Posts Tagged ‘dessert’

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Giving Thanks…For Big Milestones!

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Having just landed from a whirlwind, out-of-town visit with my brother for his wedding (congrats! I love you!) – where I catered some of the wedding desserts – I’m back in LA and gearing up for making lots of sweet treats (for you and for our own Thanksgiving)! With all of the travel and some exciting stuff we’re rolling out here (and…*cough cough*…all over the US…*cough cough*), our holiday plan is to venture no further than the dining room – and we’re thrilled about it. Ben, Maddie and I will probably be joined by one of my friends and her little boy, and we’ll eat and talk and laugh and hang out and not do anything more than that! :) As much as I love visiting, sometimes my favorite vacations are the ones spent at home.

Speaking of staying close to home, Intuit (a big company focused on small business), is giving away a $50,000 grant to the local company that gets the most love. We’d like that to company to be Gotta Have S’more! There are so many exciting things we want to do; so many big projects we’re planning in the next few months. Projects like…

Well. Click this link, cast your vote and see what we deliver in the New Year!

In other news, our Fall S’muffins have been a big hit. It feels amazing every time my little desserts get such big love. Just in case I haven’t mentioned it recently…thank you. Thank you thank you thank you thank you. The Pumpkin-Chocolate Ganache S’muffins will soon be joined by new arrivals, Eggnog and Candy Cane, to make your feasts more festive (or vice-versa?). If you know of anyone who’s looking for unique desserts for their Christmas table or holiday parties, please point them in our direction!

…No matter where in the US they may be…

Ok ok, so this is a little bit premature. But, suffice it to say, there have been a handful of seminal events in my life: Marrying my husband, starting my business, giving birth to my daughter, and – now –

Let’s just say it’s going to be huge and it’ll be here before we know it.

(And no, Mom; it’s not another baby).

Stay tuned for all of the exciting details!!

In the meantime, have a happy, healthy, delightful and delicious holiday – and save room for dessert.

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The Real S’muffins of Beverly Hills!

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

Hello S’more fans!

I’m super excited, as of this week our little S’muffins will be available at The Nosh of Beverly Hills!  The Nosh will be selling S’muffins as singles for $2.95 each, exactly like they are sold at The Oaks.  Stop by and tell them Carmen from Gotta Have S’more sent you!!

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We’re Off to a Great Start!

Monday, January 24th, 2011

 

Happy January 2011 S’more fans!

It’s been a while since I’ve updated my “weekly” blog.  My, how time flies!!  Once December rolled around I barely had time to

Critics' Choice Awards, PopSugar & Conan O'Brien

breath.  After the holiday craziness calmed a bit, I made it a point to spend some much needed quality time with my daughter.  We’ve gotten back into  doing our outdoor activities, hanging out our friends, going to the beach, riding our bikes .   I LOVE IT!

The start of 2011 has already been filled with lots of exciting S’more news!  We’ve been testing a new product (stay tuned!).  Our S’muffins made it out to the Critics Choice awards with our friends from PopSugar.  ThenI was personally asked by the CEO of BagLady Promotions, Laura Filipowicz, to set on  their 2011 Advisory board!!  BagLady Promotions is one of my favorite women’s networking groups and I’m thrilled to be in the company of so many amazing women business owners. This Thursday we’ll be the sponsor at another high profile women’s networking group called Ladies Who Launch.    I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and introducing them to our yummy S’muffins!!

This year is starting off with a bang, hope yours is too!!

xoxox

Carmen

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Being a Mom And a Business Owner!

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

On September 19, 2010, Gotta Have S’more will be one of the sponsors at the Baglady Promotions’ LA Women in Business conference.  The CEO of Baglady, Laura Filipowicz ,  is one of my good friends.  She has put a lot of time and energy into this event, so I know it’s going to be GREAT!  Laura will be honoring the top four winners of the  mompreneur contest by letting them share the background and story behind their businesses.  Personally, I can’t wait to hear what they have to say because I know I’ll be reliving some moments of my own personal experiences as a mompreneur. 

So what’s a mompreneur?  That’s easy….. It’s not just a woman who is daring enough to start her own business, but a woman with the responsibility of one or more children who is daring enough to start her own business! 

