A little sparkle with
spoonful of care goes a long way especially when you’re talking gifts. When it
comes to gift giving (and receiving), I absolutely LOVE going the thoughtful
route. From the gift itself, all the way down to the package. The best part? You
don’t always have to break the bank.
Some supplies "to add a spoonful of care to a little sparkle."
With Mother’s Day a
little over a week away, what's a daughter (or a son) to do? Personally, I
recommend Pictures on Gold for your gifting needs. Heck, you should head on
over to the PON site even if you already have a gift for your Mom. They have a
wide selection of personalized jewelry tailored for anyone special (yourself included) and their customer service team is
top-notch.
When
Pictures on Gold contacted me to featured their personalized
sterling silver heart locket, I jumped at the chance. Although a locket is a
traditional gift option, the ability to customize it with color laser engraving
took it to another level for me. Gone are the days of cutting teeny
tiny pictures for your locket only to have them ruined by sweat, time, rain or the shower.
My Mommy & Asher at Vero Beach for Easter weekend.
My Mommy is my
ultimate support system. Without her, I would be lost. She supports me in all
my successes and failures. She taught me to be the mother I am, and pushes me
to better even still. I love how her locket turned out. It’s absolutely
GORGEOUS, and she deserves ever bit of its shiny glory.
Here’s a sneak peek
at my Mother’s Day locket for my Mommy. (I hope she doesn't read this post before next Sunday.) In case she does: Happy Happy (early) Mother's Day Mommy from Liam, Asher + Me.
A Mother's Day surprise from my Mommy from us three.
The steps to Build Your Own Locket are a breeze and took no more than 10 minutes. Unless you’re incredibly
indecisive, but I knew exactly what I wanted so it didn't take me long. Pictures on Gold also offers lightning fast shipping. I’m talking Jimmy John speed. I received
my Mommy’s locket 2 days after I ordered it via UPS.
Below is a step-by-step run down of how I created my Mommy's personalized locket.
You select the
metal preference and front engraving option. I went with sterling silver and
selected a Mother’s Day clipart from the library of images on the site. I picked
Mother’s Day clipart number 6.
You select the
inside left engraving options and picture insertion option. You can engrave
anything from text to a monogram to a picture. I choose to laser color engrave
a picture of Liam and me.
You repeat
Step 2 for the right side of the locket. Again, I choose the laser color photo
engraving option, and I uploaded a picture of Asher.
You select the reverse side engraving option. For this, I choose to monogram a ‘G’ in script
for our family’s surname.
You select a
chain. Or you can go sans chain. I choose the 18” sterling silver standard box
chain with lobster clasp.
You have the
option of submitting additional comments. If not you can preview your creation. Once you're satisfied, you simply add to cart
and submit.
Viola, one of the BEST
gifts I get to give my Mommy for Mother’s Day!!
My Mommy's Mother's Day present all wrapped up.
Enter below for you chance to WIN one of your very own. Keep it or gift it. Your choice.
a Rafflecopter giveaway Please Note: PicturesonGold.com
will receive the emails of entrants at the end of the giveaway, no spam will be
received. Want
to BUY it?! Use promo code MOM2014
to save 10% on all purchases made until May 9th and receive free shipping on orders over $75.
A little reminder: Please make sure you actually DO the entries. MLLN double-checks. If you don’t do the actual entry, it does NOT count. You won’t WIN, and we’ll both be sad.
Did you catch my first Maven Spotlight with Dr. Jane Scott? If you did then you've at least heard of Tortle.
If not, you should head over to read it NOW. It’s cool, I’ll wait… ;)
Jokes aside, the Tortle is more
than a unique hat. Dr. Jane Scott, board certified pediatrician
and neonatologist, created Tortle to help prevent and treat early stages of plagiocephaly
(flat head syndrome) and torticollis (unbalanced neck muscles). This
lightweight beanie is an FDA approved patented Class 1 medical tool that
promotes proper head and neck movement essential for development.
At first, it does look funny. The
support roll at the back of the beanie helps reposition baby’s head
without limiting movement. For some reason, it reminds me of a dolphin. In any case, when you consider
the chance of your babies developing these conditions investing in the Tortle
is a no brainer.
I could easily give you statistics, but I would much rather stroll down memory lane with you. Two years ago, I became a first-time mother. I worried about many things. I
did not know I had to worry about flat spots or neck muscles. Problem is, I
would soon find out.
Flat spot created by resting in car seats for too long.
One day, I noticed my first-born had
a bit of a bald spot. When
I discovered his newfound baldness also marked a slight flatness, I worried. Justifiably
alarmed, I asked our pediatrician, “What gives? Why is there a bald, flat spot on
my baby’s head?”
Apparently, the flat spot had
developed from Monkey Bear lying in the same position for far too long. Wait, what?
Liam never spent too much time in a bouncer, swing or stroller. Nor unattended.
But what about the crib and the car seat? When we went on adventures, I kept Liam
in his car seat. No one told me that car seats are ideally intended only for
the car while a baby carrier should be used for wearing the baby.
Soon after, I made some changes.
