Chic Moms -- A Sprinkling of Holiday Treats

Making our list and checking it twice. Trying to find out what goodies we like - from top brands we all know and love to new finds we can't get enough of - Cupcake Mag's Holiday Gift Guide is for all the little ones in your life that is already tried and tested by yours truly.

Cupcake Mag's Holiday Gift Guide for Chic Babes

Fisher Price: Snap N’ Style Friends are just adorable and is perfect for someone’s that two! The mix n’ match snap n’ style dolls retail for only $13! The accessories are adorable and the sweet styling encourages early role play. Little hands can easily snap-on clothes and will play for hours. And you know we just can’t make a list without including ELMO! Elmo Tickle Hands ($30) top the list this year as something fresh and fun for your any Elmo fan. Slip them on in a second to tickle and dance just like Elmo with the silly sounds and fun phrases. For the smaller babes in your life we LOVE the Amazing Animals Tubtime Tugboat perfect for bath time fun along with the Stack ‘n Surprise Blocks Songs ‘n Smiles Sillytown features many developmental benefits for baby and lots of fun!

The top 5 Hasbro games for the season are Sorry! Spongebob Squarepants Edition ($20), Connect 4: Spongebob Squarepants ($15), Kid Cranium ($20), Littlest Pet Shop Go Fish ($6) and Pictureka! ($23) - you will be sure to have hours of fun with these family fun filled games for a not so silent night.

Also from Hasbro is the My Little Pony Pinkie Pie’s Playhouse Playset ($45). This was a favorite among our little product testers with small hands. The playhouse is quite precious and has everything you need to take care of Pinkie Pie, the adorable pony figure. From a swing, potty, crib and other fun accessories your pony has everything they need to feel at home along with music, lights and sounds with just a push of a button. It is sure to be a big hit in your house this holiday season. For the creative mind, the super fun Play-Dog Burger Builder ($15) and 2009 Family Fun Toy of The Year Award Winner is perfect for those who love to cook with tons of burger building accessories.

Recommended items from Lego are the Large Pink (or Blue) Brick Box($30) that contains 402 bricks in 12 colors that comes in a pink storage case with transparent lid. Along with My First LEGO Sets in three classic themes are perfect for young builders. They make fun and adorable stocking stuffers for only $10 you get 117+pieces.

For the girly girls Barbie Doll Fashionistas is a perfect way to express your fashion personality and STRIKE A POSE! We love the trendy fashions the dolls wear as each has a distinct personality (Glam, Cutie, Girly, Wild, Sassy and Artsy) reflected in their clothes and accessories. For only $12 you can collect them all and pamper them in the ultra-stylish Barbie Glamour Camper ($80). We can’t get enough of the GLAM details!

Not into Barbie yet? Go for the PollyPocket Roller Coaster Resort Playset ($50) for hours of fun. Join Polly and friends as they pack in all the fun and adventure of a rollercoaster into a deluxe luxury hotel. The playset includes a Polly™ doll, pet monkey, rollercoaster car and luggage cart. Girls will forget about their winter blues as they spend endless hour’s resort-side with Polly™ and friends! It is on every little girl’s wish list!

As for the older girls, we suggest American Girl’s brand new historical character, Rebecca ($95). She comes alive with the story she tells and is a keepsake for years to come. We couldn’t get enough of the red herringbone dress and two-tone boots she arrived in that are authentic styles to her era.

For the tot who loves to pretend make sure you check out the Bitty Baby collection perfect for pretend play. We loved the Baby’s Diaper Tote ($36) which has everything your little one needs to care for her Bitty Baby all in a pretty printed tote.

Hidden Treasures

The Piggy Story: The “Art Folio” ($21) is beautifully crafted in your choice of adorable patterns (9 to choose from!) and keeps your kids happily occupied with creativity. Everything you need comes along; drawing pad and 12 crayons in a very easy to carry fold n’stow art case. Does your little artist need more? Opt for the BRAND NEW Little Picasso Art ($22) kit filled with 20 pieces that easily (and neatly) get packed away for on the go trips from car rides to taking it along to school. Each kit includes 8 markers, 8 colored pencils, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 glitter flue pen and 1 pair of safety scissors. Browse around at everything you need to capture your little one’s imagination.

