Double the Trouble Giveaway WINNERS!

Thank you all so much for participating in the giveaway! The winners are: Roo's Essentials// @kreationsbydesign  Bubandbugstudio// @Sarahofinstagram Tiny Souls// 

@Noellemckinley  Darling & Mint// @2princesscloset A blue Swallow// @e_e_walsh

Please email mamandmini@gmail.com within 24 hours to claim your items.

Thank you all so much! Happy Sunday! 

Guest Blogger: Love, Joleen // The best baby board books

Hello Mama + Mini readers! My name is Joleen. I am the wife and first time mama to my two Benjamin’s. I’m a Southern California transplant, living and loving it in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m the professional photographer behind Joleen Pete Photography and the mama/blogger behind the Lifestyle/Baby blog, Love, Joleen. I am so excited to be here today -- thanks for having me, Emily!

This month our son turns ONE! Because his birthday falls just one day before Thanksgiving [this year], we're throwing his party a few weeks early.. in just three days to be precise! Both my husband and myself love to read and we love books. In my previous life, I was a nanny for 8 years, and have always loved children's books too! We decided that Benjamin's party theme would be "Vintage Storybook" to help build his own library.

We've been reading to him since birth, but he is just entering an age where he enjoys reading his books (just as much as he enjoys eating them) and will bring them to us to read to him. These are our favorites:

First 100 Words // Trains Go (We also love Trucks Go) // The Alphabet Parade // Chicka Chicka Boom Boom // Goodnight Moon // Snuggle Puppy! // I Love You Through and Through

Website | Facebook | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Double the trouble GIVEAWAY

In honor of my birthday and Mia's two month birthday, I am giving you a gift - a giveaway times five! I have collaborated with five amazing shops to bring you the best.

To enter you need to follow all 5 shops on Instagram, repost and tag the hashtag #doublethetroublegiveaway. If you are private, you must comment private and shared. For an additional entry, comment below what your favorite item is from any of the shops. There will be one winner for each shop.

I am a mom to 11 month old twins, Charlie and Sloane. I work full time in marketing and spend every other available second with my little peanuts. Once they sleep, I craft. It keeps the right side of my brain happy and sharp. Bub + Bug Studio is named after Charlie (Bub) and Sloane (Bug). I started making accessories for sloane during maternity leave, and other moms on instagram started messaging and emailing me asking if they could purchase my creations. I hope to start making accessories for Charlie soon as well!

Instagram: @Bubandbugstudio

Shop:Bub + Bug Studio

My name is Jennifer Cannon. I am a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of 15 years turned SAHM. I have been married to my ultra supportive and handsome husband for & years, we met at work, he is an ER physician and toxicologist. We have two beautiful children Quinn 2.5 years and Harper 14 months. I started tiny souls earlier this year as a creative outlet for myself. I enjoy sewing reading and good book (but who has time to read with two small kids). My guilty pleasure is Real housewives of Orange County, I could eat Chipotle for every meal and I am still searching for the perfect pair of jeans. Thats me in a nutshell!

Instagram: @Tinysouls

Shop:Tiny Souls

I'm Krista, wife to Jake & mom to our two little ladies Campbell (3) & Holland (1), with a baby boy due in March. I own Darling & Mint.  We design & print custom paper goods, along with designing websites, logos & so much more! Darling & Mint came about when I merged my former businesses Mint Creative & Darling Bows into one.  In addition to custom graphic design & printing I make Eco-friendly ultra cozy headbands & recently launched the paper boutique side of Darling & Mint where we sell the most fun paper items including paper bags, paper straws, tags, garlands & pretty much anything pretty paper that you can imagine. I absolutely love what I do!  Designing Holiday Cards & Wedding Invitations are my absolute favorite, I could nonstop design if it were allowed. In addition to my already crazy busy schedule, I recently launched my own natural mineral makeup brand, Root (@rootpretty on IG).

Being Eco-friendly & Made in the USA is super important to both of my businesses.  I am proud to say that all of my items are Made/Printed in the USA & shipped with Eco-friendly mailing supplies.

