Chic Moms -- Fave of the Week -- Baby Star! (Plus a Giveaway!)

For your shinning star - baby star creates products for the design - savvy parent and texture-loving child. They are great at balancing style and functionality while creating the essential items in a simple yet modern way.

We love the girl diamond blanket. The signature modern baby blanket is not only light weight for cool nights but is great for wrapping your baby up in style. We loved the combination of design and texture topped off with a fun trim.

It matches perfectly with the sweetest kimono set. Not only is this to die for set soft and comfy but it is stylish as can be! The kimono top has cuffed sleeves and side snaps. The pant also has snaps on the inside of the legs which is easy access for diaper changes (which we love) and has a perfect fit with a diaper.

Lastly, we just can't get enough of the oh so chic bibs to catch food and drool in the hippiest most fashionable way!

BIG PLUS: All baby star products are FORMALDEHYDE-FREE, making them safe for your baby and the environment! Eco-chic all the way!

baby star has given Cupcake Mag readers an exclusive discount code for 30% off your order. Just use code 20twinkle09 by 12.31.09! Additionally, please make sure you check our baby star’s fabulous weekly specials. We also encourage you to join baby star’s ambassador program! You can share discount cards and earn 30% commission credit. Make sure you apply today!

Giveaway Details: Enter our giveaway to win your own DIAMOND BLANKET! All you have to do is visit Baby Star and comment below by telling us your favorite Diamond Blanket Swatch. Then take a quick second to sign up for the baby star newsletter. For extra entries make sure to follow baby star on twitter, facebook, and their blog. As always make sure you are a Cupcake Mag follower too!

• http://twitter.com/babystar_mktg

• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25191706968
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Star/88369322741
• http://blog.babystar.com/

*All comments must be received by Monday November 30th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly and emailed the following day. Open to U.S. residents only.*

the LITTLE things

Sometimes it is the smallest things in life that

make the biggest difference.

After reviewing quite a big assortment

we noted a few "little things"

we just CAN'T be without.

RuMe: A green label we love and great for moms on the go the NEW ReUsable Baggies ($4.50) & Pockets, only $3.95 each are not only fashionable with so cute prints like Spring 5th Avenue and Fall Hamptons but a functional replacement for plastic baggies. RuMe sent us one of each which we were able to use for SO many things from our little ones cheerios to a mini clutch for mom. No worries about spills either (unlike platic baggies) a zipper ensures a tight seal which also helps with the many uses.

ReUsable Bag Features:

• Handwash & dishwasher safe
• Zipper enclosure
• RuMe Baggie size is 8.5" x 7.5"
• RuMe Pocket size is 8" x 4.75"
• RuMe Baggies holds up to 1 liter
• Lab Tested, Food Safe

A great gift for the one person who has everything - stylish & eco-chic so whats not to LOVE?!

Need a unique idea for eco-friendly gift packaging? The Baggie firs 2 DVDs perfectly! Check out the many other great bags from Pretty in Pink Metallic only $18 to the Medium RuMe 3 bag collection ($30) in great prints to coordinate with your baggies!

USE COUPON CODE CUPCAKE to receive 20% off your order of $20 or more! That is just a FAB deal and grab them up before it expires on 11.30.09!

Next up..........

Stay with Me: We were excited to try out the recently launched Stay With Me Socks($6). We are really not sure how they do it but we are not complaining. These socks really are "wiggle and pull off proof" and won't come off until you take them off. No more hunting for that other lost sock you just put on your newborns toes. Of course they are made by a mompreneur!

One of the many things we LOVE; loop and wash. Stay with Me socks interlock keeping them together in the washer and dryer. If only all socks had this feature it would make laundry so much easier. The socks are made with mini Velcro (snag free) tabs that keep them secure in both the front and the back. You can't just have one - snag them up in great colors and stripes!

Another great brand in the sock category is Nowali: Over 50 years ago Nowa Li began producing traditional moccasins in Sweden. The high quality moccasins are still produced the same way today and the stitching is still sewn by hand. The slipper socks come in many different styles for not just kids but adults too. We just LOVED the few pairs we were sent for review.

Z.Daisy: BINKIE BUNGEE

Similar to The Little Lasso we love anything that keeps us from constantly picking things up. The Binkie Bungee ($12) is the perfect way to keep your baby's pacifier off the dirty floor all while looking baby chic the whole time. The Monica Pink Stripe fabric is exclusive to Z.Daisy and features a new unique elastic pacifier attachment that will work with any pacifiers (unlike other generic clips) that is pefect for your baby and moms.

MUST HAVE: Eco-Friendly Binkie Bungee comes in 3 great colors and retails for $16

*All products are Cupcake Mag tested and baby approved*

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!

WHY WE LOVE ALL THINGS TORI

Tori Spelling isn’t just a versatile actress with a career span over film, television and theater but most recently has been seen on her hit reality TV show that follows her life, “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood”. Just a few months ago, the season premiere was the most watch season debut and highest rated Oxygen original series ever, as it pulled in over half a million viewers. As many of you may know Spelling is best known for her roll as Donna Martin on “Beverly Hills 90210” – Spelling is now reprising her role as Donna in the CW spinoff series 90201 which started last September. In April 2009, Spelling published her second memoir Mommywood, a follow up to her New York Times bestseller sTori Telling. But Tori Spelling isn’t just an actress, writer and mom – she is also an accomplished jewelry designer and clothing designer. Her latest designs from “The Tori Spelling Collection” can be viewed exclusively on HSN and HSN.com. Little Maven, her new children’s line, inspired by her own little ones, just debuted this fall and is already selling out.

