results for holiday

Last Minute Gifts Under $25 + a very helpful Gift Finder Tool

December 18, 2020

click the item in the collage to go directly to the product page

Isn’t it hard to believe the holidays are here?! Every year I always try to be super on top of gift buying but inevitably I leave a lot to the last minute. I don’t want to blame my tiny little bosses, but they keep me very busy around here that I’m just exhausted at nighttime when I have the chance to get on my computer! I was making my list of gifts to buy the other day and came across the most genius Gift Finder tool. It’s seriously so helpful, and perfect for any last minute gift buying needs. If you’re looking to save some time when it comes to holiday shopping, definitely check it out! Sharing some of the items I found below that would make such great gifts, especially for hard to shop for people, and they’re all under $25! I hope this post is helpful for you!

My one stop shop for all of my shopping needs has been Walmart this season. They make it super easy to get anything you need at an affordable price, and I especially love their curbside pick up option. I’ve taken advantage of that while Corinna is sleeping and it’s a game changer! But even when it comes to shipping, it all arrives surprisingly fast. Like I made an order on Saturday night with an estimated delivery of Tuesday, and then Sunday morning received an email that they found the items in my local store and were going to deliver by the end of the day. I was especially excited about that because the items available were these cozy socks and since we’re getting snow this week I needed something more than my little athletic socks.

So, if you’re worried about last-minute shopping, keep it in the back of your mind that you can order your holiday gifts by December 23rd (2 days before Christmas!) and either pick it up or get it delivered before Christmas Day. A lot of items say you can get them “as soon as today.” Plus if you’re a member of Walmart+ (love this service!) you can get same-day delivery for free! If you’re not a member, you can still get same-day delivery but at a small fee, or free 2-day shipping which is still amazing.

Some of my favorites in the collage above are this comfy hoodie, or pair of sweatpants, for my girlfriends. We all remember how popular these were when we were younger so I thought it would be a gift they’d get a kick out of! Plus, being comfy is always a must this time of year! Just need a nice candle and a warm fire and you’re all set for a cozy winter’s night.

This layering necklace is a gorgeous and dainty piece and it looks way more expensive than it is. Similarly, these gold ball studs are a classic touch that would be so chic with a white tee and jeans, and a bright red lip!

So many people have been getting into new hobbies this past year, and I thought this personalized art case would be a really fun one. Unwinding with a creative project is one of my favorite things to do, plus, you can make something really pretty for your home. A thoughtful gift for someone who likes to bake would be this pretty floral prep set. It’s under $15 if you can believe it!

If you’re looking for something super memorable to gift to a special woman in your life, this customizable signet ring is perfect. It is an absolutely gorgeous stacking ring which I know that every girl would love to have. This item is a little bit of a splurge but I guarantee it will be well loved!! I have one with the letter F on it, and it’s one of my all-time favorites. This mini crossbody bag would also make a really nice gift, especially to those who are into fashion and clothes. Bags like these are super stylish and a girl can never have too many purses. It is sweater weather, so gifting a cute sweater is another amazing way to go! I always love to gift cozy items during the holidays because everyone is trying to stay warm. Those socks I mentioned would be a great stocking stuffer!

There are also so many gifts for kids and babies available for you to choose from, too. If you know someone who has a newborn, this adorable bear jumpsuit would be such an adorable gift to give to them. I had one like this that I put Augustine in and it was beyond cute!! Lately, Augustine has been loving riding his scooter, and if you have or know a toddler 2 and up, they would probably enjoy it as well. A game would be a great gift to give to a family with kids! How fun would this meme game be?!

Gift sets are one of my go-tos, especially for my mom and mother in law. You usually end up getting a better deal on the set and it’s really impressive when they open it up. This Laura Geller set is also an amazing gift, and worth $80! I know my girlfriends would love it!

Shop Gifts in the Collage:

Shop Gifts for Kids:

Shop Gifts for Men:

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I hope this post is helpful and you’re able to check everyone off your list! Seriously go play around with that Gift Finder tool! It’s really fun to use!

Anyone you’re stumped on this year? Let me know if I can help!

xox

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Walmart for partnering with me on this post. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. Thank you so much for supporting my sponsors.

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Tips for Making a Cheese Board

December 16, 2020

tips for putting together a holiday cheese board - M Loves M @marmar

I recently posted an Instagram Reel on my page (link to it here) showing how I made this cheese board. It was the perfect surprise for the kids to come down to after naptime, and Matthew and I loved it too. Putting together a holiday cheese board is one of my favorite things, mainly because I love cheese, but I also love to experiment with different combinations. My cousins sent me some Point Reyes Cheese and it’s hands down my favorite (just slightly biased!). Here are some cheese board tips I always rely on:

Tips for Making a Cheese Board

  1. Choose 3-4 cheeses, ranging from mild to bold. I picked Toma (a semi-hard table cheese that’s creamy and buttery…our go to!), the Aged Gouda (creamy but slightly crystallized with pops of complex flavor…like candy!), Original Blue (classic style blue cheese that’s made in the French style so super creamy with a medium-strong blue flavor), and Quinta (soft-ripened, bloomy rind cheese that’s wrapped in a piece of spruce bark with a Bay Laurel leaf on top)
  2. Choose an array of accompaniments that will enhance the cheese or give a bit of a palate cleanser. I always like to throw in something unexpected (can you guess which one that is??). Some go-tos include dried fruits like figs, pears, fresh fruits like slices of persimmon, grapes, spiced pecans, Marcona almonds, olives, honey, and some chocolate.
  3. Help guests out by slicing some of the cheese beforehand. For Toma, little triangles are perfect, and the Aged Gouda is delicious in tiny chunks like butterscotch where you can really taste the crystallized proteins.
  4. Timing is everything! Plan for 30-1 hour for the cheeses to sit out, depending on how cool or warm the room is.

 

a delicious holiday cheese board with Point Reyes Cheese - M Loves M @marmar

I hope that these tips helped! All you really need is a cutting board, a few cheeses, and any snacks you have on hand. Just have fun with it! If you’re wanting to step up your cheese board game, I found some cute items online.

SHOP CHEESE BOARD ITEMS

xox

Would any of you be interested in a live stream on Instagram where we put a cheese board together? I was thinking I could set something up with Point Reyes and maybe get a discount for a set of cheeses. Let me know! P.S. My dress is from d.Ra clothing!

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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

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