Introducing Maven Spotlight

Dear MLLN Fans/Readers,

Many Thanks for welcoming my words, my story and ultimately my voice into your lives. It is an honor to share these humble beginnings with you. I have lofty goals for this space; and quite frankly without you, it would be nearly impossible to achieve. Thank you for allowing me to build my dream.

I appreciate ALL of you. Truly.

Thank you for choosing to read my words whether it’s me sharing my journey into parenthood, stumbling through the kitchen with recipes, crafting up a storm with DIYs or introducing you to my lovely finds through giveaways, reviews and gift guides. If not for you, those carefully planned words would fall into the void of cyberspace unheard.

One of my biggest goals for MLLN blog is to create a space that encourages conversation, provides knowledge and inspires action. Just like I strive to engage you, the companies I have the privilege of working with also look for that connection. Often, what most of us see is the product; but what about the face behind the brand? Where did the inspiration come from?

I figured if I had these questions, you may too. In hopes of bridging the gap between brand and consumer, I am creating a new section called Maven Spotlight. Here, I will introduce you to the genius behind the creation. Who knows? Maybe their stories will inspire you. J

What company/brand would you most like to see featured in MLLN’s Maven Spotlight? Share in the comments below.

Happy Reading!!

Surprise, 2013 Holiday Stocking Stuffer MAM Giveaway!!

I featured HolidayPacifiers (6+ months) by MAM in my 2013 Stocking Stuffer Guide, and now here’s your chance to win a $25 gift package of MAM items including the holiday pacifiers!! J

First, let’s talk About MAM:

A global leader in baby care, MAM offers real solutions for parent with an award-winning range of smart and simple products. The MAM collection includes pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers and oral care items. For more information about MAM products, please visit www.mambaby.com.

Stylish Pacifiers Recommended by Dentists

Photo courtesy of MAM

No need to worry about the safety when using MAM pacifiers for baby. Created by leading pediatric dentists and developmental psychologist, MAM pacifiers provide maximum comfort and style for babies of all ages and stages.

All MAM pacifiers feature an anatomically-correct nipple design that allows little ones to safely satisfy their sucking reflex while maintaining proper jaw and tooth alignment. They also feature an easy-to-grasp front knob and a curved shield for a comfortable fit. The generous air holes along with MAM’s patented interior surface provide air flow and a gentle fit on baby’s skin.

Available in an assortment of colors and design motifs, and come in two nipple options: 1) patented anti-slip Silk Teat™ Silicone or 2) Natural Latex.  Like all MAM products, the brand’s pacifiers are BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-Compliant.

 MAM 6+ Months Holiday Pacifiers

Photo courtesy of MAM

MAM offers an array of fun winter themed designs in assorted colors. Includes 2 BPA-free pacifiers AND a reusable storage case that can be used to sterilize these ADORABLE pacifiers. (Recommended retail: $7.49)

MAM December Happenings

• MAM Holiday Cash Contest on www.shopmambaby.com and be automatically entered to win a $25.00 gift card with each order placed between now and 12/31. 

And now for the GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can’t get enough of MAM? Check out these fun videos!!

MAM | Can a wedding ring really tell you the sex of a baby?

MAM | Can a stork really deliver a baby?

Good Luck to All!! J

A Week Before Christmas- 2013 Stocking Stuffers Inspiration Guide (First Edition)

While ol’ St. Nick may have crossed off the BIG “under-the-tree” presents from our lists, what wonders and delights await our neatly hung stockings?

Since Christmas is exactly one week away, My Little Love Note has rounded up a few last-minute gifts to alleviate potential holiday stress. These picks will surely wonder and delight baby, tot and parents alike. And you’ll never guess the best part?! These stocking stuffers are ALL under $25!! 