Yubo Lunchboxes: One of our favorites by far the BPA-free lunchboxes contains a food-safe, anti-microbial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Easy to clean and 100% dishwasher safe the lightweight YUBO lunchbox ($29.95) design and soft handle make it comfy for kids to carry. We also love the interchangeable faceplates, food containers and ice packs that fit snugly. This lunchbox should be mandatory!

Dante Beatrix: Sweet, precious, and just adorable are only a few words to describe the Little Kid Anastasia ($42) backpack perfect for your pink princess. She will never want to take it off! It is also a perfect spot for her Kindred Things bear ($40) from Henry Road. Stuffed with love the bear is made of vintage chenille and Henry Road scraps and remnants. No two are alike.

Perfect stocking stuffer! Crayon Rocks come in vibrant colors that look just like rocks! Ranging in price from just a few colors for $5 to all the colors for $27 the crayons are designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles, preparing fingers and hands for handwriting are all natural soy wax made from USA grown soybeans and colored with natural mineral powders. They are sure to be a hit.

Color Me House is perfect for rainy day fun or to get those creative juices flowing! The Color Me House ($40) and Color Me Rocket ($50) entertain kids for hours and can easily be put together in five minutes, and we aren’t that handy! Your artist will love painting, coloring and decorating and will never grow tired of the fun. It can be easily put away and put back together for years of fun!

Disclaimer: All items mentioned were tried and tested by Cupcake Mag. We do not get paid to review this product, just like all the products we feature. This is just our opinion, review and recommendation on the products mentioned.

FOR THE ECO-CHIC FASHIONISTA

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Because Green is Good

With the holidays just around the corner we have been gearing up for our holiday gift guide (soon to come!) but we just couldn't wait to share this Etsy Designer we came across last week.

Cupcake Mag is a big fan of designers making unique things for us to drool over, especially handmade. Luckily, we found the perfect designer making her own little eco-chic masterpieces. Someone who "plunders" thrify stores and granny's closet really makes scraps into something special. Why we love it? It is seriously eco-friendly and makes a great gift for anyone living fabulously green.

Let’s take a size 8 dominatrix stiletto that has been upcycled into a new life (remove the top of the shoe, sand it, drill holes for drainage) and plant it with something sharp and you’ve got your very own little cacti family looking eco-chic in a stiletto planter ($50). Just remember to add a little water and give it a little light. As the designer says, “It’ll repay you with a stark reminder of how hard it is to … well, to be a woman.”

So what exactly is the designer Rachel's story? We couldn't wait to find out what made her create one-of-a-kind items out of things you might consider disposable.

“Now about me and how these stilettos got started....ahem! I have a friend who is an exotic dancer. She was throwing away a beautiful but beat up pair of clear stiletto boots. I took them home- not sure why. I decided to plant them with sharp cacti plants to show how lovely and painful it can be to be woman. The concept is about hard-working women, the sometimes artificial nature of American feminity, and also about the impossible images that women face in our society. It's a prickly, spiky, sticky situation.”

And we couldn’t agree more. Rachel quotes Faith Whittlesey and reminds us that "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels."

Make sure to stop by the ETSY STORE giddyspinster (dreamy things) to see the many different exotic planters (from cacti to aloe in various price ranges) and make sure to pick one up for the fashinista (or yourself) in your life.

Hottest Makeup Trends for the Hottest Price with Prestige Cosmetics!

Prestige Cosmetics has JUST announced today that they are ready to show off four brand new products launching in February 2010. We couldn't wait a moment longer to share the great news! We just crave Prestige Cosmetics. Who couldn't with these prices?

