thankful + a few sales

November 26, 2020

last minute Thanksgiving recipe ideas M Loves M @marmar

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US readers! No matter where you are, I feel like every day is worth celebrating. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This year has been hard in lots of ways, for so many of us, but there is so much power and strength in choosing to be thankful. When I’ve focused on the positives, the negatives seem to find a way to gradually disappear or dampen a bit. I also try to remind myself that in seasons of hardship, there is something beautiful that will come out of it. It may be impossible to see in the moment, but afterward, it’s much more obvious. It’s one of the many reminders of God’s faithful plan for us.

Right now I’m most thankful for health and safety. I’m thankful for a husband who is the best partner in life, for two children that give me the opportunity to learn and see life in new ways, for a roof over our heads, and for each day that I’m blessed with. Today is going to be a sweet and small Thanksgiving celebration but we’re going to make the most of it! I have a homemade pumpkin pie going in the oven, a new stuffing recipe to try, and a big yummy fall salad – one of our favorites!

We’re keeping things small with gift-giving this year – and trying to support our local small businesses who have been hit so so hard this year, but there are a few online sales I’m going to check out.

fashion

Levi’s – 40% off + free shipping with code BLUESTREAK – these jeans! You need them! Also, really loving this jacket.

Madewell– 50% off best sellers & 30% off everything else with code VERYMERRY – Grab my go-to bag! I bought it last year on Black Friday and have used it almost every single day since.

VeriShop– 25% off fashion and 15% home and beauty with code HOLIDAY – This is a new to me shop but I’ve been so impressed by their well-curated selection. This might be one of those sites where you can take care of everyone on your shopping list- even kids!

J.Crew– 50% off and 60% off sale styles with code EARLY. Might finally get this rain jacket – love that it has a hood, or this barn jacket in moss – so classic!

Net-a-Porter– up to 50% off and 15% off markdowns. I fell in love with this brand this year, and there are several pieces on sale which is so tempting! Also, check out some fun splurge items, like this bag.

Shopbop – 20% off with code SHOP20. I’m really liking this sweater dress and also this jacket that’s under $100.

H&M– 30% off everything – H&M has some of my favorite items for the kids! Everything is selling fast but I love this jacquard-knit sweater for C, and this puffer for A.

Gap– 50% off + 10% off- Picked up so many great items for the kids that I’m so excited about.

home

Serena and Lily – 20% off with code TOGETHER – can’t wait to get our side cart/bar cart out of storage

Lulu & Georgia– 25% off with code THANKFUL- We have gotten so many of our home pieces from Lulu & Georgia. The founder is the sweetest and she curates the best things. Whether you’re looking for a room makeover or a few pieces, this shop is one of our go-to’s. Like how cute is this under $100 table lamp? Perfect little room update! Also, great small items for gifts.

Boll & Branch – 25% off $150+ – I’ve heard they have the softest sheets so maybe time to pick up a new set!

Pottery Barn– 20% off + free shipping with code THANKFUL. If you’re looking to add to your holiday collection, they have such high-quality pieces. I’m VERY interested in getting this tree collar. It’s been on my list for years!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, with a big slice of pie! Very grateful for each and every one of you! Thanks for being such a bright spot in my year.

xox

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

November 24, 2020

Click the item in the image to go directly to the product page

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

 

Hello friends <of my wife>!! Matthew here.

It’s that time again…. the chestnuts are roasting and the marshmallows are toasting, and hopefully you’re not having to do too much ghosting! Yes, we are quickly approaching the holidays and lots of winter cheer is in order. 2020 has been quite the strange and confusing year and I for one am glad we are coming to the end of it. But I’m also looking forward to some much-needed celebration and relaxation, just to give 2020 a deserved kick in the ballz. But before I can fully relax, I feel like I need to offer a few tips for those looking to surprise and delight the man in their life. Ok, that’s not totally true. I was ready to relax fully, but my sweet wife got all up in my grill to help her out with this and because she is pretty awesome, I decided to help out (and our couch is not comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep). God knows I need my sleep these days…

Let’s get right into this!