Instagram:@Darlingandmint

Shop:Darling & Mint

ROO'S ESSENTIALS

A shop dedicated to all babies essentials from burp rags to bandana bibs to blankets and headbands we have what your littles need! And can't forget the strong woman behind the babies or any woman in need of something cozy and cute, crochet scarfs coming soon!  

Instagram: @Roosessentialsshop

Shop: Roos Essentials

With a deep appreciation for D.I.Y.'s, fabric, felt, and creativity, almost a year ago I started up A Blue Swallow Shop with a mixture of things that I love. After the birth of our son, Kai (14 months), I knew that I didn't want to just push him to live his dreams; I wanted to show him that it could be done by being an example. It's crazy how children really change your life. A Blue Swallow is a place where you can find special handmade items that bring people together and impart a piece of love to those you share it with. Whether it's a mug or a hat for your little one, each item is specially made as if I were personally giving it to you. When I'm not running the shop I'm chasing our son, partnering with my husband who is a youth pastor, and making new memories with family and friends. Each item is influenced by someone dear to me and has a story of its own. 

Instagram: @ablueswallow

Shop: A Blue Swallow

The winner will be announced Novemeber 9! Good luck. Let the Holiday fun begin!!

One Month Favorites

I have put together a few items that have made the first month of Mia's life a little bit easier on a daily basis.

One - The Boon Drying Grass is a GREAT way to dry all the bottle peices. The nature collection is so fun yet very functional. It also helped keep all the baby "dishes" in one places. They have trees as well to dry the nipple and membranes. I couldn't have lived without this one!

Two - Odwalla Superfood Juice is a lifesaver! It was easy to forget about eating when you're all wrapped up in taking care of your little ones needs, but don't forget about YOU! This is definitely my go to when I need a jumpstart. I was always scared to try it because of the color, but its quite delicious, plus its jam packed with fruits & veggies.

Three- The Boppy Pillow has been so functional and continues to give. Its great for nursing to give your arm a break or to keep close while snuggling during naps. This is a MUST have for any new mom. 

Four - Tommee Tippee Bib is great for a newborn. Its actually the only bib I like. The cushioned neckline is perfect to keep the milk out of their sweet little neck rolls.

Five - There is no swaddling blanket like Aden + Anais muslin swaddling blanket. Mia loves to be swaddled, but she is a pro at getting out of the receiving blankets. She cannot get out of the Aden + Anais swaddling blanket even if she tries with all her might. I LOVE how light and fresh they are. Plus they have pretty cute designs too!

Six - HPA Lanolin Cream was very soothing, especially in the first couple of weeks of nursing. Cracked and bleeding nipples are the last thing you want! I always had this by my side. This was my best friend during those weeks.

What are your Favorites?

Mia's Birth Story

Labor Day a holiday where everyone is outside grillin' and saying goodbye to summer. But I on the other hand, I was in labor.  There is nothing like being in labor on labor day. I had been walking around dilated at 3 centimeters for weeks, but I felt nothing - no pain, no water-breaking. So what would make this day any different? It was my due date. Corey and I spent the morning lounging around the house before he had to go to work. I decided to have him drop me off at my mom's house before he went to work just in case it was actually going to happen.

Once I had arrived at my mom's house, we got in the car and drove over the hill to the beach. We walked along the beach shoreline. Near the end of our 2 mile walk, I had a CONTRACTION. A contraction that took away my breath. But I didn't stop walking because I knew if I continued to walk, that meant the contractions were coming. I hobbled back to car. In the next two hours, nothing happened. Maybe it was another false alarm. As we settled down for the evening, the contractions started 10 minutes apart. But instead of getting closer - they got farther apart. Ten to twenty even to thirty minutes apart. By midnight, the contractions were back down to ten minutes. Corey picked me up and we went home. I sat on the birthing ball through every contraction. The contractions got more intense every time. By 6 am, I was a zombie. I hadn't gotten one minute of sleep in 24 hours. Corey called the hospital and they said to come in because I had been in labor for about 12 hours. We grabbed hospital bags and off we went. We arrived at the hospital at 7 am. I was screaming with every contraction and had no clue how close or far i was from meeting our little girl. I was dilated at 7 centimeters! They wheeled me into room 7 and the real work began. My water still had not broken. When the doctor asked for the hook, a moment of fear set in. Next thing I knew, fluid was gushing out. Well that was painless! I freaking out over nothing like I usually do. I was offered an epidural several times, but I chose to have an all natural birth. From the moment I knew I was pregnant, I knew I wanted a all natural birth. I wanted to feel empowered. This is what my body is made to do and I was going to do it without any help. I was determined. I labored at the hospital for 2 more hours and then pushed for 45 minutes. Those 45 minutes were the most intense minutes of my life. I would do it all over again. Mia Elaina McGee arrived at 9:53am on September 3, 2013. It was the best day of our lives.