Testing the S’muffins to make sure they are perfect.

Testing the S’muffins to make sure they are perfect.

Starting your business is extremely challenging, but starting a business with a toddler on your lap makes “challenging” look like a walk in the park.  Don’t get me wrong… if you’ve read any of my previous posts, you know that I absolutely love being a business owner and am totally obsessed with Gotta Have Smore and of course my little girl.  It just makes me laugh when I think back to my corporate days….. I thought I was so busy then with my “nine to five or six or seven” job with no kids…. Oh the days of having nights and weekends all to myself!!  

My little girl, Madeline Grace actually goes to pre-school four days a week.  But, if you’ve ever called to place an order on a Friday, then you know I keep her home with me on Fridays.  Some Friday’s are great and others not so much but I’m determined to take advantage of my “flexible” schedule and designate Friday as our day together.  So, if you happen to call to place an order on a Friday and I sound like I’m out of breath, don’t worry, I’m just sprinting away from my two year old who likes to exercise her freedom of speech by screaming, “I gee it” that’s I’ll get the phone in toddler.  She loves to assist me by answering the phone and has been known to hang up on a customer or two; thank God for caller ID!!  My company laptop doubles as her DVD player and has seen its share of Dora the Explorer and tiny little fingers covered with oatmeal and peanut butter. Maddie LOVES to color and enjoys scribbling all over my work notebook and calendar when no one is looking.  Some nights (like tonight) my oh so valuable four hours of sleep are broken up when Maddie has a nightmare, a fever, or just wants to party all night.  But, more and more I’m learning to just laugh at the crazy little hiccups that take place. Because honestly, if I had the option to change anything I would have to say “No thanks, things are perfect just the way they are”.

Maddie running after me so she can answer the phone to take an order!

Maddie running after me so she can answer the phone to take an order!

 Ok, wait! That last sentence sounds really sweet but IF I could actually change one thing, I would have my mom move from Oklahoma to Los Angeles and help me with everything,,,then things would be PERFECT!!

xoxoxo

Carmen Lindner

Founder & CEO

Gotta Have S’more

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Introducing Gotta Have S’more….. Again!

Friday, July 16th, 2010

S'muffin at their very first event The Royal Dance Party

Hello S’more Fans!

Today is the first day that I am officially your “Gotta Have S’more” spokesperson.  As you know, Simone S’muffin has held that position since our website launched in December 2009.  Although I love the Simone S’muffin character, the decision has been made to give her some time off and bring her back at a later date.
 
So, I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Carmen Lindner; Founder & CEO of “Gotta Have S’more”.  While I’m running a successful business, I’m the wife of a super- supportive and amazing husband, Ben.  Finally, I’m also the mom of a feisty little, two year old daughter named Maddie.
 
Everyone always asks how I got started and how I came up with the idea of Gotta Have S’more and the S’muffin.  My husband and I for the past seven years have always talked about starting a S’more Store/Company.  We always wanted to create a treat th

at was unique from the traditional bakery pastries and cupcakes.  We decided that a great and fun product would be to use the traditional known Smore and make it better. One day in Sept of 2009 the conversation came up again.  I said, “I’m going to make some S’mores tonight”.  So I took off to the store to get baking supplies, real butter and real sugar.  During the process, we would brain storm different names from Gimme S’more (this was the original name until I discovered it was already trademarked), Simply S’more, Love Me S’more, the list goes on and on.   

Before we had our current logo and sticker

I never considered myself much of a pastry chef or baker and what I usually made was low fat, no fat and definitely never any sugar. Over the next couple days, I was determined to create the perfect S’more.  It wasn’t long before I presented to Ben my new little creation and what we today call the S’muffin.  To my surprise, he really liked it and he’s the biggest skeptic there is.  To test out the concept, we had some friends over for dinner so I introduced them to the stylish, new S’mores.

 They said, “These are really great, what an idea!”!!  The rest is history :-)

Some of the very first S'muffins ever made. Not quite as pretty as they are now & not dipped in chocolate yet.

Little did I know how one little idea, transformed into a recipe would ultimately flip our lives upside down and take us on a wild journey we NEVER expected.
 
