Chic Babes: Sweet Little Sprinklings

Over the past few weeks we have tried & tested many different hair accessories in our little one’s locks. After being sick of losing barrettes and hair pulling clips we ventured out to find the perfect match.

Bugalug is the perfect STAY-PUT accessories for the Urban Girl. Unlike other STAY-PUT hair accessories these stay in without giving your sweet cheeks a headache especially the fully adjustable headbands ($8) which us chic-momma’s can wear too! We adore the no slip bows ($5) to add extra sweetness and the grosgrain ribbon barrettes ($4) in just too fun patterns and prints! The newly launched 3 pack of Pony Loops ($10) are perfect for pony tails (and a cinch to use too!). Don’t forget to check out the Soother Clips ($10) for the tiny tots in your life. The multifunctional clip is perfectly chic to hold the lovey; whether it is a pacifier, toy or Sippy cup.

All of Bugalugs high quality hair accessories are innovative, unique and one-of-a-kind for every style that suits your little, or big girl in an array of fun colors, prints and patterns. It’s easy to express yourself with Bugalug!

As for Creative Clips by Colleen – well, you may have seen them around town or in your weeklies on celeb tots like Tori Spelling’s little one, Stella and Denise Richard’s girls. They are truly for your little oh so chic fashionista.

Colleen Connon, mother of 2, set out after an unsuccessful search for fun hair accessories for her daughter’s fine hair and well, became VERY successful as Creative Clips have became wildly popular. We currently are obsessed with the Blue & Green Peacock headband ($12) that even we can wear, not just our girls! We just can’t get enough of the girly sequin glitz and glam bows in a wide variety of colors and styles. And of course, we adore the Cupcake clips! All the clips feature Velcro to prevent the clip from slipping in fine hair. In fact, there is nothing we don’t like – we are craving all the oh so chic bows and just can’t get enough of these FAB hair accessories.

TravelKiddy -- Don't Leave Home Without It!

Traveling during the holidays? Little ones always anxious sitting at the doctors? We have a must have solution for every on the go momma; TRAVELKIDDY! Because what Mom doesn't need some peace & quiet!

Jen, hard working mother of four and owner behind the radiant concept was nice enough to send us a few items to review (and rave) about.

Don't let the name fool you because they aren't just for travel. We found that all kits were perfect for anytime when quiet entertainment is needed - in restaurants, waiting for appointments, or when your little one is home sick and needs a pick me up. Everything they need is all in one handy organized place that you can grab in a second!

TravelKiddy Top Picks:

ü Basic TravelKiddy for Ages 6 plus ($29.99)

All put together in a lime green canvas 11x5x3 super durable bag that zips is your Basic TravelKiddy that comes with everything you need for hours of fun and we mean hours. Perfect for your little artist it comes with a 9X12 drawing board, coloring book, activity book, 16 count Crayola crayons in a durable container that is so easy to keep track of along with a craft, 6 sheets of create a scene stickers, Meliessa & Doug Doodle pad with 50 pages, Sticker Fun Activity Book with over 50 stickers, Eversharp pencil, small ruler with fun stencil designs and a magnetic drawing board.

The never ending bag of fun also includes a small colorful snake, wikki stix, 3 small animals, spring toy, die cast car, puzzle ball and animal shaped tape measure – all things for kiddies to put their imagination to work.

Also included - everything to keep them healthy and clean with tissues, bandages, and hand sanitizing wipes all for easy access when on the go to keep germs away!

ü ToddlerKiddy

First off, the handmade and exclusively designed bag by Mim is almost too cute for words. The backpack features the sweetest gingham lining and side pockets which were perfect for storing all the little things your tot likes to hide. It is 100% machine washable which is always a plus for busy moms and is double-stitched for durability. Available in blue, red or pale green the backpack is approximately 9x11x13 and is a perfect size for your toddler who loves to tote things.

