit. Smoothest, one-hand reclining. When they are snoozing away they won't even know you reclined to lay back position from upright. Same goes for the front seat! The infinite adjustment from newborn lie-flat to upright 6 year old is just beyond perfection. It fits for a smooth transition. 

- Ultra compact stand fold! Don't worry, it doesn't take up your whole trunk - you have room for shopping bags! Folds with or without the double kit and my favorite part -- it self stands for easy storage at home. 

- Safety certified for back seat drivers! The verve is safety certified in all three recline modes! You won't be juggling littles when loading and unloading two kids -- it easily carries one child in the rear and none in the front.

So, let's think back to circa 1990 when the double stroller was that purchase everyone dreaded because of hideous the choices were. phil&teds bleeds perfection because style is not an option - the Verve is your latest fashion accessory. Forget the handbags mommas. If you got littles ones - this is a serious must-have.

{thanks to phil&teds for sending us the verve for review purposes}

Read on to enter to win the verve which includes the double kit!

{GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED VIA FACEBOOK & EMAILED}

Best of the Best :2010 -- The Super-Swank Orbit!

When you have a Little a stroller is one of those must-have investments. From the day they are born until they are a toddler - the stroller is your new best friend. 

That is why we are so thankful for a little thing called the Orbit Stroller Travel System G2. Oh yes, it is FABulous which is why it made our Best of the Best for 2010. And well, years to come!

So how can we truly love a stroller? It is simple. The Orbit is a system. Not just a stroller but an all in one on-the-go must. If you have been paying attention to all the super-chic celebs moms then we are sure you have spotted The Orbit. It  has been on our radar for quite sometime now and isn't going off anytime soon with celebs like Marcia Cross, Halle Berre, Kourtney Kardashian and Kendra just to name a few pushin' it all over town.

The stroller is like no other with the 360 degrees on the stroller you can dock and rotate your babe. The innovative QuadShock™ suspension gives your Little an uber-smooth ride & hassle-free no-pump tires. The all-in-one travel system includes not just the stroller but the infant car seat (up to 22lbs) and base too! The soft handle won't leave a mark on your arm when carrying from one place to another like most car seats do -- it is a super comfortable carrier handle. As for the one-hand pull 19 lb stroller - it easily folds down in one little step. We also adore The Orbit's extra safety as each car seat is built for side impact protection. Safety first! 

Stay tuned for more Orbit coverage from cupcakeMAG as we show it off in a Posh Baby photo shoot we have been working on for months- debuting on our new site. Make sure you look out for the Orbit Travel System giveaway too! We just can't say how much we LOVE it enough. It is the "IT" stroller! 

Essential Chic Baby Gear – Tried & Tested by Yours Truly

Car Seats & Strollers

Going for a infant car seat to tag along with a travel system? We suggest the Britax Chaperone ($229) that is compatible with Britax Chaperone strollers. It also features true side impact protection and quick-adjust head restraint harness. The easy-to-install base has easy-t0-read level indicators which are a big help to provide quick reference for the proper angle of recline. The extra-large canopy and fun cowmooflage print is a plus too!

If you need something that last a little longer go for The First Years “True Fit” Premier Rebound ($200) that received five-star “ease of use” government rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Cupcake Mag too! The all new car seat can be used from 5 to 65lbs as your child will be secured in a 5-point harness – which most Safety Advocates recommend – to keep your child in a harness as long as possible, along with rear-facing too. We also love the two-position recline for better installation.

The Britax Blink is our first pick for a on-the-go compact single stroller for any toddler. Check our review for more about the super chic stroller along with our top choice double stroller, Contours Options Tandem.

But, if you plan to get into shape after baby then you MUST invest in the Jeep Overland Limited Edition Jogging Stroller ($220). Plug in your iPod right into the stroller to get you and your babe moving right along. With this jogging stroller you no longer have to worry about not hearing your little one or ear buds falling out. The stroller features Music on the Move parent tray where you can attach your iPod and go! It is a GENIUS idea that we can now, not live without. Repeat: NOT LIVE WITHOUT!

Going up and down hills was a breeze – it felt as if the stroller helps you really maintain good running form. The unique rear disc brakes also make great quick stops. And unlike many big and bulky jogging strollers when you’re done exercising you can easily fold up the stroller in an upright position for compact storage.

High Chairs

Chicco USA provided us with a modern print, Polly Highchair with Double-Pad ($150) – it grows with your child. The seven height positions and three reclining positions add for increased comfort. Your child sits right at the table with you and it has a convenient maneuvering with one-hand seat recline and easy to clean tray removal. We also love the two cushioned seat pads that are super easy to clean with a wipe. Let’s not forget safety with the five-point safety harness and brakes on all wheels – your little one won’t be going anywhere. It is the slimmest fold in its class. Easy to clean, not a space hog, and convenient features make it a must!

If you’re looking to not splurge on a highchair opt for the Serve ‘n Store LX High Chair ($80) from Safety 1^st. With its compact easy to fold ‘n stand frame the high chair offers lounge-style reclining to help feed newborns but also has a 7-poistion height adjustment to grow with your little one. The insert tray, cup holder and dish are all easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

As for a booster seat, we are a big fan of Mutsy. Check out our review here!

Baby Slings

Check out the oh so chic baby sling (Serena & Lily) and carrier (Baby Bjorn) we can’t be without here.

