Spotted in People! Get the Look: Christina Applegate's Sweet Nursery

Have you picked up this week's People Magazine yet? Well if not, we got it covered. Christina Applegate shows off her new little babe and FABulous nursery and guess what we spotted? Oilo's Modern Berries Taupe Bedding. It is SO easy to get her exact look. 

The nursery is all about style and softness as it embraces sophistication with Oilo’s Modern Berries Motif crib set. Made from 100 percent fine woven cotton the bedding set includes zippered side bumper cover (foam filled for standing durability), 17” tailored skirt and fitted cotton percale crib sheet.  The bedding is machine washable and made in the USA. 

You can get Christina's exact look with the three-piece crib set for $399. More colors are available too -- Spring Green and Tree Trunk! Check it out on  www.oilostudio.com.

4moms gives us the BEST! (and you can WIN it!) Our chat with one of the amazing MOMS too!

When we came across 4moms we were beyond thrilled to find this AMAZING Mom company! 4moms is just that - 4 (well, really 5) real life moms! The moms - Jenn, Cindy, Kristen, Elizabeth and Erin have 15 kids between them -- they really know their stuff! We couldn't wait to share this one of a kind Mom company with you so we deicded to sit down with one of the Moms to get to know 4moms! We also HAD to rave about one of the,  no it is the BEST product on the market with you -- their famous mamaRoo -- NOT your average infant seat! 

The mamaRoo is the new, high-tech baby swing that bounces and sways simultaneously like parents do to calm their fussy babies. With 5 unique motions like “car ride” and “kangaroo”, and a hookup for mp3 players, the $200.00 swing is the must-have product for Hollywood’s new, tired parents, including Mario Lopez, James Van Der Beek, Samantha Harris, Nina Garcia, and Emily Proctor. The mamaRoo was also just featured on “Entertainment Tonight”.

We also love the removable toy mobile with the three plush toy balls decorated in the style of classical artisit, Van Gogh, Monet, and Seurat -- both in color on one side and B&W on the other. The give built-in nature sounds keep your little one ammussed for hours AND get this - you can hook up any mp3 player - so, they can listen to whatever music suits their ear....or yours! The LCD display is so easy to use and the seat reclines! Another plus - it is machine washable! Just unzip the removable fabric and throw it right in the washing machine. What's not to love? Check out the video and fall in love over on 4MOMS.com.

Well, one mom -- Elizabeth Rychcik! Elizabeth is mom to Kaitlyn (8) and Connor (5).  Before moving to Pittsburgh, Elizabeth attended Miami University of Ohio, where she majored in Psychology (and attended classes alongside Erin, though the two never met until years later!). Elizabeth went on to earn a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron. She moved to Pittsburgh when she married her husband, Carl, and taught psychology courses at several colleges in the Pittsburgh area. Elizabeth's favorite part of working with 4moms is being surrounded by fun, intelligent people all working toward the same goals. In her free time, she loves reading, running, baking, and tennis.

1.) Please tell us how exactly 4moms became, well, just that.

I'm sure you've heard that quote by Plato:  "Necessity, who is the mother of invention," right?  Well, 4moms was formed because of a necessity.  As young parents, we realized that there was a necessity for cool, innovative products that utilized technology.  Since there was nothing out on the market that fit that bill, a husband of one of the moms formed 4moms with a business partner.  He asked 5 of us to be his first focus group and to give our feedback about product ideas since we were "in the trenches" with young children.  Although there are actually 5 moms, the name 4moms sounded much cooler, so that was chosen as our company name.

2.) Your MamaRoo is probably - no, scratch that - is the best baby "gear" product to have. Not only does it look good in your home, super-chic and modern but it keeps your little ones calm and content. Who can we thank for the genius idea and how was it inspired?

Thanks for the awesome compliments about the mamaRoo!  I totally agree with you - it's the best out there!  Like all of our products, the mamaRoo was inspired by our parenting experiences and our frustrations with the available products in the marketplace.  When my children were babies, the only infant seats available utilized a swinging or vibrating motion.  We all know that parents don't swing or vibrate their children when soothing them, so we thought to ourselves (and said out loud a million times) "there HAS to be a better way!"  And the mamaRoo was born!  We wanted to incorporate the natural movements that parents use, and I think we've done a pretty darn good job of it!  Thankfully, we have an AMAZING team of engineers, roboticists, designers, and business professionals that all contributed to make the mamaRoo such a great success!

