craving some mamma mio

Mama Mio skincare is brilliant. Mamas little helpers to say the least. We can say this because it has been tried & tested by yours truly. From daily skincare to pregnancy skincare to every skincare issue you have --- they've got it. But, with the summer almost in full swing everyone is trying to squeeze in their tummies & thighs to look fab in that swim suit.....well lets just say we couldn't do it without a few essentials -- Mama Mio essentials of course.

The See-No- Scar Solution (left, $37) is perfect for that scar you have been longing to say good-bye to. Within a week we could see a difference. Yes, you read right -- a WEEK! C-section, cosmetic surgery, appendix? Whatever your scar is -- old or new -- the highly effective magic solution works miracles on your skin. It is a MUST HAVE to everyone's home first aid kit -- use it on the kids too, not just yourself. It also works wonders on those stretch marks you hate to look at.

How would you like to LOVE your tummy in 30 days by taking only 4 minutes a day to make it happen? It hasn't even been 30 days and we can see tighter, flatter, smoother and more defined tummies. tight, flat, smooth, defined -- four words we LOVE to see next to the word tummy. If you can commit this is a great way to tackle that tummy bulge just in time for summer.


The Bootcamp is a 4 minute a day system where exercise and skincare is all in one in a very handy kit. Not only are you reshaping your skin but you also lift, tighten and reshape the muscles beneath which gives you double whammy results --- and yes, truly, it is only 4 minutes a day.


What exactly does it contain? A 4 minute tummy-tucking exercise programme by the one and only ab rehab guru, Julie Tupler along with a Tummy Toner not only improves the texture of your skin by also the tone. And of course, Get Waisted -- a clinically tested waist-whittling fat-busting ingredient.

Another way to get rid of that "sponge" is with the Shrink to Fit Cellulite Cream ($56) is the perfect little tube that helped us conquer our war with cellulite. The cellulite-blasting serum is set in a luxe, rich moisturizing cream. It is the BEST anti-cellulite cream and the perfect way to kickstart bathing suit season.

Why we love to support Mama Mio.......

They maintain a strict NO NASTIES policy. Every Mama Mio product is safe to use at any time from pregnancy stage to pensionable age. It is Paraben Free, Petrolatum Free, Sodium Laureth and Sodium Laurel Sulphate Free, Xenoestrogen and Phtalates Free, Colourant and Synthetic Fragrance Free.

Lucky for one of our readers Mama Mio is giving away a sprinkling of goodies -- one lucky reader is going to win all of our SPRINKLES faves essentials that our skin just can't be without. So what exactly do you get? Shrink to Fit Cellulite Cream, Bootcamp for Tummies and See-No-Scar Solution -- that is a $200 value! (well almost, $192 to be exact!)

Tell us just why you really NEED these products! As always make sure your a follower of cupcakeMAG and Sprinkles. You also must register at Mama Mio which is just adding your email to their list. These are all mandatory for entering. 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 Mama Mio on Twitter

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

4. Make sure you are a fan on Mama Mio 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.

8. Tweet about this giveaway and include @mamamio

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

We will choose a random winner on Fri., June 25th around 11pm or after, est. Open to US residents only. In the mean time go browse around Mama Mio and see what essentials you can add to your skin regimen.

sundae spa -- inspiring story of sweetness

A few months back we came across Sundae Spa & have been lucky to get to know the name behind the biz -- Kimberly Swan. Not only is she a mother of 7 beautiful daughters (3 biological & 4 taken in through the state foster care system) but she was a previous science educator, is dedicated to benefiting foster children & runs a business! She is basically super-mom and boy is her plate full! The Swan family is very close as Kim is doing her best to set them up for success. Two of her daughters are learning disabled and special needs so structure is very important in their family.

When she launched Sundae Spa in 2008 - she began selling the unique line of bath and body products for kids and adults that are so good looking - you want to eat them! But, they are healthy too --- chemical free and no parabens. When you receive a package of goodies from Sundae Spa which looks like cupcakes, pies, cakes, fudge, popsicles -- and smells just as good -- you won't believe they are actually bath and body treats! These include the company's signature Sundae Spa Bath Cakes and Bath Scoops, Gourmet Fudge Soap, Candy Soaps, Dinosaur Ice Cream Floats, and more. The sprinkling of goodies we received put BIG smiles on little ones faces --- they smell delish too!

Where did the the idea for Sundae Spa come from?

We always sit around and tell stories where we add on. So one will start with a line and then the next person will add on and so on. This is where the story of Sundae Spa came about. It inspired the family to brainstorm our own unique ideas and create Sundae Spa, a place where kids could come to make sweet treats, learn, and have fun. From there, more work was needed: business plans, financing, site location, product development and testing - with 7 daughters, I had a mini-testing lab at home. And as a former science teacher, I wanted the products safe enough so that any child could join in the fun and learning experience of creating special lotions, soaps and other products.

