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).

NEVER LOOKED BETTER: Recycled Scrubs on a Green Carpet (all by STUDENT designers!)

Did you ever imagine scrubs could look this good? We had no idea.

Image of Ginnifer Goodwin: AP Photo/Matt Sayles Credit for 1OAK photos: Robert Curry

Since 1998, the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California has incorporated specific sustainable design courses into the curriculum as well as layered sustainability into all areas of study, both in onsite and online classes. Throughout the year, projects are created to inspire students and teams are developed to promote collaborations between the various areas of study. One such team named themselves 1OAK (One Of A Kind) and declared that their goal was “to design a collection that is timeless, relevant and modern by incorporating innovative processes and practices to ensure sustainability from inception to completion”.

1 OAK is comprised of five students: Priscilla Guimarais, MFA Fashion Design; Kumiko Haruyama, MFA Fashion Design; Nui Tanapornwattana, MFA Fashion and Textile Design; Audrey Wang, MFA Fashion Design; and Tramaine Tillman, MFA Fashion Design.

The students reached out to Kaiser Permanente for discarded hospital scrubs and Landau Uniforms provided them. The students then treated, dyed and pleated the fabric working with local businesses committed to sustainable practices, such as a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified dye house. 1 OAK then recycled the hospital scrubs into a collection of dresses as exquisite as they are sustainable. The team noted, “Our design philosophy and approach reflects ‘less is more’. We wanted to create a classic, minimalist look as a way of expressing ‘slow fashion’, which translates into longevity. We focused on finer details and craftsmanship rather than trends, and created dresses one can wear season after season without feeling outdated.”

Reflecting upon their team experience 1 OAK affirmed that “this has been an inspiring assignment for all of us as we have evolved from being fashion forward consumers into being able to understand, appreciate and execute sustainable, slow fashion”.

SPOTTED: On Sunday, October 25th in Hollywood, California, one of these dresses was worn by actress Ginnifer Goodwin at the 20th Anniversary Environmental Media Association Awards. In addition to being an outspoken vegan and gracing the covers of many magazines, Ginnifer is known for her roles in Big Love, He’s Just Not That Into You and the soon to be released A Single Man (Tom Ford’s directorial debut).

The Environmental Media Association Awards honor film and television productions and individuals that increase public awareness of environmental issues and inspire personal action on these issues. This year marked the 20th Anniversary of the awards. Sir Richard Branson, Centropolis Entertainment, and National Geographic Society & Jason Mraz were honored.

About Academy of Art University:

With nearly 16,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, MA M.Arch and MFA programs in 15 different majors, as well as continuing art education, with classes in Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Photography, and Web Design & New Media. Game Design and Music for Visual Media are the school’s newest majors, offering AA, BFA and MFA degrees. Students can also enroll in flexible online degree programs in most majors. Over 2,000 fashion students study under the guidance of experienced fashion professionals. The School of Fashion houses ten areas of specialization: Fashion Design for Women’s Wear, Men’s Wear, and Children’s Wear; Technical Design; Textile Design; Knitwear Design; Accessory Design; Costume Design; Fashion Illustration; Fashion Journalism; Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising.

1OAK is presently at Vie Bungalow’s showroom in Los Angeles: www.viebungalow.com

To learn more about AAU please visit http://www.academyart.edu/ and visit the school's fashion blog http://www.fashionschooldaily.com/

Craving a perfect Nap? You need The Nap Nanny

Photo Credit: Nap Nanny 2009

As any momma knows many babies can't or just won't sleep lying flat at some time in their infancy – reflux, colic, stuffy nose, gas, ear infections are all things that keep your little one from loosing shut eye and you too. Either that or they simply would rather snooze in a car seat, swing or be in a loved ones arms.

Four years in the making leave it to a sleep-deprived mompreneur (Sportscaster too) Leslie Gudel to develop her comfy, handy (and oh so stylish) patented revolutionary Nap Nanny sleep seat which launched in 2008. Leslie’s inspiration? To improve the quality of infant sleep by starting an environmentally-friendly company (CEO of Baby Matters, L.L.C) devoted to the health and comfort of families with small children. The Nap Nanny is applauded by parents (Cupcake Mag) and health care professionals nationwide.