3.) Being a mom, managing a company, constantly staying up on new products...what tips can you give other MOMpreneurs and parents juggling many hats?
Juggling many hats can be both blessing and a curse!  I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to attempt to do more than one thing at a time, but it can also be quite stressful.  The very nature of being a parent requires one to multi-task.  Ever try to make dinner, help a child with homework, listen to another child's frustrations with his or her day, fill out paperwork, and plan for the following day all at the same time?  Makes me anxious just thinking about it, yet that's the blueprint for every evening in my house!  I think the most important tip is to do everything you can to maintain balance in your life, whether it's work/family balance, parenting/"you-time" balance, or serious/fun balance.  Without balance, we are not very fulfilled and something in our lives suffers.  Another important tip is to surround yourself with people who inspire you. With good people around, you are bound to succeed!

4.) Do you have a favorite product in the line? If so, why?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the mamaRoo!  I love the modern aesthetic, the mp3 player hookup, the toy balls with classical artists instead of teddy bears and puppy dogs, I love everything about it!  It's obviously soothing for babies, but I think it's equally soothing for adults watching it do its work!

5.) What is one thing, as a mother, you can't live without?

One thing as a mother that I cannot live without is tennis!  Tennis is the way I maintain the balance I spoke of earlier.  I play tennis to get exercise, get some socialization, and to remind myself that there is a piece of me that is only for me, and no one else in my family.  Parenting can be all-consuming and in order to be the best mother I can be, I need something that is just for me.  Tennis is that thing for me.  Other people might need knitting, running, photography, reading, a hot bath every night, hiking, painting, etc.  I hope that all parents find something that they can call their own and feel good about.

6.) What is up next for the company? New product launches we can only

hope.....

There is always something new going on at 4moms!  Our Origami is set to be released in the spring of 2011!  For those who aren't familiar with it, the Origami is the world's first power-folding stroller.  We are super excited about the Origami and expect it to make a huge splash in the stroller market, just as the mamaRoo did in the baby seat market.  (Anyone who’s interested can sign up for email updates on the Origami at www.4moms.com/origami.) We've got a number of other projects in the pipeline, all of which will be cool, innovative, and different from everything else you see out there so keep your eyes on us!

As you can see 4moms and Elizabeth is pretty amazing! They always have the best innovative products out there and the best part - they are moms, they know what they are doing! 

Phil & Teds brings us the NEWEST Explorer (Plus they are giving YOU one!)

Phil & Teds is not only one of our favorite companies to work with but they bring us great products for the modern parents. They recently introduced us to the world's favorite inline that just got better! Is that even possible? Yes! We will tell you why!

It is one system from newborn to to toddlers. It is so easy to maneuver and with the size being like a single stroller you won't be knocking down any racks at the mall! Celeb moms are pushing this baby all over town!

Check it out for yourself:



The newest features on the explorer  ($479) which we just can't get enough of is the one hand fast fold, large sunhood to keep your littles skin safe, a double kit (the 2nd seat) which also has a sunhood and new Seat Performance System (TM). It also now has a car seat adapter! They also have given us interchangeable colors, and an easy-to-use pedal brake.  

Whew! Can we catch our breath? We really could go on and on with all the highlights! But, we figured lets just let you see for yourself! Thanks to Phil & Teds we are giving ONE very lucky reader their own Explorer in Black/Navy! (pictured below)

Ready to win our very own Phil & Teds Explorer? 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 Phil & Teds 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. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @philandteds -- 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 by random.org on Monday, November 29^th after 11pm. Please make sure you live us your email in one of the comments as well!

Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen on the date above. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. Phil & Teds sent us this item to review. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love.

essential chic- mom needs inside your hospital bag

Why we can't tell you everything you may need, here are a few essentials we just can't let you leave off your list when packing the hospital bag - for both you and babe - minus registration papers, insurance card and all that boring stuff.

