Finally, my LA Guide! I’ve had so much interest in this post for years and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get around to it. I remember being in Portugal and brainstorming with Matthew and thinking ok as soon as we get back this is going to happen. Well, I got back, got pregnant, and here we are!
I grew up in Los Angeles so I have a ton of favorite spots when it comes to food, coffee, and beauty. LA is my home so even after I went away for college, I came back because this is where I needed to be. I love this city. It’s full of so many great neighborhoods, each with their own special spots. Today I’m sharing a pretty general LA Guide with favorite spots all over the city, but I’m hoping to do more neighborhood specific ones in the coming months. If you have a request, let me know! Also, feel free to check out my #MLovesLA hashtag on Instagram. I try to use that as often as I can, although sometimes I do forget.
Between Christmas and New Years, there are a few holiday parties on our calendar. I always love picking out special gifts for the party’s hostess. While a bottle of wine or fresh flowers always does the trick, I often like to pick out something that the hostess can enjoy weeks after the party. I picked out these gifts above for the hostess, domestic gal, or maybe even you! I’ll admit this Dinner Parties book has been on my wish list ever since I paged through it in a store! It’s such a beautiful book with really interesting articles. Hostesses are usually very organized so a monogrammed date book will get a lot of use! This mineral candle looks like art and would be the perfect addition to any console table! If she likes to bake, you can’t go wrong with a white spatula! It could even be something that you tie to a bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers! What do you like to give a hostess, or receive yourself?
P.S. Christmas is a week away so make sure to take advantage of these great deals
while you still can:
J.Crew is offering 40% off sale items and 30% off full-priced items with code JINGLE LOFT has 40% off everything and 50% off sweaters! Shopbop is giving 20% off sale items with code EXTRASALE Nordstrom has free delivery by Christmas Eve so order up! Amazon is a one-stop shop for all your holiday shopping and they’re doing a 12 Days of Deals!
Take 20% off select gifts at Anthropologie!
Take 30% off your entire purchase at Madewell with code WRAPITUP!
Love these value sets from Sephora! Only 2 days left for Standard Shipping!
Get some boots and booties from Neiman Marcus! They’re having 25% off right now!
Get 35% off blouses at Ruche with code BLOUSE
Get 30% off last minute gifts from ASOS! They have so many great options!
Happy Thanksgiving friends! I hope you had a wonderful day with loved ones eating some delicious food! We ended up having a simple Thanksgiving with just the four of us but it was still very special. This is my second Thanksgiving making this herby mushroom croissant stuffing and it’s the best ever! I also made this chocolate-caramel macadamia nut tart that we always love! We also tried a few new recipes: this easy mashed potato recipe with a secret ingredient, and these roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Matthew isn’t a huge brussels sprouts fan and surprisingly enough, he loved them!
Today we’ve been keeping it pretty low-key by cleaning and finishing some Christmas decorating! We started a little earlier than normal this year but there are a few things I’m hoping to do, like hang garland on our stairs. In past years, prepping for Black Friday posts has been incredibly overwhelming and time-consuming, so this year I just wanted to share a few of the sales I’m shopping + things I have and love that are on sale. This list isn’t going to be exhaustive but hopefully it will allow you to make thoughtful purchases on things you need or want. I’m trying to shop small for all our families this year but let me know if there are any gift guides you’re interested in.
WHAT I BOUGHT
This coffee maker has been on my list for almost a year now so I finally got it since it’s on sale. I miss having a cup of drip coffee in the mornings and this one is supposed to brew a really excellent cup. It has a special certification ensuring that it’s a top-rated brew.
A bunch of button-ups and shirts for Augustine since they’re on such a great sale. This sale is one I shop every year because I get the kids spring wardrobes taken care of!
Christmas pajamas for next year! I want to take advantage of the sale and then I have them at the beginning of the next holiday season. This is the style we’ve been buying since Augustine was 3 months old! By the way, something we started this year was wrapping the pajamas up and putting them on the kids’ beds to find after Thanksgiving dinner. Going to bed in Christmas pajamas last night made me feel happy that the Christmas season is officially here!
J.Crew’s sale is so good this year! 40% off everything and 60% off sale items. Here are some of the best-sellers and I can vouch for several of them, like this super-soft sweater {would make a great gift!}.
The most gorgeous presets from Jess Kettle are on sale and I’m not joking when I say I’ve had them on my list since last year when I missed out on the sale. Excited to share some before/afters with you!
Some Items I have on Sale
My everyday bag is currently 30% off! Wears so well and holds a lot!
30% off any hat from my favorite milliner, or hat maker. The Adriana style is one I wear all fall! The Alara is another wool style that I think it gorgeous. I was hoping to get the Simone but it sold out before I could get it.
15% off on the shampoo and conditioner I get for the kids. Plus the Tubby Todd bath bombs which are their favorite thing and a perfect stocking stuffer!
The liquid collagen I’ve been using is on sale in some wellness bundles! There’s also a free gift with purchase and $10 off your cart. I’ve loved the liquid collagen called Liquid BioCell Life + Trim. Liquid collagen is more absorbable and there are so many studies about how effective this one is!
Welcome to M Loves M! My name is Mara and I created this lifestyle site in 2009 as a place to share my love of fashion, beauty, food and entertaining. I moved from Southern California to Idaho and love adventuring with my husband Matthew, our two children, and our dog Ginger. We're also pregnant with baby #3, due this autumn! I strive to create a site that’s relatable to women, while also being inspirational. I’m so glad you stopped by!
Finally, my LA Guide! I’ve had so much interest in this post for years and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get around to it. I remember being in Portugal and brainstorming with Matthew and thinking ok as soon as we get back this is going to happen. Well, I got back, got pregnant, and here we are!