After reviewing a sprinkling of their products over the last few months they quickly became a brand that we will NEVER (we repeat NEVER) leave our make-up bag. Here are the items you MUST run (yes run, not walk) to get as soon as they hit your local drugstores - -- CVS, Rite-Aid and Duane Read to name a few.

MY BLACKEST LASHES (SRP* $6.50)

You will get the most dramatic, blackest lashes ever with instant volume. TRUE BLACK pigment dramatically colors each lash unlike other mascaras. We promise you will have no clumps, no globs, no flaking and no smudging.

• True carbon black mascara that gives length and dramatic color with just one stroke.
• Doesn’t clump, flake, or smudge.
• The soft brush is the perfect tool to pump up the volume in your lashes.

MY LONGEST LASHES(SRP $7.50)

Do you want LONG, THICK, LUSTROUS lashes? What girl doesn't? With My Longest Lashes powered ingredients are clinically proven to strengthen hair for a thicker, fuller, and longer appearance!

• Prestige’s Maxi Length Complex ingredients significantly increase hair growth potential.
• Strengthens and thickens lashes while maintaining length and fullness.
• Improves structure of the hair follicle so lashes are less likely to fall out, and nourishes and smoothes to give you healthier looking lashes.

COLOR TREAT ANTi-AGING LIPSTICK (SRP $6.50)

Regain your youthful Looking Lips with Lip Boost complex & anti-aging technology that hydrates, re-shapes & revitalizes lips, making them softer, fuller and healthier looking, even after the color is removed. We must say - all Prestige Lipsticks are all day strong and you won't have to worry about re-applying five times a day!

• Instantly re-shapes and re-defines the contours of the lips for a younger looking pout
• Increases lip volume and fullness, and helps prevent premature lines and wrinkles in the lip area with continued use.
• Ten great fresh fun everyday colors

SKIN LOVING MINERALS LASTING MOISTURE LIP GLOSS (SRP $7.25)

You will want all six of the FAB colors. We just can't get enough!

• This ultra-gentle, non-sticky mineral gloss provides sheer color and hours of lip loving moisture for even the driest lips.
• Vitamins and natural emollients ensure that lips stay silky and soft even after the color is removed!
• Prestige’s P10 Complex provides healthy looking, radiant color and shine.

*Suggested Retail Price

Come February, if you can't seem to find the shade or product you are looking for at your local drugstore, feel free to call Prestige Cosmetics and place your order over the phone as their website is getting a full body makeover! Don’t forget to follow Prestige Cosmetics on Twitter!

Stay tuned for more info on Prestige Cosmetics from Cupcake Mag’s Must Have Beauty List!

The Leslie Greene Collection

All About Leslie

Over the past 18 years, fine jewelry design Leslie Greene has continued to satisfy every woman’s desire for fine jewelry that flaunts chic style, luxurious quality and a timeless classic appeal. Her talent for combining treasured classic with modern trends has truly brought her to the forefront of the world of jewelry design.

In addition to her Couture collection of fine jewelry that flaunts the opulence of 18k gold,diamonds and gemstones, Leslie Greene has now introduced Sterling, a collection that includes sterling silver, as well as sterling silver with gold accents, both embellished with the luxury of diamonds. Leslie’s philosophy is that jewelry should make a signature personal statement and she aspires to create pieces that become a reflection of who a woman is, not what she wears.

A graduate of Manhattan’s prestigious FIT, Leslie has been the recipient of many honors throughout her career. Awards include the 2006 Retail Choice JQ Designer of the Year, 2004 JA Golden Apple Award, Town & Country’s Diamond Designer’s Excellence Award and the Women’s Jewelers Association Award for Excellence in Design.

SPOTTED: Cheryl Hines, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Brittany Snow, Debra Messing, Reese Witherspoon, Brittany Murphy, Teri Hatcher and Madeline Zima (plus some) have been seen wearing Leslie Greene from the city streets to the Emmy's.

For more info and detail on each piece from Leslie Greene please visit her website.

Trend Spotted -- Wrap Up This Season in a Cocoon!