GET TO KNOW TORI SPELLING

After many thanks for the amazing compliments, and congratulating me on my newest belly, CUPCAKE MAG'S one on one with Tori Spelling reminded us that celebrities are just regular human beings too! From being a mommy that manages it all to her new clothing line Little Maven - Tori answered all our questions with great pleasure.

Cupcake Mag: As a mother of 2 girls under the age of 6 and a third little one on the way, I was able to really relate to "Mommywood". You have a very busy life. How do you balance all of your responsibilities, both professional and personal?

Tori Spelling: It’s easy to juggle it all cause I know that my family comes first. With them as my focus and my rock I'm able to multi task. Everything I do is for my children and their future. But every endeavor I take on is time consuming yet a labor of passion. It’s all organic to me or my family.

CM: What brought you to designing your own children's line, Little Maven? What was important to you when designing?

T: Little Maven was 100% inspired by Liam and Stella. I love being a mom and I love fashion so the two together was an organic fit. As a style conscious mom I wanted to create clothes for my babes that were fun and stylish yet comfortable. Then it was important to me to make the line affordable for my mommy friends everywhere.

CM: What is behind the line's name?

T: I knew I always wanted to design and to be a part of the fashion world. I thought of the name Maven years ago and thought it encompassed the essence of a brand I wanted to create. Maven is all knowing about a certain subject. A STYLE maven is all knowing about the fashionista's lifestyle they want to encompass. So, a LITTLE MAVEN is a mini fashionista!

CM: What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a fashion line?

T: As with any business you venture into, it’s all about passion. I say fashion is my passion! You have to believe in your point of view a 100% yet you have to be able to know your customer! It’s a fun world and creating pieces you'd personally wear or in this case that I'd personally dress my own children in is really what it’s about. Always dream big and never compromise!

CM: Little Maven is by far budget friendly and affordable for many moms - was that a goal of yours?

T: I grew up in a very luxe lifestyle yet I knew from an early age that fashion doesn't have to cost a fortune to look good! I love people and especially moms and I love that thru my reality show and my books I now have mom fans/friends everywhere that can relate to me. So, it was VERY important to me to develop a line that was stylish without compromising comfortability or quality and that was also affordable to moms everywhere.

CM: Liam has such a cute rocker style and Stella is definitely a true fashionista already - If they aren't wearing Little Maven, what are some of your fave kid’s labels?

T: First of all I love that you GET my kids style! Made me smile. I also am a fan of Splendid, Ella Moss, Kingsley, Lucky, Gap, Paul Frank, C & C, Cynthia Vincent, and Target!

CM: You are already a superhero mom - with two NY times bestselling memoirs (we hope for another soon!), reprising your role as Donna Martin, an accomplished jewelry designer, reality show with millions of viewers, and now a kid's clothing line, what could possibly be up next for you?

T: I recently completed my 1st children's book. It'll be released Fall 2010. Very excited for that! That's one of my favorite times is story time with the kids! I also hope to create a women's fashion line soon as well!

CM: And lastly, what are your fashion obsessions of the moment?

T: As a style conscious mommy of 2 it’s all about affordable, quick, yet chic fashion! I love pops of color to complete an outfit. I'm into boots, belts, scarves, headbands, and metallic or jeweled toned flats.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT LITTLE MAVEN:

In the Fall, Tori’s new children clothing line, Little Maven, hit stores this September, but she gave us a sneak peak at some items in the collection so stay tuned for Cupcake Mag's feature and photo shoot on trendy childrens clothing lines that we just can't get enough of!


And if you just can't get of TORI SPELLING make sure you check out the links below:


http://www.tori-spelling.com/
http://www.littlemaven.com/
http://twitter.com/torianddean
http://jewelry.hsn.com/tori-spelling_c-j_a-4551_xc.aspx?rid=1121&prev=hp
http://www.hsn.com/summer-is-here-blogs_g-250_xg.aspx

Monkey-Toes’: The Perfect Fit for your TOT

We just can't get ENOUGH of the fashion forward Monkey-Toes

It is time to pack up the cute sandals now that the winter chill is upon all the little toes. Luckily, Monkey Toes’ has the perfect transition for your tot instead of just another pair of plain old sneaker.

The company’s canvas too cute sneakers and sassy Mary Janes (both $31-$35) have rubber soles and every pair is individually hand painted with cuteness. You have it all with adorable spring laces that kids can put on by themselves with no constant tying, or for us moms, constant bending over.

Among the fun designs that teach your little babes about bugs and insects are leap frogs, piggies, spiders, and bumble bees. When we received our sample pair of Flutterflies Sneaks, they were packaged with ribbon and ready for gift-giving. We couldn’t just be spoiled with one pair and immediately placed a personal order.

About the Designer

MOMpreneur, Jenny Ford is behind the genius idea of Monkey-Toes’ and is responsible for keeping our little ones toes uber stylish. Her dream of being a stay-at-home mom and business owner has come true as we see; Jenny has quite the eye for style. So just who inspired the line? You can thank her daughter’s long toes for the name “Monkey-Toes.”

Browse over to get your little one a pair and learn more about the line at http://www.monkey-toes.com/

Images courtesy of 32FlavorsPR, http://32flavorspr.com/