I have spent the last 2.5 years putting together our idea. We have the online store and the spa is scheduled to open this summer. A place for all of my girls to be a part of. I support all of them in their own unique individual talents. All of them were able to contribute is some way. Whether it be drawing, coming up with product names, making products, cosmetology, nursing for the ear piercing etc. I was able to combine my background as a science educator and my love for children into SUNDAE SPA. We are in the process of building our spa now. Hopefully to be open in August.

Tell us a little about your family and how you have time to run a business and a family?

We are very dedicated to benefiting foster children and special needs children. If you search us, you will see we have teamed with Easter Seals and Department of Children and family services to raise funds. These are causes that we are close to. My family is the untraditional family. Four of our children came from the foster care system and have been with us anywhere from 5 to 10 years. We plan to all be part of the business and continue benefiting these children. We are a team and we work together. Definitely hard time to work through like anyone else., Hard times are what make us better people and what makes a better business.

People underestimate the business of running a household. With seven daughters, I have to have everything organized and running smoothly. Plus, we keep business time separate from family time. Plus, everyone in the family works in the business:

• Kalie (23) has a sense of artistic design, and is working on some pieces of jewelry to complement the bath and body line (they are scented dessert charms for necklaces, earrings, bracelets etc.). She is also studying nursing and will be doing the ear piercing once the physical location is open.
• Tiffany (21), a graduate of the Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology, helps with events and shows now, and will be in charge of licensed individuals once the physical location is open.
• Marguerite (18) has a flair for product development and production and is involved with online ordering. Now attending Belle Academy for cosmetology.
• Brianna (17), Rebecca (16), Shania (11) and Charlie Rose (10) help in many ways. They put the toppings on some of the Sundae Spa Bath Cakes and soaps, help in the packaging and putting on labels, test out products and help think of product names. Charlie Rose came up with the name Lovey Soap Pop for Valentine's Day and Hippity Hoppity Sundae Cakes.
• Husband Ronald, an electrical contractor, helps set up for shows and events. He also helps around the house, takes care of the girls and does cooking, cleaning and shopping. He is also very supportive and encouraging about the business.

Your plate is so full! A sucessful business, a large family --

What is up next for you?

We are hard at work to get the physical location in Connecticut up and running. My plans for the location are just as creative as the products. It will be like walking into a dessert workshop where, just like a fudge shop, you can see some of the products being made in the bakery. We will have gelato cases to serve yourself up a bath and body dessert, we will have custom creation stations to whip up your own products, we will have hair stations designed like ice cream cones, nail dryers like a serving fountain, giant cherries from the ceiling, fun loving colors and design.

In addition, I had an idea for an interactive kit for parties and events that kids could enjoy. So, I have contacted a major American company with a strong line of educational toys, and they are now working on a partnership that would involve me being the consultant developing this idea.

Kimberly is beyond an inspiration to all the momprenuers out there -- she gives hope that you can have it all. As long as you have the passion and creativity for launching a business you can get through these tough economic times by focusing on marketing to grow your business and get your family involved -- it is a learning business! But, as well all know, make sure their are specific times for business and family. She has shown us that you can be successful with your ideas -- finding different ways to get your products and services into the marketplace with creative visions -- and we can thank Kimberly for teaching these many great things!

*Giveaway Details*

Thanks to Kim --- she is sharing her sweets with SPRINKLES!

One of our lucky readers is going to win a Deluxe cupcakeMAG Gift Box full of Sundae Spa Sweet Treats! And 3 more readers will win a mini giveaway --- chocolate raspberry mini truffles and a mini lotion, so you can smell divine!

Take a look at the Sundae Spa website & tell us what you would LOVE to try - 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 Sundae Spa 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 @sundaespa

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

9. Sign up for Sundae Spa Newsletters via their website here.

We will choose a random winner on Wed., June 9th around 11pm or after, est. Open to US residents only.

mom of the month --- christie love helps us stay sane & organized --- in a simple way

You can thank Twitter for connecting us with Christie Love. It was a few months ago when we started "following" her tweets and could't wait to make her MOM OF THE MONTH! Not only is she a mother of 3 under 8 but she runs SIMPLE ORGANIZED SANITY --- a phenomenal business with a goal to help families save time and money by STAYING ORGANIZED. The best part is -- it doesn't matter where you live as everything is virtually a phone call away with their coaching sessions or virtual organizational services! You can even join their weekly organizing challenge each week where you receive an mp3 to your email - receive tips and ideas for specific areas of your home, meal planning, organizing with children and much more! We also love the many printable downloads they offer that you can buy once (most are $0.99) and then download them, save and print -- over and over and over again! As a mom you can't be without the kids point tracker, double chore chart, note to teachers and kids thank you note! As for yourself -- you should definitely download any of the meal planners, event planning log, running thank you list, weekly schedule sheet and SO many more! And of course we adore the Blog Topic Tracker -- it keeps everything organized for blogger moms!