Monitor

You will actually get some sleep but only if you have Summer Infant’s NEW Slim&Secure Hand Color Video Monitor. It is a true peace of mind, day and night, when you have this monitor ($200) to look upon. The small, sleek and stylish design (they even come in pink) has an LCD 2.5” color screen with automatic black and white night vision. It provides a secure and private connection, so don’t worry about hearing your neighbors with the 100% digital technology. Our product testers also couldn’t stop

raving about the added parent convenience features like the flip stand, belt clip, auto time-out feature, ten hour rechargeable battery, LED sound lights and the one-touch video on/off button for nighttime convenience. If you have more than one child, no worries, one monitor can view both cameras with the touch of a button; a perfect way to feel secure and get sleep.

All About Diapers

Our diaper changing station would be quite naked without the Prince Lionheart Premium Wipe Warmer and New Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin ($29.99-$39.99).

The wipe warmer ($26) is perfect for your little one’s buns – it takes the chill right out of diaper changing! The Premium Wipes Warmer features the patented Ever-Fresh System to keep baby wipes ever so fresh, moist and free from discoloration. It is molded with an EPA-approved anti-microbial additive to inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. It is the best way to keep wipes the freshest for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin.

As for the new (just launched in November) easy-to-use Arm & Hammer diaper pail (you can read more about it here) that is designed to neutralize odors in the nursery through a patented odor-control system with the power of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda at its core – and it gets the job done. The patented self-sealing system and refill bags that you simply snap, seal and toss in the trash – you only need one hand to gently push diapers through the seal – each bag holds up to 25 bags and blows the Diaper Genie away! No more frustrations with trying to get the diapers into the bag. Munchkin’s patented system automatically seals the bag when the lid is closed and keeps it sealed when the lid is reopened. The diaper pail includes three bag refills but you can purchase a 10-pk of refill bags for $5.99-$6.99.

Bath Tub

The Right Height Bath Center ($30) from Summer Infant is one of the most innovative and unique approach to infant bathing – and did we mention convenient? The four-stage growth plan makes bath time not only comfortable for babies but for us moms too! In the first stage, it features a cushioned newborn bath support. Stage two is the addition of a raised infant tub – it lifts the baby closer to you while helping not break your back. The third stage is a toddler tub with a kneeler – perfect for bathing older children easier. And finally, the fourth and final stage is a step stool – which will be around for quite awhile and we are sure you will get plenty of use out of it as it can hold up to 250 pounds.

You could also try the European style bath tub with Spa Baby ($45). It allows baby to sit in a natural upright position, similar to the womb and keeps your baby warm and relaxed in the bath. It is also super easy to use.

Playard

Summer Infant has done it again with The Natures Purest Hug Me Collection. The Complete Comfort Playard ($180) is a full-sized playard that offers all the conveniences for parents. Our favorite part? Eco-chic! It is made from naturally grown and colored cotton – the bassinet, canopy and playard sheet pad. We also love the 3 musical melodies, 2 nature sounds and 1 womb sound complete in the full-size bassinet with embroidered bumper. Another plus is the removable and easy to wash playard sheet along with the changing table and parent assist tray. The easy compact fold makes it easy for on the go travel along with wheels for portability and travel bag.

While some of these things may be luxuries to some (minus the car seat) after trying out and testing many products we fully support these brands and the products they offer. If you are soon to be expecting or if you are – keep all of these MUST HAVES in mind when making your registry and stay tuned for our top picks on more gear, featuring our fave things to keep your little one entertained.

Disclosure: We received the products above from the companies above as part of our review and for product testers. All opinions are solely our own. Cupcake Mag & Sprinkles tested. Baby approved.

these are a few of our favorite things........

Pottery Barn Kids is a brand every chic-mom is sure to be familiar with as they bring classic beauty to our homes. Over the years they have helped us bring well-designed classic chic furnishings and textiles into our home. Now they are furnishing playrooms to help inspire an imaginative place for our little one’s mind.

Classic toys made out of wood are timeless favorites for all – this is why we love the Pack & Go Farm ($39). It opens to reveal a farm, tractor, corral fencing, tree and four animals for hours of pretend play and imaginative fun. A momma friendly toy (not to mention one of our all time favorites) making for easy clean up as everything can be stashed inside the farm after play and tucked away to look cute just sitting on the shelf. It can easily fold for simple carrying as well. Just to top it off – the farm is crafted of eco-friendly tea wood and engineered wood – only the best for yours.

For the girls in your life, the Polka Dot Doll Pram Stroller ($79) is anything but your average “toy” stroller. Designed after vintage English prams in a soft polka dot pink print, the sturdy (easy to assemble) stroller is perfect for taking leisurely walks in the park. It is well crafted with metal tubing and features an adjustable rubberized handle for those a little shorter or taller – perfect to fit many ages. The little girls who reviewed it for us loved “shopping” with their doll as it features a shopping basket below for all the little things they picked up on the way. The large rubber wheels are perfect for the not so perfect sidewalks and easily accommodate bumpy rides. If you have a tight space, don’t worry, as the stroller easily folds flat for a simple way to store.

When they are all finished playing for the day the Hybrid Anywhere Chair ($39-$90) is the perfect place to curl up in their own corner with a book. With the all new eco-friendly insert ($80-$90), the popular chairs are better than ever. We love how lightweight the chair is making it simple, with a handle for toting from room to room. The insert (sold separately) is made in the USA (always a plus) with recycled foam containing up to 30% soy-based materials. Moms love the machine-washable zip off slipcovers ($39-$59) for easy cleaning and the durable twill, denim or canvas material – it is tough enough for any tot. They are a sure hit in any room.

To get more information on our favorite items to spruce up any play room click on the links above or check out Pottery Barn Kids. Happy Shopping!

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*