This is the time of year when everything feels a little more festive and (dare we say it?) – fun. Here at Gotta Have S’more, we’re enjoying the cooler weather and getting into the Halloween spirit just like everyone else, although our bakeries have been working double-duty; in addition to our fall Pumpkin Ganache & Milk Chocolate S’muffins, Carmen has been whipping up party favours for Maddie’s preschool. The little ones probably won’t get the pumpkin ganache – but the parents sure will! Since Maddie is dressing up like a baker this year, these party favours are pretty perfect (can’t you just see her, fresh from our bakeries, (of course), with baskets of cookie bouquets and chocolate-y s’muffins?). Delish!

But it’s not all Halloween spirit – we’re getting into the spirit of connection, too. We’re big fans of a group called Bag Lady Promotions, a networking group of women in business and “mompreneurs” – from sugar cookies to tough cookies; we want to help guide all of them, before their cookies start to crumble…

Started in 2008 by Laura Medina-Filipowicz, BLP is aimed toward helping women at all stages of building their business – and we were at this year’s event, at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, on October 23. Hopefully we connected with you there – we were offering samples of our s’muffins. Networking and elegant dessert – now that’s a party! If we didn’t see you this time, we look forward to meeting you at the next event.

And speaking of sampling our S’muffins: We hope to keep making s’more and s’more of them (get it?). Intuit’s Love a Local Business is one way for us to do this. From the website:

“Each month, we’ll be giving away three $25,000 prizes to deserving local businesses! One of these businesses will be selected to have their grant doubled to $50,000!”

We could do a lot with $25,000 (even more with $50,000…). If you love us and if you love our S’muffins, please show that love to help us win this grant. Sometimes, small things can make a big difference. This is one of those times. (Follow the link for more details – and thank you from the graham cracker bottom of our toasted marshmallow hearts…)

Enjoy this beautiful fall weather, sneak a couple more sweet treats, take lots of pictures of your kids in costume. Get into the Halloween spirit, get connected, spread the love. Everything moves so quickly these days; the year is almost at an end! And so are our Pumpkin Ganache & Milk Chocolate S’muffins – they’ll be gone before you know it; order some now for your Thanksgiving plans

(And don’t forget to vote for us as your favorite local business! Thank you!)

A few weeks ago my best friend Alycia Denham, founder of Yogahitch, and I treated ourselves to a little girls night out at the PS Arts  LA Antique Show opening night party.  We had a fabulous time!  At one point we were two feet away from Heidi Klum! Alycia said, “I’ve never felt shorter, fatter and uglier than at this moment”!  She’s nuts, Alycia is gorgeous!  Check out our pics, once again the S’muffins were a hit!  

Carmen Lindner, founder of Gotta Have S’more & Alycia Monet Denham of Yogahitch

Happy Thanksgiving  S’more friends,

I’ve been super busy, like most people, this time of year.  My calendar has been packed with a ton of events, creating new holiday flavors, photo shoots, customizing holiday S’muffins, marketing, marketing, marketing and last but not least LOTS of orders!!  I’m heading out this week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my hubby and little girl in the great state of Minnesota; that’s where Ben is from.  The first week of December Gotta Have S’more will officially be one year old. The rest of the month, I’m sure I’ll be in the bakery making a zillion S’muffins with my fabulous assistants. 

Daddy's little girl

With everything that is going on, I have to say the most important date on my calendar is one that just passed.  On November 18^th Ben and I celebrated our five year wedding anniversary. Five whole years!!!  Time flies…. I can’t imagine what my life would look like right now without Ben by my side.  Gotta Have S’more would not exist, because the crazy “S’more Idea” probably wouldn’t have happened with anyone else.  He takes the word “supportive” to a whole new level and I thank God every day for giving me such a wonderful husband. 

Since starting this company, our world has been totally flipped upside down.  Running a business is all consuming  24/7, especially when you’re totally obsessed like I am.  When I was working 8am- 6pm things were definitely more structured in our lives.  There are lots of nights and weekends when I’m either up at the bakery, doing events, or off to networking groups.  During those times Ben and Maddie will just pal around at the beach, ride their bikes, play house, read, she’s already had her share of UFC, and when he puts on his Wisconsin jersey she automatically yells “Go Vikes”!! 

Vacation in Cancun

I asked him the other day if he ever wishes I would go back to a corporate job.  He laughed and said, “No, I want you to be successful with your business”.  Thank God, what would I have done if he would have said “Yes”?!?!  It’s truly an amazing experience starting a company out of nothing and watching it grow.  Even that doesn’t measure up to having someone who believes in you so much, they are willing to make sacrifices for your success. I love you Ben with all my heart and am so thankful to have  you by my side for the rest of my life!! xoxox

Ben & Maddie - best friends!