39 Weeks

How far along? 39 Weeks.

Toal weight gain: 40 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Yes and I'm outgrowing them by the day.

Stretch Marks? Yes, very little!

Sleep? What's sleep? I haven't slept comfortably in weeks. No position is comfortable after 5 mins.

Best moment this week: My doctor telling me I wouldn't make it another week, but obviously this girl has other plans. We made it to our maternity photoshoot!

Have you told family and friends? Yes.

Miss Anything? I'm Definitely missing being comfortable. I feel like a whale. period.

Movement: She is running out of room.

Food Cravings: ICE - I could chew ice for days. I crave ice because my body is so swollen, well, at least thats what I would like to think.

Anything making you queasy? Nope.

Have you started showing yet? Yes.

Gender Prediction: Girl.

Labor Signs: Dilated 3cm and effaced 100%. Back Pain, Braxton hicks contractions, False alarm of my water breaking

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Happy or Moody? I'm a happy camper for the most part. I just wish my little cocoa bean would make her way into this world.

Looking forward to: We cannot wait to meet her.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Fall. Its is my absolute favorite thing. I love everything about it.The weather, the clothes, the food, but most of all the holidays! What is there not to love? There is just something so magical about cozing up in cold weather with family. Now that I am starting my own family, I am even more excited. I cannot wait to share my love for fall and holidays with my little cocoa bean . But until then, I must share them with you!

ONE// TWO// THREE// FOUR// FIVE// 

SIX// SEVEN// EIGHT//

Don't get me wrong summer nights are wonderful, but the fall is season is to die live for. There's just nothing like it. 

Maternity Photos - 38 weeks

We went to our weekly doctors appointment like we had been for the past 3 weeks, but this time, we had PROGRESS. It wasn't much just 2 centimeters and 100% effaced. But that meant we are a little closer to meeting our little girl. I mentioned to our doctor that we had maternity photo shoot schedule next tuesday. His response "uh I don't think your going to make it to tuesday. She is really ready. I could see you in the hospital before I see you at your next appointment". My heart jumped. I was so excited that she may enter this world early, but at the same time disappointed that I may not get a chance to capture this pregnancy like I had planned. Later that day, I had a genius idea of doing our maternity photos. Because lets be real - I really needed wanted these photos! It was so spur of the moment that it made the photo shoot that much better.

I am so thankful to have these pictures. And who knows if we make it past tuesday? Only my little cocoa bean that is inside of me.

Where oh where have I been?

Well, the truth is I just needed a break. A lot has been going on and let me tell you growin a baby isn't so easy. Between work and preparing for her arrival, I'm whooped! The fact that is it August and she is going to be here in about a month is scary, yet so exciting. Where did July go? Oh yeah, we spent our weekends being showered with gifts from our wonderful family and friends. We are so thankful to have our house stocked with all the necessities. Here are some photos from our month filled with showers: 

The next month will be so hectic, but life changing. The upcoming weeks will be the slowest weeks of all out of the nine months. As much as I want to meet her, I am savoring these last movements because never again will I feel her inside of me. I'm anxious and trying to be prepared, but let's face it, nothing is going to prepare me. I'm a first time mom and this is just the beginning.

So sweet little girl you can come out anytime. Daddy and I are patiently waiting for you.

25 Weeks

To Shop the Look: Top Bottoms

Shoes Necklace Bangles

How far along? 25 Weeks.

Toal weight gain: 11lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Yes, got basics from Gap and a few cute items from Mom's the Word.

Stretch Marks? No. Thank god for my coconut radiance scrub!