It gets better! The ToddlerKiddy($45) is packed with some great products, including Melissa & Doug items you can add on for only $5. We recommend the 6x9 doodle pad, 10 triangular crayons and a set of 4 wooden puzzles that are just perfect for tiny hands. The ToddlerKiddy is filled with 8 stacking cups, 2 play animals, a mini board book from Priddy Baby, wiggle wobble car and a 12x12 flannel peek-a-boo blanket.

We can guarantee your toddler won't be taking this backpack off for a very long time!

ü BusyKiddy

Next on the list is the perfect bag for a shorter trip or perfect to keep in the car when running errands! The mid-sized kit ($18) is packaged in a lunch bag with a mesh side pocket perfect for storing a sippy cup or a bottle of water along with a small assortment of activities (small toys too!) plus the much needed wipes, tissues and bandages.

What you can expect in the BusyKiddy: Jumbo Activity Pad, Wikki Stix, Eversharp pencil, 16 count Crayola crayons in a durable container, 6 sheets of stickers, 4 sheets of create a scene stickers, 2 small animals, die cast stock car and a reptile stuffed animal which was very high quality.

Downside: Why didn't we find this mompreneur (and magical products) years ago?! You will be happy with any of the TravelKiddy kits you choose and we promise your little one will be even happier to receive it! You won’t believe the hours of fun!

TravelKiddy Promo: Receive a PocketKiddy with ANY purchase! Just type in CUPCAKE in the PROMO box! The PocketKiddy is a promo item and not offered for sale anywhere! It is perfect for tucking in a purse or diaper bag and pulling it out to keep your little ones occupied. It has a retail value of $7.99 and is filed in a 6X9 ziptop bag with small toys, activity pad, stickers, mini notepad, wipes, tissues, and bandages - all the essentials when going out!

Don't forget to follow TravelKiddy on Twitter for updates and great travel tips!

*All Products were Cupcake Mag tested and child approved*

PediPed: Perfect Ballet Flat for a Mini- Fashionista

How many times has your mini-me tried on your stilettos? Well this time we are ditching the stilettos and we want to try on her shoes!

Just this fall, the BIGGEST news from pediped was the introduction of its newest arrival, "The Couture Collection." We just can't get enough of the safari themed collection that features four irresistibly captivating styles designed exclusively for fashion-forward children. The striking chic exotic skins enhance any mini-fashionista. You know what they say, like mother, like daughter!

The limited edition Couture Collection comes in Audrey black, Gabriella pink and Jules gold, all with snakeskin embossed leather (so cute!) and Nadia red with crocodile embossed leather. They are available in 0-24 months. Suggestion? Grab them up in all four colors because they are a TO DIE for addition to your little ones wardrobe.

Features we can't live without:

• Unique & comfortable ankle straps
• Soft cushioned leather soles
• Velcro fasteners
• Seal of Acceptance from the APMA for promoting healthy foot development

About pediped™

pediped™ footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company one of the fastest-growing children's footwear brands in the United States. pediped™ footwear is sold in over 2500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their two lines, Originals and Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-6 years) are available in EU sizes from 20 to 29. For more information, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311.

End Note: The first four styles within “The Couture Collection” will be available in limited edition quantities for Fall/Winter 2009 before gracefully making way for the next quartet of styles expected to arrive spring 2010. The Couture Collection retails for $42.

The Little Lasso: Stop Playing Fetch

Lets look back over the years and see how many times we are running errands and have to stop to pick up the one of many things our little one is bringing along. We already lost count. Luckily, we found the perfect end to this back breaking problem with The Little Lasso.

Mom-designed (love!) savvy solution for those toddler tossing take-along items has made the solution! No straps, velcro, clasp or buckles The Little Lasso adjust to items large or small and easily attaches to most bottles, sippy cups, and toys to secure them to strollers, car seats, highchairs, shopping carts, etc.

Why we LOVE The Little Lasso: With all the germs these days, The Little Lasso prevents dropped or tossed items from getting dirty or being lost. The Little Lasso keeps items within child's reach while the design makes it virtually impossible to be removed by little hands. Handcrafted out of 100% cotton designer fabrics, The Little Lasso is as functional as it is attractive and it is machine washable in bright colored fun fabrics.