For the chic-momma we suggest packing at least 2 to 3 dear johnnies hospital gowns (we love the fashion- forward ava print!) to make you feel comfortable, stylish and beautiful – hey, ya gotta look good in those first pics right?! You will feel totally safe and secure in the feel better hospital gown. Throw on a headband (we love this one) and make sure you have a hair tie to complete the chic momma hospital look – at least you will look glam through the drama & pain. During labor make sure you have your EOS Lip Balm for those chapped lips. It will add a little labor & delivery glow and keep your lips feeling healthy, and it’s 100% natural!

Make sure you also pack a bathrobe, slippers and socks for that ick of a hospital floor along with a brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo, if you’re lucky enough to grab a shower. Also, don’t forget loungewear for the trip home and a nursing bra that is one size large than your normal size.

Moving on to the reason we are at the hospital – the babe. For those expecting a girl, here is the perfect hospital hat! A boy? We love this hat from Etsy!

Make sure to pack the perfect first blankie (celeb fave!) - Little Giraffe Spotted Luxe Blanket, along with Trumpette Socks, and his/her very first lovey from Bundled – and don’t forget the newborn sized “first day home” statement outfit.

Pack it all up in your Timi & Leslie Le Petit Voyage Overnight bag. It has all the great features of a well organized diaper bag with a chic designer hand bag appearance. Both you and babe will look stylish going to and from the hospital. Even better, they are on sale now here.

Spoil with Babycakes

If you have a little girl that you love to spoil, Babycakes is the perfect place to start. The owner was nice enough to send us a “sprinkling” of great products for review – and well, we almost couldn't contain ourselves as we pulled them out of the box.

Twinkle Toe Slippers ($42) is the perfect pair of first shoes for your princess. Her feet are sure to twinkle in these adorable slippers.

We also found a great gift for those expecting. If you have an older sibling, the Cross Necklace ($32) is sure to be a hit to remind her of the great job she is doing. Bring it to the hospital for the new little one to give to the big sister; a great memory for them to share in the most fashionable way.

And make sure you cuddle her up with My First Mink ($99), a baby luxury. We just couldn’t get over how soft it is – it is also the perfect size for a newborn, or to carry around as a lovey.

Just a few of our faves from Babycakes….. We totally understand the huge celebrity following now!

{Images are from the Babycakes website}

MUTSY: ONE word. ONE company. not just ONE must have

We just learned of a new company and a new fave for Cupcake Mag. It was a MUST to share immediately. Just a few days ago Mutsy was nice enough to send us the Mutsy Grow-Up! to review(and fall in love with) for our little ones. This is by far the most stylish seat at the table for baby. The Mutsy Grow-Up! booster seat allows baby to sit in the average grown up chair very safe and very comfy. The Grow-Up! features a cleaver harness (no getting out here) to ensure baby is securely fastened at all times; a major plus for moms. It is also is very easy to clean with a slight wipe down (another plus) and an easy to transport seat is ideal from when baby can sit unaided to approximately 4 years of age. The only problem you may have: not getting your little babe out of it as our “tot testers” wanted to sit in it all day. It is available in a great splash of colors: Apple, Nut, Raspberry, Aqua and Mandarin and retails for only $59! A super great price for the modern little boster chairs that branch away from the same old seat.

About Mutsy

Founded in 1935 as Mutsaerts, Netherlands-based Mutsy began as a manufacturer of traditional style prams. In the new millennium, the Mutsy line was transformed with an aesthetically beautiful and technologically advanced frame as the basis of its current product offerings. Designed to meet the needs of today's modern and mobile parent, the Mutsy collection's unique modular system offers flexibility for all lifestyles. The company's distinctive from birth to early childhood products include strollers, a high chair, bibs, baby rocker, and an array of baby essentials and accessories. Mutsy USA offices are located in Chester, New Jersey.

THE other MUST HAVE: THE TRANSPORTER

AS SEEN ON: Spotted on some of our favorite celeb moms and dads - MUTSY parents like Casey Affleck, Halle Berry, Brooke Burke, Isla Fisher, Mariska Hargitay,Heidi Klum, Nancy O'Dell, Trista Sutter, and Tiger Woods all cruising their little tots around in a Mutsy stroller. It was also spotted on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" in October 2008.