Holiday Pacifiers (6+ months) by MAM

How cute are these?! MAM offers an array of fun winter themed designs in assorted colors. You get 2 BPA-free pacifiers AND a storage case that can be used to sterilize these ADORABLE pacifiers. (Retails for $7.49)

Busy Bellies by Baby Einstein

You are looking at an angel in disguise… NO joke!! Baby Einstein’s Busy  Bellies is the only toy that would soothe my Monkey Bear as a newborn. All you do is pull the textured hanging shape and the character jiggles and shakes their clear rattle bellies. Includes a link for easy attachment to car seats or strollers for on-the-go FUN!! Character Options: cow, duck or frog. (Retails for $7.99)

Stack-and-Play by Chewbeads

When I found out Chewbeads created a Stack-and-Play toy for baby, I almost fainted!! Made out of 100% silicone, this soft and flexible toy is safe for baby to sort, stack AND chew. This toy is a great way to introduce counting and colors. It also helps babies with their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. (Retails for $25.00)

Bathtub Crayons by Crayola

Inspire your little one’s imagination with these soft and colorful Crayola Bathtub crayons. Easy for little hands to manage plus the crayon washes off with a sponge and hot water. Perfect for bath-time fun without the mess!! (Retails for $5.99)

Dapper Snappers by Dapper Snappers

Keep those pants on your little one’s bums with Dapper Snappers. This mom-invented product is truly GENIUS!! It adjusts in the back 3 belt loops of your child’s pants and snaps over the outer 2 loops this cinches their pants to fit their waist. Come in a range of colors and patterns for boys and girls. (Retails for $10.95)

Doodle Pro Travel Size by Fisher-Price

The Doodle Pro Travel Size is the perfect size for mess-free, on-the-go drawing FUN!! The screen-saver pen is attached so it won’t get lost, and the easy-slide eraser clears the screen like magic. (Retails for $10.99)

Naughty + Nice Mug by Ashley Brooke Designs

This ABD double-sided mug is an absolutely FIERCE way to celebrate both your nice and naughty sides!! One side says “I’ve been good all year… #nicelist” while the other side says “well, for the most part. #naughtylist” (Retails for $23.00 on sale for $18.00)

Lemongrass Essential Oil by doTerra

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in nature. Not only are they beautifully fragrant, they also have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. doTerra’s Lemongrass Essential Oil in particular has a subtle lemon aroma and flavor. It has been found to support healthy digestion as well as soothe aching muscles. Soothe my aching muscles? Yes, please!! (Retails for $13.33)

Holiday Toe Socks by Walmart

Confession time: I’m obsessed with toe socks!! I LOVE how you can keep each individual toesie nice and warm. Plus these holiday toe socks from Walmart are totally inexpensive and cute to boot!! Designs vary per store. (Retails for $5.97 for a set of 2)

What are your stocking stuffers inspiration? Share away in the comments below!! :)

Happy Stuffing!!

My Little Love Note's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide (First Edition)

'Tis the season to SHOP!! With the holiday season upon us, why not make it easier to gift to the ones we love?! Santa may be the jolly expert, but My Little Love Note curated a list of FAVORITE gifts just for YOU!!

Without further ado, I present my very first Holiday Gift Guide:

Oh, and a little birdie told me that a few of my FANS could WIN products featured on my 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. Which ones will be up for grabs in MLLN's greatest giveaway yet?! It's a surprise!! Keep on following me and stay tuned for ALL will be revealed in January!! J

Nursing Scarf by NuRoo

This NuRoo Nursing Scarf adds fashion, function and customization to breastfeeding. It snap-transforms for tailored coverage AND accessorizes mom's outfit when not in use. Watch the demo video for ideas on how to wear it... the options are limitless!!

Lilly Pulitzer Agenda found at Dwellings

Keep colorfully organized with the Lilly Pulitzer 2014 Large Agenda. It's the perfect place for your daily work, personal plans or academic responsibilities. It features 17-months from 2013-2014, color tabs, weekly and monthly views, dates to remember and more. A definite must-have!!