After many little ones tested out the product we couldn’t wait to share just why we fell in love:

o Portable, lightweight, only 3lb! The Nap Nanny mimics the contours of a car seat (which all babies love) and has a safety harness that holds the child securely in place. It was easily carried from room-to-room.

o The Nap Nanny sits at a 30 degree angle at the top and is curved at the foot to form an upright cradle, which prevents sliding and helps with reflux, earache and stuffiness – all the things little babes seem to encounter the first few months of life when sleep is most important to moms and dads.

o The cover, available in 4 solid colors (Pink,Blue, Sage and Camel) is washable (always a plus) and “baby blanket soft”. The 4 new designer patterns are perfectly chic for modern mommas and was recently introduced just this September at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. We love the hip new patterns; Confetti Pink, Confetti Blue, Safari Giraffe and Yankee doodle. The Nap Nanny comes with one cover but other designs can be purchased separately and very mom friendly to change.

o Super high density foam made us want to nap on it – so super soft you may be surprised by how much sleep you will be getting!

o Got Twins? Our moms with multiplies found it a breeze when bottle feeding.

o A waterproof liner protects the sturdy Nap Nanny for greater longevity, which saves money for use one child after the next!

One fan is Tina Trumbo, of Alexandria, VA, who wrote, “Our daughter Anna has severe reflux. The first night we used [The Nap Nanny®] she slept all night [and] we were in shock. Thank you so much for drastically improving the quality of our little girl's life, and ours!”

Rushing to get it? We know! It can be purchased online at The Nap Nanny for $129.99 (plus shipping) and is available on Amazon.com or in specialty retailers nationwide.

Keep in mind for safety reasons The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nothing be placed in the crib other than the baby. The Nap Nanny is for floor use only. The Nappy Nanny is also designed for infants over 8 lbs., but stayed tuned for a “preemie version” that will be available soon.

Disclaimer: The Nap Nanny was Cupcake Mag tested and baby approved. We do not get paid to review this product, just like all the products we feature. This is just our opinion and review of the brilliant Nap Nanny.

a look back at CUSTO BARCELONA: LIGHTNESS AND MOVEMENT AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

Images Courtesy of ASI

After twelve years showing at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, Custo Barcelona presented the Spring 2010 collection, for the first time at the largest of the venues at Bryant Park, The Tent, before a crowd of 1,000+ members of the press, opinion leaders, celebrities and VIP's.

Named "Air Show", Custo Barcelona's collection has been built around the concepts of movement and lightness. The materials used are so light that designer Custo Dalmau would talk rather about yarns instead of fabrics. Most of them have been through a perforation process, providing a certain transparency to the material and clothes. Behind this collection there is an intense investigation work not only about the fabric qualities but also about the use of graphic and colour, which are the brand DNA, and have been renewed in a unexpected way.

The results of all this experimentation will be delivered to the stores through Custo Barcelona's new line, Lowxury. This line is composed by pieces directly taken from the daring ideas in the catwalk so any woman in the world will be able to enjoy them and use them in their everyday lives.

Many celebrities have wanted to share with Custo Dalmau this moment among them: Kenan Thompson, Actor - Saturday Night Live, Bryan Greenberg, Actor, Mark Indelicato, Actor- Ugly Betty, Miss Jay, Judge - America's Next Top Model, Kristen Dalton, Miss USA, Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe, Federico Castelluccio, Actor-The Sopranos, Amerie, Singer , Actress, Carlos Leon, Actor, Melody Thornton, Singer - The Pussycat Dolls, Tinsley Mortimer, Socialite, Adam Bertrand, Actor - The Beautiful Life, Miss Teen USA, Stormi Bree Henley, Lothar Mattaus, Former Soccer Player, Adam Green, Singer, Olivia Palermo, TV Personality - The City, Turner Cody, Musician, Johannes Hubl, Male Supermodel, Monique Stateena, America's Next Top Model Cycle 11.

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*

Top Picks from Prince Lionheart (plus a giveaway!)

At Cupcake Mag you will see that we share many things we just CAN NOT be without. We review many many many products and only share with you our TOP faves. Prince Lionheart is a classic brand that should be on everyone's must have list. Whether you already have little one's running around or your a new mommy to be making your registry - here are the TOP FIVE picks from a great company.

ONE: Wheely Bug

With quite a few awards under its belt the WHEELY BUG is just as cute as it sounds. It is great to cruise the sidewalks or ideal for indoors because it doesn't scratch smooth floors and runs quietly. The totally new concept to encourage gross motor skills is put to the test while having heaps of fun. It was an instant attraction to all our little girls and boys with it's bright, soft, friendly, unisex design. It is so light weight (small size only 4lbs) our little tots were toting them around. They loved the easy, unlimited mobility. It is a must for your little or a perfect gift as it is promised to be loved.