1.) What made you begin Simple Organized Sanity?

I quickly realized when I had my first son that if I wanted to be the kind of mother that I dreamed of being I had to be organized. As my family grew and the demands of our busy life grew so did my levels of organization. It did not take long before friends and family members were always asking "How do you do it?" or calling with organizational questions for me. I started to develop a desire to help them find the kind of balance that I work hard to maintain in my life. Out of that desire to help other moms and families and my passion for organizing and time management was born the desire to begin Simple Organized Sanity.

2.) When it comes to being organized what is one thing you can't stress the enough?

The biggest thing that I stress to clients and women everywhere is: There is no cookie cutter solution to organization. I talk to so many people that are discouraged because they have developed the belief that they are incapable of getting organized. They may have tried something they read in a book, watched on TV, or saw at a friends house... and it did not work for them; thereby, convincing them that they cannot get organized. Organization is successful when it is personalized for you and your needs, which is what we do for clients everywhere.

3.) Do you have a set schedule everyday that you go by? How important is time management when it comes to being organized?

Time Management is the foundation skill of being organized, you must be able to manage your time so that you can get the most out of it each day. For me personally I have a daily routine that I follow each day to give me a starting point to build my schedule around. This is an important and often overlooked step in managing time better... you need to control the tasks instead of letting your tasks control you. Because I know my routine for each day of the week I am able to then schedule office time, family time, phone calls, appointments with clients, time to follow up, project time, and time to plan ahead each day.

4.) When you begin to organize your life - what tools must you have in front of you or in your house?

I think the three biggest tools that you need to get organized are:

1. A personalized Plan. If you have not had luck in the past getting organized on your own I suggest investing into services like ours to help you get a plan that is more likely to work because it tailor made for you and your family

2. An accountability partner that will ask you how things are going, push you when you do not feel like completing tasks or challenges, and applaud you for the progress you make each time. (We offer two programs that are good for this our Weekly Organizing Challenge and our Accountability Program. )

3. A planner. A good planner will help you manage your time and your tasks to help you stay organized in all ares of your life. We have specialty planners you can download from our website as well as a program to custom design a planner for your needs.

5.) What are your suggestions to those who just can't stay organized?

Give us a try! :) We specialize in finding real world solutions for people who just can't seem to get organized on their own. We offer solutions to help ANYONE on ANY Budget get more organized and stay that way. I would also say don't give up! If getting organized is a goal of yours then keep in mind that it is not an activity it is a lifestyle. Examine how committed you are to learning SIMPLE ways to get organized and stay that way.

6.) Do you face any challenges to running a business and being a mom?

Of course I face many of the same challenges that many working moms and mompreneurs do. I struggle with getting enough sleep, prioritizing the demands on my time, and staying on track with eating right and working out daily. However, this is part of what makes me unique from other organizing professionals... I am raising three children under the age of 8, running a company, staying involved with our community, friends, and family... just like most of my clients. I also have some special struggles that we deal with on a daily basis that require me to be creative on a daily basis. The largest is that my oldest son suffers from Aspergers and ADD which requires us to spend time each week in Occupational Therapy and extra time working together at home. This unique challenge for our family has also given me a passion for working with special needs families who struggle with similar issues and I am able to share tips and ideas for getting organized that will work for them.

Stay tuned next week for when I ask my burning questions that I have been asked by so many other moms during my coaching session with Christie. "What do you do with all the school papers your little ones bring home - basically a folder everyday? And, what do you do with shoes when you and your family come home - if they want to take them off do they go in a basket, closet, own room, etc." She has some great ideas so we will be testing driving a coaching call this week to give me ideas to try in my own house with these issues! Also, Christie is offering one of our lucky readers a meal planning coaching session PLUS $2 off the Weekly Organizing Challenge that I mentioned earlier which means it will only be $5! More details on the giveaway & exclusive code along with my sessions with Christie to come..........

oh la la ..... je' adore banner boutique

Banner Boutique is one of our favorite Etsy shops to look at -- not only because the sweet babes are too cute & the photography is divine but because of the couture hair accessories for your sweet littles.

We adore the Cream Rosette Flower Headband (fits newborns to 3/4) -- the 7 Swarovski Crystals in the center give the perfect touch of detail and the nylon headband won't leave any marks -- it is SUPER soft. The best part -- matching mommy or big sister hair clips are available to match!