Cast Iron Fish Bottle Opener

I’m starting off with an extremely controversial pick: the fish bottle opener. It caught my eye as a badass bottle opener and I love how it looks but according to amazon user “butterfly”, this bottle opener is “hard to use” and it “bends the caps”. LOLOL. Every single bottle opener I’ve ever used has bent bottle caps. That’s the point! Anyways, it’s a gift (and relatively cheap), and that’s what matters. haha But seriously, if it’s cast iron, it’s strong enough to open a bottle, I promise. A gritty fish bottle opener is just more street cred. Trust me.

Waterproof Flashlight and Flask

On to much safer territory with the waterproof flashlight…. that doubles as a flask? Whaaaat you say? Yes!! Finally. When your guy is out in the elements in a rainstorm… in the dark…he’ll at least be able to take the edge off. Just kidding. Fill that thing with Gatorade.

Waterproof Vans

Undercover Ducks

It’s winter and you may encounter rain or snow. Good to have these Vans or maybe a rad pair of duck boots. Keep those dogs toasty. Or else they may crumble off like pieces of an old pretzel. Ditto for hands! There’s no hand jive for those who have frostbite. Gloves are the answer. Next up, I like this fleece shirt. Look how many reviews. It’s loved, to say the least. I’m in.

Fleece Shirt

Casual Gloves

Mystery Ranch Backpack

Mystery Ranch is a rad company that makes some of the most LEGIT gear. I own one of their large bags for backpacking and I’m really, really impressed. This one is great for day hikes and I’m sure it will be a big step up from whatever your guy currently owns.

Passport Holder

How about a passport wallet. Not that anyone is traveling anywhere these days, but it’s definitely cool to have a leather home for your passport to snuggle up in.

Leatherman Free Multi-tool

Ok, I know, you’ve heard enough about multi-tools… but trust me, they come in handy and maybe this is for some of the greener ladies who haven’t yet given the gift of multiple tool capability to their fella. If said fella is squared away, he will appreciate the redundancy. If not, he will appreciate that you are solution-oriented. Same goes for this waterproof first aid kit. Throw a tourniquet in it and call it a day. It’s a must-have for the car, camping backpack, or go-bag.

First Aid Kit

Wool Socks

Fox in socks, sir! That is a Seuss reference. That book takes FOREVER to read through for your lil kiddo if you’re tired, btw. But the point is that socks are important for the health of your feet and for morale. Get a good wool sock for the guy and he will be happy!

Defense Soap

We are now getting into the last few items of this gift guide. It may seem like I’ve jumped the shark with this one, but trust me, I have not. For the jiu-jitsu practitioner, or just any guy that would enjoy feeling truly clean and smelling so good after a shower, get this soap! I love it. It’s next level. Tea tree oil is awesome. I discovered it when I first started grappling and it is so well worth the money. And I guarantee you will be happy too!!

Rain Jacket

Last up is a solid gift idea – a super lightweight rain jacket. I keep an extra in my car at all times, just in case. You can’t have enough of these. They break the wind, you don’t break the bank. Win – win.

Well, thanks so much for putting up with my annual antics. I’m tired and need to sleep. Godspeed ladies. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all.

 -Matthew

SHOP THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM POST

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I hope you all enjoyed Matthew’s post! (That man is funny and definitely keeps us all entertained around here)

If you’re looking for some gift recommendations for the ladies in your life, I shared this post last week.

xox

Holiday Gift Guide for Her

November 18, 2020

Click the item in the image to go directly to the product page

Holiday Gift Guide for Her

Happy holidays! Is it too early to say that?? Considering that I’ve seen some people already put their Christmas trees out, I think it’s all good right? I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for the holidays. This year has been a doozy but I just can’t wait to step back and spend time with my family, reflecting and praising God for all the blessings we have. Even in a year like 2020, there are several things that I am so so thankful for. I miss so many of my friends dearly and when I was thinking about gift ideas I kept going back to items I own personally and love, things I’ve been wanting and think they’d like, and also items that I’ve given to people that they, in turn, have loved. I am so happy with how this gift guide came out and I hope it makes your shopping process a seamless and easy process. I can pretty much guarantee anything on here would be a hit!

