Food Gifts Holiday

Gift Guide for your Foodie Friends

November 30, 2017
foodie gift picks, gifts for food lovers

We all have a friend who is in-the-know about the latest restaurant, loves to cook and is just an all-around lover of all things savory or sweet. I might be that person among my friends,  but I also have gals and guys in my life to talk shop with, so I’ve curated a list of gifts for favorite foodie friends in your life!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

A few notes on some of my favorites:

  • Give a little Texas to a friend who lives out of state with this Goode Company Pecan Pie! It ships really well and come on, who doesn’t love pecan pie?!
  • Graeter’s ice cream – if you haven’t had this, you NEED to try it. I will say, I didn’t know about it until it became a client of mine a few years ago, but now I know, and it is so, so good. It’s the No. 1 mail order ice cream, and I have gifted this to so many people who just love it. This is a super premium ice cream  made with in small batches using a French pot process. They only uses high quality ingredients…I could go on and on, because it was literally my job to tell people how awesome this ice cream is, but it truly is! They have their seasonal flavors right now, but definitely try the signature flavor of Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. They have dairy free sorbets and low glycemic options, and you can mix and match the flavors. This would make an excellent give to send to family when traveling to visit them and then partaking in a little of the gift when you get there. 🙂 Some flavors are also available in stores. I know Kroger in Houston carries it.
  • Penzeys Spices  – this is a local spice store that has a location in my old neighborhood and they sell everything online. Their spices are amazing and a good price point. I’ve gifted the baking set many times with a pie dish and the receivers have always been fans. 🙂
  • Two of my favorites magazines are Southern Living and Cooking Light. I love gifting magazines to friends because I feel like it’s the gift that keeps giving. It’s nice to get a new magazine every month and relax for a few minutes perusing the beautiful photos. Why I love Cooking Light is because it’s very approachable. My everyday way of cooking mimics Cooking Light  – fresh, healthy ingredients when possible and everything in moderation. I comb through each issue every month and am always trying a new recipe. Southern Living is very aspirational for me; I love Southern food, so I drool over most of the recipes in the magazine each month, occasionally make one, but mostly have intense cravings for  things like chicken and dumplings and fried okra that are often featured. I also love the decor and home posts in the magazine, and my home style definitely leans toward Southern traditional. I told our builder when we met that I wanted a Southern Living style porch on our house and it was one of the things Ben and I agreed on.  I was able to visit the Time Inc. studios earlier this year where all the work for these magazines are created each month. The test kitchens are jaw dropping and the food prop closet is UNREAL. Sort of a dream come true for a gal who has read these magazines for 15+ years!

 

I hope this gift guide was helpful. Check out my last one featuring gifts for the wine lover in your life. Happy shopping!

More soon,

LL

Fashion + Style Shopping

Cozy cardigan + velvet cami

November 21, 2017
velvet cami, cardigan, fall style laureenlovesDOTcom

ann taylor, cardigan, fall style, velvet cami

velvet ann taylor cami, cardigan, booties, falls style, LaureenLovesDOTcom

ann taylor, cardigan, velvet cami, fall style, LaureenLovesDOTcom

velvet cami, cardigan, fall style

anntaylor velvet cami, laureenlovesDOTcom, fall style, cardigan

velvet cami ann taylor, skinny jeans, cardigan, falls style, LaureenLovesDOTcomCardigan, jeans and booties = my go-to casual outfit these days since we’re just seeing a glimpse of fall weather. Since it still gets a tad toasty in the afternoons, pairing a cardigan with a cami or other lightweight top is just plain easy. I’m quite the collector of cardigans, and this one is a neutral basic in an oatmeal color I knew I’d wear quite a bit, so it was perfect for my wardrobe. I picked it up from the Nordstrom sale this summer and I’m wearing it weekly, along with so many other of the pieces I picked up during the #Nsale back in July like these booties. Good news is that both the booties and cardigan are still available! This cardigan is sort of like wearing a blanket, so I REALLY like it since I’m a cold-natured person.

