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.

Flavor-of-the-Month. . . .Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

It's pumpkin season...better known as "the most wonderful time of the year." I ♥ pumpkin-y treats and can't wait to see what you all have come up with.

I decided to make something that's been on my "must make" list for a few years now...Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Actually, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Vanilla Bean-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling. Oh, yeah.

Guys...my house smelled SO incredibly delicious when these babies were baking. I almost called my neighbor to come over and smell my house, but I thought I might come off as a little wacky. Sooooo, I called my sister and described the smell to her over the phone (she already knows I'm wacky).

My point is, even if you don't care for pumpkin, make these and just SMELL!

How do they taste? Ummm...delicious. Have you ever eaten a yummy Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin? They are similar but 1,000 times better.

Here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
{adapted from Martha Stewart & Baked cookbook}

• 3 c all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cloves
• 2 c packed dark-brown sugar
• 1 c vegetable oil
• 3 c pumpkin puree, chilled
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.


In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves; set aside. {The measurements for the spices look like TOO MUCH ...they are correct.}


In another large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil until well combined. Add the chilled pumpkin puree and whisk until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until well combined.

Add the flour mixture over pumpkin mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.

Using a small ice cream scoop with a release mechanism (about 1/8 cup if you don't have one...mine doesn't have a release mechanism), drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. (I got approx. 40 "cookies" to make 20 total pies.)

Transfer to oven and bake until cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of each cookie comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely on pan.


Vanilla Bean Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling
{doesn't vanilla bean paste make everything better?}

• 3 c powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add the cream cheese and beat until well combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste and cinnamon; beat until smooth.


To assemble the whoopie pies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Transfer filling to a disposable pastry bag and fit with a large round tip or snip the end.

When the cookies have cooled completely, pipe a large dollop of filling on the flat side of half of the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing down slightly so that the filling spreads to the edge of the cookies. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate cookies at least 30 minutes before serving and up to 3 days.

One issue is that they must be refrigerated or they are way too messy to eat. After a day or two, the bottoms do get a little squishy. My friend, Paulie, suggested coating the pies in a glaze...like a Krispy Kreme donut. Any way to incorporate more sugar into a recipe sounds good to me. {Paulie is a very, very smart man!} If someone figures out how to do it, let me know! :)

Next month...Flavor-of-the-Month November theme will be.....

Traditions!

Share a recipe from your mom, dad, grandmother, mother-in-law or even a recipe that you'd like to start as a family tradition.

{As always, anyone is welcome to link to Flavor-of-the-Month; you don't have to ask. Click here to read through all of the previous posts for instructions.}

Ok, ready to link up? I'll keep the linky open through November 2nd, then close it to avoid spammers. Thanks for participating!!!

DIVADO: Get The 'DO Without The Damage

With the holiday season just around the corner we need to all start thinking about the many parties and events we have to look good for & what girl doesn't want to hit the streets with a little volume in her hair? We know we can't survive without or else it is a beyond bad hair day. So, what is a glamour-ista to do? The solution is the DivaDo.

DivaDo launched the extremely cost effective, do it yourself retro chic hair inserts - and no, they aren't anything like the bump-it infomercials filling the late night television. We were sent The Audrey in neutral and it was tried and tested many times. The first thing we noticed was how stable it is; you don't need to worry about fixing it a million times throughout the day. With its secure fit, sturdy construction and weather resiliency, DivaDo provides countless hours of beautiful hair. And for those eco-chic ladies it is manufactured and packaged in the USA, made of natural looking surgical-grade silicon and is BPA-free and hypo-allergenic which is always a plus.

The DivaDo offers an effortless and comfortable application and removal. It is perfect for your own red carpet moment because who does love to rock the "bump" style we have seen on all of our favorite stars. Featured in two styles, The Audrey creates a classic sophisticated hairdo while The Brigitte adds a little more va-va-voom to your look if you want to play up your alter ego rocker chic style.

“As a Southern woman, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings, galas, and cocktail events, and I’m painfully familiar with the time, effort, and money it takes to get the perfect glam do for those occasions. Not to mention the pain and stress it creates when undoing that perfect do! So, I created the DivaDo to help women everywhere have the perfect do without the damage,” said DivaDo Founder, Brandie Park.