Exclusive Offer for Cupcake Mag readers: Get 15% at The Little Lasso with code FIFTEEN at check-out! With nine fabrics to choose from it is hard to just get one!

*GIVEAWAY*

Angie, the creative mind behind (and owner) The Little Lasso is giving you a chance to have your very own! Please visit the website www.thelittlelasso.com and pick one of the fabrics you would like to win. Become a follower of Cupcake Mag (which you should be anyway) and post a comment telling us your favorite fabric. Also, please visit www.facebook.com/thelittlelasso and become a fan as an extra entry too! We will select the winner by 6pm (est) on Friday October 30th! Start commenting now and good luck!

kokopax craving

If you are a fan of baby carriers you will know how some traditional bulky frames are usually the only ones you can find; along with taking about twenty minutes to figure it out and get going. If you are already toting baby plus carrier you don't want anymore extra weight because who needs that! Well your in luck - we did the shopping for you and found the perfect "not so average" traditional carrier: KOKOPAX CLASSIC CARRIER!

The kokopax classic carrier offers a fresh new take on the traditional framed carrier. Designed as the go-to gear for the cheers and chores of daily life, the fashionable, lightweight and easy-to-use carrier offers a safe and comfortable ride for baby. The classic carrier retails for $149.99.

TOP reasons it is a BIG MUST HAVE

• 100% cotton canvas with an anodized aluminum frame
• Comfortable shoulder straps and adjustable frame
• Padded waist support
• Handy storage pocket and kickstand for easy loading
  
• 5-point safety harness
  
• JPMA certified
• ties to secure pax protector
• toy ring to attach koko or other toys
• fits in airline overhead bins
• makes a great every day baby backpack
• for use from 6 months to 2 years (or up to 35 pounds)
• includes green carry bag
• Six custom fabric patterns
• BEST PART: ONLY weighs approximately 2.7 lbs

And keep your eyes out for the new items from kokopax which includes the eco-classic carrier that incorporates the latest technology in green textile printing and consumer safety. The 100% cotton canvas fabric is printed using a combination of Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 and GOTS certified dyes and retails for $179.99. For the budget friendly parents opt for the city carrier which offers parents an affordable and simple way to carry their baby in style. The carrier positions baby at eye-level, making it a great way to see and interact with the world. The carrier will be offered in two custom fabric designs but we only retail for $99.99.


Feel like you need a little more to accessorize? The samantha diaper tote is a fun and funky tote you will want to use on your own - it's not just for baby! It is made of 100% cotton canvas with a custom designed water-resistant line. The tote's magnetic closure offers added convenience (who doesn't love that) and makes it a one-hand wonder and the many features make it exceptionally functional. It will be available in five custom fabric designs t0 match the carrier and retails for $99.99.


Plenty of celeb moms and dads are big fans of the kokopax carrier line , along with most adorable sun hats too! We caught them on Laila Ali, Tim Allen, Angie Harmom, Chad Lowe, Sarah Jessica Parker, Charlie Sheen, Mira Sorvino, and Trista Sutter.

Whats not to love? Brooke and Charlie Sheen said, "We love our kokopax baby carriers and sun hats. We take our twin boys on walks around our neighborhood every day and they are the height of comfort for us and the boys."

Brand Background

kokopax™ was founded in 2007 by Sarah Spoor. As a mother of four young children, Sarah discovered the benefits of the old Gerry backpacks her family used when she was a baby. She and her husband, Lincoln, used the carriers every day. They were able to carry their babies and still keep track of their other children while cooking, traveling or attending school activities. The carriers became a necessity for everyday life. While she loved their functionality, Sarah knew the style was outdated. She embarked on a mission to develop a new, modern and fashionable lightweight framed carrier with enhanced style and functionality that could be used every day, everywhere.

Visit kokopax now and receive 10% off your order when using our special reader code ccafe2009!

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!

Bon Appetit: tinytongs for TINY HANDS are the ULTIMATE IDEAL MEALTIME SOLUTION

tinytongs: The Easy Way for Kids to Eat!