I mentioned my new affinity for velvet and I even included this cami in this round-up of velvet pieces I did a couple of weeks ago. I  snagged it when this store was having another one of their amazing 50% sales, which they are having again today (and probably again later in the week), so definitely take advantage! I’m wearing a small, and I love that it’s a little loose. Perfect for the holiday binge fest this week, too – ha!  I would pair this cami with a black blazer, jeans and heels for a more dressed up look. It comes in a ton of colors, but I personally just really love this wine color, which is no surprise if you’ve been following along lately. Wine/burgundy  — I can’t quit you right now!

Also, the bow stud earrings I’m wearing are simple yet sophisticated. I can’t enough of J.crew accessories right now and they are also on sale making them less than $12 right now. I also picked up this festive pair recently, which are so fun for the holidays.

Outfit details: Cardigan | Cami | Jeans | Booties | Earrings | Initial Necklace

With Thanksgiving upon us, that means all the Black Friday sales are right around the corner. Most retailers are starting early, so I’ve rounded up some really great sales that I’ll be perusing over the next day or two. I’m all about doing my Christmas shopping online, and I haven’t done too much of it yet, so I’ll definitely be taking advantage of these sales.

ShopBop – Buy More, Save More event with code MORE17. 20% off $200+, 25% off 500+ or 30% off $800+. Ends 11/26

Ann Taylor – 50% everything in store 11/21. I’m sure they’ll come up with another good sale this week per usual!

J.Crew – 40% nearly everything with code THANK U online and in stores. Ends 11/26

LOFT – 40% off everything with code GIFTITUP

GAP – 50% off everything with the code BLKFRIDAY. Ends 11/25

Banana Republic – 40% off everything (and an extra 10% off with code BRCARD if you’re a cardholder.)

Nordstrom – Designer clearance sale with 40% select styles

Serena and Lily – 20% off everything online with the code CHEERS. Ends 11/26

Pottery Barn – 30% decorating event, which includes ornaments, stockings and more

Pottery Barn Kids – the great gift event with 20- 70% off nearly everything free shipping with code UNWRAP

velvet cami ann taylor, laureenlovesDOTcom, fall cardigan, nordstrom cardigan, fall style

Gifts Holiday Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide: Wine Lovers

November 14, 2017
wine lovers, holiday gift guide

Giving a nice bottle of wine for a gift is pretty common, but there are so many more gifts for wine lovers out there. I have more than half the items on this list, so I can attest to their usefulness and/or quality. I want this item since we always have open bottles of wine sitting out on the counter when we have people over, and I’m paranoid we’ll leave a wine stain on our marble counters.

We used to always put wine in my little bike basket (or in the bottom of the stroller) and bike to a neighborhood BYOB restaurant when we lived in our old neighborhood. If you live in an area like this, I think this gift would be so fun!

Most of these gifts are a great price point, and some could double as a white elephant gifts, too. If you missed my last gift guide, which includes gift ideas for the kids, holiday lover, hostess and home decor lover, check it out here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 89 | 10

Let me know if you’re a fan of any of these! Happy shopping and cheers! 🙂

LL

Family Holiday Home Design + Decor kids

Thanksgiving Kids’ Table & Tips for Entertaining Kids During the Holidays

November 10, 2017

I just love the holiday season, and Thanksgiving might be one of my favorite holidays because it’s a great time to get together to see family and friends. Because of the season of life we’re in, it means we are often accommodating to feeding and entertaining children who come over for these family and friendsgiving get-togethers. Eating is still hit or miss for us with a toddler, so keeping him occupied while food prep is happening is key. I love putting crayons and stickers out for the kids to get a little crafty with before they eat dinner!

In my head I’d like to think I can create amazing Pinterest-inspired tablescapes, but in reality, I’m barely getting by, so this Thanksgiving kids’ table setting is very accessible for anyone using some basic festive items you can get at Target or Amazon. Some of my decor like the chair backers and plates I picked up on sale from Pottery Barn Kids in previous years, but you can find pretty similar pieces out now like these backers and plates that are adorable. I found some other kids’ table decor items that are on sale like these platesbowlsplacemats and napkins.

I’ve included a few tips below for keeping the kiddos happy and occupied while the adults are mingling or doing food prep.