Sleep? Sleep is good. Now I'm really rollin' out of bed.

Best moment this week: Just feeling her constantly move. The Countdown is on - less than 100 days to go!

Have you told family and friends? Yes.

Miss Anything? Not really. I am just trying to take it all in while its happening. As much as I cannot wait for her to be my arms, she will never this small inside me again. I keep telling myself "Do not rush her, do not rush her"

Movement: I love seeing my stomach move from the outside, it makes it a little more surreal.

Food Cravings: Apples & Peanut butter, all day everyday.

Anything making you queasy? Nope.

Have you started showing yet? Yes.

Gender Prediction: Girl.

Labor Signs: No.

Belly Button in or out? In, but definitely changing.

Happy or Moody? I'm one happy girl now that my cold is gone!

Looking forward to: I am so excited jumping for joy to see my family that is flying in after her arrival. So excited to spend time with them and have them meet our little girl.

And the winner is...

We want to thank everyone who entered Our Little Miss Mini Giveaway this past week to win the Tori collection Andee Bands! I am so excited that I got to help Little Miss Shop help launch her new tori collection. The prints are super cute and perfect for summer! I can't wait for my mini to wear hers.

And the WINNER IS ... DENIQUA (@sheisme_7)

Congratulations!!! Please comment below with in 48 hours with your paypal email address so your fabulous new headbands can be shipped to you! If there is no response in 48 hours, a new winner will be picked.

Thank you so so much to everyone who entered! Keep checking my blog for more giveaways and everything Mama + Mini!

23 Weeks

How far along? 23 Weeks.

Toal weight gain: 7lbs.

Maternity Clothes? A few items, but mostly oversized regular clothes.

Stretch Marks? No. Thank god for my coconut radiance scrub!

Sleep?  I feel like I can't get enough.

Best moment this week: Starting to plan her "nursery".

Have you told family and friends? Yes.

Miss Anything? Don't get me wrong, I love my bump, but I can't wait for my clothes to fit normally again.

Movement: She has been pretty quiet these past few days.

Food Cravings: I have been craving gluten and dairy since I was not eating either of those before pregnancy.

Anything making you queasy? Nope.

Have you started showing yet? Yes.

Gender Prediction: Girl.

Labor Signs: No.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Happy or Moody? I'm one happy girl.

Looking forward to: Her arrival. September seems so far yet it's right around the corner! I have lots to do before then.

DON'T FORGET to enter the amazing giveaway on Instagram (must follow @thelittlemissshop and @portlocke) to win the Tori collection Andee Bands by The Little Miss Shop! Only 2 days left before the winner will be announced right here! Enter as many times as you would like. GOOD LUCK!!

The Little Miss Giveaway

What a great way to start a friday, with my FIRST giveaway! I found The Little Miss Shop (instagram: @thelittlemisshop) while I was browsing on Instagram. I immediately fell in love with her cute baby headbands and bows, so I double tapped that photo as fast as I could. Next thing I know, the headband was at my front door mailbox. And oh mama! That headband was lusciously soft. I couldn't have been more pleased with the quality and customer service. Quality is everything to me.

I now introduce to you the Tori Collection Andee Bands by The Little Miss Shop

These are just too cute to pass up! Anchors and stripes are perfect for summer.

To enter to WIN this set of Andee Bands:

Share this picture on Instagram & tag @thelittlemissshop and @portlocke & use the hashtag #littlemissmini to enter to win this adorable set of 4 Andee bands! You may enter as many times as you'd like. Winner will be selected at random & announced next Friday, May 10th here on the blog.

Good luck!

22 Weeks

How far along? 22 Weeks.

Toal weight gain: 6lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Yes, but I will be rockin' dresses all summer long.

Stretch Marks? Nope and lets hope they don't start.

Sleep?  Sleep is good, but those vivid dreams are unforgettable.

Best moment this week: My belly is growing. Mommy and Daddy's anniversary.

Have you told family and friends? Yes.

Miss Anything? Margaritas. Nothing like a good margarita in the summer time.

Movement: She is one active girl.

Food Cravings: Bring on the fruit! A little vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce goes along way for this mama.

Anything making you queasy? Sweet treats. I can only have a bite or two before I want to throw up.