Cookbook: I have and love Angela’s other cookbooks, so I couldn’t resist adding her latest release. Angela’s recipes make vegan cooking super easy, fun, and of course healthy. I’ve featured several of her recipes on InstaStories, along with a few in my Favorite Recipes from 2019 blog post.

Beanie: This cashmere beanie is so pretty in a neutral oatmeal shade, but there are a few other colors you could choose from too. I especially love that there aren’t any logos or insignias on the beanie which keeps it looking more classic.

Pajamas: Eberjey makes my go-to pajamas because they are just so soft and comfortable. I have several pairs {and one of their robes} and I’m always so excited to put one of them on at the end of a long day. It’s the little things ya know? I’ve given these pajamas to my pregnant friends in the past too and they’ve loved them for all the loungey time with baby!

Cashmere Scarf: Good sale alert on a cashmere scarf! I love Everlane so much because they do such a great job maintaining quality while using ethical factories and business practices. I have a wishlist that’s practically a mile long on their site, and I couldn’t resist adding this scarf to my cart for one of my friends. The shade would be perfect to wear year-round!

Tea Kettle: If you have any friends who love all things home, I think this copper tea kettle would be such a unique and special gift to give. You could even include one of your favorite teas {I can’t get enough of  Harney and Sons Paris which would also make a great stocking stuffer or easy gift idea for your hairstylist or neighbor. The tin is the cutest!}

Mini Pouch: No woman can ever have too many pouches, they become essential especially when traveling or just keeping your tote bags more organized. I’ve gifted pouches like this before filled with some of my favorite makeup products and it’s been such a hit.

Lotion: This almond milk scented lotion smells heavenly and it is such a treat! I would give this to one of our moms and grandmas bc I just know they would find it beyond luxurious too! I’ve been using this weekly after bath nights {usually Friday nights} and it’s become something I really look forward to.

Cozy Slippers: Slippers are the best! I say that as I’m currently barefoot with ice cube toes. We’re in an airbnb and I’m wishing I had slippers like these to slip on. Or my favorite Ugg slippers that are sitting in a box somewhere. Last year I got my best friends slippers and they each told me how much they loved wearing them during the colder winter months. I feel like a pair of cute slippers goes a long way, especially if it’s a long winter.

Straw Bag: I was so excited to give this to my mom and mother in law for Mother’s Day. I thought it would be the perfect summer bag or farmers market tote. Yes, it’s fall/winter but even decoratively displayed on a dresser this tote would be pretty. Plus it would be something to help you look forward to warmer days! I love the idea of gifting it filled with Christmas cookies, a bottle of wine, or a poinsettia!

Rings: I have this set of rings and love them so much. They are so pretty and look way more expensive than they are. I think this is a gift that could be perfect for your girlfriends or even any teenage girls on your list!

Candle: I have a weakness for Diptyque candles and while Noisitier has been my fall go-to, I’ve recently become enamored with this new-to-be scent. It has major autumnal vibes with notes of honey, tobacco, and spices. If you’re looking for a new candle to burn all month long, or want to give this to someone special, I’m sure it would be very much appreciated! Also, this is a gift that could keep lasting because the glass jars can be repurposed in so many cute ways!

Necklace: Pendant necklaces have been a thing for a while now, but I’m especially loving this unique style. It has a very romantic and historical feel to it, don’t you think? Gorjana makes some of my favorite jewelry {as you can tell by the rings above} and I’m always so happy to support her growing small business!

Lipstick: I always get compliments on this lipstick. Not only is the shade the perfect pink neutral, but the packaging is just beyond. This lipstick feels like such a treasure when you pull it out of your bag.

SHOP THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER POST

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Looking for a gift for the mama to be? This sweatshirt would be such a cute one! I have a very similar one and I wear it ALL the time!

Or what about a small stocking stuffer for a teenage girl in your life? This is one of my go-to hair products and I bet my nieces would love it too!

I hope this holiday gift guide for her gave you inspiration on what to gift some of the girls in your life. Let me know what you think!

xox