Tips for Keeping Kids Entertained during Thanksgiving

  • Crayons with built-in coloring placements are perfect for the kids’ table, and it also gives you the opportunity to talk to your kids about what they’re thankful for this season so you can write down those memories. I’m a sucker for my my kid’s homemade art, so having him color a place setting every year and seeing how they progress over the years is something I plan to do for the next few years. We are having our second annual Friendsgiving ( pot luck get-together with all my yummy holiday favorites) so I’ll probably use this tablecloth for a larger kids’ table.
  • These cute pumpkins are festive and are great way to bribe the kids to eat some veggies. These little jelly pumpkins are delicious, too.
  • Give them some things to keep them entertained after dinner, too. I’ve filled the chair backers with fall stickers, playdoh and bubbles, which are all some of Braden’s favorite things right now.
  • Make things personalized. I love the little place card settings, as it makes each child feel special and causes them to know they have specific spot claimed at the table which, in turn, might make them stay put for a little longer than usual. 🙂

I feel like I’m learning new tips all the time about being a mom and dealing with toddlers. If you have any secrets for making the holidays fun and stress-free for the whole family, I’d love to hear them!

thanksgiving kids table

 

pumpkin candy, thanksgiving kids table

thanksgiving kids table

chair backer, kids thanksgiving table, thanksgiving decorThis table and chairs are my husband’s from his childhood. He can remember eating at this table with his siblings during the holidays, and I just love that we have it now and Braden is using it everyday. I have dreams of B and his cousins eating together at this little table! We did repaint it to make it feel a little more modern.

thanksgiving decor, thanksgiving kids table

thanksgiving decor, thanksgiving kids table

 

 

 

Fashion + Style

Burgundy Shirtdress with High Low Hem

November 8, 2017
burgundy dress rachel parcell

I mentioned that this was my favorite color of the season, and when it’s paired with a classic shirt dress silhouette, I call that a win. Add to cart with no hesitation.

I am just so impressed with the quality of this material. It looks luxe like satin but it’s actually a polyester blend, making it a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle. Total score. I love satin and other materials that, unfortunately, are typically dry clean only but the downsides of these fabrics are that they wrinkle after just sitting for a few minutes. This dress, however, didn’t have that problem, and I just love the classic style of it, so even though it feels very on-trend right now, I do believe this is a piece I’ll keep for a while that I can wear for years. The way I’ve styled it is probably how I’d wear it for church, but would probably wear a closed-toed heel for a work meeting or throw on a pair of booties plus a chunky sweater cardigan when it gets cooler. What I love most about this dress is the high low hem. I think it makes the dress.

Sizing tip: I am wearing a small in this dress for reference.  I’m always on the fence about sizing because I have broad shoulders but I would say this dress is true to size. I did buy a small in a top from this line, and it was a tad small, so I’m pretty sure I’m a medium in tops. I’m sure many of us follow Rachel Parcell, and I love that she has created these feminine pieces that aren’t totally breaking the bank.

rachel parcell dress, burgundy shirt dress

I think this shirtdress might be sold out in some size, but I know that happened a week or so ago then it got restocked, so check back! Also, I’ve linked to a few other burgundy dresses that are just as versatile as this one.

  • Another classic style, this wrap dress would look great worn to a winter wedding or holiday party.
  • Everyone needs a least one cozy sweater dress!
  • Well, maybe you need two sweater dresses 🙂 Love these ruffle sleeves.
  • This simple knit dress is a a great basic and only $42.

Gifts Home Design + Decor Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide: Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target

November 6, 2017
gifts for kids, gifts for holiday, joanna gaines, target, hearth and hand

hostess gifts, holiday gift guide, home decor gifts, magnolia home, joanna gaines, target, hearth and handI know I’m not the only one drinking the Fixer Upper/Magnolia/Chip and Joanna Gaines kool-aid. The Gaines’ authenticity and refined modern farmhouse style has won over many, myself included, and their new Hearth & Hand partnership launched at the motherland yesterday.