The DivaDo Story

One New Year’s Eve a few years ago, DivaDo founder, Brandie Park, was in Chicago with several friends preparing to ring in the New Year. It was a typical winter night in Chicago with a mix of snow and rain coming down. One of her girlfriends had a really cute hairstyle with a front hair tease sprayed to perfection. Another friend wanted the same look, but when they started adding hairspray, gel, and a rat-tail comb to her formerly straight hair she protested that the end result was not worth the torture. It was then that Brandie decided every woman should be able to get that “diva” look without the salon price or the pain of teasing. Brandie’s come a long way from the original model she fashioned out of a bra insert, small comb, and some thread!

“It is my sincere desire that this product give women the look they want without taking the time of teasing and applying a dozen products.” “We are all busy women.” “The last thing we need to do is spend an extra half-hour styling our hair!” Founder, Brandie Park

SAVE WITH CUPCAKE

Both The Audrey and The Brigitte DivaDo are available in brown, black or natural. Products are priced affordably with recommended retail for The Audrey at $25 and The Brigitte at $30. DivaDo is available at fine, independent beauty boutiques nationwide as well as at www.divadohair.com. For more information visit www.divadohair.com or call toll free 1.888.8DIVADO.

You know we are all about spending money but we like to save too! DivaDo has offered CUPCAKE MAG readers an exclusive discount code. Use code cc20 and receive 20% off any order from www.divadohair.com. They make great gifts too!

GO WILD WITH KUSHIES ADORABLE ZEBRA BLANKET!

GO WILD THIS WEEKEND WITH FOUR DAY SALE ON KUSHIES ADORABLE ZEBRA BLANKET

After reviewing quite a few products (which we will be sharing with you soon) from a brand we weren't familiar with it became a favorite fast; KUSHIES!

As you know, in the past, we usually don't share many sales but this is just a MUST!

This weekend you can get the Kushies Zebra Blanket for a fraction of the price. Originally $21.99 for four days only the soft and luxurious blanket will only be $5.99 with coupon code ZEBRA. Grab them in every color while you can and if you don't have a little one around grab them as a gift. That is over 70% off!

Each blanket features an adorable Zebra appliqué and comes with a soft and cuddly Zebra plush toy. We promise it will soon become your little one's favorite. It won our hearts! They come in six fun vibrant colors. Get your ZEBRA Blanket NOW!

Cheap and easy DIY Halloween dog costume :: he-he-he

Maybe my hubby and I lack creativity... maybe it's time... or maybe finances... but just for fun, the quick instructions for making the easiest dog costume, ever. Your dog can be a BOX or a PACKAGE... har har har:

Step 1: Get a box

Step 2: Get an unwilling and cute dog

Step 3: Make a hole in the box

Step 4: It's a Box! Enjoy!

No husbands or animals were harmed during this cheesy Happy Halloween post!

Thank You Jessica - For the Blog Award

I received this cute award from Jessica.  But you know, there are ALWAYS strings with a blog award.  I have to answer a series of questions, and then post them here.  I also get to share this award with five other blog owners.

So here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? In my purse..

2. Your hair? Used to be another color…

3. Your mother? Sylvia is learning to use her cricut.

4. Your father? No longer living.

5. Your favorite food? Chicken picatta with capers!!!! Mmmmmm

6. Your dream last night? Had my hubby and kids in it.

7. Your favorite drink? Iced tea & good wine.

8. Your dream/goal? A month in France….

9. What room are you in? Scrap Room.

10. Your hobby? Scrapbooking .

11. Your fear? Failure.

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here!

13. Where were you last night? Having dinner with Doug.

14. Something that you aren't? Shrewish & mean.

15. Muffins? Vanilla Raspberry from New Moon!!

16. Wish list item? Scrap storage cabinets.

17. Where did you grow up? Southeast Michigan.

18. Last thing you did? Cleaned the kitchen.

19. What are you wearing? Sleep pants and a tee.

20. Your TV? Is off.

21. Your Pet? Duncan the sweet Pomeranian boy.

22. Friends? YES - Kathy, Peggy, Suzanne, Andrea, Pat, Beth, Sally (!), Ruth, Debbie, Toby, Mary, ….

23. Your life? Is really quite nice.

24. Your mood? Peaceful.

25. Missing Someone? Aaron, Bethany, & Ian.

27. Something your not wearing? Socks & shoes.

28. Your favorite store? Only one favorite – PLEAZZZE!

29. Your favorite color? Pink.

30. When was the last time you laughed? 1 hour ago.

31. Last time you cried? ?????? Can’t recall.

32. Your best friend? Oh no… not going to hurt feelings….

33. One place that I go to over and over? Hobby Lobby.

34. Facebook? Yep, but not as faithful as I could be.

35. Favorite place to eat? Paris???

And the five blogs with which I plan to share:
 
Melinda
 
Shirley
 
DeeDee
 
Tomianni

Joy

Friday Flowers

Apparently these beautiful peonies, which our florist delivered to the shop this morning, are the first for the season. They look so pretty with our colourful cushions and our new orange ottoman!! Hope you have a great weekend.

xo
Anna

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.