Photo obtained from PopSugar of Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo of Stephanie March by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow (with Apple & Moses) is the first to be spotted in the Fall 2009 trend; the cocoon sweater. We saw it on the fall runways and a similar style on the recent six season of Project Runway.

OBAKKI featured this Cocoon Sweater in Cement in the Fall 2009 Collection and it is must have warbdrobe piece for the season. Available at Scoop Nationwide. Retail $782. It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

If your more of an accessory gal type who splurges on the best you should opt for the LELYA water snake RED clutch - beyond perfect for the holiday season!

Just a few nights ago, Stephanie March carried the clutch ($435) at the 2009 GLAMOUR Woman of the Year Awards. Ever since well - we can't take our mind off the beauty. You can find it at Verve in New York or by calling 212.691.6516 or visit www.leyla.com

Oh So Pretty -- Alicia Shulman Jewels -- WE DIE!

Alicia Shulman: The Beauty behind the Brains

In case you missed our Q & A with the brilliant Jewelry designer, Alicia Shulman - you missed out & should go read it now. Obsessed would be an understatement. We are SO excited about the new things she shared with us and couldn't wait to spread the news on the to DIE for jewels just in time for holiday shopping.

Somerset Cuff in Brown & Green ($275)

The beautiful leather cuff with shell comes in two sizes for snap closure. Quantities are limited so you may want to inquire soon. Stay tuned for the white patent and embossed purple leather that sounds springtime chic.

Cupcake Mag OBSESSION: Grace Bay Cuff in Brown, Black & Green ($350)

Brace yourself. Take a deep breath and take in the beauty. This is a must have cuff for every fashionista and EVERY season! We just can’t get enough of the leather cuff with pave crystal buckle. We just LOVE!

Sneak Peek: Headbands

We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the vibrant, fun & oh so chic headbands. With ten great fabric options that you can wear season after season - it is hard to just choose one. Stay tuned next week for a Cupcake Mag exclusive look at the MUST HAVE headbands!

SPOTTED on STARS: Perrey Reeves (Entourage) has been wearing the Capri Swirl Pendant all over LA. Joss stone was spotted performing on Regis & Kelly wearing the Peace Sign Pendant . During Fashion Week, Laila Ali wore the black grace bay cuff and Teyana Taylor was in the Starfish Earrings &Double Happiness necklace. Kelly Rowland wore the St.Tropez Pendant at the Cove/Bahamas during Ms.Universe Weekend. Lee Ann Womack's Capri Swirl Cuff looked just FAB on Good Morning America.

Fall in Love with momAgenda -- (plus win one!)

No need to use your blackberries as your calendar; we found a chic functional replacement. After we received the momAgenda Desktop Planner (in Rose Pink Faux Crocodile) we immediately became quite obsessed. It is not just a planner; it is a MUST HAVE accessory.

Reasons we CRAVE the planners:

• Week-at-a-view: The unique format is perfect for moms with littles one running around. The planner features a space for you and up to four children. We love that it features monthly views too.
• momEssentials: The pamphlet, which is placed in the back on the planner can easily be removed and reused from year to year. No re-writing your contacts each year.
• The Style: The new crocodile covers, in FAB new colors; Rose Pink and Spring Green are stylish, elegant, and chic. The perfect little accessory for your busy life.
• Size: Not to big, not to small, just perfect! The 7x9x1 planner is perfect to grab on the go and fits nicely in all bags.

We LOVE the momAgenda Faux Crocodile Desktop ($44) but the momAgenda stain-resistant Desktop planner ($42) is just as stylish. It comes in six vibrant colors with all the FAB features momAgenda is famously known for; the party planning pages, lots of space for jotting notes, favorite website sections, notes for FASHION, books, vacation, movies and more. Don’t forget – personalization is available to make it even more YOU!

Not a momma yet? You can still be an organized fashionista with myAgenda($40) for everyone.

Spotted: Rachel Zoe recently raved about the new faux croc covers - “I love the crocodile momAgenda. I am going to give it to all of my clients who are moms!” Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman "Loves" her momAgenda and Brad Paisley’s wife, Kimberely Williams Paisley couldn’t be happier with the products and calls them “Genuis!” We totally agree!