Perfect timing since it seems everyone likes to get rid of all their pumpkins as of Nov. 1 to trade them in for wreaths, garland and shiny Christmas décor. I don’t really have my life together to be at this point yet, but I definitely made a trip to Target this weekend and scoped out the best of the new Hearth and Hand line to put together this little gift guide for you. Overall, there is a little bit of everything at various price points, so it’s pretty easy to get a piece of their style without breaking the bank. And, all of it just really, really nice quality, too. Win, win!

I have been jotting down more holiday gift guide ideas, and I’ll be sharing at least one per week since I’m all about the online shopping these days since I don’t like to take my kid with me into stores unless I like apologizing repeatedly to sales people and haphazardly trying to refold everything he touches. :/

What’s on your wishlist from the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collection? Let me know!

For the kiddos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

For the festive holiday lover: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

For the hostess: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

For the home decor enthusiast: 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

 

Fashion + Style Loving Lately... Shopping

Loving lately: Burgundy

November 3, 2017
burgundy fall picks

Burgundy, bordeaux, wine, merlot, oxblood  — whatever you want to call it, I’m all about it! This lovely hue might be my favorite of this season. I have an outfit or two coming to the blog soon so stay tuned next week for the first. 😉

I love the richness of this color and how it makes everything look a little luxe, especially in autumnal materials like velvet or suede. This color has been around for a while and I’ve dug this off-the-shoulder top out from last season to wear once again. I just can’t get enough. I know this hue is here to stay for many fall seasons moving forward!

Here are a few of my favorite finds:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

  • This simple v-neck tee such a great basic! I have several of these tees in different colors and I’m definitely adding this one to my shopping cart. A simple tee and cardigan plus jeans is a go-to outfit for me!
  • I snagged these lightweight tassel earrings a few weeks ago when they were 50 percent off. I got a ton of compliments on them when I wore for the first time last week.
  • I own a ton of red shoes, but none that are a deep red or burgundy. I’m a big fan of Tory Burch flats, and I have several that I’ve had for years. I find them to be really comfy. I believe I’ve had my classic black Torys  for 12 years, and they’ve been resoled twice, so definitely worth it if you take good care of your shoes.
  • This cute tassel clutch is a great size, and I have the red version of it.
  • This simple long-sleeve dress is something I picked up recently and it fits really well and can be dressed up or down. I wear a medium for reference.

Any other burgundy picks I should add to this list? I’d love to hear!

Houston is pretty much shut down today to celebrate the Astros win. So pumped for the city, but did not want to deal with the downtown traffic and having a toddler there during naptime. Momma needs a break. 😉 Have a good weekend!

LL

Fashion + Style

Leopard Faux Fur Vest

November 2, 2017
jcrew faux fur vest, leopard, fall style

faux fur vest, jcrew leopardjcrew faux fur vest, leopard, fall styleleopard faux fur, fall style, jcrewjcrew faux fur vest, leopard

You’ve probably heard it before, but leopard is really considered a neutral nowadays. While this faux fur vest isn’t as versatile as a pair of leopard flats, it’s certainly still worth adding to your fall wardrobe! This vest is currently under $80 right now, and it’s so worth it. It’s super soft, and my kid proceeded to pet me repeatedly when he saw me wearing this two weeks ago.

I paired it with other basics — a chambray shirt and distressed black denim — all of which I’ve had in my closet for years to keep it casual. I would also pair it with a navy striped turtleneck (as pictured on the retailer’s website) or a simple black dress like this. I love that it has pockets, too (as any good vest should!)

P.S. J.Crew has so many good things this season, and they’re having an awesome sale right now so hop on that before it ends!

Not only is leopard a good idea when it comes to closet staples, but also it has become quite popular on the home decor front. I’ve been eyeing a few leopard pieces for several rooms in our house. Wouldn’t this rug be amazing in an office or in a master closet? Also, I’m loving these pillows!

Vest | Chambray Shirt | Jeans | Booties (Sole Society – old, but they have tons of great options) |Handbag (Marc Jacobs – old)

Leopard must-haves that I currently own or have nearly identical versions of these pieces

Scarf

Flats

Slides

Cardigan

Clutch

Pumps

Leopard Wish list

Booties

Blazer

Rug – I want this rug for my office  but need to convince my husband!