Easy to Use, Child Size Tongs Make Mealtime Less Stressful, Less Messy

Easy doesn't cover it. When we received our tinytongs in the mail we were eager to try them out. Our little ones have a tendency to forget the fork and use their hands but with tinytongs it's like the simplicity of using your fingers but without the mess; it fills in the gap between finger eating & using utensils. With tinytongs you can guarantee they are getting all the food in their mouth which means less for you to clean up off the floor! Not only are they great to use for little hands but they are aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic shape for a child.

We suggest getting the 4 pack for $24.99 because otherwise you will be washing them all day long. And it gets even better - tinytongs are non toxic, dishwasher safe, lead free, BPA free, and phthalate free for all the "eco-chic" mommas. They are also free of sharp edges (like some forks can be) and have a soft tactile feel. Your little tot won't want to put them down.

BACKGROUND: tinytongs™ was founded in 2008 by Carys Bice. With three children under the age of five, Carys spent countless hours at the dining room table watching her children drop more food onto the floor than into their mouths. She also watched them become increasingly frustrated trying to use standard utensils when the use of their fingers, unfortunately, would be easier. Looking for a solution in her kitchen, Carys thought tongs would be an ideal solution to make mealtime more successful, less messy and more enjoyable for everyone. After launching a search to find the right utensil suitable for tiny hands and finding a void in the marketplace for any such product, she and her husband Justin developed tinytongs. The innovative, safe eating utensil is designed to grip food and keep it in place and provides for an easier way for children to get small bites of food into their mouths.

tinytongs ESSENTIALS

Age Range: 12+ months - 5+years
Retail: $7.99 and worth every penny!
Size: 5" in length
Colors: Pink, Purple, Orange and Green
PLUS: Proper pensioning for small children, non slip grip, gripping edges to aid in picking up & securing food while transporting to their mouths, posable grip ends to custom fit the pinch of the grippers for each child, proper bite size and ability to fit the ends into a child's mouth.

Head over to www.tinytongs.com now and use coupon code ccafe20 to receive 20% off any order!

Stars Step Out: Celebs Sign For a Cause

Stars Step Out to Join pediped® footwear in Raising Funds

for the Make-A-Wish Foundation^®

More than 50 well-known entertainers and athletes will participate in Stars for a Wish, an online auction of autographed pediped® baby shoes to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The auction will run Oct. 25-Nov. 1 on Charity Buzz at http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/Pediped.

Celebrities who signed pediped® baby shoes for the auction include:

MOVIES Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia, Molly Ringwald, Rachel Weisz

TELEVISION Tim Allen, Courtney Cox Arquette, Marcia Cross, Jennie Garth, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Heidi Klum, Charlie Sheen, Jon Stewart

MUSIC:Clay Aiken, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill

SPORTS Jerome Bettis, Anna Kournikova, Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Teixeira, J.D. Drew, David Ortiz

Recipients will receive the shoes attractively displayed in a cherry-finished shadow box or clear acrylic box complete with an engraved plaque.

The Stars for a Wish fundraiser has a minimum goal of $25,000, which will help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. One-hundred percent of the funds raised through the auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“We were overwhelmed by the willingness of so many celebrities, many of them already familiar with our brand, to generously help us support this cause,” said Angela Edgeworth, President and Co-Founder of pediped® footwear. “Now it’s all up to the public to bid high for these shoes so they not only receive a beautifully presented keepsake from their favorite celebrity, but more importantly, so they will be helping children facing life-threatening medical conditions.”

To learn more about the Stars for a Wish fundraiser and to view a complete list of participating celebrities, visit www.pediped.com/stars.

About pediped®

Pediped® footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company one of the fastest-growing children's footwear brands in the United States. Pediped® footwear is sold in over 2500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their two lines, Originals and Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-6 years) are available in EU sizes from 20 to 29. For more information, visit http://www.pediped.com/ or call 1-702-567-0311.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 180,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish^®.