Have you started showing yet? Yes.

Gender Prediction: Girl.

Labor Signs: No.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Happy or Moody? Happy for the most part. I had my first pregnancy meltdown this week. and oh man! I was not a pretty sight.

Looking forward to: Starting the Nursery. Gotta get my bump movin'.

Fiesta like there is no mañana

This weekend we celebrated my mama's birthday, fiesta style. We threw together a last minute surprise party. Our inspiration for the party was Jessica's artwork from Little Baby Garvin. She is an AMAZING chalkboard artist and mama. period.

My sister and I slaved cooked in kitchen while my mom was guided by a top secret plan all day until she was "surprised" at the fiesta.

Decorations & Cupcakes. ( Shop the decorations here. )

Operation: surprise party. FAILED. Well at least the surprise part. All of our guest were enjoying themselves so much that no one heard my mom come through the garage. That was suppose to be our cue. Ooops. Sorry Mama.

The birthday girl.

Operation: Fiesta like there is no mañana, success!

Spring Favorites

I just love the feel of spring days with neons and neutrals. Don't get me wrong, I love to cuddle up in the fall. But with longer and brighter days there always seems to be a bit more of a spring in my step. I can't wait to rock my neon and neutrals this spring.

Here are some keys pieces to matching with your mini

ONE. TWO. THREE. FOUR. FIVE

I am so disappointed. Just as I put up the link for the neon mila cap toe flats from J.Crew, the neon color is SOLD OUT online. I swear they had them in every size in the neon. Race like a racehorse to your nearest J. Crew store to pick those cuties up. THEY ARE A MUST.

In other shoe news, I could not put these in my cart hand fast enough. They are perfect for spring. They will brighten up an outfit in no time. Plus, Who would refuse some sparkle? Not me.

What are your Spring Favorites?

21 Weeks

How far along? 21 Weeks.

Toal weight gain: 5lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Just a few tops and one pair of pants. I would MUCH rather wear oversized non-maternity clothes.

Stretch Marks? Nope thanks to handy dandy coconut radiance scrub.

Sleep? Sleeping well for the most part with a few tosses and turns.

Best moment this week: Her kicks are getting stronger where daddy can feel them. She weighs ONE whole pound.

Have you told family and friends? Yes.

Miss Anything? My clothes fitting normal.

Movement: She kicks mostly after I eat or when I am laying down

Food Cravings: Fruit. Frozen grapes are amazing in hot weather!

Anything making you queasy? over seasoned meat - gross.

Have you started showing yet? Yes.

Gender Prediction: Girl.

Labor Signs: No.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Happy or Moody? Happy. But lord knows I have my moments.

Looking forward to: Feeling her every move.

Just finished a prenatal yoga workout. Now to relax and gulp down a gallon cup of water.

To shop my look: Top at Target. Pants at Lululemon. Bangle at  Stella&dot.

Hello.

I'm Emily. A mama to be to a precious little girl. A soulmate to my better half. A craft maker. A food lover. A picture taker. And a lover of holidays.

Here's my story.

In 2007, I met my boyfriend on myspace ( I never bought in a million years, I would meet my other half on the internet). After 3 years of on and off friendship/dating, he became my best friend. We decided to give it more shot as us being a couple. In 2011, we moved into our 500 sq ft. apartment with all of our junk. Fast forward to 2012 holidays - unbearable. My grandfather passed away two days after thanksgiving, my boyfriend bombarded with a health scare and surgery, christmas eve my grandma was admitted to the hospital for a fractured sacrum. Four days later, I was not feelin' so hot. My monthly gift had not arrived, but I was convinced the stress of my chaotic holiday season is what made me feel under the weather. I could barely keep my eyes open one night after work. On my way home, I stopped by the store to pick up a pregnancy test. Anxious to see what was going on with my body, i took the test right away. BAM! Those two pink lines almost knocked me over. My heart started to beat faster and faster. I took four more test (not like those pink lines were going anywhere!) I felt 50 billion emotions all at once, but most importantly, I felt at peace in such a unexpected moment.  Now here we are with our little lady on the way!

I cannot wait to share these beautiful memories with you.