At 4 months, I started wearing Liam in a soft-structured carrier. I also
increased his tummy time. With the two combined, we avoided extreme damage. We
were lucky. Other children require a helmet to treat positional plagiocephaly
while special physical therapy becomes necessary to correct torticollis.
Babywearing is beneficial, but even the best of babywearers can still encounter this problem. Your
baby will undoubtedly spend time in a car seat. Your baby will also sleep on
their backs. "Every baby is at risk of developing
flat head syndrome," said Dr. Jane Scott. "And yet, it’s completely
preventable."
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
recommends regular head repositioning for babies younger than six months. But have
you ever tried to reposition a baby’s head? I have, and baby always wins. I've
never experience such tenacity.
With baby
no. 2 on the way, I needed the Tortle in my life. Thanks to Tortle, Little Seahorse’s
head is beautifully round. Remember that support roll I mentioned? When you slide the beanie on your baby’s head,
you position the soft roll behind the ear. I recommend repositioning every 2-3 hours so
that your baby does not begin to favor one side.
There's a learning curve when putting on the Tortle. I’ll let you in on my secret.
I start from the back of Asher's head with the support roll already positioned behind
his ear, then I just simply pull the cap forward. After it’s on, I make minor
adjustments. First, I ensure a snug fit with no excess fabric bunching at the
crown of his head. Second, I make sure the Tortle covers Asher’s ears. If the
cap comes too far over his eyes, I just fold the front over. Easy, right?
Need a visual tutorial? Watch the video below.
Asher loves wearing his Tortle. I
personally love the elephant design patterned on ours. I love the atypical, and
it adds just the right amount of whimsy to his every day look. The blue, green,
brown and white color palette complements almost every outfit, which is perfect
since this is the only beanie Little Seahorse dons.
Whenever I’m not wearing him or if he’s resting on his back, Asher wears his Tortle. The only exception
is when I’m not supervising him directly or at night when he sleeps. I do not
recommend using the Tortle unsupervised or for overnight use.
Little Seahorse and his Tortle
Overall, I believe in the Tortle and
the company’s mission “to end flat head syndrome across the world.” It’s all
about awareness and prevention. If I can protect Asher’s beautifully round
head, why wouldn't I? The alternative includes physical therapy and custom helmets
with a $5000 price tag.
For the first 6 months of life, all newborns
should wear a Tortle to encourage healthy development. The Tortle is available in three
different sizes up to 20 lbs in order to accommodate baby's rapid growth. It also comes in 3 solid colors and 2 cute prints, and has a recommended retail value of $19.99.
Tortle is a must-have accessory
for a new baby!! And guess what? My Little Love Note
has teamed up with Tortle to present YOU with a chance to WIN a Tortle of your
very own. Enter below to spread awareness and prevent this from happening to
your little ones.
A little reminder: Please make sure you actually DO the entries. MLLN double-checks. If you don’t do the actual entry, it does NOT count. You won’t WIN, and we’ll both be sad.
Calling ALL South Florida Expectant, New and Veteran Parents!!
The
first-of-its-kind upscale event, Miami's Ultimate Baby Affair, hosted by
Tutti-Bambini will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2014 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
at the Coral Gables Country Club.
The
goal of the event is to expose attendees embarking on their journey into parenthood
to services and products available in the juvenile industry in a unique and
exclusive way.
Not
only will this premier event "showcase a unique collection of national
luxury brands and local trend-setting vendors,” but a percentage of the
proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charity
of South Florida.
Ultimate Baby Affair Highlights:
A
Speakers’ Room with informational seminars presented special guests and experts.
Special
Guests include Tori Spelling, Bill Rancic and Jamie Grayson (The Baby Guy NYC).
A
stroller test track for guests to take strollers for a spin and compare stroller
performance.
Plus
a Gentlemen’s Lounge with a big screen TV for DADS to enjoy Sunday football, as
well as cigars, snacks and craft beers.
The
event is uniquely set-up into three areas in order to transport guests through
the “wonderful journey of parenthood."
Parents planning to conceive
Moms-to-Be
Parents
Want MORE details
about Miami’s Ultimate Baby Affair? Head on over to Tutti-Bambini.
Tickets available
include a Standard ($50), Premium ($100), Premium Couple Pass($140) and
Ultimate VIP Pass ($250). Buy one here. Special Message to attendees from Giuliana Rancic: *coming soon* One lucky MLLN reader will WIN a Premium Ticket to this exclusive event!! Enter below, this is one event you don't want to miss!! ;)
A little reminder: There are only TWO mandatory entries- a Facebook "like" AND a Twitter follow. Once you do those two entry methods, other "optional" entry methods will be unlocked. Please make sure you actually do the entries!! MLLN double-checks. If you don't do the actual entry, it does NOT count!! You won't WIN, and we'll both be sad.
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 visitwww.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 Conteston www.shopmambaby.com and be automatically entered to win a $25.00 gift card with each
order placed between now and 12/31.
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!!
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!! :)
'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
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!!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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. ;)
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.
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!!
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!!
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!!
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 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.}
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 (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.
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.
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!!
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!!