Features:

• Two sizes: Small for 1.5 yrs ($68) and Large for 3yrs ($78)
• Tough PU covering, resistant to the inevitable “little accidents”, easy to clean.
• Padded with a 1” layer of soft sponge.
• Entirely non-toxic and contains no PVC.
• Constructed with only the highest quality components.
• Multidirectional castors, no more getting stuck against obstacles.
• Plywood base made from renewable plantation timber.

TWO:pottyPod

If only all potty seats were this soft, cushiony and the ultimate comfort. Perfect for training time the removable bowl and deflector shield make for easy clean-up and we mean easy! We reviewed the pink pottyPOD and loved the hassle-free potty experience we just had to share. Not just hassle-free for you but also for your child as the rigid base with non-slip grip strips provides strength and stability. The pottyPOD makes the transition from a potty seat to a grown-up toilet seat an easy transition as it looks similar to a real toilet. We also LOVE that it grows with your child with a height adjustable base. Now how many potty’s do that?! The pottyPOD comes in three great pastel colors – green, blue and pink and retails for $46.

If you’re a clean freak like us here is an extra PLUS: It is also the ONLY Anti-Microbial potty on the market. It is treated with an EPA approved additive to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause spoilage, odors and mildew.

THREE: bebePOD Plus

We used to be a fan of the well known Bumbo chair but not anymore. After reviewing the most adorable bebePOD Plus in Watermelon we couldn't compare the difference; yes, it was that much better. It is an essential and we mean ESSENTIAL for babies learning to sit. It is easy to use for both play time and feeding. Your little one goes from filling up to stimulating their senses through play in one great place. The plus comes with the well known cushiony pommel that easily removes with a twist at feeding time so the stylish tray (so modern) and placement of your choice can slide into place, creating a perfect space for mealtime. It comes it three fun vibrant colors – watermelon, kiwi and orange. It retails for $59.99.

WHY we CRAVE it:

· Tray for eating in style with two adorable placements

· Custom designed Sassy toy that affixes to the tray for playtime

· Optional Safety straps help ensure a safe and comfortable seating position

FOUR: Dresser Top Diaper Depot

You can’t be more organized as long as you have the Diaper Depot($15.99). The unique 3 in 1 changing station sits on your dresser making diaper changing safer, quicker and more convenient by providing everything at your fingertips. Whats not to love? It holds 16-18 large cloth or disposable diapers and wipes sit on the flat tray above. The two removable side bins come in handy to hold powders, lotions, ointments and more. It was great to have everything in one place and not searching for what you need while changing your little one.

FIVE: NEW Silicone Bottles

One of the best colic-reducing bottles. Period. Just wait until you use one, you will never go back to your old bottles. Prince Lionheart’s pure medical grade silicone bottles and nipples provide a safe, hypoallergenic way to feed baby. Unlike other harmful bottles, silicone is a natural material that has no open pores to harbor bacteria. Another plus – BPA, Phthalate, PVC latex and lead FREE! They were super easy to clean in the dishwasher and by hand and unbreakable in the microwave or freezer along with heat-resistant. If your little one has any problems with reflux, spit-up or colic these bottle help solve it all because of the one-way venting system that reduces the symptoms and also has been shown to reduce risk of middle ear infections – all things babies tend to get in the beginning of their life. If only we could have found these a few years ago when quite a few of our little ones battled reflux.

Bottle feeding couldn’t be much easier. Here is how it works:

• Slowly squeeze excess air out of bottle by pinching nipple while squeezing bottle until liquid level reaches top of nipple. Bottle will collapse as air is released.

• Most bottles with venting holes allow air into bottles as babies drink. Prince Lionheart’s SILICONE bottle collapses as air is released giving baby a bubble-free feeding, reducing the likelihood of colic, reflux and spit-up.

*GIVEAWAY*

We want to give you the latest product from Prince Lionheart so we are offering 2 lucky winners two of the very latest Silicone Bottles (6 - 8oz Bottles). Retail value is $12.99 each!

Like always, become a follower of Cupcake Mag ( I am sure you already are!) and post a comment telling us what you LOVE about this product. Also, please visit Prince Lionheart’s facebook page and become a fan as an extra entry too! We will select a random winner by 6pm (EST) on November 4^th! Start commenting now and good luck.

About Prince Lionheart, Inc.

Our story began humbly in 1973, when we crafted handmade rocking horses in our garage. We've moved out of the garage but, after three decades of innovation, we are proud Prince Lionheart is still family owned.

We are dedicated to providing today’s parents with a smart and responsible choice in baby products. We blend practical function with modern styling, fashion and beauty, while ensuring that all materials and processes used in their production are safe and protect the health of children and the environment.

All products have been Cupcake Mag tested and baby approved.