Black is the new White

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer

Confession:  I *heart* jewelry.  Really, what girl doesn't?  My jewels du jour vary by mood.  Sometimes I am a minimalist, with a tiny silver chain and studs or hoops, and sometimes I like to go a little more bold, with larger pendants and chunky cuffs.  Some of my all time fave jewelry comes from my step mom's jewelry biz -Ridgeline Artisans.

Julie and my Dad started out on an amazing adventure a few years ago, to Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka breathing in the many flavors of the culture and collecting amazing works of jewelry art from little artisans around the globe.  I was completely jealous of their trip and selflessly offered to become a "buyer" and if I had to travel to exotic locations I would definitely take one for the team...I am a good daughter.

These are my two FAVE necklaces (though I could spend hours sifting through their collection and finding a million more faves).

I'm completely infatuated with black pearls (if you can't tell).  There's something so "sassy Jackie O" about these little gems of the sea.  Which describes me to a tee - "sassy" and if Jackie O ever donned a wife beater, I'd be sure she was my long lost twin.

Go to Ridgeline Artisans today and show my step-mama, Julie, some love.  Like what you see here? Email Julie for the 5-Strand Black Pearls from Thailand byemailing Juliedirect.  Or get the Chandelier Necklace here.

The best part? Use the code: cupcakemag at checkout and you'll get 20% off your purchase.  YIPPEE!

I'd love to know two things... 

1) What's your favorite jewelry find?  (And you can't just say "Etsy", give me a link below! 

2) What adjective describes your personality? 

(disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this review, I am family, AND I love their fabulous exotic finds.  My review is my opinion.  I was given these necklaces for my birthday as gifts. WOOT! WOOT! LUCKY ME!)

So get linking & tell us where you go for jewels! 

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*

Ah Goo Baby is SO Posh

The Plush Pad® by Ah Goo Baby® is anything but a pad. Above and beyond average, the multi-purpose memory foam surface is in a category all-its-own and brings comfort to any room and any place.

From Diaper Changes, Tummy Time to Infant/Parent Classes – we found it great to use on the go or around the room. You just can’t get enough!

Unlike other changing pads this product can be used all the time and we mean ALL. It isn’t comparable to any other products on the market; it is THAT plush for your posh tot.

WHY cupcake mag CRAVES the unique features:

• SO SOFT! The thick memory foam cushion that relaxes the baby by molding your little ones curves and relieving her tiny pressure points; baby will relish the experience of being changed and won’t fight changing time. WE PROMISE.
• MOMS love the fact that it is machine washable and water-resistant. Wash the cover much like a pillowcase whenever it needs cleaning (the memory foam insert can be easily removed prior to washing); how easy is that? We say pretty simple.
• The Plush Pad® rolls open with no creases – no need to fiddle around.
• Plenty of wiggle room (approx 2 ft x 2 ft) for the baby, yet ultimate portability to easily fit in one’s diaper bag, suitcase, or to store away when not being used.

So many ways The Plush Pad® can be used:

• The Plush Pad® is used constantly (24/7) around the home; no need to run to the nursery for every change when you have The Plush Pad®;
• Some use it as their only changing surface if they are looking to conserve space;
• Leave it open during hotel stays for weeks at a time as a changing station;
• Great for tummy time when baby begins to practice lifting themselves and general lounging/exercise for infant/parent classes;
• Leave it at the grandparents for a comfortable change when they watch the grandkids;
• Toss it in the back of the stroller or the car for a quick change while on the road;
• Take it to beach or park, so baby can relax on a soft and cozy surface;
• Replace the plastic/vinyl changing pad in one’s diaper bag with The Plush Pad®, for a really comfortable daily change for baby.

Visit Ah Goo Baby now to get the oh so chic plush pad for your oh so posh babe! Available for just under $30 in 13 cute patterns; it’s hard to just choose ONE!

Feel like you just need one now!? We have got you covered! Ah Goo Baby is offering ONE lucky Cupcake Mag reader a chance to fall in love with The Plush Pad. Take a peek at Ah Goo Baby, click on Gallery and let us know what style you MUST HAVE! As always, make sure you’re a follower of Cupcake Mag. Giveaway ends Friday at 6pm (EST).

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!