Not only is the Mutsy Grow Up! a great product but Mutsy just debuted their newest lightweight stroller with unparalleled flexibility, features and value; the TRANSPORTER. Keeping the modernistic stroller design in mind this stroller features a distinctive modular, flexible system and is not only the lightest weight stroller to date but it is also light on your wallet as it is the company's most affordable. If you are a cost conscious MAMA-ista this high quality baby transport solution is ideal for you.

Ideal for parents on the go, the sporty, full-size Transporter can be used in combination with a bassinet (sold separately) or Graco, Peg-Perego or Maxi-Cosi car seat (optional car seat adaptors are sold separately). The bassinet and car seat adaptor easily clicks onto the frame over the stroller seat, easing mom's ability to switch between modes. Additionally, the Transporter seat can easily be completely removed for a sleek look as a pram or travel system. Two front swivel wheels offer exceptional flexibility and maneuverability. Transporter can be folded quickly into an extremely compact form with minimal effort. The four quick-release wheels are easily removable, allowing for even greater compactness and lightness when folded. The deep and padded reclining seat and large, protective hood create a comfortable and serene environment for napping or strolling on a sunny day. A foot rest provides comfort for an older child, and a convenient shopping basket is also included. Other features include height adjustable 4-position push bar and back support adjustment. Mutsy's new Parasol Collection ($49) adds a touch of style to both sun protection and baby's favorite ride. The parasols feature sturdy construction and a quick release mechanism that allows for easy attachment and removal to any Mutsy stroller. The stroller is available in Sand, Grey,Black and Red.

Recommended Retail: $399, $150 optional bassinet (which is just a must for you fashionistas as it makes the "look") The Mutsy Transporter is available online at www.mutsy.com and at leading specialty juvenile products stores nation wide.

WHATS FASHIONABLE NEW FROM MUTSY &

WHAT YOU NEED…..NOW!

Mealtime reaches a new level of style and functionality with two new high chairs; the Easygrow and the Easygrow "Next" High Chair and the Dirtbusters Baby Bib. The Easygrow "Next" with its sleek brushed aluminum finish features a unique dinner tray with a tilting feature that folds down and away from to allow for baby to be placed and removed easily from the seat. The chair's seat features a comfortable molded plastic seat with the luxurious texturized feel of suede. The innovative chair brings life to a home's interior design and with its 9-position adjustable seat height and foot support the chair can grow with the child. Using the tray or bar, baby can be positioned right up to the table. For a toddler, just the seat and footrest makes the Easygrow "Next" functional and eventually the footrest can be removed for an older child to utilize when sitting at a table or at a desk. A new Easygrow high chair also debuts with a shortened wheel base designed to take up less room and the new dinner tray with tilting feature. The durable and lightweight chair features an easily adjustable seat and foot rest. Available in White or Dark Grey. Recommended Retail: $199. Available at retail February/March 2010.

The Dirtbusters Baby Bib with its friendly monster design makes mealtime easier for mom and much more fun for baby! The bib's unique fabric allows spills, liquids or food to easily slide down its surface and into its pocket without soaking through or being absorbed. Neither the bib nor baby gets stained. Simply surface wash the Dirtbusters Baby Bib with a soft wet cloth after each use. A 2-position adjustable Velcro closure is featured for optimal fit and comfort. Available in Blue or Orange. Recommended Retail: $25. Available at retail February/March 2010.

A range of coordinating Nursery Bags are also new in 2010 to perfectly complement the Mutsy stroller collection. Unlike other diaper bags that get in the way when pushing a stroller, Mutsy nursery bags are designed to clip onto the handle bar or the back of the seat to stay out of the way. A spacious interior and multiple pockets provide for ample room for all of baby's little necessities. Recommended Retail: $90-$100. Available in Active Coffee, Active Black (Charcoal), Team Lime, Team Navy, Team Brown and Team Red, Cargo Grey, Cargo Kaki, Cargo Black. Available at retail February/March 2010. The fashionable color range for 2010 from Mutsy includes Active Coffee, Active Black (Charcoal), Team Lime, Team Navy, Team Brown and Team Red (new for 2010), Cargo Grey, Cargo Kaki, Cargo Black (also new for 2010).

LAST NOTE: For more information visit http://www.mutsy.com/ to check out the great product line which consist of many must have mobility accessories.

And since we always like to help you SAVE use the coupon code ccafe10 to get 10% off your order!