Charlie Bag by Timi & Leslie

Timi & Leslie's Charlie Bag (in particular Teal) is absolutely gorgeous!! It's made from faux leather (PVC free) and features custom hardware in an antique brass finish. It also comes with extra bonus accessories to keep Mommy stylin' and organized.

Every-Day Wristlet by Thirty-One

Out for a quick errand? The Every-Day Wristlet houses your essentials. You can keep your smart phone, credit cards and even lip gloss on hand at a moment's notice.

Mermaid's Treasure Personalized Necklace by Three Sisters

A moment of silence please for this handcrafted necklace. Zoe's design is exceptionally elegant. Best part? You can personalize it with your own details.

Miami's Ultimate Baby Affair by Tutti Bambini

Tori Spelling, Jamie Grayson and Bill Rancic... need I say more?! Miami's Ultimate Baby Affair is an upscale event ready to "showcase a unique collection of national luxury brands and local trend-setting vendors" to attendees embarking on their journey into parenthood (no matter what stage).

Blue Diamond Stainless Steel Ring by Blue Steel

Indulge the man in your life with a design from Blue Steel. Sleek and sophisticated, this Blue Diamond Stainless Steel Ring is made from highly polished silver and blue stainless steel.

The Daddy Diaper Pack Camo Edition by Daddy Scrubs

A manly way to keep him organized. The Daddy Diaper Pack is the ultimate go-to diaper bag for men. It's perfect for any and all occasions. Plus he won't have an excuse to avoid carrying the baby bag. ;)

Fragrance Sampler Set by Sephora

Give him the choice of fragrance. With this set, he gets 14 samples of the most sought-after men's fragrances plus a travel bag. When he finds his favorite, he can take the included scent certificate to any Sephora store and redeem it for a full-size bottle at no extra cost.

Starbucks Gift Card by Starbucks

Who could resist Starbucks? Whether you're a coffee or tea lover, Starbucks is the perfect delicious pick-me-up.

Blooming Baby Bath by Blooming Bath

No more struggling with newborn baby baths that don't actually work. Instead you can use a cuddly and convenient way to bathe your baby. It's sure to fit any sink. It also grows with baby and is great for travel!!

Christmas Snowflake Faux Fur Legwarmers by BuddyDoosShopaRoo

Most baby legwarmers only fit 0-12 months, but these actually fit a toddler too!! You can protect baby/toddler's knees and keep their legs warm. Not to mention they're adorably cute!!

Laugh & Learn Apptivity Creation Center by Fisher-Price

Give the gift of learning to the little ones and protect your iPad all in one sweep. Fisher-Price continues to make FABULOUS learning toys for smart devices. This sturdy case includes a set of four smart geometric shapes (circle, square, triangle and star) designed to interact with two of Fisher-Price's learning apps. It also includes a colorful panel that allows the little one to have traditional playtime without the technology. Bring the learning on!!

New Friend Bundle by gDiapers

Curious about cloth diapering? With gDiapers, you can choose cloth or disposable inserts. It's super simple and reduces your footprint. Whether you already LOVE them or want to try them, you can use code "new6805Garcia" to save 40% off the New Friend Bundle, which includes 3 gPants and 2 packages of disposable inserts for $49.99 (regularly $86.45)!!

Girasol Wrap found at Peapod Essentials

Girasol wraps allow you to wear baby from birth well into the toddler years. The wrapping options are endless. It just takes a little learning. These beautiful wraps are handwoven in Guatemala and are 100% cotton. One of my favorite colorways is Gleam of Sun, which features an Earthy rainbow with a cherry yellow undertone (weft). 

{Girasol wraps can be found at The Gathering Place's Peapod Essentials, a South Florida shop dedicated to providing the community with eco-friendly resources as well as helping women through Motherhood and beyond.}

Tricycoo by Joovy

The Joovy Tricycoo is a tricycle made for little ones as young as 18 months!! It's the perfect way to introduce them to balance and coordination, one step at a time. It has two phases. Phase 1 allows parent to steer while toddler gets used to the idea of balancing and holding on to handlebars. In Phase 2, the parent push handle and baby surround arms can be removed while the footrest folds up. Either way, your toddler is in for an adventure!!