You can always count on Banner Boutique to give you great contrasting colors like their NEW Red Rosette & Turquoise Headband. They also have a great choice of beanies that of course have all the girly detail - a large flower clip & rhinestone center -- whats a girl not to love.

For the past two years, Banner Boutique was strictly selling to top quality boutiques -- but, lucky for us they recently started spreading the love by selling their products on Etsy. They specialize in HANDmade, not HOMEmade hair accessories for all the ladies in your life -- infants, toddlers, girls & women of all ages!

This shop is different from others as the flowers are hand pieced and their hair bows are hand sewn to in sure top quality and durability. Only the finest materials are used which include the to-die-for Swarovski crystals and designer ribbon.

And you won't believe but guess who the photographer is? The designer herself, Lindsay Banner - we must give credit, where credit is do. She does a fantastic job - she runs a family, a successful business & a blog! And thanks to Lindsay, she is giving one of our readers a $25 gift certificate to her shop!

*Giveaway Details*

To enter you MUST take a browse around her shop and tell us what you can't wait to buy! This comment is mandatory!
You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG & Sprinkles.

For extra entries you can do the following below as well. Just make a separate comment for each letting us know! The more you comment the better chance you have to WIN!


1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow BannerBoutique on Twitter

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

4. Make sure you "LIKE" Banner Boutique on their NEW Facebook page too!

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 or anything - 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 @BannerBoutique, you must tweet, not just follow.

9. Become a follower of Banner Boutique on their newly re-vamped blog
by click follow in the top left corner.

Start commenting now and take a browse around Banner Boutique!

The winner will be chosen at random on Monday June 7th at midnight, est. Open to US residents only.

chatting with kimberly matthews of westmama designs - win a tee too!

Just a few weeks ago we came across this oh so chic

super soft tee shirt line made by one stylish momma.

Well, we just couldn't wait to share the tees that are designed with care!

We absolutely adore the hip designs and fun shape -- the giraffe tee is the perfect combo of 100% organic cotton that is pre-shrunk for the perfect tee fit.

The mod lightweight bunny graphic tee ($18) with fun flowers is perfect to capture the essence of spring in the air. The one-piece body suit is made of 100% luxurious Pima cotton - we love the pink & purple - and believe us when we say SUPER SOFT!

Of course we can't get enough of all the designs but most of all we adore the customized feel -- don't see the size or color you need? Just send Kimberley a message -- she is beyond wonderful to work with and will do her best to get you what you need -- it is all about satisfying mommas and making littles smile at westmama designs.

Oh, and we can't help but notice their super eco-chic website recently designed by Lizzie Sorensen. It really shows off how organic & fresh westmama designs are ---it is nice to see your not so average tee -- to be unique and far from retail.

INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER OF WESTMAMA: KIMBERLY MATTHEWS

Where did you come up with the name westmama?

My son is named West, not Westley, just West. When I was coming up with a shop name I wanted something to play on my general location and my family. Hence Westmama.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration mostly from my back yard, my imagination and my son. I am fairly whimsical on my own and a tad geeky, which means my sons interests are a tab nerdy too. He's only two and instead of the typical fist bump (ala Obama style) that most people do, we do something in our house called the Cuttlefish boom (fist bump with ones fingers becoming tentacles afterward). I am also a big bird lover and love gardening. If I could have a shop with all bird designs I would.

What made you take the leap and begin your own biz?

I had been plotting my company for a year or so before I started selling. I was really into freezer paper stenciling and wanted to stencil baby clothes. I also had planned on sewing my own apparel to stencil on. Then I got pregnant with my second baby and just didn't think I'd have the time to open my shop. After my daughter was born I was blessed with a mellow baby and had time to learn some easy DIY screen printing techniques, after some practice and confidence I branched out to more advanced methods and thus was able to grow my shop and design gallery.

What made you decide to go eco-chic?

I never made the "decision" to become eco-chic, it is just something that has been important to me for a long time so it was a no brainer that if I wasn't going to be the one making my own apparel then I needed to find sources that cared about the people making their stuff and the environment. It is just not about having something that says they are "organic"... it is also about the conditions the workers are in and where the items are made and shipped from. Ideally I'd love to go local first, then local and organic, then organic. My two main suppliers of shirts fit my criteria.

make sure you stay-up-to date with all things westmama!

westmama blog

westmama facebook

westmama twitter

westmama shop

*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*

Head on over to the westmama etsy shop & spread the the love on your favortie style & color -- which would you little love? 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 westmama 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 or anything - 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 @westmamadesigns - again, you MUST tweet, not just follow.

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

Please comment below with your email address and we will select a random winner on Tuesday June 2nd after 11pm, EST. This is open to US residents only.