Pillows

Anymore I should add to my list? Let me know. 😉

jcrew faux fur vest, leopard

Family Fashion + Style

Plaid for Mom and the Mini-me

October 23, 2017
mom and mini matching, mommy and me, navy plaid button up jcrew,

I never thought I’d be one who would play matchy matchy with her kid. Honestly, I found it a little obnoxious when moms did this, but then I realized that I sort of love it when I see families do it…in small doses. Tell me I’m not the only one!?  Honestly, there is so much I didn’t think I would do until I became a mom to a sassy little boy. Monster Jam – check. Learn all the names of construction equipment – check. I’m currently re-learning the different types of dinosaurs. #boymom

There’s only a short window when you can be twins with your mini,  so I’m going to take advantage while I can! I think it would be 10x worse if I had a girl. This is the first time I’ve really done this with Braden, and it wasn’t even my intention at first. I received this plaid shirt in the mail and went into the store to make some other returns, and I spotted this little mini version of it and immediately scooped it up! I think little boys in button down shirts are just the cutest.

I’m also a big fan of this classic shirt style. I have quite the collection, and I wear them weekly for work and casual wear. While I’m no stranger to  button downs, this one is on serious rotation partially because of the mom and mini aspect of it, but also because plaid just screams fall to me. For reference, I order a tall in most shirts from here, and they fit me so much better. (I am wearing a 6 T to avoid button-gaping.) I love this shirt because it instantly makes you look fall-ready and would look perfect with a black or navy skirt for church, too.

jcrew plaid, mom and mini, mom and toddler

matching mom and mini, jcrew plaid

toddler fashion, mom and me, jcrew plaid

We’re all about the fist bumps.

plaid button down, mom and mini, plaid jcrew shirt

mom and me, toddler fashion, mom and toddler fashion, jcrew plaid shirt

Of all the things I’ve had a chance to do in this life, I’m most proud of just being this kid’s mom.  (Sappy,  I know, but so, so true!)

Mom: Plaid button down shirt | jeans | Booties  – Sole Society (old) but similar here | Necklace

Mini: Plaid oxford shirt | Shorts – Baby Zara (old) | Shoes – Baby Gap but similar here

Fashion + Style Shopping

Velvet pieces I’m loving lately…

October 20, 2017

velvet, velvet accessories, velvet trends

I had a burgundy velvet blazer from college (I’m talking 2004, people) that I recently gave away to Goodwill. Maybe I should have kept it! The cut was a little dated so I don’t feel bad about it. I was originally on the fence about velvet. But, I’ve found a few pieces that look luxe that have made me have a change of heart. I’ve rounded up a few pieces I have my eye on.

I think the key to wearing velvet is to let it be your standout piece. Don’t go overboard and wear multiple velvet pieces. I recently picked up a pair of wine-colored booties, and a pair of floral velvet booties which were at steal at 40 % off. I don’t think they’re available anymore, but here is another great pair for under $60!

I tend to gravitate toward velvet accessories. This is an easy way to jump on this trend without spending a ton. How cute are these earrings?! I probably wouldn’t wear a velvet dress but I love the idea of a velvet blazer. Most of the time blazers don’t go out style and this black one is timeless, so worth the price in my opinion.

Be careful when hopping on trends like velvet. The No. 1 thing I would recommend is to not buy something and then just never wear it. This could very well be the case if you buy something velvet. Be realistic about your lifestyle. If I bought a velvet dress, I would probably wear it once this winter and be done with it. I just don’t have anything planned right now where a velvet dress would make sense for me. Perhaps explore Rent the Runway to hop on this trend or just stick to something really budget-friendly like the earrings.

There are some great sales going on this weekend where you can find some great velvet finds like some of these that I’ve included here!

1 | 2| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7|8 | 9 | 10

Anthropologie: 25 % for ANTHRO perks members on 10/20

GAP: 40% with the code MORE (good through 10/20 at 11:59 ET)

LOFT: 40 % off everything with code FRIENDS ( good through 10/22 at 3am EST)

Ann Taylor: 50% off everything with code ALLTHEWAY (good through 10/23 at 3 am EST)

Banana Republic: 40% purchases $200+ with code BRTREAT (good through 10/23 at 11:59pm ET)

Happy shopping!