Baby Weight & Pre/Post-Natal Exercise Subscription by Baby Weight TV

Baby Weight (book) teaches expectant and new mothers how to incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise into their busy lifestyles. The book features CoreMama cardiovascular training activities, which focus on the muscles weakened during pregnancy and childbirth. Baby Weight TV (online) features over 70 videos (of all degrees) to help you become a fit mama from the comfort of your home.

Revolution SE Duallie by BOB

The BOB Revolution SE Duallie is the go-to stroller for everyday activities AND not-so-everyday adventures. The swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability, and locks forward for increased stability on rough terrain or when jogging. With the Duallie, the Mom/Dad of two can take both kiddos on any sport experience. What adventures will the BOB Revolution take your family on?

Forerunner 10 by Garmin
No matter what your running experience, the Forerunner 10 is the perfect tool to track your distance, speed/pace and calories. It also identifies your personal records and provides motivation along the way. It's like having your own spirit squad on your wrist!!

Kiki Toddler Bottle (11 oz) by Pura
A safe and environmentally conscious choice for your little ones. The Kiki toddler bottle is 100% plastic free, which eliminates the leeching of harmful by-products. It's also compatible with a wide range of nipples and spouts so it has the ability to grow with your little one from birth well into the toddler years.

The Let's Get Started Package by Sage Spoonfuls
With Sage Spoonfuls, making and storing your own fresh and natural baby food is a breeze. This 19 piece set includes everything you need to begin your homemade food journey. The immersion blender and food processor allow you to puree baby food in just seconds, and storing it is super easy with the included storage system. Don't have many recipes? Never fear, Sage Spoonfuls also includes a recipe book by Liza Huber (owner and creator of Sage Spoonfuls) in this set. 

Garden Pack Snack Cube by Wean Green

Made of tempered glass, Wean Green's Snack Cubes are the perfect size for every family member. Yes, that means Mom, Baby and even Fido. The colorful lids are designed with a leak-proof silicone seal, which are removable to ensure no bacteria build up. 100% child friendly, family friendly and environment friendly!!

Daydream Blanket by Aden + Anais

Aden + Anais is best known for their classic swaddles made from 100% cotton muslin for babies. Enter the  Daydream Blanket, this ones for adults. Four layers of muslin and its generous size (60" x 72") equal the ultimate in quality, breathability and versatility. And just like the classic swaddles, the muslin gets softer with each wash!!

Wonder Bumpers by Go Mama Go Designs
Get your decorating on with Wonder Bumpers!! These innovative bumpers provide safety, serenity and a splash of color to your baby's sleep environment. The sleek vertical design effortlessly zips onto the crib in a downward motion ensuring babies don't have access to pull. Made to fit ANY crib. Truly genius!!

Custom Family Rules Wall Art by My Little Love Note
An inspirational print is the perfect way to add a personal touch to any room in your home. The print is digitally designed by My Little Love Note and printed on acid-free and lignin-free premium cardstock. All elements are customizable. 

Buddies by Scentsy
With these stuff animals, you can add yummy scents to your home discreetly. Just insert a Scent Pak of your choice and bring your Scentsy Buddy to life. You can always change the scents you use by removing the Scent Pak and replacing it with another favorite.

First Year Baby Memory Book by Two Giggles
The First Year Baby Memory Book guides you through the most important milestones of your journey into parenthood from pregnancy up to baby's 1st birthday. These unique baby books are not only super ADORABLE, but are handmade from recycled materials. Each book is customized with your child's name. Want to add more pages to your baby's story? Easy peasy. Two Giggles designs pages until 5 years!!

Happy Shopping!!