This blog will keep you updated on all the exciting events and fabulous parties we attend.  I’ll introduce you to a ton of AMAZING women business owners that we partner with along the way(and a few men WINK).  In addition to everything that’s going on with expansion of the company I’ll be sharing a behind the seen look to into my life and how I’m learning to take care of Ben, Maddie and the newest addition to our family.. my baby.. .Gotta Have S’more.

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Simone’s Last Day with Gotta Have S’more

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Simone S'muffin last day with Gotta Have S'more

Hello friends!!  Before I spill all the latest and greatest about what I’m up to this weekend, I have an announcement to make.  I say this with a heavy heart……I’m going to take a bit of a break from being the official spokesperson for Gotta Have S’more (GHS).  It’s VERY bitter sweet because although I’m going to miss the hustle and bustle of GHS,  I’ve decided to take advantage of all the  high profile connections I’ve made over the past year and pursue my acting career!  Everyone tells me I’m a natural and that I have a very “sweet” and “unique” look.  So, I’ve decided to go for it!!!  Carmen has been a doll, super supportive and is really happy for me.  She told me that the door will always be open, so you never know when I might make a special guest appearance at a future event. WINK!  Carmen has decided she will officially take over this blog and twitter followers will follow Gotta Have S’more for all the latest updates on GHS.  So, keep an eye out for me on your next favorite CBS show, or even better, a feature film!! (although I have been approached by some really HOT indie directors..)  

 Stay tuned!  This will be my final weekend with GHS, and I’m going out with a bang!  Two great events on the same day… First is , Walk with Sally, White Light White Night, with a private concert by Rocco Dellue.  Walk with Sally is an amazing not for profit that provides healing and comfort to children debilitated by the emotional experience of living with, or losing a parent or sibling to cancer.  Second is the Concern Foundation’s 36th Annual Block Party!!  The Concern Foundation is dedicated to raising and granting funds to support cancer research.  Two great events, I can’t wait!!

kisses 

Simone

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Introducing the L.A Sweet Shop at the BizBash Expos!

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Today is the BizBash L.A Expo!!  Two thousand party professionals have anxiously been waiting for this day for awhile.  Here’s the short but sweet 411 on BizBash…..They are the “go to” source for all  event & meeting planners who are looking for venues, caterers, rentals, entertainment, calendars, decor, banquet halls, audio-visual production, security, staffing, ideas, style, trends, industry news, planning tips, and marketing strategies.

The dessert divas!

Now, the BizBash Expos are THE industry standard for event and meeting planners who want to seize all that’s fresh and new.  Of course, I will be there telling everyone about the hottest new dessert in L.A…S’muffins!  I won’t be there alone.  Three other dessert divas and I have combined all of our yummy sweetness to create the L.A Sweet Shop.  We’re customizing a beautiful dessert bar showing how well all of our yummy’s look together.  And, trust me… they all look GREAT!! WINK~     Please, let me share a little bit about each of them.  First, we have Patricia Tsai from ChocoVivo.  She creates stone ground chocolate from bean to bar, die hard chocolate lovers you’ve met your match.  Next, we have my dear friend Chef Jamie Cantor from, where else..? Platine Cookies, of course!!!  Jamie does a sophisticated twist on old time favorites.  FYI, I won’t hold it against you if you sign me up for Jamie’s Cookie of The Month Club!!  Last but definitely not least, Rachel Flores from P.O.P candywill be there with her fresh Butter Crunch.  YUM!!! I am over the moon to be spending the day with these three dessert superstars!  If you’re there, stop by our booth to say “hello” and grab some samples… there will be plenty for everyone!!  You know I’ll post some great pics asap!!

xoxoxo

L.A Sweet Shop

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Memorial Weekend in LA Served With Lemonade Punch

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

It’s Memorial Day weekend….Yeah!!!! Although it’s not officially summer and actually raining at this very moment, in my little world, I see clear blue skies and sunshine all around!!  The only thing better than a three day weekend is a three day weekend filled with food, friends, fun, shopping and of course, a little time at the beach.  My super cute mom is even flying her little s’muffin top to LA for a visit!!!  There is lots to do and very little time.  But, before I go, I have to share my lemonade punch recipe that was featured in S’more Good News. You simply must serve it at your Memorial Day bash this weekend.  Be sure to make extra because you’ll need it!!  Oh yeah.. and don’t forget the S’muffins!!  xoxoxo

Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries
 2 (6 ounce) cans frozen pink lemonade concentrate
1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 (750 milliliter) bottle red wine
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

Directions

1.  In a pitcher, mix together 1 can lemonade with 1 can of water. Pour mixture into an ice cube tray, and place a cherry in each cube. Freeze until solid.
2.  In a punch bowl, combine 2 cans lemonade concentrate, lemon-lime soda and red wine. Stir in lemonade ice cubes, and garnish with maraschino cherries, orange slices and lemon slices.
3.  ENJOY!!

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Simone gets an exclusive invite to The Supper Club!!

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Shery Shabani photo by Erik Neldner www.erikneldnerphoto.com

New S'muffins fans! photo by Erik Neldner www.erikneldnerphoto.com

Wow, I must tell you about the most fabulous party I went to on Tuesday evening.  The Supper Clubis an exclusive, private members only, organization with outposts in  London, New York and Los Angeles which is devoted to creating exceptional experiences.  All of their events are held at some of the best restaurants or private homes around LA. The h’orderves are as glamours as the members who attend the dinner.  The party on Tuesday did not disappoint.   How could it, when the theme was Diamonds and Champagne, ooh la la!!  It was held at Jewelry Designer, Shery Shabani’sexquisite Beverly Hills home.  I’m not sure who is more stunning, Shery or her incredible diamond jewelry collection!!  To top off the night, my friend Meg Hall was the private chef for the night. As soon as I saw her, I knew the guests were in for a treat.  I’m still dreaming of her peach, tomato, basil skewer.. YUM!    Of course, the night ended on a high note when, you guessed it; the S’muffins made their grand appearance.  Even the non-dessert eaters couldn’t resist a tiny taste.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… being the spokesperson for Gotta Have S’more is a tough job but somebody has to do it!! WINK

A big SMOOCH to Jackie Lann at The Narrative Group for for the invite!!

S'muffins and Champagne photo by Erik Neldner www.erikneldnerphoto.com

Chef Meg Hall

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Simone’s Star Struck Night at the L.A. Antiques Show

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

New fans of GHS

Last week my BFF Alycia and I attended the super chic Los Angeles Antiques Show hosted by none other than one of my favorite non-profit groups P.S. Arts. The event was organized by The Antique Dealers Association of California and managed by Dolphin promotions. All of the totally to-die-for hors d’oeuvre were provided by our friends at Serves You Right Catering. Carmen and the GHS team were beyond excited to provide desserts  for the occasion!

The night was amazing and we were absolutely star struck when we saw Courtney Cox and Ian Gomez from Cougar Town.  There were extravagant exhibits and all of the high profile designers were in attendance like Tommy Chambers, Tommy Chambers Interiors, Thomas Lavin of Thomas Lavin Showrooms.

Everyone was having a great time but the night really took off when–you guessed it–the S’muffins made an appearance.  The guests started going bananas!!  Groups of people would stop in their tracks and say “OMG, what is this?  It’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted!!”  Good thing we were there to educate everyone on the hottest new L.A. dessert, S’muffins!!! Needless to say GHS acquired a ton of new fans that night.

Beautiful presentaion thanks to Serves You Right Catering

If you’re not familiar with P.S Arts, please let me share a little bit about the organization. It is very near and dear to my heart.  P.S Arts improves children’s lives through art education. They recruit, hire, underwrite and train professional artists to develop curriculum and teach classes during the regular school day. The organization also works to educate and empower classroom teachers through arts-related workshops that demonstrate how to integrate creative expression and the arts into core academic subjects.  All of P.S. ARTS’ instruction models are built upon the California Department of Education’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Standards and draw heavily upon the organization’s 19 years experience.  The goals of P.S. ARTS’ programs are to engage young minds, develop creative skills, improve observational powers, increase receptivity and develop problem solving abilities, all skills that serve children in their academic and personal development.  For more information on upcoming events or how you can get involved go to their website at http://www.psarts.org

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