Happy Birthday Nicki and an adorable card from The Cutting Cafe'!!!!

Happy Friday everyone! Today is my oldest daughter's birthday! Happy Birthday Nicki! I love you so much and we're so proud of the beautiful woman you've turned out to be! Hope you have the best birthday ever!! I fell in love with this adorable image of Cinderella by Mo Manning when I first saw her on Pam's blog, and had to immediately purchase her! Nicki is such a hard little worker, and I just thought it would be too cute to make a birthday card for her with Cinderella! I even cased the sentiment from Pam too! Thanks Pam!! :) She's colored with my copic markers. The tag, scalloped circle set, and scalloped frame for the stamped image were all cut with the Cricut Expression using the Storybook cartridge and Tage, Bags, Boxes, and more cartridge. The inside says "may all your birthday dreams and wishes come true".

This next adorable card is a new mitten shaped card that is available at The Cutting Cafe'. I just think this is the cutest mitten card ever!! And it even comes with an envelope template that is the perfect size for the card! I used Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses which I got from Hallmark Scrapbook, and cut the card with my Pazzle Inspiration. The word circle is also from The Cutting Cafe' from a set called Christmas Circle Set 2. I just cut it out using circle Nestabilities. The snowflake on the inside was cut from the Winter Woodland cartridge.

That's it for today ladies! Hope you've enjoyed the cards and have a wonderful Friday! HUGS!!

Freebie digi image from Fresh Brewed Designs if you hurry!!!

My friend Heather, owner of Fresh Brewed Designs is giving away a freebie digi image if you hurry before she takes it down! It's an image of Mr Corn and I love it! Be sure you head over there and take advantage of her generosity, and please don't forget to leave her some love on her blog! Her digi images are adorable! Click HERE to get it!

Thanks and hugs!!!

Last-Minute Candy Corn Cookies

I got Boo'd, y'all!

Does your neighborhood play this game? It's kind of like Secret Santa. Someone leaves a Halloween happy on your porch, you leave one for someone else, and so on.

Well, I was so excited to get Boo'd for the very first time!!! Someone likes me! ;) Yay!



Now, what to do for my BOO? Immediately, I thought of these Chocolate Candy Corn Cookies from Everyday Food (October 2004).

They are really simple and if you have candy corns, you probably have all the other ingredients on hand, too. If you need a quick Halloween treat, these are perfect.

The cookies are addicting! I'm not a huge fan of candy corn (unless mixed with peanuts), but in these cookies, they just add a perfect amount of chewiness. I promise, eat one and you'll go back for another.

Chocolate Candy Corn Cookies
{adapted from Everyday Food}

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
• 1/2 c sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 c all-purpose flour
  
• 1/4 c dutch-process cocoa (or regular unsweetened cocoa)
  
• About 36 candy corns

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment.

Beat/stir the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon until combined. Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Add flour & cocoa, and mix until a dough forms.

Scoop out level teaspoons (a measuring teaspoon, not a cereal teaspoon) of dough, and place balls on baking sheets, 2 inches apart. (It looks like too little dough for each cookie, but it works.) Roll into balls.

Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are firm and cookies are dry to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes.

{While these are baking, start going through the bag of candy corn to find 36 good ones. You'll want to work quickly when they come out of the oven and it is very frustrating to keep grabbing broken candy corns. Trust me on this.}

Remove from oven; gently press a candy corn into center of each cookie (surface of cookies may crack slightly). The candy corns will stick once the cookies heat them up..they seem like they will fall off at first, don't worry.

Cool on sheets 1 minute; transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Make 32-36 cookies.



Tomorrow (the 31st) is Flavor-of-the-Month...Pumpkin!!!

Related posts:

• iced candy corn cookies
• 1-2-3-4 peanut butter cookies

Boo!

Ooh la la :: Real Bride Christie

I just received some stunning photos from Christie, who wore a Twigs & Honey birdcage veil and handmade silk flower for her wedding recently. I am in awe of her wedding dress. It is gorgeous!

What a beautiful bride, yes??? Thank you, Christie and congrats to the two of you!!!
Photo credits: New Vintage Photography