*momAgenda GIVEAWAY*

ONE lucky Cupcake Mag reader will have the chance to win your very own 2009-2010 momAgenda Desktop in Fuschia. Leave a comment here and tell us one reason WHY you need the momAgenda desktop planner. Make sure you are a follower of Cupcake Mag! One entry per person, per day! One winner will be chosen randomly on Friday November 13^th at 6pm (EST). Retail Value $42. Good luck!

Can’t wait to win and feel the need for one right now? Head over to momAgenda now for the Fall Annual Sale where Mini-Dailies are 40% off and Desktops are 25%! While you are there don’t forget to sign up for new alerts, new products updates and an exclusive 10% subscriber discount.

Fashion, Health & Men. Yes, MEN! The Stache is Back!

Usually at Cupcake Mag we focus on us ladies but since we love the men in our lives we decided to share something we felt was important in fashion, men and health.

The Stache is Back: Mo Bros it's time to grow it back. Movember has kicked off and is asking men to put the razor down and grow those moustaches any way you deem fit to raise awareness for men's health issues, prostate and testicular cancer. From the silver screen hero's, to the East Village hipsters the moustache has been the men's style choice, raising mystery, chuckles and glances from afar and the now everyone from the All American Rejects to your own boss are growing out their own facial hair for the good of our health. For men who prefer the clean shaven look or girls who want to support their guys, Demistache, a collection of unisex sculptural necklaces featuring the iconic "stache" motif, can be purchased with proceeds going to Movember. So we beg you to grow it, trim it, shape it or wear it for the men's cause this month.

Demistache, the collection of moustache-inspired jewelry designed by Rachael White, announces it will support Movember, a global campaign that encourages men to grow moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancers. Demistache will sponsor Movember by donating $8.00 from the sale of any Urban Demistache purchased from November 1, 2009 – January 1, 2010 at www.demitassejewelry.com.

“Demistache is more than a fashion statement, it is an emblem of strength and we are proud that we can utilize our moustache designs to help Movember raise much-needed awareness and funds for the cancers that affect men,” says Rachael White. “Demistache designs are a way for both men and women to help show their support of this campaign.”

The Urban Demistache features a chic moustache crafted from base metal in rose, brass, gunmetal and silver color ways. The designs are hung from a ball chain or black, pearl, smoky quartz or garnet rosary beads. The Urban Demistache also flaunts versions that are blinged out with topaz, crystals, amethysts or jet pave crystals. Retail prices range from $38.00 to $98.00.

Various pave diamond Demistache necklaces will be auctioned off at the Movember launch event on Friday, October 16th in New York. Not only will this event kick off the 2009 Movember campaign, but will also feature a moustache-inspired art exhibition as well as a silent auction.

End Note:

Proceeds go to Movember and the organizations it supports – LIVESTRONG and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.For more information on Demistache, please visit www.demitassejewelry.com. For more information on Movember, please visit www.Movemeber.com

Eco-Chic Trend Alert - Saving the Planet is Uber-Chic, didn’t you get the memo?

As we all know PLASTIC IS SO LAST SEASON and we LOVE anything eco-chic. Luckily, we just came across some cheeky, stylish, and environmentally hip tote bags made of 100% organic cotton. We just DIE over sayings such as “My other Bags are Prada” and “Louis Who?”

We just couldn’t wait to share the uber cute totes that are NOW available in the United States via Australia. The line offers a chic and funky alternative to the usually boring supermarket green bag or canvas tote. Snatch one up quickly as they are sure to be THE NEXT BIG THING!

Don't forget when shopping to use discount code CUPCAKE to receive 15% off your order. Pair them with the eco-chic RuMe baggies & pockets - they are a perfect fit for the tree hugging fashionista! Can't beat the prices either - from $4-$27!

The full range of fun styles can be viewed on the Bagladies website!